ORVA Family Newsletter
December 2016
Welcome to the Holiday Edition!
As for me, one of our family traditions is hiking far into the woods and finding the perfect tree. (And having a snowball fight along the way.) This year, deep in the Ochoco National Forest, we found it! There is just something magical and wonderful about the lights, the ornaments, the fragrance, the quiet beauty of winter.
Whatever your traditions and celebrations this winter season, the staff at Oregon Virtual Academy wishes you peace and love for a happy New Year.
Warmly,
Jennifer Tracewell, Family Engagement Administrator
December Events: Hour of Code!
From structured lessons to more creative, exploratory activities, a variety of experiences make coding accessible to all kinds of learners. Activities can be done on computers, phones, and tablets, in pairs or together as a whole group.
Try the new Moana Coding Activity! The new Disney Hour of Code tutorial uses a visual programming language using blocks where students simply drag and drop visual blocks to write code. Visual programming is a fun and easily understood way to teach the logic of coding.
Tutorial Highlights: Old and New Favorites
- Do you have robots? Visit some of the new activities for robotics.
- Know some Minecraft aficionados? Participants older than age six can use blocks of code to take characters Steve or Alex on an adventure through a Minecraft world.
- Tutorials for younger and older students let users maneuver old and new Star Wars characters like R2-D2, C3PO, Princess Leia, Rey, and BB-8 through various game actions and events.
Enjoy the Hour of Code, anytime, not just this week, but all year long!
Winter Break December 19 - January 2: No School
Enrollment and Calendar Update
KG – 6th = Open Enrollment
7th – 12th = Enrolling Now for 2nd Semester, which starts Feb. 1st
Semester 1 ends on January 27, 2016
Semester 2 begins on February 1, 2017
Enrollment for the 16-17 School Year closes on 2/28/17 for all grades.
Primary School Update: Battle of the Books!
ORVA is hosting our first ever ORVA Battle of the Books for students in 3rd – 6th grades. These students are reading 10 books with their group and are preparing for battles with other teams. Battles will begin in late February and will consist of students answering questions about the books against other teams. We have 32 students and 7 teams participating!
Our students are reading the following books:
A Lion to Guard us by Clyde Robert Bulla
Charlotte’s Web by EB White
Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
Secondary School Grades 7-12
We are rapidly approaching winter break, which is a perfect time to have your students get caught up on missing assignments. Teachers will make past tests and assignments available for completion over the break. It’s a great time to get back on track and not save all of those major projects for the last minute.
Students, please review your grades and assignments with you Learning Coach and figure out a plan of action. If you are caught up…GREAT! If not, determine which projects would be the best for you to focus on first. We want each student to get credit in their classes for this term. If you have questions about how to focus your time well, please check in with your teachers or advisor.
~Warmest of holiday wishes from your Secondary Teachers and Principal~
Using Winter Break to Get Caught Up! by Nina Wyngethrin, Family Support Liaison
During our two-week Winter Break from December 19th through January 2, students will have an opportunity to get caught up on classes. Teachers are not assigning new work and students will not be required to attend Class Connects.
How do you decide where to start? Choose one class that you want to work on, the class with the lowest grade is your best bet. Work in this one class until you have completed several assignments that could bring up your grade.
For Secondary Students in Grades 7-12th, it looks like this:
From Classes on your homepage, select the course and then click on "Grades" at the top of the page. In Grades look for items that have an F (typically meaning you have not completed the assignment) or assignments with a zero. Write down the assignments that are worth the most points like essays, projects and unit assessments. Work on these assignments first because they will bring your grade up more quickly. You may need to go into your textbook or into the "content" of the class to read and watch videos before you can do some of your assignments - especially unit assessments.
Access your Class “Content” sequentially whenever possible. When you are in the content area of a class you will see the Table of Contents listed on the left and the actual modules and their lessons, quizzes, videos and discussion posts on the right. By moving from the top down within the module boxes you will access information in the order it was intended to be reviewed. This will help with comprehension and also allow you to see instructions and other information that your teacher has added to help you with the assignments. Some Class Content is organized by week and some is organized by unit, but either way lessons move from 1.01 to 1.02 and so on.
Be careful not to approach getting caught up by only going into assignments listed on the "Schedule" tab in your home page. These assignments may be worth very little points and not impact your overall grade. The assignments listed in Schedule may be from the beginning of the term and not related to what you are currently working on in Class Connects, or they could be in the middle of the content where you have been working. Many students jump around in their Class Content because they are only accessing curriculum from what shows up in the Schedule tab. By using the Class tab instead and going into the individual courses and the contents you will be able to access material in order and work on assignments strategically.
