Book Fair, Spaghetti Dinner,
& Awards
The book fair will start on Thursday evening following the awards presentation on March 24. The awards will be given out at 6:00 p.m. and the spaghetti dinner and book fair will follow. The dinner is free. The profits from the book fair will go to the library. Teachers will have wish lists for their classrooms. This is a fun time for the whole community.
The Blue Train Took Several
Trips
The Blue Train program gets its name from the Blue Train in Africa, which was originally only for the elite few and then was opened up for the many. Our Blue Train program is for all the children to present what they have learned and incorporate technology into the curriculum and presentation. The students give their grade-level expectations, which are outlined by the state. When a student gives a presentation on a subject, they are learning research skills, grammar, technology skills, and other items that you will see mentioned. You will find a copy of the grade-level expectations for each grade in the library. They are also listed in each student’s grade card. The Blue Train program was praised by the state as one of the strengths of our school and it helped moved our classification to a “school accredited by distinction.”
Parents, teachers, students, and community members met in the Luxembourg Library at Missouri City School to watch students from each classroom give presentations. Refreshments were served by Jackie Vickrey.
Blue Train rode on December 8th.
Dillon Griffey, a second grade student, showed that he could make a four-square writing paper. He showed that he could also get a picture from the server and save it in a Microsoft Word document.
Kara Holder, a third grade student, gave a PowerPoint presentation and switched between the laptop and the Elmo. Her presentation was “How to Subtract and Estimate.” She would switch to the Elmo to demonstrate her ability to work a three-digit subtraction problem with regrouping. Then she would follow through with checking her answer with addition. Her grade-level expectations were:
· Read and write three-digit numbers.
· Compute three-digit problems.
· Estimate and justify the answer.
Sirena Masoner, a fifth grade student, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the “Loggerhead Sea Turtle.” Her grade-level expectations for this assignment on an endangered species are:
· Classify animals as vertebrates and invertebrates.
· Classify animals into classes (amphibians, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.)
· Explain how characteristics of each class are the basis for classification.
· Differentiate among the kingdoms.
Johnny Carter, a sixth grade student, also gave a PowerPoint on an endangered species, “The Jaguar.” Her grade-level expectations included:
· Classify animals as vertebrates and invertebrates.
· Classify animals into classes (amphibians, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.).
· Explain how characteristics of each class are the basis for classification.
· Show the differences among the kingdoms.
· Identify structures within a cell (nucleus, cell membrane, vacuoles, cytoplasm) and explain the functions of each.
· Explain the importance of reproduction.
· Identify factors in an ecosystem that effect the population. Also, identify the beneficial and harmful activities of organisms, including humans that affect all ecosystems.
· Diagram and describe the flow of energy in a pyramid, food chain or food web for a given population.
Kate De Vries, a seventh grade student, gave a PowerPoint presentation on Evel Knieval. Her grade-level expectations included:
· Locate and use multiple resources to acquire relevant information, evaluate reliability of information and fulfill research plan.
· Document research sources using a given format.
· Locate and describe real places using absolute and relative location.
· Use technological tools for research and presentation.
· Use parts of speech correctly in written text.
· In writing use dictionary, spell check, and other resources to spell correctly.
· Use a variety of note-taking methods to organize information.
Tommy Ground, a seventh grade student, gave a PowerPoint presentation on “William T. Anderson,” who was called Bloody Bill Anderson. He rode with Quantrill’s band of guerillas during the Civil War. Tommy’s grade-level expectations included:
· Read and follow multi-step directions to complete a task.
· Document research sources using a given format.
· In writing, use dictionary, spell check, and other resources to spell correctly.
· Use technological tools for research and presentation.
Chas Cone, an eighth grade student, gave a PowerPoint presentation on “The Revolutionary War.” His grade-level expectations included:
· Read and follow multi-step directions to complete a task.
· Locate and use multiple resources to, acquire relevant information, evaluate reliability of information, and fulfill research plan.
· Document research sources using a given format.
· Use technological tools for research and presentation.
· Interpret the American Revolution, including the perspectives of patriots, and loyalists and factors that explain why the Americans were successful.
