Our Lady of Humility School, Our Lady of Humility Parish, Zion/Beach Park, Illinois

Fifth graders start the year by taking a one day trip to Camp Duncan! The trip is designed to encourage students to work together and understand they are interdependent both in school and in life. These "early middle schoolers" learn the benefits of being organized and properly utilizing an assignment notebook. Time management skills are increasingly important as assignments can become more long term.

In reading, a balance between short stories and novels help the students feel more independent. An emphasis is placed on understanding the different literary genres as well as character development and plot. The year's study culminates in each student demonstrating their understanding of plot and their increasingly strong writing skills through authoring an original book. The books are "published" by an area printer who binds them for an end of the year project.

In religion, a study of the ten commandments helps students to understand our relationship with God and the relationship between freedom and responsibility. A study of the sacraments helps students to see God's presence at each step of our lives. A highlight of the year is the Christmas trip to an area assisted living facility where students sing traditional songs with the residents. This first trip into service of others helps students understand they not only must know our faith, but must put it into practice.

Mathematically, students must now demonstrate their mastery of multiplication facts through application to decimals, fractions, percents as well as the rudiments of geometry. Students are divided into two classes for math to allow for greater teacher to student interaction.

In social studies, students study the time period of the exploration of the New World to the American Revolution.

In science, an exploration of the scientific process skills of observation and critical thinking are emphasized. Students become "local experts" in the areas of nutrition, the solar system, weather, physics, ecology and data collection. A highlight of the year occurs when students design, create and present for the first time at the Our Lady of Humility Science Fair.

Beginning in fifth grade, students may choose to participate in interscholastic athletics sponsored through the Catholic Schools League. For more information, click on the "Athletics" tab on the home page of the school's website.