A Time for Giving Thanks

As I sit here and write this blog post about Thanksgiving I am flooded with great memories of past Thanksgivings. I grew up in a small farming town in Henderson, KY. Most of my Thanksgivings took place at my house with my immediate family. I would wake up with the smell of a Turkey in the oven and my mom cooking all the fixings. My mom's family lived in the same town and we would often visit with them on Thanksgiving. Occasionally my dad's family who lived in the Cincinnati area would come down and have Thanksgiving. At the time I didn't realize how blessed I was to be surrounded by my immediate family but also my extended family.
Back then there was no Black Friday shopping instead we gathered around and listened to stories that were told by our parents and their parents. We played board games, watched football and when the weather permitted we would go outside and play various games. I wish I would have recorded all of these memories with pen and paper. I do have photos from those past Thanksgivings but my memory isn't as good as it once was.
Here is something that I suggest that your children might want do: record a sentence or to to go along with the picture that was taken on your smartphone or digital camera. Have them record what was going on in the pic. What were people doing and talking about in the pic. What happened prior to the pic being taken and what followed after the pic was taken. I am going to try to do this with my family. They might not like doing it right now, but I bet in 30 or 40 years they will treasure having this written history of their family.

Winners of the Food Donations

Mr. Belcher's class first with 214 food donations
Mrs. Lusk's class in second with 156 food donations
Mr. Sorce's class third with 120 food donations

Total food donations! 909!!!!

Thank you to our top three classes and all of Estes of giving so generously!
From 3rd Grade

Harralson Blog

Thank you to all the families who came to celebrate our Thanksgiving stone soup meal! I hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with your family!

We will be having our publishing party on Monday, November 28th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Come and celebrate with our class as they read you books from our narrative unit!

Creative Students

After reading a story and hearing a song about John Henry, a few students in Mrs. K. McCarty's decided to get very creative and build a train from his era! Christian is demonstrating the "hammer in his hand!"

An ELA Thanksgiving

ELA had a thanksgiving feast Tuesday. Each of our 3 classrooms prepared a food to bring. They peeled potatoes, added ingredients, and used a mixer. Then all 42 kiddos sat together as the big happy family that we are and ate. We even had one friend, Deidric who suggested that he wait for everyone to get a plate before he started eating. and he did. These kids make us so proud and we are thankful for them !!!

Hot Chocolate Challenge

Kristina Bernal and Samantha Brown were able to go to WBKR to advertise the upcoming Hot Chocolate Challenge at the Owensboro Convention Center. They are competing in this challenge as a part of the Estes Innovation Network. Mr. Sorce's students have won the marketing challenge for the last 2 years.
Come support us from 12:30-4:30 on December 3rd!
Check out our latest video: https://youtu.be/zpdlMIB3Ec0

Ms. Ruth's class would like to thank all the families that attended our publishing pizza party and student-led conferences. It was such a memorable night, and I was so proud of our students for their effort! Thanks again for your support!

Food Drive Update

Right now we have 604 food donations!

• Mr. Belcher has a commanding lead of 209 donations

• Mrs. Jewell 66

• Ms. Huskisson 56

• Mr. Sorce is not too far behind with 50

Remember Monday is the last morning!

Harralson Blog

Check out our builders and super readers (2 videos):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_oAB1wAmP4&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhrJTRkMfFk&feature=youtu.be

First grade teachers and students would like to thank Reid's Orchard for donating pumpkins. Students were able to explore pumpkins across the curricular areas.  Teachers and students discovered  pumpkins through books  and stories.   Discussing fiction, non fiction (text features)  and character, setting, problem and solution. 
Students investigated the pumpkins during math and science  through activities like:  sink or float, measuring, estimating,  counting, and  graphing.   Students had the opportunity to journal about the learning at the end of the day and share with other students. 

Young Superhero Readers

Here are some pictures of Mr. Belcher's class showing off their reading superpowers with Mrs. Seaton's class!

You Ate What?

On Halloween Mrs. McCarty's class made edible spiders, just for fun! They also made homemade ice cream to watch matter go from a liquid to a solid!

Did You Hear That?

First grade students have been investigating sound, with the focus on: Why does sound happen?  Describing  sounds and explaining what makes sound. 
Students have   conducted investigations that prove vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials vibrate. 

Future Nurses

Students from the  University of Louisville School of Nursing have been visiting first grade classrooms.    Nursing students have presented mini lessons on exercise and healthy eating habits, as well as germs and hand  washing.  First graders have really enjoyed the hands on and get up and move activities.

Solids, Liquids and Gasses

While learning about solids, liquids and gasses, we paired off in small groups and went on a school wide scavenger hunt to see who could find the most in each category. Then, we all met back up in the PRC to compare and discuss our results!