September 28th, 2015
Dear Fifth Grade Families,
Our fifth graders will soon wrap up our first Bridges math unit: Connecting Mathematical Topics. Over
the course of Unit One, students will have explored a wide breadth of topics across the different
mathematic strands using a variety of skills to investigate and solve different kinds of problems.
We will start our second math unit: Seeing & Understanding Multi-Digit Multiplication & Division the
beginning of October. In this unit, students develop the background and understanding they need to be
successful in multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers. They explore the meaning and properties
of multiplication and division, and develop models and strategies for multiplying and dividing.
Students will have completed a pre-assessment on the skills that will be presented in this unit. Our 5th
grade teaching team will use this data to create three groups, organized so that each student can work
successfully at their rate and level. These groups will meet for three sessions each week. All three
groups will cover the fifth grade standards for this unit. Our roles and pacing as teachers will be based
on the results of the pre-assessments, as well as student pacing during the first unit.
Ms. Levine’s group will work at an accelerated pace. Students in this group will have demonstrated
mastery in some Bridges content for this unit, and show a strong understanding of the remaining
content. When students demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts through class assignments and
homework, she will use enrichment curriculum to extend students mathematical thinking.
Mrs. Calvillo’s group will work at a standard 5th grade pace with accelerations when appropriate.
Students in this group will have demonstrated some understanding of the Bridges content for this unit.
When students demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts through class assignments and homework,
Mrs. Calvillo will provide extension activities.
Ms. Goodman’s group will also work at a standard 5th grade pace. Students in this group will explore
the Bridges content through use of manipulatives, sketches, and algorithms. This group will have
additional adult support provided through Ms. Gleason (Our wonderful Educational Assistant). This
additional support will allow students more time to review and practice newly acquired skills. Ms.
Goodman will provide extensions and modifications as needed, based on classroom performance.
The purpose of organizing math groups in this manner is to best meet each student’s needs in regards
to the concepts and skills in the unit. In addition to these three weekly math sessions, we will continue
to have ongoing math sessions within our regular classes.
Please feel free to contact your child’s classroom teacher with any specific questions or concerns you
may have. Below you will find all fifth grade teachers’ email addresses for your convenience
throughout the unit.
Sincerely,
The Fifth Grade Team
Kala Goodman kgoodma1@pps.net
Patty Calvillo pcalvillo@pps.net
Nina Levine nlevine@pps.net