Fifth Grade
Fifth grade is a big year! In math and science, fifth graders are learning concepts such as the structures and systems of organisms. Through our Human Body Systems Informance, we integrate drama, dance, music and technology to bring the curriculum to life. In math we explore new concepts using the Investigations program and hands-on learning. We take fractions and decimals to a new level by exploring multiplication and division of fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers. In language arts and social studies, fifth graders explore Native American cultures and regions, European expansion into the Americas, The Revolutionary War, and beyond, integrating these topics with writing, reading, and the arts. At the end of the year, we take these concepts and present them to our community in an engaging and fun way during our “We the People” Social Studies performance! Field trips to the Asheville Art Museum, The Asheville Museum of Science, Diana Wortham Theatre, The Carl Sandburg Home, and beyond take our learning from the classroom and into the Asheville community.
About the Fifth Grade Staff
Heather began working at ArtSpace in 2008 as a Teacher Assistant, and has been teaching her own class since 2009. She taught seventh grade Language Arts for five years, before becoming the fifth grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. Heather holds a B.A. in English from Keene State College, in New Hampshire, where she is originally from. Heather holds NC teaching licenses in Middle Grade English Language Arts and Elementary Education. In 2009, Heather completed a NC Teacher’s Initiative Outward Bound program, where she gained experience with experiential learning and teaching. In 2015, Heather completed a National Endowment for the Humanities training in Concord, Massachusettes, focusing on the Crossroads of a Revolution, where she gained expertise on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Heather co-leads the GRITS program, where she fosters a love of science and builds community with girls in grades 5-7. She is a proud recipient of the AmeriCorps Education award for three years in a row. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys music, exploring the mountains, reading, and yoga.
About Ms. Vicki P.
Vicki joins the fifth grade team after substitute teaching and volunteering with ArtSpace for the last four years. She holds a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and an MA from the Architectural Association of London. Her career has followed several paths, from designing public parks, greenways, and private gardens, to teaching preschool and K-8 Art. She brings her experiences in design, engineering, public service, and environmental stewardship to the 5th grade Math and Science classroom, where she is thrilled to continue her journey into education. Vicki loves painting, sewing, hiking, gardening, and especially traveling. Yet, she is always glad to come home to Asheville, where she has lived for the last 15 years with her husband, two sons, and dog, Juniper.
Amy is a certified K-6 teacher with 9 years of teaching math (and science) right here at ArtSpace in the 6th grade. Dance is also a love of hers with years of experience both performing professionally and teaching all ages. Her most recent role has been mom to 3 beautiful and rambunctious young boys. "After these past 7 years, staying home to be with them while they were young, I am thrilled to be back in the classroom and back at ArtSpace!"
About Michael McClure
Michael is a Western NC native and a graduate of UNC - Chapel Hill, earning a B.A. in Environmental Studies. After college, he joined AmeriCorps as an Environmental Educator and began working with elementary students in the foothills, both in the classroom and outdoors. He is excited about the experiential approach to education at ArtSpace and to bring his love of nature to 5th grade. In his free time, you can find Michael playing tourist in Asheville--exploring new restaurants, catching a live show, floating down the French Broad and improving his disc golf game.
