These are some of the Christmas trees the students have made; they contain the many symbols of Christmas.

We are blessed with two wonderful teachers for this vital grade, Ms. Teresa Jaroszewski and Mrs. Kelly Staller. Ms. Jaroszewski homeroom is 5A, and she teaches social studies and math for both homerooms. Mrs. Staller, the homeroom teacher of 5B, teaches science and language arts. Both teachers split the classes of religion and reading. In Ms. Jaroszewski’s social studies class, the students are finishing up an interesting section on Native Americans and are currently working on an Indian presentation for the class. In her other subject, math, the students are just starting fractions. In science class, Mrs. Staller’s recently finished teaching a section on light and sound, and she is about to move on to space. In her other class, language arts, the students are currently studying nouns. In fifth grade reading, the students just completed the book The Wish Giver. In religion, they are currently studying the Mass.

The fifth grade went to the Akron Civic Theater in October to see a performance by the Air Force Band. The students enjoyed it very much. Also, Ms. Jaroszewski and Mrs. Staller are planning a surprise field trip to the NASA Space Center in Cleveland, Ohio for their students, which is to be announced very soon. The fifth graders are also working on many special projects this year. In art, the students are working on the Indian presentation by making beads and pottery. Also, the art teacher, Mrs. Comeriato, is allowing some students to help work on the scenery for the Christmas pageant in December.

As fifth graders, the students now have many more responsibilities than they have had in years past. They are now in charge of taking down, putting up, and folding the Ohio and American flags. The students who have been interested in becoming servers are now training for the job and will be allowed soon to serve at Masses. Many students have also chosen to start band with Mr. Campbell. By far, the most important activity this year in the fifth grade would have to be the D.A.R.E. program. It educates the students about drug and alcohol abuse and such things as driving under the influence of alcohol and the effects of narcotics and drugs. It covers the subjects of peer pressure and many other relevant topics that the students need to be familiar with as they progress through life.

Ms. Jaroszewski and Mrs. Staller are also teaching the fifth grade students the importance of caring for others. On December 6, 2004 they went caroling in the Cuyahoga Falls area. The students learn that, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem, gifts are always greatly appreciated.

Towards the end of the year, Ms. Jaroszewski will be teaching her students about the American presidents, and they will be making PowerPoint presentations for the class. The fifth grade is a big turning point in most of the students’ lives. It will teach the importance of responsibility and about the real world around them. We are all glad we had that wonderful experience.

The fifth grade students study hard in class to get the best grades possible.

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