Fifth grade…top of the elementary pyramid…leaders embarking on new quests…never a dull moment!  Pictured in clockwise order starting at 12:00:  Jennifer Lassetter, math; Laurie Garippa, science; Sherrie Gunter, reading; Jennifer Campbell, social studies; and Susan Bly, language arts.  There is little this Fab 5 cannot do or achieve with our learners everyday!

With the excitement of middle school building throughout the entire year, this team of leaders takes our oldest learners on campus through an educational journey of excellence while doing everything within their power to prepare them for the high expectations of the secondary education to come.  Learners change classes every 65 minutes, show responsibility and accountability  to five instructors teaching five subject areas, and build strong teams of collaborative, productive citizens.  Our fifth graders lead the charge with our campus Student Honor Council, Yearbook Staff, Safety Patrol, WattWatchers, HotSteppers, Miller Ringers/Singers, Peer Helpers, Book Buddies, morning announcements, and so many additional opportunities.  In fact, one fifth grade friend recently noted: “WOW–we even get to eat lunch among all our 5th grade friends, as long as we don’t mess up.”  Another noted: “I love my locker; it’s my ‘go-to’ place for everything and I never lose a book or an assignment.”  One friend added: “Hey, but do we ever have the homework; at least they mix it up each night.”  Finally, a friend jumped in: “5th Grade really ROCKS!”  🙂

Yes, there are sometimes rewards for enduring the structure of the early years in elementary school–those times when we learn the rules, learn to read, learn to write, and learn various subject matter–all in an effort to create leaders of learners before they leave our campus.  Fifth grade has the honor of bringing the previous 5-7 years of school experience and rolling it into a promise of fabulous possibilities.  I can hardly wait to see what this team of 5th grade learners and leaders will accomplish this year!  🙂