TALON TIMES - JC Ellis Elementary

JC ELLIS
ELEMENTARY
ELLIS EAGLES
ARE:
peaceful
positive
respectful
responsible
TALON TIMES
March 2015 Newsletter
Volume 14 Issue 6
At J. C. Ellis Elementary School we will provide a consistent teaching and
learning environment that focuses on academic excellence for all children.
Julie Berner, Principal
Christi Rome, Asst. Principal
801 Brockenbraugh Court
Metairie, Louisiana 70005
Phone: (504) 833-7254
Fax: (504) 833-9378
http://ellis.jpschools.org
Michelle Blouin-Williams, Acting
Superintendent
Peggy Rome, Network Director
Marion “Coach” Bonura, Sch. Bd.
Rep - District VIII
marion.bonura@jppss.k12.la.us
From the Principal’s Desk: March brings the beauty of flowers and warmer weather.
But, it also brings PARCC testing. It’s that traditional time of testing at JCE, and we are
well underway. PARCC assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics have
been administered to students, according to their current grade level. The debate and furor
over testing has headlined the news for weeks, however, we at JCE welcome the
opportunity and challenge these tests afford us. I assure you that everything possible has
been done to prepare your student for success on these tests. Our classes have focused
on the specific skills identified as a need for your child through teacher analysis of data
and observations. Our teachers and students have been working hard practicing with the
new assessments. Here’s some useful information about the PARCC assessment:
• PARCC Information for Parents
• PARCC Frequently Asked Questions
We are privileged to have the opportunity to teach your child. We’ve had solid progress
towards fulfilling our mission to provide all students with the necessary tools to maximize
individual academic and social potential to become self-reliant problem solvers, literate
thinkers and ethical citizens. Here are some home preparations for testing:
Encourage students with positive comments
Provide opportunity for plenty of rest
Encourage eating breakfast at home or school
Have students share testing experience of the day
We look forward together to what the remainder of the school year has in store. A
partnership with our parents is highly valued in our pursuit to best educate each child. As
always, if you ever have questions or concerns or just want to check up on your student,
please call me at 833 - 7254 or email me at julie.berner@jppss.k12.la.us
Julie Berner, Principal
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
Upcoming Events
W – Apr 1 – PE Piñata
Popalooza
W – Apr 1 – EPO Spring MiniFling
TH – M - Apr 2-6 Spring Break
– Student & Employee Holiday
TH – Apr 9 – 3rd 9 Weeks'
Honor Roll Celebration Gr. 1-2
- 9:30am - cafeteria
F – Apr 10 – 3rd 9 Weeks'
Honor Roll Celebration Gr 3-7 9:30am – cafeteria
T –Apr 14 – iLEAP/LEAP SC –
Gr 3-7
W – Apr 15 - iLEAP/LEAP SS –
Gr 3-7
w – Apr 15 –Dance Challenge 6:00pm – Pontchartrain Center
F – Apr 24 – Field Day
TH – Apr 30 – Donuts with Dad
– Gr 1
F – May 1 – Cultural Festival
F – May 8 – Lemonade with
Mom – Gr 3 – 2 :30 pm cafeteria
State Testing
April 14-15, 2015LEAP/iLEAP Science
& Social Studies
May 4 - 7-2015-PARCC
Phase II - EOY
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LAWSUIT FILED BY GOVERNOR, LEGISLATORS THROWN OUT by JUDGE
State Superintendent John White issued a statement today concerning Judge Tim Kelley's decision to throw out a
lawsuit filed by Governor Jindal and state legislators that attempted to block the Common Core State Standards
for not following the Administrative Procedures Act.
"Five years ago, after review by hundreds of educators and Louisiana organizations, our state adopted higher
expectations. For five years teachers, students, and parents in Louisiana prepared to compete on a level playing
field with states across America. Two weeks ago, 99 percent of Louisiana students for the first time were
provided that playing field.
As we look toward the future, two visions have emerged to maintain Louisiana standards and a Louisiana test.
The responsible, professional path is to review and monitor the state's academic standards, making adjustments
where appropriate. The extremist, political path is to throw away five years of hard work and make teachers do it
all over again. Today's court decision, dismissing an attempt by the Governor and legislators to force teachers
back to the drawing board, is another validation that there is no academic or legal basis for the extremist path.
Louisiana deserves a professional plan, not a political plan."
JC ELLIS Spring Mini-Fling
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Free Student Non-Uniform Day
Spend a rocking afternoon with your children.
PK –K must have parent chaperone in order to attend
Join the JCE Family from 1pm – 3pm
for Dancing in the Pavilion, Cheerleaders’ Performance,
Ballroom Dance Challenge, Face Painting, Hair Painting, Piñata Popalooza, Sports Games + more.
