Onion Harvest

Mr. Hornsby's class has been hard at work in the habitat this year. They planted sweet onion and potato seeds (courtesy of Real School Gardens) in March. Since then they have made several class visits to the habitat to observe, journal, measure, and take note of the changes they saw happening.
Last week it was finally time to harvest their onions. This learning experience has been an excellent opportunity for their class. They have been able to enjoy read alouds about gardening, potatoes, life cycles, and plants.
The habitat lends itself to many cross curricular learning opportunities for our entire school!!

Community Garden

We are so excited to see the community garden come together at our school. This past Saturday, dozens of volunteers from our school and community helped build 20 raised beds. Check out the write up in the Grand Prairie Reporter!!!

Interested in helping???

20 more beds are scheduled to be constructed this Saturday from 10am-2pm. We would love to see more volunteers out there as we continue this exciting addition to our community. Look for information to come home with your student, or contact Tammy Chan at 927-237-8152.

Thanks for helping to Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful!!!

5th Grade TAKS

Today (and tomorrow) our 5th graders will be taking the TAKS Test. They have worked all year to prepare for this moment in time. We wish them the very best of luck... knowing that their teachers are the BEST teachers around and have done absolutely everything they can to ensure nothing but success.

In the weeks leading up to today, the 5th graders participated in a Math and Reading Boot Camp. Boot Camp provided students with small group instruction. Each day they worked on a different skill and really put to use the strategies their teachers have taught them. Throughout Boot Camp students worked to earn points for homework, using strategies, and participation. All students earning 40 points over the two weeks will get to participate in Game Day this Friday. It's a well deserved reward for their hard work this year!!

You can do it, 5th grade... We're all rootin' for ya!

Science Club

Our K-2 students have spent the last 10 weeks studying composting – both leaf composting & vermicomposting - and the benefits it brings to our environment. We used the curriculum ‘Worms Eat Our Garbage’ to guide our lessons and understand that we can reduce our waste by using such a simple concept. The students culminated their studies by creating their own ‘mini worm bin’ for use at home. Our hope is that this concept will spread beyond the walls of our school community.

We Wrote An Author!!

Mr. Martin's 2nd grade class recently finished reading an autobiography titled, Small Steps by Peg Kehret. He first read this book about seven years ago and became quite moved by the author's story and life experiences. He was unsure how his 2nd graders would react to the book, but he decided to use it as his read aloud each day after lunch anyway. Each child became so engaged in the story and anticipated the special time they shared on the carpet reading the book.

Upon completing the book, the students decided to write letters to Mrs. Kehret. It was their desire to follow up on their reading with questions they hope to get answered about Mrs. Kehret's life. Mr. Martin wrote a letter as well... click HERE to read it!!

Shortly after sending Mrs. Kehret their letters, Mr. Martin's 2nd grade class received THIS letter. Needless to say, they were very excited!! This activity with Mr. Martin provided these students with very rich learning opportunities such as: character traits, supporting details, inferencing, differences in life now and in the 1940s, and letter writing.

Thanks for sharing with us!!

A CBS Weatherman Was HERE!!

Garry Seith, a meteorologist from CBS News Channel, visited our fourth graders yesterday to talk about how weather forecasts are presented on T.V. Topics included high pressure (happy weather) and low pressure (lousy weather), most dangerous types of weather, the green screen in a television studio, how weather predictions are made using information such as wind speed, and meteorologists wearing make-up and having to get to work by 3:00 a.m. Some lucky students even got to see a hail demonstration using a ping pong ball and hair dryer.



Marine Biome Creation

4th grade classes are studying biomes in Science and Mrs. Leyton's class is in charge of creating a Marine Biome. Here are some photos she took when they began. She is especially proud of Erik, who took upon himself the giant task of creating an orca whale.

Math in the Habitat

Last week our 5th graders took advantage of the beautiful spring weather and used the habitat to practice their measuring skills. Students worked in groups to measure the planter boxes and then showed their work in math journals as they figured out the perimeter of each box.

A Healthy How To

Mrs. William's 3rd grade class had a great time writing How To papers. Their topic? How to make a salad. Each student used the writing process to plan out their papers. How to writing really makes you  think about every step required in putting together a beautiful, tasty salad. After completing their prewriting, it was time to tie it all together. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to practice the use of transition words, take a piece of writing through the entire writing process, and make real world connections to learning.

