MERRY CHIRSTMAS!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Mrs. Watt
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
'Tis the Season to be Jolly
There is humming in the air as the events leading to the Christmas holiday continue. Like busy bees, children are warming up their voices, and offering their gifts from the heart. By donating items for the shoe boxes and hanging family photos with wishes for peace and love throughout the season, the children are celebrating the season of giving.
Advent Gifts from the Heart Our students are volunteering to share their gifts at the conclusion of Chapels and in tribute to Mr. Held. Mr. Held’s tributes from fifth grade students will take place on Monday, December 12 at a specially arranged time with him. Our division’s community service project, A Shoebox Christmas, will be completed before we break for the holidays. Shoe boxes will be filled with toiletry items donated by our first – fifth grade students & faculty and delivered to the St. Paul’s Pantry after gift wrapping the boxes.
The Chief’s Red Friday Assembly was a new event this year. St. Paul’s was chosen to be the Chief’s Red Friday School for their game this week! The representatives from the Chiefs encouraged good sportsmanship, healthy lifestyle and team spirit on Tuesday, Dec. 6th. Think Pep Rally and you will have a great vision of what the Chief’s players and team reps brought to our school.
Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders, under the direction of Richard Held, will present their Christmas Musical at 7 PM on the Thursday the 8th in the Sanctuary of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The students are off to rehearsal again to day to polish their sparkle for tomorrow night. Students should arrive by 6:30 PM wearing church-appropriate attire emphasizing reds, greens, metallic, black and white. Khaki slacks are acceptable. Heels must be limited to one inch high in the interest of safety. First and Second Graders, under the direction of Melissa Haskamp, will present their Christmas Program on Thursday, December 15 at 9 AM in the North MPR. We look forward to their darling attire, fresh bright faces and sweet voices. Along with All
School Chapel Eucharist and Spirit Day on December 16, the 3rd – 5th graders will be going to Line Creek Community Center to skate in the morning and completing the service project in the afternoon as a part of their celebration. First Graders will share their talents with each other and second graders will have a festive morning with activities.
The Glitter Box helped students recognize where germs and dirt hide.
Washing hands thoroughly is one good habit to keep healthy during this cold and flu season.
Laptops are being used regularly.
New dispenser for white and chocolate milk makes milk a popular drink!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Ingathering Continues this Week
Please remember you are invited to join us in Chapel this Tuesday as the Lower School has its first of many First – Fifth Grade Chapels. We will have a lesson by Father Stan and a number of fifth graders will be in leadership roles, including reciting the prayers of the people and the scripture. Our Chapel will be in the Sanctuary and we have plenty of room for you to join us! Ingathering continues as we focus now on fresh produce for the Thanksgiving meals our St. Paul’s Church Pantry will provide for the needy. Grade level blogs list the suggested produce to donate, should you be inclined.
FOOD DRIVE RESULTS....DRUM ROLL...Grand Totals for the Food Drive:
We broke our all-time record from last year of over 21,000 items. This year we went to 27, 362. WOW!
Final Totals:
3rd Place was the Kindergarten classes with 6,514
2nd Place was the 8th Gr Mrs. Glass with 6,692
1st Place was FATE/WALLER WITH 9,180!
1st - 5th grade division, Mrs. Barber’s class took second place with 4,080
Highest collection in the Middle School following Mrs. Glass was Mrs. McMullen followed by Mrs. Reynolds
We broke our all-time record from last year of over 21,000 items. This year we went to 27, 362. WOW!
Final Totals:
3rd Place was the Kindergarten classes with 6,514
2nd Place was the 8th Gr Mrs. Glass with 6,692
1st Place was FATE/WALLER WITH 9,180!
1st - 5th grade division, Mrs. Barber’s class took second place with 4,080
Highest collection in the Middle School following Mrs. Glass was Mrs. McMullen followed by Mrs. Reynolds
The generosity that was pouring in for the last two weeks was overwhelming. I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. May the joys of the season bless you and your family.
You may have already marked your calendars for the special programs and events in late November – December until the Christmas break, but I list them here as one more source of reminder. Monday, November 28 No school for students- Professional In-Service Day for Faculty and Staff
Thursday, December 8 7 PM Third – Fifth Grade Christmas Program
Thursday, December 15 9 AM First – Second Grade Christmas Program
Friday, December 16 9 – 11:30 Third – Fifth Grade Ice Skating at Line Creek Skate
A focus in conversations and work among faculty in the Lower School division of First – Fifth Grade are discussions around implementation of differentiation. In a series of division meetings, faculty has shared many forms of differentiating instruction and learning activities being used in their classrooms. It is agreed that getting to know each student’s learning personality and acumen, as well as establishing solid procedures and a productive learning community is crucial to a successful implementation of differentiated learning activities.
