December 2015


Dear Parents,
    It's testing season! Our testing window involves a variety of evaluations to determine eligibility for the Target program. We cannot share test results until all students have tested. Letters will be mailed later in  December.  Target classes will resume when the testing process is over. We will miss our regular Target students but we are looking forward to getting some new friends in January. Happy Holidays!
    Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Sanders

                                                         

                                                         November 2015

Dear Parents, 

     Sadly, our fall units are drawing to a close! We have had so much fun with all of our grade levels. 1st graders have done a wonderful job learning to become "Target thinkers" with Leonardo Da Vinci! They had the opportunity to complete STEAM activities and develop critical thinking skills based on the work of one of the world's most famous innovators. We are so proud of them! Second and third graders have had a blast with Audrey Aims. We've recreated several art pieces from the past, including an Andean belt, and Egyptian papyrus. We've also learned about the art and science of art conservation. Our 4th grade "bard" have honed their acting and critical thinking skills with "Reinventing Shakespeare". We will be creating and performing parallel scenes in the next couple weeks. Be on the lookout for information about our culminating activity - the Shakespeare festival! Fifth graders have been learning about the Engineering design process and investing famous inventions. They will soon begin developing their own inventions!

   

     We're looking forward to having some new Target friends in January. Our testing window will begin after Thanksgiving break. 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th grade parents of students who would like additional information about the testing process can come to our parent testing meeting. Time and place TBA. Be on the lookout for more information.

                          Thanks for your support,

                                        Mrs. Parsons & Mrs. Sanders

Friday, October 2^nd 2015

October

Dear Parents,

   We’ve had lots of laughter and learning in our classrooms this month!

    1^st graders are developing their divergent thing skills in Leonardo DaVinci: The Ultimate Renaissance Man. We have been completing weekly STEAM activities that Leonardo would certainly be impressed with!

     2^nd graders have been working hard to develop convergent thinking skills. They are becoming very adept at brainteasers! They’ve also been developing algebraic thinking skills through the primary algebra program. We have some very talented future mathematicians!

     2^nd and 3^rd graders tracked down art conservator Audrey Aims in Egypt. We helped her by making papyrus to replicate the Book of the Dead. Before making the papyrus, we had to study acids and bases using cabbage juice as a pH indicator. Our rooms still smell a little. =) We’re looking forward to her next adventure. Where will she go next?

   4^th graders have been honing their acting skills in Reinventing Shakespeare! “The Bard” have been using their critical thinking skills to create still life Tableaux. We’re looking forward to seeing the students multiple intelligence projects due October 8th!

    5^th graders have been practicing their engineering skills and learning about the engineer design process (EDP). They have done an excellent job of collaborating and using evaluative thinking to create products. We’re looking forward to diving into the Inventure program with Georgia Tech very soon!

    All grade levels will be participating in the famous Target Buck Bash during conference week! Please send in old toys (or new dollar store toys) for our auction items.

           Thanks for your support,

                              Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Sanders

                                                                 September 2015

Dear Parents,

    We’ve had a great start to Target! We enjoyed seeing new faces and old friends at our parent meeting. If you missed it, we will hold another orientation meeting mid-year for new or existing Target parents.

    Please be sure to check your child's tally each week. We often include assignment info or reminders and requests. You may want to check your child's tally as soon as your child gets home from their Target day to avoid those night-before surprises. =)

     Our first graders are being introduced to one of the most notable geniuses in history – Leonardo da Vinci! Students are discovering the work, times and continuing impact of the ultimate Renaissance man. They will read, write, discuss, observe, draw, analyze and create as they learn how to be successful Target students!

     Second and third grade students began the year with a mini-STEAM unit called “Storm the Castle’. We learned how simple machines could help propel a catapult. We also learned about life in the middle ages and how catapults have been used throughout history. We’re looking forward to creating our own cardboard castles based on the construction techniques of medieval engineers. We’ll also be hosting a medieval feast as we test and present our catapults!

     Following our STEAM mini-unit, we’ll begin our Problem-based Learning Unit: Audrey Aims. As an art conservator, Audrey Aims works to showcase objects from all over the world. But how do they get there? Why are they important? And what if the people whose lives they represent want them back? We’re about to find out!

    Our 4^th and 5^th grade students have been hitting the slopes in our STEAM mini-unit, Survivor: Colorado! Students used their knowledge of simple machines to design working ski-lifts. The competition to be the winning tribe is heating up as we near the end. Who will outwit, outlast and outplay?!?

