Fifty States, Hooray!

The fifth grade has had a blast learning tons of facts about the fifty states of the USA! Recently, each student began an inquiry study on a favorite state. A few choices were obvious...like Matt choosing Wisconsin, Loren choosing New Jersey, and Luke choosing New York. And, Andrew selected Florida...to get on my good side. It worked! Other students had a more difficult time narrowing their selections.

After developing a list of questions and research topics, the class spent several days compiling facts, pictures, maps, etc. Once the research was complete, each student was responsible for presenting his information in a creative way to his classmates. I was so impressed with the students' ideas and motivation to create, build, and design things to show their learning!

Once the information was shared creatively, we began designing floats for a Fifty State Float Parade (happening in the hallway now). I thought the research projects were impressive. I had no idea how amazingly awesome the floats were going to be. Who knew that learning could be so much fun?!?

Check out a few pictures and a video about the "Garden State!" Don't fuhgit about it!

AR Makes Us SmARt!

The seventh grade has embarked on a new journey with Accelerated Reader. The students are committed to meeting several goals in their reading life this year. Here are few things we hope to accomplish!

First of all, it is important that students understand, or comprehend, the selections they choose. When the plots and details of a novel are interesting and relatable, reading becomes a desire. If connections are being made with literature, they will perform better on quizzes. So, the students must maintain an 85% average on reading practice quizzes which will determine if the right reading choices are being made. Next, each student has an individual point goal that should be met by the end of the school year. I divided the points by quarter so that small successes can be met along the way. (The point goals are based on an individual's ability as determined by the STAR test.) Lastly, as a class, we are working hard to read for 30 minutes every day. Developing a "habit" of reading daily ensures that students will grow into life long readers. Is there anything more important for students? Reading is the master key in life!

I encourage parents to read with their children. Some ask, "Isn't my child too old?" The answer is, "Absolutely not!" Reading aloud is a valuable tool in improving listening comprehension. Also, when parents read to, read with, or listen to a child read from a novel, your child gets the message that reading is an important component to success. Form a book club with your child. Choose a selection that interests each of you. It's also fun to choose a book that is becoming a movie. After reading the book, you can go to a movie together and discuss the likes and differences. There are many ways and opportunities in which you can encourage and show your kids the importance of reading. Find one and get to it!

Student Council Has Quality!

Today was the first time meeting with St. Ann's quality project groups. I have the honor of being the facilitator for the Student Council...for now. Soon, our fearless leader, Clare, will take over the role of meeting planner and gavel holder. The first order of business was defining the order of business. We used an agenda to keep our bodies and minds focused on the important tasks. After roll call, we discussed new business like defining our mission. The council settled on 1) helping St. Ann work toward becoming a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, 2) meeting the needs of the St. Ann student body (within reason), and 3) serving the community. They are really in-tune with their constituents! The last bit of new business centered on writing a bill to be presented to the Tennessee State Legislature in May. But, first things first, the council has to define a goal. Should it be an act or a resolution? We'll list it under "open business" for our next meeting.

The final minutes of the meeting introduced new business to the council. First, nail polish should be allowed! This suggestion is sure to help us write a bill, right? Well, in fact, it will. Using suggestions for changes to the student handbook is what we will use to practice writing an act or a resolution. It's all very technical. Keep up.

Finally, President Harney called the meeting "adjourned" until next time. In the meantime, your honorable representatives will be active in the community, talking with constituents, and researching Tennessee law.

Blog entry, adjourned!

P.S. Take a look at our meeting presentation!

Nine Steps to Write a Bill