Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary School, Cape Coral

Welcome to Fifth Grade!

Fifth-grade is an exciting year for students at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School! Our primary mission is to prepare our students for the challenges of middle school by integrating Florida Sunshine State Standards with Core Knowledge principles in all subject areas. Core Knowledge is a research-based curriculum that consists of sequential content from grade to grade and is designed to provide children with a coherent foundation in language arts, mathematics, history, geography, science, and fine arts. Technology is also integrated into all subject areas. We also strive to create a positive and safe learning environment where all students feel comfortable and become self-motivated learners.

Language arts consists of: (a) writing and research; (b) grammar and usage; (c) vocabulary; (d) poetry; (e) fiction and drama; (f) speeches; and (g) sayings and phrases. Students read a variety of genres in basal texts and trade books. Some of the Newberry Award winning books the students read include The Secret Garden, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, Maniac Magee, and Bud, Not Buddy. Core Knowledge literature includes classic writings, such as Little Women, Tales of Sherlock Holmes, and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. All students are also placed into small guided-reading groups based on their reading levels.

Fifth-grade mathematics consists of the following: (a) numbers and number sense; (b) ratios and percents; (c) fractions and decimals (d) computation; (e) measurement; (f) geometry; (g) probability and statistics; and (h) pre-algebra.

A large component of the Core Knowledge history curriculum focuses on the Renaissance Era. The students also participate in a Renaissance Fair held annually at the school. Civics and government, American history, and geography are also premier areas of focus.

Our science curriculum is centered on the scientific method, processes of life, ecosystems, matter and energy, space, and simple machines. Students prepare scientific reports and participate in the school's annual science fair. At the end of the school year, the kids also go to the Kennedy Space Center.

Finally, the students explore the fine arts, such as Renaissance Architecture, Japanese art, and music. Fifth-grade students at Christa McAuliffe are exposed to a myriad of academic and real-life applications that distinguish them from their peers with traditional learning experiences!

MEET OUR TEACHERS

Anisah Conway		Room No: 215
Arlene Velez		Room No: 216
Susi Kelly		Room No: 213
Joy Bonnaig		Room No: 214


Ms. Anisah Conway		Hi, my name is Anisah Conway. This is my first year at Christa McAuliffe Elementary. I earned my Bachelor's in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. (Go Bulls!) Originally from New York City, I moved to Florida in 1998 and became a resident in Lee County this past summer. One of my favorite things to do is play piano and try out new recipes at home, as well as spending time with family and friends. My husband and I also enjoy activities like biking and kayaking. I enjoy working with the intermediate grades and am so excited to be a part of this wonderful school! www.mrsconway.webs.com

Ms. Arlene Velez		Teaching is an art that demands one to be committed to helping young minds achieve their ultimate success. For this reason I have dedicated myself to the students that enter my classroom each year making my best attempts to have each child feel proud of all that they are capable of achieving when they are encouraged to learn. Over the years I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in the public schools of New York City, Naples and currently in Cape Coral. Each year I look forward to new learning experiences along with my students as well as hearing about the wonderful progress that my former students continue to make. I hold a bachelors degree in English and Elementary Education, a Masters in Computer Technology and am currently working on achieving my doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Ms. Susi Kelly		Hi, I am Susi Kelly and am currently teaching 5th grade at Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary School. This is my first year teaching 5th grade here and I am thrilled with the wonderful environment in this school. I can't imagine teaching any place else. I am a certified teacher in both Florida and New York and have my ESOL endorsement. I am working toward my National Boards Certification at this time. I attained my Masters in Elementary Education from Hunter College in NYC. I have previously taught 5th grade for 4 years; 2 years in the South Bronx and 2 years here in Lee County. Prior to that I substitute taught K-12 in Orange County, NY. I also have 10 years experience in a day care setting caring for infants, toddlers and youngsters. It is great to teach in a great school and this school is the greatest! www.mssusikelly.com

Mrs. Joy Bonnaig		Hi, my name is Mrs. Bonnaig and this is my ninth year in the classroom. I am a first generation immigrant from Guyana, South America, and I grew up in Brooklyn, NY. I am a graduate of Brooklyn College with a Bachelor in Elementary Education. I taught 4th grade for a year in New York City and 1st, 2nd and 4th grades in Golden Gate (Naples) before I came to work for the City Charter Schools. I also taught English to adults through the Lee County Adult Education Program. I was one of the teachers that opened Oasis Elementary and moved to help open Christa McAuliffe. I currently possess my National Board Certification in Early Childhood and I am certified by the state of Florida for grades K-6. I am an ESOL endorsed teacher and am currently attending Florida Gulf Coast University to pursue my Masters in Educational Leadership. I have an amazing passion for teaching reading to anyone that wants to learn. Being a part of the Christa McAuliffe family is wonderful and I look forward to another great year! www.jbonnaig.webs.com

Mrs. Jennifer Bowman Teachers Assistant		My name is Jennifer Bowman and my family and I have been involved with Christa McAuliffe Elementary since the day it opened it's doors. I have two little ones at home, two children that attend CME, a daughter at Oasis Middle and my husband, Jason, is a teacher at Oasis High School. I am currently the 5th Grade Aid and the PTO President. I co-teach the Young Astronuat's Club and co-coach Odyssey of the Mind. I attended Indiana University where I studied Elementary Education and Art. I worked as a Pre-K teacher and Program Director in Michigan for 6 years before moving to Florida. I am so excited to be employeed with Christa McAuliffe Elementary and spend my days with the family that we've become.