1/20-1/24 Fifth Grade Newsletter

Dear Fifth Grade Families,

Hope everything is well! Here’s a look at what’s coming up for the week of Jan 20 -Jan. 24. Please make sure to read all the important information below to avoid any questions that may already be addressed. If you missed last week’s email, you can find updates on my school blog: Fifth Grade Blog.

Ocean Institute Recap
This week, our class embarked on an exciting journey back in time during the Revolutionary Voyage Program at the Ocean Institute. The students experienced life as sailors during the American Revolution, learning firsthand about navigation, teamwork, and life aboard a tall ship.

Through hands-on activities, they explored the challenges faced by sailors and the critical role ships played during the war. From hoisting sails to examining artifacts, the students were fully immersed in history, making it both educational and memorable.

A special thank-you to our amazing parent chaperones—Mr. Pineda, Mrs. Marquez, Ms. Trejo, Mrs. Gomez, and Mrs. Yoshida—who helped make this trip such a success. Your support, guidance, and enthusiasm made the experience even more enjoyable for everyone. We are so grateful for you!

To all our parents, thank you for your continued support in making opportunities like this possible for our students. Ask your child to share their favorite part of the voyage—we’re sure they have plenty to tell!

Monday, Jan. 20th
No school- MLK day! Enjoy your 3-day weekend!

Tuesday-Wednesday, Jan.21st -Jan 22nd
Due to my absence last Tuesday, we did not get the chance to do STAR testing. So we will be STAR testing on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Students must bring their Chromebook fully charged. Please ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep and has breakfast before school.

Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 22nd-Jan24th
Starting Wednesday to Friday, students will present their 50 State Board Projects in class. Parents, feel free to support your child in preparing for their presentation. Whether it’s practicing their speaking points, helping with props, or brainstorming ideas, your encouragement makes a big difference!

Below is the schedule for the presentation:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xHbXpADfi652erBIu6jNgy0QPTiDnxLh_LaXsx2Knzo/edit?usp=sharing

Wednesday, Jan. 22nd
Dodger Dress Up Day for $2. Students can bring in $2 and wear their Dodger tops and jeans or free dress bottoms.

Friday, Jan. 24th
Progress report for the second trimester will be sent home on Friday, Jan24th. Please keep in mind that the progress report is just a snapshot of where your child is at right now. I will be sending 2 copies home, one copy must be signed and returned and one is yours to keep. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to me directly—I’m here to help. There is still plenty of time for grades to improve before final grades are issued at the end of the 2nd trimester.

Annual Open House
On Sunday, January 26 will be our Annual Open House from 12-2pm, after our 11am All School Family Mass. Students can earn free dress passes from their teachers if they come to Mass in Full Mass uniform that day and check in with their teacher.

Deadlines:

February 24: 2nd Trimester Mass Reflection (7 reflections required)

Focus of the Week:
Math: Estimate Fractions
Reading: Esperanza Rising
Grammar: Words Used as Nouns or as Verbs
Religion: Session 9
Science: Ecosystem

Tests
Friday
Vocabulary/Comprehension: Esperanza Rising Chapters 3-4
Religion: Session 9

Lastly, if you’d like to support our classroom, here’s the link to our Classroom Wishlist: Wishlist.

Upcoming Events:
For more details, please refer to the [school calendar here].
January 20: NO SCHOOL MLK Jr. HOLIDAY
January 22: Gently Used Uniform Sale, Catholic Schools’ Convocation at Cathedral, Dodger Day 8th grade fundraiser ($2)
January 24: K-8 Progress reports go home today for 2nd trimester
January 26-February 2: Catholic Schools’ Week
January 26 (Sunday): Open House 11 am Family Mass, Open House 12-2pm, Catholic Schools’ Week begins through 2/2, Family Mass at 11am (wear formal Mass Uniforms for free dress passes), Open House from 12-2. Student Government leads tours at school, Folklorico school group to perform
January 27 – Teacher Appreciation Day, SAP Choir performs at PMA Mass
January 28 – Student Appreciation Day, “Cozy Day”
January 29 – Administration Appreciation Day, Student Teacher Volleyball game
January 30 – Parent Appreciation Day, Coffee and Donuts provided for parents in morning
January 31 – Special Persons’ Day, Mass at 10am, noon dismissal, daycare till 6pm
January 28-30: Musical Auditions for Aladdin, Jr. Callbacks are 2/4, rehearsals are Tuesdays and Thursdays starting 2/11. Rehearsal is from 3:15-5:15pm
February 5: 2nd Mandatory General Parent Meeting in the Hall at 6:30pm ($50 fine for non-attendance)
February 5: Musical Callbacks, 8th grade Nacho Fundraiser after school, 100th Day of School
February 17 – Presidents’ Day Holiday NO SCHOOL
February 19 – All School Spelling Bee 10:30-12 in Hall
February 18-21: Re-Registration Week for returning students (all online)
Feb 20 – All School Marian Consecration (ends on 3/25, Feast of the Annunciation: Mary’s Day)
February 21 – Yearbook Pre-Sale ends
March 5 – ASH WEDNESDAY (Mass uniforms), beginning of Lent, SAP Choir sings
April – ARK testing starts
April 17- 25– Easter Break
April 26 – School Resumes
April 28-May 1 – Thousand Pines 8th grade Retreat
May 16-18 – Parish Fiesta

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you & God Bless!

Warmly,
Ms. Alejandre