Upcoming Days in Rotation

Monday, May 9^th – Day 4

Tuesday, May 10^th – Day 5

Wednesday, May 11^th – Day 6

Thursday, May 12^th – Day 7

Friday, May 13^th – Day 1

Reminders

• Porter-Gaud will host a 'mini' Relay for Life on Friday, May 13th from 7-10PM. This evening is about HOPE. It's about celebrating battles against cancer, remembering the loved ones we have lost, and raising money and awareness to fight against the disease. Please bring your blankets, beach chairs and come enjoy the celebration. Luminaries, food, face painting, music, and much more will be available for purchase to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. 
• Final American Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Wednesday, May 18th from 8AM-2PM. You can register for an appointment online or email gtate@portergaud.edu. 

National Poetry Month

Third graders shared poems during "Open Mic" in honor of National Poetry Month.

For April's National Poetry Month, fourth grade writing students created their own poetry books. The books included haikus about nature, and students had the perfect marsh setting on campus to take in the sights and sounds to find their poetic voice.

Geometry Games

4th grade learns geometry coordinates while playing BattleShip!

A Trip to Ft. Sumter

Third graders took a walk through history during their tour of Ft. Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Fun at Extended Day

Science Fun

2nd graders spotted 3 of the 4 stages of a ladybug's life cycle on the playground.  Eggs, larva, and adult!

3rd grade viewing iMovie trailers made of their LEGO engineered ecosystems.

A Trip to China

Fourth graders pretended they were visiting the Great Wall and made postcards with their home addresses written in Chinese.

Virtues Luncheon and Recognition

Students enjoyed our May celebration of virtues this week.  Students in grades 1-3 were treated to a luncheon with a summer beach theme while the fourth and fifth graders were recognized for their virtuous behaviors at a Lower School assembly.  

PG's Donation to Pet Helpers

Our Gently Used Book Sale raised $1,000 for Pet Helpers.  Lower School students were proud to present the check to this important local charity.

Celebrating First Grade Mothers

Our first graders were proud to welcome their mothers to their Mother's Day Tea.  Our special guests were treated to an adorable slideshow presentation and a chance to look at their children's work.  Click here to view the First Grade Mother's Day video presentation.

As I exchanged emails with a parent earlier last week at midnight, I joked that I hadn’t had a solid night’s sleep since the birth of my oldest son almost nine years ago.  Although I often make suggestions to you as parents, I know parenting isn’t easy.  Over the past few days, I thought of many of my Middle School kids as I watched my own son, Seamus, experience his first big failure.  My son will be in the Middle School before I know it, so due to potential major social embarrassment, my opportunities to share stories like this are dwindling. In the spirit of Mother’s Day, here’s a story of my own struggles as a parent.

On Wednesday evening last week, I stood along the fence, with all of the other parents anxiously watching their children try out for soccer.  We parents were relegated to a safe distance, one at which we couldn’t distract our children, or more likely, pester the coaches who were taking notes during the tryouts.  I looked far across the field, hoping to see my son, Seamus, streaking down the field. I could see his lanky little self, with his club-issued shirt fitting his slight frame like a nightgown.  Surprisingly, his features were clear, even at a distance, likely because he was standing rather still. Well, more accurately, he was kicking up a little dust cloud with his cleats, occasionally glancing up at the action on the offensive end of the field. 

A little bit of panic set in… could I yell from across the field, full well knowing that would violate the required lack of parent input during the tryout?

“SEAMUS! GET IN THE GAME! GET THE BALL!  STOP HIM! YOU’RE BLOWING IT!”  I desperately wanted to yell something.  I glanced left and right at the other parents, intently (and silently) watching their own children.  I saw a parent pull the same move I often do on the sidelines; he involuntarily kicked his own foot, I suppose wishing he could boot the ball into the goal for his son.  

I couldn’t do anything, though.  I was pleased when Seamus took a ball at high speed to the gut and didn’t crumble. There was one solid defensive stop.  However, I could tell, even from where I was standing, this was not going to be a successful tryout.  What could those coaches be writing on their clipboards about my son? 

