Computer Lab Magic

Students were asked to write a descriptive paragraph about a winter scene. A descriptive paragraph gives the reader a visual picture of the topic.  It gives a point of view about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, or sounds.  The writer’s goal is to involve the readers so that they can experience the event through the text.

With this assignment students had access to word processing software, that software made this activity fun -- and magical.  All they had to do was input their descriptive paragraph into Google Doc. Students set up the paragraph so that the first line was the shortest one. Then each line grew successively longer, until the last three lines, which were short. 

After the paragraph was typed, students highlighted the text and centered it on the page. In Google Doc that is accomplished by changing the ALIGNMENT from LEFT to CENTERED                                                          

Student writing and crafting created a tree-mendous seasonal hallway!

Pajamas and Popcorn

The latest Box Tops Contest was a 5th Grade vs. 6th Grade challenge to determine “Who Rules the School” – at least in terms of Box Tops!  

Today fifth graders celebrated their victory with a pajama and popcorn party. It was a fun competition and students agreed the real winner was the school. 

Each Box Top is worth 10¢ and that adds up fast! Please continue to collect box tops. Click the box top for a complete listing of participating products.

Seasonal Fun

A lesson in geometry, a holiday pop of color, and an excuse to begin the month of December with a fun paper craft. Mathematics is so cool.

Platonic Solids are named after the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato. There are only five of these 3-D figures, in which all the edges are of equal length. all the angles of equal measure, and all the faces are congruent shapes: Cube, Tetrahedron, Octahedron, Dodecahedron, and Icosahedron.

We're hoping to create a Polyhedra craze with our holiday door decoration.

Feasting on Food Idioms

IDIOMS can be the most confusing part of any language. Idioms are sayings that have hidden meanings. The expressions don't mean exactly what the words say, like “cool as a cucumber” has nothing to do with food, but refers to a calm person. A number of English idioms revolve around food and names of food items.

During the month of November, students have been feasting on food idioms. 

Students tested their knowledge with our hallway display. They discovered the origins of some food idioms are a piece of cake to figure out; they just had to use their beans. Other idioms were so bizarre students went nutty trying to decipher them. The idiom meanings were written on the napkins. There are so many food idioms, we would be out to lunch if we tried to list them all, but here are a few student samples that are the cream of the crop.  

Students had a great deal of fun with idioms and we're confident no one bit off more than they could chew during this idiom lesson.

During this holiday season, I give thanks for this group of students. They truly are the icing on the cake!  Their pure energy and smiles make learning  fun.    

Enjoy the holiday break! 

Geography Awareness

Every year, GIS Day is celebrated on the Wednesday of Geography Awareness Week. Fifth grade students celebrated GIS Day and Geography Awareness Week at Northeast's Lifelong Learning Center. Everyone was intensely engaged. Students wrestled with the content, a raft of skills, and some pretty compelling GPS.  

GIS Day is One Fun Day to

• Celebrate GIS (geographic information systems)
• Discover and explore the benefits of GIS 
• Showcase the uses of GIS

Veterans Day

Through special events and acts of remembrance, we recognize the sacrifices our Veterans made.

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia provides an opportunity for youth to send postcards to express messages of thanks to those who served in the military. This learning activity allows youth to actively remember the sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.

Our postcards will be distrubuted to Veterans through the Center's Thank a Vet Program.

Thank you, Veterans,  for serving!

World Kindness Week

Throughout the week, JOOI Club members are asking NMS students to help in our little corner of the world. 

If everybody gives a little, together we can give a lot!

Donations for the week include:

Monday: spare change to support Mercy Meals

Tuesday: canned/boxed (non-perishable) food for the Norfolk Food Pantry

Wednesday: school supplies for children in need

Thursday: new or gently-used hats, gloves, and scarves for The Salvation Army

Friday:  bring any of the above donations

Each day a student particpates a colorful "Do Kindness" bracelet will be given. Simply wear the wristband with pride, saying,  "I support world kindness."