Fifth Grade Transition
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to provide clarity and reassurance about the relocation of our 5th grade classrooms to the middle school building. While the location is changing, 5th grade remains an important part of Whiteford Elementary. Below is a list of resources to help address common concerns and provide more information about what this change will look like for the coming school year.
5th Grade Transition - Mr. Marsh 6/12/25
transition timeline
We recognize that a building transition brings questions and a mix of emotions. Please know that the safety, comfort, and success of your child remain our top priorities. Your child can expect the following as they transition this fall:
AUGUST 2025
Parent & Student Engagement
5th grade orientation with building tour - Completed 8/20 as WPA Welcome Back
Distribute transition handbook - Completed 6/25/25 as 5th Grade FAQ document
SEPTEMBER 2025
First Weeks of School
Welcome Assembly and Staff Introductions - MS staff visited classrooms instead of assembly
Daily support staff assigned to 5th grade areas - Completed with assigned staff for student monitoring at arrival
Morning check-ins by Counselor, Dean of Students, Behavior Interventionist, and principal - Completed as regular visibility checks in AM
Feedback surveys for students and parents in what is/isn’t working well - Completed 10/9-10/17
Appropriate adjustments made if needed - Completed 10/21 at a meeting with 5th grade teachers to consider survey feedback
Added: Board approved the purchase of new student desks and chairs for all three 5th grade classrooms at the BOE 9/8/25 Meeting. - Completed order on 9/10/25
OCTOBER 2025
Added: 5th grade student desks and chairs installed - Completed on 10/6/25
NOVEMBER 2025
Added: 5th Grade Transition Survey Results BOE presentation on 11/10/25
JANUARY 2026
Mid-Year Check-In
Feedback surveys for parents
Student Discussion Groups
Adjustments to routines and schedules if needed
MAY 2026
End-of-Year Review
Review data
Gather final feedback from staff, parents, and students
Board report and recommendations for future improvements
5th grade schedule
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Full Days)
8:00 AM - 11:05 AM (Half Days)
7:30 AM (Doors Open)
7:30-8:00 AM (Breakfast Served)
7:50 AM (1st Bell)
8:00 AM (Tardy Bell)
12:15 - 1:00 PM (5th Grade Lunch)
3:00 PM (Dismissal Bell)
important events
August 20 - WPA Welcome Back Picnic 5:00-6:30pm - Elementary Playground
August 20 - 5th Grade Orientation 6:00-7:00pm - Elementary Cafeteria
August 27 - 1st-12th Grade Open House 5:00-6:30pm - Classrooms
September 2 - 1st Day of School Noon (No Lunch Served.)
September 3 - 5th Grade Camp Parent Meeting 5:30pm - Elementary Cafeteria
September 9-12 - 5th Grade Camp Michindoh
drop-off/pick-up
The district parking lots have been paved, resealed, painted, and receiving additional signage to outline new traffic patterns to improve traffic flow. In order to ensure the safety of our students and staff, we ask that parents/guardians and all others, please follow the guidelines listed below for drop-off and pick-up processes for bus and car riders.
There will be no bus traffic in the front of the middle/high school per the previous routine as all bus traffic will now be limited to the new bus loop.
Parents/guardians and student drivers are not permitted in the bus loop areas from 7:30-8:15am and 2:30-3:15pm on school days.