What do I do?  My child is eight. He’s never been cut from anything in his little life, and in all likelihood, several of his closest friends will move on to that elite team.  Will he be crushed?  Will he still want to play soccer?  I railed internally at those coaches with their clipboards, at the club, at the “system” that brings cut throat competition to such a young age.   All I wanted to do was rewind to three days ago when my kid thought he was a soccer pro. 

The truth is I didn’t need to do anything.  When all was said and done and I shared with Seamus he wouldn’t be moving on to the higher-level team, he just shrugged his shoulders.  He’ll miss playing with his buddies, the same kids he’s been with since three years old.  He’ll miss his coach, who has guided him into confidence and fostered a love of the game over the last five years.  But in the long run, Seamus will be ok.  Instead of tears and a prolonged conversation, Seamus was already on to the next big thing in his 8 year old life, which was picking on his little brother.  

As a parent, it’s hard to not rescue or protect your child from every little bit of hurt.  Our kids enter this world pure, believing in the goodness of the world around them and in the goodness of themselves.  As they progress, it seems like there are more and more incidents that can tear at their confidence. 

I’ve thought back to my own missteps or heartbreaks as a child and the reaction of my parents.    My parents never shielded me from any of it – what they gave me was something far greater.  I never doubted their love for me, even when I messed up.   Children can’t be perfect, and not every child can be the best.  My son won’t be on the elite team, he isn’t in the top Math or Reading group.  Maybe he’s not the most handsome kid in his class, although who can resist those freckles?  But to me, he’s my most perfect Seamus.   The gift I can give him isn’t stopping the difficulties life throws him but letting him know my love for him always runs deep and true through all of it. 

I share this with you because I think you should I know I understand the pressures of being a parent and the second-guessing that comes with it. As our children grow older, everything seems more and more important, and therefore, all the more damaging when it doesn’t work out as hoped. My children are younger than yours, but my hopes are not fewer or less significant.  I don’t have all of the answers as a parent, but I have one bit of advice.  

From as young as I can remember, my father inscribed my birthday cards with the same nickname for me.  When he introduced me to someone, he also used these same words.  “This is Maureen, my most cherished and incomparable.”  He never called me the smartest, the most successful, the best athlete, the most popular, or the best looking.  As an adult looking back on growing up as “most cherished and incomparable”, I know the security and love that gave me.   My advice to you is to find your own way to signal your unconditional love for your child, particularly in times of failure.    

For my boys?  Seamus is my sweetest and most wonderful, and Declan, my kindest and most spectacular.

Hope you all had a very happy Mother's Day,

Maureen

Katie Krawcheck Wins Charleston Jewish Federation REMEMBER Essay Contest

Congratulations to 8th grader Katie Krawcheck!  Her essay was published in the Post and Courier's annual Holocaust Supplement. Katie won the essay contest sponsored by the Charleston Jewish Federation REMEMBER Program for Holocaust and Genocide Education. http://shop.postandcourier.com/charleston-sc/special-section/holocaust/05-03-2016/Page-13  

Mini Relay for Life 

Savannah Winther Selected As One of 2016 Piccolo Spoleto Rising Stars

Seventh-grader Savannah Winther was selected this spring by the South Carolina Alliance for Arts Education as one the Rising Stars for Piccolo Spoleto 2016. In its eighth year, the six-program series presents artistically gifted students ages 9 through 18 in high profile performance venues across Charleston. The programs will be presented on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the 2016 Spoleto USA/Piccolo Spoleto Festival from May 30th through June 10th.

Each of the six Rising Stars programs will feature five to seven young artists and/or ensembles in a conversation and performance format. All the programs are presented at St. Matthew’s Auditorium, which is located at 1 Vanderhorst Street in the heart of downtown Charleston across from Marion Square.

We sat down with Savannah to ask her three questions about her creative spirit.

What do you enjoy most about the arts?

It's a beautiful way to express yourself. I like the creative expression without words. I enjoy performances. I practice orchestra on Sundays and violin lessons on Saturdays and Thursdays. I am also a member of the Leading Tones, an auditioned girls group in the Middle School.

Who is your inspiration?

My parents first. They push me musically. And my teachers, my teachers inspire me everyday.  

Who is on the Savannah Winther playlist right now?

Right now, I like Taylor Swift, Tori Kelly, Meagan Trainor and Lukas Graham.

