St. Dominic Elementary School

With the 4th grade standardized math, language arts and science tests behind them, 5th graders have one more exam to take in social studies. They spend the beginning of the year at Saint Dominic Elementary School preparing for the essay-based exam, which is given in November.

Language arts and math classes for 4th and 5th grade are taught by the same teachers, who change classrooms for these periods. Language arts in 5th grade in many ways provides an intensive review of 4th grade principles, which cements students’ mastery of sentence structure and creative writing. Stu­dents hone their knowledge of the types of sentences (declarative, exclamatory, and interrogative) and essay writing (personal narratives, persuasive essays, descriptive essays and expository essays). In math, students learn how to multiply and divide decimals, measure accurately, make estimations and understand geometric properties and algebraic equations.

Once students take their state-wide exam, social studies class examines early American history, natural resources and geography, focusing on western hemisphere countries. In science, students learn about bio­logical adaptation, bacteria and molds, conservation, use and control of electricity and space exploration.

Religious studies concentrates on understanding the mission and identity of Jesus, the Blessed Trinity, Jesus’ titles and their meanings, the Gospels and parables, scripture, church doctrine and the Saints.