Upper Elementary
Fourth Grade
In Florida Studies, the fourth grade continues to cover the early settlements of Florida. This month, we begin our partnership with the Palm Beach Preservation Foundation. Representatives will be visiting once a month to do a variety of historical lessons with the students. We have a scheduled field trip to Yesteryear Village, which will be hosting our Little Red Schoolhouse experience this year on November 19. Students will spend the day historically immersed as they see what it would be like to attend school as a Florida pioneer student.
In preparation for the field trip:
In grade-level Language Arts, we will begin Module 3, Rise to the Occasion. Our essential question will focus on: What does it take to meet a challenge? Students will explore a variety of texts about characters who are faced with challenges and how they find the strength to prevail. In writing, we will write an opinion piece in which students will focus on a time when they worked with a family member to solve a problem. Biography in a Bag book reports on Who Was/Who Is will be due in December—information will be sent home.
In accelerated Language Arts, students continue to work on Harris Burdick mystery writing and continue to read Wonder.
In grade-level Math, as we head into November, the fourth grade will be implementing flexible, small math activity groups that target specific skills.
In accelerated Math, students will be learning multi-digit multiplication of whole and decimal numbers. As we begin the second quarter, students will be in their second placement of the activities wheel.
Lastly, on Friday, November 21, fourth graders will attend the Beach Outing. Students should arrive at school in their beach apparel with appropriate cover-ups and shoes (flip-flops are fine). We will leave shortly after assembly to go to Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter. Please have your child pack sunscreen, a towel, a water bottle, a hat, and a change of clothes. A cookout lunch will be provided; however, students are welcome to bring their lunches. We will arrive back at PBDA in time for regular dismissal.
Fifth Grade
Forgotten Soldiers Update
Thank you for supporting our partnership with Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. The Walk-a-Thon was a great success and a fun event for the students. Special thanks to Jennie Adams, Shannon Guise, Jennifer Lazzara, and Andrea Pertnoy for providing refreshments and water, and to our wonderful parents participating in the walk and cheering on the students.
Please send in donations by November 13. Cash or checks (made payable to Palm Beach Day Academy) may be dropped off to Mrs. Thompson in Room 108. All funds will go directly to our Forgotten Soldiers project, which includes an on-site packing event, letter writing, and purchasing items for care packages. For questions, contact Katy Thompson at kthompson@pbday.org.
5th Grade Book Club
We’re excited to share that a student-initiated book club will be meeting on Mondays during lunch! Participation is optional, and students are welcome to bring their lunches and join in for conversation and a love of reading. Our first book selection is The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley — a powerful and inspiring story about resilience, courage, and hope. If students would like to participate, they need to purchase the book and bring it to school for our first meeting on Monday, November 3.
Thanksgiving Project
Palm Beach Day Academy is participating in our annual Thanksgiving project to provide food for the families of Glades Academy. 5th graders are asked to bring in six 15-ounce cans of sweet corn. They will receive 30 minutes of outreach for their contributions. Scroll down to the Bulldog Outreach section below for more information.
Winter Book Swap
From Monday, November 17, until winter break, students will read books in the reading classes. The four reading teachers will choose a different book, and the students will have the opportunity to select which they would like to read. The titles will be announced during a class meeting on November 5, and selections will be made then. Mrs. Chane, Mrs. Husken, Mrs. Milhoan, or Mrs. Thompson will notify you once your child has chosen a book and provide any necessary purchasing details.
History News
Students are currently studying Native American cultural regions. As a culminating activity, they will create a diorama representing one region. Students will need to bring in a shoebox by Tuesday, November 4. They may also bring additional supplies if they’d like. This is an in-class project, and no work will be required at home.
Science News
Fifth-grade students are continuing to learn Properties of Matter in science. As Fall approaches, we are preparing to get into our newly completed garden on the East Field, and last week, students learned about climate zones and the 7 steps of successfully growing a garden in South Florida. This week, we will finalize what each period will be growing in their garden beds. In Aerospace Science, we are learning takeoffs, climbs and turns to magnetic headings.
Beach Outing
On Friday, November 21, 5th graders will attend the Beach Outing. Students should arrive at school in their beach apparel with appropriate cover-ups and shoes (flip-flops are fine). We will leave shortly after assembly to go to Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter. Please have your child pack sunscreen, a towel, a water bottle, a hat, and a change of clothes. A cookout lunch will be provided; however, students are welcome to bring their lunches. We will arrive back at PBDA in time for regular dismissal.
Bulldog Outreach
Students can earn Bulldog Outreach hours through the below upcoming projects. Fourth Graders must complete 2 hours of service. Fifth Graders must complete 3 hours of service. Grades 4 & 5 SLC Members must complete 5 hours of service. Click here for the Bulldog Outreach Form.
Thanksgiving Project: Monday, November 3 - Monday, November 10
Help us create a memorable Thanksgiving for the families of Glades Academy by participating in PBDA’s Thanksgiving food drive! Together, we can spread joy and make a positive impact this holiday season. Click here to see what your student is assigned to collect by grade level.
Veterans Day Letter Writing: Wednesday, November 5 & Thursday, November 6
Create a letter of gratitude for those serving our country by visiting the library from 7:30- 7:55 AM.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Saturday, November 22
Join the eighth-grade class for its annual outreach project — the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Dreher Park. Let’s walk together to raise awareness and support for a great cause. Click here to join our team!
NJHS Peer Tutoring
NJHS We inducted 30 members into the National Junior Honor Society who are eager to continue a legacy of volunteering on and off campus! One of the first opportunities is through our Peer Tutoring program. If you have an Upper Campus student in need of peer support to get organized or model homework study habits, please fill out a Tutoring Request form.
Key Events
PSC Townhall Meeting: Tuesday, November 4
All PBDA parents are invited to join us for our first PSC meeting of the year hosted on the Flagler Campus. Hear updates from members of the PSC Executive Committee and the school's Administrative team. Coffee and light breakfast bites will be provided starting at 8AM. Meeting will begin at 8:30AM.
Yearbook Photo Make-Up Day: Friday, November 7
Students in Grades 1-8 should plan to wear their formal uniform.
Early Dismissal for Professional Development: Friday, November 7
Dismissal will take place from 12:30-1:00. Students will eat lunch prior to dismissal.
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Friday, November 14
Please join us for a meaningful discussion about your child's progress this year during Parent-Teacher Conferences. Your child's classroom teacher or advisor will send you a link on to schedule your conference appointment. Please note that there is no classes on Conference Day.
- Fourth Grade: Parents of fourth-grade students will meet with their child’s homeroom teacher and fourth-grade students do not attend conferences.
- Fifth Grade: For students in fifth through eighth grade, the Student-Advisor-Parent Conferences are an opportunity for students to take an active role in discussing their progress. With guidance from their advisor, students will lead the conversation during the conference. Therefore, it is essential that students attend the meeting.
Thanksgiving Break: Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28
Classes resume on December 1.
Golf & Racquet Classic: Wednesday, December 10
Join our Co-Chairs, Holly Cardinale and Robyn Tannenbaum, at The Breakers by registering now. Whether you shine on the court, excel on the course, or prefer a lively fitness class with friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And if playing isn’t your style, join us in the evening for a festive Cocktail Reception set against the stunning backdrop of the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden. Click here to register.
Spirit Shop Hours
Visit the Spirit Shop, located at the end of the Flagler Campus parking lot, on these upcoming dates:
- October 31: 10AM-12PM
- November 4: 9:30-10:30 AM
- November 21: 8-10AM
- December 12: 10AM-12PM