TPS Specials
2016-2017 Newsletter
First Quarter
Art
TPS artists have been very busy producing many projects. Encourage your children to talk about what they are learning in art by asking them about their art vocabulary words that are italicized within this letter.
2nd graders drew a portrait (or self-portrait) of a person coming to school on a “crazy hair day”. They used 8 different kinds of lines to draw the crazy hair-do (thick, thin, zig-zag, jagged, straight, curved, dotted, dashed). The portraits show a wide variety of moods through facial expressions as well. Their second project was a seascape that shows space (or depth). A variety of master works were observed to see how artists draw objects smaller and higher in the composition when they want them to look farther away. They learned a new origami project too when they created 3-D sailboats for their seascape! Next, students learned about creating an interesting composition and tried to create one with a sea turtle as the main subject. They also learned several ways to manipulate or change the paint with new watercolor painting techniques. Greek vases, called Amphoras, helped introduce students to symmetry and neutral colors.
1st graders began the year learning about different line types. They used colored paper to form the 8 different kinds, then glued some down flat (two-dimensional or 2-D) and glued other lines to be three-dimensional (3-D). The paper sculptures having been really “popping out” to people in the hallway. Next, students made a scarecrow in a fall landscape. They added a variety of textures to help make the scarecrow stand out from the background. Later, primary colors were used to make a collage like Mondrian and the secondary colors were used in a painting of a sunflower like VanGogh.
Kindergarteners have created a series of art projects that focus on different shapes. They made two projects inspired by Josef Alber’s square artworks and one inspired by Kandinsky’s circle painting. A project based on the book “Go Away, Big Green Monster” was a huge hit since each student was able to make a monster portrait. Students also made an artwork of a fall tree that shows texture and had some 3-D pieces on it. Students are currently learning about the different ways that colors can be grouped. Can your artist tell you the primary colors?
Thanks for your support of the arts at TPS! You can mark your calendars now for the TEPS Spring Art Show which is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
Mrs. Riggs
jennifer.riggs@fcps.org
240.236.2862
Media
The media center has been buzzing with activity so far this year! Reading, Coding, Researching, Computer skills and more!
2nd graders reviewed the important rules for using the media center and even made videos to show the other grades what to do. Students also shared their favorite books and created a Pixie to illustrate it and we are currently researching dinosaurs! A few of the classes also participated in Hour of Code last week to discover how to give directions to create video games. 2nd grade has shown their creativity and improved their computers skills by using Pixie, PebbleGo, TrueFlix and Google Classroom.
1st graders reviewed important rules for taking care of library books and how to choose a “just right book”. Students have also been discussing animals, researching them and comparing animals that are very similar but not exactly the same. 1st grade has improved their computer skills by using PebbleGo, Google Classroom and Britannica ImageQuest.
Kindergarteners learned how to use shelf markers to neatly and independently search for books in the library. Students have also read about some of the various holidays, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah and discussed ways to show thanks, love and respect to others no matter the time of year or their beliefs. Kindergartners have been working on their computer skills by trying different sites like Capstone, Wordle and Pixie
Thanks for your support of reading at TPS! We appreciate all that you do to encourage your children to love and respect books and grow as readers. Thank you to everyone who came out to the TEPS PTA sponsored bookfair also!
Mrs. Gaeta
melissa.gaeta@fcps.org
240.236.2811
Music
Music News
TPS students have been busy music makers during the first quarter! Please encourage your children to share new songs and music games with you. They will love to teach you something new!
Kindergarten students have been working hard on learning music routines, exploring classroom instruments, practicing good singing voices, and steady beat. We have done lots of movement games and had a lot of exploring time with music centers such as keyboards, African instruments, autoharps, ribbon sticks, and puppets. Ask your child what his/her favorite center is! We are now working hard on musical opposites, identifying long and short sounds, high and low pitches, and fast and slow tempo.
1st graders have developed a lot of new music literacy skills this term. They can now read simple rhythm patterns using quarter notes (ta) and pairs of eighth notes (ti-ti). We’ve also been practicing matching pitch with our singing voices and started singing and reading mi and sol pitches. We’ve done songs like “Cuckoo in the Clock,” “See Saw,” and the lullaby “Good Night, Sleep Tight.” We are going to continue working on these skills through the school year and will soon begin to write music!