Good luck getting caught up! We know you can do it!! Don’t forget to also enjoy some wintery days with loved ones.
Attendance Matters! By Megan Free, Family Compliance Liaison
Attendance? Why does it matter so much?
School is your first and most important job. You’re learning about more than math and reading. You’re learning how to show up for school on time every day by attending live Class Connect sessions, so that when you graduate and get a job, you’ll know how to show up for work on time every day.
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to graduate and find good jobs. In fact, a high school graduate makes, on average, a million dollars more than a dropout over a lifetime.
School only gets harder when you miss class too often. Sometimes it’s tempting to not login because you’ve got too much work or you don’t understand what’s going on in class. But missing a day or even a class only makes that worse.
By middle and high school, chronic absence is a leading warning sign that a student will drop out.
How can you improve your child’s attendance habits?
Attending school on time every day starts with a good night’s sleep and a regular morning routine. 9-11 hours of sleep a night is optimal for kids of all ages. For older students, make sure that when the lights go out, so do the cell phones, video games and computers. For younger students, you can lay out clothes and have your student’s school schedule planned out for the next day.
Families should avoid extended vacations that require students to miss school. Try to line up vacations with the school’s schedule. The same goes for doctor’s appointments. An excused absence is still missed learning.
Get to know the teachers and administrators! Staying in contact with teachers, counselors, the Family Academic Support Team or administrators helps your child stay on track and connected with the academic support they need.
You can always turn to the staff at ORVA for help. We offer many services for all students when it comes to resources, help with absences, technical support, or support in the community.
Time Zone Issues?
Our families can reference the K12 Customer Support site for Time Zone fixes:
https://www.help.k12.com/s/article/Time-Zone-Settings-for-Class-Connect-Time-Zone-Picker
The time zones need to be corrected in both the OLS and Online MS & HS (if applicable). You will also want to make sure that the time zone on your computer is accurate.
Here is a very helpful screencast from our Family Support Liaison, Keena Hormel:
http://screencast.com/t/kFIcjJ8um
1. Check the time zone on your computer (right click on the date and time at the bottom left then select "change date and time settings" then "change time zone" to say "(UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)".
2. In the Learning Coach account go to settings and change time zone (select for all my students) and again select the correct region (US Los Angeles may be closest). https://www.help.k12.com/s/article/Time-Zone-Settings-for-Class-Connect-Time-Zone-Picker
3. Have your student change the time zone in their account. http://screencast.com/t/eokgCQutHOH
Accessing the Online School: Important Update!
On December 9th, the totalviewstudent.k12.com URL will be shut down and will no longer be accessible. In order for students to access their online courses, all students should log in through http://learn.k12.com. Please update your bookmarks.
ORVA Learning Coach Luncheon
Come join us for the Learning Coach luncheon. You will see it on your student's or your learning coach class connect schedule. This is a session for Learning Coaches to come meet other Learning Coaches, hear tips and tricks and ways to make your school day go smoothly. We will also do are best to answer any questions that you might have. These luncheons will be at Noon twice per month.
Learning Coach Luncheon Upcoming Dates:
Dec. 14 7-12 Growth Mindset
Jan. 11 K-6 / Jan. 25 7-12 Motivating kids / Fresh Start
Feb. 8 K-6 / Feb. 22 7-12 Successful Class Connect / Staying Organized
March 8 K-6 / March 22 7-12 State Testing Prep and Information / Re-registration
April 12 K-6 / April 26 7-12 Habits of Highly Effective Students
May 10 K-6 / May 24 7-12 Summer Regression / Shipping Materials Back
Special Education Learning Coach Seminars
1/18/17 - Behavior Strategies
2/15/17 - Diploma Options
5/17/17 - Avoiding Summer Regression
Learning Coach University
K12 Learning Coach University™ was created to support the Learning Coaches who guide the schooling of their children at home. Online classes provide a clearer understanding of the developmental process of learning as well as effective strategies and resources to use at home to help every child succeed.
Check out the calendar and recordings pages on the K12 start sites: http://www.k12start.com/for-parents/
Did you know you can earn your Learning Coach Certification? Click here to find out more about this outstanding program!