"Savannah is a gifted musician with potential in all areas of music. It is a pleasure to work with her and watch her grow her natural musical talent," says Brink Norton, Middle School Choir Director.

Class Trips

Tyler Hall sure felt empty last week, and it was fun hearing stories from the students about their adventures last week.  I am so grateful to our chaperones for their work with our students!   

6th Grade in Williamsburg, VA

7th Grade in Washington, DC 

What better way to learn about American History than to visit our nation's capital?  Organized by the Close Up organization, our students saw many of the sites and experienced firsthand the History they have studied for the past two years.  Students were particularly moved by their time in the Holocaust Museum.  The chaperones for the trip commented positively on the polite manners and positive behavior displayed by the students while on the trip!

The kids were great, and they really knew their material. When you see a 7th grader (Peter Beck) take a picture of Robert McNamara's grave because he knows he was Lyndon Johnson's Defense Secretary, you know something special is going on.- Dave O'Donnell 

8th Grade at Outward Bound

I'm proud of our students who braved the adventure of Outward Bound!  Their stories of washing dishes in the snow, rock-climbing, and building tarp shelters are incredible! What an experience and achievement!

"The kids struggled from time to time, which was the point, but they all worked hard together to problem solve mentally, and then were able to use that to reach the top physically.  I had such a great time with them! It was amazing to see them challenge themselves at such a high level.  No part of this experience was easy, but they all worked at it together to reach each daily goal, oh yea and have fun, too!  I hope they will remember this trip for a long long time - I know I will!" - Al Wilson

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.  ~Confucius

Upcoming Days in Rotation

Monday, May 16^th – Day 2

Tuesday, May 17^th – Day 3

Wednesday, May 18^th – Day 4

Thursday, May 19^th – Day 5

Friday, May 20^th – Day 6

Reminders

• The last day to checkout from the Lower School Library is Friday 5/20 and the date all books need to be returned or paid for is Friday 5/27.
• Our final Chapel service will be held on Tuesday, May 24^th at 8:15am.  Therefore, we will not be having Chapel on Wednesday, May 25^th. Students will need to wear Chapel dress on Tuesday, May 24^th instead of Wednesday, May 25^th (as always PE clothes should be worn if your child has PE on that Tuesday).
•  On Wednesday, May 25^th, we will have our annual “unity” picnic for all Lower School students.  We will not be able to accommodate parents and guests for lunch on this day.  Thank you for your understanding.
• The last day of Upper School carpool is Wednesday, May 25^th.  
• The last day of Extended Day is Wednesday, June 1^st.

Girls Gathering

Last Friday, all lower school girls were invited to participate in the annual Girls Gathering.  Lower School faculty led the students in two teamwork activities designed to build leadership skills that are specifically useful in the classroom.  Everyone, faculty included, enjoyed an afternoon of fun and fellowship!

Food Allergy Awareness

Lower School students participated in Food Allergy Awareness Week this week.  In an assembly on Monday, Jack Ferm (7^th grader and brother to Lower School students, Tess and Rex) spoke to our students about his experiences as a person with food allergies. His talk resonated with our students, and afterwards they asked Nurse Anna many thoughtful questions about this very serious public health issue that impacts many of our students.  A big thank you goes out to Jennifer Ferm and Jill Curb for helping us organize the week.  Jill’s production company put together a special PSA for our students and faculty.  Check it out! https://vimeo.com/165967658  password: allergy

The Study of Ancient Rome

Fifth graders in Mrs. Teller's homeroom researched ancient Roman structures while working on teamwork this week. Groups of students researched their chosen structure, sketched it, and created a clay model. 

Time and Money

Mrs. Wey’s class enjoyed praticing telling time and counting money this week. 

Guest Author

Michelle Condon, mother of 2nd grader Joseph Condon, was a guest reader in Mrs. Burke's reading class. Her book, Grandma's First Thanksgiving, is a children's book that shares a family’s immigration experience from Lebanon to the United States. 

Carolina Collections Project

Third graders presented their Carolina Collections projects to classmates this week. During this yearlong project, students explored topics of interest with their families throughout each of South Carolina's 6 geographic regions.

Fifth Grade Writing Project

Fifth graders are excited about writing formal business letters, especially since they are writing to a favorite company like Coca-Cola or Chick-Fil-A. Mrs. DeVos will be sending the letters out over the weekend, and the students are hoping responses will be mailed back to school before summer vacation begins.

