Middle School 4th - 5th Overview

Academics
High academic standards stimulate students to develop abstract, logical, inquisitive and reflective thinking. The learning and application of research, study and organizational skills are integral aspects of the program. The 4th-5th students may participate in the district and area Academic Bowl.

After School Club
Mandatory study hall is from 3:30-4pm followed by games and socializing. Optional activities include Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Roots & Shoots and Blue Raven Juniors.

Athletics
Teams include baseball, basketball, softball, soccer and the Tulsa Run.

Campout
In the fall, 4th-5th students participate in a camping trip. They are introduced to teambuilding and cooperative learning and have the opportunity to develop relationships with the 6th-8th grade students and faculty.

Class Size
Small classes allow for personal attention and assessment of each student’s progress.

Community
A strong sense of community is encouraged with students having the opportunity to serve as role models for younger students through the Reading Buddies program. All 4th-5th students read weekly with Kindergarten-1st grade students as they develop friendships. The Roots & Shoots Club enables students to serve both Riverfield and the surrounding community with recycling and other community service programs. Riverfield is committed to educating students both in and out of the classroom.

Core Course Rotation
A significant difference in the 4th and 5th grade is that students rotate to their core courses. The rigorous curriculum is taught by specialists in all of the content areas. Teachers employ many teaching methods including real life applications and hands-on activities. Students in 4th and 5th grade receive grade cards, which is a new experience for most 4th graders and another adjustment to Middle School.

Homework
Homework requires 60-90 minutes per night on average. Reading and Everyday Mathematics continue to be a part of the nightly routine. Weekly assignments can include spelling/word study, Shurley English, vocabulary, math fact practice and foreign languages. Long-term assignments generally focus on social studies projects, book reports and science projects. Major assignments, projects and other information are emailed to parents weekly and posted on the school’s website.

Organizational Skills
Organizational skills are emphasized as students use a folder with sections for each subject area, notes to be taken home and papers to be returned to school. They write in a daily planner to keep track of assignments, projects and tests.

Social Activities
Social outing once per semester to a basketball game, roller skating, game night or a dance.