You know it's December...

You know it's December when you see Science Fair tri-boards set up all over the cafeteria and main hallway.  This traditional, first week of December event again saw many first-rate K-5 projects, with my take-away being that we have some very curious, capable, and thoughtful young scientists.  I especially loved the interest in current event topics  - think NFL players and concussions, the debate around fracking, the state of the bee population, and more.  I was also impressed by the additional research several of them did, going the extra mile to interview an expert in the field, such as a UT professor. That shows a real interest to know more.

All are winners in my book and I believe we had almost 100% attendance at the 5th grade presentation to parents Thursday evening. Big kudos also to our wonderful McCallum AP science students who came through for us once again on a cold Friday morning...late school start and all.  Their help with the 4th and 5th grade oral defense portion of this 3 day event is a very meaningful and valuable experience for our students. Certainly not an easy task, but also a real confidence booster that they can show (as well explain) what they know! Love it!

Science Fair committee's Juli, Megan, Tina, and Lynne (Eve too!)

One of my favs! 5th grade Science teacher Mrs. Matetich

McCallum HS advanced science students at an oral defense table

...and another fine group of MAC students!

5th grade students explaining their projects to parents Thursday evening

Max with a very timely project

So true...thanks Bella!

Yes, it is The Nose!

Most of our Science Fair Winners and Special Award recipients

I saw some other wonderful things this week.  Not least of which was Kinder teacher Lauren Farmer's lesson on fairy tales.  She incorporated very creative DBI strategies throughout, using tools such as artifact, DAR, and Exploding Atom.  It was great to see all pieces come together in her lesson around The Three Little Pigs, but what was really cool is that those kinders understood Fairy Tale characteristics (think magic, happenings in threes, etcetera), and that they were making text to text connections with the tales previously read, inferencing, sequencing, and finding adjectives in their center work.  They were headed later that day to a field experience related to fairy tales, so loved that connection as well.  Connected, rigorous, not to mention creative and engaging. 

Voting with their feet on Fairy Tale characteristics

Julie Danehy, Green Gate Farms, and The Sustainable Food Center held a mini farmer's market for our second graders one day.  Students sampled kale chips, left with recipes, and yes, are continuing on the path with all things healthy eating.  When I polled Ms. Marques' students on like or dislike of those same kale chips, most gave me a big thumbs up (loved the salty taste from what I could gather).  Sustainable, local, fresh food.  Cool.

Finally, it was a really nice morning on Tuesday, traveling with fourth grade teacher Laine Leibick to the Bob Bullock Museum for Dr. Carstarphen's State of the District Address.  Well done video compilation of district happenings and I was thrilled Laine was personally recognized for her lifetime contributions by our superintendent - along with many other deserving veteran employees from around AISD.  That was cool.  Have to say I was proud as punch to sit beside her while she stood and was thanked for all she has done and continues to do for kids.  Highland Park certainly thanks you as well.