Sixth grade mathematics also serves as a culmination of their time here at The Covenant School. Everyday Mathematics curriculum is used and begins to take a Pre-Algebraic focus. Units are: Algebra and Uses of Variables; Data and Chance; Geometry and Spatial Sense; Measures and Measurement; Numeration and Order; Patterns, Functions, and Sequences; Operations; and Reference Frames. Our goal is to make math relevant to and in life.
The sixth grade science is a culmination of their time here at The Covenant School. Their main focus is built around Social and Personal Perspectives in Science and is modeled after the national science standards. Hands-on lab work is of utmost importance to the success of The Covenant School students in science where we understand that students learn by doing. The sixth graders also lead the Environmental Protection Club where they put their knowledge to action. Studies include the human body, variables, and pollution. The students will also participate in the science fair and science based field trips.
Sixth grade science, the students will spend the year in the life sciences. Reproduction and heredity, living systems, biomes, environments will be major areas of study. Lab-based learning will focus on DNA, Environments, and Variables. Sixth graders will learn the scientific process through both in-class experiments and a spring science fair.
Sixth grade Ancient History will lead us from Pre-History to the Renaissance. In depth studies will take place with ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. The students will also be exposed to world geography by using Nystrom’s Hands-on Geography kit. Students will see how geography and history of people determine where population centers are located.
]]>GO TO www.thecovenantschool.com.
Over the past few months the School has developed a brand new website for The Covenant School. Take a few minutes and bring it up on your computer.
The site includes important information about every aspect of the life of the school. The combination of information, photos, graphics, and life video clips will provide prospective families with helpful information about TCS. The site will be kept current by our own Stephanie NeSmith, giving Covenant School families interesting and timely information about our wonderful School.
NEW DVD WELL RECEIVED!
The new Covenant School DVD has been well received by all who have viewed it. Used primarily in student recruitment, the new DVD is mailed to all prospective families as part of the TCS admissions packet.
Covenant School families are our best recruiters! Your help in spreading the message about our wonderful school is most helpful.
Please contact Kellie Hutto with the names of families you know in your church, neighborhood or business who have children of prekindergarten and kindergarten age. When you meet families who are moving to Nashville with children moving into grades preK 4/5 through six, pass the information on to Kellie. We will be in contact with those families, mailing them an application packet and the new DVD.
Thanks!
AUCTION/DINNER A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
My every measure the 2007 Auction/Dinner was a huge success! You can tell when people are having a good time. Covenant School families and friends had a good time! The set up at Hillwood Country Club made for an easy flow of people as they looked at the Silent Auction items and visited with friends. The food was delicious. The auctioneer terrific. The bidding for both Silent Auction and Live Auction items was spirited and fruitful. The event raised well over
$40,000 (net) for the School.
Kudos to Lana Shealy and Andrea Eby, co-chairs for the event! They would want me to express
heartfelt appreciation to the many moms and dads who gave so generously of their time, talent,
and items to the Auction/Dinner. Thanks!
KNIGHT OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT: The 5th Annual Knight Open Golf Tournament will be held at Hillwood Country Club on Monday, May 14 at Registration and lunch at 11:00 a.m. The Scramble-Shotgun Start is at 1:00. A putting contest precedes the start. Golfers, get you teams together and register for the tournament. Hole sponsorships are available for $300. Registration Forms have been sent to each TCS family. Additional forms are available in the Office.
COVENANT TEACHERS AND STAFF
As with every year, changes will take place as we look to the future. Two of our fine teachers,
Cate Bury and Carrie Beth Shelton, have decided to stay home with their babies next year. Kara Crecelius will be moving home to Cheyenne, Wyoming to be close to family. These three teachers have given so much to their students and the school. We extend to them best wishes for the future!
Alicia Hinson, our part-time Spanish teachers, will not be in a position to teach next year. I appreciate her service to the School.
The School is accepting applications for teaching positions for 2007-08 at the following in the following areas: kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade (a second section), 5th grade, and Spanish.
Applications for employment are available in the office.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Danny Bryant as Dean of Campus Life. He will serve in the following areas: Chapel Coordinator, the development of the interscholastic sports program as we move into the 5th and 6th grades, developing and over site of clubs (Student Council, service clubs, Destination Imagination, and others), assisting the Head of School with discipline and other administrative needs. Mr. Bryant will teach Bible and some P.E. We all appreciate all that Danny Bryant brings to The Covenant School. He looks forward to his work as Dean of Campus Life.
