Mrs. Tiffany Schiff » Home

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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

May 26 to May 29, 2026 Week at a Glance

MATH, SCIENCE, and SOCIAL STUDIES BOOKS GO HOME ON 5/29/26 - 

Please bring bags/totes to school

Math: Chapter 12 - Geometry (one lesson per day) 

  • Chapter 12 - Lesson 7 - Three-Dimensional Figures (learning objective: Describe properties of three-dimensional figures)
  • Chapter 12, Lesson 8 - Finding Volume (learning objective: use models to find volume of rectangular prisms)
  • Chapter 12, Lesson 9 -Volume of Prisms (learning objective: Use volume formulas to find the volume of rectangular prisms)
  • Chapter 12 - Lesson 11 - Volume of Composite Figures (learning objective: Find the volume of composite figures by relating volume to the operations of multiplication and addition)

Science: Chapter 6 on Earth and Space (one lesson this week)

  • Lesson 5 - We will focus on the central question: What are asteroids, meteors, comets, and moons?
    • How do objects move in space?
      • Learning Objectives: 
        • Students will investigate the differences between moons, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites.
      • Key vocabulary learned in this lesson is: asteroid, comet, and dwarf planet.
  • Lesson Check 5 quiz on Wednesday (open book)

Social Studies: Reconstruction Era

  • Tuesday - Reconstruction packet
  • Wednesday & Thursday - CSI Investigation on Abraham Lincoln packet
  • Friday - Reconstruction Era Webquest
  • Learning objective about the Reconstruction era:
  • Describe issues or problems facing African Americans following Reconstruction
  • Explain possible solutions to these problems suggested in the sources, and cite arguments for and against these solutions.
  • Make inferences based on a timeline.
  • Analyze primary source documents
  • Search a database to identify documents related to a topic or problem

 

*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, May 22, 2026 Homework

 

These students have worked incredibly hard over the past two weeks with iReady testing, math placement testing, dissections, field trips, and so much more. Since today’s schedule is shortened for the pep rally this afternoon (only 24 minutes per class), I decided to give them a chance to relax and enjoy finishing the Disney movie we started yesterday. They are absolutely loving it, and it has been such a nice way to unwind together after such a busy stretch.

We’ll jump back into our lessons next Tuesday. 💕 xoxo

Math, Science, & Social Studies- None (Now that we have finished learning about our Presidents and are awaiting the start of our President Project next week, our class has started watching the Disney movie National Treasure 2. This is a great movie for 5th graders because it combines history, adventure, and problem-solving in a fun and exciting way. The movie helps students stay interested in learning about important events and people from America’s past while also encouraging teamwork and critical thinking. The students are really enjoying the action and mystery as they follow the clues throughout the story!)

 

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 Google Meet. 

 
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!

Ms. Bubis's class enjoyed their lesson on Arthropods by dissecting crayfish in the Science lab today. Thank you to the parent volunteers for all their help with this dissection. We had so much fun!
Mrs. Schiff's class enjoyed their lesson on Arthropods by dissecting crayfish in the Science lab today. Thank you to the parent volunteers for all their help with this dissection. We had so much fun!

Thursday, May 21, 2026 Homework

The dissection of the Crayfish was done today. Woo-hoo! This was strictly for fun and was optional. We learned so much, and I want to thank all the parents who came in to show their love and support with this Lab. I appreciate your help. I was very excited about these dissection opportunities (earthworm and crayfish) for the students. I hope they enjoyed both. 

Math - None  (Today, we are ahead in Math, so we did Science ikn its place. Today, we read two lessons in our textbooks and took the quizzes for lessons 3 & 4. Some questions to ask: What do all inner rocks have in common?... They all have a rocky surface.   Which planet is warmer, Mercury or Mars, and why?... Mercury is warmer because it is closer to the sun.   Why does Earth have a shorter year than Mars?... Earth is closer to the sun, so its orbit is shorter.  What effect does gravity have on outer planets?... Gravity keeps them in motion around the sun.   What are the leading gases that make up Jupiter's atmosphere?... They are hydrogen and helium.  How does Neptune's position in the solar system affect its temperature?... Neptune's temperature is frigid because it is so far from the sun that it receives less of the sun's heat than Earth does. Please continue practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication and division in the next few weeks.)

Science - None (Today, we dissected Crayfish....see top note.  )

Social Studies- None, but D.O.G is due on Friday. (Now that we have finished learning about our Presidents and are awaiting the start of our President Project next week, our class has started watching the Disney movie National Treasure 2. This is a great movie for 5th graders because it combines history, adventure, and problem-solving in a fun and exciting way. The movie helps students stay interested in learning about important events and people from America’s past while also encouraging teamwork and critical thinking. The students are really enjoying the action and mystery as they follow the clues throughout the story!)

