Art & Poem Projects Due Tomorrow

Thank you Patrick for taking this great candid!  This is a great snapshot of that moment right after lunch before we go inside.

Tomorrow the art and poem projects are due.  Each entry should have the title, writer's name, current grade, home address, school name, school address, and teacher's name neatly printed or typed and attached to each entry.  Here are the guidelines:

POETRY CONTEST RULES

1. All entries must be in English and be the original work of the student.
2. Students can be in grades K-12 for the poetry contest.
3. You can write on any appropriate subject (No pro-violence, pro drugs, etc)
4. Poems cannot be over 21 lines of text (blank lines between stanzas are not counted).
6. Do not double space your entry.

Art Contest Rules

Who: Students in grades K-3, 4-6. 7-9, 10-12

What: Any art that can have a still digital image 
(This is an art contest; NOT a photography contest)

WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!  http://celebratingart.com/student_registration.php

1. Use a high resolution camera (5 megapixels or higher is best, however 2 megapixels at the highest resolution will also work. Camera phones are not acceptable).
2. Use indirect light to minimize glare.
3. Take the photo as straight on as possible to prevent distortion and hold as still as possible.
4. Check your image for blurriness and make sure it is clear.
5. You can bring me the image on a flash drive or thumbdrive.

I will need two copies of the poem because one copy will be presented Thursday night at the DAS poetry night which is MANDATORY and will go towards their poetry project grade.  Please have your child wear something nice but casual.  Please arrive no later than 6:30.

We are still talking about courage in Bible class.  I like this quote from C.S. Lewis, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

Have a Nice Weekend

Today was our awards chapel.  Congratulations to Josue for getting the Responsibility award, Erica for Most Improved and Kristen for Student of the Month. I am so proud of ALL of my students!

Yesterday, Erica took a picture of her friend Nettly.  I love Nettly's big smile.  Her bright spirit is a blessing to us all.

Today we had our spelling tests.  Some of my students are struggling with their spelling.  Parents, please help by drilling them every day on their math facts and spelling words.

Reminder that Tuesday, October 1st, the students have a poem and art entry due.  It is mandatory and will count for a grade.

On Thursday, October 3rd, it is the DAS poetry night.  It is MANDATORY for all students to be in attendance.  Our class is reciting an original piece of poetry - each child will have a part.

In Bible we have been learning about George Mueller.  He is quoted as saying, "Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you."

Florida Eco Safari

              

NEW EcoSafari Permission Slips

Isabelle took a picture of our new word wall.  It has words, definitions and illustrations for different spelling words from our lists.  My students are very creative at illustrating their words.

Tomorrow is our field trip to Eco Safaris.  There was a problem getting their information to us and I was just able to get their own permission slips today.  THESE MUST BE SIGNED AND BROUGHT BACK TOMORROW - or they said your child will not be able to attend.  Any adults coming must also fill one out.  Remember adults that tomorrow you will need to bring a form of payment to pay them $15 directly.

On Thursday, the 3rd graders will have their chapter 3 math test.  On Friday, the 4th and 5th graders will have their chapter 2 math tests.

Assignments

Dear 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade parents,

Because this is a short week with Monday off and our field trip on Wednesday, online assignments EXCEPT thinkcentral.com will be excused this week.  Spelling words are now available on Spellingcity.com so that they began to write their words and definitions.  The Bible verse for this week will still need to be written 5x and a colored illustration.  It is, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.

Thank you!

Blessings,
Michelle Velbis

No School on Monday

We had an exciting day.  First, Mrs. Waite's class had a Noah's ark play for chapel.  The whole school appreciated it.  Our own Isabelle also played a song for special music and did a great job!

Then the Deltona Firefighters came in to talk about what it takes to be a fireman: responsibility, organization, honesty, courage, hard work and determination.  They told us about the different educational requirements and every day training that they are required to complete in order to keep our city safe.  They told us that 80% of their calls are not fire related but health related.  They showed us how their equipment worked and also their truck.  A big THANK YOU to the Deltona Firefighters!

Josue took a candid picture of Joshua doing his math work on Khan Academy.  Remember that at the end of October, the student with the most Khan Academy points will win a class prize.

Reminder: NO SCHOOL on Monday!!!

Our quote of the day is by Harriet Beecher Stowe, “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

Permission Slips

Today Dylan took a selfie with his friend Josue.  School is a great place to cultivate friendships!

I am sending our school field trip permission slips home today.  Please make sure they are filled out and returned tomorrow.  Students will not be able to attend the field trip without them.

Tomorrow Spellingcity, thinkcentral, RAZ kids, spelling words and definitions, Bible verses, Bible quiz and Spelling Tests are due.

We have been talking about bravery and courage.  Desmond Doss is a wonderful example.  To hear his story click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euUaiS0hj1k

"Without courage, all other virtues lose their meaning." ~Winston Churchill

God's Promises

Today we were greeted with a rainbow.  God's promises are amazing.  Thank you Lord!!!

David took a picture of his classmates during reading rotations.

Today progress reports were sent out.

"Strength! Courage! don't get discouraged.  God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1:9

Beauty

I took this picture at the DAS school picnic on Sunday which took place at Gemini Springs.  What a gorgeous place!  God's amazing gifts of beauty were all around us as we had fun playing games, eating and fellowshipping together.  

This week Readinga-z.com assignments were added to the homework sheets.  Two assignments every week will need to be completed.  This will take the place of reading logs and I like the fact that good reading is modeled first, then there are also comprehension questions after they practicing reading for themselves.

