TPCA Elementary News
April, 2017
News from the desk of Principal Ruiz:
Our goal is to provide our Eagles with a challenging opportunity that lends to academic growth in addition to spiritual growth. We are blessed with a teaching staff that spends hours planning and creating classroom activities to engage our Eagles in learning. Our teachers utilize research-based best practices and analyze data to determine current skill levels and then set goals for growth and improvement for students individually.
I pray that you will join me in praying daily for our staff, head of school, board members, and especially our Eagles.
I am honored to serve you and the Traders Point community. It is a true privilege to be part of a God-fearing community where parents, students, and staff care for one another and strive to build positive relationships that support academic, spiritual, and social growth.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns aruiz@tpcs.org.
In His service,
Angela Ruiz, Ed.S.
Kindergarten News:
Our Kindergarten Eagles just finished discussing place value and practicing using manipulatives to show mastery of base ten. Next week, our kindergarten Eagles will visit Eagle Creek's Ornithology Center. While visiting, the Eagles will learn about live birds of prey while taking an interactive discovery hike.
First Grade News:
First Grade News:
Second Grade News:
During the month of March, Mr. Truitt and Mrs. Byely’s 2nd grade classrooms did an in-depth study of the water cycle, weather, and the phases of the moon. Their studies culminated in a STEAM Science day. STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The entire day was devoted to Spring Science where students rotated through 8 different labs that met all components of STEAM. The labs consisted of creating a rainstorm in a mason jar, eating the phases of the moon, water cycle key chains, Easter egg engineering, making a cloud, writing about the water cycle, moonlight reading, and designing wind chimes. It was a fun and educational day for the 20+ parent volunteers and over 40 student participants.
Third Grade News:
Our third grade Eagles are learning about simple machines in Science. A "Rube Goldberg" machine will be created by each student with their partner; each machine will be designed to successfully move a gum ball from one point to another with the use of three simple machines combined. We cannot wait to see what our scientist are able to create!
3rd/4th Grade Multiage News:
Miss Marowelli’s Multiage Class started the second semester off with a bang creating "The Night to Remember"! As students transitioned away from doing a for profit learning experience with Mini Mall, the students decided they wanted to learn more about what a non profit means. As they gained knowledge about philanthropy and what that looks like in their walk with Christ, the class decided to create a non profit night including carnival games, delicious food, and a magic performance by their very own fourth graders! The students worked diligently to put time, treasures, and talents into making this special night. Although the night was free, the class accepted any donations to be given to a non profit in the area called Art with a Heart, that provides art education, encouragement, and a beautiful environment for kids who are at risk. Over $800 was raised on this special night! Congratulations to our multiage class and Miss Marowelli; this certainly was a night we will never forget!
Fourth Grade News:
The fourth grade Eagles have also begun the Famous Hoosier projects. This projects will consist of conducting research and then writing a biography about a famous Hoosier, of the students choosing. A wax museum presentation will then come to life as the Eagles "become" their famous Hoosier. The wax museum will be open on Friday, May 19th.
News from our Art Department:
Our first and second grade artists are finishing their Lego self-portraits and are beginning a new project where they will learn of Eric Carle and have opportunity to create a collage similar to those in his books.
Our third and fourth grade artists are completing their cartoon avatars. Each of the third and fourth grade Eagles created a self-portrait that resembles the characters on the popular game Subway Surfers.
These artistic designs are on display in our school; take the time to enjoy the beauty added to our hallways by our very own artists!
News from our Media Center:
It’s hard to believe we have less than two months left in the school year! As the year comes to a close, there are some important dates to keep in mind for the TPCA library.
· May 1-5 is the last week that books will be checked out to students
· May 19 is the date that ALL books are due and must be returned
· All books that are lost or unreturned will be charged to student accounts by May 30.
Thank you for your help in returning all TPCA library books in a timely manner to finish the school year! Feel free to contact Mrs. Herr bherr@tpcs.org with any questions.
News from our Music department:
News from our Physical Education department:
To help your Eagles prepare for this event, be sure that they are wearing tennis shoes and comfortable athletic attire.
Testing Update:
ISTEP+ assessment for students in grades 3 and 4 will be completed at the beginning of the month of May. The purpose of the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) program is to measure student achievement in the subject areas of English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In particular, ISTEP+ reports student achievement levels according to the Indiana Academic Standards that were adopted by the Indiana State Board of Education. The ISTEP+ assessment is criterion-referenced and is designed to measure students’ mastery of the standards. Student performance on ISTEP+ is part of school accountability.
NWEA assessments for all Kindergarten - 4th Grade students will be completed no later than May 18th. NWEA data will be utilized by the classroom teachers to measure individual growth for each student and will be utilized to create individualized learning plans for the upcoming school year.
Please look for upcoming testing dates that directly affect your student. Provide a healthy breakfast and plenty of sleep before testing to ensure he/she is able to perform at their very best.
Parenting Tips:
Dates to remember:
April 22nd - 5K Run (8:30 check in time)
April 24th – Grandparents’ Day
May 1st – Elementary Spring Program (grades K – 2 at 6:30 grades 3 – 6 at 7:15 TPCC Worship Center)
May 4th – National Day of Prayer
May 9th - Dad's Club Meeting (6:30 P.M. in the Media Center)
May 10th – Parents Day Out (Family Fun Night)
May 11th – Elementary Honors Assembly (6:00 P.M.)
May 12th – Muffins with mom (before school in the gymnasium)
May 19th - Field Day
May 19th – 24th – Scholastic Book Fair (7:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. in the Media Center)
May 22nd – PTF Meeting (6:30 P.M. in the Media Center)
May 26th – 4th Quarter ends
May 29th – Memorial Day (No School)
June 4th – High School Graduation (4:00 P.M. TPCC Worship Center)
July 10th – Annual Golf Outing
July 31st – August 4th – Playground renewal (volunteers needed)
Summer Program News:
We encourage each family to look at the amazing summer programs that are available for your student(s) at TPCA.
Our 5K Challenge:
Please encourage your students to participate in our efforts.