Angela Hicks

Science Fair Information

 

 

WOW!  Wasn't science night so much FUN?! There were cool hands-on experiments for all to do and I loved all the amazing AIR experiments.  So now it’s time to Be Proactive and Begin With the End in Mind as you start brainstorming some ideas.  We hope ALL our second graders will enter Pickett’s Mill Science Fair.  Start thinking of a topic and a title this weekend.  

When:      February 22^nd for K-2  

            February 24^th for 3-5

Where:        Pickett's Mill Media Center 

How: Think of a title for your science project.  All titles must be phrased as a question. Here are a few examples:  Which kind of gum holds its flavor the longest? Is the 5 day weather forecast accurate? The question should then be answered by the experiment.  The internet is a great resource for science fair project ideas! 

More information will be coming home in your child's RED PTA folder next Tuesday.  Here are some links with great Science Fair ideas. Beware...these links take you outside of CCSD and may contain advertisements. Science Fair Ideas and More Science Fair Ideas

Science Fair Project Examples & Ideas

Also, more information coming soon to our PTA website. 

January 22

Whew! Last week was a whirlwind of a week. We were busy, busy, busy. The Lords and Ladies recently applied for new classroom jobs and their duties began on Tuesday. In addition, we reflected on 2011 and used what we had accomplished last year to help us BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND as we set goals for 2012. In math we wrapped up our geometry unit. I have to take a moment to brag about this unit- EVERY Lord and Lady scored a 3 mastery level grade on their final geometry test! WOW!!! We also began interviewing classmates for a biography we are working on. We are practicing writing a non-fiction piece that can hold a readers interest. The students are alsoworking to SEEK 1st TO UNDERSTAND AND THEN BE UNDERSTOOD during the times they are interviewing partners for this writing assignment. The final product is going to be a beautiful hard cover book we will share with you later in the year at our Author's Breakfast. Finally, we are working hard on our new classroom goals for the month:

Class Academic Goal:

To have everyone get at least 3 stickers and receive the RAH recess reward for reading weekly at home.

Class Social Goal:

To compliment at least one friend a day.

Class Leadership Goal:

To improve our greeting skills by looking guests in the eye and using a firm handshake. 

Curriculum Corner...

Language Arts – We are continuing learning to write a non-fiction piece that holds our readers interest. Also, we will begin new guided reading books this week and work on correctly using ending punctuation.

Math – We will begin learning about fractions this week. We will also continue reviewing addition and subtraction of larger numbers.

Handwriting – Just a reminder, with the new year, we are emphasizing giving our best effort when writing. When working with your child at home please make sure that they are forming their letters correctly and also writing on the lines using appropriate spacing.

Spelling – We will be working on "oi"  and "oy" spelling patterns.

Science/Social Studies/Health - We will be learning all about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The Lords and Ladies will be SYNERGIZING to create posters, games, and mobiles to teach others all about this magnificent man. 

Upcoming Events...

January 27 - Pickett's Mill's 1st annual LEADERSHIP DAY!!

February 15 - Jump Rope for Heart

February 20 - President's Day Holiday

February 23 - Nature in a Nutshell in-school field trip (Science- Space)

Friday is THE DAY!

Can you believe that our 1st annual Leadership Day

 is almost here?

This Friday is the BIG EVENT! So mark your calendars.

Don't forget to Dress For Success on this speecial day too.

After all, leaders set the standards in fashion too.

 The Lords and Ladies ALL have special leadership roles for this day.

* We have 3 special greeters who have been working on their firm handshakes and making eye contact.

* The fabulous setup crew has been working hard on any changes they feel are needed to make Hicksland Castle clean as a whistle and presentable for our guests.

* Our hall display crew has been busy updating the Market Day and MUST Ministry display as well as putting out our New Years goals we worked on recently.

*We also have our 2 data notebook experts who are going to tell our guests all about DRAGON Binders and how we use them daily.

* Speakers have worked to create and memorize speaking parts to tell all about Market Day and The MUST Ministries project that all 2nd grade leaders participate in.

* Several performance leaders in Hicksland Castle are participating in musical numbers as well.

* Finally every Lord and Lady has been diligently doing their classroom job to keep The Castle running smoothly in anticipation of Leadership Day 2012.

Whew- I can't believe how busy we have been!!!

Leadership Day 2012 is sure to be a Fabulously Fun Event! 

MUST Ministries Project for January and February

2nd Grade is sponsoring the first annual

Janua"WEAR"y

and

Febru"WEAR"y

Clothing Drive for MUST Ministries.

Please bring gently used or new shirts, pants, pajamas, and sweaters in any sizes.

Clean out those messy closets to help others.

Think WIN-WIN!

2nd grade leaders will be standing by the bins at the bus port to collect your donations.

Those Who Lead MUST Help those in Need!

