Fourth & Fifth Grade: September 14-18, 2026
Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,
Before we parted ways for Fall Break, we wrapped up our Local Geography & History Block. The class spent the week comparing the various Georgia maps we had made, including the physical geography map as well as the map of the Native American nations. Each day, the class conducted a scavenger hunt in which they were given counties to find. They then had to describe the physical geography of each county and name the tribe that originally lived on the land.
The students also finished Soft Rain, the first class reader of the year. As a group, the class worked together to summarize the book and share their overall opinions of the story. One surprising realization after completing the story was how interested the students were in reaching out to the author and asking her more questions. They wanted to know if her ideas came from a real story. For many in the class, this was their first time reading a historical fiction story. While Soft Rain was a fictional character, the events of the story could have very much been true for a Cherokee family living during that time period.
In preparation for the Day of Courage festivities, the Fourth and Fifth Grade students crafted wooden shields as gifts for the Third Graders. They also assisted Ki Heidi with preparing the dragon cave for the ceremony. The students felt proud to be trusted with such a grand task. This experience may also help them become more reflective on the amount of work that goes into preparing for a ceremony in which many of them were once on the receiving end when they were in the Lower Grades.
Overall, the topics and activities of the first months of school were well received by the class. Many students commented on how much they enjoyed this block. This week, the class will shift gears into a math-focused block, where we will begin our first study of Fractions.
Class Reminders and Announcements:
Roots & Rhythm: We are excited to welcome Mari Cooper, who will lead an eight-session parent education series throughout the year. Through music, movement, and discussion, parents will explore the philosophy behind our Waldorf-inspired approach. Our first session will be held on October 3 from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Participation is expected for new parents, and all parents are warmly encouraged to join.
Parent Conferences are October 8 and 9! Please sign up here to schedule a time to meet.
October 3: Roots & Rhythm with Ki Mari from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (On campus, in-person)
October 8: Half day and Parent Conferences/Off Site Learning Day
October 9: No school and Parent Conferences/Off Site Learning Day
October 10: Community Workday
October 17: Fall Festival from 3:00-6:00 pm
Warmly,
Ki Nicole
