Thursday, February 26, 2015

Anticipation

First, a much anticipated look at our upcoming musical, Annie, Jr.


Don’t forget to reserve space in the audience here (feel free to forward link):


We will accept walk-ups and changes as long as there is space.

We are hiring professionals to photograph and video the performance, making these files available afterwards. Therefore, we ask audience members refrain from taking pictures and videos during the performance.


Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13, 2015
Featuring actors from Grades 3-8
6:30 p.m. in the PRCC

The work is not yet finished! Students should continue working on lines, blocking, choreography, singing and acting now more than ever. Please look closely at the upcoming schedule and be sure to let Ms. Megan know if any conflicts arise.


Students can view the rehearsal calendar, practice the songs and get other powerful information in the Annie, Jr. Google Drive Folder. Information and a calendar are also on the right-hand side of this blog.










In library, students in grades 3-4 are alternating between character trait stories and discussion and technology with Destiny Quest. Destiny Quest is an online social media outlet connected directly to our library where students can browse books, update reading statuses, and comment on friends’ progress. The site is confined to our school and our students and the kids are enjoying interacting in this way.


Students in Grades K-2 are utilizing the iPads to search for books and then, with help, find books on the shelf. We hope that by the end of Grade 2, students are searching and finding books independently with librarian and peer recommendation.


This month, Mrs. Sadek is focusing on respect and our library reflects this study. The word search on the windows includes more than just respect and the students are enjoying solving the duplicated versions on paper under the display. All students enjoy when we read-aloud about a specific character trait. This week, we read More Spaghetti I Say, a great lesson in balance and healthy choices.











Next week, we will celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, so stay tuned!

In music, Grades K-2 began preparing for their April 29th concert with their Fun with Animals program. Utilizing literacy skills, students are encouraged to learn by listening and reading the words.



These students also began their piano unit this week. In two groups, the students alternate between the electric keyboards in the classroom and the iPad game Piano Maestro. This game can be downloaded at home, but students have specific login information to keep track of their practice. Please email me if you would like to download the program and I will provide your child’s login details. Students would enjoy progressing at home and the iPad or tablet can even be set to recognize live piano playing.











Pre-K students also began preparing for their concert, a short demonstration of songs and skills learned in music class.





Stay tuned for more from our PRIS Students and don't forget to check out the library and music YouTube page (and subscribe)!

PRIS Music & Library YouTube Page

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

A Busy Week

The students had a wonderful time with the visiting authors this week. Here is a video with a few of the students describing their "take-aways".


Remember to Save-the-Date for Annie, Jr.! We hope to have audience from inside and outside the PRIS community. We will share a form for ticket reservations in the coming weeks. Tickets are free, but to avoid overcrowding on one night, we do ask that all guests reserve a spot.



Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13, 2015
Featuring actors from Grades 3-8
6:30 p.m. in the PRCC

Students should have their lines and blocking memorized and now be reviewing, practicing and dancing their hearts out.


Students can view the rehearsal calendar, practice the songs and get other powerful information in the Annie, Jr. Google Drive Folder. Information and a calendar are also on the right-hand side of this blog.



Students in Grades Pre-K through 2 got some piano time this week. We are just in the beginnings of exploration and will utilize the iPads to start leveled learning later in the month.









Pre-K students also started preparing their concert songs this week. The Pre-K, KG, Grade 1 & Grade 2 Concert is on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.





Grades 1 & 2 finished their instrument unit with a short project on which instrument is their favorite. This will be made into a video next week.



Students in Middle School are busy with Annie, Jr., but they are also doing composing projects in Garage Band. Two of the students advanced to using the keyboard as a midi-input and composing their music directly into the computer.






 In library, we discussed themes of fairness and friendship, expanding on the counseling theme for this month. In Pre-K, we read Tumble Bumble by Patricia Bond, a great book about being friends with people who look different from us. In Grades KG-2, we read Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens, an old tale about a rabbit who outsmarts a lazy bear. These books, and more, can be found on the Book Read-Aloud playlist on the YouTube page.




There will not be a blog entry next week due to the Chinese New Year. Look for your next Music & Library Update on Friday, February 27!

Don't forget to check out the library and music YouTube page (and subscribe)!

PRIS Music & Library YouTube Page

Note: Comments are moderated and for privacy reasons, cannot include students' names. Please direct specific inquiries via email.