ASPIRATIONS
May 6, 2016
Mission Statement 2015-2016
As members of Ballardville, we recognize that each student in ASPIRE is unique and different in his or her own way. We promise to:
- help each other learn and excel as a group in class;
- be kind, respectful, and responsible to our teacher, each other, our classroom, and ourselves;
- have a positive attitude, follow the Golden Rule, and make sure everyone feels like they fit in;
- put aside our differences and cooperate with each other respectfully;
- show kindness in and out of the classroom and treat others with care.
We expect our teacher to challenge us in a way that will help each of us excel in our learning. We like to be challenged and to think outside the box.
Our personal expectations are to be respectful and responsible. We will encourage others to be helpful and not hurtful. We will pull each other up when in need, and will help each other improve.
Dates to Remember
May 10th: STAAR Test (Reading), Campus Closed to Visitors
May 11th: Campus Closed to Visitors (5th Grade Science STAAR)
May 12th: 25 Book Challenge Forms Due
May 13th: Gator Games (Field Day)
May 16th: Career Day
May 18th: PARR Park Field Trip
May 18th: Deadline for ASPIRATIONS Submissions for Publication
May 20th: Faculty/5th Grade Softball Game
May 20th: ASPIRE Academy Talent Showcase (students only)
May 23rd: Movie Party for those who met my reading goal of 40 books/equivalents
May 25th: ASPIRE Family Swim Party Pre-Payment and Registration Due
May 26th: Math Olympiad Toga Celebration
May 27th: No School - Bad Weather Make-Up Day
May 30th: No School - Memorial Day
May 31st: Fourth Grade Success Assembly at 8:00am
May 31st: Movie Party for those who met my reading goal of 80 books/equivalents
June 1st: All School Celebration
June 2nd: Last Day of School; Dismissal at 11:45am
June 3rd: 3rd Annual K-5 ASPIRE Family Swim Party @ Bedford Splash Waterpark and Pool
Class Objectives for Next Week
Reading - STAAR Testing: Semi-Final and Final Rounds of Bracketology
Writing - Of the Days; Journal Writing; Letters to H.S. Graduates
Social Studies - Revolution & The Republic of Texas
Science - Adaptations and Behaviors; Force & Motion
STAAR Testing
May 9th - 4th and 6th Grade Math
May 10th - 4th Grade Reading
Wednesday May 11th- 5th Grade Science
Gator Games (aka Field Day)
- Country Name: Ballardville
- Motto: Square Pegs in Round Holes
- Type of Government: Democracy- elections to come
- Population: 185 and counting (includes rubber ducks, cats, students, Mrs. Ballard, and the stuffed animals)
- National Anthem: The Throne Room/End Title from the Star Wars IV: A New Hope Soundtrack
- Country Records: Biggest Brain Storm (it was raining all week); Most Rubber Ducks; Created the Number Cake 7.46285729462857294628572946285729462857294628572946285729....
- Colors: Blue, Yellow, and Neon Camo
- Flag: In Progress but says "Come and Win It!"
We hope you plan to come and cheer us on!
ASPIRE Academy Showcase
The ASPIRE Academy Talent Showcase was the brainchild of three 4th grade ASPIRE students during the first year of the ASPIRE Academy. purpose was a chance for the ASPIRE students to get together across grade levels and share something they were passionate about through the arts. That first year it was held in Mrs. Hollinger's classroom since there were only 3 ASPIRE classes.
The next year these 3 students asked to do the Showcase again. Since the ASPIRE Academy was larger they split the day up so that 1st-2nd grade had a showcase and 3rd-5th grade had a showcase, but all showcases were in a classroom.
This year we have five 5th grade students that were hand-picked by the originators before they went on to middle school. These 5 girls have gotten a good start on the planning, but since the ASPIRE Academy is now 7 classes - Mr. Boykin and Mrs. Fullhart are jumping in as the producers of the 3rd Annual ASPIRE Talent Showcase to help relieve the stress of putting on such a large show. The ASPIRE 5 classes will finish organizing and how to produce these shows. It will be a great experience in committee work and large group collaboration.
Once again due to the number of ASPIRE students and space available, the showcase is for our ASPIRE students only and will be held in the afternoon after the 5th grade/faculty softball game.
ASPIRE Family Swim Party
Come Celebrate Another Wonderful School Year at the 3rd Annual K-5th ASPIRE Academy Family Swim Party!
Plan to be there? Be sure to send in your registration form and pre-payment by Wednesday, May 25th.
Bedford Splash Waterpark and Pool
2801 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford TX
Friday, June 3rd from 7:30pm-9:30pm
We do need your help! Please volunteer supplies and/or a little of your time at:
GCISD 25 Book Challenge
Our class has been working on their book challenges while at school and at home!! I love are so interested in exploring different genres. Remember that this book challenge is for the 2015-2016 school year. Your child can count any book (over 100 pages for the 40 Book Challenge) that they have read this school year. Let me know if you need another form.
Forms are due by May 12th to be eligible to receive recognition.
Thanks so much for your support!
ASPIRATIONS
Students are now choosing and typing up stories, poems, quotes, and other works for publication. If there is artwork such as paintings, photos, drawings, etc. please take a photo or bring in the paper piece. I will scan them and create a PDF in black and white which can be published as well.
Parents will have an opportunity to purchase a copy for around $6-$7. I will be sending more information in the coming weeks.
It is my expectation that each student has at least 2 pieces in the book. There is no size limit, so short stories, chapters, etc. are welcome.
Pieces must be typed and submitted into the ASPIRATIONS folder on Google Drive prior to May 18th. This will give me time to copy and paste, proof, format, and submit for publication in time to get them before the end of the year.
It is a lasting memorabilia piece that is so fun to have! More info to come!!
SHOUT OUTS TO:
THANK YOU!!!
All students who applied for a position on GATR News- ALL were accepted!
The first crew members will train the last few weeks of school to prepare for the fall.
Kolton B- Computer Technician
Yuna S- Camera
Eric T- Anchor 1
Students will work in shifts throughout the year! I can't wait to watch you as 5th graders!!!
Post STAAR Activities
Students are invited to bring blankets/towels to spread on the ground to read or play games, sporting equipment, games, etc.
Indoor or outdoor, the kids will have earned this time to relax and unwind!