“putting the child first” · 2014-12-03 · children need lots of special, dedicated time with...
TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Debra Collins Principal
Dr. David Barber Assistant Principal
Hampton Elementary Charter School 10 Central Avenue Hampton, GA 30228
Phone: (770) 946-4345
Fax: (770) 946-3472
“Putting the Child First”
Full STEAM Ahead! December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School
Each month a student is chosen by each homeroom teacher. This student is chosen because they have displayed good character, and for their accomplishments during the month. They are recognized by the school and receive rewards from some of our Partners in Education.
First Row – Aidan Lawson, Isabella Langston, Keiasia Moore, Austin Jones Middle Row – Nylah Wilburn, Jocelynn Ethier, Will Drake, MaKenna Nix, Addison Owen Back Row – Tamia Reed, Alyssa Willey, Angel Clark, Brittany Flaherty Not Pictured – Kenli Rhodes, Josie Wood
November Students of the Month
Page 3 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Kindergarten Field Trip to the
Pumpkin Patch
This lady taught us about honeybees.
Jayden with a goat at the animal petting area.
The Reptile House!!!
Claire and snake!
Mrs. Burley’s K class
Page 4 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
The Pumpkin Patch/Yule Forest on Hwy. 155 had so much
more than pumpkins!
Mrs. Garmon and Mrs. Burley racing their puffy ponies! Hayride!
Page 5 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Mrs. Burley & Mrs. Garmon’s Kindergarten Class
The week before Halloween, I carved a pumpkin in my class. We smelled the pumpkin then felt the inside of the pumpkin. All of the students helped to get the slimy pumpkin seeds out so I could bake them. They were really yummy! The trick was to soak the pumpkin seeds in salt water for a whole night before they were baked.
The last student, Phoenix, did not like the slimy inside of the pumpkin.
Page 6 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
STEAM Stations
Kindergarten Steam Classes with Professor Steam
(Mrs. Burley)
Gravity in room
Page 7 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
All of these students are from Mrs. Hall’s K class.
Michael, a student from Mrs. Hall’s class, is several cubes long. This was an “All About Me” activity. Professor STEAM is having the students predict which paper helicopter will be the first to fly to the ground.
Mrs. Hall’s K class with Professor STEAM dropping items in classroom to see gravity at work.
Then everyone went outside to see fallen leaves and branches on ground - more gravity!
Page 8 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Mrs. Hall’s kindergarten class experiencing the flavors of
sour, sweet, bitter, and salty during one of Professor
Steam’s science lessons.
Page 9 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Literacy Updates and Reminders: Nov/Dec 2014
Reading Incentive Programs at HECS
Pizza Hut Book It - Please encourage your child to read daily for at least 20-40 minutes. Teachers will reward monthly every student that reaches their goal with a free Pizza Hut ticket from Oct-Mar.
Fast Break for Reading - This incentive program will reward students with 2 Hawks tickets for meeting the reading deadlines below:
300 minutes-Thursday, November 20, 2014
650minutes-Friday, January 9, 2015
1,000 minutes-Thursday, March 12, 2015
*Standard handling fees apply
Six Flags - Read to Succeed is a free program sponsored by Six Flags Theme Parks. Every student who completed six (6) hours of recreational reading before February 27, 2015 is eligible for a free admission ticket.
STRIDE ACADEMY: Parents please encourage your children to practice reading, math, and science skills at home if they are in 1st or 3rd grade. This computer based program gives immediate feedback and the students enjoy using it. Ask your child’s homeroom teacher for additional information if you have questions.
Page 10 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Get All the Benefits of Reading Aloud to Children:
The Power of 20 Minutes a Day! It does not take as much of your time as you might think to get all the benefits of reading aloud to children. Let's take a look at the power of reading 20 minutes a day to our kids.
First of all, why 20 minutes? The biggest reason comes down to this – 20 minutes a day is a manageable amount of time, especially since the 20 minutes is accumulative amount of time. It does not have to be in one, single block of time to be effective and attain all the benefits of reading aloud to children. I realize that, as a daily event, reading for longer periods of time is probably unrealistic for many parents with busy, hectic lives filled with obligations and commitments.