The next LCU session is scheduled on 12/15 @ 8AM on the Habits of Happy Students
- Have you ever wondered why some kids are more successful than others? Come join us for an interactive session on the 7 Habits of Happy Kids to find out on December 15th 2016. We will meet the Seven Oaks friends and learn how the practice of 7 special habits can help you throughout your life and in school. This session will be interactive and lots of fun! I can’t wait to see you there! CLICK HERE to attend!
Motivate to Activate Series for Learning Coaches
K12 and School Effectively at Home are pleased to offer the Motivate 2 Activate Series, an introduction to principles and techniques that offer suggestions and strategies for Learning Coaches to help their students become motivated and involved in their academic success. Each session is scheduled for 30 minutes of discussion with follow up question and answer. Please join us for the session dates that work for your schedule. One RSVP will keep you informed, and session reminders, recordings, and details will be sent to your email.
UPCOMING SESSIONS IN THE SERIES
December 6th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Your Role As A Learning Coach.
As a learning coach it is important to understand what we are able to provide and what we should provide to help our student be successful. “When I understand what I am responsible for I have a better chance of working effectively with my student using the things I can control. I stop wasting time trying to control things that the student has control over.”
January 17th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Practice Makes Progress
For many students and learning coaches, a structured environment sets them up for the best outcome. If we can establish that structure through the use of procedures, we can make many of the little power struggles that happen during the day disappear.
January 24th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Game Plan for Chronic Issues
Is your student always breaking down over the same subject or concept? By examining the chronic issues we can recognize problems that our student may have throughout the day. Creating a plan to work from helps us become more effective when schooling at home.
January 31st @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Arguing, Complaining & Whining
These 3 behaviors are typically a way to get us caught up in an argument so the student doesn’t have to do his or her part. Let’s look at a simple skill to diffuse the emotion of the situation and up our odds to keep the day moving forward.
February 7th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Holding Students Accountable
Learning to use consequences instead of punishments to help motivate students to be successful is key. Practice strategies that develop good consequences that can be effective with students.
February 21st @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Responsibility for School Work
4 steps to help students take ownership of their own learning:
· Help them understand what learning looks like
· Sit back and let them take ownership. Allow them to fail or succeed
· If they fail…..then we hold them accountable with a consequence
· We continue to have high expectations of school work
February 28th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Why Having Objectives Is So Important
Knowing and understanding daily expectations for Learning Coaches and students makes a happier schooling at home environment. Having an objective that defines a clear target is motivating for all because we know what it’s supposed to look like when it’s done and we can tell when we’ve completed it.
March 7th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Praise vs. Encouragement
The way we talk to kids gives them a sense of whether they’re accomplishing things or whether we’re just saying nice things to them. “You’re so smart.” Helpful or not? Using encouragement properly motivates students because it demonstrates to them that achievement is a product of their effort.
March 14th @ 7:30pm ET, 6:30pm CT; 5:30pm MT; 4:30pm PT
Helping Students Self-Correct
Oft-times students find themselves in situations that take them down a path that makes their day ineffective. If we can help them self-correct, they will be more likely to be motivated to keep working effectively.
Head of School Corner - Dr. Debbie Chrisop
I hope you had a fabulous Thanksgiving break with your friends and families and felt refreshed as you returned to your studies. I am proud to see the continued engagement of both Learning Coaches and students in classes, school assembly meetings, outings, team meetings, and learning coach sessions.
I wanted to share that the enrollment window for 7th-12th grade has closed for first semester, but it is still open for Semester 2 which begins on February 1. We are working diligently on onboarding our new students and giving them a strong start! Enrollment for grades K-6th continues to remain open until February 28. We are proud to share that our ORVA learning community student enrollment numbers continues to increase, and our current enrollment in grades K-12th is 2301 students.
The ORVA Team is dedicated to helping you find success on your educational journey! Keep working hard and please reach out if you find yourself struggling or just feel as though you need a little extra support. Thank you for allowing ORVA to be a part of your educational success, we are committed to transforming the educational opportunities for the students and families we have the honor of serving.
Best Regards,
Dr. Debbie Chrisop, Interim Head of School
FRC Corner - Katie Lee
Tis the Season for Giving!
As we reach the end of 2016, we can reflect on the year as a whole. Some of us may recognize the many accomplishments made throughout the year, while others may already be planning personal goals and resolutions for the New Year. It is easy to get distracted with holiday parties, making travel plans, and buying gifts; often losing sight of those in our community struggling to make ends meet and overlooking the importance of giving to those less fortunate this holiday season.
