Last Day of School

 Hard to believe we finished our school year and crossed the finish line!  A huge praise to God and thank you to students, parents, grandparents, DAS staff, and etc. who made this year a success.  It was nice to finish the year with a breakfast of appreciation and celebration.

PLEASE make sure that your child continues training their brain this summer! Research shows that on average, children can lose 2.8 months of grade-level equivalency skills over their summer vacation. By using Summer Bridge Activities books students enter their new grades prepared and confident.

These workbooks are on sale at the following website for $9.95 plus shipping. http://summerbridgeactivities.org/ You can also purchase them at any store that carries books including Walmart and Target. If they bring in their COMPLETED Summer Bridge book, I will give them extra credit for next year.

Students can earn EXTRA CREDIT  for next year, by completing 3 ( one Eye Balance, one See Reader & one Read Around) Reading Plus assignments per week, during the summer.  Your child may choose to do more.  Please also check out summer reading lists for their grade. 

They can also earn extra credit for next year’s math by accumulating 50,000 or more Khan Academy points.

Other websites for educational fun include Hoodamath, Spellingcity, Abcya, Cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces, Wonderopolis.org, E-learningforkids.org.

Please set your child up for success, by encouraging them to do these activities and others this summer! It will make next year so much easier for them. Have a blessed, fun and safe summer!

The quote for today is from Martin Luther King, Jr, “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” 

Root beer floats, Lava Lamps & Bubbles

What do root beer floats, lava lamps and bubbles have in common?  SCIENCE!  We did all of these science experiments today to celebrate learning and the end of our school year.  For more great ideas look up http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/.

Please remember that your child needs to be at the church at 6:45 pm tonight for the 8th grade graduation.  Tomorrow Reading Plus and Bible verses are due.  Tomorrow is our Parent's Appreciation Breakfast at 10:00 am and dismissal is at 11:30 am.  In the morning we will have show and tell.  Please do not have your child bring anything that is alive or electronic.

Our quote today is from James Faust, "It is a denial of the divinity within us to doubt our potential and our possibilities.” 




 

 

 

Skittle Painting

 Today we spent a good deal of time practicing for the eighth-grade graduation program.  Please have your child at the Deltona Adventist Church at 6:45 pm on Thursday, in church clothes.  Our class will be playing the chimes and singing a song.  It is very important that ALL students attend for our program to be successful.

We finished our self portraits today.  I was SO impressed with the talent of the students.  I am going to display them on the church bulletin board next month.

Today, we also did a math lesson in fractions using Skittles.  Then we put some water on them and painted with the colors that dissolved from them.  I am going to mail their pictures to an organization that gives cards to children in hospitals.

Tomorrow please have your child bring some bags so that they can take the contents of their desk home.  Remember that Reading Plus and Bible verses are due on Friday.  We will be having a parent's appreciation breakfast at 10:00 am that day.  It is 11:30 am dismissal.

Our quote for today is from the book I read our class titled, Unstoppable Me, by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. "What is a life full of meaning and purpose, one that's truly free? It's when you learn to look outside yourself and not always think, What about me? It's being at peace every day with a respect for all things that live and not wondering what you can get, but wondering what you can give."

 

Beauty From Ashes

Today we did sketches on what we would like our houses to look like if we made them eco-friendly.  The students had some super ideas like this one from Josue.  Solar TV, wall gardens, rainwater showers, multi-functional furniture, etc. I think our students are the geniuses for the future.  And that is what our book for writer's workshop was about today - geniuses.

Each student is a genius and is very special.  They all have the potential to change their world for good.  We talked about how even bad events in our life can be turned into something positive.  God can make beauty from ashes.  He is the Creator and He doesn't make junk!  

We watched a video on a musician who turned trash into musical instruments and is transforming young people's lives.  Take a look at this inspiring video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJxxdQox7n0.

Today we took math and reading tests.  Tomorrow WPP online final drafts are due.  Also on Friday, Bible verses and Reading Plus are due.

Our quote for today is from Brian Tracy, “The potential of the average person is like a huge ocean unsailed, a new continent unexplored, a world of possibilities waiting to be released and channeled toward some great good."

Post-it Brainstorm

We continued our writer's workshop by using our post-it notes to help us brainstorm for our next poem or story.  This is Joshua in the middle of his brainstorm.

Today we took our math facts test.  Tomorrow 3rd and 4th graders have a chapter math test.

This week's Bible verse is, "How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world." Psalm 31:19

There is no Think Central or Spelling City assignments this week.  Only Bible verses and Reading Plus.

Thursday night at 7:00 pm is the 8th grade graduation.  Our class will be performing a song.  Please have your child there at 6:45 in church attire.

