Sunday Thought

"Having one child makes you a parent; having two you are a referee."   ~David Frost

Thank you to Ryan Roush at Old50 Photography for capturing this scene during Saturday's 2012 Homecoming Game at Loeb Field.  We can all take stock in what makes up a nurturing community for young people and families and we strive to make Parkside Elementary a part of it all.  Have a super week, while together we usher in the days of October!

2012 Homecoming Fun

Friday forecast: 
"What a pretty day for a parade."  ~Gracie
"We get to ride on the float this afternoon!"  ~River
"No rain, cool!"  ~Evan

Practice Makes Perfect

A group of pupils in the after-school program had just had snack and were outside for some fresh air before tutoring began today.  Fourth graders pressed against the fence watching the LHS football team run drills on Loeb Field were overhead saying, "Is that all they ever do is practice?  They must love their coaches."   

Simple Logic

With many rain filled days this week, children have been unable to go outside for recess as often as they would like.  One first grader told her group of classmates that the weather was great.  She remarked, "I like rain!  They looked at her in wonder, asking why she felt that way.  It's simple she said.  When it rains, that means my daddy gets to come home early from the fields."  Her comment made me think........

Did You Notice?

Recently a staff member was given a small, pink note by a child who had something important to  share.  The teacher was personally handed the message or rather, the child's observation.  The writer complemented the woman on her outfit, noting the colors and how pretty the entire ensemble looked.  The carefully worded message was signed: "The Fashion Police."  

Fall Leads into Winter

During a "Building Words" lesson, a group of first graders were discussing words like "fox" and "frog." Then the conversation turned to the coming of colder weather. 
Jack:  "I know an animal that hibernates in the winter."
Reid:  "Which one is it?  I think the frog, right?"
Jack:  "Yes, they dig a hole and sleep in the mud."
Ella:  "What about a fox?  I don't think they hibernate."
Jack:  "No, they don't.  A fox is an animal that will adapt in the winter time."   
I love to watch kids use their intellect and share ideas!

Sunday Thought

"Fortunately for children, the uncertainties of the present always give way to the enchanted possibilities of the future."  ~Gelsey Kirkland

Thank you for the belief you place in children.
After all, they are our children as well.
Fall is here........have a fabulous week!

Happy Birthday Clifford!

Happy Birthday to the big red dog who's 50-years- young! 
Discover and share Clifford's stories; kids love them.  See
Mrs. Steffey in the library or any teacher for suggestions.

"Hard to Pick"

"We get to do centers and exercise.  We do science too.   
  It is hard to pick out the best thing about first grade!"   ~Jozie

ARRR!

"Ahoy mates!  Did you know it was 'Talk Like a Pirate' day?"

Rest-In-Peace

While building words containing silent e's, the conversation got interesting!

Mrs. Fuller:  "Now, we've built the word r-i-p-e with our rubber letters.
                       Can anyone tell me what it means, Alexis?"
Alexis:  "Ripe means something is ready to eat.  Like- the banana is ripe."
Mrs. Fuller:  "Yes, good!  What happens when we take off the silent e at the end of ripe?"
Alexis:  "We get the word rip."
Mrs. Fuller:  "Correct; we get rip, with a short i.  What does that mean?"
Alexis:  "R-i-p.....it's something you see on a tombstone."

Looking Out for Each Other

"We had a special guest speaker last week who was giving a presentation and awarding prizes for correct responses.  One of my students really wanted to answer a question, but never was called upon. Feeling frustrated, the child actually shed some tears.  Immediately a classmate near him noticed this and alerted the speaker.  My student proceeded to get up out of his seat and then approached his classmate.  Learning over the desk, he handed the boy a prize that our guest has awarded him earlier, for correctly answering a question.  The student who was upset said "no" to the offer so the child went back to his seat. Later on after the boy had calmed down, the classmate once again offered to give him his prize. I was so proud of this gesture. It's times like these that really make me feel good about teaching!"  

We're On Your Side!

                 

Everyone needs a smile, support, and a loyal cheering section!

Sunday Thought

"Be a yardstick of quality.  Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected."        ~Steven Jobs

Fall is knocking at our door.  Make this week memorable for students and parents alike; the process of "growing up" requires understanding by everyone in our community.  Thanks for all your contributions!

Building Opportunity for Youngsters

We keep our eyes on what's best for kids!

Thank You Anita Tuttle & Young Artists!

