Central School May 2008 Newsletter

CentralSchool

117 West Livingston Street

Pontiac, IL 61764

815-844-3023

 

May 2008 Newsletter

By: Michael Weaver, Central School Principal

                                

A  NOTE FROM THE SPECIAL NEEDS OFFICE:

At this time of the school year, there are many meetings scheduled for students such as Problem solving meetings, eligibility reviews, IEPs, and re-evaluations.  We are challenged to find time slots for all our meetings as the month of May draws near. Please try to keep your scheduled appointments if at all possible. If you must cancel, please call the teacher so a possible alternative date and time can be found.Thanks!

 

Art News:

– Just a brief farewell.   Well….as the saying goes…all good things come to an end.

I wanted to let ALL the parents and students KNOW just how much I really and truly LOVED teaching your students and what a privilege. A long time ago, when I was in 5^th grade, my Dad as Sunday Superintendent at our church, asked if I would like to fill in for the Kindergarten Sunday School teacher and I said yes with much trepidation. I walked into that room and I began my love affair with teaching.  What a rush and how fun, then as time passed I wanted to be an artist and study in Europe. Didn’t happen, BUT…I took the two things I loved most in life, (of course, there is always singing) and combined them in college and  “TAHDAH!!!”  here I am almost 35 years later an ART TEACHER!!!  I hope in some small way I have impacted your child, whether about art or life.  We are always having those life discussions in class.  I did my best to reach out.  Over the past three years, it has been very difficult for me to maintain the quality program I so ascribe to, and physically with my knee, I struggled.  The children of 429 never faltered.  THEY were there to lend a helping hand or to be compassionate.  The staff here at 429 is beyond reproach.  It is all about how to find the best way to help your child succeed.  They are totally dedicated to YOUR CHILDREN.  I leave your children with my love.  I leave you with deep appreciation of your support.  To each staff, I leave you with both love and appreciation for without you lifting me up the past few years, I surely would have faltered. Thank you boys and girls for everything.  I will never forget your kindness to me.  I will leave you with a quote I seem to be using a lot these past few weeks…but it is truly heartfelt.

           

“Life is not measured in the number of breaths you take, BUT IN THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY.”

Thanks for leaving me breathless. 

Vaya Con Dios, my friends!   All my love to each and everyone of you.

Mrs. Drengwitz 

 

PTO Recognition:

Central staff would like to recognize the Central PTO for all their support and effort during our fundraising this school year. PTO has been able to use some of their proceeds to sponsor assemblies, provide recess equipment, and supplement essential materials that enhance learning for all students at Central school.

 

Thank you again!

Central Staff

 

CentralSchoolPhysical Education:

Walking!! Running!! Walking!! Running!!

For the past school year, the students in grades 1 – 5 have been walking or running during their Friday Physical Education classes. Each student wears a pedometer to measure the distances that the run/walk. We have been keeping track for the past two years. Below you will find the top five walkers in each class for the 2007-2008 school year as of 4/24/08.

 

 

The students that have the greatest distance walked for the past two years are listed below. The students for the past two years have accumulated approximately 6889.36 miles. This would be like walking from Chicago to Herat, Afghanistan (6836.8 mi) and on our way to Nanking, China (7075.2 mi) or Islamabad, Pakistan (7091.4 mi).

 

Mr. Casey

 

Dental Services Are Again Coming This Spring

“Smile Illinois”, a mobile dental unit, will be at Central School on May 7^th and May 8^th.  A dentist and 2 dental hygienists will set up a temporary office in our school and provide PREVENTATIVE CARE.  This includes an exam, cleaning, fluoride treatments, and sealants. (Free toothbrushes will also be given.) 

 

Mobile dentists accepts Medicaid, AllKids, and most Illinois insurances.  Your child may also be seen, even if you do not have any insurance.  In this case, you may pay for these services out-of-pocket or grant money is available to pay for the services. NO CHILD IS TURNED AWAY because of their inability to pay. 

 

A letter and an application form will be going home with your student(s) soon.   The application will need to be RETURNED for your child to be seen.  NO WALK-INS can be accepted. A “dental report card” will be sent home from the dentist, after your child is seen.   Please direct any questions to Shelly Murphy RN at Central /Lincoln Schools. 

