May 18, 2012
Dear Parents, Families, and Members of the EMES Community,
Grade to Grade…. Focus on Learning and Celebrating Communities!
EMES 2nd and 3rd Graders are studying the history of East Montpelier. We are fortunate to have community members come into the classrooms and share their knowledge of the town’s history. A special thank you to the following guest speakers!
Michael Duane-History of East Montpelier-“How East Montpelier Came to Be”;
John and Bonnie Hall-Fairmont Farm & the history of dairy farming in East Montpelier;
Burr and Tom Morse-The history of the Morse Farm and how sugaring, running a tourism business has changed over time;
Nona Estrin-The East Montpelier Trails;
Representative Tony Klein-Local and State Government.
Also, Mrs. Christy, Mr. Willard, Mrs. Giammusso, and Mrs. Christiano have planned 4 weeks of mini-courses. They are mixing the classes into 4 groups, and each teacher will lead a mini-course on a related East Montpelier topic. These courses are happening in our 2/3 classrooms from 2:15-3:15 on Thurs. May 17, Thurs. May 24, Thurs. May 31, and Wed. June 6. You are welcome to join in! They are also planning the East Montpelier tour trip for the morning of Wednesday, June 13th RAIN OR SHINE! We will be touring town between 9-12:15 and back for lunch!
4th Graders are conscientiously working with the Science NECAP assessment this week! One session requires them to perform a science inquiry task and complete constructed response questions using pictures, words, diagrams, charts and tables.
Kindergartners have become expert ornithologists! In addition to studying local birds, they are constructing birdhouses with the Barre Tech Center students and their 5/6th grade ‘buddies’!
5th and 6th Graders are completing an interdisciplinary Medieval Unit. They have studied a variety of concepts and enduring understandings about the Middle Ages including: the structures and classifications of Feudalism and how these social structures of medieval society impacted the economic and educational opportunities of individuals; the development of Medieval Europe and the roles of religious powers and the political map of Europe; and the growth of centralized monarchies and city-states. Topics included: Cathedrals, Falconry, Weapons & Warfare, Guilds, Heraldry, Christianity, Knight and Chivalry and more! They have also participated in live video conferences, dance performance, music, research ‘pathfinders’, collaborated with other 5/6 students in a ‘jigsaw’ activity, and wrote a research paper (writing to inform) on a topic of their particular Medieval interest. Ms. Bruccoli and Ms. Dunkling collaborated with planning and the implementation of the unit.
1st Graders are learning the science concept of change, using plants as content. Watch for the ‘changes’ in the EMES garden! Also, they are learning to craft the writing type: ‘writing to inform’ using the science content.
Our youngest learners, Pre-Kindergarteners, are finishing up the year by planting seeds and learning about what plants need to grow. They are also completing their alphabet project!
