Reading Week

Ella's school celebrated reading week two weeks ago.  They had a dress up theme for each day, parents came in and read to the class, and on Friday they had "famous" readers.  I was excited to read to Ella's class on Monday.  Ella and read a lot of different books before choosing which ones she would like me to read to her class.   It was a fun experience.  Ella really got into the dress up themes and participated each day.  It was a fun way to get the kids excited about reading! 

The books we chose to read to Ella's class. 

Dressed as Fern for book character day. 

First Competition and First One Rating!

In the music program at Sam's school they can start going to competition in seventh grade.  Sam was in a low brass ensemble that took a piece to a middle school competition at Central Methodist University.  It is in Fayette, which is about a 45 minute drive from Columbia.  I was able to go and watch him compete.  His ensemble did an excellent job.  Sam was very nervous about being judged but was happy at the end of the performance telling me it was the best job they had ever done on the piece.  The judge thought they did a great job too awarding them with a one rating! 
The kids also enjoyed being out of school for the day, walking around a college campus, listening to their friends perform and just hanging out together.  I think the highlight of the day was their time after the competition getting to go to the mall for lunch.  From what I hear they had a great time.  Hopefully this will encourage Sam to keep taking pieces in the future.  

Showcasing the Rainforest

For this year's Rock Bridge Elementary Showcase Ella's class did ecosystem projects.  We had to do some of the work at home since my little perfectionist had fallen behind trying to make everything amazing.  We got some research done the week before the showcase and finished up her google slides presentation the day before the presentation.  She was very happy with how everything turned out though and I am glad she wants things to be done well.  She partnered with her friend Rain and they worked on the diorama and slides about the rainforest some together at school and finished their projects individually.  They did a great job presenting everything that they learned and enjoyed having guests come and see all of their hard work.  

Monster of a Party

My friend Christi planned another wonderful room party for Ella's class for Valentine's Day. Because she also is in charge of her fifth grade daughter's party I get to run the party for Ella's room.  The theme of the party was monsters.  We started with a powerpoint presentation where the kids had to match a monster to the description.  Then the kids were divided up into three stations.  At one station they were able to play with monster play dough while getting their picture taken with a monster mouth for a class collage.  The second station involved them making monster bookmarks and at the third station they were able to snack on monster treats.  They kids all had fun and enjoyed all of the different activities.  

Makerspace

Ella is helping her kindergarten buddy make a
duct tape book mark. 

The media specialist at Ella's school got a grant this year to start a makerspace.  It is a space where kids can build, invent, create and tinker.  Sometimes the lessons are guided and sometimes they get to explore.  The first week they made projects with duct tape and the second week they got circuit boards and could explore conducting electricity through a variety of objects like celery, themselves and play dough.  They kids have all really loved having this opportunity every other week! 

Schedule Pick Up & Meet the Teacher

Ella and Sam's back to school nights fell on the same night this year.  We headed to Sam's first since it started an hour earlier.  There was already a line across the parking lot when we arrived for the kids to get their schedules.  We were able to turn in forms, pick up his schedule, take his school picture, find his locker and classrooms and meet a few of his teachers.  Sam seemed to be pleased with the teachers he had and enjoyed meeting them.  While he is not excited to go back to school he liked his schedule and seemed more at ease after finding everything.
Next, we headed to Ella's meet the teacher.  She has a brand new teacher this year and she was her first choice so she was very excited.  Her classroom looks great!  We were able to visit with Mrs. Kobermann, unload school supplies and find Ella's cubby and book tub.  She was also excited to find out that she is sitting right across from her good friend Amelie.  
After meeting Ella's teacher we headed to the cafeteria.  I helped out at some of the PTA tables so other moms could visit their children's teachers.  Ella ran around with her friends and Sam helped by giving tours to families that were new to the school.  Ella is really excited to start the year and I think Sam is comfortable with beginning again even if he will miss summer.  

Taking photos in the school is "not cool" but I was able to sneak one in the parking lot.  

Ella next to her s'more! 

Finding her spot

Ella with Mrs. Kobermann

One Talented Girl!

Every year Rock Bridge Elementary holds a school talent show.  Ella and her friends Addison and Saige decided they wanted to try out with a dance routine.  I was very proud of the girls for all of their hard work.  They chose a song, made up a dance, and decided on costumes.  Sometimes the logistics of practicing and getting cd's made were a bit of a headache for us parents but it was all worth it in the end.  The excitement on their faces when I told them they made the show was priceless!  
We were a little worried when Ella got sick on dress rehearsal day and was not able to attend school and the practice.  She was a little better though by the day of the show and went to school. The girls gave a great performance.   I was proud of them for sharing their talents in front of the whole school.

The performance line up, Ella was a little upset her last name was spelled incorrectly.

The girls after their first performance. 

Getting ready to do their cartwheels. 

On Your Marks...

Ella took part in running club this spring.  It is on Wednesdays after school.  The kids all meet and run around the school track then celebrate with popsicles.  The culmination of running club for the semester was a 5k run.  This also coincided with the dedication of our new school track.  The track was named after our old principal, and my mentor teacher, Mrs. Korth-Lloyd.  It was so great to see her there and see a plaque by the track with her name.  
Ella did an excellent job running her 5k.  She wasn't able to run the whole way but never gave up and finished in the middle of the pack.  I love that girls determination!  She was a little red and tired when she got done but was also very proud of herself.  We were so proud of her too.  