 

Character Counts:

For the month of March and April the character counts pillar was Responsibility.  The students who demonstrated this pillar in their respected classrooms will be rewarded with a party on May 6.  The student in their classroom who had the most strips for being responsible will receive a certificate and have their picture taken for the Daily Leader. All of the students who will attend the party will have their name placed in a drawing.  If their name is drawn then they will receive a prize.  These are the students who will be going to the May’s Character Counts Party for being Responsible.

 

Mrs. Johnston-K:

Lilian L., Abby V., Bradon R., Connor A., Logan G., Giovani R., Rebecca B., Brittany B., Timmy T., Garret C., Andrew R., Hannah W., Kyle L., Sarah L.,  Zachary S., Timmy R., Braden H., Justarius S.

Miss Meyer - K

Jacob S.,  Kassity D., Cameron R., Alexia W., Azaria S., Darren C., Eboni R., Pheonix L., Brayden C., Samantha P., Shaelah P., Ben S., Walker G., Jessie R., Marley W., Kyle K., Brooke P., Gage M., MaKayla M.

Mrs. Munz- K

Haley B., Clayton D., Tory E., Justin F., Hunter H., Riley H., John H., Joseph N., Max P., Alexis P., Damon R., Payton R., Kenna R., Drake S., Natasha W., Skyler H.

Mrs. Dunham-1^st grade

Daniel, Mason, Lily, Cassy, Dyllan, Kelsie, Blaze, Jake, Casey, Ezequiel, Nathan, Collin, Alyssa, Jonathan, Kathryn, Logan, Abigail, Aaron, Elizabeth, Austin

Mrs. Gray-1^st grade

Sydney B., Austin B., Annabelle, Jennifer C., Morgan E., Forrest G., Megan L., Nicolle L., Jessica. L., Devin L., Gavin., Peyton M., Zachary N., Taylor P., Bryce R., Haley S.,

Jacob T., Krystal T., Olivia W.

Mrs. Alberts-1^st grade

Matthew W., Kiara P., Alejandra V., Anndromedia N., Kylea B., Joshua R., Adriel V., Ashley M., Austin R., Kelsie L., Jonathan M., Ryan H., Kylyn G., Lowell W., Taylor B., Jade L.

Mrs. Metz- 2^nd grade           

Adam L., Austin B., Blake B. Braden R., Brandon W., Brenden B., Chloe B., David G., Eddie W., Eve H., Jacey C., Jasmine D., Jordan W., Lucy H., Luke G., Mariano V., Micah C., Rebekah P., Willow G., Ashley R., Zack W.

Mrs. Schlosser- 2^nd Grade

Adriana A., Courtney A., Mya B., Angelo B., Ashley B., Andrew B., Stephanie D., Kirk G.,  Jaden H., Brianna H., Brandon J., Akaisha J., Alexis L., Keegan M., Tylar M., Alexus O., Nathan S., Alexis S., Kerry S., Kyle T., Emily W., Mahogoni W.

Mrs. Kilgus-3^rd grade

Geno B., Austin C., Drake D., Gracianna D., Mariah E., Michael E., Nathan F., Tye F., Blake G., Austin H., Christian H., Taylor K., Hannah L., Kryden L., T.J. L., Abigail M., Dylan N., Breanna N., Cierra R., Allyson S., Olivia S., Jordan W., Bradshaw H., Heather A.

Mrs. Waldschmidt- 3^rd grade

Andrea A.,Cameron B., Alex B., Darien B., Madelyn K.,Austin L., Alyssa L., Ckylare M., Austin P., Hayleigh W.

Mrs. Thompson-4^th grade

 Abbey H., Alexis F., Nic B., Noah B., John W., Leah B.,

Mrs. Kahanec-5^th grade

Grecia A., Billie Joe B., Ashley C., Xaviaer D., Samantha M., Stephen M., Grace M., Cassidy M., Kyler P., Brendan P., Rosa R., Jenna S., Adam S., Celeste S., Darin T., Meghan W., Connor W., Jason D, Kendall G., Anthony W.

Mrs. Kerrins- 5^th grade

Drew A., Sammi B., Maria B., Ben B., Kyle C., Brittany C., Hollis E., Abbie F., Dayana L., Kevin L., Dakota M., Anthony M., Caitlin R, Kaitlyn S.

