Precious Pretzels

We LOVE Pretzel Day!!  Our Odyssey of the Mind Club is raising money for their competition this year by selling fresh soft pretzels thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  There is absolutely NOTHING more scrumptious that a warm, soft pretzel with a little bit of mustard...  hmmmmmmmm good!

Hands On Happiness

Recent activities in various classrooms clearly demonstrate that our students are using all their senses while learning math, language arts, science and social studies concepts. In kindergarten and first grade we have future bankers and architects, during recess our fourth graders demonstrate eye-hand coordination skill in a game of  table football, our third graders are learning about fractions with apple slices, and second graders are testing their skill with flying paper helicopters in social studies class! Our fourth and fifth  graders were treated to Diamond Del's Mobile Educational Gem Mining to enhance the study of rocks and minerals.                    

Holiday Happenings

The holiday spirit is alive and well at American Renaissance Elementary! Our students are creating festive decorations to display across our building and making holiday hats to wear in Mrs. Munday's traditional Hat Parade! We are especially proud of two important projects that will enhance the lives of folks in need in our community and across the world. Our Mitten Tree project is collecting mittens and gloves for needy children and our Renaissance Adventure Holiday Crafts Shop for Heifer International has already exceeded last year's collection of funds. Two of our students have taken it upon themselves to collect gently used and new toys for needy children - Lexi and Megan you are amazing! Our first graders took a trip to a tree farm last week and got an unexpected treat - a wagon ride through the Christmas Tree fields. Fifth graders attended a special showing of the new film, A Christmas Carol last week as well. Raine was happy to model the 3-D glasses movie goers wore for a more realistic experience!

National Boards

We are so proud of several of our teachers who are stretching their professional dedication this year by working toward National Board Teacher Certification.  Mrs. Duncan, Ms. Spence, and Mrs. Hardig are all starting this very rigorous process that will further excellence in their individual teaching.  Part of this year long preparation for evaluation by a national board of teaching experts is video taping lessons and then assessing them them as they meet certain criteria.  Ms. Duncan has completed two of her video tapes so far!

Back in Business

November has flown by and I can't believe we are only three weeks away from the holiday break!  My blogging has suffered a bit with all the events with family and school but I will do my best to bring you back up to speed before we leave each other again!  First order of business - our new little grandson is growing, growing, growing and is more precious every day. He and his Pop had a very serious discussion while everyone else was cleaning up after dinner during the Thanksgiving break.  He definitely has that "look" of wisdom - if only Pop could read his mind!

The Adventures of Blue Flame

A dastardly plot is afoot in the quiet town of Rabbleville. It seems as though The Jokester is in town and using natural gas unwisely. And he wants everyone to do this same! Mayor Babble is frantic and there’s only one thing left to do! It’s time to call Rabbleville’s resident secret superhero! The Blue Flame!  This past Monday, all students at American Renaissance Elementary were treated to an outstanding performance of The Adventures of Blue Flame with the National Children's Theatre actors, David and Ryan.  The purpose of this presentation was to stress the importance of natural gas as an energy source that we must work to conserve.  As The Blue Flame said, "Natural Gas, Make It Last!"  Students learned how natural gas is produced in nature, how we use it in our everyday lives, what measures we can take to conserve it, and what to do if there is a gas leak nearby.  This production was sponsored by PSNC Energy.

He's Here!!

We're tickled to announce the arrival of our new grandson, Connor Douglas, named for my husband, Doug:)  He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. He was so sweet to make his grand entrance on a teacher work day/weekend so that his Mommom and Pop could spend time with him and big brother, Landon.  While Connor and his Mommie were in the hospital, Landon kept us entertained with Thomas the Train, his many Nemo friends, and, of course, his favorite CARS characters.  Never a dull moment with our little Landon!  We are so blessed to have these two little boys in our lives!

Let's Go to the County Fair!

Where do the firemen sleep?

Our kindergartners recently made a trip to the fire department and learned all about a fireman's life - where they eat, sleep, and wait for the call.  After the trip Ms. Spence explains to her class the meaning of the Maltese cross as a symbol for all firefighters.  Students at American Renaissance Elementary have the good fortune of visiting many local agencies during the school year since they are just a short walk away.  We so appreciate the cooperative efforts of our neighbors - the fire department, the post office, the Sweet Shop, the Chamber of Commerce, and so many more - in expanding and enhancing our educational program each and every day.

A Sample of Smiles

Biomes Anyone?

What's the best way to learn about BIOMES?  Why making a game, of course!  Mrs. Smith's fifth graders spent hours and hours creating these master pieces to try and trip up their classmates.  From all appearances, everyone was a winner!

My Grands

I have to brag a little and give you a glimpse of how my new grandbabies are doing!  My daughter Kristen (on the right) is the mother of our grandson Landon and obviously, his little brother will be arriving any day now.  Karen's little boy will be here in February!  Landon is really looking forward to having some team mates to play soccer and basketball.  My husband and I are so excited and can't wait to take our three rambunctious grandboys fishing and hiking in the mountains!

Science Scenery

Come and take a look at all the fabulous science projects that our fourth and fifth graders have created during their study of animal adaptations and ecosystems.  Here are a couple of  sneak previews:

The Nurse is IN

Mrs. Cook is keeping busy taking temperatures, checking for red throats, and listening to those annoying coughs. Our students have been doing a great job remembering to cover mouths and wash hands regularly.  So far we have been able to dodge the flu "bullet" since our absentee rates have been fairly normal for this time of year.  Thanks to Mrs. Cook for keeping us up to speed on flu education and taking care of all our aggravating symptoms.