RGS NEWSLETTER

Exploration of Native America

Mrs. Nichol’s class has been learning about color and have explored natu-ral as well as traditional dyes in an effort to learn more about how Native Americans got paints and dyes and used them in their lives.

Their next step is to dye cotton and wool with the natural dyes they have made.

M a y 9 , 2 015

Mrs. Phipps' class has been following the 'Women on 20s' cam-paign. This campaign’s goal is to honor the inspiring women heroes from our history, by putting one of them on the next $20 bill. They looked at the 15 women, narrowed down from 100 and then researched the final 4. The kids are now writing persuasive papers on the women they have chosen. The kids will be present-ing their essays in an effort to persuade others to vote in favor of who they believe deserves this honor. The kids will enter their votes on line and we will enthusiastically be waiting to hear the winner at the end of May! It has been a great way for the class to connect to and become part of a country community decision! The class overwhelmingly hopes to celebrate a win for Harriet Tubman!

Women on 20s

Meatballs and Mohawks– a little love for Levi Tuesday, May 19, 2015 5:00-7:30 pm at RGS

$5.00 for meatball sub $10.00 (minimum) donation for

Cut, shaved, styled, or braid mowhawks *all stylist are kindly donating their time and services

Grow a Garden, Visit a Farm

Bunker Hill

On Tuesday, May 6 the kindergarten stu-dents visited Farmer Abe at Zach’s Farm in York, ME. Students explored the barns, greenhouses, ponds, and vast fields. They transplanted peppers, learned about how to irrigate the crops, and watched as the harrow plowed the fields.

After researching and studying the Revolution-ary War, our 5/6 students spent a day in Boston see-ing first hand many of the most important places in American history.

The students spent the day on The Freedom Trail, hearing stories of

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bravery, and visiting several historical landmarks.

We are very lucky to live in an area with such historical im-portance and relevance.

School Wide Learning

Thank you to everyone that clipped and sent in box tops, bo-nus box tops and bonus certificates this school year. We earned a total of $479.20 between March 2014 and March 2015. Any that are sent in now will go toward next year's to-tal. Please continue to save them all summer long as well. En-courage family and friends to do the same. More information about the ways you can help is available at boxtops4education.com or by contacting Lisa Lepage at llepage@rollinsford.k12.nh.us.

Before vacation Mrs. Lanzer’s class started growing bean plants. They developed criteria for their controls and then each student developed variables and hypotheses to experi-ment on their own. They shared their growing knowledge of soil to help the kindergarten plant their garden. Below are just a few of the questions the kindergarten students asked Mrs. Lanzer’s students.

Why does the tractor help the soil? What were the piles in Chad's video? What does different dirt do? What have you planted? What does it mean to transplant? “It was really awesome! They (the kindergarten) did such a great job and it was so great to have the youngest students in school teaching things to some of our oldest students,” re-ports Mrs. Berounsky.

Researchers, Authors,

Illustrators, Creators

Students in Mrs. Horton's 1/2 class-room are recording facts from their research w/doodles & words.

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ZentanglesZentangle was the right choice for Artists- school wide- prior to April break. Students shared time creating, relaxing and reflecting while producing designs of which they were proud. Big Success! One more skill our whole school population can enjoy, share and relate to outside school.

Application and use of the Zentangle Method is widespread and we continue to learn new ways in which others are using it.

Here are a few ways others are using the Zentangle Method.

Entertainment

Zentangle art is easy to create and wonderful to share and enjoy. The Zentangle process is mesmerizing. You can create alone or with a group. You can create a game by randomly selecting tangles, or by making collaborative Zentangle crea-tions. Unlike games with predetermined outcomes like crossword puzzles or Sudoku, you discover your own outcomes.

Relaxation

We all need to relax from stress now and then. The Zentangle Method offers a quick way to intentionally redirect your focus and enter a relaxed state almost immediately. It does not require any particular physical skill. It does not require a uniform, location or equipment to relax and enjoy.

Education

At all age levels, whether in public, private or home school environments, creating Zentangle art has been associated with improved:

Handwriting

Eye/hand coordination

Creativity and personal expression

Problem solving

Cross-cultural understanding, using various cultural symbols such as Indian henna patterns, Celtic knotting, Zuni pot-tery, Maori tattoos or Islamic tiling.

Relaxation and focus

Confidence

Moreover, the Zentangle Method can be enjoyed by many ages simultaneously in a group setting. This can be particularly useful in educational settings where different age groups regularly interact, such as Montessori and home school envi-ronments.

May 12: 3/4 field trip to Boston Museum of Science

Upcoming Events (subject to change-hopefully not) May 12: 3/4 field trip to Boston Museum of Science May 14: Spring Recital 6:30 May 19: Meatballs and Mohawks 5:00-7:30 May 21: School Board 6:30 May 22: Teachers’ Workshop May 25: No School-Memorial Day June 1-3: NWEA (grades 3-6) June 4: Grades close June 6: Softball Tournament June 11: Flag Day Ceremony June 12: Trimester Awards at 9:00 June 12: 6th Grade Lock-in 7:00-7:00 June 16: Field Day and Bike Rodeo June 17: 6th grade breakfast June 17: Talent Show 1:30 June 17: 6th Grade Recognition 6:00 The American Legion June 18: All School Awards 9:00 June 18: Clap-off 2:45 June 18: Last Day of School

Mrs. Horton’s class has buddied up with Mrs. Lan-zer's 5/6 students for reading on Fri-day afternoons. They love their time with their buddies and rock at reading stamina! Mrs. Hor-ton’s students can sustain their reading for 35 minutes. Mrs. Horton’s room is filled with a won-derful hum and the excitement about reading and sharing stories with their buddies can be seen in so many ways.