Mrs. Opperman’s Class

Robert B.,Gabe C., Justis L., Christina S., Manny M., Nathan W., John H.

 

Pre-Kindergarten:

The end of our school year is quickly approaching!  We have many fun activities planned for the month of May.  Miss Verdun’s class will learn about zoo animals and ocean animals.  Mrs. Streicher’s class will learn about community helpers and ocean animals.  We are hoping to plan a field trip in early May to visit the police and fire station and learn about how they keep us safe.  We are also planning a short “Under the Sea” program for parents on May 16^th where we will sing ocean songs!  Pre-K is looking forward to celebrating the end of the school year by having a play day at Chautauqua Park and participating in Central School Games Day. 

Miss Verdun, Mrs. Streicher

 

Kindergarten:

The year is going by fast!  May will be a busy month in kindergarten.  Please watch your child’s folder for notes of upcoming events.

In reading we have finished the letters and sounds.  We are finishing up our sight words.  Please work on the sight words at home.  The students need 80% accuracy on our words to attend a special beach party on May 9^th.

In Math we will be doing addition and subtraction as well as reviewing numbers to 20.  We are counting to 100.

In science we will continue to learn about spring and plants.  We have had fun watching plants grow in our classes.

On Friday, May 2^nd, we will visit the high school. We will go to several learning stations that the child development classes have set up.

On Friday, May 29^th, we will participate in Central School’s Game Day.  The students will be put into teams and rotate to several stations during the day.  It will be a lot of fun.

Thank you for all your help during the year!

Mrs. Munz, Miss Meyer, Mrs. Johnston

 

1^st Grade:

The first graders are anxiously awaiting second grade!  They have been working very hard to prepare themselves.  In reading, the students have been working on special phonics rules.  We have learned new ways to spell words with long vowel sounds.  We have also learned that the letter y can be a consonant or a vowel.  When the letter y plays the role of a vowel, it can make several long vowel sounds like, /a/, /e/, and /i/.  Even though, our stories are becoming more challenging, we have been practicing reading fluently.  That means that we read nice and smooth, the way we would talk!

In math, we just finished our money unit.  The students can now name the coin, tell you the value of the coin, and count different amounts of money.  We will begin to learn how to add and subtract facts through 12.  We know how important it is to know our basic math facts, so we will work hard!

In science, we are talking about eating healthy and exercising.  We have learned that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We drew pictures of our favorite meal and decided whether or not it was a balanced meal. We also know that we need to exercise everyday in order to keep our body and heart healthy!  In social studies we are learning about different types of jobs and why jobs are important.  We are also learning about wants and needs, transportation, and different types of currency around the world.

Mrs. Johnston, Miss Alberts, Mrs. Munz

 

2^nd Grade:

For this last month of school in Math we will be learning time and measurement, in Science we will be learning about solids, liquids, and gases, and in Reading we will be finishing our last Unit with continuing to practice our reading fluency and comprehension.   The students are getting much better with their addition facts, while struggling a little more with their subtraction, but we still want to encourage them to continue to practice all of their facts!! This has been a great year and we have enjoyed watching your child grow as a learner.  When the time comes for us to say goodbye at the end of this month we wish them all the best!  Thank you also to the parents for your time, effort, and support with your student and our class through this year!

Mrs. Metz/ Mrs. Schlosser

 

3^rd Grade:

Third graders needed 10 points to make it to the beach blanket bingo party on May 9^th.  Congratulations on those who have made their goal.  Keep reading to make it to the pizza party on May 20^th.  Continue to work on all math facts through the summer and this will be beneficial as you move on to 4^th grade.  We are looking forward to our Hawaiian day on May 23^rd.  It will be a day full of crafts, food, games and fun.  Please send $2.00 with your child to help pay for the expenses.  We are planning a walking trip on Wednesday, May 21^st.  Look for upcoming notes with more information.

Mrs. Waldschmidt, Mrs. Kilgus

 

 

 

4^th Grade:

4^th Grade students will be very busy with several projects during May.  They will begin the annual Country Reports which means a lot of research on the computer and in resource books from the library.  Students will work in pairs or individually to learn about a country, write a report about the country, and create a pleasing display of information about the country that will be shown to the Central School Students and to their parents on a presentation day in May.  Another project is Novel Unit.  We will have finished reading the stories in the Reading text by the beginning of May. Students will then read a novel in reading class in large and small groups with guided reading.  They will have partner and individual assignments as well as mini projects to do as we work our way through the book.  The final project will be to create a poster about the book.  Another project will be the History of Pontiac Unit.  Students will learn about the early settlement of Livingston County and of Pontiac.  After learning about the early settlers of the area they will learn about leisure time, schools, and work in Pontiac.  We will then take a walking tour of Pontiac to see where some of the businesses/buildings we talk of in lessons are or were located.