Bring a lunch/snack and a blanket to sit upon if you wish.
ELLIS PARENT ORGANIZATION
Meetings: WE need your help!!!
Date: 4/15
Time: 7pm
Place: JCE Cafeteria - Refreshments will be served
at all meetings.
E mail -ellisepo@hotmail.com Newsletters will also be sent
via email. Our Facebook page is updated as needed.
EPO 2014-2015 Board Members
President Hollie Dumars
Vice President Stacey Autin
Secretary Thereza Walker
Treasurer Angie Berggren
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
2
The Ten Commandments
of "How To Get Along With People"
1. Keep skid chains on your tongue.
Contrary to an old saying,
words do hurt and are difficult to retrieve.
2. Make promises sparingly. Keep them faithfully, no
matter what the cost.
3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and
encouraging word to or about somebody.
4. Be interested in others: their pursuits, work, home,
families, etc.
5. Be positive and cheerful.
6. Keep an open mind. This does not mean you do not
have a right to your opinions. It is just realizing that
others have the same privilege.
7. Let your virtues speak for themselves.
8. Take into consideration the feelings of others.
When needed, let friends/family be aware of your
concern and support.
9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you.
Remember that the person who carried the message
may not be the most accurate reporter.
10. One day at a time, strive to be the best that you
can be. Who knows, a perfect day may soon appear.
The year is passing quickly and I enjoy the privilege
you afford me of working with your children. Thank
you
I am available for requests and/or suggestions by
calling me at 831-0628.
Lynne
Lynne Kullman
Social Worker
“School nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that
advances the well being, academic success and lifelong achievement of
students. To that end, school nurses facilitate positive student responses
to normal development, promote health and safety, intervene with actual
and potential health problems, provide case management services and
actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for
adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy and learning.” -National
Association of School Nurses
Allergy season is here!
The trees are in bloom and allergy season is here! Many
children are suffering with congestion, sneezing, coughing
and asthma symptoms. These symptoms can be relieved
without drowsiness by taking over the counter medication,
such as Claritin and Zyrtec. Benadryl is good to use at
bedtime, but can cause excessive drowsiness. Just make
sure the medication is recommended for children.
Asthmatics will probably need to use their inhalers. If your
child has asthma, and does not have an inhaler at school,
consult with your doctor about the need for this medication
at school. Asthma episodes can be severe, and if we cannot
treat the children at school, we may need to send them
home or to the hospital for treatment.
State Testing is in March, April and May: Help promote
readiness to learn by encouraging your child to:
• Get enough sleep.
Elementary students need about 10-12
hours a night.
Middle school students need about 10-11
hours a night.
High school students need about 8-9 hours
a night.
• Eat a healthy diet and eat breakfast every day.
• Wear clothing appropriate for the weather.
I am at the school most Tuesdays and Thursdays and some
Fridays. My direct line is 484-4110 but email is easiest
method to contact me.
ashley.solano@jppss.k12.la.us
Nurse Ashley
Ashley Solano, RN
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
3
Test Taking Tips for Parents
How can you help your child improve his study skills and reduce the stress involved? You can
play a critical role in preventing a negative cycle where your child's poor test performance
discourages him from applying himself and learning more effective study strategies. The
following tips will provide suggestions for parents on how to approach test taking with their kids.
Make sure that your child does all his/her homework and reading assignments, this will help
make sure your child is prepared for the test.
Encourage your child to space out their studying and homework assignments so that they
won't be forced to cram on the night before the test.
If you are anxious about your child's test, it's ok but do try to keep cool around your child,
you don't want your child to get anxious about tests, too.
Encourage your child to do well but don't pressure him/her. You may stress him/her out. It is
important for your child to stay relaxed for the test.
Keep a positive attitude about tests.
Provide a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help your child study efficiently.
Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
Make sure that your child gets enough sleep on the night before the test.
Ensure that your child eats a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foods that may make
him/her groggy and avoid high sugar foods that may make him/her hyper.
Make sure that your child gets up early enough so that he/she will be on time to school.
Let your child relax for a few hours before bedtime, it can be stressful for a child to study all
night.
Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking.
If your child is struggling on his/her tests, talk to your child about it and meet with the
child’s teacher to find out the best way to help your child.
Praise/reward your child when he/she does well on a test or for his/her hard work preparing
for a test.
Encourage your child to do better if he/she does not do well.
Review the test with your child after he/she have taken it
and go over any mistakes that were made and make sure
that he/she understands what he/she did wrong and
how they can improve for the next test.
The Sprouts’ The Little Eagles’ Garden!
The Garden Club pulled most of the fall/winter crops to get our beds ready for spring/summer
crops! We were able to harvest a large bag of peas, which were donated to the New Orleans
Mission. Students have started seeds in the classroom to get ready for the coming season. Seeds
include squash, watermelon, a variety of tomatoes, beans, okra, and butterfly flowers. Watch our
garden grow!!
