Welcome Back Eagle Parents and Scholars,
SO GLAD YOU'RE HERE !!!
Are You keeping your Eyes on the Prize ???
As you may know my name is J. Gilmore, I am elated to annouce that I will be the English Language Arts teacher for grades 5th and 6th for the 2025-2026 school year. I am so excited to join you in this journey of learning and growing... ELA is my absolute favorite subject and we have will have a great time in Teaching and Learning this year.
Project- Based Learning
In our classroom, we use Project-Based Learning (PBL) to help students think deeply, make meaningful connections, and apply their skills to real-world tasks. Each project is designed to strengthen reading comprehension, writing, creativity, and critical thinking. Because these projects build on one another, it is important that students complete each assignment fully and on time so they can grow with the class. Students are also expected to choose new books for each project rather than repeating titles they have already used. This ensures they are continually expanding their reading experiences, exploring fresh ideas, and challenging themselves as learners. Together, these expectations help students take ownership of their work and get the greatest benefit from Project-Based Learning.
Week at a Glance...
This week in ELA 5th Grade
We have Officially started Module 2: Word Play In Wit and Wisdom Module 2: Word Play, 5th grade students will continue to explore how authors use language in creative and powerful ways to express ideas, emotions, and humor. Through engaging texts like The Phantom Tollbooth and a variety of poems and informational pieces, students will learn how words can shape meaning, entertain, and inspire. They will analyze figurative language, word choice, and the structure of writing while building their vocabulary and comprehension skills. By the end of the module, students will have a deeper appreciation for the beauty and playfulness of words and how language can influence the way we see the world.
This week in ELA 6th Grade
Module 2 of Wit & Wisdom, sixth-grade students and families! In this module, titled “A Hero’s Journey,” students will continue to dive into the world of mythology exploring what makes a person a hero and how heroes grow through challenges. Through the powerful texts Ramayana;Divine Loophole and The Odyssey, students have been learning how myths from different cultures tell stories of bravery, transformation, and purpose. As we read, discuss, and write about these journeys, students will build their vocabulary, deepen reading comprehension, and strengthen their ability to think critically. We will continue to explore timeless myths and discover the qualities that make a true hero!
Upcoming Tests and Projects
11/18/25 6th Grade Chapter Entry Draft
12/15/25 Book Buffet Project Due
12/15/25 6th Grade Final Draft - A Hero's Journey Due
12/16/25 5th and 6th Grade ELA Benchmark Exams
School and Class Events:
Class Materials
Marble Composition Notebook (Response Journal)
Workbook
Red ELA Folder
Planner
Pencils (NO PENS)
Accountability and Responsibility
As 5th and 6th grade students, this is an important time for children to develop accountability and responsibility, especially as they prepare for the expectations of middle school. In our class, all projects and assignments are explained thoroughly, and it is the student’s responsibility to communicate this information to their parents or guardians. I will not be contacting parents individually to restate project instructions that have already been taught in class. It is essential that we work together to hold students accountable, help them take ownership of their learning, and encourage them to become more responsible and independent. Building these habits now will support their long-term academic success.
Teacher Contact Chain of Command:
I have sent home numorous documents in reference to the district's chain of command policy.. No parent should be contacting any other teachers, parents or adminstrators about minor questions and concerns about ELA or any other5th or 6th grade course.
The chain of Command follows:
- Contact Classroom teacher (Teacher has 48 busisness hours to respond)
- If your matter was not handled you contact the school assistant principal Mindy Lester
- If you are not satisfied with the outcome or fear saftey for your child you then contact the principal Mrs. Hughes
- If you still feel your matter has not been addressed then you may contact the schoolboard.
There has been a number of parents totally disreguarding the district's chain of command and policy for minor questions and concerns... As a reminder no one outside of your child's classroom can give you a better insight or answer to questions and concerns than the teachers who are servicing your child.
Attendance:
Attendance is NOT a grade students are expected to complete all task assigned to them !
Grades:
Grades will be submitted Weekly to ensure students are keeping up with their grades and making up missed or assignments with low percentages !!!
Students take home yellow folders every Wednesday and they are expected to return them on Thurday mornings. Please return folders with any questions you may have Thursday.. Also, please stay up to date with grades online if you have access to the portal, please review grades with your scholar. It is imperative students turn in any every assignment assigned to them. If you need any assistance with these matters please contact me via email at [email protected]
Yellow Cam Communication Folders
Check yellow Cam folders for communication,Test papers and CAM Point sheets. Please return them signed by Thurday morning. Students will lose a Cam point every day the folder has not been returned.
The second 9 weeks of school for students is almost over 12/19/25; Please understand your child recieves points daily for class participation, completing homework assignments, being prepared, respecting school and classroom rules, and turning in assignments on time..
John L. Ory is a project based school all students in both 5th and 6th grade are required to complete projects assigned following instructions and rubric given...
We are making magic here in ELA !!!
Parents, you should be so proud of the scholars!