Mrs. Williams brought all the ingredients needed for this healthy meal. Take a look at the finished product...

Now, tell me that salad doesn't make your mouth start watering!!

Kudos to Mrs. Ramsey

Mrs. Gullett is always so good about affirming those around her. Today she shared this affirmation about one of our staff members:

I would like to give a big thanks to Pam Ramsey. She has been mentoring one of my students, and I'm so grateful! She has made such a difference in the life of my student. My student's confidence and academic success has increased. We recently wrote about "Our Best Day Ever" and my student wrote about the first day she went to Mrs. Ramsey's room. I've always believed that it takes a village to help kids be successful.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



What a wonderful example of how exemplary our staff is here at Barbara Bush Elementary!!

Food Chain FUN

The fourth grade played a Food Chain game outside today after lunch to introduce upcoming lessons.  The students were divided into groups, the grasshoppers, snakes, hawks, and rats.  The grasshoppers (herbivores) gathered plants (fruit loops) , and if any animal was “eaten,” they had to go into the “decomposition” area.  The activity was followed by discussion and questions such as, “What would make your life easier if you really were one of those animals?”  It was a great day to be outside and a perfect time to blow off steam after sitting through the TAKS test all day yesterday. 

Teacher of the Year

This year Ms. Sandra Mejia, third grade, was chosen as our campus' Teacher of the Year. She was then named in the Top 6 district wide. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication she shows her students and Barbara Bush Elementary.

• I admire you so much. Not only are you a superb teacher, you are a true friend. (Mrs. Bell)
• I admire your strength, hard work and courage. Your daily successes show how dedicated you are to your team, your students, and to the Barbara Bush Campus. Your diligence has been recognized and rewarded. You are fabulous and it is an honor to work with you. (Mrs. Williams)
• As a student teacher, I could not have had a better mentor teacher. She has been such a great example for me to learn from. She has modeled everything from A-Z. This is just one more reason why she truly is teacher of the year! (Ms. Gomez)
• Sandra Mejia is the best! She is a wonderful, caring teacher and mom! I’ve had the great pleasure of working with her and teaching a couple of her children and they reflect their mother beautifully! Congratulations on being our Teacher of the Year!!! (Mrs. Hughes)
• Thanks to Sandra Mejia for being such a positive influence in children’s lives! (Mrs. Grillenbeck)
• Congratulations, Mrs. Mejia. It is a joy to have you represent B. Bush as teacher of the year!!! (Mrs. Jacinto)
• It makes my job easier having a sincere and motivational co-worker like Ms. Mejia. We communicate on a regular basis about the students' success and how we can continue to grow as educators to reach the full potential of all students. She is a great role model, great person and a tremendous asset to the field of education. Don't change and keep up the good work. Congratulations on Teacher of the Year. You deserved it! (Mrs. Robles)
• Sandra Mejia is a role model to me every day.  She is a wonderful teacher, mother, friend and just overall person.  I admire her determination to make things interesting for her students.  She is always doing creative projects and her kids are always upbeat and smiling.  I am so fortunate to be able to work right next door to one of the most amazing teachers on the planet!!!  The staff and students at Barbara Bush are blessed to have her here!!! (Mrs. Desmarais)

TAKS Tomorrow!

Today has been full of encouraging words... reviews... pep talks... whatever it takes to let our 4th graders know we are ALL rooting for them to do their very best on the Writing TAKS test. Their teachers have worked all year in preparing their students for this day. In the middle of getting all things TAKS covered up on their walls and the desks spread out in rows... they paused for a moment this afternoon to pose for this picture.

Our FABULOUS 4th Grade team:

Ms. Roberts, Ms. Hollingsworth, Mrs. Leyton, Mrs. Butcher, Mr. Alvarez

A short rally was held in the cafeteria this afternoon to send the kids off with encouraging words from their teachers. Ms. Hollingsworth worked with some of her students to prepare a very special video.

 

Students also received cookies as reminders of the writing process... what better way to motive and reteach than through FOOD. And everyone loves cookies!!

The writing process through cookies...

Brainstorming: coming up with your ideas (what type of cookie to bake)

Prewriting: gathering up the ingredients

Drafting: a plain ole sugar cookie

Revising and Editing: icing

Publishing: sprinkles

And finally, a special thanks to Mrs. Desmarais for heading up the making of TAKS Crowns. Each student received a crown with encouraging words written on them from past and present teachers. What a wonderful way to show our students support!!