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
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JCE SOFTBALL
ROSTER 2015
Demaiyne Oliver
Katelin Williams
Brianna Crabtree
Italy Robinson
Gabriella Rodriguez
Evie Petit
Raquel Morales
Hannah Dantin
Sara Tujague
Samantha Ricciardo
Rachel West
Priscilla Moradel
COACH
DEBBIE IRIZARRY
SOFTBALL SCHEDULE
BASEBALL SCHEDULE
DATE
OPPONENT
SITE
TIME
T- March 31
Kenner Discovery
Lakeshore
4:00
T- Apr 7
Immaculate
Conception
Lakeshore
4:00
TH- Apr 16
Kehoe France
LaSalle
4:00.
TH - Apr 23
Haynes
Lakeshore
4:00
Apr 27 - 30
Metro Championship Tournament
DATE
OPPONENT
SITE
TIME
W- Apr 1
St. Mary
Magdalene
Miley
4:00
TH- Apr 9
St. Catherine
Lakeshore
4:00
W- Apr 15
St. Clement
Lakeshore
4:00
F- Apr 17
Holy Name
Lakeshore
4:00
Apr 20 - 24
Metro Championship Tournament
ROSTER 2015
Christian Bellow
Jarren Daigre
Nathan Fadoal
Hugh Fogarty
Collin Guerra
Dylan Le
Fouad Medjkane
Bryce Riordan
Samuel Sisk
Garrett Tucker
Colonel Williams
Justin Grandstaff
Head Coach – KENNY MARKS
Assistant Coaches –
DAVID ECK & WILL SISK
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
5
JC ELLIS celebrates
READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK!
March 2-6, 2015
Monday, 3/2: Stop, Drop, and Read!
Tuesday, 3/3: Crazy Hat Day
Wednesday, 3/4:
3/4 Wacky Wednesday
Thursday, 3/5:
3/5 Crazy Sock Day
Friday, 3/6: Dress as your favorite
book character
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
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ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
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STUDENTS of the MONTH
Each month JC Ellis recognizes "Outstanding" students in each grade.
Actually all our students are outstanding; however we especially honor
these students. These students are chosen for their contributions to the
school and the community and for also being caring, energetic students
who have shown to be good role models for other students.
JC ELLIS STUDENTS of the MONTH
MARCH 2015
1st GRADE
2nd GRADE
PRE-KINDER
KINDERGARTEN
Genova Martinez
Aidan Bourgeosis
David Deras
Tatyanna Tejeda
Camaria Robinson
Madelene Magee
Juriel Rodiguez
Jonathan McMillan
Laelia Higgins
Aaron Flota
Jacob Dantin
Jamie Walker
Maddisyn Wallace
Elena McGovern
Anaija Beasley
3rd GRADE
4th GRADE
5th GRADE
6th GRADE
D’Juane Fedison
Cheyenne Suer
Mario Lobo
Jaiden Daigre
Aiden Dominach
Israel Netters
Calbea Williams
Marcia Garcia
Taylor Falgout
Nashia Landry
Raquel Gonzalez
Jayden Bergeron
7th GRADE
Ronan McGuire
Odalys Villafuerte
Awesome
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
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CLASSROOM SNAPSHOTS
PRE-KINDERS
Ms. Keith: We’re wrapping up our Louisiana unit, and
the focus is “insects”. The Pre-K
K Stars are
having fun listening to and reading stories
about insects. During circle time, students
brainstormed and discussed insects; in small groups,
they worked together to create
ate some of these insects
using a variety of materials to decorate the board in the
hallway. We’re reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar and
completing a graph of each day’s events. So, in order to
get a first glimpse of insects this season, just pass by
room
om 10, you’ll see the reason. We’re also reviewing our
Language Arts and Math skills to help guide the
directions of each little star.
Ms. Porteous/Ms. Laurenzano: Ms. Porteous and Ms.
Murphi’s class had a blast celebrating Read Across
America week! They celebrated by decorating the
classroom door to look like the book “The Cat in the Hat”.
The students had a guest reader come and read on Dr.
Seuss’s birthday. Scott Walker, a news anchor from
WDSU, read his favorite Dr. Seuss books to the students.
Everyone had a great time!
This month, Ms. Porteous and Ms. Murphi’s students are
learning about Land and Water. We will read Bobby and
Chip’s Adventure and Eddie the Eagle.. The students will
learn about different land features and recognize what
they look like on a map. The class will also read We’re
Going on a Bear Hunt.. This story will reinforce location
and direction words. The students enjoy participating in
the song We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and using different
hand motions to go along with the words! Letters for this
month are Long Vowel O, and Consonants J, Q, and Z.
