Cougar Chr nicles - Cornell Grade School

Cornell Grade School
Cougar Chr nicles
February 2014
Kindergartners Clayton T., Josie H., and Jazmyn M. work with blocks as they learn place value. Photo Credit: Rae M.
The Value of Mathematics
By: Dylan M.
Kindergartners are learning
place value in math. As you can
see in the picture above, they are
learning place value using base
ten blocks. The blocks let students
count by 1, 10, 100, and even 1000.
This is an easy and effective
way to learn how to use place value and has been used for years and
years now.
As you advance in school and
get older, you start to learn more
difficult math.
In 3rd grade students start to
learn how to do multiplication.
This will help all students as they
move into junior high.
By the time you reach 8th
grade, you are learning much more
difficult math (even using letters
instead of numbers).
Later math lessons build on
earlier ones, which means students
will still be using kindergarten
math in junior high.
Even high school students will
still be using the math they learned
In This Issue:
Superintendent’s Message: page 2
K-2 Highlights: page 3
3-5 Highlights: page 4
6-8 Highlights: page 5
Sports & Activities: page 6
Entertainment: Page 6
Activity Calendar: page 7
Menus: page 8
all the way back in kindergarten
and first grade.
So math stays with you your
whole life and no matter what
you’re doing, you will always use
the skills you start developing in
school.
Cougar Chr nicles
Superintendent’s Message
Well, it's cold, snowing, drifting,
and generally making getting to school
miserable this year.
As of my writing this we have
used six emergency days, and we have
to schedule five on the Public School
Calendar each year.
If all goes well, our last day of
school will be Monday, June 2, 2014.
This will be the date for the annual
class picnics. The teachers' last day and
report card pick-up will be Monday,
June 2, 2014.
We are currently finishing our
winter benchmark testing to see how
our students' education is progressing
and to provide feedback to teachers
on what they know and what they
are learning. The district uses
Measurements for Academic Progress
and its standardized measurement
tool.
You may have heard your student
talking about MAP testing. MAP
tests are in the areas of math, reading,
language arts, and science. A student's
score is compared to their fall testing
benchmark to determine progress. It is
also ranked on a national standard.
As a parent, you will be able
to receive your child(ren)'s score
Page 2
during parent teacher conferences in
February.
I want to invite everyone out to see
our girls' volleyball squad at home. We
have had several games postponed by
weather, but they are rescheduled and
February will be a volleyball-filled
month...as long as old man winter
stays away. They are the defending
7-1A regional champions and we will
be hosting the 7th grade sectional
championship this year.
Everyone, please dress warm.
Hats, glove, scarfs, buttoned/zipped
coats, long sleeve shirts, and long
pants are important. Frostbite and
hypothermia happen very quickly in
these temperatures.
Thank you for supporting CGS!
The Man Of Peace
By: Brock B. & Dylan M.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was
celebrated on Monday, January 20.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a man
who searched for peace for all people,
no matter the color of their skin.
He made many speeches during
his prestigious campaign. The thing
that made Martin Luther King Jr. stand
out was that he did not believe in violence. During many cruel acts to Afri-
can Americans, including violence in
the back of a bus and being sprayed
down with a fire hose, he chose not to
fight back.
This surprised many of his followers. Martin Luther King Jr. definitely
deserved his rights. He is a big reason
why people are not segregated and
why they live in peace today.
It’s easy to forget why we have
this day off of school, but hopefully
Contributors to this Month’s Edition
Features Editors: Brock B., Dylan M.
Primary Grade Editors: Zach H., Raeanne M.
Intermediate Grade Editors: Tristin B., Dylan S.
Middle School Editors: Maddie H., Keira K.
Sports, Activities, & Entertainment Editors:
McKenzie H., Kylie K., Liberty V.
Editorial Committee: C. Ahrends, S. Foley,
M. Hagaman, A. Petersen, T. Sullivan
Published January 31, 2013 at Cornell Grade School
Cornell Grade School / 300 N 7th Street / Cornell, IL 61319
you took a moment to think about this
great man and all of the work he and
his followers did in order to improve
the way of life in our country.
Cougar Chr nicles
K-2 Highlights
Page 3
Primary Grade Activities
By: Zach H. & Rae M.
This month, the kindergarten class
is learning many new things.
In their class, they are starting to
learn about opposites. They are also
learning measuring, along with length
and width. Soon they will be bringing
some of this knowledge to their study
of engineering.
Who knows, maybe we have the
next greatest architect in our very own
kindergarten class!
In first grade, they are starting to
wrap up reading with review week.
Alongside that, in math they are learning time and practicing addition.
In history, the first graders are
starting to learn resources, including
the natural resources that make our
lives possible.
