Trailblazer Tribune
BRIDGE VALLEY'S NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT
Much is made of the high stakes PSSA testing that students in grades three through six participate in each spring. Extensive assessments are given to measure students’ levels of proficiency in the areas of Reading, Mathematics, Writing, and Science. As the term “standardized test” implies, the setting for these exams involve all students sitting at their desks working their way through a testing booklet armed with a sharpened #2 pencil. Do these PSSA tests provide the full picture of a student’s current academic success and/or an accurate prediction of future success? Do they measure a student’s aptitude and skills related to real-world competencies and problem solving?
The PSSA tests DO provide teachers and parents with valuable information. This information makes a real difference in curriculum decisions and program planning for individual students. What the test DOES NOT fully define is a child’s success in school. At Bridge Valley and in CB, we recognize both the value and limitations of these standardized assessments. We know that among other invaluable life competencies, essential communication skills, research skills, and collaboration skills cannot be measured by the PSSA test. This is why we so strongly value our authentic assessments. These more curricular-based hands-on evaluations take place routinely in our classrooms at every level, and in third and sixth grade they are conducted as a more formalized assessment.
Each of our sixth graders completed their Sixth Grade Assessment over seven school days with Mr. Controy’s class beginning in early January and Mrs. Foreman’s class ending in early February. Students developed a researchable question, conducted extensive research utilizing a variety of resources, published a paper, developed an interactive PowerPoint slideshow, and finally provided a presentation to a panel of teachers as well as Dr. Garvin or Mr. Cochran.
In third grade, classes began their Motion Assessment during the week of February 17th and the last class completed their assessment today. This hands on authentic assessment focuses on problem solving and collaboration. Students utilize their mathematical, technological, and writing skills to analyze and develop graphs based on motion paths created through the use of a motion detector.
Bridge Valley teachers understand both the importance and limitations of standardized tests, and they work hard to prepare students to be successful on the PSSA. Bridge Valley teachers believe in educating the whole child and developing the academic and problem-solving skills essential for personal development, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning.
SCIENCE ALIVE WEEK STARTS MONDAY!
From March 2nd to March 6th, Bridge Valley students will be exploring the world of science. The goal is to give students the opportunity to creatively learn and explore various scientific concepts through hands-on experiments, presentations, and trivia games.
The week starts off with our “Family Fun Night.” With two showings at 6:30pm and 7:30pm, Bridge Valley families will explore the world of science, thanks to The DaVinci Science Center’s show, “Mix and Matter”. Students and their families will first learn about hot careers in the field of chemistry. From changing the color of fire to the surprising science behind recycling, scientists will demonstrate just a few of the awesome potentials for students of chemistry. The second half of the program features the super cool side of research chemistry as students explore the properties and capabilities of liquid nitrogen.
Throughout the week, each classroom, (grades kindergarten through six) will be working with parent volunteers in our science experiment labs. There, students will be learning about various scientific concepts. The primary students, in grades K-2, will be participating in experiments entitled “Elephant Toothpaste,” “Papermaking,” and “Diffracting Light.”
Meanwhile, the secondary students, in grades 3-6, will be exploring “Density Layers” and “Fingerprinting.” (If you are interested in coming in to view the labs, each classroom has a scheduled date/time. We can work with you to find a date/time or grade level that would be convenient.)
In addition to Family Fun Night and the parent-volunteer science labs, each classroom will view a presentation, by an adult, who is involved in a science career.
CAFETERIA CONTEST WINNERS FOR FEBRUARY
Classes earn a point by following one of our three cafeteria rules; eat quietly, keep a clean space, and listen to directions. Each time a class is caught exhibiting one of these behaviors, they earn a point. Points are displayed on a screen in the cafeteria, and students watch as their class collects points. The class with the most points at the end of each month earns the “Golden Spoon” award. February's golden spoon award winning classes were…
First Grade - Mrs.Tate, Second Grade - Mrs. Slinka, Third Grade - Mrs. Reilly, Fourth Grade - Mrs. Hauck, Fifth Grade - Mrs. Scott, Sixth Grade - Miss Moyer.
BVE WELLNESS TIPS FOR THE WINTER
Great Ways for Kids to Exercise this winter
Active Video Game Technology
With Xbox 360® Kinect, you use your body as the controller — you are the athlete, the dancer, the UFC fighter or even the Kung Fu Panda punching and kicking on the screen.
Play Outside. You can go ice-skating or sledding, decorate the front yard with a snowman and snow angels. Create an obstacle course using balls, jump ropes, simple items around the house and trees in your yard!
Indoor Facilities
If it is too cold out and you want to get out of the house for a bit, you can go play at an indoor roller-skating rink, a bowling alley, a local gym, an indoor basketball court, or even go swimming in an indoor pool!
Get Involved in Structured Activity
Classes could range from martial arts, swimming lessons, indoor cycling, kid’s yoga or dance lessons.