Friday morning at 10:00 am is our Parent's Appreciate Breakfast.  I am also having our class do "Show and Tell" that morning.

Our quote for today is from Desmond Tutu, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” 

Self Portraits

Today in art we are starting self portraits.  We watched a video on how to get the correct proportions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKfKtMTa0E

I wanted to thank everyone for coming out last night to the DAS Awards Night.  It was such a joy to brag and congratulate my students for their hard work.

Today the students did a great job on their poetry recitations!  Some of them even volunteered to recite their poems in Mr. Barjas's class for extra credit.  This was a great exercise in memorization and public speaking.

Please remember that Monday all reading packets are due and all grades will have a reading test on Tuesday. Also on Monday all students will have their math facts tests for the quarter.

Our quote for today is from Elbert Hubbard, “Strong men can always afford to be gentle. Only the weak are intent on 'giving as good as they get.’”

Gentleness Art

 I gave my students a picture to copy but I told them to use their own style.  It is so cool to see individuality in their art work.  These pictures in the blog are from Collin, Josue and Dylan - great job guys!!!

Today we continued our nature poetry project.  Today the students also practiced their recitations in front of the upper graders.  Tomorrow is the big day!  They will also need to turn in their poetry essays.  Each project is worth 100 points.

It is pretty exciting in math right now. Since we finished our math books, we have been studying concepts for next year.  Next week, I will give the parents and students some books and website ideas to help your child retain the information they have learned this year. It should make the transition to the next grade a lot smoother.

Tonight at 7:00 pm is the DAS awards ceremony.  All students should be in attendance to celebrate their accomplishments.  I am VERY proud of all my students and can't wait to award them for their successes and improvements!

Our quote for today is from Hugh Blair, “Gentleness corrects whatever is offensive in our manner.”

Details in Nature

Today we did something a little out of the ordinary and we spent some time drawing nature details.  This is part of a poetry lesson we are doing.  

A big thank you to all of the parents who helped drive and supervise at the water park yesterday.  It was definitely a highlight of the year! 

Today the 3rd and 5th graders took reading tests.  Everyone will have their last reading packets of the year due on Monday.  The 4th graders will have their reading test on Tuesday.  The 3rd and 4th graders had a math test today.  Everyone will have a math facts test on Monday.

Today we also worked on our rough drafts for the essay that is due on Friday. Their poem recitation is also on Friday along with normal Friday homework.

Please remember that this Thursday night at 7:00 pm is the awards night.  All students will be receiving some kind of award.

The quote from today is from Ghandi, “Gentleness, self-sacrifice and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.”

Beautiful Program

Congratulations to the students who did a beautiful job on Saturday!  Praising God through song is such a blessing for all involved.  

Our Bible verse for this week is found in 2 Samuel 22:36, "You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great."  

Tomorrow parents please remember to have your child bring a sack lunch, snacks or money for snacks, water, sunblock, towel, and change of clothes.  We will be leaving at 8:00 am.  The park closes at 5:00 pm.  We should be back to the school between 6:00 and 6:30pm.

Today we took our science tests.  On Wednesday, the 3rd and 5th graders will have a reading test.  New reading packets will be due next Monday.  This Friday the poetry projects are due. 

Our quote for today is from  an old Indian proverb, "“The way to overcome the angry man is with gentleness, the evil man with goodness, the miser with generosity and the liar with truth.”

Muffins for Moms

Thank you to all the mothers who were able to come today for our Muffins for Moms day.  It was so special to be able to share part of our day with you.

The rest of the day was spent practicing tomorrow's program.  Make sure your child is at the Deltona Adventist Church at 10:30 in black and white clothes.  

We also fit in spelling, vocabulary and memory verse quizzes and art.

Please remember that on Monday reading packets are due and we will also have a science test.  4th graders can also turn in a math packet for extra credit on Monday.

Our quote for Mother's Day is from Abraham Lincoln, "“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Power Under Control

Great job Dylan!!! This was Dylan's interpretation of "Gentleness is power under control."  

Today the students practiced for their music program on Saturday.  Mrs. Kreiter was so proud of their efforts and good behavior.  I can't wait to hear them on Saturday morning.

We reviewed noun/verb agreements today.  And yesterday we reviewed contractions.  The students are really improving in their writing.  They are becoming top-notch writers!

Tomorrow their poetic rough draft essays are due plus all normal weekly assignments.  Monday, they will have reading packets, extra credit for math (4th graders), and science tests.  They will also have a reading test on Monday or Wednesday. Their final drafts and poetry recitations are due on May 16th.