Along with differentiated instruction and learning, we are participating in identifying minimum math proficiencies to be mastered by the end of each grade level. Implementing the use of technology is also a focus. iPads and laptops, SMARTBoards and SMART networking are being used by our students, especially in Third – Fifth. St. Paul's faculty continues to provide excellence in creative and academic endeavors for all our students. We are proud of our efforts in planning, providing, monitoring and communicating our students' success! Here are some highlights from the last few weeks:
First Graders have been performers as well as been an audience in the month of November to expand their repertoire of experiences and reinforce learning facts in science and reading. Bear Planet, a musical tradition at St. Paul’s, was performed by First Grade Sloth bears, Polar, Brown, Sun, Koala, Grizzlies and more last week. First Graders, thanks to the Parent’s Guild Cultural Arts funding, traveled to a theater to see If You Give a Moose a Muffin, the childhood story they heard in kindergarten and again in first grade as independent readers.
Second Grade takes the lead as readers and music directors in Lower School ECC and 1st-2nd Grade Chapels. Second graders have studied insects during the month of October and early November. Their creative sculptures of insects using modeling clay were displayed in the first floor commons. ERcently they were concentrating on Thanksgiving blessings and gratitude. See their Second Grade blog for more details of their learning activities over teh past few weeks.
Third Grade enjoyed their traditional Oregon Trail Day with bartering items, a new activity added by Mrs. Barber. Thanks to our parents, this day was enjoyed by all. It allowed the students to experience some of the clothing, tasks, crafts and foods of those who traveled across country in a covered wagon. Mrs. Barber’s class decorated a bulletin board with our American flag, the stars of which listed names of veterans her class researched through their families ancestry. One of the stars listed my son who is a Blackhawk company commander stationed in El Paso, TX at this time.
Fourth Graders concluded their second Book Club study at the end of last week. Having had the pleasure of being a facilitator for a group, I believe we had another successful round of discussions. Fourth grade is journaling about the book throughout the week and being quizzed on their comprehension of the story line, characters, and plot. Science Club had students designing fictitious animals after the fourth graders Animal Expert powerpoints were presented to parents. Fourth grade science included habitats, food chain, life cycle, ecology, geology, and conservation! The were well prepared for their field trip to Earthworks at the beginning on November!
In addition to their studies progressing in class, fifth graders role model for our third and fourth graders in Chapels. Mimi W. played a musical piece for All School Chapel on Friday the 18th as Ethan L. had in late October. Olivia S. sang for us all in Chapel in September. We are fortunate to have students who enjoy developing their talents in music and who are willing to add beautifully to the music we enjoy. Fifth grade displayed their science projects during Parent Teacher Conferences in late October. It is already time for mid-quarter grades to be shared with students and parents.
More will be shared in the upcoming weeks. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Coming around the turn in First Quarter
With Pet Blessing behind us and Buddy Run this week, all indications are that we are on a fast track to completing the first quarter of the school year. Can you believe it? Parent conference days are around the bend on Thursday and Friday Oct. 27 & 28. I know you have received information about care for your children should you need it on those two days, but as a reminder, Child Care is available for the time you are in conference with the teacher(s) free of charge. For entire day care, contact Christina Lenon, Enrichment Director of St. Paul's at clenon@speds.org.
As we near the end of the first quarter, it’s a good idea to reflect on what has transpired during that time. The teachers do this routinely through curriculum mapping and weekly planning. One of the important things about the first quarter being more than half over is that the classroom has established the positive learning, building on knowledge and skills, and preparing for thematic units, so necessary to advance in our learning. Certainly each classroom has become a place in which structure and routines, along with refreshing our knowledge through review during the first weeks of school, have transitioned to classrooms humming with the activities around new and deeper learning. Coupled with the enrichment opportunities, like the Math and Science Clubs which meet in the morning, enrichment lessons after school, as well as homework to extend the learning, minds are expanding daily! The days are full of wonderful experiences: buddy activities; community service; book readings and clubs; writing projects; social studies presentations and field trips. The Lower School is a bee hive of activity!