January 12th

 

What a fabulous first week back! The lords and ladies have been sharing all about their wonderful winter breaks. It sounds like you all sharpened your saws and enjoyed some quality family time together. I know the Hicks clan did. Mr. Hicks even took a week of vacation to be able to stay in Georgia for the holidays! But, sadly, our time off is at an end. On the upside, The Castle is bustling with excitement over the upcoming Leadership Day! We have been dividing up leadership roles and I am sure you have heard about several of them. We will have student leaders who are speakers, experts on data notebooks, performers of various talents, hall decorators, cleaning/setup experts, and greeters. By next week, your child will be telling you all about his or her leadership duties for January 27th. It is sure to be an exciting day for us all. 

As we move into 2012, Hicksland Castle is getting back to business. It is time to further expand those fabulous young minds you entrust me with daily. Be sure to check out the curriculum corner below to see what we will be learning over the next week. Also, keep an eye out for your child's report card on Friday. The lords and ladies are making tons of progress, especially in reading! I was very pleased with the improvements in reading levels and fluency skills.

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON MONDAY, JANUARY 16th

Curriculum Corner...

Language Arts – We are starting a study of poetry. We will be learning to write non-fiction acrostic poems, sensory poems, simile poems, and haiku poems about winter. 

Math – We are reviewing plane shapes and learning about 3-dimensional shapes (faces, edges, & vertices). We will also be reviewing addition and subtraction of larger numbers.

Handwriting – I am sure you noticed the additional handwriting grade on your child's most recent spelling test. With the new year, we are emphasizing giving our best effort when writing. When working with your child at home please make sure that they are forming their letters correctly and also writing on the lines using appropriate spacing.

Spelling – We will be working on "oo" sounds as in hoop. We will focus on the oo, -ew, u_e, and ue spelling patterns.

Science/Social Studies/Health - We will be focusing on goal setting.  We will look at our goals from the beginning of the year, assess what we have accomplished, and challenge ourselves to bigger and better things before the year is through. 

Upcoming Events...

• January 16th - NO SCHOOL for MLK Day
• January 18^th and 19^th – Science night – Send back the green sheet and indicate which night you will be attending. Reservations are required.
• January 20^th – Donuts with Dads
• January 27th - Leadership Day

A message from the Superintendent

Cobb County School District is committed to providing quality education for all students.  Each school in the district has developed a school strategic plan to identify specific goals and activities that will address the unique needs of its students. 

Feedback from staff, parents and community members is important to the school strategic planning process. Your participation in School Improvement Survey will provide feedback about the quality of educational services and programs in our schools.

Your responses to the survey are anonymous. Results will be provided to the principals later in the school year and will be used, along with other information, to identify priorities for the school.

We invite you to take a few minutes, respond to the survey which can be found at this link:

http://www.cobbk12.org/sisurvey 

The survey will be available until February 10, 2012,  and should take about 15 - 20 minutes to complete.  Your opinions are vital to the future of our schools and through participation in this survey you become active in helping your child's school principal identify critical issues to be addressed. 

If you have any questions concerning the survey, please contact the principal at your child's school. 

Respectfully,

Michael Hinojosa, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Holiday Party Next Week

Royal Proclamation:

The Lords and Ladies of Hicksland Castle cordially invite all local villagers to attend:

The Winterfest Ball

Party Date: Wednesday, December 21st

Party Time: 8:15-9:30

Party Location: Hicksland Castle (Room 400)

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The time is near.

To celebrate together and spread good cheer. 

So, you are cordially invited to a royal ball.

Where merriment will abound for one and all.

On the 21st day of December come and see.

Fun,  food, and crafts from 8:15-9:30.

Please join Hicksland Castle one and all, 

At The 2011 Royal Winterfest Ball!!

Leadership Day 2012

Pickett’s Mill Elementary will be hosting its

First Annual Leadership Day on January 27^th.

In preparation for this fabulous event, we would

like to take a moment to let you know a little

more about Leadership Day 2012.

• There will be over 100 visitors attending to see The 7 Habits in action.
• Unfortunately, with such a large influx of visitors, we will be unable to accommodate parent visitors on this special day. We will definitely document the occasion with tons of pictures and videos that we will share!
• All students will participate in a leadership role for this day. Some will be leaders who prepare materials, hall displays, or information for our visitors. Others will be leaders who have a speaking role, a performance role, or serve as greeters and guides for guests. Every classroom will have a guest visitor on Leadership Day and therefore all students will be sharing as leaders within their classrooms as well.
• Next year, we are sure our students and staff will come up with even more opportunities to showcase student leadership on this special day.
• We are asking all students to “Dress for Success” this day.

 

 

 

Nutcracker, Here we Come!

 

What a better way to start the festive month of December than by going to see The Nutcracker Ballet. We will be going on Friday, December 2nd as soon as we return from the Thanksgiving break. This is a Performing Arts Field Trip that allows all of the second graders in Cobb County the opportunity to experience the art of ballet. Because this is a county field trip, and there are so many 2nd graders that will experience the ballet, there will be no chaperones allowed except for the classroom teachers. If at all possible, please have your child dress in theater appropriate attire. Not only do we want to show respect for the arts, but also want to represent Pickett's Mill like leaders.

Market Day is Coming!

 
Market Day is on December 9th! You can click on the link below to view the flyer that discribes the activity.  As always, your support is wonderful, but please let your child create their product.
The more they do, the more they learn.

Download Market Day Information