5th Grade GT 2019-2020

Encino Park Elementary
5th Grade GT 2019-2020

During 5th grade GT, we studied many things during the year such as Hands on Equations, influential individuals, utopia, The Giver, and philosophers and philosophy.

While the first half of the year was normal, little did we know that after Spring Break we would not return due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our last day of in-class learning at Encino Park was Friday, March 6th. Never did I imagine that our lives would change so drastically because of COVID-19. Distance learning became the norm with online learning through Google Classroom and Seesaw. While it was less than ideal, I am thankful for the technology and especially our weekly Zoom meetings.

I created this book for you so that we could remember our fifth grade GT class, celebrate our learning, and reflect on our year. Even though we did not get to end the school year in the traditional way, I want you to know how proud I am of each of you. Our class is very special to me, whether you were in my class for 6 years or 1 year. Your laughter, jokes, smiles, and positive attitudes have been amazing and especially during the school closure. I know that great things await you at middle school next year and I am thankful to have watched you grow!

Please enjoy this book, remember the positive memories, and be thankful for the wonderful school year we had.

Love,
Mrs. Chandler

Brant

Philosophy Music:
"Mayberry" by Rascall Flats
It explains how there is so much stress and technology and pressure to get things done sometimes so it's nice to get away into nature and do something more simple.

Someone Once Said...
"Change your thoughts and you change your world."
-Norman Vincent Peal

I chose this quote because it tells how much just changing your mindset can make a difference for better or for worse. It puts into perspective how much of your happiness your in control of and although you can't control it completely you might not understand how much control of your happiness you are in.

We all make mistakes and sometimes were unforgiving but I think that we should not be quick to judge and give them a second chance.

Artistic
I love to make art. I love to be creative. I practice a lot and I love to improve. I like to make things other people can enjoy.

Camille

Someone Once Said...
"Stay Humble Hustle Hard"
- Coach Erine and Coach Heather

This was the theme of my gym last year. It was a quote my coach used to inspire and encourage us. To me, being kind is one of the most important things. Being humble is a way to be kind. It’s putting others first and yourself second. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be proud of what you can do, it just means not bragging about it.

The second part of the quote is about working hard and knowing what you are capable of doing so you have a reward. The reward is about recognizing hard work and inspiring others to do their best.

In gymnastics, I have to work hard to find out what more I can do as a gymnast. And, also, hustling hard shows how I grew stronger in the process. It requires getting up over and over again to do the same things over and over again to learn and get better. Once I go to a meet, I can encourage other gymnasts by showing them if I can do it, they can too.

You can’t give up on the sport. One day you will have to compete at the skill. You have to practice. It’s humbling to move from one skill to the other because you can’t magically just do a clear-hip handstand on the high bar. You have to hustle hard and practice to get better.

Our coach chose this because she wants us to get better and it is a life lesson. If you want to be successful, you have to hustle hard and stay humble.

That’s why I choose this as an inspiring quote. I can win an event or win at a meet, but unless I’m humble and I’ve hustled hard in the gym, the win alone doesn’t show who you are. My value comes from being kind and not from the medals and awards.

Philosophy Song:
"High Hopes"
by Panic at the Disco

I chose this song because it is an uplifting song that you can go to even if you are sad. The song means to never give up and also to stand out even if people don’t like it because others might love it. Well I want to stand out and do what others aren’t doing so I can show them they could also do it to. This also reflects on my What Do You Stand For. It says always have high hopes to be positive and this is like kindness to others so you and others can stay happy.

Personal Metaphor

If I were a shape, I would be a circle because I go with the flow. Like a circle, I never stop going because I’m determined to get somewhere. Also I don’t break, I get back up and keep going.

Jonah

Personal Metaphor
If I were a natural phenomenon I would be weather. Weather has sunny, happy times and I have happy times. Weather has rainy cold sad times and I have sad times. Weather is something that naturally occurs, like my personality. Sometimes we all hide feelings about something like how the clouds sometimes hide the sun.

Someone Once Said...
"Never wish life was easier, wish you were better."
- Evogise

I chose this quote because it relates to a lot of people in real life including me. It is also something that is true because you can’t make life easier but you can practice and train to become better. Pretty much what it’s saying is that you can’t change life but you can change yourself.

Kate

Personal Metaphor
If I were a food, I think I would be a bag of Skittles. When you reach into a bag of skittles, you never know what flavor you will pick. That’s kind of like approaching me at any time. You never know what mood I’m in, or what reaction you’ll receive. Also, Skittles are bright and colorful, and pack a punch of flavor in every bite. I like to think that my personality is bright and sunny, and I can be kind of a handful when I’m super passionate about something. Upon seeing a Skittle, it’s clearly defined by that bright white S emblazoned upon the front. I’d like to think that upon my 11 years of life, I’ve clearly made my mark on the people I’ve known, the places I’ve been, and the things that people know me for.