The Paw Print
October 2019
Science News
This month in the lab students are extending their focus on life science. Fifth grade will begin a dissection of owl pellets as we learn about energy transfer in an ecosystem. Fourth grade is studying the amazing world of invertebrates. We will focus on the mollusk family and prepare for a squid dissection. Third graders will learn how to use a microscope and explore the wonders of very small organisms. Second grade will be harvesting seeds from the Outdoor Wildlife Learning (OWL) Site and learning what plants need to grow. First grade is learning about animal adaptations and how these help them survive. They will be doing a fun lab to experience how bird beaks work. Kindergarten will be learning about textures. Watch for a family texture project coming home soon!
Art Studio News
We have been busy in the art room learning about bees! Students watched the video Busy Bees to learn facts about bees, then they created art that connects with science. Kindergarteners used shapes to trace, cut and glue a bee. First Graders used lines and shapes to draw three bees onto a hexagon to represent a honeycomb. Second Graders learn how to draw a beehive and then added details to their bees and background. Third through Fifth grade did observation drawings of bees and used materials from the Drawing Studio to complete their picture.
In Art Club students are doing a great job working together to make a Bee Stain Glass Painting. It will be a wonderful work of art in our school!
P.E. Shorts
Well it has been a good start to the school year; I have enjoyed getting to know all my classes. We are just finishing up a throwing unit and getting ready to start a jump roping and rhythms unit. Our PUSIC concert is coming up October 10th .We have also started our mileage club were the kids are trying to see how many miles they can walk, jog or run throughout the school year. So far we are at 510 miles as a whole school which is amazing! I want to also remind parents to make sure the kids have appropriate shoes the days they have PE. If you have any questions about PE, please feel free to contact me. My office number is 973-8263 and my e-mail is jdoornbos1@usd259.net
Jack Doornbos
Check it Out at the Library
We are continuing to review and practice library routines so that students are familiar with our library procedures. Students have been learning about some authors that have written some fantastic stories for the students to read. Some of the literacy skills we have been practicing are sequencing, retelling, and making predictions. The fifth graders created 3-D dots using the Quiver App to help celebrate Dot Day in honor the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds. We have been organizing Battle of the Books teams for 3rd-5th graders. Battle of the Books is a reading challenge where each member of the team will read 16 books from now until January and memorize the titles and authors. There will be a tournament in January to find the team that will represent McLean at the district competition.
Mindy Daniels, Librarian
Music Notes
Things are jumping in the Music Room. First, all grades are preparing their dances for the big PUSIC event, “Harvest Hoedown!” Please save the date on your calendars:
Thursday, October 10th. PTA will have food to purchase, so come early with your lawn chairs or blankets for one of the most enjoyable all-school events of the year. As a bonus, students may wear western style outfits to perform in, if they want to. With songs like Shoo Fly and The Funky Cowboy, you’re in for a treat. Don’t forget to wear your boot scootin’ boogie shoes, because we are counting on you to join in on one dance with your student. Food service starts at 5:00 PM and dancing at 6:00 PM, so bring the family and enjoy this evening with us!
Other activities in the Music Room include: Grades K-2 are exploring songs and drums, while Grade 3 is learning about the instruments of the orchestra. Grades 4 & 5 are working on their musical, Ocean of Fun, in preparation for their program and in support of the school-wide focus on Oceans this year. Music Club members are learning to ring hand chimes and are beginning to play the ukulele. Whew!
I hope to see you at “Harvest Hoedown!”
Have a musical month!
Mrs. Johnson
Music Programs Save the Date
Tuesday, December 10th Grades 4 & 5 Music program 6:30 PM @ PVMS Auditorium
Tuesday, March 3rd Grades Kdg. & 1 Music program 6:30 PM @ PVMS Auditorium
Thursday, April 23rd Grades 2 & 3 Music Program 6:30 PM @ PVMS Auditorium