Although 20 minutes should be our goal, we needn't be constrained by a time clock when attempting to achieve the benefits of reading aloud to children. There will be days when we have a little more time to spend or we are having a particularly fun and enjoyable reading session. On these days, read a little longer. On the flip side, there will be days when even 20 minutes, the equivalent of 2 to 4 stories depending on the age level, will be a difficult task. On these days, read as much as possible and know that the days where you were able to read longer make up for these days. One way or the other, you will gradually begin to see the benefits of reading aloud to children
To fully understand the benefits of reading aloud to children and what reading 20 minutes a day can do for our children, we have to move beyond the immediate and look at the big picture. The big picture is the cumulative amount of reading time during all the years leading up to kindergarten. Children typically enter kindergarten at the age of 5 so we need to look at the power of reading 20 minutes a day from the ages of birth to 5 years.
20 minutes x 30 days = 600 minutes or 10 hours per month 10 hours x 12 months = 120 hours per year 120 hours x 5 years = 600 hours over 5 years Reference-Little Ones Reading Resource
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Page 11 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
The Benefits of Children’s Stories
The Read Aloud Difference
Parents who read children’s stories aloud to their kids provide a strong, positive influ-ence and build a foundation for a lifetime of significant benefits. But what really are these reading aloud benefits? What kind of difference are we talking about?
Below is a summary of the significant ways in which reading stories aloud to kids will change their lives . . . and yours. It won't happen overnight, as change is gradual, but continued and dedicated reading will most definitely bring noticeable, long-term changes.
Did you know . . .
In this day and age of hectic lives and busy schedules, reading together is a simple and enjoyable way for parents to take time out and focus on the family. Young children need lots of special, dedicated time with their loved ones.
Reading children’s stories aloud to our kids is just plain FUN!!
Reading children’s stories is a wonderful bonding experience that fosters meaning-ful one-on-one communication with our kids.
It shows our children in no uncertain terms that they are important to us.
It molds our kids into becoming readers, and raising a reader significantly increases our child's potential for academic success as well as lifelong success in general.
It is a vital and integral part of teaching our kids how to read as children learn how to read by being read to.
It helps our children master language development.
It builds listening skills, increases a child's attention span, and develops the ability to concentrate at length of which all are learned skills.
It develops children's ability to express themselves more confidently, easily, and clearly in spoken AND written terms.
It develops and fosters a child's natural curiosity.
It develops creativity and a child's ability to use their imagination!
It expands our children's horizons, quells fears, exposes them to new situations, and teaches them appropriate behavior.
Reading children’s stories to our children provides the best opportunities for true "teaching moments."
Reading picture books develops a young child's appreciation for the arts through exposure to many different styles of art and illustrations.
There is so much that reading children’s stories aloud to our kids can do for them. Let's start reading together today! "A house without books is like a room without windows." --Heinreich Mann (1871-1950)
Reference-Little Ones Resource
Page 12 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Here is a list of the best 25 picture books ever according
to more than 200 teachers, children’s authors, and
children’s literature experts.
1. Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak Who it’s for: Grades PreK–3
It is “so compressed in its language and so exuberant in its pictures and so
psychologically right,” says author Jane Yolen, herself nominated for Owl Moon. “I
return to it again and again.” So do teachers! Max earned three times as many votes as a
certain munching insect. What it’s about: When Max is sent to bed without his dinner,
he imagines an adventure to the land of the Wild Things, where he meets a crowd of
fanciful beasts. When he becomes homesick, he wakes up in his bedroom to find his
warm supper waiting for him.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2
What it’s about: Eric Carle’s colorful classic depicts the famished insect eating his
way through an apple, two pears, three plums, and a smorgasbord of other treats. Along
the way, readers learn about colors and counting — not to mention the life cycle of a
caterpillar.
3. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg Who it’s for: Grades K–5
For many of you, this shadowy story is a winter must, up there with hot chocolate and
mittens. Third-grade teacher Janice Wright explains: “It’s magic.” What it’s
about: Could there be a better Christmas tale than that of a boy lying awake on
Christmas Eve who is taken by Santa himself to the North Pole? This Caldecott winner
encourages kids to believe in the spirit of Christmas.
4. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2
What it’s about: A young bunny tries to stave off sleep by bidding goodnight to every
item he can think of, leading himself (and readers!) to a quiet sense of peace. Clement
Hurd’s illustrations range from small black and white drawings to full color beauties.
5. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch Who it’s for: Grades K–3
“I can’t help myself, I cry every time I read it,” says Instructor editor Hannah
Trierweiler. Sniff. Pass the tissues. What it’s about: The story of a boy and his mom.
While the mother continues to rock her boy to sleep — even if she must sneak in his
bedroom to do so — eventually he will do the same for her. A touching cycle-of-life
tale.
6. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein Who it’s for: Grades 2–5
What it’s about: This wise and lovely story of the tree that gives her all for love is also
a wonderful tale about life transforming the boy that played on her branches to an old
man that sits on her stump.
7. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig Who it’s for: Grades K–5
What it’s about: Once a pebble-collecting donkey finds his lucky stone, misadventure
begins. Once Sylvester accidentally turns himself into a stone, it seems all is lost, but
eventually he comes back to his donkey self — and wishing is approached more
carefully!
8. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans Who it’s for: Grades K–5
What it’s about: Ah, the Parisian adventures of Madeline! Her life with the nuns, her
trip to the hospital, and Bemelemans’ depictions of the city still satisfy kids of many
ages. This long-running series never surpasses the charm of its first installment!
9. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton Who it’s for: Grades 1–4
What it’s about: Before arriving at the happy ending, readers will experience the
growth of a city as it surrounds the previously isolated little house. Burton’s fanciful
drawings add to the delight of the story.
Page 13 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
10. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2
What it’s about: As Sal and her mom set out to pick blueberries, so do a mother bear
and her cub. Eventually the young set swap moms for a cross-species adventure tale
and a comedy of errors.
11. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Who it’s for: Grades K–4
What it’s about: A book that makes the simple, everyday activities of a little boy into
an epic. When Peter awakes to the first snow of the season, every detail of the day —
from kicking snow off a branch to the attempt to save a snowball — becomes magical.
12. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon Who it’s for: Grades K–3
“Kids really connect to the message,” wrote first-grade teacher Laurie Foote. What
higher praise could a book receive?
What it’s about: A story about a fruit bat raised by birds, this book celebrates
uniqueness and independence. As a beautifully told tale with gorgeous illustrations and
a section of bat information as well, this book has it all.
13. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2
What it’s about: Oh, that hungry mouse. Once you give him the cookie, the trail of
action is unstoppable! By the end, the mouse and the boy that gives him the cookie
(and perhaps the reader) are exhausted! With terrific illustrations and a wonderful lead
character.
14. The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson Who it’s for: Grades 1–4
What it’s about: A powerful narrative with echoes of metaphor, this is a story about a
fence that divides a white neighborhood from a black one and the two little girls whose
need for play and companionship allow them to straddle and then cross it.
15. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen Who it’s for: Grades 1–5
What it’s about: A classic example of child’s mind expanding a simple walk into a
glorious adventure. As a girl and her father hike through the moonlit night, the
creatures they encounter become thrilling companions for their owl hunt.
16. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2
The only wordless tale on our list. What it’s about: A great book to lead a child into
reading. A whimsical story of a boy who makes and then befriends a snowman who
both enters his world and takes him out on a nighttime escapade. The enigmatic ending
can also be a great beginning.
17. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
Who it’s for: Grades 2–6
What it’s about: This exquisite book offers fourteen drawings with captions, each its
own launch pad for stories and imaginings of any sort. The lack of a cohesive narrative
allows, indeed requires, that kids provide their own ideas of what happens next.
18. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey Who it’s for: Grades K–3
Anita Silvey, author of 100 Best Books for Children, cherishes McCloskey’s “subtle
economy in text and art.”
What it’s about: Watch out for urban ducks… A great read aloud book, this tale of
two mallards who decide to raise their family in the Boston’s Public Garden is a
perennial favorite. Beautiful drawings and a great story make Boston seem perfect for
ducks!