Did you know? A study by the American Psychological Association found that giving to others increases life expectancy by at least 5 years (Greengrass, 2003).
Whether it is giving monetary donations to your favorite charity, buying toys for children, or volunteering your time for a worthy cause, there are many ways we can teach our children how to give back and help others over the holiday season. We can start with the very small (share a toy, offer a smile, comfort a friend) and as they grow, so will their generosity. Here are a few ideas:
- Shovel snow from your neighbor’s sidewalk
- Collect clothing or personal items and donate them to a local shelter for the homeless.
- Give contributions to relief efforts for a natural disaster causing homelessness that children can understand.
- Make favors, scrapbooks, napkin rings, or crafts for a special occasion to donate to a local children's hospital or convalescent home.
- "Adopt" a senior citizen and help him or her with necessary chores or visit an elderly home.
- Collect food for local food banks.
- Make greeting cards for people in a veteran's hospital or other health care facilities.
- "Adopt" a service person stationed overseas, collect items and send them a gift box.
- Make cards, toys, games, or crafts for a child care center or pediatric unit of a hospital.
Popular Charitable Organizations:
Salvation Army
Toys for Tots
Operation Angel
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
Local religious organizations
Food Banks
Homeless Shelters
Animal Shelters
Habitat for Humanity
If you or someone you know could benefit from additional support during the holiday season, there are many non-profit organizations that offer holiday assistance. For resources in your area, check out 211 or contact your Family Resource Coordinator (me!) at klee@oregonva.org.
Student Character Project
Each month we are asking students to nominate a peer or share how you are practicing the month's theme. December's theme is Compassion. How do you practice compassion in your daily live?
Send a story, picture, or video about yourself or a peer and the winners will be announced in our monthly ORVA newsletter and at the monthly school assemblies (7-12) or Homeroom classes (K-6).
Primary K-6 send your nomination to bgross@oregonva.org
Secondary 6-12 send your nominations to klee@oregonva.org
Need ideas? https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-ideas
Middle Grades Book Club with Ashley Lopez
Upcoming Book Clubs are:
January 5th 3:30-4:30 PM: “The Runaway King” (Book 2 in The Ascendance Trilogy)
February 2nd 3:30-4:30 PM: “The Shadow Throne” (Book 3 in The Ascendance Trilogy)
You have an opportunity each meeting to win the following month’s book.
Please email Ashley Lopez at aslopez@oregonva.org for an invitation to the Book Club!
STUDENT GALLERY OF HOLIDAY MEMORIES, TRADITIONS, ART, AND RECIPES
Best Holiday Memories
Caleb R., 8th Grade
My favorite holiday memory was when I went on the Polar Express. Every year we set up the tree right after Thanksgiving and we go around town looking at lights, and on Christmas Eve we get to open one present of choice. We make a lot of cookies too.
Jessica R., LC to Caleb
My favorite holiday memory as a kid was laying under the tree when it was fully lit with no other lights on in the house. I love how calm and pretty it looked.
A fun holiday tradition is driving through neighborhoods listening to Christmas music and looking at all the pretty lights. It's the same neighborhoods every year, but I love them, and force the kids to go with me.
We don't have a specific recipe, but every Christmas Eve, we make a ton of cookies or all different varieties. We are usually up until after midnight making them.
Gabriele D., 5th Grade
My best memory is the time I got a ukulele.
Ambika V., 5th Grade
One of my favorite holiday memories is when me and my friends go sledding on the hill at the park. After that, we would go and drink hot cocoa.
Veronica S., 8th Grade
Hello, so my favorite is when I was 12. My family had a gathering the weekend before Christmas. My birthday is Christmas Eve so we just celebrated it with Christmas. Last year was the best year, because for my birthday I got a DVD player a Daryl Dixon bag and chocolate. Then for Christmas I got PewDiePie's new book, an ice cream maker, yarn, and a Ty Beanie Baby. But the reason why it was special was because my family got to stay and see us. We used to live one hour away from my grandma, and my aunt used to live two hours away. My dad, mom, and I moved so we don't get to see my grandma much, so I cherish the moments I have with her. Thank you.
