First grade is an exciting year in elementary school where you will see your child grow at an incredible rate!  With reading we focus on learning how to decode words, fluency and comprehension. In math we gain fluency with addition and subtraction within twenty, place value and being able to identify and count all numbers to 120. Through writing, we learn to find our voice, while paying close attention to capitals and punctuation. In social studies we learn about maps, holiday traditions from around the world, community helpers and economics. In science we learn about the structure and function of living things, the patterns in the solar system and the physics of light and sound. Through religion we learn about what it means to follow God, how to be a part of our church community, how to participate in Mass and how to be a disciple of Jesus. First grade is also a time where we learn to respect our community members, talk about our feelings, and make things right when we make mistakes.

Second grade is an exciting year. This is a year in which our elementary school students become more independent and responsible for their learning. Through reading we focus on building fluency and reading for purpose and understanding. In math we strengthen our computation skills in both addition and subtraction, and learn to work with larger numbers. We get our first look at multiplication and learn how to read time. In writing students build voice and vocabulary in writing weekly paragraphs with correct sentence structure, grammar, and spelling.  Our community here in Milwaukie, Oregon present and past is a main focus in our social studies curriculum. Matter, habitat and structure and function or living and non living are focuses in science. We work through understanding the world around us through many STEM projects. Second grade is an exciting year for students as we work in partnership with the parish to prepare students to receive their First Reconciliation and First Communion. We also learn about what it means to be one of God’s children, how to be active participants in Mass, and how to serve others. We work hard at becoming independent learners that strive to make the right decision in all that we do. Our focus is to grow together spiritual, socially, emotionally, academically, and physically.

Welcome to the third grade! A place in elementary school where your child will learn responsibility and self-motivation.  Your child will improve reading fluency and comprehension and be immersed in numerous Reading and Literature activities. Writing is a significant focus, as well, including learning about and practicing the steps of the Writing Process.  Students will also learn multiplication and division, all about fractions and geometry, and develop problem solving skills. In Science, students learn about comparing plant and animal life cycles, weather patterns, the solar system, force and motion, states of matter and simple machines. In Social Studies, students learn to review the use of maps, globes and other reference tools.  They also learn about communities, different types of employment and citizenship.  Religion is important, too; your child will continue to foster his/her relationship with God and participate in numerous service projects. Your child will flourish in Third Grade!

Fourth grade is an exciting year for everyone here at SJB Elementary School in Milwaukie, Oregon.  Students grow both spiritually and academically every day.  Students pray daily, write prayers and blessings, read and write about scripture, lead and participate in Mass, and learn more about the Catholic Sacraments.

In language arts students read a variety of novels, short stories, and plays.  Both fiction and non-fiction genres are included.  They write across the curriculum and are learning to find evidence in what they read to support their ideas.  Students will learn grammar through an online program entitled No Red Ink, and hands-on activities.  They practice their vocabulary using Wordly Wise.

In math students start the year reviewing their multiplication and division facts.  They then learn multiple strategies to multiply and divide larger numbers, basic algebra is introduced, geometry and data/graphing concepts are expanded, and students also learn how to add/subtract fractions.  Students will also work on individualized math skills with the online program through Khan Academy.

In science students will cover topics related to life science, physical science, and earth science.  Students will participate in lab activities that provide visual and kinesthetic enrichment to the concepts that are covered.  We also emphasize accessing information through text, lecture, and online research.  Throughout the year, we strive to achieve a balance of hands-on activities while learning more about abstract concepts that describe the world we live in.  

In social studies students will focus on Oregon State History.  They will learn about the Native American tribes who live in Oregon, travel the Oregon Trail through a simulation, and participate in various other Oregon History activities and field trips.  Students will also learn about economics through the Junior Achievement program BizTown.

Technology is incorporated in most subjects throughout the year.  Students also enjoy classes in Spanish, Physical Education, Art, Music, and Library.  The students enjoy participating in weekly activities with their First Grade Buddies as well.

Fourth grade students continue to work on their study skills, organizational skills, and independent working habits throughout the year.  In addition, there are opportunities for small group work and partner work.

Fifth grade is an exciting year of growth for elementary school students at St. John the Baptist Catholic School.  Faith is an important part of a fifth grader’s daily life.  We pray daily, write prayers and blessings, reflect and write about scripture, lead and participate in Mass, and learn about the Catholic sacraments.

In language arts class, students read a variety of different novels–fiction and non-fiction–as well as short stories, poetry, and plays.  We annotate and summarize texts in addition to learning Metacognitive reading strategies.  Students write across the curriculum and support their ideas with specific examples from the text.  We learn grammar through an online program entitled No Red Ink.com, hands-on activities, and grammar presentations. The Vocabulary is taught in context vocabulary program is utilized.  Students apply new vocabulary and grammar concepts to their writing.  In addition, we complete multiple research projects, citing sources using MLA formatting, and we enjoy creating book trailers.   

In math class, we start out with a review of place value and multiplying/dividing large numbers.  Students then move into multiplying and dividing decimals, which leads into a large unit on fractions.  We also spend time exploring basic algebra concepts, geometry, and graphing/data.  Problem solving is incorporated throughout every mathematical strand.  Students also use Khan Academy and work on skills at their instructional level throughout the year.

Fifth grade science will cover topics related to life science, physical science, and earth science.  Students will participate in lab activities that provide visual and kinesthetic enrichment to the concepts that are covered.  We emphasize accessing information through text, lecture, and online research.  Throughout the year, we strive to achieve a balance of hands-on activities while learning more about abstract concepts that describe the world we live in.  

In social studies class, students study American History, beginning with the Native Americans and ending with the American Revolutionary War. We learn note-taking skills and participate in numerous activities and projects.  Students also use online study tools, such as Quizlet and Kahoot, to study for quizzes and tests.  

Technology is incorporated in most subject areas.  Lastly, fifth grade students enjoy elective classes, including Spanish, Physical Education, Art, Music, and Library, and we work on weekly activities and read with our second grade buddies.