Welcome to 5th grade! We are so excited for this year and can't wait to embark on an amazing learning journey together. We are going to have a busy year as we prepare for 6th grade and Middle School. We are looking forward to helping each student grow and succeed. In 5th grade, we will be learning many new and exciting things! Here is a little preview of some of the topics we will cover this year based on the Arizona State Standards:

Reading:
Reading class time will focus on reading comprehension, word study (phonics and spelling including Greek and Latin prefixes) and vocabulary. We will use close reading strategies such as annotation, making deeper connections, and questioning to help develop active reading skills.

Writing:
Students will learn how to write opinion essays and personal narratives. We will practice using proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling, and we will learn to write about our ideas clearly. We will use our research skills to develop quality writing.

Math:
In math, I-Ready Classroom Mathematics is the primary resource throughout DVUSD. Our units of study this year will include: -Whole Number Operations and Applications: Volume, Multiplication, and Division. -Decimals and Fractions: Place Value, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. -Measurement, Data, and Geometry: Converting Units, Using Data,and Classifying Figures. -Algebraic Thinking and the Coordinate Plane: Expressions, Graphing Points, Patterns, and Relationships.

Science:
Units taught: Quarter 1- Mixtures and Solutions. Quarter 2- Force and Motion. Quarter 3- Earth and Moon. Quarter 4- Animals and Adaptations. We use Mystery Science and STEMScopes to teach the curriculum. 

Social Studies:
In 5th Grade, students study United States history. This includes: Geography and Map Skills, American Revolution, Government and Constitution, Westward Expansion, Civil War and Reconstruction. We will also be studying and learning about Biztown and visiting the facility as a field trip to implement everything they have learned. 

Here’s to a fun year of learning and memories made in 5th Grade! 

• Greenbrier 5th Grade Team

4 - 2-Pocket folders: (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue)  

2- 3-ring binder (1 inch, 1 Green, 1 Blue)  

4- Spiral notebooks (1 subject, 70+ pages, wide ruled, Red, Green, Yellow, Blue)  

2- pkgs. of Jumbo Glue Sticks

2- pkgs. of Pens (1 Black, 1 Red)

2- pkgs. of #2 pencils  

1- pkg. Colored pencils

1- pkg. Multi-colored highlighters (thin size)

1- pkg. Fine Point Dry Erase Markers (black)

1- pkg. of lined, wide-ruled, notebook paper

2- pkgs. of Index Cards  

Headphones labeled with student name (No Bluetooth)

1- Pair of Scissors

2- Boxes of Kleenex  

1- Ziploc Quart size bags (Girls)

2- Roll of Paper towels (Girls)

1- Box Ziploc Bags Gallon Size (Boys)

2- Containers of Clorox Wipes (Boys)

Mrs. Janee Simmons-Thomas

Dear Families,

Welcome to Fifth grade!  My name is Ms. Janee’ Simmons-Thomas and I am so excited about being your child’s 5th grade teacher for the 2024-2025 academic year.  I graduated in May 2023 from Grand Canyon University with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education.  This will be my second year teaching.

I am originally from Orangeburg, South Carolina.  Upon receiving my undergraduate degree from Bluefield College in West Virginia, I moved to San Antonio, Texas. 

In my free time I enjoy reading, movies, concerts, and traveling back home to visit family and friends.

I firmly believe that all students can learn and reach their fullest potential in an environment where they are valued, and heard. My commitment lies in recognizing and nurturing your child's unique strengths and talents, ensuring their growth both academically and personally.  The best way to reach me is via email: janee.simmons@dvusd.org.

I look forward to a fun year of learning with a group of amazing 5th graders.

Warmest regards,

 Mrs. Janee’ Simmons-Thomas

Mrs. Abigail Rossie

Mrs. Lauren White