   For our Fall semester unit, 4^th graders will be partnering with the Alliance Theatre in Reinventing Shakespeare! This unit is an interactive introduction to Shakespeare - his work, his times, and his continuing impact. It is also an exploration of the 21^st Century 4 C’s – Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity.  Students will actively engage in Shakespeare’s works and creative responses to his work. They will read, write, discuss, recite, perform, and create.

  We’re very excited about the upcoming opportunity for 5^th graders in our Inventure unit. We’ll be partnering with Georgia Tech to participate in a program that allows younger students to participate in the Inventure prize competition. Students will work to design a unique product or invention, prototype and tri-board. They will then “pitch” their idea to a panel of judges in a series of competitions, beginning with our local school competition. We are excited to open the world of innovation to our fifth graders!

   4^th and 5^th grade students were given information about a math camp being held at Walton High School over September break. Please consider this opportunity for your child.

    As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

                       Thanks for your support,

                                        Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Sanders

 

Welcome Back!
     We are so excited for the 2015-2016 school year! We have been hard at work selecting units and planning for a challenging and fun year in Target.
    Target classes will begin on August 10th. Please be on the lookout for our beginning of the year letter and supply list.
    We will host a parent orientation meeting on August 12th at 8:30 am in the Media Center.
                  We hope to see you there!
                                Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Sanders

News from Target

Hello, Parents and Students!

We are busy in Target!  We have been trying to make up for lost time due to our snow days this year.  Each grade level had some kind of time loss so every minute counts in Target each week.

 Mrs. Sanders welcomed her baby son, Cedric, into her family!  Miss K. is working hard to be here while Mrs. Sanders enjoys this special time in her life. Welcome, Miss K!



First Grade News

First Grade continues to work hard in the PACE unit using their critical thinking skills each week to problem solve and by using their divergent thinking skills.  Target traditions such as the I Can, Box about Me, and the Multiple Intelligence songs and activities are being enjoyed by all.  First Grade will be presenting their Genius Hour Jr. Projects very soon.  Can't wait to see them!




Second and Third Grade News

Second and Third Grade Target are enjoying the Gizmo and Gadget Plus Unit this season.  We have studied inventors, inventions, and creations.  We have had our own Invention Convention and have been pushing ourselves to work collaboratively during STEAM activities, Zoob Challenges, and with our mini robots!  Genius Hour presentations begin in April.  All Genius Hour materials have gone  home for completion.



Fourth and Fifth Grade News

Fourth and Fifth Grade Target classes are sharpening their evaluative thinking skills in Nothing But the Truth.  This study has allowed many class debates and mock trials.  Did  you know that we have our Fairy Trials this week?!  Students have been preparing for this important class activity.  We definitely have some future lawyers in our classrooms!  Fourth and Fifth Grades are also looking forward to presenting their Genius Hour Projects.  All materials have been sent home for completion.



Other News

Target schedules will change in May due to Kindergarten Target Testing.  Stay tuned for more information as we solidify our testing schedule.

Spring Fever has hit!  Help us in Target by reminding students to be self-directed learners who remain hard working, organized, and responsible until the last day of school.


Have a super Spring Break!

Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Sanders and Miss K.

                                                           February 2015

Dear Parents,
    We're so glad to have our students back after a long testing season! We've also enjoyed welcoming our new Target students. The transition back to our routine has gone very smoothly.
    Our new first grade Target students have had a great start! We've been strengthening our Target community and learning convergent thinking skills. Next week, we'll begin learning about the multiple intelligences and how to identify and develop our strengths and weaknesses. They are already a great group of Target thinkers!
   We're excited to begin our new units for the Spring. In 4th and 5th grade, we're starting Nothing but the Truth, an evaluative thinking unit with elements of Democracy, law and debate. We held an art show with art critiques in January. In the coming weeks, we'll hold a debate and mock trials. We're also looking forward to a STEAM mini-unit in the Spring in which we'll build working solar-powered water heaters.
     2nd and 3rd graders have been working on a STEAM mini unit in which they are constructing umbrellas. Perfect for this nasty weather we've been having! Hopefully, our stuffed animals will stay dry during our test and present session. 2nd and 3rd graders will soon begin our new unit 'Gizmos and Gadgets'. They are fascinated by the new Recon robots and can't wait to start programming!
     As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
                     Thanks for your support,
                             Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Sanders