Knights in the Know
March 2, 2018
Noble Knights
This week's Noble Knights are both 1st graders. They display the character trait of Resourcefulness in different ways. Congratulations Finley and Matt!
Finley Gallery displays the character trait of resourcefulness. When she is faced with a challenge she does an amazing job of using the resources around her to overcome obstacles. Her classmates will go to her when they have a problem because she is so resourceful. Her teacher, Mrs. Shoemake, knows she can always count on Finley to have the disposition to think outside of the box when solutions to a problem are not apparent. Finley symbolizes what it means to be a Noble Knight and we are proud that she is a student at Blanton Elementary.
Matt McKethan doesn’t get upset or become frustrated when things do not go as planned. Matt uses his creativity to find alternatives to situations, complete class work and even help his fellow classmates. Most times you see Matt, you will find that he is walking with a book in hand feeding his mind of new thoughts and ideas.
Peer Welcoming Committee
We are excited about our Peer Welcoming Committee and know the efforts they make to help others will make a big difference to our new families.
What We are Learning in 4th Grade
Writing ~ Fourth graders are busy using the writing process to write an expository piece. For several weeks during writing workshop. students have written their compositions in segments and received guidance from the teacher and their peers. They have made great gains in paying attention to the prompt, planning their compositions and then stating a claim in the introduction, expounding on their ideas in the body of the piece, and then tying it all up in the conclusion. Once they have written their piece, they make revisions and edits. Throughout the process, feedback is given which includes next steps to help students have a clear path for success. The photos below are from an assignment in which students incorporated into abstract art.
Math ~ Fourth graders are working on their geometry understanding. Specifically, they have studied lines, line segments, rays, and angles. Their goal is to be able to identify and draw them as well as recognize them in various contexts. Students reviewed strong and weak samples for measuring angles and then created success criteria. They have learned to determine the measure of unknown angles which are formed by two non-overlapping adjacent angles.
Science ~ Students are busy learning how the flow of energy occurs through food webs and chains. Through STEM Scope mapping, students are able to describe the flow of energy as well as what would happen to the web or chain if one part of it were not present due to natural disaster (wildfires, floods, etc.) or some other reason.
Social Studies ~ Fourth grade social studies is an in-depth study of the history of Texas. Students have learned about the last days of the Republic of Texas and how the decision was made to join the Union. They are currently learning about the Mexican War and how it impacted our history.
Strengths ~ This year students in 4th and 5th grade have been learning about their strengths and how they use them in their daily lives. This week, fourth graders interviewed a partner to better understand one of their talents (strengths). They discussed how to define it, whether or not they were surprised it was one of their top three talents, how they displayed this strength when they were younger, how they use it at school, and expect to use it in the future. Students who focus on their strengths are happier and more successful in life.
Student Spotlight ~ EXPO
As the EXPO students continue to expand their knowledge on caring for our environment and the life that occupies it, compassion is part of that. The students & parents put together necessity bags or blessing bags for the homeless and displaced . The goal was 20 bags, but we exceeded that goal to reach 42 bags! I am so grateful to have such compassionate and caring students along with their parents who have instilled it in their hearts!
~Mrs. Turner, EXPO
The picture below is a few of our students with the bags!
Student Spotlight ~ Honor Choir
Student Spotlight ~ Grant Baer
A few weeks ago, fourth graders were asked to write an expository essay about a person they would like to meet. Grant Baer wrote about meeting David Ragan, a NASCAR driver. Grant expressed that he would like to get his autograph and receive some track tips from him. Well, that is exactly what happened. This past Tuesday, Grant had no idea that his parents were in on a big surprise. David Ragan happened to be in town for a tire test out at Texas Motor Speedway. Grant was actually able to meet Mr. Ragan, get his autograph, learn some track tips, and even tour his car hauler. While talking with him, Grant added that he also cheered on Chris Buescher while watching NASCAR. Chris was also in town for the tire test, so Grant was able to meet him as well. It was an amazing experience that Grant will remember for a very long time.
Celebrating Reading Progress!
