by Katie Holmberg and Judy Jurnack

Our last theme day was today... Creepy Critter Day!  Students began the day by creating their own bugs with the three main body parts- head, thorax, and abdomen.  First graders were able to sort animals as insects or not insects.  In the afternoon they spent time creating their very own bug board games.  They incorporated bug fact cards into the spaces on their game boards.  At the end of the day first graders made bug masks and received a bug finger puppet to take home.  Theme Days are always among the favorite parts of First Grade!    

by Judy Jurnack and Katie Holmberg

Our Focus Wall is for the week of 5/29/17. Please note that below and silent are not part of List 17's spelling words. This is our last test for the school year!

by Judy Jurnack and Katie Holmberg

First graders celebrated yet another fun-filled Theme Day! They discovered all about frogs and toads. They learned about metamorphosis and diagramed the life-cycle of these amazing amphibians. They completed a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast frogs and toads. They also wrote a brief narrative explaining whether they’d prefer being a frog or a toad. Mrs. Duddy came to share her favorite Frog and Toad story – “The Lost Button.” In the afternoon the first graders hit the blacktop area of the playground and used small plastic hopping frogs to create their own games, utilizing their math skills to add up their points. The children also made a mini habitat for their little dart frog. All in all, it was a very “hoppy” day!

by Mark Saldanha and Shannon Victor

Our Focus Wall is for the week of 5/22/17. Please note that quickly and hopeful​ are not part of List 16's spelling words.

by Kathleen McIntyre and Alexandra O'Hara

Third graders enjoyed a wonderful morning exploring Reinstein Woods.  They saw turtles, snakes, frogs, and deer prints!  A guide helped our students understand how invasive species are harmful to our native animals and plants.  The students were fascinated to learn how invasive species can arrive in an area.  The sun was shining and the forest shared its beauty with us!

by Kathleen McIntyre and Alexandra O'Hara

Third graders enjoyed a fabulous day exploring the Genesee Country Village.  The printer demonstrated the intricacies of creating a flyer or newspaper during colonial times. The pioneer homestead was fascinating with its loft, trundle bed, and cooking pots.  Students really loved seeing the pottery wheel spinning and a mug being created.  The octagon house and inn are always student favorites!  Every third grader wishes we could go again!

by Judy Jurnack and Katie Holmberg

Our Focus Wall is for the week of 5/15/17. Please note that my and by are not part of List 15's spelling test.

by Judy Jurnack and Katie Holmberg

First Graders took a trip to the Albright Knox Art Gallery to develop their "art eyes" (to quote our docent Mr. Dennis).  They went on an art adventure to look for lines, space, light, and color.  Some of the favorite exhibits were the lead pencil Wall Drawing, a Jackson Pollack painting, and a pig sculpture named Charlotte.  First Graders are ready to lead you on a tour of the gallery to see the beautiful art that we are so fortunate to have in Buffalo.

There was great excitement to see the Shantell Martin exhibit.  Ms. Hartman has been teaching about and discussing the artist for the last couple of classes, so the students were well prepared and anxious to see her work with their "art eyes."

by Kathleen McIntyre and Alexandra O'Hara

Students presented their Movie Poster Book Reports this week! Each student enjoyed directing or producing their own movie based on the book that they read.  They loved casting the lead characters and reviewing the book.  Presentations were fabulous.  Now they just need to find investors to make the movies!