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5th Grade Team
 

Hello and welcome back to school! I hope you had an incredible Summer filled with fun and adventures. My name is Mrs. Schiff, and I am delighted to write to you as your child’s Math, Science, and Social Studies teacher. We're going to learn, explore, and grow together in our wonderful classroom.

 

A little about myself: I have been married for 23 years and have lived in Libertyville for 25 years. I have four children: Amanda, who has been married for almost three years now; Olivia, a Junior at Indiana University Kelley School of Business; Ty, a Freshman at Arizona State University; and Audrina, who is in 6th grade here at SJCS.

 

Throughout my 14 years at St. Joseph Catholic School, I have been furthering my education. I earned my Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2019. Last year, I assumed the role of 5th - 8th grade Middle School Resource Teacher and worked with students who hold ISP’s and 504 plans. I am currently working towards earning my Special Education credential as well.

 

As this new school year starts, I will work closely with each student to ensure their success. During my time as the 5-8 Resource Teacher, I gained a strong understanding of the Middle School Math, Science, and Social Studies curriculum. I will continue to work closely with these teachers to ensure the 5th graders are prepared for 6th grade.

 

I am grateful for your trust and support as their teacher. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Many Blessings!

 

Also, I have created a new Amazon wish list of items that will help grow our library of knowledge, improve my new way of teaching math, and ensure that each student continues to grow and learn in many different ways. We will also be learning study skills, and I need supplies from my wish list to make this happen as well. Any donation is greatly appreciated. The link is here or under the Amazon tab on the side. Thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share

 

 

Posts

Monday, February 2, 2026 Homework

Math - pgs 555 & 556 - optional IXL lesson D86 (Today, we started dividing fractions, so 1/3 would be 1 divided by 3. We worked out many examples. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science -Study Guide, if not finished in class- Bubis Only (Today, we worked on the Review guide questions I provided for Chapter 3. My class will do this tomorrow. The study guide is essential because I will allow them to use it on their test on Wednesday, Feb. 4th.)
 
Social Studies - None (Today, we read chapters 5 and 6 in our American Revolution book and answered our questions in the comprehension packets. Ask your child what they read about today and share at least three facts with you.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Thursday, 2/5- Parent Teacher Conferences (all virtual) 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - NO school for students

  • Friday, 2/6- NO SCHOOL for students

If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

February 2 to February 4, 2026 Week at a Glance

Math: Chapter 8 on Fractions and Decimals (one lesson per day) - we will skip around in this chapter to go in a better sequence.

  • Lesson 1 - Fractions and Division ( Learning objective: solve word problems by interpreting a fraction as division of the numerator by the denominator)
  • Lesson 2 - Greatest Common Factor (learning objective: determine the common factors and the greatest common factor of a set of numbers)
  • Lesson 3 - Simplest Form (learning objective: generate equivalent fractions by writing a fraction in simplest form)
    • Key points....apply and extend previous understanding of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions AND use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions
  • Thursday/Friday - No School

Science: Chapter 3 - Growth and Survival (one lesson per week)

  • We will be creating our study guide as we get ready for Chapter 3 Test
  • We will be working on answering specific questions in the book that relate to our Chapter 3 test
  • Chapter 3 Test will be on 2/5/25, but I will students overly ready for it
  • Thursday/Friday - No School

Social Studies: I Survived the American Revolution, 1776

  • Monday  - Read Chapters 5 - 7  in the American Revolution books and answer comprehension questions for these chapters  
  • Tuesday - Read Chapters 8 - 10 in the American Revolution books and answer comprehension questions for these chapters  
  • Wednesday - Read Chapters 11 - 13 in the American Revolution books and answer comprehension questions for these chapters  
  • Thursday/Friday - No School 

Learning Objectives of the American Revolution: 

  • be able to explain the causes and effects of the Revolutionary War 
  • be able to identify both sides of the conflict 
  • analyze background information in the story and identify additional questions 
  • be able to identify the main idea and theme of the novel 
  • be able to analyze Nate’s character and growth while coming of age 
  • learn new vocabulary and be able to use it in writing 
  • identify significant events in the novel 
  • make inferences 
  • be able to quote and properly cite text-based evidence

