October 2014

Dear Parents,

    We’ve had a great start to our Fall units!

     Second and Third Grade Target Students began the year with a mini-STEAM unit called Geronimo!  They learned how air dynamics powered parachutes so that they could create their own.  After designing and creating their group parachute; they had fun seeing how they working outside.  They learned a lot about how structure, elements, and materials can effect a smooth ride from air to ground.

      In our Life is River unit for 3^rd and 4^th grades, we’ve been learning about the natural and man-made water cycles. We visited a water treatment facility that uses innovative designs to clean wastewater to be returned to the river. Ask your child about the “spaghetti filter”. This week, we will be training for our creek water analysis. We are looking forward to our first creek visits on October 28^th and 31^st. Be on the lookout for a field trip permission form in your child’s Target folder.

    Our 4^th and 5^th Graders enjoyed visiting Yellowstone National Park in our mini STEAM Unit: Energy, Ecosystems and Eruptions!  Ranger Sanders and Ranger Parsons guided the students on a park adventure that kept everyone engaged.  They especially found the making and demo of our geysers exciting.  We finished our park adventure with  a “campfire” and smores while sharing cowboy stories and reflections.

    Our 5^th graders have traveled back in time for the Reinventing Shakespere unit. The Bard have been working on their acting skills through tableaux exercises and improv. The students did a phenomenal job on their Shakespeare Tic Tac Toe menus. We had some very creative presentations! We are looking forward to our upcoming field trip to the Alliance theatre on October 30^th and our Alliance In-school Imrov Workshop on November 6^th.  Watch for more information on both of these activities. 

    Second Grade Target Students have been enjoying our PACE Unit and STEAM activities. They have been working hard to master primary algebraic standards, understand thinking skills and thinking styles, and enjoying affective lessons that encompass making smart choices.  Second Grade knows how to use their divergent thinking skills to create and invent new and unique products.  They are strengthening their collaboration and communication skills during partner and team activities.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks for your support,

         Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Sanders