It's All About the Toppings

We celebrated the end of another successful year of chat and chew with an ice-cream party.  I guess I didn't realize how many more kids had participated this year and we ran out of ice-cream and toppings.  Luckily, I had Christi there to make another run to the store.  Next year I will definitely be more prepared. I also had help from my mom and Adonica, who added the cute ice cream cut out to our other decor this year.  We couldn't have had the party without them.  
 I think the kids still had a good time despite the wait for a few on ice cream and they enjoyed getting out of class for a little treat.  All the feedback on the chat and chew groups was great.  I am so excited that the kids are enjoying reading and talking about books! 

Strike up the Band

Sam had his last band concert of the year.  I am impressed with how much he has learned and improved in just one year.  He really takes his concerts seriously and you can see his head move as he is carefully counting to keep the beat and come in on the right count.  He really likes it and is planning on taking lessons a few weeks this summer and playing again next year. 

Rock Bridge or Hogwarts?

It was book character day at Ella's school and she decided to dress as Hermione from the Harry Potter series.  Two of her friends dressed up as characters from the books too as well as a many other kids at her school.  Ella enjoyed pretending to be a wizard for the day! 

RBE Showcase

The Rock Bridge Elementary showcase was the Monday after Grandma had come into town to help with Ella's party.  So, that morning we headed into school to see what Ella's class was going to share.  They had prepared some readers theater.  Ella did a good job with her part and we were glad we got to see it.  

Ready to Hit the Trail!

You might remember from the Thanksgiving post that Ella was getting ready to start studying the Santa Fe Trail.  One of the projects they did to complete the unit was to make their own covered wagons.  I think hers turned out great!

Future Scientists and Mathemeticians

Ella decided that she wanted to join math and science club this school year.  There were so many kids that signed up we didn't think she was going to be able to participate but luckily, Mrs. Ross started another group and Ella was able to join.  She stays after school a few nights a month and does math activities and science experiments.  She really loves it!

Paddington

Ella and her friends Zoe and Allie at the movie.

Ella's teacher read her class the book Paddington since she knew the movie would be coming out this spring.  She had actually read the book when she was a kid and was hoping that they would like it as much as she had.  Paddington's favorite treat is marmalade so she brought some in for the class to try.  Ella wasn't really a fan but what a neat experience.  After they finished the book Mrs. Howard invited them all to join her at the movies to watch Paddington.  A lot of the students were able to come and watch the movie and then they discussed the next week the differences between the movie and the book.  It was a fun time!

Cookies and Cocoa

The girls making their cookies

Ella had another cookie decorating party, this time at school.  During her school fundraiser many of the teachers auction off activities you can do with them to raise money for the school.  Ella's bid won a cookie decorating party with her teacher, Mrs. Howard, and three of her friends.  Ella invited Jessie, Madelyn, and Amelie to her party and they all had so much fun.  
Mrs. Howard said Ella was excited all day long for the party after school. It was also crazy hair day if you are which added to the excitement and explains some of the hairdos in the picture (Ella's was a little more crazy that morning). She gave them all hot chocolate, they listened to Christmas music and made some beautifully decorated cookies.  Ella was excited to use a piping bag and tips for the first time and made some heavily iced creations.  All of the girls enjoyed their time together and with Mrs. Howard.  It was a memory I think Ella will cherish for many years.  

Live and In Concert

We have a trombone player in our house.  Sam started band this year and is really enjoying it (all except the practicing part).  He has band every other day and practices on the weekends.  I am really impressed with the progress that he has made since just the beginning of the year.  They had their first concert last week.  He had a few after school practices but other than that the kids have never played together and I think they did an excellent job.  Sam even told me how proud he was of himself.  They let a few kids play solos during the concert by pulling names of volunteers out of a bag.  Sam volunteered but was disappointed that his name was not drawn.  I was impressed that he was even willing to play in front of that many people.  I don't know how long he will continue in band but he is off to a great start.  

Sam is the seventh one in, in the back row.  

Classroom Feast

Ella's class had a Thanksgiving feast this year.  Everyone's family was invited to come and enjoy a meal together.  Her teacher made pumpkin bars for everyone and parents volunteered to bring in the rest.  We brought in juice boxes and mashed potatoes.  The food was delicious!  Ella had two chicken legs and found out shake and bake should be on our dinner rotation.  The classroom was full with many families and all the kids it was a wonderful way to start off our Thanksgiving holiday.  

Fifth Grade Graduation!

Sam celebrated his fifth grade graduation at the Rock Bridge High School Auditorium. Grandma and Grandpa came back to Columbia to celebrate with him.  Sam received many awards through out the night and made us proud.  After a long ceremony, we headed back to the house for dinner and Sam's favorite, cookie cake.   I can not believe that he is going to middle school next year.  He is excited and a little nervous about next year.  But I think he will really enjoy it and do well.  

Ella and Sam before the ceremony.

Sam showing us his Presidential Academic Scholar Award. 

Having a Ball- Field Day 2014

Sam enjoyed his last field day today.  He started bright and early in the morning.  I was assigned to taking water and snacks around to all the workers which turned out to be a perfect job for me.  I had time to stop and talk to a lot of people and time to hang out with Sam and his class for a lot of the morning.  I saw him participate in most of the events.  He had a great time most of the time, but sometimes his competitiveness did not let him enjoy things as much as he should.  I had to remind him it was all just for fun!  

Ella had field day in the afternoon.  During her field day I was assigned to a game so I didn't get to see her too much or get as many pictures.  She looked like she was having a great time and said she really enjoyed herself.