February 2007 Newsletter
FIFTH GRADERS WRITE ABOUT THE COVENANT SCHOOL
The Covenant School is the best elementary school in Nashville. It is a great place for learning and growing in Christ. The school has an awesome Bible curriculum taught by an outstanding teacher. We start our day with chapel and sing songs to praise the Lord. We have well-trained teachers who love us and try to build us up in every possible way. Our teachers make learning fun and exciting. We have many extra classes like music, art, drama, Spanish, library, computers, P.E., and Etiquette. Our cafeteria makes homemade, nutritious, and delicious meals. On the playground we have fun and safe equipment. Our school is extremely clean, sanitary, and safe. Clearly, the Covenant School is the best choice for a Nashville elementary school.
KUDOS TO THE 2ND, 3RD, AND 4TH GRADERS
Covenant School students, parents, grandparents, and special guests were treated to a truly outstanding presentation of A Penquin Christmas on December 15.
The audience applauded time and again for the cast as they spoke, sang, and danced to ” “Penguins on Parad,” “ A Positively Pesky Population of Penguins,” “It’s a Tough Job Being Me,” “Chistmas Can Be Easy,” and the finale, “Getting’ Santa Ready.” The costumes for Santa, Mrs. Santa, the reindeer, the elves, and the penguins and the beautiful set for the play were most impressive. Congratulations to the students for their outstanding performances! Thanks, also, to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teachers, and the parents who worked so hard on the costumes, props and set: Jill Brandon, Rhonda Courtney, Laura Coughlin, Elizabeth Riley, June Kern, Sydney Guy, Andrea Eby, and Tiffany Dupree. Kudos to the Director of the play, our own Carole Pieratt, and the lady who assisted with the choreography, Jamie Roberts.
FIRST ANNUAL VARIETY SHOW
WOW! What terrific performances by the girls and boys in the 4th and 5th grades in TCS’s first Variety Show. The Variety Show is the brainchild of Mrs. Carole Pieratt, Director of Plays. The Show is intended to give our older students the opportunity to share their talent and creativity on the stage before a live, and friendly audience. Mrs. Pieratt, with the support of Ms. Kara Crecelius (5th grade) and Ms. Janine Packard (4th grade), gave the students the freedom to come up with their own presentations. Some chose to sing or play a musical instrument on their own, while others combined their ideas and talent for group singing, dancing and comedy numbers. A 4th grade boy, created a homemade mystery via video. The performances were enthusiastically applauded by a appreciative audience of students, parents, grandparents and other special guests. Way to go 4th and 5th graders!
COVENANT STUDENTS ARE “PUBLISHED"
The poetry of four Covenant School students was selected for publication in Pine Street Poetry-The 2006 Collection. The titles of the poetry and the young authors are as follows:
Sky Annie Weaver
The Season of Fall Jay Shackleford
Star Pillow Madison Eby
My Dog Hannah Berthiaume
Annie, Jay, Madison and Hannah wrote their poetry as second graders last year. They are now third grade students at The Covenant School. Congratulations for our published poets!
THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!
On behalf of the Roundtable Fund Committee, we would like to extend a hearty THANK YOU for you extraordinary support this year! Because of your generosity and that of the faculty, staff, and other friends of the school, The Roundtable Fund raised over $93,000 for The Covenant School this year. You read it right: $93,000. We cannot say THANK YOU enough!
Round Table Parent Chairs, Jodi Ervin, Kristen Lombardi, Kent Coughlin
AUCTION/DINNER – MARCH 9TH
The annual TCS Auction & Dinner will be held on Friday night, March 9th. The co-chairs of the event are Andrea Eby and Lana Shealy. Join Covenant School families for a delightful evening at Hillwood Country Club for a wonderful evening of good food and fellowship. The auction is one of the major fundraising events of the year, sponsored by the Parents’ Association. You will be receiving information about the Auction/Dinner. Be sure to mark your calendar!