In second grade, they are learning
a lot this month. They are reading the
book Judy Moody by Megan McDonald. In the book, Judy is unsure what to
expect on her first day of third grade.
What a great book to read as students
approach the end of their second grade
year!
In phonics they are learning diagrams and blends. In history they are
learning the most important events
that happened in our past. In math
they are learning number stories and
in science they are learning the animal
food chain.
Clockwise from top left: favorite
subject survey results. Primary color
doodles. Art Credits: Ana M., Toby H. Black glue
portraits. Art Credits: Skyler C., Autumn R.
Cougar Chr nicles
3rd Grade
Fundamentals
3-5 Highlights
Page 4
4th Grade
Excitement
By: Tristin B.
The third grade class has been
learning about nutrients and how the
human body needs them to help it function properly.
In math they have been learning
about area and perimeter.
Third graders are reading The
Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene
Catling. This is a strange take on the
legendary King Midas, where everything a boy touches turns to chocolate.
The third grade said they loved the
extra snow days: they have been playing in the snow and sleeping in longer.
By: Dylan S.
The fourth graders have been learning about mulit-digit multiplication and
factoring. 4th grader Kayla F. said, “It’s
hard!”
They just did a project which involves learning about fossils like the
Tyrannosaurus Rex dinosaur.
When asked about the snow days
the 4th grader Kayla said “I like sleepBy: Dylan S.
ing in on snow days.”
The fifth graders learned about how
Fourth grade is reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Flor- a plant uses photosynthesis for growing
ence Atwater, which is a funny book in height and growing leaves.
They are also learning about faabout a house painter and his penguins.
mous explorers like Francisco Pizarro,
Marco Polo, and Columbus.
The fifth grade said that they are
reading a novel called Mrs. Frisby and
the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien.
The story follows a group of intelligent
rats as they try to live in harmony with
around them.
Story Hour: grades Kindergarten-3 the humans
Nick E., John B., and Tyler T. said
they felt sad about the basketball seaGarden Club: Grades 2-5
son ending, but added “we will be practicing for the next season!”
Nick also said “I wish my dad
Snacks and treats provided.
would take me on the snowmobile on
snow days.” Others said they were
sleeping in and playing outside.
AMITY PUBLIC LIBRARY in Cornell
STORY HOUR / Garden Club
Tuesday, February 11 from 3:30-5:00
Bouncing circles (top right). Art Credit: John B. Engraved portraits. Art Credits:
Jonathan R. (below left), Sam J. (below right).
5th Grade
Cougar Chr nicles
Cornell Class
of 2014
6-8 Highlights
By: M. Hagaman
Dylan Melvin began an entertaining
interview with the statement “[I want to
be known for] saving people from being
exploded by a bomb.” When asked for
details, he could only say that there was
a bad guy terrorist involved. Did you
know that Dylan is super-heroic?
Another little-known fact about
Dylan is that he collects old bottles,
especially glass bottles with cool
designs. The bottle that stands out most
in his collection is a really tall Coke
bottle from the mid-twentieth century.
When he’s not busy collecting
bottles, he enjoys spending his time
watching television or playing sports.
He likes a variety of television
programs, but many of them involve
criminology and the law, including Law
& Order: SVU and White Collar.
In high school, Dylan is looking
forward to his junior and senior years,
when he will have an opportunity to
take courses in law enforcement. His
goal is to pursue a degree in something
like criminal justice, focusing on the
high-technology part of the field that is
in high demand. While he has a little
time before he has to start worrying
about such things, Dylan is on the right
track to graduate college and the police
academy, leading to a high-paying job
as a civil servant.
Dylan’s wit and wisdom will be
missed at Cornell Grade School next
year, but he has his sights set on a
good experience at Flanagan-Cornell
High School. In addition to his classes,
Dylan plans on playing for the school’s
basketball team. While he has played
baseball in the past, he’s not planning on
playing in high school: the competition
is too intense, and besides... he doesn’t
like hats.
Page 5
6th Grade
By: Keira K. & Maddie H.
The sixth graders have been having a fun year so far. Most of them
agreed that the class they enjoy the
most is P.E. Hannah D. said “P.E. is really fun and one of my favorite classes!”
They are also having fun in art,
where they are about to make some
AMAZING clay gargoyles!
“We are making water filters in
science,” said Tyler G. Students may
use nearly any material in order to
make a sample of dirty water as clean
as possible.
In computers, they are creating
animated videos and will be making
their own video games, too. In a few
weeks, the sixth graders will be teaming up with first graders to make an
animation!
This grade is reading The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, and action-filled
story about two different social classes
in the 1960s.
In class and out, they said they
like to talk to each other. But of course
not when the teacher is talking! The
6th grade has a very small class and
most of them are really close friends.