The Covenant School is adding the sixth grade in 2007-08. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Catherine Graham as the new sixth grade teacher. Catherine is an alumnae of Brentwood Academy. She earned her B.A. in English/Creative Writing at the University of Tennessee, MA. in English from the College of William & Mary, and Ph.D. in English at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Graham spent several years as a teacher and administrator in higher education – serving on the faculties at Carson Newman College and Cumberland University. During her tenure at Cumberland, she served as Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Dean.
In 1999 Catherine interrupted her career to have a child, staying home to take care of her boy. She shifted her focus in education, returning to school herself to earn a Master of Education in Counseling at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College. She served counseling internships in the Lower School at Franklin Road Academy with my former colleague, Dr. Fred Frawley, and in the Middle School at Harpeth Hall. In addition to her teaching duties at the 5th and 6th grade levels, Catherine will also serve as our part-time School Counselor, assisting the School in the development of our counseling program.
Catherine Graham is also a new TCS mom. Her son, Ray, will be a student in the PreK 4/5 program this fall.
UNIFORMS: With the change in the weather, students will no longer be required to wear sweaters on Wednesdays with their more formal attire. (Doris – does this apply to boys only?)
NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM
PREKINDERGARTEN: In April, the PreK students investigate the seasons that occur in our community and the weather patterns associated with each season. The PreK-3 students will plant seeds to observe the growth of plants and flowers. Some of the stories we will read include: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett, When Will it Snow? by Lisa Broadie Cook, Thundercake by Patricia Polacco, and Little Cloud by Eric Carle. Students will learn poems and rhymes about weather and seasons, such as, Rain, Rain, Go Away. Our Science Center will focus on identifying and sorting liquids and solids, identifying the factors that cause ice to become water, and learning more about the water cycle. Bible studies will focus on the Easter Story. The students will compare the rebirth of our world in the spring to the rebirth of Christ in the Easter story. Students will enjoy art projects associated with each of the seasons. To end our unit, the students will enjoy a special dress-up day in which we dress for our favorite season. So, do not be surprised if you see a PreK student dress for a snowstorm in the middle of April!
KINDERGARTEN: The kindergartners are busy making discoveries about seeds and plants, comparing different versions of Jack and the Beanstalk, and making friends with worms! On “Worm Day” each student will adopt and name a special worm, and then create a worm home.
We’ll measure our beanstalks (and worms) with standard and non-standard units and record growth in our “Seed” Journals. We are completing our letter studies this month with Z, X, and E and are busy reading lots of books about plants and insects.
Later in the month we’ll have ants! No, we don’t need the exterminator. Fascinated kindergarten scientists will observe these busy insects as they dig tunnels and create their own ant hill. The Painted Lady life cycle will be another focus of our insect study as we observe daily changes in our classroom butterfly garden. The “birth” of new butterflies is always an exciting event!
On Wednesday, April 18th we look forward to a field trip to Owl’s Hill to learn about “Bees and Things That Fly”. It looks like we’ll be as busy as bees during the month of April!
FIRST GRADE: It's hard to believe that spring is here and March is almost over! Lately, the first graders have been studying plant and animal interaction, as well as the specifics of the life cycle of the frog. Our students are crazy about math and we are continually amazed at the fact that math is all around us! First graders are utilizing the many problem solving strategies they have learned during the course of the year, especially as they extend their work with money in order to explore place value and practice solving number stories that involve subtraction and addition. Soon, students will be exploring the partition of regions into equal parts in preparation for the development of fractional concepts and be introduced to unit fraction notation. Our first grade classes are excited about the upcoming Grandparent's Day performance of "Made in the USA!" Everyone is looking forward to that special day and time will be dedicated to practicing and learning all of the songs for the big show!
SECOND GRADE: Second Graders are blooming this Spring. We are doing an author study of Patricia Polacco. A few years ago I had the privilege to meet my favorite children’s author, Patricia Polacco. We will be enjoying many of her fourty-four published books. She blends her storytelling and artistic skills to create unique children’s books. Patricia’s stories inspire readers to appreciate family heritage, examine personal attitudes and find reason to hope dream, and reach for the stars.The Keeping Quilt, Thank You, Mr. Falker, Meteor, Chicken Sunday, and My Rotten, Redheaded Older Brother are a few of her most well known books that we will read. Her books will serve as a spring board for our upcoming personal narrative writing.