The students will complete activities to introduce the
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
colors blue and green. The shape for this month
mont is
triangle.. The class will celebrate Earth Day, which is April
22, by reading stories and participating in fun activities,
which will help the students understand the importance of
keeping our Earth clean and beautiful!
KINDERGARTENERS
Senora Milton, Ms. Morris, Madame Megan ,
Ms. Christine: Kindergarten started the month off by
celebrating Read Across America Week! We learned to
identify and produce rhyming words and read very silly
stories. We also learned a few facts about one of our
favorite authors Dr. Seuss. We were so very lucky to
have guest readers and even our favorite news anchor
from Channel 6, Mr. Scott Walker, read aloud The Cat
and the Hat.. During Writer's Workshop, we learned how
to form an opinion and express it in our writing.
wr
Many
students were very excited to taste "Green Eggs and
Ham" and write their opinion of how it tasted. Can you
believe almost all of our students loved it? In math we
are working very hard to compose and decompose
numbers. We are using our number
numb bonds and learning
to write our number sentences to match our word
problems. As always we are still practicing counting by
ones, fives, and tens to get ready for first grade! We are
looking forward to ending this month planting seeds and
learning the life
fe cycle of plants.
FIRST GRADERS
Ms. Cook: Ms. Cook’s class is excited about our unit
on Amelia Bedelia. In this unit, the students will explore
the nuances of the English language and the importance
of being clear and precise when communicating, whether
orally or through writing. They will also study grammar
and the parts of speech, to continue to develop their
ability to express themselves and say and write what they
truly mean.
Our math lessons will extend the concept of adding and
subtracting multiples of ten. They will also apply
strategies of counting on and making ten to larger
numbers by making tens that are built on structures of
other tens. The students continue to use number bond
notations to represent how they are breaking apart the
second
cond addend to make the ten.
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Mrs. Kent: Mrs. Kent's class recently celebrated Dr
Seuss birthday with read alouds, role playing, writing and
illustrating themes from dr. Seuss ! Our students wore Dr.
Seuss hats and were so excited to decorate our door and
bulletin board with the many characters from Dr. Seuss
stories. During the Read Across America Week students
partner shared and did read alouds of their favorite
books. We incorporated Stop Drop and Read for 15
minutes daily. We were thrilled to have a guest visit our
class, Ms. Christina Johnson and read a Dr. Seuss book
to us! Her enthusiasm while reading was contagious to all
of us in class! We look forward to her visiting us again to
do a read aloud. We continue to implement the strategy
RDW in math. Read, Draw, and Write. Our students
continue to reach for the stars as we begin our unit on
Amelia Bedelia. Hopefully the Easter Bunny will bring
Amelia Bedelia books for each student. May you and
yours have a happy, happy springtime!
Ms. Meehan - Ms.Meehan's class is learning all
about multiple meaning words and idioms while reading
Amelia Bedelia. We will focus on language clarity and
accuracy through speaking and writing. We are working
hard in our Module 4 math books, learning about place
value, greater than and less than. We will continue
comparing numbers up to 100 and will work steadily
improving mastering our addition and subtraction facts.
Sra. Vicario- Spanish Immersion: We are
finished with our
Spiders unit. We
learned many facts
about these
amazing Arachnids.
With our Spider
Research Project
we learned about
21 different spiders;
the posters look
fantastic and full of
great information,
The students'
presentations in
front of the class were interesting and informative; the
students did really well for being first graders. We wished
we continue learning about arachnids, but now it's time
for fiction with Amelia Bedelia. Hopefully the Easter
Bunny will bring Amelia Bedelia books for each student.
We celebrated Reading Across America with Dr. Seuss
Books. We continue doing discussions during our
Reading block and graphic organizers about the fables
that aligned with learning about spiders.
In Math we completed Module 3 –length and data. We
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
were highly engaged in collecting data in our class and
graphing it. Now, we are on Module 4, where we are
learning about place value, how to compare numbers,
and how to add or subtract 10 without counting.
We continue working with addition, subtraction,
strategies, and word problems.
We are excited about our Yoga mini sessions that we
have in class every day. Yoga helps us to activate us and
get started for the day. Yoga is a mind-body practice that
combines stretching exercises, controlled breathing and
relaxation. Yoga can help reduce stress, lower blood
pressure and improve heart function.
Unfortunately, we had to reschedule our Mystery Skype
until April due to PARCC testing. Skype is a
telecommunications application software product that
specializes in providing video chat and voice calls from
computers, tablets and mobile devices via the Internet to
other devices or telephones/smartphones. Mystery Skype
is an educational game, invented by teachers, played by
two classrooms on Skype. During Mystery Skype 1st
graders will have to ask and answer questions to guess
the location of other students throughout the world.
