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