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.