Although not intended to be, some transitions are uncomfortable. If we liken transitions and change to growing pains, we realize that in order to be stronger and bigger, we all go through change, and not just physical changes. One transition that is notably different is homework. The type and amount of homework, as well as the time homework is predicted to take, varies from grade to grade, as does the amount of parent assistance needed. In response to comments at the LS Brown Bag Lunch offered by Head of School, Liz Barnes, here are some guidelines and answers to: "Whose homework is it?" and "How much (or little) time should homework take?"
From the Handbook and the guide that is recommended
While the time it takes to complete project activities and practice at home varies from student to student, these are the guidelines listed in the Parent Handbook on page 8. If your child is averaging a lot more than the guideline, please give his/her teacher this feedback! With the mission of academic excellence and enrichment in mind, "Homework is designed to strengthen skills learned in class, encourage sound study habits and allow the student to explore exciting and creative special interests related to a subject. Homework in intended to be completed by the student and is designed to reflect what the student is capable of doing independently. Homework assignments are not intended to cause stress or anxiety in students (or parents). Concerns about homework assignments, or the amount of time your child spends on homework, should be taken to the appropriate teacher.”
Each year brings the opportunity to develop self knowledge, work with different people to understand teamwork and collaboration, listen to, assimilate and express ideas. For some, growing is more painful than for others, but ultimately, with the planning, guidance and support teachers provide, we are helping the students stretch to reach their potentials.
Your comments are welcome.
As we near the end of the first quarter, it’s a good idea to reflect on what has transpired during that time. The teachers do this routinely through curriculum mapping and weekly planning. One of the important things about the first quarter being more than half over is that the classroom has established the positive learning, building on knowledge and skills, and preparing for thematic units, so necessary to advance in our learning. Certainly each classroom has become a place in which structure and routines, along with refreshing our knowledge through review during the first weeks of school, have transitioned to classrooms humming with the activities around new and deeper learning. Coupled with the enrichment opportunities, like the Math and Science Clubs which meet in the morning, enrichment lessons after school, as well as homework to extend the learning, minds are expanding daily! The days are full of wonderful experiences: buddy activities; community service; book readings and clubs; writing projects; social studies presentations and field trips. The Lower School is a bee hive of activity!
Although not intended to be, some transitions are uncomfortable. If we liken transitions and change to growing pains, we realize that in order to be stronger and bigger, we all go through change, and not just physical changes. One transition that is notably different is homework. The type and amount of homework, as well as the time homework is predicted to take, varies from grade to grade, as does the amount of parent assistance needed. In response to comments at the LS Brown Bag Lunch offered by Head of School, Liz Barnes, here are some guidelines and answers to: "Whose homework is it?" and "How much (or little) time should homework take?"
From the Handbook and the guide that is recommended
· 1st - 2nd Grade students: 30 minutes each day plus listening to or reading for pleasure 20 minutes
· 3rd - 5th Grade students: 60 minutes
While the time it takes to complete project activities and practice at home varies from student to student, these are the guidelines listed in the Parent Handbook on page 8. If your child is averaging a lot more than the guideline, please give his/her teacher this feedback! With the mission of academic excellence and enrichment in mind, "Homework is designed to strengthen skills learned in class, encourage sound study habits and allow the student to explore exciting and creative special interests related to a subject. Homework in intended to be completed by the student and is designed to reflect what the student is capable of doing independently. Homework assignments are not intended to cause stress or anxiety in students (or parents). Concerns about homework assignments, or the amount of time your child spends on homework, should be taken to the appropriate teacher.”
Each year brings the opportunity to develop self knowledge, work with different people to understand teamwork and collaboration, listen to, assimilate and express ideas. For some, growing is more painful than for others, but ultimately, with the planning, guidance and support teachers provide, we are helping the students stretch to reach their potentials.
Your comments are welcome.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Lower School
Third graders plan a Get Well Soon message for classmate Vaughn Reardon
Throughout the week our third grade class has been preparing a box of goodies and a wave of caring for Vaughn Reardon, a classmate having surgery next week. The students collaborated with Mrs. Beilharz, a developing skill practiced in many subjects and one at which they are becoming proficient! In this case, the subject was planning the types of goodies and cards that went into the box which was sent yesterday, with the expectation that it will reach Vaughn before his surgery. There were generous and numerous contributions from families and classmates. Thank you so much! This morning, the Third Grade's Wave of Get Well Soon was videoed in our commons along with individual's good wishes and "I miss yous". Caring and sharing was very evident in the hearts and voices of our third graders this week. Look for our Wave of Get Well Soon video on the website or linked to the Third Grade blog.
