5th Grade

Social Studies 5

The fifth graders' first semester study of history is designed around the overarching question: How can we, as historians, uncover and share authentic, inclusive, and engaging stories about our community? The context of this inquiry based learning project is teacher structured, while the project outcomes are largely student driven. During the second semester, fifth graders will investigate global geography in the context of cartography from past to present, guided by the key question, How does the perspective of the mapmaker influence the story a map tells? Extending this inquiry to current topical data driven maps, charts, and graphs, students will also ask, What important questions should one consider in order to make an informed decision about the authenticity and accuracy of information? Researching social and environmental issues of personal interest, students will analyze and synthesize their learning in a presentation designed in a visual and oral mode of their choice. Current political and physical geography, geographic terms, and the global coordinate system are integral to students’ second semester study of cartography.
Drama 5

In this semester course, students will rehearse and create an online and/or hybrid performance, exploring Shakespeare’s play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students will choose scenes to perform, learn about Shakespeare, his world and his language, learn about acting and create an ensemble through theatre games and acting exercises. Scenes will be videotaped and recorded for an online audience.
English 5

Novels, short stories, poetry, nonfiction, and 'can't-put-it-down' student-choice reading inspire all genres of writing and research in 5th grade English. Published and student-crafted fiction, nonfiction, and poetry inform the writing process throughout the year. In conjunction with their first semester Drama production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 5th graders begin the school year with a short study of Shakespeare, followed by The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, a springboard for reading, writing, and animal welfare research. During the second semester, historical fiction, primary and secondary sources, and multimedia documentary resources guide students’ learning about social justice concerns in the United States. Ongoing personal-choice reading and writing support students' stamina and literacy skills, contributing to the development of discerning, engaged lifelong readers, writers, and learners.
Fine Arts 5
Intro Latin 5
Intro Spanish 5
Math 5

Tandem Friends School’s fifth grade mathematics curriculum includes the number theory, rational numbers, geometry, statistics, and an introduction to irrational numbers and basic algebraic concepts, as appropriate. Students develop a deepening understanding of mathematics through structured and spontaneous exploration of relationships among various mathematical concepts. The integrated math and science curriculum provides opportunities for observation, collection, representation, and analysis of data. Students read, write, draw, and interact using mathematical language and tools. The classroom structure meets students’ learning needs by means of whole, small group, and individual instruction, implementation of a workshop and mini-lesson format, and project-based learning.
Music 5
Physical Education 5

This full year course focuses on a holistic approach to enhancing physical, social, and emotional well being through sport, play, and health education. Through physical education, students are introduced to a wide range of activities at varying aerobic levels. It is the goal of the department to alternate between activities of greater and lesser aerobic intensity as well as team and individual efforts throughout the year. The instruction of traditional sports is paired with the seasonal offering of these same activities by the athletic department. This serves to both enhance confidence and encourage participation in athletics.
Science 5

Students in fifth grade science explore ecosystems and the needs and relationships among humans and the natural environment. Living as scientists, students observe, inquire, read, write, research, estimate, compute, and use scientific tools to explore relevant environmental and social topics. The science program encourages collaborative discussion, thoughtful analysis, and action response to problem solving. The fifth grade science curriculum supports the testimonies and Quaker mission of Tandem Friends School.

List of 21 members.

Nathaniel Adkins

Washington and Lee University - B.S.

2019
Sonia Brandon

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Spanish, French

Mississippi State University, - M.A., Foreign Languages
Mississippi State University, - B.S.

2019
Tim Brannelly

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Latin, Tutor - Learning Resource Center

University of Virginia - Ph.D.
University of Virginia - M.A.
Cornell University - B.A.

2019
Susan Brodie

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Visual Arts

Colby College - BA
University of Kentucky - MA

2018
Claire Buisseret

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - French

University of Virginia - ELL endorsement
Northwestern University - MS -- Education
Loyola University of Chicago - BA
Loyola University of Chicago - School Administration certificate

2014
Jocelyn Camarata

Tandem Friends School

Dean of Student Life; Upper School Faculty - Science

434-296-1303

Hobart and William Smith Colleges - BS
Lesley University - MEd

2006
Trefor Davies

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Math

Oberlin College - BA
Teachers College, Columbia University - MA

2017
Jason Farr

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - History; Coach - V Cross Country & Track

University of Tennessee - BA
Western Carolina University - MAEd
College of Charleston - MA
University of Virginia - MA (ABD)

2011
Peter Gaines

Tandem Friends School

Assistant Head of School for Mission & Values, Director of Major Giving

434-951-9306

Colby College - BA
Warren Wilson College - MFA

2016
Sarah Gillespie

Middlebury College - M.A.
James Madison University - B.A.

2019
Mark Goldstein

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Music

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Cornell University - BA

2014
Perry Medlin

Elon University - BFA

2016
Maria Morrell

434-296-1303 x352

Middlebury College - BA
Tulane University - MA
Tulane University - PhD

2003
Alex Siragy

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Science; Coach - Science Olympiad

University of Virginia - BS
Johns Hopkins University - MA

2016
Melissa Winder

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - History; Coach - MS Cross Country

Texas A&M University - BA/Teacher Certification

2014
Tucker Winter

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - English

434-296-1303

University of Virginia - BA
University of Michigan - MA

2010
Sampson Dale

Tandem Friends School

Middle School Faculty - PE Teacher, PE Mentor; Coach, Varsity Boys Basketball

West Virginia University - Masters
Green Mountain College - Bachelor of Arts

2019
Gordon Fields

Tandem Friends School

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, Belonging (DEIJB)

Winston-Salem State University

2001
Sarah Mensah

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Math

Carnegie Mellon University - B.A.

2020
Casey Reed

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - Science; Coach - Ultimate Frisbee; Assistant Coach - MS Cross Country

Teachers College of Columbia University - M.A.
Swarthmore College - B.A.

2021
Robert Schuster

Tandem Friends School

Upper School Faculty - English

George Mason University - M.F.A.
Oberlin College - B.A.

2020