GEIST GAZETTE
December 13, 2019
GEIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Website: https://ges.hseschools.org/
Location: 14051 East 104th Street, Fishers, IN 46037
Phone: 317-915-4260
Twitter: @Geistgators
2nd Grade Musical Snow Biz
GES Winter Celebrations Friday, Dec. 20
The Winter Celebration is happening Friday, December 20th. This is a time for the kids to celebrate the end of the semester, have some fun and give back to the community. Volunteers are welcome to attend with the expectation that they assist with the craft, games, snacks and service project. We are unable to accommodate younger siblings or lunch visitors (except birthdays) on Dec. 20.
The times for each room are as follows and you must sign up via the following link:
http://signup.com/Group/34755766093
CFL/LifeSkills: 11:00 - 11:45
KDG: 12:15 - 1:00
1st: 1:45 - 2:30
2nd: 11:00 - 11:45
3rd: 1:45 - 2:30
4th: 11:15 - 12:00
Guest Servers at Lunch
GES Science and Engineering Fair
GES Science and Engineering Fair is February 6th. The GES Science and Engineering Fair promotes interest in science and technology. Entry forms with project outline are due on January 17th. The Science and Engineering Fair will take place on February 6th during school hours. The Science Fair is open to all GES students in grades 1-4. Science Fair projects will be displayed in the evening at GES’s SCIENCE NIGHT. Information will posted on the website or you may request a packet from your teacher. For more information, please visit the GES website at www.hse.k12.in.us/ges.
Please complete the entry form and return it to your teacher. If you have questions please contact Susan Galliher at 915-4260 x1608. Please review the information packet and print the entry form (available here) or pick up a print copy in the GES office.
Science Fair Judges
Are you a science fan? The GES Science and Engineering Fair needs judges!! These volunteers will be needed on February 6th to judge the science fair entries. If you are interested, please contact Danessa Zirkelback. danessa.zirkelbach@gmail.com
2nd Annual SCIENCE NIGHT
Mark your calendars!! The PTO is hosting a FREE Science Night on February 6th from 6-8 pm. Science fair projects, mini science inquiry, coding, and much more!! For more information, please visit the GES website at www.hse.k12.in.us/ges.
Science Night parent volunteers needed. We are looking for parents to help with Science Night set up (after school on 2/6) and to volunteer during the Science Night on February 6th. If you are interested, please contact Danessa Zirkelback at danessa.zirkelback@gmail.com
NWEA Testing - Jan. 21-Feb. 7
Hamilton Southeastern Schools will no longer be administering NWEA in the spring. Our students in grades 3-8 now participate in ILEARN testing in the spring. Your child will continue to participate in NWEA testing in fall and winter. Winter NWEA testing will run from January 21, 2020 – February 7, 2020. Teachers use this information to help plan for students’ instructional needs. This testing will also be used in part to identify students in need of high ability services. More information about identification for high ability services can be found at https://www.hseschools.org/academics/intervention-acceleration/high-ability Your child’s teacher will be happy to answer any questions you may have about NWEA testing.
Artists of the Week
Artists of the Week for November 25: (top photo)
K: Isla S. in Miss Cobb's class
1st: Emmaline P. in Ms. Barmore's class
2nd: Nellie H. in Mrs. Diamond's class
3rd: Jackson E. in Mrs. Bullock's class
4th: Margaux H. in Mrs. Scott's class
Artists of the Week for December 9: (bottom photo)
K: Claire C. in Mrs. Lamb's class
1: Mila G. in Mr. Baldock's class
2nd: Abby W. in Mrs. Bradburn's class
3rd: Allison B. in Mrs. Biggs's class
4th: Kyle D. in Mrs. Scott's class
Order by Monday, Dec. 16 for holiday gifts from Artsonia!
Make sure you check out the items available to purchase in the Artsonia gift shop: https://www.artsonia.com/gifts/products/
These items can be personalized with your child's artwork, and you can also upload your own images! The GES Art Department receives 20% of sales. These funds are used to buy supplies your child uses in art class.
Currently there is a sale on mugs at 40% off, and there are over 25 other items available.
