October 22, 2015

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Happy Thursday! STEM is thriving and flowing through GSTEMA! Students are engaged in phenomenal inquiry lessons throughout the classes.

Our Technology class instructed by Ms. Vermilya has entered into a coding competition “Hour of Code” for $10,000! The students under her guidance are learning amazing things at a young age preparing them to be competitive in our global world.

Ms. Wardell’s second grade students are using our new STEM Scope curriculum and having a blast exploring landforms. The students are enjoying the group discussions and developing ideas based on their prior knowledge. Currently they are focusing on "Quick Land Changes" as a part of our landforms and bodies of water unit. Students are learning how a volcanic eruption changes the land around them and how the layers of magma are built on top of one another. The children are really excited about this experiment/exploration and are gaining a better understanding of how land is formed.

The 4th and 7th grade students have been engaged in an innovative STEM program called STEMNETICS, where they are true engineers designing electrical houses and operation games utilizing Next Generation Science Standard concepts! They will be traveling to Kettering University and Flint Children’s Museum to continue their exploration with VEX robots and roller coasters or a catapult project. We are very blessed to have the STEMNETICS grant! There will be a showcase on November 17th 6:00–7:30pm for parents and students as they share their extraordinary accomplishments.

Our students have been actively engaged in a fantastic Fine Arts Grant program orchestrated by Mrs. Phinisee-Clack! The students have been learning dance, vocal, and instrumental skills. We are proud to showcase their amazing talent at our Fall Festival celebration, Friday, October 30th at 1:30pm as they present “Thriller”, sponsored in part by the Greater Flint Arts Council! Parents, family, and friends are invited to attend. Mark your calendars you don’t want to miss this outstanding performance.

As we conclude our Parent/Teacher conferences we still need your support to reach 100%! If you missed your conference please call and reschedule. This is a time when Teamwork makes a positive difference in our children’s educational journey. Ms. Wardell’s second grade class is leading the charge on her way to 100% when all her parents come this evening. Remember conferences are today from 4:30-7:30pm. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to success.

As a reminder, school begins promptly at 8:00am. When bringing your student to school, please use the rear doors if arriving prior to 8:15am. After 8:15am, the rear doors will be locked and students will need to enter through the front to receive a tardy pass.

Sincerely,

H. Rita Cheek

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