You've got the MAGIC 4th grade!!!

5th Grade Camp

Our 5th graders left yesterday for Camp Pine Cove on beautiful Lake Palestine. The campus sure seems quite without them here. But... while at camp we know they will be having the time of their lives. They will return Friday afternoon with lots of stories, memories, and learning experiencs

Here are just a few things our 5th graders are sure to take away from their camp experience:

• Outdoor Education brings the classroom into the out-of-doors. Students learn about the environment through active, hands-on investigation. The program involves the student's entire curriculum, from math to art to science.
• The Outdoor Education Center, in addition to reinforcing the student's curriculum, stresses the importance of living together in a community, respecting the values and differences of other individuals.
• Outdoor Education is a program that cannot be taught within classroom walls. It's more than learning, it's experiencing and living within the natural environment.

And here's a picture of the fabulous 5th grade team!!

I have a dream...

In January, Mrs. Grillenbeck's kindergarten class visited the library for a special story time about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students discussed racism, equality, freedom, and how the world is a much better place because of the work of Dr. King.

Each student then shared a dream they had. It was really neat to hear the students talk about sharing, being kind to others, and doing the right thing (even when no one is watching!). In celebration of Black History Month, this poster is still hanging proudly on the library doors.

February Recycling Contest

Throughout the month of February our campus has participated in a recycling contest. This contest is held annually by the City of Grand Prairie via the Green and Clean campus program. Monetary prizes are awarded to top recycling campuses.

Shyla, a student in Mrs. Bell's kindergarten class, has REALLY done her part in bringing recyclables to school. Special thanks to Kathy Abdalla and Stephanie Whalen for soliciting the help of Hansen Pressure Pipe in stockpiling their paper recycling specifically for this contest. Their most recent drop off was so big they had to rent a UHAUL.

We are anxious to see how our campus performed in this year's recycling contest. Stay tuned!!

4th grade Writing TAKS

We're one week away from the 4th grade Writing TAKS test (March 1st). Our students and teachers have been working very hard all year to prepare and we are all excited to see how our students do! It's no secret that the entire campus is cheering them on... but it is especially neat to see the signs hung in the 4th grade hallway made by Ms. Hollingsworth.

Over the next couple of days... offer some encouraging words to one (or more!!) of our 4th graders. Maybe an ex-student or just the next 4th grader you see in the hallway. A little motivation from someone who cares can truly go a long way.

4th Grade Optimist Award

On February 21st, 4th Grader Jennifer Neff in Ms. Roberts’ class was honored for being the Most Improved 4th Grade Girl at Barbara Bush. A reception was presented by the Optimist Club of Grand Prairie for all the most improved 4th grade boys and girls throughout the district. Recipients were given goodie bags, a certificate, a medal, and had their pictures taken with a state representative!

Congratulations Jennifer!!!

Guinea Pig Babies

The 5th graders in Ms. Weaver's class got a F.U.N. surprise on Valentine's Day. Their class guinea pig had babies!!! Here they are a week after birth, posing for their first family photo.

What a great way for our students to study mammals, learned behaviors, adaptations, and inherited traits. Speaking of inherited traits, here's a picture of Oreo (the proud dad). It's interesting to see which traits the guinea pigs received from each parent.

Groundhog Day

Although the snow in early February kept us out of school for a few days... our students had the chance to make their predictions for Groundhog Day 2011.

Here's a copy of the poster that was hung on the library doors:

Groundhog Day 2011

According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

Predictions over the last 123 years…

SAW SHADOW        98 times

NO SHADOW          15 times

NO RECORD            10 times
 

So, what do you think Dolphins… Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow on February 2, 2011???

Throughout the week, many classes got to hear a read aloud in the library called, Go to Sleep, Groundhog by Judy Cox. Once they had decided their answer to the question, they brought their groundhog down and taped it to the YES or NO side.

 

It's easy to see... most of our students believed Punxsutawney Phil would see his shadow. However, it was cloudy on February 2nd... and that means we can expect an early spring. This is sure to make our students excited. That means warmer temperatures for RECESS!!!

Welcome!!

Hello Friends!!

Welcome to the official "Good Things" blog for Barbara Bush Elementary. It is our hope that this blog will begin to spread the good news about the wonderful things happening at our school.

Stay tuned...