THE SHINER TIMES

By Davin Hudnall

On January 10th, 2020, Manchester Elementary School held a Mid-Year Award Program. Students received awards for Leadership, Math Growth, Math Achievement, Reading Growth, Reading Achievement, Perfect Attendance, Language Usage Growth, and Language Usage Achievement. Mrs. Hopper’s 6th grade class also put together goody bags for those students who received awards. Thank you sixth graders!

This was the first time that Manchester has held a Mid-Year Award Program. Why the change?? Well, the school has a Bump-Up-Goal (BUG) challenge of 80% this year. This means that the students are being challenged to increase their learning goals by 80% by the end of the year. According to Dr. Werner, Manchester has already reached 70% of their goal. So what better way to celebrate than by presenting students with awards for all of their hard work! (Click here for more pictures from the awards ceremony.)

When I was four I broke my arm. My sister and her friend made me do a “build” with them. If you don't know what a build is, it’s a gymnastic routine where two people lift up another person by their legs. They dropped me and I fractured my arm. I was scared to tell my dad because I didn’t think he would understand. He didn't like us doing gymnastics. After he heard the story, he understood. He was not mad and everyone was okay. - Jessica Wullenweber

One time in basketball practice, I attempted a 360 layup. When I tried it, I rolled my ankle. The pain was intense. Instead of saying, 'he sucks' or 'he shouldn’t be playing basketball' Alex and Elliott helped me up and said, “Nice try, man.” During the rest of the practice, we had fun, forgot about the past, and thought about the future. - Mason Hamlett

After Christmas break, the salad greens in the grow tower became a six foot tall, over-grown garden in the lobby at Manchester Elementary School. Second graders sowed seeds in November and before long, our tower produced a green leafy jungle of edible delight! Mrs. Peters, and student teacher Lynn Seiler, harvested the plants with sharp knives, then students arranged beautiful salads on their plates. They added their favorite salad dressing for a delicious, nutritious treat. Many were surprised that some of the greens, like arugula, tasted peppery. Even in the middle of winter, we are green. MES is growing strong healthy plants ... and students! (Click here for all the smiling salad makers.)

By Elora Cooper

The 5th grade Shiners had an amazing day before Christmas break. Students were fortunate enough to sing carols to residents at Ridgewood Nursing Home. Not only did they visit the nursing home, but they went to LaRosa's Pizzeria and Greendale Cinema. At LaRosa's, they had fun eating and chatting with friends. The classes were so very thankful to Mrs. Metz's husband; he kindly paid for all of their food. At the cinema, everyone loved the hilarious movie entitled, “Playing With Fire.” Even though LaRosa's and the cinema were fun, Many agreed that the nursing home was the most memorable moment of the day. Fifth graders loved seeing the smiles on everyone's faces when the gifts were handed out. Miss Warren had told the classes that last year a resident had eaten a cinnamon (non-edible) ornament. And sure enough, it happened again this year too. It was an amazing day to end the 2019 school year. (Click here to see all the 5th grade's Holiday Shenanigans!)

On January 21st, third graders tried out new genres of books for girls and for boys during MES Library's second "Book Tasting" activity. Reading is so important. However, the same kinds of books over and over can be BORING! These students took a taste and learned there are new characters and stories to be enjoyed. Our librarians let me in on a Library BINGO game that will add even more books and maybe a prize to our readers accounts. Read On MES!

Pictured above are the 5th and 6th grade Lady Shiner basketball teams. From left to right, starting in the front row, we have Jersey, Savannah, Rozalee, Emma, Gracie, and Justice. The second row includes Keira, Kennedie, Coach Hogston, Brooke, and Aliyah. (Elora and Mariha are not pictured).The next game will be held on Thursday, February 6 when they travel to Aurora for a revenge match.

By Gracie Brock

As you may know, our bubbly band teacher, Mrs. Busha, had a very complicated surgery on Wednesday, January 8th. All of the staff and students at MES sent their best wishes to Mrs. Busha and her family. The surgery went really well. She has been my music teacher since kindergarten. I am sending my prayers her way. We hope to have our Mrs. Busha merrily making music with us again by February 1st.

By Isla Kelly

It had been a while since Alexander’s father had returned home, and it was oddly silent all week. His mother was happy, and then she wasn’t. Even January seemed less happy. But Zero, Alexander’s father, seemed the worst of all. He was more stressed and sleep deprived than he had ever seen him before. He hated when his father would say, “Oh I’m okay!” when obviously he was not. And now he was worried more than ever. Alexander stayed up all night listening to his mother and father whisper, and even sometimes say something louder than they should like:

(CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF CHAPTER 9)

By Jessica Wullenweber

For kindergarten through third grade, I want you to draw a picture of your best memory from 2019. Write a sentence explaining the picture.

For fourth through six grade, I want you to write a paragraph of your best memory from 2019. The winners will get their entry in the next Shiner Times and placed on the bus entry windows.

• Jump For Heart Kick-Off: Wednesday, January 22. Donations due by Feb. 7th.
  
• 5th & 6th Grade Computer Club: Wednesday, January 22 (3:20-4:30)

• 5th & 6th Girls Basketball Practice: Wednesday, January 22 (3:45-5:45)

• Student Council One Day Super Bowl Canned Soup Drive: Friday, January 31(for the local Food Pantry)

• Yearbooks on Sale: Deadline is March 13 (Order forms went home, but more are in the office.)

WE ARE THE SHINERS!

Email: manchester@sdcsc.k12.in.us
Website: manchester.sdcsc.k12.in.us
Location: 9387 State Route 48, Aurora, IN, USA
Phone: (812)926-2090
Facebook: messhiners.com