October Kickoff and Classroom Highlights

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Happy first week of October

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Hello Marygrove families, and welcome back to another episode of Husky Highlights! This podcast shares Husky Highlights for both fourth and fifth grade. Our dedicated team includes Dr. Walker, Ms. Yates, Ms. Walker, Ms. G, and me, Mrs. Nicholson. It is the very first full week of October, and we are excited for all of the learning, laughter, and growth that this month will bring. This month, our cultural focus is on Building Integrity, Community, and Consistency within our school. As we settle into the school year, October is the perfect time to revisit expectations, strengthen relationships, and celebrate positive behavior to keep our school culture strong.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now for School updates: Parent-teacher conference links are being sent this week, so please be on the lookout. Conferences will take place on Wednesday, October fifteenth.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

This Friday, our fourth and fifth graders will be heading to the Cider Mill for our first fall field trip of the year. If your scholar will need a school-provided lunch, please notify your scholar’s teacher as soon as possible.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

If your child is not attending the field trip, we encourage you to keep them at home for the day, as the entire fourth- and fifth-grade team will be participating. Also, our teams are conducting home visits this month. Check with your scholar’s teacher for more information on how we can “Boo” your scholar. This is a fun way to connect and build positive relationships between school and home

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now for fourth-grade highlights. In mathematics, our fourth-grade scholars are wrapping up Module One this week, working through Lessons seventeen through nineteen. The End of Module Assessment will take place on Wednesday, October eighth.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

On Zearn, most scholars completed three lessons last week. A few are still between zero and two lessons, so please take a moment to check your child’s progress. Zearn completion does affect their overall grade, and scholars can use the weekend to catch up.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In science, scholars are studying Energy Conversion with a focus on vocabulary such as convert, forms of energy, function, system, transfer, electrical energy, criteria, and converter. We also have a special event this week: the DTE presentation on Thursday, October ninth.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In reading, fourth graders are transitioning into Unit Two. Scholars will continue exploring what inspires writers to create poetry. We will finish reading Love That Dog and learn what motivates the main character, Jack, to write. Scholars will also practice informative writing by explaining their ideas.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In social studies, our guiding question is: How can I build my social-emotional learning skills to empower myself and others? Our supporting question is: How can we accept and love who we are, as we are?

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Now for Fifth Grade Highlights

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In mathematics, scholars are focusing on multi-digit whole-number multiplication using the standard algorithm. Homework this week covers Module Two, Lessons one, two, three, six, and seven—just the odd-numbered problems. The Topic A quiz will take place on Tuesday.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In science, our scholars are beginning Chapter Two: Why is the sun up sometimes, but not other times? Science Fair sub-questions are due Monday, October sixth, and the first draft of the research paper is due Tuesday, October fourteenth.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In reading, fifth grade has also transitioned into Unit Two as we continue exploring Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. This story continues to inspire deep conversations about courage, culture, and human rights. Please remind your scholars to read for twenty minutes each night and log their reading minutes.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

In social studies, scholars are studying Native American culture and the traditions of the indigenous people. Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 is on Monday, October 13, 2025, and it is a holiday to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and their inherent sovereignty

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

A few important reminders as we move into the month of October: Parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday, October fifteenth. Field trip to the Cider Mill this Friday. Continue checking Zearn progress weekly. Science Fair deadlines are quickly approaching for both grades. We are proud of our scholars for their effort and enthusiasm as we enter this new month of learning.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

A huge thank you to all of the families who continue to support our classroom events and learning activities. Your involvement makes such a difference!

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

We appreciate your partnership in every part of your scholar’s journey. Whether you volunteer, send supplies, help with homework, or encourage reading at home, you are building the bridge that connects home and school.

Candice Nicholson (Jackson)

Thank you for listening to this week’s Husky Highlight. Please make sure your scholars arrive on time and ready to learn Monday morning at eight-thirty, or at eight-fifteen if they are joining us for breakfast.