My Hero

"Hero has many meanings.  For me a hero is someone that would do anything and everything in their power to help out in the community and with their family.  There is one person that means everything to me and that person is my father.  He has given so much for our family.  My father does everything he can to make our family.  He protects us, shields us, educates us to be the best person that we can be.  He believes in us when many doesn't.  Me and my brothers can sisters have been through much.  We were in foster care for a short time and he did everything he could to get us to be with him.  I love him so much for the sacrifices he has made.  I know he does not like his job much but he stays and works his heart out to make sure that we have clothes, food and a lovely home.  I know that there are many out there that doesn't care much for kids.  That why what he does means the world to me.  I can not imagine my life without him.  He may get onto me and ground me, but at the end I know he does it because he loves me and want me to be the lovely lady that he knows I can be.  Even when I think that I have done something really bad he gets upset but he always forgives me and tells me that he loves me.  And I know that will never change.  He is my number one dad and will be to the end."

Wednesday Words

"Mother told dad she loves him like a chocolate bar and it wasn't even Valentines Day."  ~Jordan
"At my new school the colors are red and purple.  Is this an excuse to buy new clothes?"  ~Megan
"Mrs. Obama can dance better than I thought a president's wife could."  ~Madison
"I'm on fire today.  Everybody in the house put your hands up."  ~Calvin
"My teacher says we talk too much.  I think it's because of ISAT."  ~Mason
"I can either have a clean house or do things with my kids, but not both."  ~Morning Mom
"Silent e sometimes gives its power to a vowel.  You just don't see that everyday."   ~Matthew
"Now I know how to get on this blog. The kids talking about the Jack Be Nimble nursery rhyme were really funny!"  ~Katelynn

An Apple A Day.........

We can spot bullying but Tuesday was different.

  
Today our class sat in a circle, passing around an apple.  Each of us was given the chance to hold the fruit and tell about a time when we remembered being picked on by another person.  We described to our classmates how that felt.  When each speaker was done talking, they stood up and with his or her arms raised---and dropped that apple onto the floor.  

What happened was a surprise. 
After each of us spoke we noticed how the skin on our apple changed.
  It looked like "tears" were coming out of the fruit. 

 

 Next our teacher Mrs. Wells took and cut the fruit in half . 
This is what we saw and this is what we decided.

Being "picked on" by others may not change how you look on the outside a whole lot. 
But our third grade class agreed today that being treated poorly does harm.
It's treatment that bruises you.   

We Love Our Dogs

"My dog is better than anything.  Besides, he likes to eat oranges."  ~Justice
"We have too many dogs but mom says she can't say no to a cute face."  ~Aaron
"When we lost our dog I cried for days."  ~Annie
"My dad had all the dog tags from his pets in a jewellery box."  ~William
"Our dog gives sloppy kisses."  ~Alexis
"Moving and giving up my dog was hard."  ~Chaelon
"Best friends, that's what dogs they are."  ~Austin
"Our dog was a good mother to all her puppies."  ~Jared
Our boxer barks real loud.  Dad says he is a great guard dog!"  ~Jeremy

Trip to Lawrenceville High School

The FFA students hosted events at Lawrenceville High School for classes today. 
Members of The Future Farmers of America sure knew how to make guests feel welcome.

Your camel was a big hit with everyone.  Thanks for having us!

Two Boys

Recently Kindergarten youngsters in Mrs. Mullin's room were introduced to the Jack Be Nimble nursery rhyme.  Afterwards, the children began discussing it.  One concerned student questioned his teacher, "What would happen if he was not nimble enough?  Wouldn't Jack burn his pajamas?"
A quick-thinking classmate solemnly replied, "He would just have to stop....... drop..... and roll." 

Sunday Thought

The culture of this community and aspirations of our students depends

upon adults who model & sustain communication skills that will serve all of us well.

Thanks in advance for making those opportunities possible for young people this week.

Join the "Let's Move" Campaign

Published on Feb 22, 2013

In honor of the First Lady's "Let's Move" campaign, and to encourage parents everywhere to get up and get moving with their kids, Jimmy Fallon and Michelle Obama present the "Evolution of Mom Dancing."

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq-URl9F17Y&feature=player_detailpage

Are you laughing yet?
I"m good at "Raise the Roof."  Let's go out & dance.  Kids young and old just want to have fun!

Remember to Play!

Friday Fun

The sign says, "Stay Inside."

Thursday's Wintery Mix

Early dismissal from school today........