Ms. Tallo & Ms. Way: Ms. Tallo and Ms. Way’s
class is energized about Spring! This month we are
learning “It Takes Energy” – energy as something that
can make things move or do work. Our class is
investigating different types of energy, as well as the way
people, plants, animals and machines use energy. We
became scientists as we investigated and observed the
transfer of energy from using 4 D batteries, copper wire,
and a light bulb from a flashlight in an experiment called
“Light it Up!” We are looking forward to making our own
energy granola bars and then using our stored energy to
run, jump, and play in the sunny weather outside. We
have had an exciting week of reading stories by Eric
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Carle: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “The Very Busy
Spider,” “The Grouchy Ladybug,” “The Mixed-up
Chameleon,” and “The Very Clumsy Click Beetle.” Each
story has supported our understanding of how authors
and illustrators use adjectives to describe people, places,
animals, and things. Thank you to Mrs. Stauder and Ms.
Mary for providing and sharing the books and activities
with our classroom
SECOND GRADERS
Ms. Castle:
Mrs. Castle's class participated in our 2nd Annual 2nd
Grade Picnic at Lakeshore Park today. The second
graders celebrated with many of their parents enjoying a
picnic lunch and ample playtime. In Math class we are
beginning a unit on three digit addition and subtraction.
In English Language Arts we are about to begin a unit
about the lives of famous Americans entitled "Poems
about Famous Americans." We will read biographies
and study the lives of people such as Susan B. Anthony,
Eleanor Roosevelt, Marian Anderson, Jackie Robinson,
and Rosa Parks.
Ms. Dupree: ELA: Ms. Dupree … In our classroom we
are finishing the Ox Cart Man Unit of the ELA guidebook
and starting the last unit next week. We will be learning
about biographies, famous Americans and heroes, and
poetry in the 4th quarter. In math we are adding and
subtracting 3 digit numbers and beginning Eureka Math
Module 6. The students enjoyed their field trip to
Lakeshore Park; they laughed and played and had a
great time! They'll be making a brochure about the park in
Ms. Dupree's classroom.
Ms. Morgan: During the month of March Mrs.
Morgan's class read "The Little House" and worked on a
unit project where they created a house filled with
activities such as; sequencing events from the story,
comparing life in the city to life in the country, discussing
details in the story of how the book showed the different
seasons and creating a transportation timeline. In English
the students reviewed adjectives and subject/verb
agreement. The students also worked on book reports
about some good books that they have been reading.
During Math class the students have been subtracting 2
and 3 digit numbers with and without regrouping. They
have also learned to model these problems on place
value charts with number discs.
Sra. Irizarry- Spanish Immersion: In Science we
concluded our solar system study by researching and
constructed models of the Solar System. We gave oral
presentations to the class. Math-Module 6 lays the
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
conceptual foundation for multiplication and division in
Grade 3 and for the idea that numbers other than 1, 10,
and 100 can serve as units. Topics in this module
include: Formation of Equal Groups, Arrays and Equal
Groups, Rectangular Arrays as a Foundation for
Multiplication and Division, and The Meaning of Even and
Odd Numbers.
ELA- Students will learn about famous Americans and
their role in history. This builds on students’ knowledge of
US presidents, national symbols, and the election
process. Students study various characteristics of famous
Americans, such as perseverance, determination, and
standing up for what is just. Students explore the
differences between being famous and being a hero. We
will read biographies and study the lives of people such
as Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marian
Anderson, Jackie Robinson, and Rosa Parks.
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how a business works. We will soon be concentrating on
Louisiana's economy.
In Science, we studied the solar system. We are starting
to focus on the Environment unit. Students have
received Social Studies facts that they should review
nightly for iLEAP testing.
Ms. Villalva: Spanish Immersion classes:
Third grade: The social studies class has been very
interesting this month as we have been learning about
the immigrants in Louisiana and its culture. We have also
learned how to differentiate the different music styles we
mainly find in Louisiana: Cajun, Zydeco, Jazz and Blues.
We like them all! Students have received Social Studies
facts that they should review nightly for iLEAP testing.
In Science we are learning about the Solar System. We
are able to explain why there are nights and days and
why we have seasons. We are really looking forward to
learning about the planets very soon!
In Math we have finished Eureka’s module 4! This means
that now we are starting with fractions. There is a lot to
learn about them!
Ms. Martin- ESL: As we enter the last nine weeks, 13 ESL plans to push ourselves even harder to achieve
our reading goals. 1st grade will continue to learn about
the Moon through interesting text-both fiction and nonfiction. The 2nd and 3rd grade ESL classes will begin to
learn about famous American authors and even explore
international authors and stories through a pen-pal
project.