If you have questions or need assistance accessing your parent/child's account, please contact Ms. Green at egreen@hse.k12.in.us
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Volunteer at the GES Book Fair!
SignUp page to view available dates and times. Thank you in advance for helping
to make our book fair a success!
https://signup.com/Group/34755766093
Global Studies Update
¡Hola!
We are wrapping up the Spanish rotation of the Global Studies Program with a cultural project in each grade level. We are having so much fun!
Kindergarten students are learning about maracas and designing their own. We are reading the story, Alpacas with Maracas, and playing our new, unique maracas to music.
In first grade, we are learning about piñatas and reading the story, The Piñata that the Farm Maiden Hung. The students are utilizing their knowledge of colors and numbers in Spanish while creating their own piñatas.
In second grade, the students are learning about Mexico and Amate bark paintings. The students are drawing and outlining their paintings in Global Studies. Later, they will be painting their creations with Ms. Green in art!
In third grade, we are talking about Guatemala, reading the book, Silly Billy, and learning about worry dolls. It is a Guatemalan tradition for children to tell their worries to worry dolls and place them under their pillows before going to bed. This allows the children to sleep well while the dolls do the worrying. Geist students are busy creating their own worry dolls to bring home.
In fourth grade, we are talking about Argentina and learning about gauchadas. To make a gauchada is to do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return. Students are making kindness rocks. The students are able to pass on their creations to someone in need or to someone they care about. They are spreading kindness!
Thank you very much to the volunteers who are coming in to assist the students with their projects! We so appreciate your help!
The Spanish rotation of the Global Studies Program will come to a close for this school year at the start of winter break. It has been both a privilege and a joy to work with the students!
Sincerely,
Stacey Zimmerman
Hello From The Gym
Over the past few weeks we have been working on Juggling. All grades have been working on learning new skills for juggling and increasing the difficulty as the grades get higher. K-2 have been working on individual skills with juggling scarves. Grades 3 and 4 have been doing individual as well as partner skills. We are not ready for a circus act yet, but we are off to a great start.
This past week, grades 3 and 4 have been learning about Target Heart Rate. Their assignment will be due when they come to class next week. Please remind them to get their resting heart rate so they will be able to complete the worksheet. In the event they may lose their paper, I have a copy of the assignment on my Canvas page.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful and great for boots. However, if you require your child to wear boots for colder weather, please send a pair of tennis shoes to school for them to participate in Physical Education. Also, layers of clothes can be helpful as well so they will be comfortable. Please enjoy the Holiday season and remember to keep exercising while you are on vacation!!
Rod Sutherlin
Physical Education Teacher
Friends of the Library
Job Opportunity at Geist Elementary
Winter Technology Checkup!
Parents—for those of you who bring your own iPads, please check the models and make sure they meet district requirements. HSE Schools has recommended iPad models on its list, but there are also minimum model requirements. Many iPads look similar but do not have the same hardware inside. Having the correct iPad ensures that your child is able to fully participate in all school activities as required by his or her teacher. We have seen a noticeable number of issues in recent weeks--devices with outdated hardware are not able to load necessary websites, apps, and other resources like Canvas and Microsoft Word. The full requirements can be found here.
As always, renting iPads is an option and is a simple process that can be done immediately to make sure your child has a functioning iPad. You may ask any questions about model compatibility by emailing our building technology specialist Nick Drumm here.
Chess Club at GES
Chess Club is returning to Geist Elementary in January! Cloud City Youth will offer an 8 week session to students K-4. Kids learn competitive level chess from entertaining and imaginative
instruction and games that reward their efforts. This is an engaging experience!!! Sessions will be on Fridays after school. More information is available on the registration form.
HSE Schools Community Insider
Check out extracurricular opportunities and activities happening at Geist Elementary and around the community! The HSE Community Insider is on updated frequently and is located on the HSE Schools webpage. You can find it here: hseschools.org/happenings/community-insider.
Mental Health Resources, School Safety
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is already bursting with items that students have misplaced. Ask your child to look there for their missing items. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the lost and found near the cafeteria.
ALL ITEMS IN OUR LOST AND FOUND WILL BE DONATED TO LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 20.