Welcome Back Fifth Graders!
Welcome to Mr. Wassif's Fifth Grade Page
My mission as a fifth grade teacher is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where students can learn and grow spiritually, mentally, and academically.
The 5th grade curriculum at Salem includes language arts, mathematics, social studies, political science, bible study, science, art, technology, Spanish, music, and physical education. We use McGraw Hill‘s Open Court curriculum as the core of our language arts program, and the Saxon program for mathematics. Students will learn United States history and will go in depth on the United States Constitution. We use We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution as our political science curriculum, as well as a Bible program that emphasizes on the New Testament. Our science program teaches population and ecosystems, space and the solar system, light, plants, sound, and energy, as well as work and machines. Students will have the opportunity to study many different subjects in the classroom, as well as participating in study outside of the classroom. As a class, we will visit the Getty museum, as well as NASA’s Jet Propulsion lab. We will spend a week growing spiritually at El Camino Pines, and will witness a revolutionary war reenactment at Riley’s Farm. Our class will do this and more throughout the school year. If you have any questions regarding programs or areas of study please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule an appointment. Further details and additional information will be sent home as the year progresses.
My goals for the year will promote independence and self-reliance in your children. 5th grade is a very transitional time academically and developmentally. Students will be prepared with the ability to organize, discuss, and defend their ideas constructively. Students will have classroom responsibilities that will require self-discipline on the part of the student. Each student will be required to perform tasks, without being reminded, in an effort to increase their self-regulation.
You can expect an open line of communication with me during the school year. I am available by voicemail at extension 220 should you have any questions or concerns that arise during the year. I am also available by email, as it is sometimes easier to communicate through email due to our sometimes hectic schedules.
I look forward to a wonderful school year!