Lora Jean H., 8th Grade
I think my favorite Christmas was when I begged my parents for a pit bull and a horse and an elephant, and of course I couldn't get an elephant but for my birthday they took me to Japan and I got to ride elephants! I also got a pit bull and a horse, I guess I am kinda spoiled! But I am so happy for my gifts! My dog's name is Bruno, he is a purebred pit bull, and he is 3 years old and he is the best dog I have ever had. My horse's name is Tipsy, he is a shire mixed with Gypsy, and he is honestly so cute and amazing.
Aebrie M., 5th Grade
My favorite Christmas memory is when me and my whole family finally got together for the first time in an extremely long time, we kept looking at each other awkwardly for a while until someone spoke up!
Elijah B., 4th Grade
Hi, Elijah loves the holidays because of his time off from wrestling, we always give him a week or so of time off to just sit back and relax. He's on the road sooooo much with wrestling but on Christmas he does get to eat whatever he wants and he gets to spend very much needed time with his brother and sisters. His birthday was on Thanksgiving this year and he didn't get to eat anything crazy, he had to eat healthy. So I think the favorite thing to do is spend time with family, junk food, and relaxing.
Our Fun Holiday Traditions
Audrey M., 6th Grade
One of our family traditions is....We make a huge breakfast for dinner, on Christmas Eve! Another family tradition is.... We open one of our Christmas presents on Christmas Eve!
Gabriele D., 5th Grade
Every Christmas my mom makes cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
Shaughn R., 4th Grade
We are an interfaith family and celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas. We have a Christmas Eve tradition where we get a box with new PJs, slippers or socks, a book, a movie, popcorn, and a snack. We spend the night watching our movies and enjoying each other's company. This year the first night of Chanukah starts on Christmas Eve. We will be lighting the candles and saying prayers but we will focus on Christmas the first 2 nights. On the 3rd night of Chanukah we are having our feast! My mom makes latkes and Yiddish donuts. We also spend the day making challah and we play dreidel for chocolate coins or gelt and sing songs and pray. We included my mom's recipe for latkes! (See Recipe section below.)
James R., Kindergarten
Every year my boys make and take a holiday meal and candies to the elderly who have no one else. We do this as a family as I believe part of educating my boys is to teach them kindness and empathy as well as to give and to have compassion for others. We also make snowflakes and hang them with fishing line around the house. My son James wanted to share that his favorite part of Christmas is visiting all the older people and all the smiles and hugs he receives. Here is one of his favorite things to make and share (see Recipes below for homemade Peanut Butter Cups).
Grace W., 8th Grade
One of our many traditions is on Christmas Eve. Our parents give us one present on Christmas Eve. We all sit in the living-room with our presents. We open them one at a time, in order of age. The presents are always a new pair of pajamas, and a movie. We put on our new pajamas, and watch movies.
Jaleah L., 7th Grade
My favorite Holiday tradition is when we go over to my Aunt Carol's and have a nice dinner with all of my family. But that's not the tradition, the tradition is where all the adults buy Guy or Girl gifts and wrap them with the name Guy or Girl on them. Then we pick a number and get a present. Once we are done unwrapping them, the number you got is the order in which you can trade your gift. The person that got #1 is the lucky duck because he can go and trade with anyone in the room he or she wants before anyone can start to trade. (When someone asks to trade with you, you are allowed to say no.) But the person with #1 can go and grab anyone's gift without even asking. I love Christmas so much! It is my favorite time of year!
Emily R., 8th Grade
My mom and I live with my Grandparents. We have some traditions that get me excited, even before Christmas is even close to coming! One of them is getting the decorations up. We have a lot of singing toys. So while my Grandma and Grandpa are hanging stuff up and taking the stuff down that needs to be taken down, me and my Mom go to the Dollar Tree and get batteries. When we come back, they have a bag ready for us to go through. If one of them doesn't work, Mom puts it aside for me to work on. If it's a VERY old item, we keep it for decor. We have Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer singing toys. That's who we check first. We have dancing Santas piled around the fireplace. My Grandma has a snowman collection she puts on the shelf.
Another tradition is watching ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas cartoons. Me and my Grandpa watch them all the time. In fact, we watched Rudolph a couple days ago.
Another tradition? Ah, yes. Putting up the outdoor lights. We have a lot of inflatable Christmas toys. And me and my Grandpa go out and test and set them up. It's my job to go out at 6 pm every night and put them up then at 10 pm take them down.