"Oh, it is so cold out there!"   ~Jamie

"I thought the groundhog saw his shadow."  ~Dorian

"When can we go outside for recess again?"  ~Gage
"I'm freezing even wearing two coats."  ~Shelby
"Head home tonight as soon as you can!"  ~Barbara
"My dad is miserable with the flu."  ~Carson
"Where do Eskimos live and how do they do this freezing stuff?"  ~Mason

"We need to make a big pot of chili tonight!"  ~Jerry

"Leave school now....it's starting to ice over!"  ~Joyce

"Is my dad really a meteorologist?"  ~Joseph
"My grandma bought flip-flops this week, for summer!"  ~Ella
"Our dog loves this weather....oh, but not me."  ~Clayton
"We need a lot more snow to build a snowman."  ~Hayden
"What really makes a perfect snow day is plenty of hot chocolate!"  ~Evan

STARLAB Days are Best

"I brought my whole family tonight to go into the dome."  ~Brenden
"Once today and again tonight.  I love Starlab!"  ~Ashton
"Young & old alike seem drawn to stories about the stars."  ~Proud Staff Member
"Mrs. Ricker tells the best stories.  ~Gwen
"I brought my mom and sister to see what it's like!"  ~Alyssa
"The stars twinkle like diamonds!"  ~Emily
"Best thing all day at school so I'm here with mom and dad."  ~Zackary
"I can now say we've been in the dome.  It was amazing!"  ~Proud Parent
"My little brother's kindergarten class will do this tomorrow."  ~Emily
"Going outside and seeing the real stars will be more interesting now."  ~Jaylen
"A Latin teacher got me interested in Roman & Greek myths."  ~Proud Staff Member
"I brought my little brother to see this!"  ~Ashley
"Can we go through again?"  ~Jozie
"I wish we could learn like this all the time."  ~Justin
"My class talked about Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon."  ~Proud Staff Member

We'll Be Ready!

My advice for testing days    ~Alexandria

S       Spend your time wisely
M      Mark the best answer

A       Always do your best 
R     Recheck the work
T      Think positive    

   

                                                   

Sign Up for PreK Screenings Beginning FEB 25th

Unit 20's Spring Preschool & Birth to Three Screenings:

• Monday March 18th      8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
• Tuesday March 19th      12:30 P.M. to 5:45 P.M.
• Wednesday March 20th     8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
• Thursday March 21st     8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  

This service is for NEW or PREVIOUSLY screened children who are
not presently attending school in Community Unit School District #20.   

SCREENINGS CONDUCTED AT PARKSIDE TAKE APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR

VISION AND HEARING SCREENINGS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED

PLEASE BRING IMMUNIZATION RECORDS & BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO THE APPOINTMENT

Children must be 3 years of age by September 1, 2013 to be eligible for PreK,
however youngsters who are birth-to age 3 are also being screened.

 

This is not KINDERGARTEN registration or for children
who will be five years of age before September 1, 2013.

 

Call Joyce Potts at 943-3992 beginning
Monday February 25th to schedule an appointment

 
 

Sunday Thought

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

Word-of-the-Day:  peachy
Use "dandy, smashing, groovy, swell, nifty, keen, or great?" 

The world of any child can be enlarged and made more satisfying when they have a strong knowledge of language, with which to express themselves.  Thanks in advance for making
words and self-expression come alive for our customers.  Have a great....a "cracking" week!

We Share this Proud History

Parkside families were among the guests who attended the final boys basketball game at the Lawrenceville High School on February 15, 2013.  LHS, the flagship school of CUSD 20 will close its doors at the end of the current school year to usher in a new era.  The new Lawrenceville High School opens in August 2013.  

Thank you to Mr. Ed Brumley for capturing scenes from the LHS gym last night, where Principal Mr. Paul Higginbotham introduced members of the LHS 1972, 1974, 1982 and 1983 State Championship teams to the crowd.  These players were guided by Mr. Ron Felling who along with his assistant coaches, was also in attendance.   

https://picasaweb.google.com/edbrumley/LastGameAtLawrencevilleHighSchool03?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOa57u-9sZXXSA&feat=directlink#slideshow/5845436102498335778

Mr. Brumley gave us a 360 photo shot of the LHS gym.  Thanks for the memories! 
http://www.dermandar.com/p/bgnvLH/lawrencevile-high-school-last-game

1974 Illinois state basketball champions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY

Our thanks go out to Laura Buher for sharing her Friday evening images from LHS, at that final game.  We have seen history-in-the-making in Lawrenceville!  It's so important to cherish these former memories as our young people start a fresh chapter in the new high school this fall.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151524620458013&set=a.10151524618048013.548742.660028012&type=1&theater