Parent Talk

 Mrs. Jennie has posted a new article in Parent Talk: I Want Your Attention!!!!  RIGHT NOW!"

Two Strategies for dealing with a child's need for attention

Click this link to read the article: http://www.portergaud.edu/groups.cfm?groupID=1294

 Good Morning Cyclones Show for Week of May 9-13

Below are the summer weight room hours for rising 8th-12th grade Porter-Gaud Student Athletes...

Girls Varsity - 8:30-10am Monday-Friday

Boys Varsity - 10-11:30am Monday-Friday

JV Girls/Boys - 11:30am-12:30pm Tuesday & Thursday

The weight room will be CLOSED July 4th-8th.

Upcoming Days in Rotation

Monday, May 23^rd – Day 7

Tuesday, May 24^th – Day 1

Wednesday, May 25^th – Day 2

Thursday, May 26^th – Day 3

Friday, May 27^th – Day 4

Reminders

• All Lower School Library books need to be returned or paid for by Friday 5/27.
• Our final Chapel service will be held on Tuesday, May 24^th at 8:15am.  Therefore, we will not be having Chapel on Wednesday, May 25^th. Students will need to wear Chapel dress on Tuesday, May 24^th instead of Wednesday, May 25^th (as always PE clothes should be worn if your child has PE on that Tuesday).
• On Wednesday, May 25^th, we will have our annual “unity” picnic for all Lower School students.  We will not be able to accommodate parents and guests for lunch on this day.  Thank you for your understanding.
• The last day of Upper School carpool is Wednesday, May 25^th.  
• The last day of Extended Day is Wednesday, June 1^st.
• Grades One through Three: The final day of school is Thursday, June 2.  All students will come to school at the regular time and then leave together for class parties.  Most students will be picked up from the parties; however, we will have carpool pick-up at 11:30 for all students who return to school after their parties.  
• Grade Four: Students will come to school on Thursday, June 2 at the regular time and then leave together for class parties.  Most students will be picked up from the parties; however, we will have carpool pick-up at 11:30 for all students who return to school after their parties.   Fourth grade students are required to attend our Lower School Closing Exercises on Friday, June 3.  They should arrive at the regular time dressed in their Chapel uniforms (long pants for boys).  Students will need to be picked up in the Lower School carpool loop at 9:30am.  We are sorry we are unable to invite fourth grade parents to Closing Exercises due to lack of space in the auditorium.  We appreciate parents of choir members understanding this unfortunate limitation.  
• Grade Five: Students in grade five will come to school on Thursday, June 2 at the regular time.  They will rehearse for Closing Exercises. Students will be picked up in the Lower School carpool loop at 11:30am.  (Information about the fifth grade class party, taking place on Tuesday, May31st, will come home on Monday, May 9^th)
• Grade Five: All fifth grade students are required to attend Closing Exercises on Friday, June 3^rd. All students should arrive at the regular time dressed in their Chapel uniforms (long pants for boys). All fifth grade parents are encouraged to attend this special event. It will begin at 8:15am and end at approximately 9:30am.

A Stroll Through Charleston

This week we witnessed a new Porter-Gaud tradition begin.  The wonderfully talented team of second grade teachers worked extremely hard throughout this year, taking lots of great things we have been doing and adding creative and meaningful new ideas to these to bring forth a wonderful Second Grade Showcase - A Stroll Through Charleston.  The students' deep learning was evident as they sang and shared Charleston stories with the audience.  The presentation of their research on important Charleston landmarks allowed them to share the work they have done with their classmates - they were proud of their hard work and the knowledge they have gained from this collaborative work.

Self-Portraits

Fourth graders have completed work on their ceramic self-portrait busts!

State In A Bag

Fourth Graders enjoyed presenting their State In A Bag projects to their classmates this week!

Third Grade Fun

Third grade students prepare for their South Carolina Project presentations!

Students enjoyed sharing their South Carolina Projects with classmates.

Safety Patrol Lunch

A big thank you goes out to our fifth grade students who volunteered for Safety Patrol this year. They enjoyed a pizza lunch in celebration of their service.