In Social Studies we are continuing Unit 3: How People Work Together. We are learning about many people who offer goods and services in a community. We are learning about the important businesses and industries in our community and how different kinds of transportation help distribute goods and services in a community. This will lead us to our next unit on how communities change over time. We will examine how events and new technologies in America's history have help promote change.
Math is important. – Everyone would agree to that statement, but getting a young student to see how it applies to “real life”; well that is another story. J We are pointing out fractions in everyday life. By looking through the magazine ads, we are discussing what a ½ off sale is or what ¾ cups sugar is when following a recipe. These conversations with your child will help support the importance of fractions in our everyday life.
THIRD GRADE: In April, the third grade will go on one of our wonderful field trips! We will take a walking tour of downtown Nashville and hear very interesting stories about our local history while visiting such places as Fort Nashboro and Downtown Presbyterian Church.That will be joined with our own study of Nashville History. We are also continuing to learn all 50 states and capitals and will present the song sometime soon in chapel. In Science we will be ushering in spring with a study of plants. We are enjoying reading many different genres and will study irregular verbs and contractions. "Wordly Wise" is really helping us expand our vocabulary as we learn words such as "din" and "current." We will learn how to multiply and divide with 2-digit numbers in Math.
FOURTH GRADE: Ms. Packard’s class looks forward to the start of our in depth study of Tennessee. In mid-April and May we will take a walking tour of Franklin, visit Civil War Battle Grounds, and the Capital Building down town. We will also create a Tennessee notebook to share with each other.
Our science will focus on our Science Fair. We are so excited to learn more about the scientific method and how to write a hypothesis. Our Science Fair theme will be “Myth Busters”. We are each proposing a question that deals with a modern day problem or myth. From there we will try to prove our hypothesis. We hope everyone will enjoy the fair on April 19. We also have a fabulous field trip planned with the fifth grade to the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville as a culminating activity on April 20.
Math this month will continue with fractions, decimals, and percentages and move into a study of area and perimeter.
Reading will include two novels, My Dog Skip and Jake’s Orphans as well as stories from our reader and stories concerning Tennessee. We will continue to work on writing excellent sentences, creative writing, and identifying parts of speech.
We will also look extensively at the Easter story and memorize
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. “
FIFTH GRADE: The fifth grade wants to both celebrate the culmination of our wonderful silent auction project and send out a big THANK YOU to Rich and Rhonda Courtney for their amazing generosity of time, talents, and resources. If you haven’t picked up your autographed copy of their song and poems, you should!
The biggest happening in fifth grade for the month of April is most definitely our upcoming science fair! The kids are hard at work on their projects. In addition to learning the scientific process, we are studying ecosystems and biomes in science class. Fractions, ratios, coordinates, area, volume, and capacity will be our focus in math for this upcoming month.
The fifth graders continue to develop their grammar and writing skills on a daily basis. We will continue to work at both creative and non-fiction writings, as well as reading a variety of literature. In Social Studies we will study the United States as it develops into a world power.
TECHNOLOGY: As we roll into Spring our older students will begin working on media projects including pictures and video. We'll be creating photo slide shows and video episodes for TCS-TV. You can help your child take or find about 25 pictures and pick out a favorite song to bring to school in digital format. They can bring their digital cameras or a picture disk. If you don't have a digital camera you can take your film to any 1 hour developer such as Walgreens and ask for a picture CD in addition to your prints. Songs can be brought in via CD or we can download the MP3 in class.
We are also working on presentations in the computer lab. The 3rd graders are wrapping up their PowerPoint presentations, "All about Me" and will present them to their classmates on the large screen. The Kindergartners are getting ready to work on their insect presentations using KidPicks.
Our 4th and 5th graders are learning about uploading video to the Internet and posting it on our new website. Remember to visit the website often for the latest episode of TCS-TV. You will soon be able to view the class pages so be sure to check in for the latest news and events for your child's class via the website at www.thecovenantschool.com.