February Conferences

"I try to not miss conferences.  It's hard to believe my child is in fifth grade."  ~Pam
"Look at all my A's mom!"  ~Chelsea
"We're more busy on Thursday than on Friday with conferences, so far."  ~Sam
"Booked up....booked up."  ~Stacey
"May I have an application for NIGHT OWLS for a parent?"  ~Brent
"Will you retest one of my students next week?"  ~Becky
"The kids did a great job Thursday, babysitting in the Community Room."  ~Maryann
"My teacher Miss Grimes is a Valentine.....her birthday is February 14th.  ~Paisley
"Thank you for coming to talk."  ~Angie
"Have a nice weekend!"  ~Anita
"It's been a great Valentines Day!"  ~Christoper

Making a Delivery

Wednesday our secretaries asked a student to deliver some roses to a teacher.  Holding the vase with both hands, he was unable to open the door so I pushed it open for him and commented, "Oh what beautiful flowers."  I leaned over to smell them and he gave me a quizzical look but kept on walking. On his way down the hall I heard him mutter to himself, "Why would someone give roses to someone?  These flowers smell terrible!"    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it not?

Fine Feathered Friend

Parkside pupils and staff were treated to "Birds of Prey" program that was a big hit with everyone.  Guess who showed up at the monthly meeting of Lawrence County's  Soil and Water Conservation membership, later that same day?  Thank you to Mrs. Crawford for sharing:  it's the "star" of the show, a beautiful eagle!  Mr. Crawford and Aiden were lucky enough to get a close look at the magnificent bird.   

My Brother's Pain

"I got a first place wrestling this weekend.  Did you hear?  At the same time my brother
blew out his knee during a match and as good as my win felt, my brother's pain was the
hardest thing of all."    ~Jayden

Sunday Thought

 “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

 circa 1915

Appointments for Parent-Teacher Conferences are easy to make.
Phone the office 943-3992 to schedule one for either 

Thursday February 14th (4:30 to 8:00 P.M.)
and or for Friday the 15th (8:00 to 11:00 A.M.)

Saturday Song

We start out the school day together, saying The Pledge of Alligence.  Mrs. Large leads us and no matter where you are in the building, it's important to stop, stand, put your hand on your heart, and repeat the words.  How lucky we all are to have this chance.  

Many states, many hopes, many dreams:
http://www.songlyrics.com/charlie-daniels-band/my-beautiful-america-lyrics/

Friday Fun

Learning: More Than Just Books

"Wow I can't wait because it is my turn to be the student-of-the-day.  I get to take all the notes to the office for Mrs. Pulleyblank.  You get to be the leader at the front of the line.  She will let me be her helper.  I'm someone she can count on.  It is going to be a great day!"  ~Jacob

Health Up-date

"Mom had surgery but is feeling better.  She still can't go on any roller coasters
at Holiday World.  When they can finally do that, you know they're all healed up."   ~Emily

Wednesday Words

"Where's my teacher?  She's always right here."  ~Kindergartner

"Thank you for letting me help you."  ~1st grader

"It's my birthday today and I brought cookies!"  ~2nd grader

"I got a 100% on my AR test yesterday."  ~3rd grader

"Can I read this poem out loud for everyone?"  ~4th grader

"My valentines are almost done!"  ~5th grader

"Please talk to my child about trying to do better."  ~Parent

"Can you give me your opinion about this pupil?"  ~Staff Member

    

SuperBowl#

Heard at school before the big game:

"I am for both teams in the Superbowl.....the 49's and the Raisins.  How about you?

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater

 

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater

Had a wife but couldn't keep her.
Put her in a pumpkin shell

and there he kept her very well.

Nursery rhymes are a part of daily instruction for kindergarten pupils in The Reading Room. Today we introduced one that was unfamiliar to most of the children.  So listening to and discussing each stanza made for some interesting comments: 

"She should have told her husband-- NO way!"
"Oh my, how slimy that would have been.
"I think it would have been too cramped in a pumpkin."
"What was he thinking?"
"You are kidding me!  Is this for real?"
"I am not sure that he's a very nice person."

Sunday Thought

"Imagination is everything.  It is the preview of life's coming attractions."  ~Albert Einstein

We invite you to phone 943-3992 and make an

appointment for Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled 
on Thursday February 14th (4:30 to 8:00 P.M.)
and or on Friday the 15th (8:00 to 11:00 A.M.)