The Blue Train went for a ride on January 26th, with three students presenting. Each student told about their grade-level expectations. The state gives the guidelines to teach each subject on each grade
Zachary Iseton, a third grade student, gave a PowerPoint presentation on “Learning About Multiplication.” He explained the factors, products, and an array. He showed his mastery of two-step story problems. He was able to switch from the laptop to the Elmo to demonstrate an array and to demonstrate solving a two-step story problem. During the question and answer period, the audience was giving him multiplication problems up to 12 x 12. His grade level expectations were:
· Learn times tables
· Solve story problems using multiplication
· Model a times problem using objects
Linnea Nierman, a fourth grade student, gave a presentation on the “Arctic Fox.” Her grade-level expectations were:
· Categorize producers, consumers, and decomposers.
· Show a food chain.
· Define herbivore, carnivore, and omnivore.
· Understand measurement.
Linnea told about the habitat, diet, behavior, physical characteristics, adaptations, and some interesting facts about the arctic fox. With this PowerPoint she learned to find a picture on the Internet and insert it into her presentation.
Joshua De Vries, an eighth grade student, gave a PowerPoint on Iwo Jima. The audience was very impressed with the facts about the island, the World War II battle, and about the flag-raising monument. His grade-level expectations were:
· Locate and use multiple resources to: acquire relevant information; evaluate reliability of information; and fulfill research plan.
· Document research sources using a given format.
He was inspired to make a PowerPoint presentation on Iwo Jima after reading the book, Flags of Our Fathers.
The Blue Train Rode on February 23
Valia Still, a second grade student, gave a PowerPoint on “Martin Luther King”. Her objectives were:
· Using correct punctuation
· Using correct capitalization
· Import a picture from the server and insert it into a document
Tyler Thompson, a third grade student, gave a presentation on “The Bengal Tiger.” His grade-level expectations were:
· Explain examples of producer/consumer and predator/prey.
· Explain food chains.
· Use directions.
· Explain herbivore, carnivore and omnivore.
Kalani Still, a fourth grade student, gave a PowerPoint on “Haiku”, a Japanese form of poetry. Her grade-level expectations were:
· Follow 3-4 step directions for writing.
· Pre-write, proofread, and publish writing.
· Use correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
Anthony McCurley, a fifth grade student gave a presentation on “George Washington Carver.” His grade-level expectations were:
· Identify different kinds of regions in the U.S.
· Use technological tools for research and presentation
· Apply post–reading skills to comprehend and interpret text: draw conclusions and summarize
· Use note-taking system to organize information from written text
· Follow a writing process to: organize information and apply to write effectively in various forms and types of writing
· Use capitalization in written text: proper nouns
· Give credit for other’s ideas and information by listing sources used in research
The second quarter Awards
assembly
On January 28 the second quarter awards assembly was held in the Luxembourg Library. The students were awarded prized provided by P.E.R.C. (Parents and Teachers for Responsible Choices)
Kindergarten
Shyanne Adcock received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· Perfect attendance
· Identify and writes letters g, h, l, o, r, s, t, and u
· Identify and writes numbers 25 through 50
· Writes first and last name
· Outstanding reader
· Tie shoes
· Adds 2-digit numbers without regrouping
Alyssa Arreola received awards for:
· Identify and writes letters g, h, l, o, r, s, t, and u
· Writes first and last name
· Outstanding reader
· Ties shoes
Sterling Shiflett-Rodgers received an award for writing his first name.
