What's Happening @ DAIS?
Second Marking Period Newsletter
Welcome to 2018!
Winter Weather Announcement:
Remember to monitor TV and radio stations, Twitter, and the Dallastown website, www.dallastown.net, should weather conditions necessitate a change to the regular school and/or activity schedules. Also, be sure that current telephone numbers are on file with your child's school so that School Messenger inclement weather notifications reach you. Please be sure to send your student(s) to school with appropriate winter weather attire in the event we have outdoor recess.
Math
The second marking period has come to a close. In math, the fourth graders have been working on patterns, sequences, and dividing. Next, our fourth grade students will be working with fractions and decimals, customary measurement, time and graphing.
Fifth grade math students have been adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing decimals. They have also been studying patterns and coordinate grids.
Next, our fifth graders will be transitioning to adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.
Our sixth graders started the second marking period focusing on integers, coordinate planes, and multiplying and dividing fractions. Next, our sixth grade math students will be studying expressions, equations, functions and inequalities.
Click here for information on how to access My Math/Glencoe Math lesson tutorials, lesson animations, virtual manipulatives, and extra practice for your child to review and reinforce their math lessons.
DAIS students are working on developing and using habits of mind as they utilize problem solving strategies, discuss concepts in mathematics, and solve mathematics problems. In the last newsletter, Mathematical Practice Number 1 was discussed. The second of the Eight Standards for Mathematical Practice is Mathematical Practice Number 2; reason abstractly and quantitatively.
The following questions complement Mathematical Practice Number 2 and can be utilized at home to help support your child’s efforts in mathematics.
Can you write or recall an expression or equation to match the problem situation?
What do the numbers or variables in the equation refer to?
What’s the connection among the numbers and the variables in the equation?
English Language Arts
The English Language Arts department is celebrating the progress of our students in reading and writing during marking period 2. DAIS students are involved in hours of literacy experiences every day, and below are some grade level highlights.
Grade 4
4th grade teams enjoyed studying historical fiction through a timeline lens of United States history. They focused on immigration to highlight the diversity of our country and the experiences of hardworking men and women who built a new life for themselves and their families in the United States. 4th grade students were part of an immigration simulation of Ellis Island, and some even used Google Cardboard for a virtual reality “live” experience. In writing, fourth grade teams completed authentic persuasive writing tasks which resulted in charitable giving as well as changes to our own DAIS cafeteria menu.
Grade 5
5th grade teams made great cross-curricular ties with both Social Studies and Science. Students read historical fiction, narrative nonfiction, and informational texts to build their background knowledge of topics such as the American Revolution and animal biology while practicing literacy skills. They have also been using their Chromebooks to hone their writing skills and use resources to make their pieces of writing publishing-ready. Look for students to be involved in a Famous American Wax Museum project as the year progresses! This engaging project combines reading, research, writing, listening, and speaking skills - all skills relevant for life in 5th grade and beyond.
Grade 6
6th grade teams finished the class read-aloud book Wonder just in time for the movie to hit theaters back in November. The companion text, Auggie & Me, includes a chapter that ties into the 6th grade marking period 2 unit of World War II and the Holocaust. Students learn about this time in history through reading of informational, narrative nonfiction, and historical fiction texts which include articles as well as novels. 6th grade teams used novels, articles, Mrs. Farrell’s Symbaloo, and subscriptions to ebooks such as those accessed via FreedomFlix to build background knowledge about WWII as well as learn life lessons about respect and the power of kindness and perseverance. 6th grade students are practicing skills of research during the informational writing unit, which include digital literacy skills such as finding credible texts to use for research.Science
4th grade students have wrapped up their exploration of forces and motion with their hovercraft STEAM project. Next they are gearing up to dig deeper into plant and animal structure and how those structures and adaptations help them survive in their individual ecosystems. In these units the students will have the opportunity to grow and handle several different plants and critters.
Grade 5 students continue studying topics of ecology such as biomes and ecosystems. Students recently discovered the niche of an owl through the dissection of owl pellets. See website below for virtual dissection link at home. Owl pellet dissection: http://kidwings.com/virtual-pellet/
Grade 6 students just finished their first STEAM activity creating their own glue compound, and are continuing to learn about forces and motion with many hands-on experiences and tests. Teams across DAIS are continuing to work through the K’Nex car challenge now including 3D printers, and look forward to the school wide challenge this spring.
Social Studies
During the second marking period, 4th grade explored the diversity and characteristics of the Northeast and Southeast regions United States of America. The students were able to make comparisons between the regions and identity the key features of each region. The students were given the chance to do self-guided research on a state of his/her choice through an enriching project. This allowed the students to become better aware of the states within our country. This will guide them as they make decisions regarding their future career choices.
During the 2nd marking period, the 5th grade investigated the Thirteen British Colonies and the conflicts that led to the Revolutionary War. In addition, we followed the course of events surrounding the Revolutionary War from the Second Continental Congress through the Treaty of Paris.
As the end of the second marking period approaches, 6th grade students have continued to examine the traits of various cultures from Central and South America. This marking period also saw the introduction of World War I, World War II, and a unit of study on the Holocaust. The 6th grade Social Studies department continues to strive in educating our students to become empathetic, global citizens. Next on the horizon: J.A. Biztown!