THIRD GRADERS
Ms. Pohlman & Mrs. Howard: After a long and
successful week of PARCC testing, third grade students
will continue reading their anchor text of this unit - The
Louisiana Purchase, Would You Close the Deal? by
Elaine Landau. Students are learning about the LA
Purchase and the characteristics of pioneers during this
time period. While exploring literary and informational
texts, including quotes from primary source documents,
students discuss elements of narrative writing and apply
them to their own writing. Students will also be learning
about words that signal spatial and temporal relationships
and the logical connections between sentences and
paragraphs in a text.
Mrs. Stutzenbecker, Ms. Busot & Ms.
Omorotionmwan: The students worked very hard
preparing for the PARCC test. We will take the Science
and Social Studies LEAP sections in April. In third grade
math, we are continuing our Eureka Math Module 5 book
and studying fractions. In Social Studies, we have
learned about free enterprise, supply and demand, and
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
FOURTH GRADERS
Mrs. Bertucci & Mrs. Bordelon: The fourth grade
students are continuing their mythology study. We are
currently reading The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
To relax after the Language Arts portio, students drew
and etched Greek urns. These are on display in Mrs.
Bertucci’s room. We also enjoyed the presentations of
the mythological character’s Facebook page projects.
Students will soon begin investigating the novel to explain
how the quest motif is woven throughout the story.
Students will ultimately describe Percy’s goal, the
challenges he faces, and how he changes along the way.
Students will also research and create presentations that
explain how a mythological character is part of our lives
today. This project will be done at school and home;
directions will be forthcoming for the presentations.
Ms. Crider: 4th grade math has been getting ready for
the first round of PARCC testing. We have been
reviewing skills that we learned in the first half of the year.
After the first round is complete, we will continue working
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with decimals. We will learn how to add and subtract
decimals. After we finish our unit on decimals, we will
learn the metric system. We will learn how to convert
between the different units. We recently took a
multiplication time test. If your child did not get a B or an
A on the test, please continue working with them on their
flash cards. Success in math depends on instant
knowledge of the basics.
Ms. Ridgely: 4th grade Science: 4th grade just began
an Ecosystem Unit. In this unit, they will discover how
living things depend on each other, and then infer what
happens to living things when ecosystems change. The
next lesson is Relationships in Ecosystems where the
children will identify how energy is cycled through an
ecosystem, be able to describe food webs and energy
pyramids. The last lesson in the unit is Adaptations. The
children will recognize how adaptations help organisms
survive and allow organisms to survive in certain
environments. Coming Events: Unit 6 - Planet Earth and
its Moon. Lessons include: Minerals, Rocks & Soil,
Climate & Seasons, Earth & Sun, and Earth & Moon.
Ms. Villalva: Spanish Immersion: Science has
been extremely interesting as we have been learning
about the different habitats, how animals adapt to them
and what do they do to survive. We still have a lot of
things to learn about the ecosystems and we’re really
looking forward to doing a project about it!
In Math we have been reviewing a lot of things for the
PARCC to make sure we don’t forget anything during the
test. This has been great as we have had time to practice
things we hadn’t practice in a long time and now we know
we are ready! But probably the highlight of the month
was the Read Across America day. Ms. Villalva’s mom
came to read us a story! She was visiting from Spain and
she came to share our story in Spanish with us and we
had a great time and learned a lot of new words.
FIFTH GRADERS:
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
Mr. Chaze: After spending the school year getting
prepared, time to take the PARCC test has finally arrived!
Before testing began, we have focused upon reviewing
skills learned throughout the school year. We have
worked relentlessly, in order to enhance our ability to
solve multi-step problems. Testing makes us a little
nervous, but it is also exciting, as it gives us an
opportunity to consider what we have learned since
August. After testing, we will begin working on the
coordinate system, as well as patterns and relationships.
This will allow us to be well-prepared for sixth grade prealgebra.
In science, we have been exploring the mysteries of
rocks, minerals and soil. Once this unit is completed, we
will soar in the atmosphere, in order to understand the
properties of gases surrounding Earth.
In social studies, we are excited to learn about the
American Revolution. We have been learning a lot about
the formation of the thirteen colonies, and we cannot wait
to understand what lead to the Declaration of
Independence and the birth of our country. Spring is here,
we are enjoying daylight saving time, and we still have a
lot of work to do! Students have received Social Studies
facts that they should review nightly for iLEAP testing.
Mrs. Dowty: Mrs. Dowty's ELA classes are very
excited to be starting a new novel from The Chronicles of
Narnia by C.S. Lewis entitled The Lion, the Witch, and
the Wardrobe. The students are learning that even in the
most fantastical settings, literature can teach us real
lessons about life. They are exploring the opposition of
good and evil; the value in courage, adventure,
forgiveness, and honesty; and the importance of
maintaining the natural world.
