May 23, 2017 e-Newsletter
BUILDING BRIDGES
Mrs. Shockley and Mrs. Rispoli recently led a multi-faceted art and cultural exchange for our fifth-grade students. In Mrs. Shockley's World Geography: The Americas class, the students learned about the traditions, culture and food of Mexico, and they analyzed and discussed artwork provided by their partner classes from the neighboring country. Additionally, our fifth graders received a unique opportunity to meet with their Mexican counterparts through an hour-long video chat session in our Skype Station.
"It was a really good experience," fifth grader Isabella Doncel said. "I liked talking to the kids in another country to see what school is like there, because I already know what school is like here. It was just really cool to know what they do and how they live their life."
"We learned that how they learn is way different from us," added classmate Angelina Aubain.
Our students also produced artwork in Mrs. Rispoli's class that represented themselves and their lives, while Mrs. Sakamoto helped the children prepare a song and dance celebrating American culture, which they performed during the Skype meeting.
Independence students are building bridges with peers around the world to develop global competency and greater cultural understanding. They are discovering more about themselves, the world and the power of art to convey meaning.
REMINDERS
Library books
All library books must be returned for the end-of-year inventory by this Friday, May 26. Thank you for your help!
Community Service Forms
The Middle School Community Service Form for grades 6-8 is due in to your child's CDP coach by next Tuesday, May 30.
A trip to the zoo
Mrs. Annable and Mrs. Schweizer's first graders recently completed their very first research project at Independence, where they learned all about the characteristics of mammals, such as their diets, habitats, who their predators are and on which continents they live. The lesson also included the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates, as well as a discussion on endangered species. The first-grade teachers talked about plagiarism with their students and stressed the importance of them putting their facts and information in their own words. Then, on May 19, the students were given the unique opportunity to present their knowledge and work to others during the longtime tradition called the Mammal Zoo.
In each grade, there are public speaking assignments to help students grow in poise, confidence, articulation and knowledge of material. For this assignment, the first graders dressed up as their mammal of choice and were grouped by habitat. Parents, fellow students, faculty and administrators could push a button on the costume of each first grader, who would then recite the researched information about his or her animal! It was impressive to see what they learned and how well they presented that knowledge.
For a complete Mammal Zoo photo gallery, click here.
Click here for the event registration form or register online at races2run.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
5/22-25 - Eighth-grade Boston trip
5/26 - NO SCHOOL for eighth grade
5/29 - Memorial Day observance (school and Extended Day closed)
5/30 - Second-grade field trip to Herr's Snack Factory Tour in Nottingham, Pa.
5/30 - Third-grade field trip to Philadelphia Zoo
5/31 - Early Childhood I field trip to Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville
5/31 - Athletic Evening at 6:30 p.m. (Gore Auditorium)
6/2 - Eighth-grade reception from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Fasick Gallery)
6/2 - Dance for grades 6-8 from 7-9:30 p.m. (gym)
6/5 - In-service day (school closed, Extended Day open)
6/6 - Indy 5K & 1-Mile Kids Color Run: registration - 5:30 p.m., race - 6:30 p.m. (click here for the event registration form or register online at races2run.com)
Click here for the 2017-18 calendar at a glance.
For the full 2016-17 school calendar, click here.
Did you know that Extended Day offers a variety of special programs throughout the school year? Click here for all the details.
Click the logo above to visit the spring "Teams & Results" page, where you can stay up-to-date on all the latest news and recaps about Patriot athletics!
CELEBRATING A PROUD NATION
Thank you to everyone who joined us on May 19, for the 27th edition of the third-grade Patriotic Program, "The United States: A Proud Nation." This year, we proudly dedicated the performance to our First Responders, U.S. Armed Forces and veterans, especially all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us.
Our third graders sang 16 songs and recited seven speeches that all paid tribute to our great country, and we were also thrilled to hear the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums play. Chief Michael Donohue, of the Wilmington Fire Department, and DSP Det. David Chorlton, a longtime Independence parent, both made powerful speeches. Mrs. Laura Fickes and Mrs. Louise Ballard, whose late husbands were honored, attended the event, as well.
Click here to relive this memorable evening of patriotism!
A SPECIAL DAY TO "STAY-N-PLAY"
On May 19, Independence held its annual "Stay-N-Play" event for current and incoming students in Early Childhood I and II and Kindergarten. This year's festivities included a sing-along led by band director Mr. Kitching, an activity session to explore and play, and a picnic snack time, with musical entertainment by members of our seventh- and eighth-grade Stage Band.
Our Early Childhood teachers developed "Stay-N-Play" in an effort to share and celebrate the importance of play in children's development. From the earliest infancy, play serves as the primary way children learn, and it helps our young ones enhance their cognitive skills, develop their small and gross motor muscles, further their language development, gain social and emotional confidence and use creativity, imagination and thinking skills.
For a complete "Stay-N-Play" photo gallery, click here.
Congratulations to third graders Kabir Goyal, Colin Kipp and Jai Thacker, who placed fourth in the K-3 Unrated Division at the 2017 U.S. Chess SuperNationals VI in Nashville, Tenn., from May 12-14!
Independence introduced Chess Club last fall under the direction of Mr. Greg Rogers, of Chess Masters of Delaware. Students in grades 1-8 had the option of participating either during recess or after school in Extended Day.
Registration is live on our new Summer at Independence website!
Please visit www.SummerAtIndependence.org and browse our diverse variety of camp options in one of three easy ways:
- By category
- By grade level
- By week
Don't delay on planning your child's 2017 Summer at Independence!
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