BAKE SALE
The Student Council is sponsoring a Bake Sale which will be held on February 21-23 (Wednesday-Friday). This is the Council's fundraising event of the year. TCS families are encouraged to pull out one of your favorite recipes for the Bake Sale. Homemade cakes, cookies, muffins, coffee cakes, and breads will be greatly appreciated. Remember to use baked good recipes which are free of peanuts, other tree nuts, and related products or oils. The Council will be forwarding you more information about the Bake Sale as we get closer to the event. Thank you!
WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU THINKING?
A Mom’s Guide to Understanding How Your Child Learns: Kimberly Carraway, Ed.M., a nationally recognized Learning Specialist, will address this subject to Covenant School and Covenant Presbyterian Church moms on Tuesday, February 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Childcare will be available.)
Among the topics in the session will be an overview of how our brains are designed to learn, how learning occurs, and factors that affect the learning process. She will focus on practical, nitty-gritty strategies for moms to help their children based on individual learning styles. Bring a notepad and know you will leave with a better understanding of what makes your children tick and specifically how you can support and help along the way.
The session will take place in the Youth Room (downstairs by the gym). Contact Julie Weaver if you have questions about this special seminar for moms at julieweaver2@bellsouth.net.
SUMMER CAMPS
Danny Bryant and June Kern will be offering their highly popular camps this summer.
ART CAMP 2007
June 4-8 Boys
June 18-22 Boys and Girls
June 25-29 Girls
July 16-20 Girls and Boys
Art Camp is a week-long emersion in painting, sculpting, and drawing. Registration will be in February, but you can go ahead and mark your calendars. The Camp is for rising 1st grade through rising 6th grade students.
For more information or a registration form, contact Mrs. Kern at jkern@covenantpres.com.
SPORTS CAMPS
June 11-15, 12:30-3:30 (following VBS) Boys Half Day
June 25-29, 9:00-3:00 Boys Camp
July 9-13, 9:00-3:00 Girls Gymnastics/Cheerleading/Sports Camp
July 16-20, 8:00-3:00 Boys Camp
The slogan for the Sports Camps is “Keep it Simple-Make it Fun.” The goal of the camp is to let kids play a variety of sports and games in a relaxed and pressure free environment. Pizza lunch and concessions are available. Parent are welcome to send food as well.
For more information, contact Mr. Byrant at dbryant@covenantpres.com.
OFF TO WASHINGTON, WILLIAMSBUG & JAMESTOWN
The 5th grade students are gearing up for their trip to Washington, D.C., Williamsburg and Jamestown the week of February 26-March 2. The group of students and TCS parents will board Southwest Airlines early Monday morning and return Friday afternoon. While in the District, the students will visit: Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, WWII, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Iwo Jima Memorials; the Capital; Library of Congress; Supreme Court; Embassy Row; the National Cathedral; and, Ford’s Theatre. We will spend Wednesday afternoon visiting the Smithsonian Institute Museums before departing late that afternoon for Williamsburg. Thursday finds the group on tour of Historic Colonial Williamsburg and nearby Jamestown. Friday we return to Washington to tour Mt. Vernon. The students will enjoy eating at the Hard Rock Cafe, Union Station, the Reagan Building, and eating and shopping at the Pentagon City Mall. Joining me as chaperones on the trip will be Ms. Kara Crecelius and Mrs. Susan Berthiaume.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO SOME SPECIAL PEOPLE
My thanks to the families and teachers who gave money for the dear men and women who work in the kitchen and on the custodial staff! The money for those who keep our facilities clean and well-maintained and those who prepare and serve good food to our students and faculty was deeply appreciated!
PREK TO HEAR ABOUT KEEPING CARE OF THEIR TEETH
One of our TCS dads, Dr. Don Bull, will share helpful information with the PreK kids about dental health on February 21, sharing with the PreK 4’s and 5’s at 1:45 and the PreK 3’s at 2:15. Our thanks to Dr. Don Bull.
NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM
In February, the PreK students will focus on “Healthy Living and Safety in the Community.” The students will learn about healthy and unhealthy foods, personal safety, and the importance of exercise for healthy hearts and bodies. A favorite TCS dentist and dad, Dr. Donald Bull (father of 5th Graders, Andrew and Garrett) will present a program on dental hygiene. To encourage students to begin the day with a healthy breakfast, the PreK students will enjoy preparing and eating a “Pancake Breakfast.” Students will be given an opportunity to show off their knowledge of healthy foods by choosing delicious healthy toppings for their pancakes. In Bible, the PreK students have been reading about women in the Bible that were generous to others. As a result, the PreK students are doing chores at home to earn money so that they can go shopping for items to donate to The Ronald McDonald House. In addition to learning more about money, the students are learning how to use money for God’s glory and purposes. The students will send a box of items to the Ronald McDonald House that includes Valentine cards made by the students for the residents.
The PreK 3’s class recently added a new technology program to our curriculum, Journey’s into Math and Literacy. The PreK 4/5 will be using this program beginning in the fall of 2007. If you would like to learn more about this program visit: http://www.hatchearlychildhood.com/journeys.asp
KINDERGARTEN: It’s celebration time! Can you believe that Monday is our 100th day of school? The kindergartners will be engaged in fun learning and snacking activities to celebrate this BIG event.
Our amazing kindergarten scientists have been identifying the mysterious tracks that appeared overnight in our classrooms using www.bear-tracker.com. as a part of our study of animals in winter. The students did a fantastic job sharing their animal research projects with classmates. We learned so much!
During February we’ll discover the symbols and landmarks of “Our Great Nation”. Famous Americans such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Betsy Ross will be introduced. This will lead us into a study of money as students learn to identify coins and count out their cent value. We’ll even use some potent chemicals (vinegar and salt) to clean pennies!
Later in February our focus will shift to “Healthy Me” as students discover what’s under our skin and why healthy foods are important. Our class grocery store will give us an opportunity to learn more about coins and put our money skills to use.
Happy 100th Day of School from the Kindergarten!
FIRST GRADE: During the month of February, first graders will continue to examine various concepts of earth science, as well as learn about landforms and natural resources.
We thoroughly enjoyed our field trip to the Nashville Children's Theatre where we saw a performance of "School House Rock Live!" Our students loved the upbeat musical numbers that also reinforced some important concepts relating to grammar, language arts and even government! It made such an impression, we're still talking about it!
The first graders will soon begin working on their State Projects which will be presented to their respective classes later this month.
Quotable quotes... When Sydney Clayton was asked if she had heard the saying, "Blondes have more fun," she replied, "Well, not ALL the time!"
SECOND GRADE: The second graders are off to a wonderful start this new semester. It is so great to see how they are learning to be more responsible and active in their learning.
We have just concluded our biography unit in writing and have learned about some amazing historical and contemporary figures. We are moving into our unit on writing friendly letters. The students will learn about the five parts that make up a friendly letter and have the opportunity to write and send a letter to a friend or family member. Sending and receiving mail is always exciting for the students.
In math we are concluding our unit on two-digit addition and subtraction comparison number stories. We are using them to introduce multiplication diagrams and number models. Equal sharing and equal grouping stories are also being introduced to lay a foundation for division later on in the year. As we move into our new unit we will be exploring number patters to reinforce numeration skills and continue to develop readiness for multiplication and division.
THIRD GRADE: Third graders are definitely growing and maturing as we moved toward the second half of the year. In Reading we will be ejoying many types of genres such as fantasy and historical fiction.
We will be practicing and performing one of our favorite parts of third grade - the play "The Crowded House."
Wordly Wise will begin, which will greatly expand our vocabulary knowledge. Adjectives, articles, and verbs will be the focus in Grammar.
In Math we will have a lot of fun learning geometry with many "hands-on" activities such as "Geometry Calisthenics." We will also be extending our basic knowledge of multiplication and division facts to higher level operations.
In Science we will be studying Earth and the Solar System.
We will be learning about "Government" in Social Studies.
FOURTH GRADE: January and February are wonderful months of school. We are through the holiday rush and ready to get down to some in-depth learning!
In math we will be working on multiplication and division. It is so important to get our facts down before we move on to 5th grade. We will also continue to work on measurement, place value, and grasping very large numbers.
In science we are studying biology and learning about living things. We are doing experiments with mold and mushrooms at the present time. We are growing our own mold! Little do they know that Ms. Packard does this in her refrigerator on a regular basis, and it is not an experiment! J We will move from plants and fungi to the human body. What a fun unit!