Just Dance
Create a fun playlist on your iPod and let loose. Dancing is a fun way to burn calories and a great stress reliever.
Take a Break from the TV
Get up during the commercial breaks and get your body moving – doing simple exercises such as jogging in place, body weight squats, sit-ups or jumping jacks.
Create your “Active Space”
You can be active anywhere in your home, but it might be fun to set up a special place with activities you like to do. This could range from hanging a basketball hoop on the wall, taping hopscotch to the floor, setting up indoor hockey nets, or placing a chair up in your room to practice ballet. Regardless of the activities you choose, make this space your own!
TRAILBLAZER TASTY TREAT
What is your favorite family recipe?
If you have any recipes you would like to share, please send them to ctyburski@cbsd.org.
Your recipe could be featured in the next Tribune.
Crock Pot Vegetable Soup
From food.com
Ingredients
- 2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 large carrots (chopped)
- 2 small celery ribs (chopped)
- 1 medium turnip (chopped)
- 2 cups green beans (cut in 1-inch pieces)
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1⁄4 head cabbage (chopped)
- 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
- salt and pepper
- 2 small russet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
Directions
- In a large soup pot, heat the one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add the onion and cook till nearly translucent.
- Now add the garlic. Don't let the garlic brown and sauté another couple of minutes.
- Add the rest of the chopped veggies, sautéing for just a minute or two; the extra tablespoon of olive oil is if you need it for the rest of the veggies. Remember--you're not cooking them-- just sautéing them for the wonderful flavor this quick step will infuse in your soup.
- Add the thyme and salt and pepper while sautéing.
- Now put the veggies in the crock pot, add the tomatoes and broth.
- Cook on low 7-9 hours (depending on your crock pot) or high 4-6 hours.
- Just before serving, gently mash some of the potato chunks against the side of the crock pot to thicken the soup, give it a stir and serve.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Grilled cheese sandwiches on whole grain bread and a spinach salad.
Happy winter from the Wellness Team
NURSE NOTES
Immunization Alert: Provisional status needs updating by May 1, 2015
Dear Bridge Valley Families,
In the next few weeks email notices or phone calls will be sent to families whose children are missing immunizations. If you receive an immunization notice please share with your child’s MD and have them update your child’s immunizations as soon as possible. Please return documentation of updated immunizations to our office.
Immunizations are required to be updated by May 1, 2015 or your child will be excluded from school.
Physical and Dental Requirements:
All Kindergarten and incoming 1st graders: are required to provide a physical exam and dental exam. Please do not confuse a health history or immunization record with a physical.
Third grade: required dental exam
Sixth grade: required physical exam
All entering students in any grade: required to provide a physical and dental exam to the nurse’s office. These exams need to have been performed after September 1, 2013.
If we do not have these forms your child will not be allowed on field trips.
Thank you for your consideration
BRIDGE VALLEY JUST RUNNING 2015
Please Sign-up Online by Friday 3/6/15
JUST RUNNING (iRun4Life) is a fun, noncompetitive running program designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles with your children. JUST RUNNING focuses on exercise, healthy nutrition, and doing good deeds in our community. Training at Bridge Valley Elementary starts Tuesday, March 17th, 2015 at 3:30pm. During our 8 weeks together, we will combine dynamic warm ups, relay races, endurance running and discussions about healthy nutrition.
JUST RUNNING is open to 2nd - 6th Graders. We will train on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 4:30pm from March 17th through May 5th. We will meet in the Gym for roll call and warm ups and then run rain or shine! There is a $20 fee per child to help defray the cost of t-shirts, incentives and healthy snacks.
REGISTRATION - NEW for 2015: This year for the first time, you can register your child(ren) online. This registration includes the waiver, as well as all student information. It is a very easy process. Please go to www.iRun4Life.com and click the “Log In” flag on the right of the screen to complete the registration process. Parents register first and then you “add” your child(ren). Once registration is complete, please send in $20 per child (cash or check) made out to Bridge Valley H.S.A. – please indicate Just Running in the notes.
We hope to see you on March 17th!
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RACE FOR EDUCATION
Thank you to all who have donated stamps and money for the upcoming Race for Education Fundraiser. There is still time to send those stamps in, so keep them coming.
~ Race for Education Committee
HOME & SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
FUNDRAISING (PASSIVE)
- Please go onto the Giant Website and register your bonus card so that Bridge Valley can receive money when you shop.
- Show your school spirit and purchase a magnet to place on your car. We may just catch you around town with one and have a special surprise for you!!!
- Thank you to everyone that turned in Box Tops. Please keep saving them and get them in before our February cut off.
Box Top$ For Education
Please collect Box Top$ for Education! This is a huge potential for free money for our school. We will have two big drives this year. One ended on October 20th and the second ending on February 20th. Ask your family and neighbors to save too! Look for your information letter and Box Top$ sheet