GRANDPARENTS DAY & SPRING PLAY: The theme to this year's Grandparents Day Program is "Made in the USA"
It is a celebration of American music and each grade 1-5 will be featured in this musical revue. The four sections will include Jazz, Country, Rock and Roll, and Broadway.
PreK and KG will open the show with inspiring patriotic songs and all students will be singing, acting, and having a great time.
Grandparents will love the music and the students are very excited about learning the songs to present to them.
CDs went home and hopefully they are being listened to and everyone will be tapping their toes and singing along.
April will be a very busy time. Covenant parent Rhonda Courtney will be assisting me this year. Kristen Lombardi is the PA chairman for Grandparents Day. Anyone interesting in helping can contact her.
Mark your calendar for May 4!
ART: Spring is in full bloom in the art room! Pre-K embarks on a painting unit involving how different artists depict weather. In Kindergarten, ancient Greece has been our terrain as we've studied the many pottery styles and made our own Greek amphoras. First graders finished their Renaissance unit by designing clay sculpture in the style of Donatello's famous St. George. They are beginning an Easter unit on Faberge's eggs and making some of their own.
In second grade, we begin our Impressionism unit with a film on Monet's Japanese gardens that will inspire our own waterlily paintings. Third graders finish a lesson on watercolor portraits and are embarking on a unit studying the landscape painting of Pieter Bruegel. Fourth graders complete a sculpture project where they made paper mache guitars in the style of Picasso. Fifth graders have completed paper mache puppets inspired by fairy tales.
I am always amazed at the creativity of the Covenant School students. When you are in the school, take a look at the wonderful clay sculpture in the display case by Ms. Berthiaume's desk!
Second Graders are blooming this Spring. We are doing an author study of Patricia Polacco. A few years ago I had the privilege to meet my favorite children’s author, Patricia Polacco. We will be enjoying many of her fourty-four published books. She blends her storytelling and artistic skills to create unique children’s books. Patricia’s stories inspire readers to appreciate family heritage, examine personal attitudes and find reason to hope dream, and reach for the stars.The Keeping Quilt, Thank You, Mr. Falker,
ART CAMP 2007
(Doris: copy the information from the March Head Notes into this space and add the following. We may want June to read the two together to make sure it is accurate in light of the additions to the camps.)
Before Spring Break, I sent a pre-registration e-mail to families who participated in Art Camp in past years and the response was huge. I was shocked that the Girl's Fashion camp immediately filled. Pirates Camp and Nature Camp are already more than half full.
I have added another all girls Fashion Camp, June 18-22. Art Camp registration forms went home in folders last week. If you want a spot, please respond ASAP.
Camp Weeks are as follows:
Boys Pirate Camp June 4-8
Girls Fashion Camp June 18-22 (Newly added. 20 spots open.)
Girls Fashion Camp June 25-29 (Possibly one spot available)
Boys and Girls Art and Nature Camp July 9-13
I have a new e-mail for Camp-related correspondence, junekern@gmail.com. Thank you!
SPORTS CAMPS
(Doris: copy the Sports Camps info from the March Head Notes here and add what is below. Get Danny to proof for clarity and accuracy. Thanks!)
Mr. Bryant has added a camp to the summer schedule. There will be a girls' basketball camp on June 20-22 from 9-3. The cost for the three day camp will be $100. The camp will be for rising first through sixth graders.
SCIENCE FAIR – 4TH & 5TH GRADES
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The 1st Annual 4th/5th Grade Science Fair is coming to The Covenant School! The theme for this year’s Science fair will be Mythbusters. The students viewed a clip from Mythbusters, a popular Discovery Channel show, where each week special-effects experts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman take on three myths and use modern-day science to show what is real and what is fiction. The show fueled the imagination of the breakout scientists and the projects are underway! Each student will use the scientific process as the student develops a question and hypothesis and then creates a plan to test the hypothesis. Ms. Packard and Ms. Crecelius ignited the students’ enthusiasm to learn more about the process by reading The Magic School Bus and the Science Fair Expedition written by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. Guest speakers will visit the classroom to share their personal experiences in the area of scientific research. The Science Fair will be judged by exceptional scientific minds. The students will culminate this terrific scientific event by traveling to The Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Be sure to mark your calendar for this once in a lifetime experience. On April 19, 2007, TCS students will view the presentations from 9:00-11:30 in the upstairs chapel. The parents are invited to attend from 1:45-2:45.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
April 6 (Friday) School Holiday – Good Friday
April 10 School Renewal Committee Meetings (3:15)
April 11 (Wednesday) Group Picture Day
Student Council Meeting (3:00-3:45)
April 16 Nashville Ballet Presents Aesop’s Fables (at school)
April 25 “Beach Day” (Student Council Special Dress Day)
May 4 (Friday) Grandparents Day (10:00 a.m., Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.)
