Art, Performance, and All things Kinder

We did it!  We did it!  Last of our year long Process and Product displays are complete and we've reached one more goal in striving to make our work/student learning public.  Of course, no one is ever really done as initiatives are refined, new people come in, and natural changes happen - there's always much to do and that's what makes this work exciting.  We had lots of reflection, much creative teaching embedded along the way, and really, kids learning so much more than the final product you typically see displayed.  Two things to mention as I wrap these up for the year.  First, though you won't be able to see it here, the video P & P submitted by music teachers Mrs. Satterwhite and Mr. Briones was noteworthy in the fact that it was an atypical showcase of the learning. As music is much better demonstrated than shown in written form, these two teachers submitted videos of their second graders, showcasing much along the way to mastering music standards.  I especially liked the reflections submitted and the fact that they forwarded on their work to all second grade parents - that's what it's all about.  One parent, Kerren Campa, kind of summed it up for me when she stated, "Thank you guys so much for sharing your Process & Product Project with us!  That was so cool to watch.  I am a visual learner myself, and really appreciate the hand movements and stair visuals.  So very cool!  Plus, knowing how much Hank needs to move around, I really appreciate that he has a constructive way to do it!!!" 

Secondly, I truly loved Mrs. O'Donnell's P and P geometry unit and the very creative products you see below tied to the TEKS.  Not to mention, the artwork connected to Mrs. Dean's civil rights unit of study - powerful images that speak for themselves.  Both teachers had much learning highlighted in their displays but these final products caught my eye especially.  And most importantly, goals of learning were met...in engaging, creative, and meaningful ways.

                 

Inspired by The Watson's Go to Birmingham

Mrs. Bachman and Mrs. Finkle's 4th graders performed The Fairy Tale News one morning this week and students delivered their lines quite well.  Very humorous take on tried and true fairy tales (think Rumpelstiltskin talking on a phone!).  Student performances encompass so much more than what we see on the stage.  Great job all!

The Big Bad Wolf Waiting in the Wings

Citizen's Protest - Democracy in Action!

A huge Good Luck! to our Scottie Strong Lacrosse Team (2 years in now) and their upcoming weekend game against The Trojans.  I hear from Coach Gay our players won last week's game against St. Andrews, we are currently 3 and 2, and kids are geared up for a win.  Go Team!

Finally, it is a special Kinder week, with much happening both during the day and after school. 

Kinder students gave a first-rate performance at our PTA general meeting Wednesday evening, singing four songs in Spanish, plus showcasing some really cool movements along the way.  The event was directed by our Spanish enrichment teacher George Ayres, along with music teachers Mrs. Satterwhite and Mr. Briones;  the kids did a great job, I loved the addition of the sound effects this year, and most importantly, many families were in attendance to see their children perform.  A nice evening. 

And of course, today is Kinder Rodeo, starting with the annual parade (on horses they created, no less!) around the school.  These students will have many connected activities throughout the school day, but the parade past all classrooms, with the older children cheering - and remembering - is always the stand-out for me. Nice support Scotties for your youngest classmates.  You made me Scottie Proud!

Cowgirl Ms. Nazar, aka Mrs. Johnson

Headin' down the hall

Howdy Pardner