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Fifth Grade

Amy Whiteford

Amy Whiteford

Fifth Grade

Amy Whiteford

Amy Whiteford

Fifth Grade

Amy Whiteford, St. James School’s Fifth Grade teacher, received her Bachelor of Arts in Literature with a Minor in Spiritual Formation from Vanguard University in 2003. She earned her Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Seminary in 2013.

Mrs. Whiteford has been in education for 12 years. She began teaching as an adjunct Writing Instructor at Vanguard University in 2003. She moved to teaching middle school Literature, History, Religion, and Performing Arts. Before joining SJS, Mrs. Whiteford taught AP Language and Composition, AP Literature, and British and American Literature to high school juniors and seniors. She has additional experience in Advanced Placement Instructional Training.

Mrs. Whiteford chose Catholic education due to her own Catholic school experience at St. Philip Benizi. Her years there were incredibly formative. Mrs. Whiteford loves having the opportunity to not only continue the traditions she experienced, but to also be able to share her love of Christ in the classroom and school communities. Mrs. Whiteford also loves the ocean, camping, and having adventures with her four children.

McKenna Purdy

McKenna Purdy

5-8 Grade Science Seventh Grade Homeroom

McKenna Purdy

McKenna Purdy

5-8 Grade Science Seventh Grade Homeroom

McKenna Purdy is St. James School’s Fifth-Eighth Grade Science teacher and the Seventh Grade Homeroom teacher. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.

Prior to joining St. James School, she was an educational summer camp instructor and a Marine Science educator at Mission Bay in San Diego for two years.

Miss Purdy chose education because of her love of working with young people. As the daughter of a Catholic high school educator, Miss Purdy witnessed her dad’s love of working in a Catholic environment. She especially loves our tight knit and supportive community.

Shelly Dirksen

Shelly Dirksen

Educational Academic Specialist

Shelly Dirksen

Shelly Dirksen

Educational Academic Specialist

Shelly Dirksen received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Minor in Reading Instruction from Dordt University, Sioux Center, Iowa in 2001. She has been in education for 23 years serving as a Special Education paraeducator, teacher, reading and writing tutor, substitute teacher, and Children’s Ministry Director grades TK-12 for Christ Church in Davis. Mrs. Dirksen is our Education Achievement Specialist (EAS), a position she has held for 3 and a half years. She is currently working toward her California Clear Teaching Credential.

Mrs. Dirksen has always known her skill set was geared toward teaching and working with children. She loves to help students reach their goals and realize how capable they truly are. She feels it is a true privilege to participate in the moment a child learns something new.

St. James is Mrs. Dirksen’s first experience teaching at a Catholic school. She loves Catholic education and finds it a joy to combine her two loves: faith and teaching.

Kari Fisher

Kari Fisher

School Counselor

Kari Fisher

Kari Fisher

School Counselor

Kari Fisher received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from UC Davis in 1995 and her Masters in Counseling from UC Davis in 2002. She has over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist working in private practice, community, and school settings. She has additional training in emotionally focused therapy, trauma therapy, and therapies with children and families.

Mrs. Fisher is in her first year as our School Counselor. She chose Catholic education because her son attended St. James and she fell in love with the community as a parent. She has always loved working with children as a psychotherapist and feels blessed to be able to combine her work with a community she holds great fondness for.

Liz Silveira Pio

Liz Silveira Pio

Fifth GradeInstructional Aide Scrip Coordinator

Liz Silveira Pio

Liz Silveira Pio

Fifth GradeInstructional Aide Scrip Coordinator

Welcome to 5th Grade at St. James School!

At St. James School, our 5th-grade experience is a year of discovery, faith, and growth. Guided by the Diocesan Standards, which align with the Common Core State Standards, our curriculum challenges students to think critically, deepen their faith, and engage in hands-on, meaningful learning. At St. James, 5th grade is filled with hands-on, project-based learning that makes education engaging and meaningful. From designing board games based on classic literature to stepping into the shoes of historical figures, students develop creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Through a supportive and faith-filled environment, we inspire our students to become confident learners and compassionate leaders in our school, community and world!

Faith & Character Formation

In 5th grade, students continue their journey of faith through our Blest Are We religion program, which nurtures spiritual growth and a deep connection to Christ. Through scripture study, prayer, and participation in the Sacraments, students explore the lives of the Saints and the virtues that guide us in our daily lives. Engaging activities bring faith to life, encouraging students to serve others and live out their Catholic values as members of the body of Christ.

English Language Arts: A Love for Reading & Writing

Our 5th-grade language arts program fosters a passion for reading and writing that lasts a lifetime. Students explore rich literature selections, including Hatchet, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and Stella by Starlight, diving into deep discussions, making creative connections, and strengthening their comprehension skills.

Writing is an essential part of the 5th-grade experience, and our Step Up to Writing program provides a structured approach to developing strong, confident writers. Students craft narrative and expository pieces, engage in literary responses and express themselves through poetry.

🌟 Highlights of Our Literary Experiences:

  • Summer Reading Brochure and Character Day- Students begin the year designing book brochures and sharing it as a character from the novel.
  • Hatchet Diorama & Book Report – Bringing literature to life through visual storytelling.
  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Board Game Project – A hands-on design experience connecting literature and critical thinking through creative engagement.
  • The Reading Café & Literary Dinner Party – Bringing books to life through immersive discussions and creative presentations.

Mathematics: Building Strong Problem Solvers

Our Envision Math curriculum challenges students to think logically and apply math concepts to real-world situations. Topics include:

  • ✅ Place value and operations with decimals
  • ✅ Fractions, algebraic equations, and problem-solving strategies
  • ✅ Volume, geometry, and introductory graphing

Through interactive lessons and hands-on problem-solving, students build confidence and develop a strong foundation for middle school math.

Social Studies: Exploring America’s Story

5th-grade social studies is an exciting journey through U.S. history! Students explore the lives of indigenous peoples, the age of exploration and colonization, the American Revolution, and the birth of our nation. A special focus on early democratic ideas and government helps students understand the responsibilities of citizenship today.

🌟 Project-Based Learning Experiences:

  • Native Peoples Project & Presentation Researching and presenting on indigenous cultures.
  • Boston Tea Party Reenactment An interactive look at pivotal movements that led to colonial resistance and revolution. 
  • State Capitol Excursion A hands-on exploration of government in action.
  • U.S. Presidency Research & Living Museum  Students bring history to life by embodying past presidents in a live presentation.

Why 5th Grade at St. James?

5th grade is a time of exciting academic and personal growth. At St. James School, our students thrive in a faith-filled environment where they are challenged academically, supported emotionally, and encouraged to live out their faith in meaningful ways. Through engaging curriculum, hands-on learning, and a strong sense of community, we prepare our students for success in middle school and beyond.

💙 Come see the St. James difference!