Welcome to School #13!

School Thirteen participates in Relay for Life. This morning kicked off our fundraising with Green Bagels for St. Patrick's Day. We had a very large turn-out and our Relay for Life Teams appreciate the support!

On February 27th, students in 4th grade and after school enrichment Spanish class had the opportunity to do real-time video conferences in Spanish with Mrs. Jimenez's nieces from Guayaquil, Ecuador. They asked Carla (13), Tamara (11), Blanca (10) and Betty (9) questions about weather, age, birthday, family, pets, favorite books, movies, food, etc. Students were very excited and enjoyed the experience. Mrs. Jimenez’s nieces were impressed by how well and clear students spoke in Spanish.

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." Dr. Seuss

Today we celebrated, Read Across America. Mayor Anzaldi stopped by to read a story and to give our 2nd and 3rd grade students, Cliff's Class Tours Clifton. This is the second book in the Mayor's Book Club series designed to share important facts about our wonder city in a fun and colorful way. In addition, the Cat in the Hat stopped by to share stories with our kindergarten classes. Everyone enjoyed the day dressed in their pj's. Second grade made a variety of hats and "Buddy" classes joined up to share stories and projects.

Tuesday, Feb. 26 was the 100th school day of the year! In kindergarten through 2nd grade students add counters to keep track of each day in order to strengthen their number sense. For every tenth day they add a new counter representing a whole ten. Students practice counting by 1's, 2's, 5's, and 10's. Until that wonderful day when they have collected ten - 10's equaling 100! 
 
To help celebrate this year's 100th day many activities took place throughout the building. Teachers wore 100 items, during recess we took 100 steps, in class students put together 100 stickers or wore crowns with 100 stars. Second grade has created beautiful projects representing 100 in fun and colorful ways. This is a mile marker for the school year with only eighty days to the last day of school.

On December 11th, we enjoyed the wonderful music created by our band, strings, and chorus students in 4th and 5th grade to help celebrate this holiday season. In this month's, Better Homes and Gardens, there was an article regarding the importance of music lessons in childrens' lives. A study by researchers at Northwestern University showed that, "Even a brief period of playing an instrument could help children hear better when they grow up. Early music-making might shape certain structures in the brain stem, where auditory signals are processed." 

On November 21st, Ronald McDonald visited school to share a "Friendship Adventure". He spoke of many of the ideas we teach on a daily basis here at School Thirteen, including: keys to cooperation, friendship skills, and being active. He stressed the Golden Rule of treating others the way we would like to be treated. As Ronald said his farewells, he made sure to say good-bye to every student and teacher in the audience. It was a wonderful assembly and a great way to begin our Thanksgiving celebration!

In our second grade students are reading a story called, Teacher's Pet by Dayle Ann Dodds. It is a story about a teacher named Mrs. Fry who invites her students to bring their pets to school. Our second grade decided to bring their favorite animal to school, too!

Today the entire school created a big, red letter 'R' for Red Ribbon Week. It is our way to say we understand the importance of being drug and alcohol free!

 The robot will now be called, "Wally!" Students had a wonderful time at the hospital and appreciated the delicious lunch that was shared.

Today, September 11, 2012, is Patriot Day! The entire school met out by our flag to share a moment of silence, to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and to sing, "Grand Ol' Flag". Many students wore red, white, and blue to honor this special day.