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Grade 5

Welcome to 5th Grade!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to 5th grade at Griswold Middle School! This year marks the exciting start of middle school, and we’re here to support students as they grow in confidence, independence, and academic skills. Please check out our team directory and more information below and reach out any time — we’re happy to help!

Grade 5 Directory

5th Grade Daily Schedule

Regular Days:

  • 7:30–7:40 AM: Homeroom

  • 7:43–8:57 AM: CORE 1

  • 9:00–9:38 AM: WEB

  • 9:41–10:59 AM: EXPLORATORY 

  • 11:02–12:13 PM: CORE 2

  • 12:17–12:42 PM: LUNCH

  • 12:42–1:02 PM: RECESS

  • 1:05–2:15 PM: CORE 3

  • 2:15–2:19 PM: DISMISSAL

Wednesdays (CREW Day):

  • 7:30–8:00 AM: CREW

  • 8:03–9:15 AM: CORE 1

  • 9:17–9:54 AM: WEB

  • 9:57–11:08 AM: EXPLORATORY 

  • 11:11–12:18 PM: CORE 2

  • 12:21–12:46 PM: LUNCH

  • 12:46–1:06 PM: RECESS

  • 1:09–2:15 PM: CORE 3

  • 2:15–2:19 PM: DISMISSAL

Additional Notes:

  • Students rotate Science and Social Studies every five weeks.

  • The school operates on a Green/White day rotation, alternating Exploratory classes every other day.

  • Once a month, students enjoy a Friday Activity Period where they choose from clubs or special activities.

5th Grade Supply List

General:

  • Single subject spiral notebook

  • Folder

  • Pencils

  • Charged Chromebook

  • School agenda

For Exploratories:

  • Pocket folders

  • 1"+ 3-ring binder for music

  • Non-mechanical pencils with erasers

Expectations & Daily Routines

  • Appropriate and respectful behavior and language

  • Keep hands to yourself at all times

  • Remain on-task

  • Always be respectful of school property

  • Check Google Classroom for posted assignments

  • Check agendas each night

  • Keep handouts in folders until told otherwise by teachers

  • Charge Chromebooks each night!

Families:

Homework Policies

  • Assignments are posted in Google Classroom

  • Grades are available through Infinite Campus

  • Students are expected to use their agenda books daily

  • Family tip: View your student’s version of Google Classroom for the most accurate info

Rewards System

Raffle Tickets are the 5th grade rewards system to reinforce positive GMS habits. Tickets can be taken away if expectations are not being followed. Each quarter there will be a raffle!

5th Grade Curriculum Overview

English / Language Arts:

  • Story elements and plot structure, comparing and contrasting stories, characters, setting, etc.

  • Novel studies focusing on theme, acceptance, figurative language, kindness, and vocabulary

  • Writing: Personal narrative, poetry, and opinion writing

  • Grammar and vocabulary development

  • Research unit about a historical event, including a paper and website about their topic

The main goal for 5th-grade ELA is that students will:

  • Be able to read and comprehend grade-level texts independently and in a whole group setting.
  • Improve their grammar skills and apply them in writing.
  • Learn how to write appropriately for a given audience and purpose.
  • Be able to convey information they have learned into their own writing.
  • Understand and learn how to accept differences in others and will be kind to one another in school.

and that students will be kind and work hard, and will be confident and self-motivated learners.

ELA Homework expectations are that students will read at least 20 minutes each night, in addition to 10 units of Lexia to be completed by the end of each week. There will be about two nights of homework each week (related to vocab, spelling, or reading comprehension). Students are also expected to study and review vocabulary words and skills covered in class. If work is not completed in class, it is expected to be finished at home. 

Math:

  • Volume and properties of shapes

  • Multiplying and Dividing fractions and multi-digit numbers

  • Adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals

  • Place value

  • Coordinate Plane

Social Studies: 

  • Eastern Woodlands Native Peoples

  • Exploration: Motivations and technologies

  • Early American settlements (Roanoke, Jamestown, Plymouth)

  • 13 Colonies and events leading to the American Revolution

Science:

  • Space Systems

  • Water Cycle & Earth Systems

  • Ecosystems & the Food Web

  • Properties of Matter

Students alternate every five weeks between science and social studies units.

CREW & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Fifth graders participate in CREW, our weekly advisory program focused on relationship building, communication skills, and creating a sense of belonging within our school community.

Field Trips

  • More information coming soon!

Helpful Resources