By Christine Marth and Leigh Mikulka

​After much anticipation, fourth grade launched Shark Tank this week! Mr. Garra and Mrs. Charles joined the fourth graders and got their creative minds moving. They talked about the definition of creativity and how to develop ideas through divergent and convergent thinking. The students had a blast with a practice situation to solve, “What may be all the ways to get a hippo out of a bathtub?” Stay tuned for more Shark Tank updates!

The next math test will be on Thursday May 4th.

Mark your calendars for the Author Celebration:
Mikulka homeroom - Tuesday May 9th @ 8:30am
Marth homeroom - Wednesday May 10th @ 8:30 am

By Alyssa Charles

This week third graders started expanding on their knowledge of fractions.  Pattern blocks are an extremely helpful manipulative used in many grades when talking about parts and wholes and equivalencies.  We often use the hexagon as the ONE or whole, so it follows that the trapezoid is half, rhombuses are thirds and triangles are sixths.  I always let the students play before using manipulative as tools.  Play, as well all know, also helps us learn.

by Kathleen McIntyre and Alexandra O'Hara

Third graders had a lot of fun creating our auction gift for the fabulous Party on New Amsterdam this Saturday.  Each student placed fingerprints randomly in the peace sign. There is a key at the bottom to find your child's fingerprint.  Happy Bidding!  Third grade is so proud of their auction item.

by Katie Holmberg and Judy Jurnack

By Christine Marth and Leigh Mikulka

EFS eighth grade student, Emma N., engaged the fourth graders in a lesson about creativity in education.  This lesson, delivered as part of Emma's IDEA Project, was a window into the work that lies ahead of the students in Upper School.  It also was a fantastic springboard for the Fourth Grade Shark Tank project that will be announced next week. Get ready to listen to some big ideas at home! 

by Kathleen McIntyre and Kate Lynett

3rd grade is so excited for Mrs. and Mr. Lynett!  We cannot wait to meet  sweet Sophie! Mrs. Lynett's last day was filled with smiles, tears, hugs, games, and a sweet treat!  We miss Mrs. Lynett, but are so thrilled for her and her fabulous new adventures!

by Katie Holmberg and Judy Jurnack

First graders have been learning about simple machines in science.  They were so excited to see their learning in action today in the 6th grade science classrooms.  EFS 6th graders shared their paper roller coasters and their Rube Goldberg machines with first grade students.  First graders saw pulleys, inclined planes, and levers used to create some unique and imaginative science projects.  Some of their favorites were:  How to Staple Paper, How to Brush your Teeth, and the roller coaster modeled after the Disney World Castle.  Thank you 6th grade science students!

by Kathleen McIntyre and Alexandra O'Hara

Third graders began working on their service learning project this week.  A special thank you to all students that brought in materials!  The students enjoyed making the toys for the cats at the Buffalo Animal Shelter.  Knowing that the cats would have hours of fun and frolicking filled the students' hearts with joy.

by Judy Jurnack and Katie Holmberg

Our Focus Wall is for the week of 4/24/17. Please note that zoo and boot are not part of List 12's spelling test.

By Christine Marth and Leigh Mikulka

Fourth grade students advanced their coding skills this week by working with Probots.  These programmable cars allowed students to test their knowledge of basic coding skills and procedures.  The hands-on learning (disguised as fun) culminated with glow-in-the-dark bumper cars!