School notes
HOLY TRINITY
Discovery students learned about the cactus as they studied the letter C. They discussed where to find cacti and the special features of the plant. The Explorers discussed forest animals, the letter B and the number 1. They will bring a bear to school for a picnic and make bird feeders. They will also talk about nocturnal animals such as the owl. Preschoolers are enjoying "apple" activities. During circle time, students held, smelled, sliced and tasted four kinds of apples. They wrote recipes and made batches of apple pancakes, apple pies and apple crisps. During language classes, kindergartners learned new sight words and their first poem, listed action words and began journal writing.
In science first-graders talked about living and nonliving things. They are learning about measurement and students used a string as a nonstandard measurement tool for measuring their desks, heads, height, etc. In grammar, they talked about asking and telling sentences and worked on their writing skills to go along with creative writing/stories in language arts.
Fifth-graders made baseball research posters and learned lots of facts about America's favorite pastime. The bullying theme in writing has everyone discussing what is and is not considered bullying and how to apply the golden rule in fifth grade.
Middle school students formed the EcoWarriors that will meet weekly to create and execute opportunities to become more environmentally friendly as individuals and as a school. This is a continuation of their recycling activities that began in the lower school.
In their literature mystery and crime unit, eighth-graders played detectives. They read the works of Kipling, O. Henry, James Thurber, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Poe. Students also imagined themselves as Dr. Watson and considered how they would tolerate Sherlock Holmes' idiosyncrasies and also discussed key traits of Holmes that attributed to his uncanny ability to solve crimes.
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ST. PIUS X REGIONAL SCHOOL
students in the primary grades celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day recently.
Kindergarten and first- and second-grade students made homemade applesauce to try.
In kindergarten students tasted apples, wrote and colored books about apples and created stovepipe hats from construction paper.
Students in Mary Lynn Schwartzmeyer's third-grade tasted four varieties of apples: red and golden delicious, McIntosh and Granny Smith. Students tallied their individual votes for favorite variety and created bar graphs on paper. In the computer lab students learned how to create bar graphs.
Mrs. Graham's third-graders also graphed their preferences after the taste-testing, and the No. 1 apple was golden delicious with 16 students choosing it as their favorite.
Students in the middle school raised money to help support Eagle Springs Elementary School in Humble, Texas. The money will be used to replace school supplies damaged by Hurricane Ike.
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YORKTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
will hold Student Council elections Monday, Nov. 3. Students in all grades, prekindergarten through fifth, may be elected by their fellow classmates to be Student Council representatives. These students attend meetings and then report about what was discussed and decided at the meetings. Each class elects two representatives. The executive board of the Student Council is elected by all the students. Fourth- and fifth- graders may run for vice president, secretary and treasurer. Only fifth-graders may run for president. Any student interested in running for an executive office must complete an application process during October that includes writing a letter to Mrs. Goldberg-Strassler telling her why they think they are the appropriate candidate for the particular office they are seeking.
Oct. 16 the school will host an event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. families may make arts and crafts together. Tables will be set up with craft supplies to make Mexican paper flowers and Guatemalan worry dolls. There will also be an English-Spanish reading circle filled with great books. Families who attend are asked to bring a Latin-inspired appetizer or dessert to share. Music and beverages will be provided. The display case in the lobby is filled with arts and crafts from Mexico such as pottery, blankets, traditional costumes, wooden toys, games and books.
After-school Spanish classes, offered through the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Bowie Recreation Council, begin Oct. 20. Learn vocabulary and conversational Spanish as the sights, music, arts and crafts, culture and food of Spanish-speaking countries are explored. Classes meet twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. at the school and are open to students ages 5 to 12. For information, call Michaele Angulo, 240-472-4233 or e-mail angulo5@verizon.net.
The Fall Crafts and Gifts Festival will be Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students may participate in a craft table where they sell handmade crafts. Students will keep 50 percent of the profit and the other 50 percent will be donated to the Student Council. The money donated last year was used to help purchase Thanksgiving turkeys for families in need in the Bowie area. E-mail Michaele Angulo if your child is interested in participating.
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School representatives should send information for School Notes to Sandy Stewart via e-mail at sstewart@bladenews.com or via fax at 301-464-7027.
