New faces at Park School

Park Principal

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all students and staff as we begin a new year at Park Elementary. As Principal, I would like to extend my greetings as well and invite parents and community member to visit us and see what we are learning! There have been some changes here and throughout the district, but our goals remain the same and that is to provide our students with a quality education in a safe and secure environment.

New teachers at Park this year include Heather Miller. Miller is returning to Park to teach third grade after spending last year at Crestwood teaching first graders. Nate Keller is joining our staff as a full time physical education teacher. Keller comes from Sandusky St. Mary's where he taught grades 7-12 physical education. Keller does plan to continue the Miler's Club and is working to get that activity up and "running".

Park is happy to be serving breakfast to students this year. Approximately 50 students are enjoying the delicious choices our new service provider, Chartwells, is cooking up each morning. Remember that breakfast is available for just $1.10 every day.

Third grade students have adjusted well to Park School. They began the year by studying the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. Anna Aiken, a third grade student, brought in three monarch eggs which the students have enjoyed watching change into a chrysalis and then hatch. The butterflies have been released.

The students have also been researching the migration patterns of the monarch as well as completing butterfly art projects. Third graders are also anxiously awaiting the birth of baby guinea pigs. In math the students have been reviewing many second grade skills and number patterns.

Fourth grade students began the year by reading several poems to practice fluency and have started work on writing personal narratives. In math the students are using templates to create one-dimensional shapes. Then they used straws and twist ties to construct three-dimensional polygons. Staying Healthy has been an important theme to begin the school year.

Students studied how germs spread by the use of a special hand lotion and a black light. Many students were surprised to learn how easily germs can be passed from on to another. The importance of regular and thorough hand washing was stressed.

Fifth graders have enjoyed their role as the leaders of Park school. Staff has stressed to them the importance of being good role models for the younger students. In Language Arts the students had the chance to create a personal time line and bring in items to share during an oral presentation. This was a wonderful way to get to know one another.

Eco systems have been the science topic. Many hands on activities have been a part of this unit. Math topics have included some review from fourth grade including factors and arrays. Ask your fifth grader to show you a rainbow array. Looking ahead to next year, 5th graders will have the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for 6th grade camp. The kick off for this event will be Sept. 11.

We are lucky to have one preschool class in our building this year. Miss Lahiff and Mrs. Tejkl are the teachers and these little faces are a pleasure to have at Park. They have been busy learning all about each other. They enjoy creative activities and have made pancakes and play dough.

The nine morning students and eight afternoon students are reviewing letters and learning the sounds that letters make. Since many students have recently been to the Fulton County Fair, the next topic will be farm animals.

PAWS rules have been reviewed in all classes. The type of behavior that is expected from all students as well as the consequences for choosing inappropriate behavior has been discussed in each and every class. Parents can help by reminding students the importance of following those rules. Park school will continue to work in partnership with parents to provide an atmosphere of respect and mutual understanding of those rules and consequences.

In the coming weeks 4th and 5th grade students will have the opportunity to take part in Student Council elections. Student council members are leaders in our school who meet weekly. They have responsibilities at school including daily announcements and changing the sign out front!

Students wishing to participate will be required to give a speech to their homeroom before the election is held. One member from each fourth grade class and 3 members from each fifth grade class will be elected to the council. Once the council is formed officers will be elected. Mark Philippi, fifth grade teacher, is the student council advisor.