 

This Week: May 18th - 22nd

  • Monday, May 18: Comfy Clothes/PJ day

  • Tuesday, May 19: Sports/Jersey Day

  • Wednesday, May 20: Wacky Wednesday

  • Thursday, May 21: Career Day

  • Friday, May 22: SPIRIT DAY DRESS DOWN

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 Google Meet. 

 
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!

Our 5th graders wrapped up their Civil War unit with a wonderful field trip to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was a fun and meaningful experience that brought our classroom learning to life. As we explored the exhibits and viewed authentic artifacts, students deepened their understanding of the causes of the Civil War, including slavery and states' rights, and learned more about important leaders such as Abraham Lincoln. We also discovered what daily life was like for soldiers by examining their uniforms, weapons, and camp supplies. In addition, students learned about the Underground Railroad and how the Civil War ultimately led to the end of slavery. We had such a great time together.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Homework

Crayfish dissection is on Thursday, May 21st. ALL students must have safety googles to participate. Parent volunteers, I have new googles for you to wear and keep. Thank you.
 

Today, we were blessed to go to the outstanding Civil War Museum in Kenosha. The students were so engaged and asked some fabulous questions throughout the tour. We had a great time, and I know I will return with my family to tour again. It was lovely. Please ask your child what their favorite part was. A special thank you to our parent volunteers who kept an eye on the students and ensured everyone's safety. This day would not have been possible without your time and support for the importance of enriching the minds of our students.  

Math - None  (Today, we were on a field trip, so double math lesson tomorrow. Please continue practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication and division in the next few weeks.)

Science - None (Today, we were on the field trip, so tomorrow I will pass out the Lesson 3 & 4 quiz for this week. As always, it is open book.)

Social Studies- None, but D.O.G is due on Friday (Today, we had our field trip to the Civil War Museum.)

 
 

This Week: May 18th - 22nd

  • Monday, May 18: Comfy Clothes/PJ day

  • Tuesday, May 19: Sports/Jersey Day

  • Wednesday, May 20: Wacky Wednesday

  • Thursday, May 21: Career Day

  • Friday, May 22: SPIRIT DAY DRESS DOWN

 

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 Google Meet. 

 
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, May 19, 2026 Homework

Crayfish dissection is on Thursday, May 21st. ALL students must have safety googles to participate. Parent volunteers, I have new googles for you to wear and keep. Thank you.
 
Math - None (Today, we skipped Math to watch the 8th-grade Egg Drop with the Fire Department as a whole school. We are on pace for Math, so we will be just fine. Please continue practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication and division in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None - Schiff Only - (Today, we skipped my Science class to watch the 8th-grade Egg Drop with the Fire Department as a whole school. We are on pace for Science, so we will be just fine.)
 
Social Studies - President packet, if not finished in class, and D.O.G. is due by Friday (Today, we learned about President Obama, President Biden, and President Trump. Ask your child to tell you one fact about each President.)
 
 

This Week: May 18th - 22nd

  • Monday, May 18: Comfy Clothes/PJ day

  • Tuesday, May 19: Sports/Jersey Day

  • Wednesday, May 20: Wacky Wednesday

  • Thursday, May 21: Career Day

  • Friday, May 22: SPIRIT DAY DRESS DOWN

 

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 Google Meet. 

Looking Ahead

  • We have another Field Trip on May 20th to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info on chaperoning by our room parents. I am so excited about these enrichment opportunities. 
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!

Mrs. Bubis's class learns about Earthworms through dissection in Science today! We had so much fun! 
Mrs. Schiff's class learns about Earthworms through dissection in Science today! We had so much fun! 

Monday, May 18, 2026 Homework

Crayfish dissection is on Thursday, May 21st. ALL students must have safety googles to participate. Parent volunteers, I have new googles for you to wear and keep. Thank you.
 
Math - None (Today, we skipped Math to take the opportunity to discuss the Earthworm dissection for this afternoon. We were not able to last week due to the very short class periods on Thursday and Friday for the Variety Show. We are on pace for Math, so we will be just fine. Please continue practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication and division in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - None (Drum roll please....today was the BIG day!! We did our Earthworm dissection and learned so much... not to mention FUN, too! It was a great experience, and I can't wait for you to talk to your child about it. I want to thank all the parent volunteers who gave their time to help us with this lab today. It wouldn't have been possible without you all. Thank you!!!!)
 