QUOTABLE QUOTES
“The truth is found when men are free to pursue it.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
“I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.”
(The Apostle Paul, Phillipians 1:6)
“Pray. There is immeasurable power in it.” (Life’s Little Instruction Book, Vol. II, #847)
]]>Mr. Huff will begin his new role on July 1, 2008.
The Covenant School is the best elementary school in Nashville. It is a great place for learning and growing in Christ. The school has an awesome Bible curriculum taught by an outstanding teacher. We start our day with chapel and sing songs to praise the Lord. We have well-trained teachers who love us and try to build us up in every possible way. Our teachers make learning fun and exciting. We have many extra classes like music, art, drama, Spanish, library, computers, P.E., and Etiquette. Our cafeteria makes homemade, nutritious, and delicious meals. On the playground we have fun and safe equipment. Our school is extremely clean, sanitary, and safe. Clearly, the Covenant School is the best choice for a Nashville elementary school.
Covenant School students, parents, grandparents, and special guests were treated to a truly outstanding presentation of A Penquin Christmas on December 15.
The audience applauded time and again for the cast as they spoke, sang, and danced to ” “Penguins on Parad,” “ A Positively Pesky Population of Penguins,” “It’s a Tough Job Being Me,” “Chistmas Can Be Easy,” and the finale, “Getting’ Santa Ready.” The costumes for Santa, Mrs. Santa, the reindeer, the elves, and the penguins and the beautiful set for the play were most impressive. Congratulations to the students for their outstanding performances! Thanks, also, to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teachers, and the parents who worked so hard on the costumes, props and set: Jill Brandon, Rhonda Courtney, Laura Coughlin, Elizabeth Riley, June Kern, Sydney Guy, Andrea Eby, and Tiffany Dupree. Kudos to the Director of the play, our own Carole Pieratt, and the lady who assisted with the choreography, Jamie Roberts.
WOW! What terrific performances by the girls and boys in the 4th and 5th grades in TCS’s first Variety Show. The Variety Show is the brainchild of Mrs. Carole Pieratt, Director of Plays. The Show is intended to give our older students the opportunity to share their talent and creativity on the stage before a live, and friendly audience. Mrs. Pieratt, with the support of Ms. Kara Crecelius (5th grade) and Ms. Janine Packard (4th grade), gave the students the freedom to come up with their own presentations. Some chose to sing or play a musical instrument on their own, while others combined their ideas and talent for group singing, dancing and comedy numbers. A 4th grade boy, created a homemade mystery via video. The performances were enthusiastically applauded by a appreciative audience of students, parents, grandparents and other special guests. Way to go 4th and 5th graders!
The poetry of four Covenant School students was selected for publication in Pine Street Poetry-The 2006 Collection. The titles of the poetry and the young authors are as follows:
Sky Annie Weaver
The Season of Fall Jay Shackleford
Star Pillow Madison Eby
My Dog Hannah Berthiaume
Annie, Jay, Madison and Hannah wrote their poetry as second graders last year. They are now third grade students at The Covenant School. Congratulations for our published poets!
On behalf of the Roundtable Fund Committee, we would like to extend a hearty THANK YOU for you extraordinary support this year! Because of your generosity and that of the faculty, staff, and other friends of the school, The Roundtable Fund raised over $93,000 for The Covenant School this year. You read it right: $93,000. We cannot say THANK YOU enough!
Round Table Parent Chairs, Jodi Ervin, Kristen Lombardi, Kent Coughlin
The annual TCS Auction & Dinner will be held on Friday night, March 9th. The co-chairs of the event are Andrea Eby and Lana Shealy. Join Covenant School families for a delightful evening at Hillwood Country Club for a wonderful evening of good food and fellowship. The auction is one of the major fundraising events of the year, sponsored by the Parents’ Association. You will be receiving information about the Auction/Dinner. Be sure to mark your calendar!