*Please note that The Week at a Glance is very broad. Please check my nightly Edlio posts to read about what we did in class that day.*

Friday, January 30, 2026 Homework

Math - None - (We took our chapter test yesterday, and I never start a new chapter on a Friday, so today, we played math iReady games or Prodigy math for fun Friday. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None (Today, we worked on an exciting science packet based on fun facts about animals that went along with our lessons. Ask your child why camels have humps? OR Why do sharks keep swimming?)
 
Social Studies - None (Today, we read and learned about one of the key people in the American Revolution... Paul Revere. They answered questions about him in a packet and then turned it into me.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Thursday, 2/5- Parent Teacher Conferences (all virtual) 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - NO school for students

  • Friday, 2/6- NO SCHOOL for students

If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

Thursday, January 29, 2026 Homework

February 5th virtual conference sign-up link:
https://www.schoolbookings.net/closed/6605271658397696
 
Math - None - (Today, we took our Chapter 7 Math test. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None (Today, we took our lesson 4 quiz, using our textbooks as guides and for help if needed.)
 
Social Studies - None, but D.O.G. was passed out and due by Friday (Today, we read chapters 3 and 4 in our American Revolution book and answered our questions in the comprehension packets. Ask your child what they read about today and share at least 3 facts with you.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Thursday, 2/5- Parent Teacher Conferences (all virtual) 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - NO school for students

  • Friday, 2/6- NO SCHOOL for students

If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Homework

February 5th virtual conference sign-up link:
https://www.schoolbookings.net/closed/6605271658397696
 
Math - Practice Test WS - Math test is this Thursday - (Today, we worked on the practice test in class, and they were given another copy to do at home for homework.. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None (Since we are ahead in Science, my class had their monthly visit by Ms. Han / Mrs. Walsh for social-emotional lessons. Ms. Bubis's class continued their Countries presentations.)
 
Social Studies - None, but D.O.G. was passed out and due by Friday (Today, we continued our presentations for our 3-country projects in my Social Studies class. Then, both classes received their "I Survived the American Revolution, 1776" books and comprehension packets today. Ask your child what a bayonet is, who Eliza is, and how she is important to Nate. Ensure you have read through chapter 2 in our I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 books and answered all the questions on the first page of our packets. Ask your child what being a traitor means. Maybe even how did Nate feel about Theo? What happened to Eliza's husband?)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Thursday, 2/5- Parent Teacher Conferences (all virtual) 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - NO school for students

  • Friday, 2/6- NO SCHOOL for students

If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Homework

February 5th virtual conference sign-up link:
https://www.schoolbookings.net/closed/6605271658397696
 
Math - Practice Test WS - Math test is this Thursday - (Today, we worked on the practice test in class, and they were given another copy to do at home for homework.. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None - Schiff Only (Today, we started reading about the life cycles of some animals and insects, including how a butterfly undergoes metamorphosis.) They had to answer questions along the way. They also watched a BrainPOP video on Metamorphosis, and their computed scores from the questions were sent directly to me. Ms. Bubis's class did this yesterday.)
 
Social Studies - None, but D.O.G. was passed out and due by Friday (Today, we continued our presentations for our 3-country projects. I look forward to each one, as I learn so much too.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Thursday, 2/5- Parent Teacher Conferences (all virtual) 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - NO school for students

  • Friday, 2/6- NO SCHOOL for students

If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

Monday, January 26, 2026 Homework

Math - Standardized Math WS - Math test is this Thursday - (Today, we worked on review pages in our textbook. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None (Today, we started reading about the life cycles of some animals and insects, such as how a butterfly goes through metamorphosis.) They had to answer questions along the way. They also watched a BrainPOP video on Metamorphosis, and their computed scores from the questions were sent directly to me.)
 