19. SkippyJon Jones by Judy Schachner Who it’s for: Grades 1–4
What it’s about: A wonderful combo of story, rhyme, Spanish-English hybrid, color,
action and pure joy, this book has something to enchant any kid and is a fantastic read
aloud. SkippyJon is part kitten, part dynamo. A real fiesta (muy caliente)!
25 Best Picture Books, continued...
Page 14 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
20. No, David! by David Shannon Who it’s for: Grades K–4
What it’s about: As little David careens from one forbidden activity to the next, with
his mom shouting the title, David’s naughty output is impressive. A kid’s book with a
“real” soundtrack, the text is drawn from a book the author produced when he was 5!
21. The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco Who it’s for: Grades K–3
What it’s about: A rich immigrant’s tale, this book is the classic American story. A
quilt that is made from the bits and pieces of the past to warm up the present, it
provides not just the story, but the only color in these otherwise black and white ink
drawings.
22. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper Who it’s for: Grades PreK–3
Will the real Watty Piper please stand up — and accept our hurrahs? (It’s a pseudonym
for the original publisher; the author is disputed.) What it’s about: What would
childhood be without the whispered “I think I can, I think I can”? This book is possibly
the best-known children’s classic and a wonderful read-aloud. Its positive message has
underscored the days of thousands of children.
23. The Mitten by Jan Brett Who it’s for: Grades K–4
Second-grade teacher Donna Thaggard echoed many voters when she said “any book
by Brett” is bound to be an instant favorite.
What it’s about: With illustrations to delight, this story of a grandma-knitted mitten
that becomes a home to a whole group of chilly winter animals — until a sneeze ousts
them all — is a perfect winter companion. Nicki’s glove has a life of its own!
24. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss Who it’s for: Grades PreK–3
Thank goodness the good doctor accepted a bet that he couldn’t write a story using
only 50 words. As Instructor editor Jennifer Prescott sums up in only five words: “I do
so like it!” What it’s about: I am Sam, Sam I am. Possibly the most fun a kid can
have while learning to read, this book’s repetitive phrases, simple drawings and goofy
charm make it one of childhood’s must-haves.
25. Curious George by H.A. and Margret Ray Who it’s for: Grades PreK–2
What it’s about: The world’s most beloved monkey! Curious George has had many
adventures in his day, but it all starts with this classic. Introduce a new generation of
readers to his irrepressible chimp.
25 Best Picture Books, continued...
June 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter Page 15
Look who was spotted
learning math at HECS!
1st grade students were found (left)
learning all about numbers.
5th grade students (right) were found
identifying equations that explained a
real-world scenario.
Recently, 4th grade students (above) were spotted doing
investigations with fraction problems.
2nd grade students (right) were found using addition and
subtraction strategies to solve real-world problems.
Page 16 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Hampton Elementary Charter School Honors
Veteran on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2014
Page 17 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
All HECS students and staff were encouraged to invite all veteran in their family to a special recognition program just for them. On the day of the program, each veteran in attendance was given a “goodie” bag and a special name badge. A special program was presented which included the HECS Chorus. The veterans were then escorted by their child or other family member to the front of the audience and were recognized and thanked for their service to our country.
The HECS Chorus performing on Veterans’ Day in honor of
veterans.
Page 18 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Oh NO! I not sure what to do – I’ve missed the instructions.
Oh yeh! I know that answer.
This is going to be a great day!
A child was late for class because he/she was at
breakfast.
A child that ate breakfast and was on time to class.
Breakfast is served every morning from 7:15 AM – 7:35 AM. Instruction starts promptly at 7:45 AM.
School Hours
School Hours for students – 7:45 AM to 2:25 PM. Students who arrived to school after 7:45 AM should be escorted to the office by a parent/guardian and signed in. Attendance to school is of the utmost importance! Please have your student at school on time each and every day! Morning supervision begins at 7:15 AM. Students are not to be dropped off before 7:15 AM. No staff members are on duty before 7:15 AM. The front doors will be locked until 7:15 AM. Dismissal begins at 2:25 PM. Car riders should be picked up in the front of the school. Students who remain at the school after 2:45 PM should be enrolled in the Afterschool Program.