The Student Council is sponsoring a Bake Sale which will be held on February 21-23 (Wednesday-Friday). This is the Council's fundraising event of the year. TCS families are encouraged to pull out one of your favorite recipes for the Bake Sale. Homemade cakes, cookies, muffins, coffee cakes, and breads will be greatly appreciated. Remember to use baked good recipes which are free of peanuts, other tree nuts, and related products or oils. The Council will be forwarding you more information about the Bake Sale as we get closer to the event. Thank you!
A Mom’s Guide to Understanding How Your Child Learns: Kimberly Carraway, Ed.M., a nationally recognized Learning Specialist, will address this subject to Covenant School and Covenant Presbyterian Church moms on Tuesday, February 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Childcare will be available.)
Among the topics in the session will be an overview of how our brains are designed to learn, how learning occurs, and factors that affect the learning process. She will focus on practical, nitty-gritty strategies for moms to help their children based on individual learning styles. Bring a notepad and know you will leave with a better understanding of what makes your children tick and specifically how you can support and help along the way.
The session will take place in the Youth Room (downstairs by the gym). Contact Julie Weaver if you have questions about this special seminar for moms at julieweaver2@bellsouth.net.
Danny Bryant and June Kern will be offering their highly popular camps this summer.
June 4-8 Boys
June 18-22 Boys and Girls
June 25-29 Girls
July 16-20 Girls and Boys
Art Camp is a week-long emersion in painting, sculpting, and drawing. Registration will be in February, but you can go ahead and mark your calendars. The Camp is for rising 1st grade through rising 6th grade students.
For more information or a registration form, contact Mrs. Kern at jkern@covenantpres.com.
June 11-15, 12:30-3:30 (following VBS) Boys Half Day
June 25-29, 9:00-3:00 Boys Camp
July 9-13, 9:00-3:00 Girls Gymnastics/Cheerleading/Sports Camp
July 16-20, 8:00-3:00 Boys Camp
The slogan for the Sports Camps is “Keep it Simple-Make it Fun.” The goal of the camp is to let kids play a variety of sports and games in a relaxed and pressure free environment. Pizza lunch and concessions are available. Parent are welcome to send food as well.
For more information, contact Mr. Byrant at dbryant@covenantpres.com.
The 5th grade students are gearing up for their trip to Washington, D.C., Williamsburg and Jamestown the week of February 26-March 2. The group of students and TCS parents will board Southwest Airlines early Monday morning and return Friday afternoon. While in the District, the students will visit: Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, WWII, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Iwo Jima Memorials; the Capital; Library of Congress; Supreme Court; Embassy Row; the National Cathedral; and, Ford’s Theatre. We will spend Wednesday afternoon visiting the Smithsonian Institute Museums before departing late that afternoon for Williamsburg. Thursday finds the group on tour of Historic Colonial Williamsburg and nearby Jamestown. Friday we return to Washington to tour Mt. Vernon. The students will enjoy eating at the Hard Rock Cafe, Union Station, the Reagan Building, and eating and shopping at the Pentagon City Mall. Joining me as chaperones on the trip will be Ms. Kara Crecelius and Mrs. Susan Berthiaume.
My thanks to the families and teachers who gave money for the dear men and women who work in the kitchen and on the custodial staff! The money for those who keep our facilities clean and well-maintained and those who prepare and serve good food to our students and faculty was deeply appreciated!
One of our TCS dads, Dr. Don Bull, will share helpful information with the PreK kids about dental health on February 21, sharing with the PreK 4’s and 5’s at 1:45 and the PreK 3’s at 2:15. Our thanks to Dr. Don Bull.
In February, the PreK students will focus on “Healthy Living and Safety in the Community.” The students will learn about healthy and unhealthy foods, personal safety, and the importance of exercise for healthy hearts and bodies. A favorite TCS dentist and dad, Dr. Donald Bull (father of 5th Graders, Andrew and Garrett) will present a program on dental hygiene. To encourage students to begin the day with a healthy breakfast, the PreK students will enjoy preparing and eating a “Pancake Breakfast.” Students will be given an opportunity to show off their knowledge of healthy foods by choosing delicious healthy toppings for their pancakes. In Bible, the PreK students have been reading about women in the Bible that were generous to others. As a result, the PreK students are doing chores at home to earn money so that they can go shopping for items to donate to The Ronald McDonald House. In addition to learning more about money, the students are learning how to use money for God’s glory and purposes. The students will send a box of items to the Ronald McDonald House that includes Valentine cards made by the students for the residents.
