Welcome! This is such an exciting time for all of us.

What 5 th students say about Sakai Welcoming/Helpful/Nice people They get to make new friends and reconnect with old friends. Science and salmon release are exciting. They love intramurals, and of course recess. Library and computer room are awesome. Specialists are awesome ~ you get tea in art! The lunches are so much better and you might get invited to Sakai Spirit Lunch.

Here’s What we do to Prepare Students Parent Night Classroom visits to 4 th grade classes by Sakai Counselor Transition meeting between Sakai and Elementary Teachers and Counselors. 4 th grade Students Tour Sakai in late May. 4 th Grade and 5 th grade teachers work hard to develop good habits of organization.

10-11 Year Old Key Developmental Tasks To Navigate Friendships: Friendships are important and dynamic: Girls can be possessive, boys tend to play in larger groups. To begin to master more emotional maturity. We recognize the uniqueness of this “tweener” phase. To balance a desire for more independence with the yearnings to stay carefree forever. They still need the comfort of parent involvement and supervision.

What we know about 5 th graders They have increased problem solving skills. They care about what the adults think and want to do their best. They’re able to learn new organizational strategies – yet still need support mastering these skills. Yes, you will need to check their planner

Positive expectations facilitate a smooth transition Share your enthusiasm about the transition and your confidence in them. Remind them of their readiness and the skills they have already mastered. As they tackle new responsibilities, stay focused on their strengths ~ encourage & celebrate the small steps of progress.

Summary They are ready to make new friends and adapt to new expectations. Their confidence is high because they are ready. Your confidence in their resourcefulness as they adapt to a new school will be a key component of their 5 th grade experience. Let us know if you have questions/concerns ~ we want students to thrive at Sakai.

Sakai Facts Academic Success + Building Social and Emotional Intelligences 5 th Grade Team Teaching Specialists everyday o Band is a year long commitment Lunch + recess: divided into three overlapping 40 minute periods Bus: morning drop off at Sakai, afternoon pickup at WMS COHO Time (Weekly) Positive Behavior Expectations – and consequences Math Pathway Night March 18 – 7 p.m.