Science Fair Project Groups

Wednesday, March 07, 2012                                     

Science Fair Project Groups and Themes

1)Saul/ Fahira / Daniella / Isabella

2)Lia/ Valeria / Jose. G. / Daniel

3) Manel/ Enmanuel / Linette / Esmeralda

4) Joshua / Marco R / Marco E/ Lucia

Group 1: Do lunch packing materials decompose faster if they are buried in the ground or on top of the ground, and what materials decompose quicker?

 Link : http://web.archive.org/web/20080622094413/http://www.fellowshipch.org/pcasfdan02.html

Group 2 : Construct biodegradable cups to replace Styrofoam cups.

Link for the project :   

http://www.odec.ca/projects/2003/ghous3m/public_html/experiment.htm

Group 3: Used coffee grinds can be recycled, add value to improve plant growth and help the environment.

Link : http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/History/2007/Projects/J1729.pdf

Group 4: Research recycling technological equipment/

Link : http://library.thinkquest.org/06aug/02218/

Important Events

Dear Parents Here is a list of important Events that will be going on in the month of March. 
















March 5th : Visit of "El tour del Tiguerito".
March 7th : Accas Drama Festival

 March 11th : Family Fun Day 7  - 10: am - 4: 00 pm .
March 11th : SJS  Got Talent.  - If yu want your kids to participate or if they want to participate with more classmates in the talent show , they just have to notify me so i can include them on the list.

March 28th:  Spelling Bee Contest  it will be held in Dominico Americano.

March 30th: StuCo Spring Color Day 

March 30th : End of Quarter 3

Homework Policy Folder : 


I also sent Home today the new homework folder policy , please sign and return the  folder, your children must return this folder everyday day in the morning when they come back from class. This is a way for them to work on their organization skills and their responsibility skills.

Thank you for your cooperation .

Ms. Gissett Polanco 


"Education would be so much more effective if its purpose were to ensure that by the time they leave school every boy and girl should know how much they don't know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it." 
-- Sir William Haley

Making Schools Better: Parents Make a Difference

We all know that parents make a difference.  We know that from our experiences in life--experiences as children, neighbors, relatives, and educators.  Everyone knows that parents make a difference, but not every parent knows what it takes to make a difference for their child.

No parent is perfect.  It's a huge job particularly in a society that often disregards what's best for children and families.  Despite the challenges, it's our responsibility as parents to put ourselves second and focus on what's best for our children.

I've created a list of actions that I believe make a difference for children:

• Time: time to talk, play, question and explore with trusting, caring adults.
• Nutrition: healthy food makes everyone feel better thus creating greater happiness.
• Rest: seems so simple, but a good night's sleep for children and other family members matters.
• Reading: A book a night, simple or complex, will nurture your child's mind.
• Shared entertainment and activity: visit a museum, picnic in the park, climb a mountain, take a bike ride, swim at the beach, watch a movie, play a board game, camp. . .
• Family Meetings: meet and talk together about what's important for each member of the family, and as a team set priorities and schedule.
• Honesty: share your challenges and struggles with your children, and talk about injustice and weakness in developmentally appropriate ways as that will prepare your children for life's realities.
• Take Charge: children are the responsibility of parents--set limits, be observant.
• Engage your children in activities that interest them. Stand on the sidelines, converse with other parents, and learn all you can about your children and the programs they are involved in.
• Spend your money wisely on quality toys and objects that support learning and fun.
• Find out about and take advantage of public programs at the local library, parks, museums, and recreation facilities.
• Dream: create dreams together, work for them and plan--then enjoy.

Our country can do a better job to support families.  We need to vote for leaders that understand that.  Today, many families are compromised because parents are working so hard to support their families that they run out of time to do the things on the list above.

In summary, as parents, we make a difference for our children, and as parents we have to work together to advocate for laws and actions that support children and families well.

Important

Dear Parents and Family Members,

I've been reading a lot about homework lately.  There are many points of view related to the subject.  The one point that almost everyone agrees with is that homework needs to be tailored to the individual student.  Now that's difficult for a teacher to do if he or she is working with a large number of students each day, but if teachers, parents and students work as a team, it's doable.

Let's think about your child for a minute.  How does he or she come home from school each day?  Is he really tired or is she raring for more academic work? Does she immediately want to go outside and play or does he find a cozy nook and read a book?  Every family member's answer to these questions will differ as every child meets school with his or her unique perspective, stamina, interest and skill.

So with respect to homework, I say, let's work together.  I'll post a learning list that's updated regularly.  It will include the main, independent practice skills students need to master as well as projects that can be worked on in and out of class.  I'll leave it up to you to make your child's schedule, and to modify as you see appropriate.  If you're not quite sure or have some other ideas for me and/or your child, let's meet to discuss it.

Studies show that math practice homework makes a difference, but most other homework doesn't make a significant difference.  Yet, we all know that those that read often do better on most tests and acquire tremendous knowledge building a strong foundation for future learning.  Therefore reading and math practice should top the list.  

Some of you have budding dancers, athletes, artists, and other specialty skills--those matter too, and should count as "homework."  If your child is passionate about the violin and he/she practices every night a week for thirty minutes--that should be considered as part of their overall effort and study.  The goal for parents is to find a just right balance of play, learning, passions, family and other important aspects of a child's life.

The overall goal is engagement, love of learning and enthusiasm.  Enthusiastic, self confident, positive students will go much further than overworked, frustrated, exhausted and defeated students.  Learning, whether it's at home, in school or in other venues, like parenting is a dance, a give-and-take, a set of stepping stones to life long learning, happiness and success.

This is a start to a much bigger conversation.  I welcome your comments and ideas.  Don't hesitate to contact me or comment below.