Weird Science

Mrs. Baran's fourth grade class visited an AP chemistry class this week. The high school students demonstrated some cool chemical reactions!!  Fourth graders even got to participate in some flaming but safe fun.   Very cool!

Fourth grade science students were visited by Mr. Martin, our Upper School Physics teacher.  He had some cool and shocking static electricity demonstrations.  He even let the students try some totally shocking activities!

Ancient Civilizations

Thoughout this year, fifth grade students have studied ancient civilizations.  They worked together this week to place the dates during which these civilizations rose and fell on a timeline dating from 5000 BC to present day. 

Hands-On Math

Mrs. Evans's fourth and fifth graders were busy on the playground this week. Working in small groups, they measured and recorded the perimeter, area, and circumference of different items around the playground.

Frogs!

Dear Parents,

We are headed into the final stretch of the school year, which is a bit hard to believe!  Tomorrow morning, we will celebrate with our 8th grade students and their families, and Wednesday will be our all-school Unity Assembly, which is our opportunity to wish our seniors well.  

With exams beginning on Thursday, students should focus on being well-rested and organizing their materials to prepare. The teachers have been working with students on study guides to help ease some of the stress of exams.  Students are required to be in dress code on exam days but do not need to wear Chapel uniforms on Thursday.  

After our Unity Assembly on Wednesday, students will have abbreviated classes, lunch, and then conclude with Field Day activities.  Students should come to school on Wednesday in athletic clothing - shorts and sneakers.  They will be issued their class field day shirts in homeroom.  

This will be our final Moments from the Middle for the 2015-2016 school year.  In June, we will send ERB scores, summer reading lists, supply lists, and information for the coming year.  Please be sure your address on file is correct so we can send you this important information.  

Finally, this has been a sad week for our Porter-Gaud community.  I have been amazed to witness the support our teachers and staff provide our students.  As a parent myself, I know I am reminded to take every opportunity to share with my boys how much I love them and how proud I am of them.  On Friday, I shared a similar message with my P-G kids, too.  

I hope you have a happy and restful summer!  

Maureen

Grand Slam Breakfast

On Wednesday of last week, we gathered for our final advisory.  Students and faculty enjoyed a delicious breakfast and then jumped into an advisory competition.  Congratulations to Mr. Bolton, Mrs. Orvin, and Mrs. Rieder!  They had the winning advisories!  Students will compete as advisory on Wednesday of this week for Field Day! 

iPad Collection

Students will need to turn in their iPads on the day of their last exams.  They will give their iPads to the classroom teacher for that exam.  Students were given a checklist of required items, which includes a name written on the back of the iPad, the case and front cover, as well as Apple ID and password information.  8th Grade students are also required to turn in the Apple wall charger and USB cord.  If you have any questions, please contact the help desk at helpdesk@portergaud.edu 

Outstanding Educator Award: Ms. Laura Orvin 

Congratulations to our Middle School art teacher, Laura Orvin.  Mrs. Orvin was named an Outstanding Educator as part of the 2016 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.  Porter-Gaud's Middle School students won a number of awards in this contest, and we're grateful to Mrs. Orvin for inspiring her students to always to their best!  

Eighth Grader Charles Truluck Wins Coveted Apple WWDC Scholarship 

Eighth grader Charles Truluck and sophomore Tillson Galloway, received Apple's coveted Worldwide Developers Conference scholarships last week. Apple grants only 350 scholarships worldwide!

The students received a free ticket to Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2016 on June 13-17 in San Francisco. To be eligible for the scholarship, developers had to be 13 years or older, a full or part-time student or a member / alumni of a STEM organization. Developers had to submit three essays and an app they worked on that demonstrated "creative use of Apple technologies and runs on an Apple platform."

This is Charles Truluck's first WWDC scholarship award. He submitted an app that can project your vehicle speed information onto the inside of the vehicle's windshield, like a "heads up display" app. This is Tillson Galloway's third WWDC scholarship award. He submitted his iSignedIn and trucking apps.