Mikayla Selle received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Identify and writes letters g, h, l, o, r, s, t, and u
· Writes first and last name
· Outstanding reader
First Grade
Valerie Nierman received awards for:
· Learning nouns and proper nouns
· Outstanding Speller
· Adds 2-digit numbers without regrouping
· Knows all Action Reading sounds (phonics) without picture cue
Wyatt Teel received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Outstanding Speller
· Adds 2-digit numbers without regrouping
Second Grade
Bradlee Dillee received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Signed newsletters
· Knows all Action Reading sounds (phonics) without picture cue
· Can say aah, buh, cuh’s (a, b, c sounds) in order
· Outstanding Speller
· Knows nouns, proper pronouns, and adjectives
· Counts money, any amount
· Completed more computer book reports than were required
Dillon Griffey received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· Knows all Action Reading sounds (phonics) without picture cue
· Knows nouns, proper pronouns, and adjectives
· Can say aah, buh, cuh’s (a, b, c sounds) in order
· Counts money, any amount
Valia Still received awards for:
· Knows all Action Reading sounds (phonics) without picture cue
· Knows nouns, proper pronouns, and adjectives
· Can say aah, buh, cuh’s (a, b, c sounds) in order
· Completed more computer book reports than were required
Third Grade
Kara Holder received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· Keeping a reading log
· Completing Pilgrim program
Zachary Iseton received an award for getting on the “B” honor roll.
Tyler Thompson received awards for:
· “B” honor roll
· Completing Pilgrim program
Alexis Arreola received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· “B” honor roll
· Completing Pilgrim program
Fourth Grade
Linnea Nierman received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Signed newsletters
· “A” honor roll
· Keeping a reading log
· Completing Pilgrim program
Kalani Still received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· “A” honor roll
· Keeping a reading log
· Completing Pilgrim program
Tabitha Swatosh received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Principal honor roll (all A’s)
· Spelling test B+ or higher
· Keeping a reading log
· Completing Pilgrim program
· Completed more computer book reports than were required
· Passing the most computer book reports for the 2nd quarter
Fifth Grade
Kalyn Brown received awards for:
· “B” honor roll
· R.A.P. – Good citizenship
· 90% or higher on writing a short story
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
· Keeping a reading log
Megan Brown received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Signed newsletters
· “B” honor roll
· 90% or higher on writing a short story
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
Sirena Masoner received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· “B” honor roll
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
Anthony McCurley received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· Principal honor roll (all A’s)
· Turned in all assignments
· 90% or higher on writing a short story
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
· Keeping a reading log
Caleb Powell received awards for:
· Signed newsletters
· “B” honor roll
· 90% or higher on all spelling tests
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
· Keeping a reading log
Sixth Grade
Johnny Carter received awards for:
· Principal honor roll (all A’s)
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
· Keeping a reading log
Lindsey Deason received awards for:
· Principal honor roll (all A’s)
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
· Keeping a reading log
· Turned in all assignments
· 90% or higher on writing a short story
Dillon Johnson received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Signed newsletters
· Principal honor roll (all A’s)
· 90% or higher on all spelling tests
· Turned in all assignments
· 90% or higher on writing a short story
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
· Keeping a reading log
Cana Poteet received awards for:
· Principal honor roll (all A’s)
· 90% or higher on writing a short story
· 90% or higher on all chapter book tests
· Keeping a reading log
Matthew Reffitt received an award for having 90% or higher on all chapter book tests.
Seventh Grade
Alison Adams received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· “B” Honor Roll
· Outstanding Citizenship
· Spelling Test – 80% or better
Kate De Vries received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· “B” honor roll
· Outstanding Citizenship
· Spelling Test – 80% or better
Sean O’Connor received awards for:
· Perfect attendance
· Spelling Test – 80% or better
Sala Still received an award for getting 80% or better on his spelling tests.
Eighth Grade
Chas Cone received an award for perfect attendance.
