Specialists

Each class spends an hour each day with a specialist teacher. Northrop offers four specialist classes, as well as 5th Grade Band:

Physical Education

Ms. Sarah Tschida teaches P.E. hopes that every student looks forward to participating in Physical Education! Students can expect to come to P.E. to play games, learn about and play different sports, move their bodies and learn about all the way they can take care of their bodies to keep it happy and healthy!

Music

Ms. Fitzer teaches music class where students explore the foundations of music, including (but not limited to) vocal exploration, matching pitch singing in tune, keeping a steady beat and music as play. Students cover these topics through creation, performance, response & connecting. Families get to experience some of what students learn at a spring music concert!

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

Ms. Whiting teaches the STEM class where students learn about plants, animals, architecture, holidays, diverse contributions to STEM and more! Students typically head outside the first and last weeks of school to explore nature and seasons with their senses and hand lenses. In the classroom, we use consumable and non-consumable materials to design and build new technologies related to a problem by using the Engineering Design Process: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve.

Art

Ms. Sookdeo teaches art class which emphasizes cultivating students' creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills. Projects are based on the element and principles of design, and focus on (1) looking at art to learn about other cultures, places, artists, works of art and art styles, (2) talking about art to discuss meanings, ideas, feelings and moods, and (3) making art to create expressive visual images.

5th Grade Band

5th Grade Band is offered to all 5th graders who want to participate. As part of the program, MPS provides students with instruments for the year. Students practice in large and small groups each week and perform at least one concert to share their progress!

If you have an instrument sitting around that could bring  joy to 5th graders for years to come, consider donating it by reaching out to Northrop's band teacher, Ms. Erin Ley.