Then, last but not least, Christmas tree decorating!! Once my Grandpa gets the trees up, my mom gets the ornaments. We decorate my tree first. It has an angel tree topper and lots of cartoon character ornaments. Including Rudolph! The other tree has a rainbow star tree topper. It has old ornaments, and it spins. Our trees both have lights.
Trevor E., 7th Grade
We like to reenact the nativity story and read it after we open presents....I am Joseph, my sister is Mary, my dad dresses up as the donkey, my mom the angel and grandma is the wise "man," It is our tradition.
Emma M., 6th Grade
My family has a very fuzzy holiday tradition! Every Christmas Eve, we all get new pajamas (usually footies) and wear them to bed. On Christmas, we wear them all day, and take fun pictures around the tree!
McKenzie M., 8th Grade
We started a new tradition a few years ago. when my Mom wraps the presents she doesn't put names on them. Instead there are only 3 colors of wrapping paper and she hides a little piece of the paper that she wrapped ours in, so she knows which present belongs to who. This year we might do where we each grab a random present, open it and try and guess whose it is. I also have a Thanksgiving tradition. Every year my Grandma makes three pies: a pumkin, an apple and a walnut. My Mom and Grandpa love the walnut. So every year my Mom and Grandpa fight over who will get the whole pie to themselves. But my Grandma always makes them share and have one piece.
Seraphina D., Kindergarten
Every year we go out and buy an ornament to hang on the tree. This year though, we are thinking of making them.
Student Art: Masjid by Mariam Q., 7th Grade
Student Art: Tree by Shelby D., 6th Grade
Student Art: Characters by Alli T., 10th Grade
Student Art: The Christmas Story by Rosemary C., 7th Grade
Student Art: Winter by Aidan R., 8th Grade
Student Poetry
The Winter Holidays by Emmett R., 9th Grade
The time when snow covers the ground,
or, in Portland, when none is found,
Save a few select events
When media coverage never relents
Some minds take on a Christmas turn
Thinking of Santa, but as they may learn:
There are many holidays this time of year;
many occasions for fun and good cheer.
In ancient Rome there was a pattern
each December to celebrate the Titan Saturn,
while the 17, Bodhi Day
Marks when Siddhartha went an enlightened way.
Hinduism for Lord Ganesha makes merry
when observing Pancha Ganapati
and what about the British Boxing Day,
celebrated from Canada to Botany Bay?
Then there is great old Hanukah too,
an eight day holiday observed by the Jews.
Quaid-e-Azam’s day is good too, some say,
which is the father of Pakistan’s birthday.
Some atheists whose love of Newton is great
have with Newtonmas given him December 25’s date.
while celebrating the wonders of Africa
is exactly the point of the holiday Kwanzaa.
In parts of Mexico, an important day
is the Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe,
whilst in the fine country of Japan
Omisoka is one the best days of the land.
Vary as our backgrounds may;
couldn’t we all observe Human Rights Day?
Finally and in conclusion,
my thoughts, I think, are no delusion.
Winter is too good a season;
and there’s no convincing reason,
to avoid and not to celebrate
such holidays that fine memories make.
…but I suppose that for the rest of us,
there’s always Festivus.
I Love Winter by Gabriele D., 5th Grade
winter, winter, winter.
winter's snow and winter's glow,
winter, winter, winter.
winter's holidays and winter's snowy-days,
winter, winter, winter.
winter is always short still i love making snow-forts,
winter, winter, winter.
i love winter!!!
Kiwi Winter by Katelyn R. 5th Grade
Winter is a kiwi
Snow is soft like a kiwi’s feathers
Ice is hard like a kiwi’s life
He can’t fly away
He must stay
Every kiwi is unique like a snowflake
Student Recipe: Latkes submitted by Shaughn R., 4th Grade
Recipe of Latkes
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Rest time: 24 hours
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (8 latkes)
For the sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon buttermilk or fermented milk
For the applesauce
5 apples
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup apple juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cloves
A handful of raisins (optional)
For the latkes
6 potatoes
1 large onion, grated
2 eggs
3 tablespoons matzo meal (or regular flour)
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation
Prepare the sour cream the day before, or ideally 2 days before.
Heat the heavy cream in a double boiler until it reaches the temperature of 180 F.
Allow the cream to cool to room temperature.
Pour into a glass jar (that can close with a lid) and add the tablespoon of buttermilk or fermented milk. Stir.
Cover the jar with a rather thick cloth or towel, so as not to seal and allow gas to escape.
Store at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours.