"I am extremely proud of Charles and Tillson, " says Doug Bergman, director of Porter-Gaud's computer science program. "They exemplify computer science at Porter-Gaud with their innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirits." The students will be able to meet with more than 1,500 Apple engineers and attend more than 100 technical sessions and hands-on labs at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Below are Tillson Galloway (left) and Charles Truluck (right):

Charles Truluck showing his vehicle speed app:

Summer Fun: Famous Adventures Day Camps

Former US administrative assistant Kyndra Luce is now directing Famous Adventures Day Camps. Learn more about these wonderful outdoor camps for kids ages 9-14 at https://famous-adventures.com/

At Famous Adventures Summer Camps, we believe that every child is full of great ideas, capable of achieving their dreams, and in-need of inspiring adults.

We also believe developing their connection to the natural world -- and to one another -- will help them find their greatest passions. When kids unplug, when they slow down, when they focus on the world around them, they begin to discover who they are. We firmly believe nature facilitates introspection and positive development.

While your children are young, give them time to observe the rise and fall of the tides, to sketch the details of a seashell, and to push their the limits on a high ropes course. With each step outside of their comfort zones, children begin to figure out how strong and smart they really are.

Wanted: Gently Used Swimsuits 

This Saturday, May 28, the City of Charleston Department of Recreation is hosting its annual Splash Into Summer event at MLK from 12:00-2:00 p.m. There will be games, activities, and safety tips, and many local children are expected to participate.

However, many other local children will be turned away this weekend and throughout the summer when they come to the pool to escape the heat, hoping to be allowed to swim in their regular clothes because they don't have suits.

If you have a gently used swimsuit to donate, please send it in with your child THIS WEEK. There will be collection boxes in the divisions' main offices. 

We hope you have enjoyed “The Lowdown” this year. It has truly been a pleasure putting it together each week. We hope it has given you a glimpse into student life in the Lower School.  This will be our final “official” blog posting for the year.  Next week we look forward to sharing information with you via email about new faculty members for the 2016-2017 school year.  We will also post a few pictures from our Field Day and Closing Exercises. 

-Julie and Brannen

Upcoming Days in the Rotation

Monday, May 30^th – Memorial Day - School Closed

Tuesday, May 31^st – Day 5

Wednesday, June 1^st – Not a Day in the Rotation – Field Day (all students should wear PE clothes)

Thursday, June 2^nd – Not a day in the Rotation – Half day – Dismissal at 11:30am from the Lower School carpool loop for children who have returned from class parties.

Friday, June 3^rd – Lower School Closing Exercises (see below for details)

Reminders

• The last day of Extended Day is Wednesday, June 1^st.
• Grades One through Three: The final day of school is Thursday, June 2.  All students will come to school at the regular time and then leave together for class parties.  Most students will be picked up from the parties; however, we will have carpool pick-up at 11:30 for all students who return to school after their parties.  
• Grade Four: Students will come to school on Thursday, June 2 at the regular time and then leave together for class parties.  Most students will be picked up from the parties; however, we will have carpool pick-up at 11:30 for all students who return to school after their parties.   Fourth grade students are required to attend our Lower School Closing Exercises on Friday, June 3.  They should arrive at the regular time dressed in their Chapel uniforms (long pants for boys).  Students will need to be picked up in the Lower School carpool loop at 9:30am.  We are sorry we are unable to invite fourth grade parents to Closing Exercises due to lack of space in the auditorium.  We appreciate parents of choir members understanding this unfortunate limitation.  
• Grade Five: Students in grade five will come to school on Thursday, June 2 at the regular time.  They will rehearse for Closing Exercises. Students will be picked up in the Lower School carpool loop at 11:30am.  (Information about the fifth grade class party, taking place on Tuesday, May31st, will come home on Monday, May 9^th)
• Grade Five: All fifth grade students are required to attend Closing Exercises on Friday, June 3^rd. All students should arrive at the regular time dressed in their Chapel uniforms (long pants for boys). All fifth grade parents are encouraged to attend this special event. It will begin at 8:15am and end at approximately 9:30am.

Carolina in the Morning

Our third graders were stars this week as they performed Carolina in the Morning for Lower School students on Thursday and their parents on Friday.  Under the superb direction of the third grade teachers and Todd Monsell, they sang, danced, and played a variety of instruments in celebration of all that is South Carolina.  The performance was truly fantastic, and the students were poised and confident as they shared with their audiences all they learned throughout the year. Well done to all!!!

