BHCS Charter Chatter
October 2019
STEAM - Making Connections!
When describing our STEAM class, many ask “what is STEAM and why is it important in elementary school?” STEAM curriculum in elementary school is designed to introduce students to skills they will need in their future – skills such as working in teams, problem-solving, and computer coding. One skill we are currently introducing is computational thinking. Computational thinking is a problem-solving process that allows one to break larger pieces of information into smaller chunks. When working with computers and robots, that means one can write an algorithm or a set of steps to tell a computer or robot what to do. The first important skill in learning computational thinking is sequencing. Our first and second graders have been learning to use this skill by writing algorithms (sets of steps) that tell their friends how to walk or move through mazes. This will later move into writing algorithms for our robots and coding apps. Our third graders have already moved into this step by building a lego robot that can pull a load when they code or write an algorithm on the iPads. Third grade is using this project to learn about force and friction. Fourth grade will review writing algorithms by guiding their pirate through a treasure map they created in art. Fifth grade will learn to use loops. Loops are used when you have a set of steps that repeat. You can use a loop to signal that a set of steps needs to be repeated. Coding or writing a set of steps for a computer can easily transfer to every day life. Every day we break large pieces of information into smaller chunks. Just think about retelling a story or solving a long division problem or even making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s important for our students to have these problem-solving skills. Ask your student about coding and have them practice by giving you a set of directions to follow! Coding is a fun and educational way to teach problem-solving!
Pirate Day....
Fourth grade students have been reading the Robert Louis Stevenson classic Treasure Island in ELA. On September 19 we celebrated “Talk Like a Pirate Day." Each student had a pirate name and acted out poems using pirate voices. In October, students will also be making treasure maps based on the map described in Treasure Island to be displayed during Pirate Day.
Pirate Day will be October 11. We will dress like pirates, make treasure chests, and other fun activities to celebrate the conclusion of our novel study. So don't be a landlubber, raise your Jolly Roger and get ready for PIRATE DAY!
Main Event
On Wednesday, October 9, we will have our Main Event and Limo Lunch Rides for those students who qualified by participating in our Fall Fundraiser. We are in need of volunteers to assist with both of these special events. Volunteers for the Main Event will assist with supervising students while they are having a blast playing on the inflatables in the gym. Volunteers are needed for 45 minute sessions. The sessions will start at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 am. We like to have 5-7 volunteers per session. The limo lunches start at 10:15 (departure time) and typically the next ride departs 30 minutes later with the last departure around 12:45. Typically we need 2 volunteers for each limo ride. If you can volunteer, please contact Angie Phillips at 336-599-2823 extension 266 or at angie.phillips@bethelhill.net to sign up for a time. A definite schedule for the day will soon be completed as we wrap up the final details for the day.
Thank you for your support of BHCS!
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?????
Arby's Night...
Thank you so much to everyone who came out and supported BHCS Arby's Night on September 3. Your support helped raise $360.24!
The next Arby's night is October 1st. Make an Arby's purchase on October 1st between 5pm and 8pm and a portion of your purchase goes to BHCS. Students who bring in the Arby's receipt on October 2nd with their name, grade, and teacher printed on the back are entered in a drawing to win a $10 Palace Pointe gift card!
Biscuitville After Dark
BHCS Daycare Donation Request
Fall Book Fair - ONLY 3 DAYS!!!
Times: 8am - 3:30pm
Where: BHCS Library
For information on Scholastic products and to search books by grade level visit:
ATTENTION FIFTH GRADE...
Student Council
Alright Fantastic Fifth Grade Wildcats!! We are ready to start thinking about Student Council. We will have a brief informational meeting on October 7 at 2:30 in the Student Council Room. This room is across from Mrs. Porrin's classroom. This meeting is for fifth grade students only. At this time a letter will be sent home to those students who are interested and attend the meeting.
In order to be eligible for Student Council you must meet and complete the following:
- All nominees must demonstrate good character daily. Additionally, students must be progressing satisfactorily and not have any areas of concern marked in learner behaviors and work habits on the 1st report card.
- Essay requirement: On a piece of notebook paper, using the front side only, please respond to the following: Explain in detail why you want to be a part of Student Council and your personal definition of a leader. How are you a leader? You will read this essay aloud to your classmates during classroom nominations. If you do not complete this written activity you will not be eligible to run.
As I have told the students, being a member of Student Council is a big responsibility and takes dedication, determination, and dependability. The students at Bethel Hill Charter School are looking at them to be role models. As the staff member responsible for student council, I take this organization very seriously and expect the students to do the same. I have high expectations for the members of Student Council. If your child is elected to be an officer, he/she not only represents himself/herself but represents Bethel Hill Charter School.
Go Wildcats!!!!
Deborah Sanford
Student Council Representative5th Grade Fundraiser
***All orders should arrive before Winter Break and are a great gift idea!***
News from Coach Bowes
Quarter Chance Drive...
During the month of October we will be doing our "Quarter Chance Drive" in PE. Each 25 cents students bring equals one chance/entry for a prize (25 cents = 1 chance/entry, $1 = 4 chances/entries, etc.)
Prizes include:
- Jump Ropes
- Caboodles
- Puzzles
- Kites
- Key Chains
- Ribbon Board
- AND MORE...
Students can bring their money from October 1 through October 30 for a chance to win a prize of their choosing. The drawing for each prize will be held on October 31st. The students are excited!
IMPORTANT: If you send money with your student, please put it in an envelope or zipper baggie with your child's name and teacher on it.
PLANNING AHEAD:
The World STACK UP will take place on November 14 during student's PE times. Volunteers will be needed to supervise each stacking station and make sure students are staying on task. If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Suzanne Beshears at Suzanne.Beshears@bethelhill.net or call 336-599-2823 extension 239.
Thank you in advance for your support!