For the second year, the fifth grade at South Bay is departmentalized – which means that the students move among three classrooms and teachers for writing, reading and mathematics instruction each day. Changing classes in fifth grade helps to prepare the students for their future experiences in junior high and high school. The students learn how to be organized and well-prepared, since there are no lockers to stow books and materials. Each students begins the day in their homeroom class followed by three 55 minute instructional periods. Additional instruction is provided by the homeroom teachers in the afternoon. Feedback from teachers, parents and students has been exceedingly positive.