Unity Assembly and Picnic

On Wednesday, we had our annual Unity Assembly in Wendell Center.  The assembly is a special time to celebrate our senior class and show our unity as a school.  Our Lower School serenaded the seniors with the beautiful Irish blessing, May the Road Rise Up to Meet You.  We then gathered Lower School students on the practice fields for our Unity Picnic where fun was had by all!

Reality Sandbox

This week, fifth graders had the opportunity to "play" in an augmented reality sandbox.  The sandbox was built by our Upper School teachers, Mr. Martin (Science) and Mr. Bergman (Computer Science).  A camera had been programmed to interact with the sand to create topographic map images.  The students enjoyed choosing images from an atlas to re-create in the sandbox.  It was also a wonderful way to review earth science vocabulary from earlier in the year.  One student remarked, "Wow! The stuff we're doing in the sand would actually take millions of years!"

Owls!

Third graders worked hard to create ceramic owls to display during their production of Carolina in the Morning.  The project tied in to a science unit about different owls and their role in the food web.

The History of Money

Fourth and fifth graders participated in a math/history lesson this week.Students learned about the dollar bill and its connection to the history of the United States of America. They also examined coins from Mrs. Evans’ private collection dating back to the 1800's.

Board Games In Writing Class?

Fifth graders used board games in writing class this week. UnCommonly Proper had students identifying nouns. P-P-F had students reviewing the tenses of verbs. They also reviewed synonyms and antonyms using a special set of dominoes. Who knew review could be so much fun?

Congratulations!

Math League Contest winners.

Drumming Residencey

This week, the 5th grade classes enjoyed a percussion residency with clinician Dave Holland from the Atlanta area.  The students were treated to demonstrations of percussion instruments from around the world, including some rare and unusual instruments such as a playable suitcase and a deconstructed spiral cymbal.  In the afternoon, students were invited to become the music--dancing, singing, and drumming away to music of their own creation in the drum circle.  It was an exciting day of music, hands-on learning, and life lessons, and a wonderful capstone to their Lower School experience!

Final Chapel

On Tuesday, the Lower School had its final Chapel of the year.  The Lower School Choir and Treblemakers performed beautifully under the direction of Todd Monsell.  Mrs. Jennie reminded us that we are all one big family and we should love and support one another.

Special Extended Day

Corey Colman and his staff treated Extended Day students to an end of the year party with jump castles and hot dogs.  How fun!!!

Science

First grade made seed strips of 4 kinds of milkweeds and 4 kinds of nectar plants to prepare what will be their second grade butterfly garden!

Second graders built swamp habitats and models using LEGOS.

Third graders investigated a predator's meal by dissecting owl pellets and reconstructing skeletal remains.

Summer 2016  Summer 2016  Summer 2016  Summer 2016  Summer 2016  Summer 2016  

9th

• English I
• Science(H Biology only)
• Math (Scroll to bottom of page)
• History
  • World
  • Honors World

10th

• English II
• Science(H Chemistry only)
• Math (Scroll to bottom of page)
• History
  • World 2
  • AP World

11th

• English
  • English III
  • AP Lang

• Science
  • AP Chem
  • AP Bio
  • AP Physics 1
  • AP Envion
• Math (Scroll to bottom of page)
• History
  • U.S.
  • AP-U.S.
  • AP Euro
• World Languages
  • AP French
  • AP Spanish
  • Latin H

12th

• English
  • English IV
  • AP Lit

• Science
  • AP Chem
  • AP Bio
  • AP Physics 1
  • AP Envion
• Math (Scroll to bottom of page)
• History
  • AP Gov't
  • AP Econ
  • Foreign Policy (Reading document)
• World Languages
  • AP French
  • AP Spanish
  • AP Latin

Science

• Biology

  • AP Biology
  • Honors Biology
  • Regular (no assignment)

• Chemistry

  • AP Chemistry
  • Honors Chemistry
  • Regular (no assignment)

• Physics

  • AP Physics 1
  • Regular (no assignment)

• Environmental

  • AP Environmental

MATH

• Alegbra 1
• Geometry
• Honors Geometry
• Algebra 2
• Honors Algebra 2/Trig
• Pre-Calc
• Honors Pre-Calc
• AP Calc-AB
• AP Calc-BC
• AP Stats