Social Studies - None, but D.O.G. was passed out and due by Friday (Today, we continued our presentations for our 3-country projects. I look forward to each one, as I learn so much too.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Thursday, 2/5- Parent Teacher Conferences (all virtual) 10:00 am - 4:30 pm - NO school for students

  • Friday, 2/6- NO SCHOOL for students

If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

January 26 to January 30, 2026 Week at a Glance

Math: Chapter 7  (one lesson per day) Operations & Algebraic Thinking- we will take our differentiated Chapter 7 Math test on THURSDAY

  • Monday - Do review pages in class and the Standardized Worksheet for HW
  • Tuesday/Wednesday - Practicing for the test 
  • Thursday - Chapter 7 test (differentiated)
  • Friday - Math Game fun!!!

Science: Chapter 3 - Growth and Survival (one lesson per week)

  • What are the life cycles of some animals?
    • Learning Objective: 
      • Students will model the life cycles of some animals and investigate how some undergo metamorphosis.
  • Keywords this week: metamorphosis, molt, and life cycle
  • Words to Know Quiz Lesson 4 onThursday - they can use their books

Social Studies: I Survived the American Revolution, 1776

Pass out the I Survived books and comprehension packets on Tuesday

  • Monday - Finish presenting the Country Google Slides project 
  • Tuesday - Read Chapters 1 and 2 in the American Revolution books and answer comprehension questions for these chapters  
  • Wednesday  - Read Chapter 3 in the American Revolution books and answer comprehension questions for these chapters  
  • Thursday - Read Chapter 4 in the American Revolution books and answer comprehension questions for these chapters 
  • Friday - We will work on a packet on Paul Revere, as he was a key figure during the American Revolution

Learning Objectives of the American Revolution: 

  • be able to explain the causes and effects of the Revolutionary War 
  • be able to identify both sides of the conflict 
  • Analyze background information in the story and identify additional questions 
  • be able to identify the main idea and theme of the novel 
  • be able to analyze Nate’s character and growth while coming of age 
  • learn new vocabulary and be able to use it in writing 
  • Identify significant events in the novel 
  • make inferences 
  • be able to quote and properly cite text-based evidence

*Please note that The Week at a Glance is very broad. Please check my nightly Edlio posts to read about what we did in class that day.*

Friday, January 23, 2026 Homework

Great Job to Roman & Nora R. in today's Spelling Bee!! We are so proud of you both!! 
 
Due to the shortened day and the 12:30B Spelling Bee schedule, some classes were not held today. We will resume on Monday. 
 
Math - None - (Today, we did not have math. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None (Today, we did two lessons on adaptations that I assigned in BrainPop with their questions. All computed scores come directly to me.)
 
Social Studies - None (Today, we did not have Social Studies. All project presentations will continue on Monday.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Save the Date—Open House on Sunday, January 25th, at 10 a.m. Come see our classrooms and meet the Middle School teachers for next year!!
 
If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

Thursday, January 22, 2026 Homework

We need to collect items for our Pet Shelter by this Friday, please, as part of our 5th-grade service project. Here are ideas for items needed:

  • Twin-size blankets and comforters – During the winter months, every dog goes to bed
    with a blankie, not too large or heavy, as we wash and dry every blanket daily. They can be
    gently used, but NOT larger than a twin-sized.
  • Bath-size towels – NO hand towels or rags, can be gently used
  • Newspaper – We go through 100 a day!
 
Math - None - (Today, we continued working on our iReady Math diagnostics. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None (Today, we did our lesson 3 quiz... as always, we used our books for guidance in finding answers.)
 
Social Studies - None (Today, we started our presentations for our 3-country projects. I look forward to each one, as I learn so much too. All projects were due today.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Save the Date—Open House on Sunday, January 25th, at 10 a.m. Come see our classrooms and meet the Middle School teachers for next year!!
 
If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Homework

Today, we had a wonderful enrichment opportunity with an incredible woman named Renee. Renee is a docent from a Holocaust Museum, and her mother is a Holocaust survivor. Via Google Meet, she joined both classrooms together to speak with students about the Holocaust, which perfectly complemented the unit we just completed.