Social Studies focuses on Colonial America. We will be building 3 different models to help us understand the differences in New England Colonies, Settlements on the Frontier, and Southern Plantations. Be sure to stop by the room to see our displays the last week of February. We are also planning several field trips to expand our knowledge of colonial times.
In reading we have wrapped up “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. We will be reading biographies and writing reports on our famous person. This will include dressing up, sharing an item to represent our chosen person, and making an oral presentation. We will also be reading Amelia’s War and Sarah, Plain and Tall.
We will memorize 1 Corinthians 13 for our Bible verse this month. We look forward to our Valentine’s Day party and learning more about sharing the love the Lord has shown to us with others.
The fourth grade students did such a great job at the variety show. What a talented class we have! I am so thankful to be spending this year with these wonderful students. It is a new and exciting adventure each day!
FIFTH GRADE: January has flown by for us in fifth grade! We had two very cool opportunities to learn more about the Holocaust this month. Mr. Jimmy Gentry of Franklin came to our class to share about his experiences in World War II and his role in freeing the prisoners at Dachau Concentration Camp. A big thank you goes out to Julie Knestrick for arranging this. We also had the privilege of visiting Whitwell Middle School’s Children’s Holocaust Memorial. The children there collected 11,000,000 paperclips from around the world to represent the tragic loss of human life. The paperclips are housed in an actual German train car which was used for transporting Jews to concentration camps during WWII—wow.
As we look ahead to February, we are preparing excitedly for our trip to Washington D.C., Williamsburg, and Jamestown at the end of the month! In math, we will be studying more fractions, as well as exponents and negative numbers. “The Last Frontier” is our topic for social studies. We will continue to work on our writing, which is improving day by day!
ART: In Pre-K, we are making colorful bowls out of paper mache. Kindergarteners are finishing paintings of imaginary animals and their habitats and will conclude their animal unit by making creatures out of clay.
First graders continue our Renaissance unit with a study of Michelangelo and his Sistine Chapel.
In Second Grade, we will be designing stained glass windows in the style of Chartres Cathedral of France. In the Middle Ages, pictures in windows were used to tell Bible stories to pilgrims who could not read.
Third Graders are designing their initials by contrasting regular and irregular patterNs. Inspired by the interesting guitars in Picasso’s art, fourth graders will be making their own 3-D guitars out of cardboard and paper mache. Fifth graders begin a unit on mosaics in conjunction with their study of the ocean with Ms. Crecelius. Each will choose an underwater animal to depict in mosaic.
MUSIC: We have a very busy schedule planned for the music classes in February.
On February 7, the 3rd and 4th grades will attend the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. They will hear music from a variety of composers revolving around the theme of "Music and Emotions".
On Feb. 12 our 5th grade guitar class will have a guest artist to demonstrate various guitar skills.
The 1st grade classes will enjoy a percussion demonstration by one of our own parents, Gregg Hodge on Feb. 21.
Also, in February the entire school will enjoy the Nashville Opera's production of "The Emperor's New Clothes"
We have been learning all about Mozart and his music and recently enjoyed a birthday party for this famous composer.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
February 19 (Monday) School Holiday – Presidents Day
February 20 School Renewal Committee Meetings (3:15 p.m.)
February 21 Student Council Meeting (3:00-3:45 p.m.)
February 26-March 2 Fifth Grade Trip to Washington/Williamsburg/Jamestown
March 7 “Wacky Wednesday” (Student Council Dress Up Day)
March 9 (Friday) Annual Dinner & Auction (Hillwood Country Club)
QUOTABLE QUOTES
“I shall know but one country. The ends I aim at shall be my country’s, my God’s, and Truth’s. I was born an American; I live an American; I shall die an American.” (Daniel Webster, The Book of American Values & Virtues, Edited by Erik Bruun and Robin Getzen, p. 27)
“Education, like all cultural endeavors, is simply one of the things we do; it is part and parcel of the human situation; we can hardly help doing it; we ought therefore to do it to God’s glory.” (C.S. Lewis)