2nd graders have also been working hard on music literacy skills. They can read and write rhythm patterns with quarter notes (ta), pairs of eighth notes (ti-ti), quarter rests, and half notes (ta-a). We are also working on good singing voices and can read mi and sol patterns on the staff. Next, we are adding a third pitch to read and write, and will also be learning about instruments of the orchestra and the way music is organized (form).
All students have been using a fun music app called Tune Train. It’s a free app that helps children create their own music and learn about melody and musical style. Download it on your tablet or phone at home for a fun game to share with your child!
Marisa Bruce
240-236-2861
P. E.
Physical Education News
Hello Families,
During first term students learned rules, routines, locomotion skills, recess games, playground safety, and movement skills. Students also had the opportunity to improve their striking skills during our soccer unit. Lacrosse Unit was a student favorite as we practiced cradling, scooping, throwing and catching.
Units for Second Term:
Native American Unit
Fitness/Nutrition Unit
Striking Skills Unit
Basketball Unit
Grading Policy- please remember that grades 1 and 2 will receive two grades in Physical Education. Each student will receive a grade for Demonstrating Skills and Knowledge which is based on quizzes/tests and skills demonstrated in class. The second grade will be given for Meeting Student Responsibilities. Meeting Student Responsibilities grade will be determined by a weekly evaluation of the student’s ability to be meet personal and social responsibilities.
. The teacher will use a 4-point rubric to make this weekly determination based on the following:
-Students will come dressed appropriately and prepared for class
-Students will demonstrate safety and appropriate use of equipment
-Students will demonstrate working effectively with others
-Students are expected to participate actively throughout the class
I hope that you had the opportunity to go to the Summer’s Farm pumpkin patch with the free ticket that your child received by participating in the Summer’s Farm challenge. It is a pleasure working with you and your children. If you have any questions or concerns please call me @ 240-236-2822 or email Christopher.barnhart@fcps.org
Guidance
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
What a beautiful and “happening “place TPS has been this fall. Here are some highlights of the school year so far:
In September and October, Problem Solving lessons were taught in each class, K-2. Students learned the 4 steps for problem solving, “Stop, Think, Go, Look Back” and are able to sing a song as a reminder. They also learned “de-bugging” strategies for peacefully dealing with conflicts.
TPS and TES once again partnered in Character Counts celebrations in October. Our week- long promotion of character centered on learning about perseverance. For Character Counts Week both schools used the theme “Make Your Mark: Doing Your Best for Yourself and Others”. Our activities and messages revolved around the book entitled The Dot. We worked on ways for making our “best selves” which included helping others along the way.
Grade 2 Leadership Clubs are beginning this month. Students have indicated their preferences for clubs (Peacemakers, Service, Environment, and Fitness). Participation is voluntary and will meet one time each week during lunch and recess for 7 weeks. All clubs promote leadership, social skills, and character development. Our second graders are very excited about the clubs and are eager to build their heart, brain, and body power to eagerly serve our school and community.
Bullying lessons began in November and are coming to an end. Students (K-2) learned how to identify bullying behaviors and how to keep themselves and friends safe from mean behaviors.
Our attendance goal this year is to achieve a 96 % attendance rate. After reaching that goal for 10 days we have a celebration. Our most recent celebration was “Pajama Day.” The bulletin board in the front lobby shows how we’re doing as a school. Every student’s presence at school each day makes a big difference for the school and each individual.
Counselor Support Groups: I will be accepting recommendations from parents and teachers for small group counseling. Some of the topics include Children from Changing Families (support for children in family transition including recent separation, divorce, foster or kinship care), Anger Management, Stress Management, Building Friendships (team building, social skills and problem solving) and Loss ( support for children who have lost a loved one). Please call Mrs. Nichols at 240.236.2808 if you have a student that would benefit from any of these groups.
Holiday Assistance: If you are seeking help for the upcoming holidays please contact The Seton Center in Emmitsburg at 301.447.6102.
Parent Resources and Workshops: Please see our school website as well as school newsletters, “Find Out First” and the Resource Board by the front office for more information.
Once again, I “thank you “for all that you do in supporting our TPS family. As a team, we continue to help our young students strengthen their brain power, heart power and body power. We couldn’t do it without you!
Enjoy the Holiday break with your family.
Kathy Nichols