Mrs. Dowty’ s social studies class is continuing their study
of the colonial period. They are concentrating on the
Southern Colonies. The students are differentiating
between indentured servants and slavery and how they
contributed to the economy. We will soon begin an
intense study of the American Revolution and the
beginnings of our country. They are starting the fourth
nine weeks grading period and will be taking the iLeap
test in social studies in early April, so it is very important
that they stay vigilant in their studies.
Mrs. Morse: In science the students have learned to
identify different aquatic and major land ecosystems, and
the adaptations of organisms that live in those
ecosystems. They are learning about the human effects
on the ecosystem: the causes of soil, air, and water
pollution. They will be learning about the Earth and its
lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere in the
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upcoming weeks.
In social studies, we have concluded learning about the
southern colonies, the plantations, cash crops, and the
southern cities. The students are very excited to be
starting the American Revolution!!
In ELA, the students have been really working on hard
practicing their skills and strategies for the PARCC
assessment. They are looking forward to starting a new
book, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" in the
coming weeks!
SIXTH GRADERS
Ms. Bejma: ELA - The sixth grade students have
been preparing all year for the first phase of PARCC. This
month we have been reviewing by taking a practice
PARCC test, cleaning up our writing, and keeping a
positive attitude. Also, we are finishing up reading The
Witch from Blackbird Pond. Hopefully, each of us has
learned from Kit’s acceptance of Hannah Tupper that
being different does not make you less of a person and
accepting others, in spite of their difference, may open
your eyes to a whole new world around you!!
We have been learning about irony. Irony is a rhetorical
device or a literary technique, or even situation, which
refers to a sharp disagreement or discordance that is
expressed beyond the evident intention of words used.
Irony can be verbal, where the person says something
which is exactly opposite to what he/she really wanted to
communicate. For example, when someone says soft as
concrete, they are being ironic. Apart from this, it can
also be dramatic, where one of the characters is unaware
of what is happening around, whereas the spectators
know exactly what's happening; this concept is often
related to dramas, or plays. Irony can be situational as
well, if the actual result appears to be just opposite to
what is really expected. I think the highlight of this month
was working in groups to produce their own irony skits.
They truly enjoyed developing, writing, and acting out
their skit!
Mrs. Byrd: Science: Our class is reviewing and
practicing for the iLeap test in April. Students have
homework every night; if it is not written, then they are to
study from their previous study guides or the units we are
currently working on in class. We will continue to have
daily class discussions focusing on both past and present
content. Ask your child to see their interactive notebook
and study guides. Take a few moments every day and
help them study their previous notes! Student tests are
given from their study guide and interactive notebook.
Therefore, no child should be going home saying I do not
have homework.
6th Grade Social Studies: This month we were
lucky enough to taste the wonderfully made recipes the
students and their families created as part of their project
on the Chinese Dynasty. We also got to see ivory
carvings, home-made pagodas, and origami that the
students made. We are now studying the early Hebrews,
Jewish Beliefs and Texts, and Judaism over the
centuries. Finally, we are continuing to study the short
and long term effects that have helped to shape the world
we live in today.
Students have received Social Studies facts that they
should review nightly for iLEAP testing.
SEVENTH GRADERS
Ms. Vansant: ELA – Our students have been
working so hard to prepare for the PARCC assessment.
We have been learning how to preview our passages to
build background information prior to reading. We also
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
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have learned how to read with purpose to better answer
the intensive multiple
ultiple choice questions that we now see
on standardized tests. We have been learning test
test-taking
strategies to improve our A game when we tested this
month, like how to sharply focus our essays with a thesis
statement and support our claims with a variety of
evidence. We gave our best effort on our assessments,
and after all of that reading and writing, we celebrated our
hard work by enjoying a movie in the afternoon as a
group, as seen in our picture. We will focus on preparing
for our End-of-the-year
year assessments in May.
Mrs. Byrd: Science: Our class is reviewin
reviewing and
practicing for the iLeap test in April. Students have
homework every night; if it is not written, then they are to
study from their previous study guides or the units we are
currently working on in class. We will continue to have
daily class discussions
ons focusing on both past and present
content. Ask your child to see their interactive notebook
and study guides. Take a few moments every day and
help them study their previous notes! Student tests are
given from their study guide and interactive notebook.
Therefore, no child should be going home saying “I do not
have homework. “ Studying is homework.
7th grade SS: Students have received Social Studies
facts that they should review nightly for iLEAP testing.