The PreK 3’s class recently added a new technology program to our curriculum, Journey’s into Math and Literacy. The PreK 4/5 will be using this program beginning in the fall of 2007. If you would like to learn more about this program visit: http://www.hatchearlychildhood.com/journeys.asp
KINDERGARTEN: It’s celebration time! Can you believe that Monday is our 100th day of school? The kindergartners will be engaged in fun learning and snacking activities to celebrate this BIG event.
Our amazing kindergarten scientists have been identifying the mysterious tracks that appeared overnight in our classrooms using www.bear-tracker.com. as a part of our study of animals in winter. The students did a fantastic job sharing their animal research projects with classmates. We learned so much!
During February we’ll discover the symbols and landmarks of “Our Great Nation”. Famous Americans such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Betsy Ross will be introduced. This will lead us into a study of money as students learn to identify coins and count out their cent value. We’ll even use some potent chemicals (vinegar and salt) to clean pennies!
Later in February our focus will shift to “Healthy Me” as students discover what’s under our skin and why healthy foods are important. Our class grocery store will give us an opportunity to learn more about coins and put our money skills to use.
Happy 100th Day of School from the Kindergarten!
FIRST GRADE: During the month of February, first graders will continue to examine various concepts of earth science, as well as learn about landforms and natural resources.
We thoroughly enjoyed our field trip to the Nashville Children's Theatre where we saw a performance of "School House Rock Live!" Our students loved the upbeat musical numbers that also reinforced some important concepts relating to grammar, language arts and even government! It made such an impression, we're still talking about it!
The first graders will soon begin working on their State Projects which will be presented to their respective classes later this month.
Quotable quotes... When Sydney Clayton was asked if she had heard the saying, "Blondes have more fun," she replied, "Well, not ALL the time!"
SECOND GRADE: The second graders are off to a wonderful start this new semester. It is so great to see how they are learning to be more responsible and active in their learning.
We have just concluded our biography unit in writing and have learned about some amazing historical and contemporary figures. We are moving into our unit on writing friendly letters. The students will learn about the five parts that make up a friendly letter and have the opportunity to write and send a letter to a friend or family member. Sending and receiving mail is always exciting for the students.
In math we are concluding our unit on two-digit addition and subtraction comparison number stories. We are using them to introduce multiplication diagrams and number models. Equal sharing and equal grouping stories are also being introduced to lay a foundation for division later on in the year. As we move into our new unit we will be exploring number patters to reinforce numeration skills and continue to develop readiness for multiplication and division.
THIRD GRADE: Third graders are definitely growing and maturing as we moved toward the second half of the year. In Reading we will be ejoying many types of genres such as fantasy and historical fiction.
We will be practicing and performing one of our favorite parts of third grade - the play "The Crowded House."
Wordly Wise will begin, which will greatly expand our vocabulary knowledge. Adjectives, articles, and verbs will be the focus in Grammar.
In Math we will have a lot of fun learning geometry with many "hands-on" activities such as "Geometry Calisthenics." We will also be extending our basic knowledge of multiplication and division facts to higher level operations.
In Science we will be studying Earth and the Solar System.
We will be learning about "Government" in Social Studies.
FOURTH GRADE: January and February are wonderful months of school. We are through the holiday rush and ready to get down to some in-depth learning!
In math we will be working on multiplication and division. It is so important to get our facts down before we move on to 5th grade. We will also continue to work on measurement, place value, and grasping very large numbers.
In science we are studying biology and learning about living things. We are doing experiments with mold and mushrooms at the present time. We are growing our own mold! Little do they know that Ms. Packard does this in her refrigerator on a regular basis, and it is not an experiment! J We will move from plants and fungi to the human body. What a fun unit!
Social Studies focuses on Colonial America. We will be building 3 different models to help us understand the differences in New England Colonies, Settlements on the Frontier, and Southern Plantations. Be sure to stop by the room to see our displays the last week of February. We are also planning several field trips to expand our knowledge of colonial times.