This Week's Watch DOGS
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
Share the Love Update (from Nicole Marenic ~ PTA)
A HUGE thank you to everyone who brought items in for our Share the Love campaign to benefit Kids Kupboard! We filled up my mini van twice with much needed food items that will help children in our community. Lara Lopez, the creator of this wonderful organization, extends a heartfelt thank you for the generosity and support! We were able to fill her tables with food so that her volunteers could make snack bags for children who otherwise wouldn’t have enough to eat over the weekends when not receiving school supplied meals. Here are some pictures Lara shared of her group in action. I even took a couple shots of my car being loaded up for the super sized deliveries:) AWESOME JOB Blanton!!!
PTA Meeting ~ A Note from Blanton PTA President
For those of you that know me, you know I always say, "It takes a village" and that truly describes my role as President of the Blanton PTA.
The fantastic family events, student programs, staff appreciation, PTA membership, WATCH D.O.G. Program, boxtop program, Knight's Nights, U-Nite spirit wear and fundraising events just don't happen; they are organized by some of the best volunteers that I have had the pleasure of working with.
This is the time of year when we are looking for new volunteers to join our board and help to make our school, the students, staff and administration the very best it can be. You don't have to be a stay-at-mom, maybe you work or maybe you are that guy that has a job but loves to be involved in his kids education (like me...and Michael Lockhart!). Our PTA "village" needs you!
I have listed the positions that we are looking to fill below, they are great for any parent wanting to get involved. You can put your own spin on things, we're always looking for fresh faces with new ideas! You get to meet other parents, work with teachers and the administration, and be active in your student's life at Blanton...as well as being part of the village that makes Blanton Elementary the special place that it is!
If you have any questions, or are interested in a position, please e-mail me at Blantondad@gmail.com or drop me a line on facebook under the Annie Webb Blanton PTA page.
Yours,
David Nicolato
Blanton PTA President
2nd Vice President-Membership Coordinates the membership drive on behalf of Denton Councils of PTAs & TX PTA. Position involves staffing open house membership drive, entering new members into database, and collecting members via our on-line payment system. Position is busiest at the end of summer & during the beginning of the year. Great way to meet members of the Blanton Family!
Volunteer Coordinator- Keeps track of the yearly volunteer hours by PTA members and submits to the County and State for record keeping. Also, manages sign-up genius for volunteer opportunities that might arise throughout the year. This position duties are light in nature and spread out throughout the year. Great for a first-year board member.
Knight’s Night- This committee chairperson is charged with setting up monthly dinners at local establishments that donate a portion of the sales back to the PTA. Set up the calendar once with dates, market the dinners prior to the date and you’re golden. This additional $$$ provides great programs for the students! This position duties are light in nature and spread out throughout the year. Great for a first-year board member.
Communications- Manages our communication via Facebook and Constant Contact (e-mails). Helps with website upkeep on our very simple to use website platform (no web experience necessary!) This position duties are light in nature and spread out throughout the year. Great for a first-year board member
Workroom Coordinator- Serves as a point of contact for teachers/administration in the workroom and coordinates workroom volunteers on Friday a.m. to complete assigned tasks to help the teachers prepare for their lessons. Other children are not allowed in the workroom, position is not ideal for parent that have extra kiddos in tow on Fridays. This position duties are light in nature and spread out throughout the year. Great for a first-year board member.
Kinder Knights Events
Blanton Yearbook Sales Extended until March 9
March Menu
Upcoming Events
Mar. 6 ~ Kinder Knights at Playground 4:15 p.m.
Mar. 6 ~ Ocarina Karate Concert
Mar. 7-8 ~ Tae Kwon Do in PE Classes
Mar. 8 ~ PTA Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Mar. 12-16 ~ Spring Break
Mar. 19 ~ Staff Development for teachers; no school for parents
Mar. 20 ~ School Resumes for students
Mar. 20 ~ College T-shirt Day
Mar. 21 ~ Kinder Knights 1:30 p.m. (cafeteria for snack and PE class)
Mar. 22 ~ Kindergarten Field Trip
Mar. 23-27~ Spring Book Fair
Blanton Elementary School
Email: blantonnotes@dentonisd.org
Website: www.dentonisd.org/blantones
Location: 9501 Stacee Lane, Argyle, TX, USA
Phone: 940-369-0146
Facebook: facebook.com/BlantonKnights