Social Studies - President packet, if not finished in class, and D.O.G. is due by Friday  (Today, we learned about President H.W. Bush, President Clinton, and President W. Bush. Ask your child to tell you one fact about each President.)
 
 

This Week: May 18th - 22nd

  • Monday, May 18: Comfy Clothes/PJ day

  • Tuesday, May 19: Sports/Jersey Day

  • Wednesday, May 20: Wacky Wednesday

  • Thursday, May 21: Career Day

  • Friday, May 22: SPIRIT DAY DRESS DOWN

 

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 Google Meet. 

Looking Ahead

  • We have another Field Trip on May 20th to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info on chaperoning by our room parents. I am so excited about these enrichment opportunities. 
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!

May 18 to May 22, 2026 Week at a Glance

Math: Chapter 11 - Measurement (two lessons per day) 

  • Chapter 11, Lesson 11 - Estimate and Measure Metric Mass (learning objective: estimate the mass of objects and use a balance to measure the mass of objects…using words mass, gram, and kilogram)
  • Chapter 11, Lesson 12 - Convert Metric Units of Mass (learning objective: estimate the mass of objects and use a balance to measure the mass of objects…using words mass, gram, milligram, and kilogram)
  • Chapter 11, Lesson 13 - Convert Metric Units of Capacity  (learning objective: Convert measurements of capacity with the metric system using liters and milliliters)
  • Chapter 12, Lesson 1 - Polygons (learning objective: classify two-dimensional figures based on properties)
  • Chapter 12, Lesson 2 - Sides and Angles of Triangles  (learning objective: Measure the sides and angles of triangles)
  • Chapter 12, Lesson 3 - Classify Triangles (learning objective: classify triangles based on attributes, such as side measures and angle measures)
  • Chapter 12, Lesson 4 - Sides and Angles of Quadrilaterals  (learning objective: Measure the sides and angles of quadrilaterals)
  • Chapter 12, Lesson 5 - Classify Quadrilaterals (learning objective: classify quadrilaterals based on attributes, such as congruent sides, parallel sides, and right angles.)

Science: Chapter 6 on Earth and Space (two lessons this week)

  • Lesson 3 - We will be focusing on the main question: What are the inner planets?
    • How do objects move in space?
  • Learning Objective:
  • Students will identify the outer and inner planets and Earth’s position in the solar system. They will also communicate how technology has helped people explore space.
  • Key vocabulary learned in this lesson is: moon, orbit, and planet
  • Lesson 4 - We will focus on the central question: What are the outer planets?
    • How do objects move in space?
  • Learning Objective:
  • Students will identify the outer planets and compare and contrast their characteristics with those of the inner planets.
  • Key vocabulary learned in this lesson is: Neptune, outer planets, and Saturn.
  • The Earthworm Dissection Lab will be on Monday, May 18. All parents and students will receive a PowerPoint presentation on the lab's focus. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE SAFETY GOGGLES TO PARTICIPATE!!!!
  • The Crayfish Dissection Lab will be on Thursday, May 21. All parents and students will receive a PowerPoint presentation on the lab's focus. ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE SAFETY GOGGLES TO PARTICIPATE!!!!
  • Lesson Check 3 & 4  quiz will be given on Thursday & Friday  - open-book quiz

Social Studies: Presidents

  • We have finished our textbook and extended topics for this year, and now we will focus on learning about the balance of the President, which we have not discussed throughout history. We will finish with:
    • We will complete reading comprehension packets on each of the above presidents this week as well
      • H.W. Bush, Clinton, W. Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden all this week
  • Learning Objective:
  • Students will be able to identify the roles and responsibilities of the President of the United States and analyze how these have evolved over time
  • Weekly D.O.G. (Daily Oral Geography) will be passed out on Monday as well, due on Friday

*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, May 15, 2026 Homework

Earthworm dissection is on Monday, May 18th. ALL students must have safety googles to participate. Parent volunteers, I have new googles for you to wear and keep. Thank you.
 
Math - None (Today, we continued iReady Math diagnostic. Please continue practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication and division in the next few weeks.)
 
Science & Social Studies - None (Today, we learned about President Nixon, President Carter, and President Reagan. Then the students picked TWO of these presidents to work on their packet. Ask your child to tell you one fact about each President.)
 
 

Coming up, so plan accordingly: May 18th - 22nd

  • Monday, May 18: Comfy Clothes/PJ day

  • Tuesday, May 19: Sports/Jersey Day

  • Wednesday, May 20: Wacky Wednesday

  • Thursday, May 21: Career Day

  • Friday, May 22: SPIRIT DAY DRESS DOWN

 

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 Google Meet. 