Tomorrow I will email progress reports.  At the end of this nine weeks there will be parent/teacher conferences scheduled through the office.  

Next Wednesday is our field trip!  Parents that want to attend will need to pay $15.  No siblings please.  If you can be a driver please let me know.  All drivers need to have a form filled out in the office.  

I am working hard on completing a yearly Common Core posterboard for each grade for display in our classroom.  Students and parents can become familiar with the standards that are taught in our classroom.

Our quote for today is from Ashley Smith, "“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”

School Picnic this Sunday!

A very busy day with lots of quizzes and some annoyances with the Spellingcity website running slow.  But we got it all accomplished!  On Monday the students have the final draft of their stories due.

Joshua played the piano this morning in chapel and did a super job!  Mr. Gonzalez gave the chapel on training to be in God's service.

David took our picture today of his friends playing shark and minnows.  One of the favorite games during recess.

I am eagerly (Good adverb, huh students?) looking forward to having a great time on Sunday at the school picnic.  I hope to see you there!

The quote of the day is from Douglas Adams, "To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity."

 

Forgiveness

Collin took a picture of one of the books we read this week.  We read it during our writer's workshop to discuss the good writing trait of organization.  The students have a final draft of their stories due on Monday.

Today in worship we discussed God's awesome forgiveness.  We watched this poignant video to bring home the point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItEsXGhcOEs.

PLEASE REMEMBER that all students need to bring a pair of headphones or they will not be able to take their tests tomorrow.  For homework they had math, handwriting, spelling, Bible, and they will have a reading, Bible and spelling quiz tomorrow.

Our quote today is from Robert Muller, "

“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.”

Good Deeds

Joshua took a picture of his good friends reading since we trying to promote Bookadventure.com and our reading contests.

By Friday all students need to have their own headphones!  If not they will not be able to do their assignments.  

Tomorrow there is a social studies test and all students have questions/answers to write from their reading books.  Their reading books need to be finished by Friday because they will have a quiz on them.

Please remember that this Sunday is the school picnic.  I sent a flyer home with your children yesterday that had all of the details.  

Today we discussed 9/11 and the students made a pledge to do a good deed in remembrance of the event.  Our whole class made cards of thanks for the Deltona Firefighters to thank them for their constant and vigilant care of our city.  

Our quote for today is from Jack Layton, "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world."

School Supplies: Headphones

Joseph, our photographer of the day, took a picture of one of his best friends Joshua.  Thanks Joseph for a great candid of Joshua!

I need to add to the list of school supplies a pair of headphones.  The students are very hard on them and often chew on the cords.  To defray the cost and to also cut down on "sharing germs" all students will need their own personal set.  Please have your child bring in a pair from home or a new pair - they can be earbud style.

Hopefully your child brought home the information regarding the poetry and art contest entries that are due for a grade on October 1st.  Please also note that October 3rd is our annual Poetry Night at DAS and a copy of their contest entry will be displayed that night.

Today spelling lists, spellingcity assignments, thinkcentral assignments and our Bible verse for the week was given.  Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all." Acts 10: 34-36 

Today we talked about kindness in our morning devotions.  Our quote for the day will be from Mother Teresa, "“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

Leaders

Samantha took this picture of her friend Isabelle.  It was Isabelle's birthday today!  Many blessings to you Isabelle.

ITBS testing again today.  3rd and 5th Graders also have a math test tomorrow along with everyone having Bible verse assignments and quiz.

In our morning meeting today we talked about what makes a great leader?  The students had some great ideas.  I asked for some examples of people who where great leaders and many of them mentioned their fathers, mothers, grandparents and pastors - and of course Jesus.  We watched this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJuR3XLRsxE

Our quote for the day is from John Quincy Adams, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

Poetry

Kristen took this picture because she said that she loves Florida skies.  Thanks Kristen!  So do I.

Today we started ITBS testing.  It is very arduous - so again please make sure that your child is properly rested and has a great nutritious breakfast to give their brain lots of energy.

3rd and 5th graders will be having their Chapter 1 Math Tests this Friday.  We have also been working on an in-class poetry project.  I will be posting them up in the hall very soon.  We will be studying poetry for the next few weeks and entering the Poetic Power contest again this year.  I will also have students enter the art contest.  Information will be going home tomorrow with specifics.

We are going to have math and reading contests also every two months.  On October 31, the two top students with the most points will  win a small prize.  Points will be tallied and accumulated from Khanacademy.org and BookAdventure.com. 

Our quote for the day is from Francis Assisi, " Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."

Perservance

Thanks so much Jose for the awesome picture!  Jose said that he took this picture to remind himself that Jesus will be coming back soon in the clouds. AMEN!

Today was picture day and it went really well.  Our students looked their best and had awesome smiles.  Tomorrow and the rest of the week is ITBS testing.  Please make sure they have a great breakfast and a book to read when they are done.

Starting next week we will begin reading logs.  Reading is such a fundamental tool to learning.  Please encourage your child to read every night.  Read to them, have them read to you, read as a family, etc...

Today we talked about perservance.  Diana Nyad, the 64 year-old who swam from Cuba to Florida gave us our quote for today, "Never, ever give up." You can watch her final strokes and encouraging words at http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/02/nyad-cuba-to-florida-swim/2755875/.

New Reading Website

We are going to add a new reading website with prizes and progress tracking to our reading rotations.  I will be sending home a parent permission slip on Tuesday.  Please turn back the next day so that your child can participate.  Here is a link to an introductory video about the program. http://youtu.be/cF82ayuS80k.Thank you in advance for your timely cooperation.