Meet Ms. Tedeschi - This is my fifteenth year teaching at Triangle Day School and my thirteenth year at the fifth-grade level. I hold an undergraduate degree in Developmental Psychology from Duke University and a Master�s degree in Elementary Education from UNC-Greensboro. I am a member of the Duke Chapel Choir, and I enjoy community service, reading, crafts, and cooking. At school, I have previously served as Lower School Coordinator and coached the Battle of the Books team. I currently coordinate school assemblies, conduct the Fourth & Fifth Grade Chorus, serve on the Science Committee, and act as Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees.
All About Fifth Grade - Fifth grade is an important year of transition for students, as they apply the skills they have learned in earlier grades and prepare to move on to Middle School. In addition to academic topics, I will place a great deal of emphasis on organization, study skills, and responsibility. This is also the perfect year for students to learn to advocate for themselves. When problems arise, please encourage your fifth grader to speak to me himself/herself.
Homework - Homework will be assigned nearly every night and should take between 50 and 60 minutes for the average student. (This time includes the nightly reading requirement.) Students who forget a homework assignment will be asked to write a note explaining the reason for their missing work. Incomplete work will be finished either during the students� free time or at home, as appropriate to the assignment. After the first missing assignment of each quarter, parents will be notified.
Curriculum - The fifth-grade curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, which we will discuss at the Lower School Parent Night. We will begin the year with our Great Fifth Grade Adventure project, which teaches geography and planning skills and supports our Reading unit, �Journeys & Quests.� In Science, we will spend the first two weeks focusing on the scientific method, before diving into our first full unit, which is Weather. Our first Math unit covers divisibility rules, prime and composite numbers, arrays, and factors. In addition to these major subject areas, we will be working on parts of speech, reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and practicing narrative and expository writing.
Morning Break - Students will have a brief break in the morning, during which they may eat a small, healthy snack (fruit, veggies, granola, cheese & crackers, etc.). Please send drinks in resealable containers, so they do not spill.
Water Bottles - Students are encouraged to bring water bottles to class, particularly during warm weather. This keeps them comfortable and hydrated, but eliminates frequent trips to the water fountain.
Medication - All medicines must be turned in to the office with written instructions.
Microwave Use - Students may use the microwaves for two minutes at lunch. Please do not send meals that require longer cooking times.