Hello! My name is Mrs. Perez, and I am so excited to be the 4th/5th-grade combination class at Dolores Street Elementary. Teaching is my passion, and I love helping students learn, grow, and discover their strengths.

I have been teaching for 11 years, and this is my first year teaching a 4th/5th combination class. I enjoy the challenge and opportunity that comes with teaching two grade levels—it allows students to learn from each other, collaborate in new ways, and stretch their thinking.

A little about me: I grew up in the South Bay, and I graduated from CSU Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies. I also earned my credential with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish.  When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, organizing/cleaning, and spending time with my family.

I look forward to another wonderful school year and to bringing out the CREATORS, CRITICAL THINKERS, COLLABORATORS, and COMMUNICATORS in all my students.  

What to Expect in 4th Grade: 

Reading & Writing (ELA)

• Students will read a variety of stories, nonfiction texts, poetry, and plays.
  
• They will use evidence from the text to explain their thinking and make inferences.
  
• Writing will include multi-paragraph opinion, narrative, and informative essays with clear organization.
  
• Students will practice planning, revising, and editing their writing.
  
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation will be applied to daily writing.
  

Mathematics

• Mastery of multi-digit multiplication and division (up to 4 digits ÷ 1 digit).
  
• Addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators.
  
• Introduction to decimals (tenths and hundredths) and their connection to fractions.
  
• Solving multi-step word problems using all four operations.
  
• Understanding of factors, multiples, and prime numbers.

What to Expect in 5th Grade: 

Reading & Writing (ELA)

• Students will read more complex stories, nonfiction, and poetry to build stamina and comprehension.
  
• They will compare and contrast texts, including multiple accounts of the same event or topic.
  
• Writing will include opinion essays, informative/explanatory texts, and narratives with strong introductions, details, and conclusions.
  
• Students will practice researching, taking notes, and using multiple sources to support their ideas.
  
• Editing and revising are emphasized to improve writing quality.
  

Mathematics

• Fluency with multi-digit multiplication and division.
  
• Operations with fractions: adding, subtracting (unlike denominators), multiplying, and dividing with unit fractions.
  
• Understanding decimals to the thousandths and performing operations with them.
  
• Working with the coordinate plane to graph and analyze points.
  
• Identifying and analyzing volume, numerical patterns, and relationships.
  

Classroom Expectations: 

1. Students will come prepared.
2. Students will be on time.
3. Students will try their best.
4. Students will be kind and caring. 
5. Students will be focused and ready to learn.