7th Grade
By: Maddie H. & Keira K.
This quarter, seventh grade has
planned many things.
They are looking forward to volleyball games and the end of the quarter. Hannah J. said “ I can’t wait for
our games!”
Seventh grade is also working
with clay in art. They all say they are
going to really enjoy it.
In history they are wrote on a “radio drama” from the early 1900s, and
they are having a great time listening
to a more modern radio drama.
When asked how their classes
have changed since the start of the
year, Jordan S. stated “we have had a
better bond than ever.” They also said
that some of their classes have gotten
a little more difficult.
In language arts, the seventh graders are reading Ungifted by Gordon
Korman, which chronicles the life of
a student who is accidentally sent to a
school for the gifted.
8th Grade
By Keira K. & Maddie H.
The 8th graders have had an exciting year so far, including the junior
high trip Chicago.
Students are reading The Giver, a
dramatic story by Lois Lowry in which
a single person has the unique job of
remembering what pain and pleasure
feel like.
When asked about class projects,
both Dylan S. and Rae M. said that
they are about to make clay cougars in
art, and working on their big science
fair project.
The science fair will be on Thursday, February 27, in the learning center: students plan to present their findings to younger students, high school
judges, and community members.
Like the sixth grade, eighth graders will soon be making video games.
At the end of February, students will
start an architecture unit in computers,
where students will design their dream
house on paper and then create a 3-dimensional model on the computer.
Cougar Chr nicles
Volleyball
Sports & Activities
Basketball
By: McKenzie H., Kylie K., Liberty V.
The Cornell volleyball team’s
managers are Neve P. and Kalynne K.
So far the Cornell Cougar volleyball teams, seventh and eighth grade,
have a 2-0 record. They have played
Dwight and Odell.
Thanks to anonymous donators
the school is getting a whole new volleyball system including poles, net,
Photo Credit: McKenzie H.
Page 6
straps, and covers for the poles. The
new net has been a huge help in playing: now the net is not as loose as is
used to be!
The girls are a joy to watch, as
they show great teamwork. The Cougar spirit has been thriving this year,
and the team is aiming to win at sectionals and at state. Please come out
and show your Cougar pride!
By Liberty V., McKenzie H., and
Kylie K.
The boys’ basketball team just had
their shoot-out at Marseilles on January 18th. The 8th grade team played
Waltham and lost but it was a close
game.
The 7th grade regionals were hosted at Cornell. The 7th graders played
Odell on the 25th of January. They lost
and are now done with their season.
The 8th grade regionals are at St.
Mary’s. They play at 5:30 p.m. on
February 3rd against Odell.
Tristin Barlow an 8th grader on
the basketball team said “We need
more practice so we can get better and
maybe win a game in regionals.” This
year’s basketball team would like to
thank Coach VanWeelden for coming
out of retirement once again to coach
this basketball season!
Entertainment
Do You Know Your Animals?
