Weekly News
1/26-1/30/26
During our short week, Galaxy readers had the opportunity to meet with Literature Circle groups to discuss their previous two sections of reading. In Math, fifth graders reviewed word problems with dividing unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions. They then looked at a number of word problems that required them to determine if they would need to multiply or divide in order to solve the problem. Sixth graders continued their work with plotting and naming points on on the coordinate plane. In Integrated Studies, we began working on our culminating in class project. Groups planned and created scripts for demonstrations for our Rainbow buddies that focused on exothermic and endothermic reactions, pH, polymers, and chromatography. Next Friday Galaxians will have the chance to be the teachers when our Rainbow friends join us for these chemistry demonstrations.
1/20-1/23/26
In Writing, fifth graders worked on revising and editing last week as they worked toward the editing packet deadline. To help with their proofreading, we reviewed and practiced correcting run-on sentences and dialogue punctuation. Sixth graders transitioned to a mini-unit on playwriting last week. We discussed how playwriting format is different from prose and then the students planned, drafted, revised and edited a short scene. They will have the opportunity to rehearse and act out these scenes with a partner this week.
In Reading, Galaxians began their second Literature Circle cycle, focusing on fantasy books. As a reminder, during Literature Circles, the students do not have a Reading Log and instead have required pages and a role sheet due twice a week for their group meetings. This is also an opportunity for us to practice the conversational skills of maintaining a student-led book discussion.
Last week fifth graders began dividing with fractions. We began by dividing whole numbers by unit fractions, used this understanding to find the whole when we were given the part (20 is ⅕ of total number of books in the library), and then began dividing a unit fraction by a whole number. Finally, students examined a number of different real world scenarios where they had to determine if they would need to divide a whole number by a fraction or a fraction by a whole number. Sixth graders finished up their work with absolute value and magnitude, and began working with the coordinate plane. We talked about the parts of the coordinate plane, how we write ordered pairs, and how we plot and name points.
In Integrated Studies last week, Galaxy students participated in centers about real-life applications of chemistry. In these centers, they learned about polymers and made different samples of polymers and also took notes on chromatography and used this knowledge to solve a crime about a missing book. Next week for the culminating activity, Galaxians will be able to conduct a follow-up experiment to learn more about a specific aspect of chemistry.
GrandFriends Day is right around the corner. RSVP today! On Friday, March 27, we will host GrandFriends Day, a cherished NGFS tradition on the Guilford Campus that brings our community together in celebration. This special day offers grandfriends the opportunity to spend meaningful time with their grandchildren and experience firsthand what makes NGFS such a special place. Please use the form below to RSVP for the event. Parents are welcome to forward the form to grandparents or complete it on their behalf. NGFS Grandfriends Day RSVP Form
1/12-1/16/26
In Writing last week, fifth graders reviewed the expectations for conferencing and revising after finishing their first drafts, such as the levels of revising. We also circled back to reinforce some foundational editing skills, such as paragraphing and capitalization. The sixth graders wrapped up their full-length fiction pieces in preparation for beginning a writing mini-unit next week. We focused this week on reviewing punctuation rules for commas and apostrophes. We also analyzed different kinds of sentence structures and talked about varying our sentences in our writing.
In Reading, we continued our individual conferences with Galaxy readers. We also prepared for our next Literature Circle cycle which will begin next week and focus on the fantasy genre. The students have received their book and have their first Literature Circle section and role sheet due Monday or Tuesday.
Last week fifth grade mathematicians continued their work with multiplying fractions as they moved from multiplying a fraction by a whole number to multiplying a fraction by a fraction. We began by modeling with one of the fractions being a unit fraction and then moved to using brownie pan models to multiply two nonunit fractions. From there, students began to use the standard method for multiplying fractions. We finished off the week with a game of fraction bingo to review these skills. Next week we will begin dividing with unit fractions and whole numbers. To learn more about this topic, check out the family math letter. Sixth grade mathematicians continued their work with integers and rational numbers. They compared and ordered rational numbers and began learning about magnitude and absolute value.
In Integrated Studies last week, Galaxians learned about chemical reactions with several different hands-on experiments. We began the week with a rotation of centers about the signs of chemical reactions, like exothermic and endothermic reactions and the formation of precipitate. We then began a fun chemistry mystery powder experiment which required the students to apply their knowledge of chemistry to determine the components in a mystery powder.
We also went over the directions for the second sub-deadline for the at home project. The students will be writing a scientific report about the experiment they conducted at home. The scientific report is due Thursday, January 29th.
1/5- 1/9/26
This week fifth grade mathematicians finished up their work with multiplying fractions by whole numbers and converting customary units of measurement. Next week we will begin looking at visual (brownie pan) models to represent fraction multiplication. To learn more about the next topic, please check out the family math letter. Sixth grade mathematicians spent the week learning about negative numbers, opposites, integers, and rational numbers. They plotted points on horizontal and vertical number lines and discussed different real world situations that could be represented using negative numbers.
Galaxy writers have been working on finishing up their full-length fiction pieces this week. Fifth graders discussed narrative point-of-view and what makes a strong ending. Sixth graders reviewed foundational grammar and punctuation skills like capitalization, run-on sentences and dialogue punctuation and then worked on correcting these skills in their own pieces.
In Reading, we reviewed our new reading strategy of ‘reading like a writer’ and Galaxians had the chance to practice this skill in their Reading Journal. We also used this week to have a midyear reading conference with our Galaxy readers.
In Integrated Studies, Galaxy students learned about the difference between physical changes and chemical changes. They then had the chance to move through centers where they explored different kinds of physical and chemical changes. We then discussed the signs that a chemical change has occurred and began a round of demos and experiments to learn about them in a hands-on way.
¡Feliz año nuevo! As we return back to campus, Galaxians have begun their introduction to modern Mexico. We will be discussing the diversity found throughout this beautiful country, celebrations and major holidays, important landmarks, and we will compare and contrast the daily lives of other students in Mexico!
General music students will begin playing the ukulele on Monday. If your child is not in the violin class, please be sure to send in a Ukulele by Monday.
Upcoming Events
Study Session: weekly on Wednesdays, 3:10-4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25
End of Unit Mexico test
Friday, March 27
GrandFriends Day, RSVP here
Tuesday, March 31
STEM themed Unit celebration, 2:15pm