The goal of the Fifth Grade Committee is to make the last year at South Mountain School a special experience for all 5th graders. Many special events and activities are planned throughout the year, including the overnight camping trip. No child is left out. We hope to make this a great year for them and leave them with memories to cherish!

A special monthly newsletter is distributed to families of 5th graders. It contains information about 5th grade curriculum, special events and other activities including fundraising. It also contains wonderful samples of our 5th graders work plus contact information for the committee members. If you would like to add any information to this newsletter, please contact Maria Shapiro.

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Dear Parents of 5^th Graders:

It is already time to begin planning and fundraising for the Moving Up Events of next spring!

The activities planned are on the Volunteer Form below. Event descriptions are below the form.

The children will be working on several fundraisers this year to help pay for it all, and every 5th grader will be included in all activities.  The kids look forward to these events for years, and the yearbook and DVD will be treasured for years to come.  Please indicate where you can help by filling out the form below or email Marilyn Wright directly. Working together, we can send our 5^th graders off to Middle School in style!

We’re looking forward to an exciting year!

Maria Shapiro and Marilyn Wright

The 5th Grade Committee
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Friday Fun Nights on 10/14/11; 12/9/11; 1/27/12 and 3/16/12: Evenings of fun activities for 5th graders (Movie night, Karaoke, Game night, etc) that are great social events as well as fundraisers. Volunteers are needed to chaparone and/or donate bottled water.

Fall Festival Fundraiser: Chairperson will plan and run the 5th Grade Fundraiser at the South Mountian Fall Festival, to be held on Saturday, October 15th.  This includes organizing the 5^th graders who volunteer to work at the fundraiser.  Volunteers are needed to work at the fundraiser.

October/November Gift Wrap Sale: Chairperson will coordinate the order taking and distribution of gift wrap sales through Innisbrook. Volunteers are needed to help distribute packages first week of December.

International Festival: Volunteers are needed to prepare food from their families’ heritage.  Volunteers may also present/teach customs or traditions that are unique to their background.

Paparazzi: Chairperson will organize media throughout the year for the yearbook and DVD making sure all the students are represented.  Volunteers are needed to document the exciting year in photos and video!

Yearbook: Chairperson will plan, organize and create a 5th grade yearbook for the kids to treasure.  Receive input from the kids about what to include.   Volunteers are needed to help with layout and collecting photos and information.

DVD: Chairperson will create a DVD slideshow and video for the Moving Up Ceremony, and provide a copy to each 5th grade student and teacher.

T-Shirt: Chairperson will design a T-shirt with all the students’ names on it and provide one for each student and 5^th grade teacher.

Dance-a-thon: Fun fundraising in February.  Students take pledges for dancing.  Chairperson organizes music and other volunteers.  Volunteers are needed to chaparone, decorate and provide food.

Valentine Card Fundraiser: The 5th graders are taking this over from the PTA.  Children will design and create cards for South Mountain Staff on behalf of the entire school community.   Volunteers are needed to assist the kids with making the cards during indoor recess.

End of Year Party: Held in June, either a pool party or a day of outdoor games and fun.  Chairperson will gather students input on what type of party to hold.  They will plan food and activities.  Volunteers are needed to chaparone.

Safety Patrol Party: Lunch party in appreciation of the work the Safety Patrol does all year long.  Chairperson will work with Safety Patrol teacher advisor to plan party.  Volunteers are needed to set up and chaparone party.

Moving Up Ceremony and Reception: Our children say good-bye to South Mountain and look ahead to their bright futures!  Chairperson is responsible for coordinating with 5^th grade teachers, providing a guest speaker, programs, decorations and reception afterwards.  Volunteers are needed to assist chairperson with the above.