Staff Sergeant Chris Grady

Staff Sergeant Chris Grady visited with the 5th graders on Veteran's Day. He is in the Army Reserve and spent one year in Afganistan. He explained life in Afganistan while showing many pictures. Plus he brought several items such as his helmet, scarves, hats, and blankets to share with the students. The students enjoyed listening to this veteran's experiences in Afganistan. Thanks for serving our county.

Veteran's Day

All of the 5th graders created flags in tribute of Veteran's Day. The students were very creative. There were flags made from a boot, clock, basketball, scooter, wood, planter, Christmas lights, posters, and many other materials.

Veteran

Go Titans!

Weather Instruments

Mrs. Klocke's section created weather instruments. They made thermometers, rain gauges, baraometers, wind vanes, and anemometers. Keep watching and discussing the weather with your child.

D.A.R.E.

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. It is also an acronym for a decision making model.

• Define the problem


• Access your choices


• Respond to the situation


• Evaluation - Did you make a good decision?

We learned several ways to Take Charge in a positive way. They are to walk away, say no, strength in numbers, avoid the situation, skipping CD, use humor, and change the subject. We also learned how different kinds of drugs such as tobacco, beer, liquor, inhalants, and marijuana can harm our body and others. We talked a lot about bullying and how to handle a situation if we are bullied or see someone being bullied.

Thank you to Officer Schoop for teaching us how to take charge in our lives. Drug Free is the Way to Be!

Rollerskating in P.E.

A big thank you to Mr. Schultz for planning our rollerskating unit. It was so much fun. I truly believe rollerskating is a life long skill the students can use. It is a great way for them to get exercise; and boy, were they ever hot and sweaty after each day of rollerskating. I even got into the adventure and rollerskated with them for a while on their last day.

Field Trip to Des Moines

On March 29, the 5th graders boarded the bus to Des Moines. First, the visited the Iowa Hall of Pride. They watched a short video showcasing the great opportunities for people in Iowa. Then the students went on a scavenger hunt in groups to find information and famous Iowans in the Hall of Pride. Students also did activities such as walked on a treadmill, announced a game like a broadcaster, sang songs, and played virtual basketball. Many of the students favorite part was the game room. Every student received tokens and could play games such as electronic jumproping, basketball, football throw, soccer, hockey, and dancing.

They ended their day at the Civic Center watching Freedom Train. They were mesmerized by the singing and storyline of Harriet Tubman's life.

Russian Kaleidoscope Assembly

The RCL Elementary was treated to a fabulous assembly called "The Russian Kaleidoscope." It was extremely educational and fun. The students were exposed to Russian culture, geography, arts, and education. He played several instruments, sang, danced, showed a slide show, and presented many items from Russia. The 5th graders researched Russia before the assembly during guidance, technology, and social studies classes.

Simply Electrifying

The Science Center of Iowa presented a program entitled "Simply Electrifying" to the 2nd- 5th graders. It went perfectly with our electricity unit. He discussed Edison and Tessla who were in a competition dealing with direct and alternating current. Other topics were static electricity, conductors, insulators, and electrical safety.

A big thank you to MidAmerican Energy Company for sponsoring this program for our school.

A Tree Full of Fall Poetry

Skeletons, Skeletons, Skeletons

Can you find your femur, phalanges, and patella?

Body Systems

The 5th graders studied the body systems this fall. They learned the major bones in the body. For a project they had to label, cut, and assemble the skeleton. At the conclusion of the body system unit, they worked in groups to draw many of the organs of each body system on a lifesize human body outline. I was proud of how well they worked in groups.

Weather Instruments

The students made a variety of weather instruments such as weather vanes, thermometers, anemometers, wind socks, and rain gauges.