Spending time in classrooms is impressive for a number of reasons. The structure of the learning activities gives evidence of well planned lessons that take into consideration a myriad of suitable objectives, not the least of which is working responsibly and cooperatively. Highlights of the first four weeks include getting to know one another through writing and dialog, learning routines that set the stage for cooperative and productivity in classrooms. First and second grade students have been evaluated for reading levels; they are almost experts now in guided and independent learning in centers. Second grade students are in the midst of studying marine mammals and have created architecutres of favorite venues from recycling materials. As third graders wrap up a science unit on sound, fifth graders are experimenting with electromagnetism. Its fun to sit with third and fourth graders who are expanding their use of addition, subtraction, comparing numbers, and developing the concept of estimation. Fourth and fifth graders are writing everyday with emphasis on personal narratives and developing style and voice. Fourth and fifth graders are also concentrating on comprehension strategies to understand literature and non-fiction text more personally and deeply. The first field trip of the year by the fifth graders focused on teamwork, communication, cooperation, life and work skills needed in a positive learning environment.
Every classroom is humming with activity, thinking, and making connections between the two. The Lower School is a busy happy place!
You may have seen these events on other grade level blogs, but with the intent of communicating often and various ways, the dates and descriptions are listed here, too!
Important Upcoming Events
Throughout the week our third grade class has been preparing a box of goodies and a wave of caring for Vaughn Reardon, a classmate having surgery next week. The students collaborated with Mrs. Beilharz, a developing skill practiced in many subjects and one at which they are becoming proficient! In this case, the subject was planning the types of goodies and cards that went into the box which was sent yesterday, with the expectation that it will reach Vaughn before his surgery. There were generous and numerous contributions from families and classmates. Thank you so much! This morning, the Third Grade's Wave of Get Well Soon was videoed in our commons along with individual's good wishes and "I miss yous". Caring and sharing was very evident in the hearts and voices of our third graders this week. Look for our Wave of Get Well Soon video on the website or linked to the Third Grade blog.
Spending time in classrooms is impressive for a number of reasons. The structure of the learning activities gives evidence of well planned lessons that take into consideration a myriad of suitable objectives, not the least of which is working responsibly and cooperatively. Highlights of the first four weeks include getting to know one another through writing and dialog, learning routines that set the stage for cooperative and productivity in classrooms. First and second grade students have been evaluated for reading levels; they are almost experts now in guided and independent learning in centers. Second grade students are in the midst of studying marine mammals and have created architecutres of favorite venues from recycling materials. As third graders wrap up a science unit on sound, fifth graders are experimenting with electromagnetism. Its fun to sit with third and fourth graders who are expanding their use of addition, subtraction, comparing numbers, and developing the concept of estimation. Fourth and fifth graders are writing everyday with emphasis on personal narratives and developing style and voice. Fourth and fifth graders are also concentrating on comprehension strategies to understand literature and non-fiction text more personally and deeply. The first field trip of the year by the fifth graders focused on teamwork, communication, cooperation, life and work skills needed in a positive learning environment.
Every classroom is humming with activity, thinking, and making connections between the two. The Lower School is a busy happy place!
You may have seen these events on other grade level blogs, but with the intent of communicating often and various ways, the dates and descriptions are listed here, too!
Important Upcoming Events
Friday September 30th – 12:00 PM dismissal for all students. Please note that the entire school, including ECC will be dismissed at 12:00 PM on Friday September 30th. Extended Day child care services are available so please contact Christina Lennon directly if you will need child care on this day. Please be patient during carpool on this day, it will take twice as long to get all the children loaded safely, all teachers will be on carpool duty.
Christina Lennon can be reached at: 816.268.6536
Thursday October 6th – ECC (T – K) Parent Brown Bag Lunch at 11:30 AM. This event will be held in the Garden Room located on the first floor of the church, just next to the Parish Hall. ECC parents are encouraged to bring a lunch and join Ms. Barnes and Mrs. Abio to see how things are going for your little ones at St. Paul’s. This time provides parents with an opportunity to hear directly from the head of school and to ask questions specific to the ECC division.
Friday October 7th – 8:30 AM Pet Blessing. The Pet Blessing will take place on the upper field and this event also serves as our all school chapel on this day. All students participate in this event. Toddler, Preschool and Prekindergarten students are allowed to bring a favorite stuffed animal. Kindergarten – second grade students are allowed to bring an actual pet, with their parents assistance of course. Everyone is welcome to bring a photo of their pets. All pets will be blessed by Chaplain Nolan on this special day!