Then, close the jar tightly with its lid and refrigerate.
Sour cream will keep 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge.
Peel, core and cut the apples into quarters. Place them in a saucepan with the sugar, spices and apple juice.
Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Poke the apples to ensure that they are soft and stop cooking. Remove the cloves.
Crush with a fork for a chunky apple sauce or mix in blender for a smooth one. Add raisins (optional). Cool.
Peel, wash and dry the potatoes.
Grate them and press them through a fine sieve or fine cheesecloth to get rid of most of the moisture.
Then add all other ingredients and mix well to obtain a homogeneous consistency.
Heat the cooking oil in a pan. Shape shredded potato pancakes and place them gently into the frying oil with a slotted spoon.
Cook over medium heat about 10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking so they are golden brown.
Place the latkes on paper towel and serve immediately.
Student Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies submitted by Rachel N., 8th Grade
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours
Servings: 54
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 egg
3 1/2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food color
2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
- Stir together 1 cup sugar, the butter, milk, vanilla, peppermint extract and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Divide dough in half. Stir food color into 1 half. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
- Heat oven to 375ºF.
- Stir together peppermint candy and 2 tablespoon sugar; set aside.
- For each candy cane, shape 1 rounded teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch rope by rolling back and forth on floured surface. Place 1 red and white rope side by side; press together lightly and twist. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; curve top of cookie down to form handle of cane.
- Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set and very light brown. Immediately sprinkle candy mixture over cookies. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Student Recipe: One Hour Cinnamon Rolls submitted by Gabriele D., 5th Grade
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 pkt yeast
- 3 & ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg
FOR CINNAMON SUGAR FILLING: - ⅓ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp butter, softened
FOR VANILLA BUTTER GLAZE: - ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 Tbsp milk
- 1 & ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and the milk. Heat on HIGH for one minute, then remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 20 second intervals, stirring after each, until butter has melted and milk is warm to the touch but not hot. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of the flour, the sugar and the salt until combined.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast and the milk mixture and whisk together by hand. Add the flour mixture and egg all at once, and using the paddle attachment, beat on medium-low speed until combined. The dough will likely stick to the sides of the bowl, so sprinkle in the remaining ½ cup of flour to help the dough come together in a ball. Once the dough has pulled away from the sides and forms a ball, continue to beat the dough for 5 minutes on medium-low speed. Remove the dough hook and cover the dough with a damp cloth for 10 minutes to rest.
- While the dough rests, prepare your filling ingredients by mixing them together in a bowl until combined. Also dust a flat work surface with flour.
- Turn the dough out onto the floured work surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 14x9 inches in size. I did NOT measure my dough out; I only rolled it out and it turned out fine. Honestly, just roll into a decently-sized rectangular shape to your desired thickness. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough and evenly spread on the filling mixture.
- Beginning at the longest edge furthest from you, begin rolling up the dough as tightly as possible. Pinch the final seam gently to help seal it up. Using a sharp knife, cut both ends of the dough (the doughiest parts you'll likely discard), and then begin evenly cutting the dough into about 12 equal pieces. You can also use unflavored dental floss to cut the dough, but I used a knife.
- Place the rolls into two greased 9" cake pans. Cover the pans with damp towels and place the pans on top of your oven range for 25 minutes (or another warm place for them to rise). After the rolls have risen, uncover the dish and bake for approx. 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden, cooked through and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to briefly cool for about 5 minutes. During this time, prepare your icing: in a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vanilla, milk and powdered sugar until combined. Drizzle evenly over the rolls, and serve.
Student Recipe: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups submitted by James R., Kindergarten
TIME: Prep: 20 min. + chilling
MAKES: 36 servings
Nutritional Facts
1 piece: 123 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 4-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), coarsely chopped
- Colored sprinkles, optional
Directions
- Combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, butter and salt until smooth.
- In a microwave, melt chocolate chips, candy bars and remaining peanut butter; stir until smooth.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture into paper-lined miniature muffin cups. Drop a scant teaspoonful of peanut butter mixture into each cup; top with another teaspoonful of chocolate mixture. If desired, decorate with sprinkles. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3 dozen.