Mrs. Thompson

 

5^th Grade:

Fifth graders are very excited about going to the Junior High next year.  Mrs. Donze spoke to each of the sections about what 6^th grade was like.  Students were able to ask questions, and she was able to address their concerns.  It seems that most students are worried about the use of the lockers.  Please note that 6^th graders will be able to pick up their schedules on August 11 or 12.  At this time, they will get their locker combinations and be able to try to work them.

 

We are very proud of the fifth graders and their Accelerated Reader points.  There is a Beach Bingo Party next week on Friday, May 9^th at 1:30 p.m., and these students will be attending: Xaviaer D., Adam S., Darin T., Stephen M., Celeste S., Cassidy M., Grace M., Rosa R., Maria B., Ben B., Kyle C., Brittany C., Hollis E., Abbie F., Kevin L., Dakota M., Anthony M., Nick W., and Xavier Z.  Last week out of the whole school in AR points, there were 9 fifth graders in the top 10.  WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Congratulations to our band students on a job well done at the Spring Band Concert on Monday,  April 14^th.  We wish them continued success in Junior High!!

 

Also, two of our students have been running track this season on the PJHS Track Team.  Come out and see Adam S. and Nick W. compete in track meets!!

 

We would also like to congratulate Sammi B. for winning the design contests for the Games Day Shirt.  Games Day will be on May 29.  There will be an awards assembly on May 28.  Parents are more than welcome to attend.  At this time, fifth graders will receive many awards for academics and for volunteering at Central School.   

Mrs. Kerrins and Mrs. Kahanec

 

Elementary Functional Classroom:

April has been an exciting month! Besides enjoying warmer weather, we have been learning about plants. With our plant unit we have been able to enjoy hands-on activities with plants and seeds.

We became a little more aware of our environment through our Earth Day activities. When we cleaned up the playground we felt that we were actually making a difference in helping keep our Earth healthy.

Our visit with the residents at Asta Care was thoroughly enjoyed by both students and residents. It was a valuable learning experience for our students and we hope to go again.

With thoughts of wanting to be outside, it is hard to focus on learning. Please continue to encourage your child to keep focused through these last weeks of school. 

Miss Wilkinson, Mrs. Pomeranke, Mrs. Opperman

 

Science Triathlon

The annual Pontiac Science Triathlon will be held at Pontiac Jr. High on Sat., May 3, 2008.  The event is open to any area 4th-8th grade student.  Applications are available from Mrs. Thompson at Central School.  Registration begins the day of the Triathlon at 8:00 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m.  Students are to build the projects at home with their parents or their teammates.  Three events that students may compete in are Land Yachts, Bridges, and Model Rockets.  The application has complete descriptions and instructions.  Students compete against others at their grade level.  They may enter as individuals, or as a member of a three-person team.  The application has more information about this as well.  Mrs. Thompson will have balsa wood available for purchase if students decide to build a bridge.  Rocket kits can be purchased at hobby stores- be sure they will fit an A8-3 engine which will be given to you at the event.  Materials for land yachts are found or purchased items depending on the builder’s own design.  Awards will be presented to first, second, and third place winners in each event at each grade level at the Awards Ceremony at the end of the competition.  Students who do not win one of those awards will earn a participation ribbon.  Everyone will go home with an award!  Hope to see you there!  Contact Mrs. Thompson at Central School if you have questions or concerns.  (Central 815-844-3023; thompsonbre@p429.k12.il.us)

Helpful Websites for Summer:

Some parents have requested websites for math practice over summer break. Check out these:

http://www.funbrain.com

http://www.iknowthat.com

http://www.aaamath.com

http://www.math.com

http://www.coolmath4kids.com

http://www.surfnetkids.com

http://www.fun4child.com

http://www.funschool.kaboose.com

http://www.mathathon.org

http://www.mathplayground.com

 

 

 

 

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

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