Sexton Mountain Elementary - Fireworks - April 2011

This is a video of our fourth grade students' rendition of Katy Perry's, "Firework"at our April PBIS assembly. Over the previous couple weeks we rehearsed in class and discussed the lyrics in great detail. We believe this is a song with a very powerful message: don't let others bring you down, believe in yourself and your uniqueness, and you'll be capable of amazing things.

I am so very proud of all our fourth graders' bravery in performing in front of the whole school and not being afraid to be themselves. You are all special, unique, and spectacular!

Earth Day - April 22

With the help of parent volunteers and some generous donations we were able to give back to the earth on Earth Day by tending, weeding, and planting in our garden. Our herbs and veggies are thriving. Our flowers are blooming bright. Spring is in the air. Or, is that our compost? Great job out there fourth graders!

Original Legends

These are examples of original legends the students wrote based on our study of Native American cultures, myths, and legends.

Novel Studies

These are some final product examples of the novel studies students completed about a month ago. They're hanging in the hallway outside the staff lounge.

Literacy Night - April 14 @ 6:30-7:30

As you know our school has been reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane to promote reading at home through our One School, One Book program. This is our fourth year in a row doing this activity. Each year the program culminates in a celebration of the book and reading in general at the Sexton Mountain Literacy Night. Our literacy night this year is scheduled for next Thursday, April 14th from 6:30PM-8:30PM. The whole family is invited and encouraged to attend this event. Of course, it helps to have read the book either individually or with the family. There will be various literacy and art activities lead by teachers around the school.

Our fourth grade team will be leading an activity in Mrs. Tanksley's called "Pudding" Emotion into Poetry. In this activity students and parents will be able to recall the gambit of emotions portrayed in the book and then write an "emotion" poem using strong sensory words. They will then top it off by finger painting a rabbit to accompany their poem.

If you would like to donate to charity, our school is collecting NEW stuffed rabbits on literacy night to be donated. We will also be collecting the books if your family no longer has a use for it, so it can be reused by less fortunate schools in our district.

Lastly, we will have a "professional" life sized Edward Tulane at literacy night for pictures. So, bring your cameras if it strikes your fancy.

*Photos of recent student work will be posted on our blog shortly.

Puerto Vallarta & Sayulita, Mexico

Native American Myths & Legends Posters

Below are some examples of the Native American myths/legends posters the students completed last week as part of our integrated Native American history and culture unit. First, as a class we read and discussed the plot elements of a Native American legend called Rough Face Girl. We also discussed the various types of Native American legends - trickster, how and why, young heroes, creation, etc. Next, they were all given a Native American myth or legend to read and take notes on plot elements - exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Many of them had a moral for the students to decipher as well. As a final product the students were asked to make a teaching poster to share with their classmates. Lastly, the students used their newfound legend expertise as inspiration to write their own legends, which they're working on now. Their posters can be found displayed on the windows near the entrance to school. Click on image to enlarge it.