Student Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake submitted by Opal B., 7th Grade
Ingredients:
-1 stick (8 tablespoons)
-1 1/2 cups brown sugar, tightly packed (If you don't have any don't worry you can make some)
-12-13 pineapple rings (about 1 1/2 cans but 1 cans okay)
-12-13 maraschino cherries,drained (Optional I didn't use them)
-2/3 cups butter at room temperature
-1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (Doesn't have to be pure)
-4 eggs
-3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-4 teaspoons baking powder (NOT baking soda)
-1 1/3 cups pure pineapple juice (Out of can MAKE SURE it's not syrup)
How To Make Brown Sugar
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of sugar (If that's how much brown sugar you wanna make)
1 1/2 tablespoons of Molasses (Depending on how much brown sugar you wanna make)
Step 1: Pour sugar into small bowl
Step 2: Pour Molasses into same bowl
Step 3: Mix
Side Note: For every cup of sugar you use, 1 Teaspoon of Molasses
How To Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Caramely Mix)
Step 1: Melt down stick of butter (In large cast iron pan)
Step 2: Put your brown sugar in with your butter (Mix)
Step 3: Stir
Step 4: Turn down to low heat
Step 4: Once thickened turn heat off
Step 5: Spread around the pan until even
Step 6: Place pineapples on top of caramely mix
Step 7 (Optional): Put Maraschino Cherries on top of your caramely mix
How To Make Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Cake Batter)
Step 1: Add your butter and your sugar to a bowl and mix until creamy (Electric mixer works best but you can do it by hand too)
Step 2: Add your Vanilla to your Eggs
Step 3: Start adding your Eggs to your sugar and butter mix 1 at a time
Step 4: Add your Baking Powder, Salt, and Flower together
Step 5: Mix
Step 6: Add small amounts of the flour mix you just made and pineapple juice (Alternating between the two)
Adding The Cake Batter To The Caramely Sauce
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 Degrees F
Step 2:Pour Cake Batter onto the Caramaly Sauce
Step 3: Flatten top of Cake Batter
Step 4: Put cast iron pan into oven (30-45 Minutes)
Step 5: Pull out of oven (Let stand 10-15 Minutes)
Student Recipe: Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes (Depression Cake) by Amelia H., 6th Grade
- 3 cups of flour (all-purpose)
- 6 tbsp. cocoa (unsweetened)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Mix dry ingredients and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- 2 tsp. white vinegar
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 10 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 cups of water
Now, mix until completely combined and put into a cupcake tray with liners or add to a well greased pan. For cupcakes put in middle rack and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until poked with a fork and no dough sticks to it. For a cake, cook for 25-30 minutes.
Student Recipe: Holiday Cranberry Relish submitted by Jeremiah S., Grade 10
Servings: 8-10 side servings
Ingredients:
3 cups fresh cranberries
2 apples of whatever variety you like
1 orange
2/3 cup sugar at most. Start with 1/3 and add as needed.
Instructions:
1. Wash apple and orange in warm water. Remove any stickers and stems.
2. Core apples and quarter.
3. Cut orange in quarters (with skin on).
4. In a food processor, add all ingredients and blend 2-4 minutes.
source: http://www.salvagesisterandmister.com/recipe/holiday-cranberry-relish/
Student Recipe: Popcorn Candy Cake submitted by Daelyn W., 10th Grade
Here is a recipe submission. This is a family tradition for us. We like that it looks like lights in the snow, and it is yummy.
POPCORN CANDY CAKE
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + chilling
YIELD:16-18 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) miniature marshmallows
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 5 quarts popped popcorn
- 1 package (24 ounces) spiced gumdrops
- 1 cup salted peanuts
Directions
1. In a large saucepan, melt the marshmallows, oil and butter; stir until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the popcorn, gumdrops and peanuts. Stir in marshmallow mixture; toss to coat. Press into a greased 10-in. tube pan. Cover and refrigerate for 5 hours or overnight.
2. Dip pan in hot water for 5-10 seconds to unmold. Slice cake with an electric or serrated knife.
Yield: 16-18 servings.
K12 Student Clubs
Announcing a new club: K12's GSA club hopes to bring together LGBTQI+ and straight students to support each other, provide a safe place to socialize, and create a platform to fight for racial, gender, LGBTQ, and economic justice. K12’s National GSA Club is open for 6th through 12th grade students in K12 Managed Public Schools Only. Our first club meeting is scheduled for December 15th at 5pm ET. Students can sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K12GSA
Our Creative Students in Action!
1. The Monarch Writers: Our high school student bloggers
2. ORVA Art: A student art website
3. ORVA NHS: A Youtube channel by ORVA's high school NHS Chapter