Classes will be exploring the Biography genre, reading about inspiring artists like Mary Cassatt and Frida Kahlo. We will be strengthening vocabulary skills by mastering Context Clues, learning techniques like finding definitions and synonyms in the text. Students are also developing their ability to use text evidence in Literary Analysis writing.

We will be completing the Multi-Digit Multiplication and Division Unit. Students will explore strategies based on place value to solve problems with multi-digit factors and dividends. We will investigate factor pairs, apply formulas for area and perimeter, and learn how the real-world context determines how a remainder needs to be interpreted during division.

Students will finish exploring Colonial New York's diverse people and lifestyles. We will transition to studying the causes of the American Revolution, including key conflicts like the French and Indian War. Students will examine the growing desire for liberty that led to the Declaration of Independence and New York’s significant role in the war.

Classes will investigate Earth’s features during the "Birth of Rocks" unit. We will explore rapid changes, like volcanic eruptions, and gradual processes, such as weathering and erosion. Your student will also learn about fossils and design solutions to reduce natural hazard impacts on communities.

ELA students will conclude the Elements of Fantasy study using texts about grit and perseverance, such as Coraline. We will analyze how authors use symbolism and characters to reveal a universal lesson. Students will focus on completing their Literary Analysis essays, utilizing character traits and making inferences while starting new texts focused on Hope and Resilience.

Fifth grade math students will embark on the Conversions Mini Unit. Students will practice converting standard measurement units, including solving problems involving feet and inches, and units of time. We will apply customary conversions (like gallons, quarts, and pounds) and metric conversions of length.

Social Studies will finish the unit on European Explorers and Slavery. We will study how the exchange of goods, people, and diseases led to the Columbian Exchange. Students will examine the capture of Africans and the horrors of their transport across the Atlantic, known as the Middle Passage.

Classes will continue studying Ecosystems and the Food Web. Students will use models to describe how matter and energy move between plants, animals, and decomposers. We will investigate what plants need (air and water), and explore how energy in animals' food originated from the sun. Students will also learn about protecting Earth's environments.

Scientists will conclude the Oceans and Climate unit, learning how factors like latitude, density, and ocean currents affect regional climate. Students will complete the required "How’s the Weather up There?" investigation before the holiday break. We will then explore the causes of Climate Change and the greenhouse effect, eventually calculating our ecological footprint to design solutions.

Math students will embark on the Ratio and Unit Rates unit, emphasizing multiplication and division reasoning. We will use tables and diagrams to solve problems involving equivalent ratios and unit rates. Students will also learn about conversions and explore the concept of a percent as a special rate comparing a quantity to one hundred.

Sixth graders will continue to explore River Valley Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, China). They will examine how geography impacts culture and why civilizations rise and fall. We will be learning about Ancient Egypt, discussing the Nile, social classes, and the role of religion.

Classes will close out the Oceans and Climate unit and will be embarking on the Climate Change & Ecological Footprint unit. Students will discover the causes and impacts of climate change using video and data. They will learn about the greenhouse effect, analyze their personal ecological footprint, and design ways to mitigate their carbon impact.