Dear Fifth Grade Families,

The spring weather gave us a perfect start to our second Botany block. We began the week by reviewing the lower plants we studied last semester. Following this review, the concept of vascular and non-vascular plants and the differences between monocotyledons and dicotyledons were introduced. As we looked closely at the parts of a seed, we explored the parts of a lima bean that we had soaked and dissected and planted lima beans and marigold seeds. Touring the campus, we had many opportunities to notice the complicated leaf patterns and the four, five, or multi-petals of dicots. We ended the week learning about pollen and its importance to the life cycle of a plant. This coming week, we will finish our exploration of botany as we look closely at pollinators and their life cycles.

We were excited to begin play practice last week with a read-through of our play based on the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone. In the coming week, the class will work on the play without specifically assigned parts, allowing students the opportunity to live into many characters, work on fluency as we read parts aloud, and absorb the general mood of the play. Once parts are assigned, students will bring home scripts to memorize lines. The play will take place after school one evening in early May; the date will be announced as soon as possible!

Our Grandfriends Tea was a lovely community event! It was wonderful to meet the family and friends of our students and watch the children share and show off our amazing school and campus. Thank you to all for your support.

Have a lovely, restful, and fun-filled Spring Break!

Reminders:

4/3-4/7 Spring Break (No School)

4/25-4/27 5th Grade Pentathlon

4/28 Annual Fundraiser - Half Day

4/29 Community Work Day

5/5 Half Day

5/13 Community Work Day

5/19 Last Day of School

With gratitude,

Melissa