Si necesita este boletín traducido en su idioma, por favor póngase en contacto con la escuela @ 770-946-4345
Page 19 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Paper copies of the report cards are no longer sent home to
parents. You may access your child’s report card through the
Parent Portal on HECS web page. If you want a paper copy, you
may call the school office @ 770-946-4345 and the school will be
glad to send you one.
You may use your smart phone and the QR code below to access HES Web Page
Page 20 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Governance Council Meetings Schedule Hampton Elementary Charter School, 10 Central Avenue, Hampton, GA 30228
Dr. Debra Collins, Principal Under the Open Meetings Act (O.C.G.A. 50-14-1- 50-14-6), Hampton Elementary Charter School Governance Council will be held. Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will be held in the conference room at Hampton Elementary Charter School @ 3:00 PM.
December 16, 2014
January 27, 2015
February 24, 2015
March 31, 2015
April 28, 2015
May 26, 2015
June 23, 2015
Full Steam Ahead Governing Council Members Joyce Bradley – staff representative
Georgia Flournoy – teacher representative
Amy Hall – teacher representative
Arley Lowe – business representative
MaryAnn Mitcham – PIE representative
Steve Nail – business representative
Krista Nelson – parent representative
Christy Palmer – parent representative
Erin Studstill – PTO representative
Parent Vision Team
All parents are invited to the Parent Vision Team meetings. The parents work with the school faculty and staff to develop policies, budgets, and guidelines for Title I requirements. They also work with the Parent Engagement Professional, Mrs. Bradley, to help plan and facilitate activities and workshops to benefit students and parents at Hampton Elementary Charter School.
Scheduled Parent Vision Team Meeting Dates All meetings are in Room 206 @ 5:30 PM unless notified otherwise.
November 11, 2014
January 20, 2015 March 17, 2015
April 21, 2015 May 12, 2015
Hampton Elementary Charter
Page 21 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
Winter Holidays No School
Winter Holidays No School
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3
4
City of
Hampton
Christmas
Parade
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7 8
9
10 11 12 13
14 15
16
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Holiday Sing-along 1:00
20
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31 1 2 3
December 2014
Hampton Elementary Charter School
Upcoming events in January:
January 5 – No School for Students
January 6 – First Day of Second Semester
PTO Santa Shop
PTO Santa Shop
Page 22 December 2014 Hampton Elementary Charter School Newsletter
For the safety of HECS students, students may ONLY be dropped off at the curb in front of the school. The car must be in the right lane and stopped at the curb in front of the school entrance. A special thanks to the City of Hampton Police for enforcing this. It takes school faculty/staff, parents, students and police work-ing together to be sure all students safely arrive at school.
Love and Logic Tip How to Get the Teacher to Listen to You
There was a problem on the playground during recess today. Even though it involved only some of the classmates, the entire class was punished with loss of recess for two days. Patty and Wanda were incensed.
“Most of us were being good! It’s just not fair for all of us to miss recess,” they told their mothers. “You need to call the teacher and make her change her mind,” they insisted. Wanda’s mother went to the phone, and when the teacher answered said, “Punishing all the kids for what a few of them did just doesn’t make sense. You just need to handle this in a better way. Both Wanda and I think that this is totally unfair!”
Patty’s mother called the teacher and said, “I’d like to share what the girls have told me about the recess problem and get your thoughts on it.”
I bet you know which mother’s concerns the teacher was more receptive to hearing and accepting. I visited with this teacher. She told me that Wanda’s mother called first and that she immediately found herself being defensive about the situation. The call didn’t go well. The conversation she had with Patty’s mom went better. She went on to say, “I didn’t feel defensive at all when Patty’s mom called. I liked her opening statement so well that I’m going to be using it in the future when I have to call parents about a problem.” What was that opening statement? “I’d like to share what I’ve been hearing and get your thoughts.” It’s a surefire way to keep the other person from feeling attacked. Learn more of these techniques on our Audio CD, Putting Parents at Ease. It’s all about home/school communication techniques that work for both teachers and parents. Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.
Jim Fay