Spring has Sprung

We have been busy with a few new projects.  A highlight for the students this month has definitely been the use of the lap tops.  We are so fortunate to have so much technology at our finger tips.  One of the most fun things students have been exploring with has been a program in which they learn the beginning steps for writing computer codes.  This program is a wonderful tool that adjust to meet each child and challenges them as they pass levels.  Students are working on a variety of problem solving skills and higher order thinking.  They are hooked in right away with the technology component and the fact that the characters they use start out as angry birds, and gradually move up to eventually some of the frozen characters I believe.  We had the opportunity to see how this program works not only when you do it as an individual, but also with other students, where one student is in the driver seat and the other is the navigator.  In the short time the kids worked together we enjoyed seeing tons of universal skills being put in to place.  We have worked a lot this month on the "P" word, perseverance. For many students this program tests their patience.  Here are a few images of the kids working with their first grade buddies to use the CODE program.

Another big project we have had this past week has been planting some of the starter plants for the Pineview garden.  In the past the garden has been primarily a 1st grade exploration.  This year we are focusing on synergizing and making it more of a school wide project.  This is a little scary considering this teacher has a black thumb..... Good thing the kids are in charge of the plants.  They planted them and have started to see their sprouts.  Some will have to get cut back to only one or two per pellet.  

Lettuce and Spinach

radishes

peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes

Herbs

Upcoming Dates

April 3-6 Easter break
April 9th- Go to the High School to watch the musical
April 10th- Grand-friends' Day
April 23rd- Leadership Day
April 28th- Spring Concert
May 1st- Muffins for Mom's
May 8th- Donuts for Dad's