I can't wait to see the moms, grandmas, aunts, etc. tomorrow for muffins!

Our quote today is from Leo Buscaqlia, “Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.”

Gentleness

Thank you Isabelle for this depiction of "Gentleness is power under control."  

Today in science we talked about aquatic biomes.  We watched a really cool video that got the studentsexcited about underwater exploration.  Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqly8ERIkHM

Today we wrote about mothers in writer's workshop.  Here is a tribute to mothers! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa-7jtvi7J4  Don't forget about Muffins for Moms this Friday from 7:30 to 7:55am.

Students have rough drafts of their poetic essays due this Friday.  Fifth graders will retake their math tests tomorrow.  Please continue to have them study their math facts for the math facts test the last week of school.

Please put May 15th on your calendar.  This will be our end-of-the year awards ceremony.  All students will be getting something.  Please make plans to attend and celebrate your child's success.

Our quote for today is from Deborah Day, "Gentleness towards self and others makes life a little lighter.” 

Permission Slips

Today the permission slips for our field trip to Blizzard Beach were sent home with your child.  Please read the information carefully.  All money MUST be turned in by Thursday. No exceptions.

Today we continued our study on biomes in science.  Here is a fun website to learn about them in depth: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Experiments/Biome/.

Tomorrow the 5th graders will have a math test.  This week the students are working hard on their music program for this Saturday.  This Friday the rough drafts for their poetry essays are due.  We continue to work on their recitations.  I am definitely seeing some improvements.  They will also have the opportunity to perform their poem for another DAS class for extra credit in reading.  

Our fruit of the spirit this week is gentleness.  Our quote for today is from Ralph Sockman, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength.” 

Bio Poem Books

It was exciting today to get our published classroom book.  The students did a great job.  If you did not order one but would like to see a copy we have one in our classroom and there is also one in the school library.

Today the 4th graders took their math test but they admittedly did not study for it.  Please make sure they study tonight.  We did review.They will have a retake tomorrow. The 3rd graders also have their math test tomorrow.

This Friday the rough draft of the poem essays are due.  Please ask your child to recite their poem in front of you.  Practice, practice, practice!  They will be graded on memorization, projection, rate, clarity, expression, pitch, stance, eye contact and poise.  The recitations will be on May 16th. Reading packets will be due this coming Monday.

Blizzard Beach money MUST be in by this Thursday.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  Please call the office for questions or details.

Our Bible verse this week is found in Galatians 6:1, " My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too."

Danbury Park Adventist Academy

This week we finished our DIBELS testing.  This is a reading fluency and comprehension test.  I am very proud of our students and will be sending home a progress report of their testing.  All of our students have made great strides this year.  Almost all of them are reading at or above their grade level.

PLEASE make sure that your student has enough school supplies for the end of the year.  Many of them do not have scissors, glue, crayons, markers, pencils or erasers.  I appreciate your help in this area.

We had such a treat today when the Danbury Park Adventist Academy from California came and did a band and choir performance.  They were incredibly talented and really inspired the musical talents of the DAS students.

Don't forget that next Friday is Muffins for Moms day from 7:30 - 7:55.  Also next Friday is DAS spirit day and vespers.  On Saturday the DAS students will be performing their spring performance at the Deltona Adventist Church.  It is mandatory that all students attend.

On Monday, the 3rd, 4th & 5th graders will have their reading packets due and today's math lesson.  The 4th graders will be having a math test on Monday. Also, a written or typed version of each student's chosen poem is due on Monday.  Friday, they will need their essay on that poem.

Our quote today is from Franklin D. Roosevelt,
"Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live."

Confidence... thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/faithful.html#duya3BgeQlVcypvJ.99

National Day of Prayer

 

Thank you to Pastor Foley for helping us celebrate the National Day of Prayer.  The students and many parents joined together to pray for our school, community, churches, families and leaders. "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20

Today five of our classmates (David, Isabelle, Kristen, Joseph & Patrick) participated in a multi-school spelling bee.  Congratulations to all who participated!  A high-five to David for winning first place for the 5th graders and Joseph for winning third place for the 4th graders.

For those students not here today please watch the following video and write down these two definitions in your science notebook. *Diversity - refers to the variety of forms among living things. *Niche - refers to the function or role that one type of organism has in its habitat.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPfzJ9qaPcw

We also practiced scoring and performing our poems today.  Here is a video on some great tips to make an awesome poetry recitation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cca7SRzsbBw

This afternoon I will be emailing out progress reports.  If you have any questions please schedule a meeting through the office.

Our quote for today is from Billy Graham, "God doesn't owe us anything-yet in His grace, He still gives us good things."