Hello everyone! The fifth grade teachers at Randolph Heights are Joe Flahavan, Colleen Pierson and Jesse Buetow who teaches a 4/5 split. Mr. Buetow's room is 2206, Mr. Flahavan's room is 2210, and Ms. Pierson's room is 2211.

Math Instruction will be aligned to the Minnesota State Standards.  Your child will learn many new concepts and build on previously learned concepts in Number and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis and Probability.  Math homework will be a variety of activities such as; the traditional math sheet, Khan Academy skill practice, and/or Instructional Videos.

In Reading, all 5th Grade students will receive targeted instruction in 4 main categories of Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expanded Vocabulary.  We will focus on Fiction and Non-Fiction Close Reading using Notice & Note Signposts and Big Questions.  We are emphasizing a significant amount of reading this year, in school and at home, to improve skills and stamina.  Having said that, families will have to adjust according to their home schedules, expectations and demands to accomplish the reading practice.  We want to encourage students to read at their capacity without becoming overwhelmed.  Please feel free to discuss with your child's teacher if there are concerns.

We follow the Writing Scope and Sequence provided by St. Paul Schools.  Some of the Writing Units are Personal Narrative and Essay, a Shared Writing Social Studies and Art project, Poetry, and a variety of writing activities using multi-media tools.  Also, writing is embedded in the Reading and Social Studies curriculum.

Randolph Heights is a CORE Knowledge school. Some of the units Fifth Grade study include World Lakes and Geography, Mayan, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations, Age of Exploration, Renaissance, Civil War, Native Americans, and more. See the web site link for CORE Knowledge which gives a more complete listing of content covered in 5th grade.

Our General Homework Policy is as follows:  We are asking between 30 - 45 minutes of homework a night, Monday - Thursday, with Reading on the weekend as well. The homework would be broken down into 30 minutes of Reading and up to 15 minutes of additional work such as;  a math sheet, Khan Academy skill practice, finishing a project, watching an instructional video, respond, post or blog etc.  If your child is struggling or spending more that 45 minutes a night on homework, please contact the teacher to make accomodations or just bring in the unfinished portion for assistance in school the next day. On the other hand, since we have so many avid readers at Randolph Heights, if your child wants to read as much as possible beyond the 30 minutes, that would be wonderful!   We want homework to be an opportunity for some independent practice and building study skills and habits.  We do not want it to cause an undue burden on the students or the family.

5th Graders at Randolph Heights get to:

1. Go on a 3-day, 2-night adventure to Eagle Bluff Environmental Conference Center in Lanesboro, MN.  We will need many Parent Volunteers to accompany the students.  Please notify your child's teacher immediately if you are interested in being a chaperone.  Thank you for your help!
2. Students take their iPads home for school work just like the Middle School and High School students. 

Forms need to be filled out on iUpdate.  Please contact our school secretary with any questions.  

We are looking forward to a year full of discovery, excitement and learning! Parents, feel free to stop by for a visit to our classroom! You are always welcome!