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