• Friday, Dec. 9 - Elementary Report Cards
• Wednesday, Dec. 21 - Smith Winter Concert at CHS
• Monday, Dec. 26-Monday, Jan. 2 - December Recess
• Classes resume Tuesday, Jan. 3

Dear Families:

As you ponder your holiday gift list this season, consider the gift of time. Time spent with your children will create memories and learning opportunities that will last long after the novelty of this year's must-have toy or gadget fades. Playing outside, taking a walk, baking, creating art, preparing dinner, reading together or playing a board game are simple low-cost examples of how we can spend time with our children without spending money. Our children need to know the valuable gift of time well-spent with those we love.

Likewise, time spent participating in learning is time well spent. Please reinforce with your child the importance of good attendance and active participation in learning. This will serve them well into their future. Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season.

Angela Wanish

Physicals:

All 3rd graders and any 4th graders new to this school district are required to have a well-child/health exam on file. If your child has had one this year, fax a copy to the school. If your child needs one, make an appointment with your provider or request a school physical. School physicals are available Wednesday mornings.

Reminders:

• If your child is sick, please keep your child home!

• Pack a pair of pants for accidents, spills, mud/snow.

• Return pants or leggings borrowed from the nurse.

• 3rd grade Hearing & Vision screenings have been completed & referrals have been sent home.

• Dress for the winter weather and outdoor recess!

3rd graders are learning about the different elements of art, with a focus on LINE. We brainstormed as a class noticing that LINES ARE EVERYWHERE, and then they worked on “skillbuilding” independently creating at least 20 various lines in their sketchbooks. Next they are creating a design or picture of their choice incorporating those lines, also showing negative space and use of space, under and over, patterns, using the edges of their paper, dark and light; taking their time to create incredible quality artwork with depth, great skill and craftsmanship! We’re tracing over the pencil marks with black Sharpie and/or Micron pens - they’re learning about using different tools for certain needs (thin vs. thick), some are adding color. We are in the process, as there are lots of opportunities to take it to the next level! Please see below some examples of their work in progress. (It was so difficult to choose, as they’re so many thoughtful pieces!) Their work is so impressive, they never thought they could produce work like this! WOW!

4th graders are “skillbuilding” with paint sticks in their sketchbooks, learning many different techniques artists use in their work: mixing colors, shades, tints, layering, scumbling, stippling, and overlap with lines, and then were asked to experiment and make discoveries of their own. Now they are creating an artwork of their choice using some of the techniques learned relating it to textures around us. They can use various drawing tools in their work like: black Sharpies, Micron pens, colored pencils, thick and thin markers, pencils, crayons…whatever they feel suits the need in their work. We’ve learned that paint sticks aren’t the best for detail. The students are creating incredible personal artworks with depth, texture and dimension, please see some of the examples below.