Wednesday April 29th, 2015

The first part of the math test was finished on Tuesday for all third and fourth grade students. Thank you for helping to keep the hallways quiet. The synergy of staff, both directly and indirectly involved, helped to create a smooth testing day. Everyday, every staff member models something to students. Just as our testing has been completed so efficiently with staff synergy, students also replicate that same synergy in the classroom and throughout the school day.

This picture is just one example, but a great example of students following what staff have modeled this year. These are first grade students synergyzing during their reading lesson in Mrs. Coleman's classroom. Week six is the application and project week in each reading unit, and this week students have been learning about buildings. Students worked in groups of three to create their plan, draw the plan out, and then build a building together. Synergy! Great opportunity for speaking and listening standards, matches the performance task skills upper grades are being tested on right now, as well as collaboration and critical thinking skills:

Here is another first grade classroom using synergy, in Mrs. Lent's classroom. Students applied their reading and speaking skills as they practiced for a reader's theater. The different voices for the parts was priceless. They discussed parts, assigned and practiced, and assisted each other with reading and acting. Synergy is a real life skill required for careers and college. Our students use and practice this habit everyday, starting in preschool.