CITIZENSHIP at HOOVER

As we listened to the City High students drum and play their hearts out to the tune of "The Sturdy Little Hawk" at our afternoon assembly, we were reminded of all of the ways that our choices connect us to so many other people beyond our classrooms.  We were celebrating the donated food to the Crisis Center, while a selected group of City High students shared with us some of their own contributions to the community. Among these stories were donations of time and energy to organizations around the city, in the county and even on a trip to Peru.   Mr. Bacon, Mr. Negus, a staff member from the Crisis Center AND Louie the Little Hawk, accompanied the students in our gymnasium.

I have certainly seen the contributions of our own fifth graders extend beyond our classroom.   One student recently created a welcome card and message for a new student to Hoover in another class. Another group of students planned a drive to donate used stuffed animals and books to the UI Children's Hospital. Each student in our class has also been a great big buddy to their 2nd grade reading buddies in Mrs. Wegman's class.  Others bring their experiences from their families and friends outside of school to their learning and share their perspective with others. I have seen such incredible acts of courage and compassion this past month. I am proud of them and know that their impacts have such positive lasting effects on others.

We are fortunate to have several volunteers in our room, helping to provide students with the attention and encouragement they deserve.  These volunteers come regularly to our classroom to donate their time and expertise to our students.

Zulma Oyarzun and Elizabeth Oyarzun will be coming each Friday to help teach Spanish lessons.

Emma Gier, a City High student, spends her open hours volunteering 4 out of the 5 school days, with LA independent time and math.

Evan Risk, a Kirkwood College student and former City High student is volunteering Fridays in science.

Thank you to all of our volunteers!

If you walk into our classroom, you will notice large 3D snowflakes hanging from the cieling. Besides the desire to liven up our room to escape from the doldrums of winter, they are a reminder of teamwork in our class.  Each of the students created a portion of the snowflakes and decorated them with the ways to work together. Then, they combined each part to create the entire snowflake.  May their wishes and expectations be a great reminder this winter, as we continue to learn together.

Here is a photo of our photos from today's Spanish activity.  The students shared special drawings and photos of family members, and connected these images to our Spanish lesson. Thanks to Zulma and Elizabeth for their teaching creativity! Teaching phrases in a context of real life connections certainly amps up the learning experience.

My last announcement is to introduce the start of our math enrichment groups. Mrs. Jacobson, our Instructional Coach, will be taking a group and I will be meeting with 2 groups. These groups will meet twice a week to give mathematical challenges to students that desire and benefit from the extensions. These will be opportunities to strategize with other students and solve interesting, sometimes quirky, hopefully enjoyable logic puzzles and more. Here is our math corner with extensions, packets and the student folders for their groups. You can soon ask your student how groups are going, for them.