Advice from Kayla- Former sass of the class

Hello NEW 5th graders! Mrs. Thomas teaches Reading, Language Arts, and Math. In Reading, you will have different projects to choose from and learn about different genres of reading such as Science Fiction. You will also have a long test after you learn a topic within the subject so be prepared, but it's okay, it's just so Mrs. Thomas can gauge your understanding and assess what you have learned about the content we've covered in the unit.  Language Arts is actually more fun than you think it will be...not just writing, writing and more writing!  You also choose from many projects and writing topics and you get to write memoirs and your young authors stories too. More and more projects come along when you get into Math. Can you tell she is into hands-on learning and bringing it to life to make it fun for you?!?  I mean, we ARE in 5th grade afterall...shouldn't we learn AND have some fun too?!?  It's learning on our level- real, relevant, awesome :) Another thing worth knowing is that you will often get to watch verrrrry short videos at the beginning of class (during what Mrs. Thomas calls the "engage" time) on how to do things in math (like a silly song, a rap, a dance, or crazy tune) and you may even get to construct a project called Geometro-City.  

     Most importantly, however, you will need to study VERY hard because there are lots of tests in 5th grade in general and with Mrs. Thomas as well! (Be prepared) For Religion, Science, and Social Studies, you switch over to Mrs. Schleg's room. I've heard some of you are a little scared about the switching classrooms. Let me just tell you there's absolutely nothing to be afraid about! You will be absolutely fine! 

     Now, let's focus on Mrs. Thomas... She is the best teacher ever and she might even give you a nickname! Also, if you get joked on or she teases with you, don't take it offensively, it actually means she likes you and feels comfortable in your relationship that she CAN do that with you.  Take it as a compliment :)  If you're getting offended it's probably something really funny, but if  it's not to you, you can most definitely always talk to her and say you didn't appreciate it and she will completely understand! She is very approachable and cares about your feelings first and foremost.  On an extremely light note and as just a tip, if she hears, "Don't Stop Believin'" on Pandora, she may or may not get on her chair and start dancing! It was pretty hilarious last year when she did it at 6 months pregnant! BUT, if she's not feeling it that day, don't sing and don't take it to heart, she'll feel it again another day, I promise! Also, if "mean Mrs. Thomas" comes out don't ever take it to heart- you probably WERE being too loud or were out of line, because she gives plenty of chances.  Don't think she's doing it to be mean, she's just being teacher! She will also have a list of your names, so if you're talking during class she might give you a warning or a check by your name. You will also have a praise note box where you can write a praise letter to someone and then on Fridays or during class meetings, she will read them aloud and then hang them on the wall as you build a year long praise wall!  It's pretty cool and who doesn't love hearing a nice shout-out about themself?!?  I wish you all the best of luck in 5th grade and have fun!  Trust me, YOU WILL.