Horseheads Intermediate School
Welcome to Fifth Grade
5th Grade Overview
Welcome to the Intermediate School (IS)! We’re excited to have your child join our learning community.
Our goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where every student feels inspired to grow both academically and personally.
Being an IS Innovator means embodying the qualities we value most: kindness, acceptance, confidence, curiosity, creativity, intelligence, success, and innovation. We strive to create a community where every student feels valued and empowered to explore new ideas and reach their full potential.
Your Child’s Day at the IS
Homerooms & Teams: Your child is placed in homerooms and work closely with a team of two dedicated teachers, along with support staff who are here to help all students succeed.
Academic Subjects: All students participate in ELA, math, science, and social studies which align with the Next Generation Learning Standards to build strong skills and knowledge.
Special Subjects: All students participate in special subjects which include art, vocal and instrumental music, physical education, and library
How We Support Every Child — MTSS
At the IS, we believe every student can succeed when they receive the right kind of support at the right time. We use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to meet each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Tier 1: High-quality classroom instructional for all students.
- Tier 2: Small group support for students who need extra help or extensions.
- Tier 3: Intensive, individualized instruction for students who need additional time with foundational skills.
This approach allows us to respond quickly, monitor progress, and adjust instruction so every student can thrive.
The WINN Block — What Individuals Need Now
One unique part of our day is the WINN block, which stands for What Individuals Need Now. During this special time, every student receives personalized instruction tailored specifically to their needs. Whether working in small groups or one-on-one with a teacher, students get extra support to reinforce concepts or engage in extension activities that challenge and inspire them. The WINN block ensures that each child gets exactly the help or enrichment they need to grow confidently and succeed academically.
How We Gather and Track Evidence of Student Learning
At the IS, we are dedicated to supporting each student’s growth by helping them build strong habits for success. We encourage all students to stay organized, complete assignments on time, give their best effort, and come prepared. Our grading system uses percentages to provide clear and meaningful feedback, so students can see their progress and feel motivated to keep growing every step of the way. Students and caregivers are encouraged to check School Tool weekly and review assignments and grades together to stay updated on progress in each subject.
We’re so excited to partner with you this year to help your child thrive as a confident, creative, and successful learner and IS Innovator!