School CLOSED - Monday, March 4
Due to severe weather conditions, all NYC Public Schools are closed - Monday, March 4
Please stay safe and warm!
PS 230
Our Teachers
2018 - 2019
PS 230 5th Grade Team 
Front Row (L to R) - Ms. Heinrich, Ms. Madison, Ms. Sparks, Ms. Lasky, Ms. Kelley, Ms. Gursoy
Back Row (L to R) - Mr. Scott, Mr. Ramos, Mr. Metzner, Mrs. Mancusi, Ms. DiScipio
Please click on a teacher's name to view profile.
Habit of Mind
Resilience - The ability to become strong, healthy or successful again after something bad happens
Quote of the month
“Better an 'oops' than a 'what if?'” - Unknown
5th Grade Archives
5th Grade News - October 2018
5th Grade News - November 2018
5th Grade News - December 2018
5th Grade News - January 2019
Monthly Newsletter
What are we learning this month?
In reading…
As we are getting closer to the New York State Exam, all classes are learning strategies to help them be successful in answering multiple choice questions. They are also learning some emotional strategies to help them if they feel stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed.
We are also studying non-fiction. We will review all text features, such as captions, subheadings, and bold words. The students will be thinking how these features help support the main idea of the text.
They should also be thinking about the text structure. All students will be looking for clue words to help identify if the text is descriptive, problem/solution, cause/effect, compare/contrast or chronological. They should also be familiar as to which organizers supports the structure. This will help them with their note taking.
As always, all students should be logging into their i-Ready and MyOn Accounts.
In writing…
The fifth graders are wrapping up their research papers on Westward Expansion and are looking forward to our next unit. Debate & argument is always a high-interest unit.
Students will begin with an overview of debate-related vocabulary including pro, con, advocate, position, support, and refute. Then classes will read short stories and stage mock debates based on their reading.
Finally, students will select a controversial topic and write an essay supporting either a pro or con position. They will be expected to support their position with researched facts and build a convincing case.
STEM - Math
As we are approaching Spring, we are blossoming as math learners working on strategies to add and subtract fractions with either common or uncommon denominators. Then, we are going to move onto multiplying and dividing fractions using different visual models...
As we are working on these topics, students should be thinking about:
- What information is each question asking?
- Is there any missing information from the question?
- How can I solve the problem?
- How can I check my answer?
- Does my answer make sense?
- Do I understand how I got my answer, and explain my thinking?
Students should also be working each week on improving their mathematical skills through working rigorously on the exemplars each week. Each week focus on following the Problem Solving checklist!!
STEM - Science
Our fifth grade scientists are continuing to explore their owl pellets. They are currently putting together the remains found in the owl pellets and making connections in the ecosystem it came from.
Looking forward, the fifth graders will explore the interdependence among the living things and nonliving things related to the owl pellets.
STEM - Technology
During the month of March, 5th graders will showcase their knowledge about Cloud Computing through the creation of a BrainPop Movie or Creative Code Museum.
In addition, students will continue to practice good digital citizenship habits by contributing to virtual class discussion boards.
It's encouraged that students practice their typing skills at home using their Keyboarding Without Tears accounts.
By the end of the year, students should be typing 25-30 words/minute.
Social Studies
In Social Studies, our fifth graders will continue to study the Westward Expansion of the United States of America. This information also aligns with our current reading and writing units. Social Studies time will be used to ensure that students have the necessary background knowledge to be successful in all of their curricular areas.
Additionally, Social Studies is a subject that allows our students to engage with story and timeless questions which help inform their understanding of the past and the future. They will be exploring the reasons why people migrated West during the 1800’s and the impact that cultural collision had on all of the people involved. They will ponder big questions such as:
- Who has the right to claim land?
- How does technology impact development?
- What gets lost and left behind in the name of progress?
In Advisory…
We are very excited to announce that advisory has started! In this exciting new program, your child will have an opportunity to form a relationship with another adult besides their classroom teacher. In advisory they will focus on building the school community, executive functioning, organization, and the transition to middle school.
In Music…
We have learned some easier round songs, and will begin to learn more challenging rounds and canons.
In preparation for our trip to see the New York Philharmonic in May, we will begin to learn about symphony orchestras, as well as composer's tools such as dynamic and tempo markings. We will also learn about the eighth-note rhythm.
In Gym…
Kickball Unit: Beginning the basic skills of kickball utilizing the gross motor skills of running and agility during running the bases.
In Health…
Circulatory System- We will examine the importance of the heart system and why exercise is vital for our overall health and development.
Middle School Choices
Results of the Middle School Choice process will be available in April 2019. A letter indicating the school that a student has been placed in will be delivered to PS 230, and go home with students in their homework folder.
When results are available, families can also log in to myschools.nyc to download the placement letter.
If you are happy with your middle school placement, celebrate! If you wish to appeal, please return the form provided with the placement letter to Mr. Scrubb, PS 230 Guidance Counselor or your child's classroom teacher.
Click here for more information about the Middle School Choice process, middle school directories and links to middle school websites.
Important Dates
March 2019
★ March 13 & 14
5th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
★ March 15
PTA Spring Dance
★ March 21
PTA Meeting & Student of the Month Assembly
★ April 2 & 3
NYS ELA Test
★ May 1 & 2
NYS Math Test
Reminders
Homework
Please click below to visit the websites with homework assignments, information and resources for the following 5th Grade classes:
Please check in with your student about school supplies. At this point in the year students frequently need new pencils, notebooks, etc. We are always in need of pencils. Donations are always appreciated. Thanks in advance!