FIELD TRIP!

We have just gone on our first field trip of this year. We visited Montgomery and explored the Civil Rights Memorial Center, the Alabama State Capitol building, and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. What did you learn about the history of our state? What was your favorite part? What surprised you?

Our Brain

We are having a wonderful time studying our brain. Did you know we have billions of brain cells? Keeping our brain healthy is essential to our lives. What can we do to ensure healthy brains? Let me hear from you!

We're Learning Spanish!

This year we are learning to speak a little Spanish. We are also learning a little about Hispanic culture. Why? What do you think? Add your comments!

Our Pinatas!

New Students!

Our new third graders with their pinatas!

SUMMERTIME!

I hope you all had an exciting summer! You should remember that writing about your summer is something teachers often ask you to do at the beginning of the school year. So, instead of writing on paper, add to our blog. Tell us about it!

National History Day Competition

Hello everyone! LaMarkris and Dhestinee are back from competing at the National History Day at the University of Maryland. The trip was successful, including not only the competition but also a trip to our nation's capitol, Washington, D.C.

NHD Opening Ceremony

Setting up exhibit board

Ready for the competition!

The White House

The Capitol Building

The Washington Monument

We were able to meet with our representative, Congressman Bobby Bright. His office arranged for us to tour the Capitol Building and the White House. An experience not to be forgotten!

Saturday Field Trip

The Kids went on a trip to the Birmingham Zoo. They had an opportunity to explore exhibits and learn new things. A lot of kids enjoyed the bird house.The rest of the exhibits were fascinating and exciting. They wish to go again soon.

The Thursday Sixth Grade group entered the state-wide competition of Alabama History Day at Auburn University at Montgomery. One group wrote and presented a historical performance about Tent City in Lowndes County, 1965-66. Another group designed and created an exhibit board focusing on the Lowndes County Freedom Organization. And, the exhibit board group won! Congratulations to all who participated: Dhestinee, LaMarkris, Brianna, Myaira, Shun'Derrick, Telsiya.

STATE WINNERS!

Dhestinee and LaMarkris were one of two winners of the Junior age group of Exhibit board category.

Alabama History Day

The Fifth Graders and Monday Sixth Graders went to Alabama History Day to provide support and encouragement for their fellow K.I.D.S. They were able to watch the performance, see the exhibit board, and generally have a fun time!

STATE WINNERS

K.I.D.S. (Kritically Intelligent Determined Students) entered a STATE-wide poster contest focusing on career development. The posters ranged from ideas about fashion and entertainment to doctors and lawyers. All did an excellent job! However, two were found to be outstanding! Jaela placed second in the Intermediate Division and Myaira placed second in the Middle Division.

We are very proud of both K.I.D.S.!!!

OUR HEROES

There are many heroes in the history of African-Americans. Some are famous and well-known. Others are known by only a few or have been forgotten. Who do YOU admire? Why? Please enter your comments.

Advisory Council Meeting

There will be a meeting of the Advisory Council on Wednesday, March 3rd at 3:00 p.m. in the Gifted Education Classroom at Central Elementary School.


Please join us to discuss events, issues and concerns with other parents of students in Gifted / Talented Education.



Your participation is needed and appreciated.

STATES

We are studying the states of our country. We are finding out some interesting information!


The first Declaration of Texas Independence was signed in Goliad and the flag was raised on December 20,1835. Dashia

I am studying Wyoming and it is said that Devil`s Tower was made by the gods, but it is really the remains of a volcanic extrusion. It was also the first National Park in 1906. Montez

Nevada was made famous by the Comstock Lode, the richest known U.S. silver, gold, copper, lead, zinc, mercury, barite, and tungsten deposits. Xavier

Ohio is the leading producer of greenhouse and nursery plants. Santanna

The Waialua River is one of the five navigable in Hawaii and it drains off Waialeale Mountain. Destiny

Lincoln, Nebraska's Capital ,was named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln. Orianna

A really fun place in Florida is Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach is an amazing place. Parents and kids will really enjoy Cocoa Beach. Dominique

In 1955, the Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia State Museum of Science and Industry. Latravia!

Alaska is often called the Last Frontier because much of the state is still wilderness ,and not very many people live there. Jamal

In the 1600s, Spanish explorers traveled to what is now Colorado. Jaela

Tennessee is called the "Volunteer State" because of so many military heroes. Keundra

Indians have lived in what is now Utah for several thousand years. Malaka

Crater state is a diamond mine located at Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Isaiah

George Washington was inaugurated in New York City, New York as the first president of the United States. Oscar

Gold was discovered in 1874 in the Black Hills. Trinity

California became part of Mexico in 1822. Brianna

The painted turtle is Michigan's state reptile. HAROLD

In the 1780's-1790's, the United States gained control of the Mississippi region. The Mississippi Territory was organized in 1798. KHALEEL

In 1861, Louisiana left the United States and joined a group of Southern states called the Confederacy.The Confederacy lost to the United States in the Civil War [1861-1865]. LAMARCUS

The Lewis and Clark trail is in Montana. The Lewis and Clark Trail follows the path of historic explorers. MYA

Inventors

The K.I.D.S. have recently finished projects about inventors. We have learned some interesting facts about how things were thought of and invented. Here are some favorite inventors and their inventions:

I learned that William Stanley invented a generator called a transformer: Montez

I learned that a woman, Virginia Apgar invented the infant weighing system called, the Apgar Scale: Orianna

The windshield wiper was invented by Mary Anderson in 1903 to help streetcars operate safely in the rain: Santanna

I learned that John Deere invented the steel plow: Hal

I thought that Henry Ford invented the first automobile, but it was Karl Benz: Xavier

Madame CJ Walker invented hair products to help fix and do hair: Mya

I learned that Sarah Boone's drawings of an improved ironing board were found after she died: Destiny

I learned that Harry Wasylyk made green garbages from low density polyethylene: Keundra

I found that Gunpei Yokoi invented the GameBoy: Jamal

I learned that Carol Wior invented the Slimsuit: Kyaisha