Guidance
The Guidance Department assisted students in small groups. During the second marking period the school counselors facilitated groups for students in all three communities. Topics this marking period consisted of social skills, self-regulation, family changes, self-esteem, coping and self- confidence skills and grief. Guidance groups meet during the school day one time per cycle for a seven week period. We have 170 students participating in group sessions. Referrals to group can be made by teachers, parents and students.
DAIS Caring & Sharing Thanks YOU!
Health & Physical Education
The health and physical education team at the Intermediate School recently presented at the 96th annual Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD) Convention in Valley Forge, PA. Staff representatives, Cody Gray, Brent Harvey, Matt Marhevka, Ken Midgett and Chad Rebert, designed and presented two sessions that aligned with the conference theme, “Innovate Health and Physical Education”. One session demonstrated innovative uses for Google for Education tools used in health education classrooms that highlighted the recent 1:World Chromebook initiative at DAIS. The presentation also showed attendees how to use virtual reality environments in health education through Google Cardboard, iPads and a new uniquely designed t-shirt called Virtuali-Tee. The second session provided insight and demonstration on genuine cooperative activities and lessons that DAIS students experience within their regular PE classes.
iLibrary & Technology
iLibrary
Students in 5th & 6th grade have completed Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” program, and are now Google certified Digital Citizens! Students participated in interactive classroom lessons, learning how to be Smart, Alert, Strong, Kind & Brave when online. After every lesson, students entered Interland and completed the online challenge of every kingdom. The DAIS iLibrary takes digital citizenship seriously, especially in our one to one chromebook culture. We were proud to offer this program to our students, and excited to watch them grow into responsible explorers of the online world. We encourage you to talk to your students about what they learned through this program, and don’t be surprised if they teach you a thing or two!
Fourth grade students continue their technology lessons with Mr. Hartman, and are quickly becoming Google experts!
Innovation Station
The 2nd marking period found our students thinking like architects in Innovation Station. Students were assigned tasks that had them building, designing and recreating architectural features. We used legos to design modular structures, learn about the importance of scale and proportion, and recreate the York Revolution stadium. Keva Planks were used to recreate the unique design of the Citigroup Center in New York City. We learned about the design and history of this very impressive skyscraper. Students used Kinex to create an airplane hangar, and learned how trusses, roof purlins, posts and wall girts work together to strengthen a structure. Lincoln Logs were used to create a cutaway cabin, giving us a glimpse of the exterior and interior at the same time.
Book Selection
The Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award program is taking place in the DAIS Library. Sponsored by the PA School Librarians Association, students are asked to read three of the nominated books. They may vote for their favorite book in March. Mrs. Farrell will tally our school’s votes and submit them to the committee for the final count. The winner will be announced in April. There are many great books on the nominated list. Please encourage your student to read and vote! A full list of the nominated titles can be found here https://pyrca.wikispaces.com/2017-18+Nominated+Titles
Educational Trip Reminders
- A Request for Excused Absence from School for a Preplanned Educational Tour or Trip form must be completed for educational trips. The online absence excuse form is for submitting absences not related to educational trips.
- Pre-arranged absences are limited to ten (10) days.
- Pre-arranged absences are not permitted during PSSA testing dates. (April 9, 2018 - May 4, 2018)
- Completed trip forms must be submitted to the office at least one week prior to the trip.
- Educational experiences must be listed under the Itinerary of Trip section of the form.
Please contact your community secretary for questions regarding educational trips.
DAIS Yearbooks
Grade 6 Career Camp Opportunity
Grade 6 Students are invited to the YCST Career Camp! Click HERE for details! Applications are due by April 27.
New & Improved Morning Video Announcements!
DAIS is once again featuring live video morning announcements. The video announcements are a great way for DAIS to showcase all of the exciting activities happening at school, student successes, and more! We are happy to announce that you can view these announcements at home too! Click here to view our video announcements.
DAIS Holiday Concerts
We would like to congratulate all of the DAIS music students on their amazing performances at the holiday concerts. Your hard work and dedication brought the sound of beautiful music to our ears. We would also like to thank the entire music staff, administration, teachers and custodial staff for making the programs a success.
Holiday Sing-A-Long, Lip Sync Battles, Class Parties & More!
On Friday, December 22, students and faculty participated in the annual Holiday Sing-A-Long. New this year, in recognition of our Fun Run efforts, an epic lip sync battle also took place. It was a great way to kick off the holiday break! A special shout out to all of the students and faculty that participated in this event. After the assembly, students gathered on team for class parties in celebration of the last day of school for the year 2017! Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who offered their assistance with class parties.
DAIS World Language Program
DAIS Monthly Character Counts
DAIS PTO
PTO Information - Ways to help the DAIS PTO...
1. Join the PTO: It’s never been easier. There are two ways to join. You can fill out the form and return it to school or join online!
2. Box Tops: Clip and send in your box tops labeled with your student’s name on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Also, there is now a box top app. You can double your box tops (these will not go towards team contest totals but will greatly help our school)!
3. Giant Rewards: Do you grocery shop at Giant? Be sure that DAIS is designated as your A+ School Rewards school.