Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
I am so excited to spend
this year with your children exploring the topic of Health. Fifth graders are eager and curious to learn
new things, which make the fifth grade health curriculum fun for both the
students and me. Since this will be new
for your child, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and tell you a
little about what the curriculum entails for fifth graders.
This is my second year
teaching at St. Peter’s. I know some of
you from my previous job with the parish working with RCIA and baptism
preparation. Prior to staying home with
my children (who are now in 2nd and 3rd grade), I taught
for seven years in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. My degree is in English with a minor in
Theology, so while teaching Health has been new for me, it has been very
rewarding and enjoyable. I value that
the issues we cover are real-life concerns and the skills I teach are practical
to everyday living. I also try to
emphasize to the students that our “health” involves much more than just our
physical bodies. In fifth grade I always
open the year with a look at the ways our bodies, minds, and souls are
connected. I think this is a critical
starting point.
We will cover a variety of
topics this year including mental health, nutrition, drugs and alcohol, and
growth and reproduction. It is this last
topic that strikes fear in the hearts of parents, I knowJ. Please know
that as a parent, I understand your concerns, but I also know from enough years
of teaching that not only is this the “standard” age for this information, it
is developmentally appropriate and honestly, necessary at this age and
grade. I have taught reproduction and
sexuality as part of the religion curriculum every year I have been in a
classroom, and I feel passionately about teaching it within the context of our
relationship with God. The program we
use here is excellent. It will be the
last quarter before we cover this, and I will send home much more information
as we get closer. For now, PLEASE begin
to dialogue with your child about these issues if you have not done so
already. Research shows that the first
time we hear something it is more deeply embedded in our brains—YOUR voice
should be the first your child hears on this matter.
I will ask the students to
be especially mindful of health-related issues in the news. Students will be expected several times a
year to find current articles/stories and complete a summary, outline, essay or
other written analysis of what they read.
As you read the newspaper and magazines this year, please be aware of
that and possibly save articles of interest.
Topics that relate to our mental and spiritual health are welcome. Students will have quizzes, tests, homework,
and projects throughout the year. Please
check planners from time to time. I only
see each class for health twice a week, so there will often be time between
when something is assigned and when it is due.
Please feel free to contact
me if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year. You can check out our textbook web site at www.mmhhealth.com.
God Bless,
Tina Wendling
523-4899, ext. 216