Across
2. I’m green and I have sharp teeth.
4. I’m man’s best friend.
7. I scamper through the trees.
8. Oink!
11. I am the fastest land animal.
12. I live underwater.
13. My name rhymes with money.
14. I have a long trunk.
15. I light up at night.
16. Moo!
Down
1. Tweet tweet!
3. Hisssssssssssssssssss...
5. I have a long neck.
6. I’m the fastest bird that can’t fly.
9. I hop around a lot.
10. I am a flesh-eating fish.
11. Meow!
13. I have horns.
23 24 Girls JH Volleyball (H) vs. Pontiac JH @ 5pm *8th Grade Night*
Presidents’ Day
7th Grade VB Conference Tourney @ Woodland ~ TBA 17 NO SCHOOL
16 4‐H Spaghetti Dinner @ Legion Hall 11am ‐ 1:30pm 10 Girls JH Volleyball 8th Grade County Tourney @ Pontiac JH ~ 5pm 9 Tue Scholastic Bowl @ Graymont ‐ 4pm Girls JH Volleyball @ Flanagan ‐ 5:30pm 25 8th Grade VB Conference Tourney @ Woodland ~ TBA 18 11 Girls JH Volleyball 8th Grade @ Grand Ridge ‐ 5pm Story Hour 3:30 ‐ 5pm Girls JH Volleyball(H) vs. St. Mary’s @ 4:30pm 6, 7, & 8th Grade Boys BB 8th Grade Regional @ St. Mary’s ‐ 5:30pm 4 3 2 Mon Sun PTC Meeting 6pm 8th Grade VB Confer‐
ence Tourney@ Woodland ~ TBA 20 Girls JH VB 7th Grade County Tourney @ Pontiac JH ~ 5pm 13 Valentine’s Day Parties 2‐3 3rd Quarter Midterm P/T Conferences 3‐7pm Girls JH VB (H) vs. Christian Calvary Academy @ 5pm 2PM DISMISSAL
PBIS Celebration 12:30 6 Jump Rope for Heart (K‐4th) Thu 26 27 Science Fair Monthly Assembly 1:30‐3pm @ 8am Girls JH Volleyball Girls JH Volleyball @ @ Saunemin ‐ 5pm Mazon ‐ 4:30pm Board of Education Meeting @ 7pm 7th Grade VB Conference Tourney @ Woodland ~ TBA 19 vs. Woodland @ 5pm Scholastic Bowl @ Woodland ‐ 4pm Girls JH Volleyball (H) 12 5 Red Out Day Hoops for Heart (5th ‐ 8th) Scholastic Bowl @ St. Mary’s ‐ 4pm VB (H) vs. St. Michael’s ‐ 5pm Wed February 2014
28 21 Girls JH VB (H) vs. Flanagan ‐ 4pm 22 Girls JH Volleyball 7th & 8th Grade Conf. Shootout @ Marseilles ~ TBA Girls JH Volleyball 7th & 8th Grade County Tourney (H) ‐ TBA 15 Girls JH VB—8th Grade
Tourney @ Grand Ridge
TBA
14 NO SCHOOL
Teacher Institute
8 Parent Teacher
Conferences 8‐11am
Girls JH VB—8th Grade
Tourney @ Grand Ridge
‐ 4pm
1 Sat 7 NO SCHOOL
Fri M
February
W
Tu
4
3
5
Breakfast:
2 Toasts
Peanut Butter
Grapes
Juice
Lunch:
Pork Rib/WG Bun
Sun Chips
Corn
Pears
10
Breakfast:
Long John
2WG Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Ravioli
WG Roll
Peas
Blueberries
Breakfast:
WG Bagel
Cream Cheese
Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Spaghetti/Meat Sauce
Cheese Slice
Green Beans
WG Garlic Bread
Peaches
11
Breakfast:
WG Muffin
WG Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Taco Salad
Tomatoes
Tortilla Chips
Breadsticks
Pineapple
18
Breakfast:
Cinnamon Roll
Toast
Juice
17
Lunch:
Shepherd's Pie
Bread&Butter
Cheese Slice
Peaches
25
24
Th
6
Breakfast:
Breakfast:
Scrambled Eggs
Sausage Cheese Biscuit
Bacon
Toast
2 WG Toast
Juice
Juice
Lunch:
Hamburger/WG Bun
Baked Beans
Cheese Slice
Mandarine Oranges
13
Breakfast:
Waffles
Syrup
WG Toast
Juice
Breakfast:
Cereal
WG Toast
Juice
19
Breakfast:
Bacon Cheese Biscuit
Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Corn Dogs
Baked Beans
Apple
Lunch:
Chicken Patty/WG Bun
Potato Salad
Peas
Pears
Breakfast:
PopTart
Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Pork Roast
Mash Potatoes/Gravy
Bread/Butter
Cucumbers
Peaches
Breakfast:
Biscuit&Sausage Gravy
Juice
Lunch:
Grilled Cheese
Tomato soup/cracker
Celery/Carrots
Mixed Fruit
14
Lunch:
BBQ/WG Bun
Sun Chips
Cole Slaw
Apple
20
Breakfast:
Cereal
2WG Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Nacho Supremes
Romaine Lettuce
Salsa
Pineapple
27
26
Breakfast:
Breakfast Pizza
Toast
Juice
7
Lunch:
Pizza
Romaine Lettuce
Raw carrots
Mixed Fruit
12
Lunch:
Hot Dog/WG Bun
Baked Beans
Sliced Apples
F
Breakfast:
Pancakes
Syrup
Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Chicken Fajitas
Mexican Rice
Refried Beans
Sliced Apples
21
Breakfast:
Donut
2 WG Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Deli Turkey/WG Bun
Celery/Carrots/Dip
Orange
28
Breakfast:
Lumberjacks
Toast
Juice
Lunch:
Sub Sandwich
Romaine Lettuce Salad
Cherry Tomatoes
Orange
Milk is served at all breakfasts and lunches. Juice is available at all breakfasts. All bread products are whole grain.
Cougar Chr nicles
Featured 5-8 Artwork
Five value portraits. Art Credits: Hannah D., Dallas K., Jadyn B.
Clockwise from middle left: 4 Portraits. Art Credits: McKenna R.,
James T., McKenzie H. Bouncing
circles. Art Credits: Mason W.,
Tyler T.
Page 9
Cougar Chr nicles
Featured K-4 Artwork
Page 10
Black glue portraits and primary color doodles. Art Credits: Isaac S. (left), Joe D. (center), Kady M. (right).
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