Based on feedback from 4th-grade families, we took a long look at how to replicate the 4th-grade experience in 5th grade, making it more of an extension of elementary school rather than rushing into the middle school experience simply because they were in the building.  We adjusted the 5th-grade schedule and grading system to more closely resemble an elementary school model, incorporating standards-based grading, as well as four defined class times for English/Language Arts (ELA), Math, Social Studies, and Science.  Below you will find the classwork that students will be expected to be proficient in by the end of the school year, based on the Common Core State Standards.  

Your child’s current progress toward mastering grade-level standards is designed to be met by the end of the school year.  Here are a few notes:

• Grade 5 is on a trimester schedule (three progress reports/three formal report cards)

  • Our progress report is the same as the report card. 

  • The progress report and report card will be published in the Aspen Family Portal.   

• You will find the same scoring and coding system as the elementary school.  Below you will find the code and definition:

• S (Secure): Your child has mastered the end-of-year benchmark.

• D (Developing): Your child is showing growth toward the standard but still needs some support/time.

• B (Beginning): Your child is continuing to need more teacher support to develop in this area.

• N/A: This standard has not yet been addressed.

• NP: Your child did not participate in learning activities related to this standard.

It is important to remember that during the first trimester, many students will not yet be "Secure" in meeting the end-of-year benchmarks.  This is typical because, as stated above, they are end-of-year standards.  

Growth Mindset: We encourage you to focus on your child’s growth, not just the grades. Learning is a journey, and each child develops at their own pace. Praise their efforts and help them set goals for the next grading period.