Looking Ahead

  • We have another Field Trip on May 20th to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info on chaperoning by our room parents. I am so excited about these enrichment opportunities. 
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, May 14, 2026 Homework

Spring iReady Math testing started Monday and Tuesday, and will continue on Friday. Please ensure each child gets a good night's sleep, eats breakfast, has a fully charged Chromebook, and headphones. I will not allow plugging in to charge at school. 

Field trip forms for our next field trip went home last week. They are due back ASAP with $20 in cash or a check made out to St. Joseph Catholic School. Thank you.
 
Math - None (Today, Mrs. Annunzio (middle school math teacher) continued to administer the balance of the math placement test. There is nothing to prepare for or study for before this test. After the tests, she will take the tests to grade. Please continue practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication and division in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - Quiz 1 & 2, if not finished in class (We started our new unit on Earth and Space today with reading 2 lessons. Here are some questions:  Why do stars appear to be moving in the sky?... The stars appear to be moving because the Earth is spinning.  Name two ways the Earth moves?... Earth revolves around the sun and rotates on its axis.  How many hours does it take for Earth to make a complete rotation?... It takes 24 hours to make a complete rotation.   What is the North Pole?... The North Pole is the northern end of Earth's axis. )
 
Social Studies - Packets and Books for Escape by Night, Chapters 13 - 16, if not finished, in class today, DUE BY FRIDAY, - President packets due by tomorrow, if not finished in class, and D.O.G. is due by Friday. (Today, we learned about President Eisenhower, President Kennedy, and President Johnson. Ask your child to tell you one fact about each President.)
 

Coming up, so plan accordingly: May 18th - 22nd

  • Monday, May 18: Comfy Clothes/PJ day

  • Tuesday, May 19: Sports/Jersey Day

  • Wednesday, May 20: Wacky Wednesday

  • Thursday, May 21: Career Day

  • Friday, May 22: SPIRIT DAY DRESS DOWN

 

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 Google Meet. 

Looking Ahead

  • We have another Field Trip on May 20th to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info on chaperoning by our room parents. I am so excited about these enrichment opportunities. 
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, May 13, 2026 Homework

Spring iReady Math testing started Monday and Tuesday, and will continue on Friday. Please ensure each child gets a good night's sleep, eats breakfast, has a fully charged Chromebook, and headphones. I will not allow plugging in to charge at school. 

Mrs. Annunzio (middle school math teacher) will administer the math placement test on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14. The students will do 16 problems each day, and there is nothing to prepare for or study before the test. After the tests, she will take the tests to grade.

Field trip forms for our next field trip went home last week. They are due back by May 13th with $20 in cash or a check made out to St. Joseph Catholic School. Thank you.
 
Math - None (Today, Mrs. Annunzio (middle school math teacher) administered the math placement test. They did 16 problems today, and will do another 16 tomorrow. There is nothing to prepare for or study for before this test. After the tests, she will take the tests to grade. Please continue practicing multiplication flashcards at home, as we will do a lot of multiplication and division in the next few weeks.)
 
Science - Bubis only - (We started our new unit on Earth and Space today with reading 2 lessons. Here are some questions:  Why do stars appear to be moving in the sky?... The stars appear to be moving because the Earth is spinning.  Name two ways the Earth moves?... Earth revolves around the sun and rotates on its axis.  How many hours does it take for Earth to make a complete rotation?... It takes 24 hours to make a complete rotation.   What is the North Pole?... The North Pole is the northern end of Earth's axis. )
 
Social Studies - Packets and Books for Escape by Night, Chapters 13 - 16, if not finished, in class today, DUE BY FRIDAY, - President packets due by tomorrow, if not finished in class, and D.O.G. is due by Friday. (Today, we learned about President Hoover, President F.D. Roosevelt, President Truman, President T. Roosevelt and Presidential Pets in the White House. Ask your child to tell you one fact about each President.) 
 

Coming up, so plan accordingly: May 18th - 22nd

  • Monday, May 18: Comfy Clothes/PJ day

  • Tuesday, May 19: Sports/Jersey Day

  • Wednesday, May 20: Wacky Wednesday

  • Thursday, May 21: Career Day

  • Friday, May 22: SPIRIT DAY DRESS DOWN

 

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 Google Meet. 

Looking Ahead

  • We have another Field Trip on May 20th to the Civil War Museum in Kenosha. More info on chaperoning by our room parents. I am so excited about these enrichment opportunities. 
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!