CHASING THE FALCONERS

I found a great series or books called The Falconers.They are a great book to read.There are these two kids and there parents got accused of being spies so they got put in jail.The parents did not want their kids to be teased because their parents were in jail so they put them in juvenile camp.But when the older boy Aiden starts a fire and burns the place down they escape and try to find the person who framed there parents so they can set them free.

by Julia Pavlov

Trading Day

It is an indescribable feeling to have a job that you look forward to getting up for each morning. Even when the alarm sounds just after 5:30 a.m., I still feel fortunate to share my days with 22 wonderful children and a team of great teachers. My hope for each of my students is to find a job that they adore as much as I do teaching. My adoration for this profession comes mostly from the lives that I get to help mold, but also from working with innovative, funny, caring, and just all around dynamic teachers. Our team is "trading" one of our MVPs this week, and I'm not sure what I will do without her. Mrs. Urban is following her dreams and becoming an assistant principal. Her teamwork and charisma have been such an asset to our fifth grade. Although our team will feel the void, I have to smile at the thought that another team of teachers and students are gaining a shining star. Mrs. Urban we wish you the best of luck, and remember how much you are loved at Gilchrist Elementary School!

The First Day of Fall

Today marks the first day of fall. Although as Floridians we don't get to truly enjoy a full season of fall, you can't help but close your eyes and feel the wind on your face. Or as my husband says, the lovebugs brushing up against your cheek. Either way, fall is a time to cheer on favorite football teams, watch leaves change colors, and give thanks. I'm enjoying fall already!

Watercolors

Today we took an open close look at the power of a plant's stem. The good ole carnation science experiment is a great way for students to see the purpose of a plant's stem. We will be observing over the next couple of days if water will move up through the carnations' stems and produce colored petals. Stay tuned for the results!

Study...S T U D Y...Study

The only way to become a great speller is to practice, practice, practice. We have had some less than stellar spelling grades so far this year, and I would like to see those improve. Our spelling tests require that students are able to pick out the misspelled words, and all of these words are dealing with our spelling pattern of the week. This week our spelling pattern is the short i sound. Remember kids...icky fish! What words can you name that have the short i sound in them?

Meeting Our Reading Buddies

Meeting our reading buddies was very exciting because we read to each other. We also got to know each other. Mrs. Price's class & Mrs.Whitaker's class are going to read, do projects, and celebrate holidays together. This year with the 2nd graders is going to be awesome!!!!!!!
By: Chyna

Making a Model Cell

My science students today became cellular engineers. They were given the task of designing an animal cell. After studying all the parts (or organelles) of an animal cell this week, they constructed one out everyday items. Some students chose bouncy balls to represent the nucleus of their cell, or even buttons to take the place of lysosomes. Parents if you need a refresher on the parts of a cell, check out cellsalive.com. Fun Fact: There are enough cells in the human body to wrap around Earth 47 times! WOW!

Head to the Coast!

On Saturday, September 20th Florida will be holding the International Coastal Cleanup 2008. Did you know that litter kills more than one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles each year? I will be at the coast on the 20th, and I plan on picking up old fishing nets, bags, rope, and any other trash I see. For more information check out http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/icc_poster.pdf.

We're Heading to the Moon!

Students and Parents, remember that all Challenger Center field trip permission slips and money are due this Friday. This is going to be an out of this world experience, and I want all of my children to be able to participate! Check out the Challenger Center website at: http://www.challengertlh.com/.

Doughnuts for Dads!

Our PTO has changed the date for the first Doughnuts for Dads meeting to Wednesday, Septemeber 17th at 7:45 a.m. I hope that all of our Dads will try and make it to this meeting. Grizzly Guys does a great job getting our fathers involved and making a difference at Gilchrist!

Cheer On Your Favorite Team!

Tomorrow is College Day at Gilchrist! Dr. Grantham has requested that we all dress from head to toe in school spirit. Most of you can guess that I will be decked out in orange and blue! I am a third generation Gator, so our loyalty runs deep! Whether you cheer on the Bulldogs (my husband), the War Eagles, the Tide, or even those crazy Seminoles...I hope that you promote the option of college to your fifth grader! It's never too early to get them thinking about all the great possibilities that lie ahead of them!

Your Own Little Piece of the World

My science students got back to nature today with a trip to our garden. Each student was given a string and instructed to make a circle. Within the circle they were to find a plant to focus on. They journaled about the following observations: What was the color, texture, and scent of the plant? Did this plant provide shelter for an animal? What requirements did this plant need to stay alive? The students also sketched or took a leaf rubbing of the plant. We had a great morning, taking science outdoors!

Box Tops = Money

Going to the grocery store is part of our weekly routine in the Whitaker household. As we stroll the aisles, we make sure to pick up products that have Box Tops For Education labels on them. Over the past five years, Gilchrist has received over $12,000 in "free money". Make clip box tops part of your family's weekly routine!
If you would like to know more about this great program, check out: http://www.boxtops4education.com/EmailNewsletters/?WT.mc_id=paid_search_phase2_08&WT.srch=1&sid=262