Have you seen the Smiley Faces up on the square?   This artwork is designed as a part of The Lawrence County Courthouse Restoration Project.  School children from The St. Francisville Christian Academy, as well as those in Units #10 & 20 participated in creating the faces.  Mrs. Tuttle organized Parkside Elementary's contribution.  Enjoy the new "look" while the Counthouse Clock is being repaired.    We can learn more by following the project and progress here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lawrence-County-IL-Courthouse-Restoration/275374509192622

This Moment

Sometimes an incident leaves an impression that's loud and clear.  Today my class was outside a  computer lab prior to entering to do a STAR asssessment.  While some were talking among themselves, most of the pupils were clearly irritated and impatient.  Time dragged on because the group ahead of us was still behind closed doors.  Nothing was happening and my group sensed we were most likely going to be late for the next rotation of classes.  Suddenly a small clutch of preschoolers, some of which were in walkers or on crutches, came down the hall with their teacher.  Upon seeing this my boys and girls stopped talking all together as the youngsters moved past us.  You could have heard a pin drop.......until one little preschooler  cheerfully said, "Hi, how are you?"   I was so proud of my kids because they nodded and or gently murmured "good morning," smiling back at the child as he followed his teacher.  These four and five-year-olds were moving through the hallway at a painfully slow pace.  It made me think.  The kids and I will talk.  Yes, together we will be revisiting this moment together.         

Beautiful Weather

"It was a fine day!  The sunshine made it so pretty, it was hard to go back inside."  ~Hannah

20 Questions

Last week:  "Where's the bird?"
                     "Can we hold it?"
                     "Why do you like birds?"
Today:  "What's that noise?"
              "How did it get here?"
              "Can I hold it?"
              "When will it stop singing?"
              "What kind of bird is that?"
              "Is it a boy or a girl?"
              "What do you call him?"
              "Do you think he likes me?"
              "Where did you get him?"
              "What does he eat?"
              "Can I hold him?"
              "Can we have him in our room?"
              "Have you clipped his wings?"
              "How old?"
              "Does he have a girlfriend?"
              "Does he swear?"
              "Who cleans the cage?"

I Passed!

"At Night Owls I was able to get all my homework done.  So Mrs. Petty let me
 get into Lexia and guess what?  I passed a level and got some chocolate too!"  ~Elijah

Sunday Thought

"A  person can succeed at almost anything for which they have unlimited enthusiasm."
                                                                                                      ~ Charles M. Schwab

Thanks in advance for helping children feel capable.  That is an important key to social-emotional well being and accomplishment.  Here's to the start of another new week with opportunities to make a difference for our Parkside community!  

Supporters at Loeb Field

Sometimes "Red and White" are worn so well by big girls and little girls!

Red & White For the Indians!

Friday at Parkside means a sea of red & white,
it means only one thing's happening tonight.
It's football at Loeb Field and we can't wait to see
the hoopla and fun--Lawrenceville Indians on the run.

The band will tune up and cheerleaders spring about,
whom ever is coming to town just better watch out!
Alas, rain is going to keep loyal fans away,
so we'll see you at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday.

Tell the Truth or Else

During an early morning visit at breakfast, a third grader greeted a former teacher and they shared thoughts on the new school year.  She smiled and said, "I really missed seeing my students over the summer."  Putting his hand on her arm the child shook his head and replied, "Oh, be serious!  You know where they send people that tell lies."  

It's Not Worth It

"Getting in trouble means you have to go to the office.  You sit in this small room and all you can hear is papers running on the copier.  They are nice to you but I've learned my lesson.  We should all be good and stay in class with teachers who love us and teach us new things."  ~Alex   

Willing and Able

"If my homework is done, can I help someone else with their assignments?      ~Trace

A Super Start!

Mrs. Perrin:  "We really had a great time in NIGHT OWLS with 3rd graders."
Mrs. Lyles:  "Yes, they're really a polite, and hard-working group." 
Mrs. Perrin:  I think we're going to have a fantastic year together, right?"
Mrs. Lyles:  "Break out the tickets!"

Moment of Truth

As a part of P.B.I.S program Parkside PALM teachers (P.E. and Art, Library or Music) have colorful beads they give out at the end of the period to recognize and reward a child's effort, spirit, or behavior.  Recipients exchange the beads in the office at the end of the day for a surprise.  Last week a kindergartner was given beads at the end of the library period by Mrs. Steffey.  Unknown to her was the fact that the child had already been recognized similarly by a different PALM teacher.   The youngster took off the string and put them around the neck of a classmate, saying, "I already got beads.  I want to give them to someone else who is being good." 

Sunday Thought

"You might be poor, your shoes might be broken, but your mind is a palace."  ~Frank McCourt

Thank you for bringing your best to the children at Parkside.  Have a great week!

Hallway or Highway?

Rushing down the hall a
cheery, wee lad proclaimed:
"I'm not running, just catching up!"
Isn't the logic of small children perfect?