In reading we have wrapped up “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. We will be reading biographies and writing reports on our famous person. This will include dressing up, sharing an item to represent our chosen person, and making an oral presentation. We will also be reading Amelia’s War and Sarah, Plain and Tall.
We will memorize 1 Corinthians 13 for our Bible verse this month. We look forward to our Valentine’s Day party and learning more about sharing the love the Lord has shown to us with others.
The fourth grade students did such a great job at the variety show. What a talented class we have! I am so thankful to be spending this year with these wonderful students. It is a new and exciting adventure each day!
FIFTH GRADE: January has flown by for us in fifth grade! We had two very cool opportunities to learn more about the Holocaust this month. Mr. Jimmy Gentry of Franklin came to our class to share about his experiences in World War II and his role in freeing the prisoners at Dachau Concentration Camp. A big thank you goes out to Julie Knestrick for arranging this. We also had the privilege of visiting Whitwell Middle School’s Children’s Holocaust Memorial. The children there collected 11,000,000 paperclips from around the world to represent the tragic loss of human life. The paperclips are housed in an actual German train car which was used for transporting Jews to concentration camps during WWII—wow.
As we look ahead to February, we are preparing excitedly for our trip to Washington D.C., Williamsburg, and Jamestown at the end of the month! In math, we will be studying more fractions, as well as exponents and negative numbers. “The Last Frontier” is our topic for social studies. We will continue to work on our writing, which is improving day by day!
ART: In Pre-K, we are making colorful bowls out of paper mache. Kindergarteners are finishing paintings of imaginary animals and their habitats and will conclude their animal unit by making creatures out of clay.
First graders continue our Renaissance unit with a study of Michelangelo and his Sistine Chapel.
In Second Grade, we will be designing stained glass windows in the style of Chartres Cathedral of France. In the Middle Ages, pictures in windows were used to tell Bible stories to pilgrims who could not read.
Third Graders are designing their initials by contrasting regular and irregular patterNs. Inspired by the interesting guitars in Picasso’s art, fourth graders will be making their own 3-D guitars out of cardboard and paper mache. Fifth graders begin a unit on mosaics in conjunction with their study of the ocean with Ms. Crecelius. Each will choose an underwater animal to depict in mosaic.
MUSIC: We have a very busy schedule planned for the music classes in February.
On February 7, the 3rd and 4th grades will attend the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. They will hear music from a variety of composers revolving around the theme of "Music and Emotions".
On Feb. 12 our 5th grade guitar class will have a guest artist to demonstrate various guitar skills.
The 1st grade classes will enjoy a percussion demonstration by one of our own parents, Gregg Hodge on Feb. 21.
Also, in February the entire school will enjoy the Nashville Opera's production of "The Emperor's New Clothes"
We have been learning all about Mozart and his music and recently enjoyed a birthday party for this famous composer.
February 19 (Monday) School Holiday – Presidents Day
February 20 School Renewal Committee Meetings (3:15 p.m.)
February 21 Student Council Meeting (3:00-3:45 p.m.)
February 26-March 2 Fifth Grade Trip to Washington/Williamsburg/Jamestown
March 7 “Wacky Wednesday” (Student Council Dress Up Day)
March 9 (Friday) Annual Dinner & Auction (Hillwood Country Club)
“I shall know but one country. The ends I aim at shall be my country’s, my God’s, and Truth’s. I was born an American; I live an American; I shall die an American.” (Daniel Webster, The Book of American Values & Virtues, Edited by Erik Bruun and Robin Getzen, p. 27)
“Education, like all cultural endeavors, is simply one of the things we do; it is part and parcel of the human situation; we can hardly help doing it; we ought therefore to do it to God’s glory.” (C.S. Lewis)
Other Covenant Excursions include, but are not limited to the following:
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Frist Center
Mammoth Cave
Owl’s Hill
Nashville Academy Theater
Radnor Lake
Nashville Walking Tour
Walking Tour of Franklin
Rainforest presentation by Nashville Zoo
Nashville Public Library Puppet Theater
Enviromutt presentation by Metro Beautification
Trees presentation by Metro Beautification
The Hermitage
The Capital
Whitwell Middle School's Holocaust Memorial in Whitwell Tennessee
Carnton Plantation
Mansker's Station and Bowen Plantation
Nashville Fire Station 17
Belle Meade Post Office