Friday, October 14th - Buddy Run
Two sessions will be held for the Buddy Run. The first will include the younger students being supported by their older buddies while running with them. The second session will be for the older buddies to be cheered on by the younger students. Everyone runs with their buddies, from a little lap on the upper field to a large lap for the older students. For more information on how to support the Buddy Fun Run (fundraiser) go to the website.
Friday, October 14th - Buddy Run
Two sessions will be held for the Buddy Run. The first will include the younger students being supported by their older buddies while running with them. The second session will be for the older buddies to be cheered on by the younger students. Everyone runs with their buddies, from a little lap on the upper field to a large lap for the older students. For more information on how to support the Buddy Fun Run (fundraiser) go to the website.
Thursday October 27th – No School because Parent/Teacher Conferences are being held– Extended Day child care is available, contact Christina Lennon to register.
Child care during your conferences will be available also through Extended Day on both days.
Friday October 28th - – No School because of Parent/Teacher Conferences –
Extended Day child care is available, contact Christina Lennon to register.
Extended Day child care is available, contact Christina Lennon to register.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
New Location! Curriculum Night 2011
There’s been a slight change in plans. As was mentioned in Liz Barnes' "MMM", Curriculum Night for Lower School will start in a different place.
We are a professional learning community at St. Paul’s…that is, we are professional learners, continuously learning from the outcomes of new ideas and changes. What we learned from ECC Curriculum Night is a great example of learning from the results of our trials.
For Lower School Curriculum Night we now plan to gather first for brief introductions of specials teachers and general information in the gymnasium! Specials teachers and I will share with you the added value of a St. Paul’s education. After Specials have been given an opportunity to speak briefly about important information about their content, the classrooms will open to hear and see the foundation of the St. Paul’s education. This information will come from none other than our lead and associate teachers. Teachers’ presentations will include time for general questions and an opportunity to explore your child’s classroom. You can be prepared with questions by signing in to your child's grade level blog to download and print the curriculum packet information this year! Bring your packet with you to make notes or ask further clarifications. Lower School Curriculum Night will end by 7:30 p.m.
Please plan to attend this information-packed evening to get to know your child’s teachers, and their materials, expectations, and goals for the school year. You’ll be glad you did!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Upcoming events you don't want to miss!
There has been a warm welcome at St. Paul's Episcopal Day School to everyone as we returned from a busy summer. Last week was a wonderful preview to the quality and quantity of the experiences St. Paul's provides, and the dedication of caring teachers, leaders and providers. The week was full of fabulous learning events that stimulated getting to know each other in new ways, warming up our minds to increase our learning capacity, and just plain having fun. I have always believed that the best learning takes place when it is stimulating and engaging. I observed that over and over last week!
This second week of school offers an opportunity to visit on Wednesday, August 31st. The Meet and Greet Gingie Watt will begin about 8:15 in the South Multipurpose Room (on the second floor next to the gym). Coffee will be available or bring your favorite brand. If you want to attend Chapel while you are here, I'll be in the South MPR before and after the services. I look forward to meeting you on Wednesday.
Curriculum Night is approaching! On Thursday, September 8, Specials Teachers will be in the lobby of the main building beginning at 6:15 to greet you and answer questions about what they teach. Beginning at 6:45 PM homeroom teachers will share what is in store for your children and the learning goals, at least for the first portion of the year! A six minute slide show will be cycling on both the first and second floors from 6:15 - 6:45, offering general reminders and lots of pictures. I hope you all are able to attend. It is an important night for St. Paul's Lower School Parents.
This second week of school offers an opportunity to visit on Wednesday, August 31st. The Meet and Greet Gingie Watt will begin about 8:15 in the South Multipurpose Room (on the second floor next to the gym). Coffee will be available or bring your favorite brand. If you want to attend Chapel while you are here, I'll be in the South MPR before and after the services. I look forward to meeting you on Wednesday.
Curriculum Night is approaching! On Thursday, September 8, Specials Teachers will be in the lobby of the main building beginning at 6:15 to greet you and answer questions about what they teach. Beginning at 6:45 PM homeroom teachers will share what is in store for your children and the learning goals, at least for the first portion of the year! A six minute slide show will be cycling on both the first and second floors from 6:15 - 6:45, offering general reminders and lots of pictures. I hope you all are able to attend. It is an important night for St. Paul's Lower School Parents.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)