ESL - Ms. Juneau: Mrs. Juneau's 4th and 5th grade
Intermediate ESL ELA class is completing the novel
Birchbark House. In order to further understand the
Ojibwa Indian people, we will pick and research a notable
Ojibwa and present our findings to the class. The 4th,
5th, and 6th grade Beginner ESL ELA class is beginning
a unit on contractions. Promethean flip-charts,
charts, sscoot
games, and online matching assessments will assist with
mastery.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH
Grades K-2 – Coach
Browning & Coach Ciara The students in K, 1 and 2
have been working hard on
basketball skills. Many are
now proficiently dribbling while
standing still and, some have
mastered dribbling while
moving. They all understand to
become better at a skill it takes
practice, practice and more
practice. In the next
week or so we will introduce the “BEEF” concept of
shooting the basketball. This involves balance, elbow
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
positioning, eyes on the target and follow-through.
follow
The
more advanced students will also learn the correct
methods of doing lay-up
up shots. It seems all of the
students are enjoying developing basketball skills.
In our Health series, “Healthy Lifestyle Choices” we will
complete our last lesson on “Safety” which focuses on fire
safety in the home. After this our next unit is on
o “Fitness”.
First and Second Grade students need to practice daily
the “Right and Left Shoulder Flex”, which measures
shoulder flexibility. Please try to fit family exercise into
your day because it is an important element of living a
healthy lifestyle.
Grades 3-7 – Coach Marks & Coach Ryan: Boys (Gr.
3-7: We are developing our basketball skills leading to
intramurals and a championship game. We will select an
All-Star Team.
Girls (Gr. 3-5): We are developing our volleyball skills
leading to intramurals and a championship game. We will
select an All-Star Team.
Girls (Gr. 6-7): We are developing our cabbageball skills
leading to intramurals and a championship game. We will
select an All-Star Team.
GIFTED/TALENTED
Ms. Weathers – TVA: Talented Visual Art students are
continuing their self-portraits
portraits with acrylic on canvas. We
have already demonstrated facial proportion with contour
line drawing. The value scale is represented with color to
create a three dimensional illusion with paint. This unit
was sponsored by a grant by Donor’s Choose called
Color Me Beautiful.. Our projects are on display in the
library.
Ms. Layton – DRAMA: Rehearsals for our spring play,
"Beauty and Polluti," continue. The students are delving
into their roles. Playing, practicing,
practicing and performing
develop a sustained focus of mind, body, and voice,
which also helps in other school subjects and life.
Ms. Alford: GT- Ellis’ Gifted classes are excited to have
two new students, Carmen Bruce and Emily Gu join the
enrichment classes. Students enjoyed computer
enrichment engaging in order of operations trying to
defeat “Dude"" the computer in How the West was 1x2+3.
Upper grades took the challenge of creating and solving
equations with both positive and negative
n
values. While
a simple game in itself, the competition of defeating the
computer was self motivation to try and try again. We
enjoyed Dr. Seuss week and studying figurative language
within his writings. Our class display won overall third
place.
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With spring blooming in the air, outdoor activities and the
multiple intelligence of nature is planned in the many
weeks ahead.
LIBRARY
Ms. Boh: J.C. Ellis Students Bloom in the Library!
Spring is finally here and everything is coming up roses in
the library! Kindergarten has been working very hard on
our Curious George project, learning all about character
traits, map skills, and storytelling. They are looking
forward to a visit from good old George in the near future!
First grade has been learning all about what makes a
good sentence so that our silly alphabet books will be as
phenomenal as possible!
Second grade has been working on biographies and
autobiographies. Looking forward to some fun projects
there! The dictionary people they created to show off
their dictionary prowess are hanging in the hall.
Third graders are beginning the journey toward
exceptional search skills, learning the ins and outs of
keywords, Boolean operators, and just what the deal with
Wikipedia is!
Fourth grade is still traversing the realm of Greek
mythology. We are discussing the hero’s journey with
characters like Jason and the Argonauts, Perseus, and
Theseus. Their mythology Facebook pages were
fabulous!
Fifth grade has begun presenting their book talks and I
am thrilled with the enthusiasm they have shown so far!
Tonara Gordon (pictured below) did her presentation on a
biography of Rosa Parks that included a reenactment of
the historical event. Very well done!
ELLIS EAGLES ARE REACHING for the STARS!!
Sixth grade’s career projects are progressing
exceptionally well. Students have discovered that there is
a myriad of career paths they may choose. Let’s face it –
not everyone is going to the NFL or NBA. We hope to
begin presentations in a couple of weeks. I can’t wait to
see what they have learned!
Seventh graders are gaining very valuable insight into the
United States Constitution and what resources such as
those can teach us. by researching our national
documents they are understanding the tenets upon which
the USA was built.
March Top Patrons of the Library:
1st Nora Aitiddir
2nd Brinley Muller
3rd Morgan Berryman
4th Alexander Evans
5th Denzel Ocampo
6th Jayden Bergeron
7th Richard Goff
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