Josh De Vries received awards for:
· Principal honor roll (all A’s)
· Outstanding Citizenship
· Spelling Test – 80% or better
· Perfect attendance
Matthew Roberts received awards for:
· “B” honor roll
· Outstanding Citizenship
· Spelling Test – 80% or better
· Perfect attendance
The following students received an award for presenting on Blue Train night during the first quarter or the second quarter:
Josh De Vries Michael Eppley Bradlee Dillee Chas Cone Dillon Griffey Wyatt Teel
Kate De Vries Ali Adams Alyssa Arreola Valerie Nierman Kalani Still Tabitha Swatosh
Sirena Masoner Zachary Iseton Kalyn Brown Kara Holder Megan Brown Linnea Nierman
People at school or in the community nominate students from kindergarten to 12th grade for “Caught in the Act” of doing something good. The following students received the “Caught in the Act” award:
Mikayla Selle Valerie Nierman Wyatt Teel Amanda Montgomery Tabitha Swatosh Caleb Powell
Cana Poteet Sirena Masoner Megan Brown Kalyn Brown Matthew Reffitt Kate De Vries
Melissa Holland Alison Adams Michael Eppley Matthew Roberts Josh De Vries Valia Still
Cheerleaders Make a
Difference
We have some super cheerleaders in Missouri City. In December, the Missouri City cheerleaders entertained the residents of Royal Care Nursing Home in Excelsior Springs with holiday songs and cheers. The cheerleaders had a bake sale in December and made a profit of $18.00. The money was used to purchase gift items for the nursing home residents. Also, the cheerleaders presented the nursing home staff with Christmas tree ornaments that had been hand painted by our students at craft day in December sponsored by P.E.R.C. (Parents and Educators for Responsible Choices)
All staff and residents at Royal Care enjoyed our cheerleaders so much they were asked to come back and perform again. The cheerleaders will be going back sometime in March. Good job, girls!
Our cheerleaders are: Ali Adams, Megan Brown, Kalyn Brown, Cana Poteet, Lindsay Deason, and Sirena Masoner.
The cheerleaders will be having another bake sale soon and they are planning activities for spring, possibly roller-skating and a pizza party, and later in the spring, a fun overnight.
Danny Cox Visited Missouri
City
First the students went to Kansas City to see a production where Danny Cox was playing Fredrick Douglass. He was fantastic. Then he came to talk to our students about civil rights. Wanting equal rights isn’t just a African American issue, it’s a woman’s issue, it’s a child’s issue, and it’s a minority issue. Danny Cox writes and does the voice in many commercials. He also sings and plays the guitar. He sang his way into all of our hearts.
Donations
Wal-Mart comes in once a month to bring goodies to those teachers who have a wish list. They also bring birthday cake to celebrate with anyone who has a birthday during that month. This month was no different. They came with boxes of snacks to have when tutoring students in the afternoon. They bring cleaning supplies, and they bring food for the cafeteria. Thank you, Wal-Mart, for all your help.
Thomas McRady Donates Banjo
Mr. McRady donated a brand new Morgun Monroe Rocky Top banjo to our school. It is a 900-dollar banjo. It is decorated with brass and with inlaid mother of pearl. It is gorgeous! The banjo is carried in a new case lined in red velvet. Thank you, Mr. McRady.
Dogs at School
We’re having problem with dogs. There are a lot of them and they’re creating problems at recess. If you can help us by monitoring the whereabouts of your loved one during school hours, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you
Public Notice: All public schools are required to give a free and appropriate public education to all students with disabilities, including those attending private/parochial schools, beginning on the child’s third birthday through age twenty (20), regardless of the child’s disability. The public school assures that to comply with the full educational opportunity goal, services for students three (3) through twenty-one (21) will be fully implemented by 1999. Disabilities include: learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavior disorders/emotional disturbance, speech disorders (voice, fluency, or articulation), language disorders, visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically/or other health impaired, multiple disabilities, deaf/blind, autism, early childhood special education, and traumatic brain injury.
Do you need to get a GED? Maplewoods has a self-study program you can do in your own time and you can work with their tutors. FREE! Call Missouri City School at 750-4391. We’ll help you arrange it.
Teach your child to be responsible managing money
Teach your child to be responsible about money now, and you’ll be giving him tools to make smart financial decisions later. Here are three options used by parents:
1. The Dole System. Parents give children money as they see fit. There’s no emphasis on budgeting or saving.
2. Earned Spending Money. Parents pay children for doing chores. The children can budget and save.
3. Allowances. Parents regularly give children a set amount of money.
As you consider which option to use, ask yourself these questions:
· What is the money for? Is the goal to have your child learn to handle money responsibly? Is the money for things your child needs or for extras he wants?
· Who buys what? Will you cover all his expenses, or will he become responsible for things like posters and CDs?
· How much control will he have? Can he use his money to purchase anything he wishes, or will there be limits?
Source: Shari Steelsmith,
“Teaching Children to Manage Their Money.”
Printed by permission of The Parent Institute
