CGB Elementary News
December 21, 2023
Greetings Families,
Despite it only being a couple of weeks since the last newsletter I wanted to send out some exciting highlights as 2023 comes to a close. It has been an enjoyable December despite the snow. I wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday break. School will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd. It is worth noting that we will only have 13 days of school from the time we return until the end of the quarter 2nd quarter.
Andes Ski Trip
Despite little to no snow on the ground and unseasonably mild temperatures, our 3rd-5th grade students had a successful day at Andes Tower Hills. Andes assured us they make snow each night and groom each morning. The students came back with smiles and enjoyed their day.
Thanks to Kelly, Mrs. Huselid, Mrs. Andrews, Mr. Dreke, Mr. Adelman, and many parents that helped make this day happen. Staff did a great job of planning and organizing.
Andes staff do a great job each year of giving instructions and an overview of skiing. Here is our group of 3rd-5th graders before skiing.
Positive Action in 3rd Grade
Ashley Hibma is pictured sharing and discussing positive thinking and actions with CGB’s 3rd graders. She comes every Friday to teach student about self-concept, decision making, and healthy ways to look at difficult situations. Our students are always happy to have her come and share new and enjoyable activities!
Below, 3rd graders are using gum drops and toothpicks to create 3D designs and shapes.
Robotics & STEM
Students have been working on coding and computer programming with our Indi robots. It has been quite enjoyable to work with students while adding these STEM concepts to science class. All K-5 classes have started with an introduction to understanding what coding is. View the video below to get a glimpse of what students will learn with these amazing robots.
Students learned about observation and using their 5 senses. This connects with important science skills as well as connected with Mrs. Sigler's mindfulness teaching on using their 5 sense. Students also applied science skills of predicting, testing, and reflecting on observations. Most importantly, students are having a great time.
Stars of Honor
We will continue with the Stars of Honor award again this year. This year we will take applications for the process of selecting awardees. Applications have been sent home with your child's teacher. There is one application for grades 3-5 and another version for K-2 students. These applications are due by January 5th.
Winter Concert
Our winter concert was enjoyed by many family, friends, and community members. Great job students on singing. It was fun to hear our 5th grade band as they learn how to play their new instruments. Thank you Mrs. Olson for all of your great work again this year.
Math Class
Monthly Mindfulness
On December 8th, Mrs. Sigler hosted another Monthly Mindfulness lesson to all students. This month, the focus was on using the five senses to be present. Students played a game where they identified things they could see, smell, hear, touch, and taste. Additionally, students practiced mindful listening to practice using their sense of hearing. They listened for a bell sound and tried to see how long they could hear the ring. They practiced with closing their eyes to help their ears hear better. It was amazing how long we could hear the bell ring while everyone was quiet!
Try the listening game at home as a family and see if you can do it too!
https://youtu.be/uUIGKhG_Vq8?feature=shared
Monthly Mindfulness will be back on January 12th!
Student Input
Some 3rd - 5th grade students shared their ideas and dreams about the future of education at CGB Schools on Monday, December 18th. Students were very active and creative when collaborating on future plans and ideas for their learning in the near and distant future. I was very proud of our students as they thought, created, shared, and presented.
Presenting ideas to the group
Another detailed description and drawing
Great ideas.
UPCOMING DATES
Dec. 22 - Jan. 1
Winter Break. No School
January 18th
No Preschool
January 19th
No School. This is a teacher workday for the end of quarter 2.
January 22 - 26
Paraprofessionals Appreciation Week
February 15th
2 hour early out
February 16th & 19th
No School for students