Weekly News
9/22/25-9/26/25
In Math, fifth graders moved from multiplication to division. They began by looking at how tape diagrams and multiples of ten can be used to solve division problems. From there, they used estimation strategies to determine a reasonable estimate for the quotient and discussed how to know when that needs to be adjusted. They also began writing division problems in vertical form and talked about the importance of keeping track of their multiplication and not erasing this work as it can come in handy later on. To learn more about what we are doing in class, please check out the family math letter. Sixth grade mathematicians moved from ratios to rates as we looked at speed and how to calculate unit rate to compare unlike amounts.
In Writing, Galaxians discussed the basic elements of narrative structure as they began their short stories. We then delved a deeper into the qualities of a good lead and the elements of a scene, such as “showing, not telling.”
In Reading, we began word study groups. The first part of Reading each day, the students will divide into skill development groups working on different aspects of spelling, decoding, and vocabulary development. We also introduced the reading strategy of making connections, and Galaxians had the chance to practice it in their Reading Journals.
In Integrated Studies, we focused on the interactions between species in an ecosystem, such as predation, competition, and symbiosis. Students also learned about these interactions in their biomes. Finally, Galaxians set up their bean plants for an in-class experiment. They will spend the next two weeks observing their plants and will use this data to write a scientific report later in the unit.
Classroom Needs
Galaxy is running low on tissues and plastic spoons. If you would like to donate either of these items to the classroom, we would greatly appreciate it!
9/15/25-9/19/25
This week, fifth graders continued their work with multiplication of multi-digit numbers. They moved from the area model to the standard algorithm and completed the topic with their topic quiz. Students also had the opportunity to log into Zearn, an online program that ties in nicely with Eureka Math Squared. All Galaxians have their Zearn login in their homework folder, and they are welcome to work through Zearn lessons at home. In addition to their Zearn login, students also have a login for Eureka Math Squared. Once logged in, they can navigate to lessons, homework, practice partner sheets, and more. This is a great resource if Galaxians forget their homework at school or are absent. Sixth grade mathematicians completed topic B and started their next topic, which compares ratio relationships using a variety of real world scenarios. Looking for a fun activity to do with your Galaxian? Last Friday we introduced Ken Ken puzzles. These puzzles are available online and encourage number sense and flexible thinking.
In Writing class, Galaxians finished their personal narratives and memoirs and began working on their second mini-unit of the year, a realistic genre short story. Galaxy students will have the chance to learn about the elements of a fiction story, such as leads, dialogue, rising action, and strong endings.
In Reading class, students learned about the qualities of a good summary and practiced retelling a picture book and then a novel they have read this year in class. They also completed their second Reading Journal entry of the year as they practiced forming an original reaction to their book and supporting it with specific examples from the text.
In Integrated Studies last week, we introduced the terms “food web” and “energy pyramid” to better understand the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Students also researched the food web in their biome groups as part of getting prepared for the culminating activity at the end of the unit. A special treat last week was our virtual guest speaker Ranger Maura who spoke with us from Katmai National Park in Alaska about their unique ecosystem and the role of salmon as a keystone species.
Galaxy Spanish students have just completed filling in information on their “Todo Sobre Mi” worksheets, where they incorporated vocabulary in connection with colors, months, activities, and adjectives. In their next class, they will present parts of their assignment aloud. They will also be introduced to the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which began on September 15 and ends on October 15.
Reminder: School Photos Retake and Make Up Day - Tuesday, Sept 23
See the email that was sent from news@ngfs.org on Thursday, Sept. 18 (subject: School Photos Ready to View!) for all the details!
9/8/25-9/12/25
Fifth grade mathematicians are continuing their work with multi-digit multiplication strategies. In addition to the standard algorithm, they will also use a pull apart method, as well as area models. Sixth grade mathematicians completed module B this week with their topic quiz, and started their next module which focuses on comparing ratio relationships.
In Writing, Galaxy students are nearing the end of their first time through the writing process. We have talked through the steps of polishing and proofreading for their personal narratives and memoirs. We will also be kicking off their new mini-unit, which will be working on a realistic genre short story. This unit gives us the chance to introduce the literary terms that we will be using all year.
During Reading, we will learn about our second reading strategy of the year, summarizing. In addition to discussing the strategy in class, Galaxians will also have the chance to practice this skill in individual conferences with teachers. The students will also have another chance to complete a Reading Journal entry where they will practice forming original reactions to their books and supporting them with examples from their books.
In Integrated Studies, we will be delving deeper into our Ecology unit by beginning to learn about the interactions between species in an ecosystem. We will focus specifically on energy flow within an ecosystem by studying food webs and food pyramids.
Study Session
This week, we introduced study session to Galaxians. On Wednesday afternoons, Galaxy students have the opportunity to attend study session after school until 4 p.m. During this time, teachers are available, and Galaxians often use this time to get help with homework, catch up on missed work, or get back on track for meeting upcoming deadlines. Study session is typically optional, but your contact teacher will reach out if we feel it would be beneficial for your child to stay for study session. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you to everyone who attended Lower School Parent Night on Tuesday. Here are links to the presentations that were shared:
9/2/25-9/5/25
In Writing, Galaxians will continue to move through the writing process on their personal narratives and memoirs. Some students will finish first drafts, while others will work on revising and editing. We will be wrapping up this mini-unit next week and switching to our first fiction mini-unit of the year.
In Reading, we will talk about the important reading strategies of summarizing and monitoring comprehension. We will also begin our word study groups, which will take place for the first part of each Reading class. Word study groups will take a science of reading approach to learning spelling and vocabulary skills.
Fifth grade mathematicians will finish their first topic of the trimester with their topic quiz and then we will begin to look at different strategies for solving multi-digit multiplication problems. To learn more about this topic, please check out the family math letter. Sixth grade mathematicians wrapped up their first topic this week. Next, they will look at the relationship between ratio tables and double number lines, as well as multiplication and addition patterns in ratio tables. Looking for a fun game to play with the whole family? Be sure to ask your Galaxian about 33 to 99. All you need to play is 5 dice!
Next week, we will start our first academic Integrated Studies unit of the year, Ecology. We will begin by learning about the components of an ecosystem and the ways that they interact. We will then apply these concepts to real-life biomes and examine real world examples.
On Friday, 6th grade students began Spanish with Khaira, and 5th graders will begin this coming Friday. We will be tying in the vocabulary we’ll be learning with lots of music, movement, games, and treats. Major themes we will cover this trimester include “All About Me,” calendar, weather, feelings, numbers, and holidays.
We’re looking forward to sharing about life in Galaxy next Tuesday (Sept. 9) at Lower School Parent Night!
Reminders:
- If your student benefits from using a fidget in class, we ask that families provide those. We have a limited number available in the classroom and are not always able to provide the preferred fidget for students who need them.
- Last week, Galaxians received a sheet with several different logins that they will need throughout the school year. We are asking for this sheet to stay in their homework folder so they have access to this information at home and at school, but we also recommend that families take a picture of this sheet.
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