Our students asked thoughtful, insightful questions, and I was so proud of their engagement and curiosity. We are incredibly grateful to Renee for taking the time to share her knowledge and personal connection with us.

Please ask your child about today’s meeting and the facts that stood out to them. I learned so much myself!

 

Also, we need to collect items for our Pet Shelter by this Friday, please, as part of our 5th-grade service project. Here are ideas for items needed:

  • Twin-size blankets and comforters – During the winter months, every dog goes to bed
    with a blankie, not too large or heavy, as we wash and dry every blanket daily. They can be
    gently used, but NOT larger than a twin-sized.
  • Bath-size towels – NO hand towels or rags, can be gently used
  • Newspaper – We go through 100 a day!
 
Math - None - (Today, we started our iReady Math diagnostics. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None- Bubis only- (Today, we read about animal adaptations and focused on important bold words throughout our reading. We answered questions along the way. My class did this yesterday.)
 
Social Studies - None (Today, we continued researching for our 3 Countries project. Most students even started planning out and organizing their Google Slides. All projects are due by this Thursday.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Save the Date—Open House on Sunday, January 25th, at 10 a.m. Come see our classrooms and meet the Middle School teachers for next year!!
 
If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Homework

Math - None - (Today, we started our iReady Math diagnostics. Please keep practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None- Schiff only- (Today, we read about animal adaptations and focused on important bold words throughout our reading. We answered questions along the way. Miss Bubis's class will do this tomorrow.)
 
Social Studies - None (Today, we continued researching for our 3 Countries project. Some students even started planning out and organizing their Google Slides. All projects are due by this Thursday.)
 

Reminders:

~ I offer office hours Monday through Thursday if your child needs me to reteach something in Math, Science, or Social Studies. Please email me for assistance, and we will meet via the Google Meet link. 

~ A friendly reminder: make sure your child is dressed for the weather (boots, COATS, hats…). If the temperature (real feel) is above 20, we go out!

Looking Ahead:

  • Save the Date—Open House on Sunday, January 25th, at 10 a.m. Come see our classrooms and meet the Middle School teachers for next year!!
 
If anyone would like to donate wish list items to our classroom, please use this Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RS691H76HBK0?ref_=wl_share
Thank you all so much in advance for your continued support. It truly makes a difference in our school community!

January 20 to January 23, 2026 Week at a Glance

Math: iReady Math Diagnostic 

  • iReady Math Diagnostics all week (taking our time and NOT rushing it through), with the possibility of Math Game fun on Friday if we are finished with iReady Math (learning objective: see the growth throughout the year thus far) - Please make sure Chromebooks are charged nightly

Science: Chapter 3 - Growth and Survival (one lesson per week)

  • Wednesday -How do adaptations help animals?
    • Question to consider: How do plants and animals grow and change?
    • Learning Objective:
      •  Students will also construct an argument, supported by evidence, that adaptations enable animals to survive in different environments.
  • Keywords this week - structural adaptations, extinct species, and instincts
  • Thursday - Animal packet on fun facts about animals
  • Friday - They will take their Lesson 3 Quiz using their books as a guide. 

Social Studies: 3 Countries Google Slides Project & finishing Holocaust unit with a presenter talk

  • Tuesday/Wednesday - Work on Country Google Slides presentations, take more notes, and design slides 
  • WEDNESDAY - both classrooms will join my classroom for a Google Meet call with Renee Silverman. She is a docent from a Holocaust Museum and also has a mother who survived the Holocaust. She will talk to the students, as we just finished our Holocaust unit. I’m looking forward to this extra enrichment for the students. 
  • Thursday/Friday - Present our Country Project on-screen to our peers
    • Learning Objective of an Oral Presentation:
      • developing the ability to research and synthesize information
      • organize ideas logically
      • deliver a clear and engaging presentation to your peers
      • adapt to different speaking situations
      • effectively use visual aids on-screen
      • respond to questions thoughtfully

*Please note that The Week at a Glance is very broad. Please check my nightly Edlio posts to read about what we did in class that day.*