Specialist Newsletter
Kokanee Elementary - 1st Quarter
Welcome back Kokanee Kodiaks!
Music Department
Welcome to Music!
Our music team is thrilled to have the privilege to challenge your children in musical excellence. Our goal is to help all children build confidence and to realize all of the strengths and differences that make them unique. Here is what our students have been working on:
1st Grade
Grade 1 has focused on sounds that go up/down, high/low, fast/slow and soft/loud. Quarter rest, quarter notes, repeat signs, and eighth notes have been our 1st Quarter focus. All these concepts are reinforced through songs and games.
Thank you to all the 1st graders who attended the Craft Fair, and participated in the Turkey Tango!
2nd Grade
Grade 2 continues to build their rhythmic and musical skills through songs and games. Students are working on mallet technique, understanding the difference between rhythm/beat, and developing good singing habits.
3rd Grade
Grade 3 has worked on creating ostinatos, improvising and crossover patterns on barred instruments. Introduction of High DO, lines and spaces on the staff, and different forms in music. Students are all enjoying the movement activities which is part of every class period.
4th Grade
Grade 4 proudly performed the Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 10. The students’ artwork, songs, and letters touched many of our students, staff, and especially our veterans. We are working hard on learning the first few songs on the recorder. They are very excited to show off their talent!
5th Grade
Grades 5 and 6 have spent time drumming as well as learning “Balafon” on the marimbas, xylophones and metallophones. Working together and playing in a ORFF ensemble with various rhythms and melodies, produces strong independent t musicians. 5th grade was able to attend a riveting performance of Collision on Rhythm at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.
6th Grade
Grades 5 and 6 have spent time drumming as well as learning “Balafon” on the marimbas, xylophones and metallophones. Working together and playing in a ORFF ensemble with various rhythms and melodies, produces strong independent t musicians.
PE Department
PE/Health News from Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Fisher and Ms. Hanley
We’ve implemented a new program called “Minds in Motion” for grades 1, 2, 3. This program helps develop the link between early physiological development and more complex cognitive abilities. There are 15 activities that are designed to develop and challenge a student’s balance and learning capabilities. Stations with each activity are set up in the gym for students to work on in small groups. This allows us (PE instructors) to work individually with students to master their skill level. We are very excited about the progress we’re seeing with all students!
Friendly Reminders!
A friendly reminder to make sure your child wears ATHLETIC SHOES and APPROPRIATE CLOTHING on their PE days to allow for 100% participation. Also, if your child cannot participate for any reason, please send a note stating the reason and length of time they are unable to participate. Lengthy absences require a letter from a physician.