Central Elementary

One semester down and one to go! It is difficult to believe that we are halfway through our school year. Educating our students through this pandemic continues to be challenging. However, as a school, district and community, we continue to move forward. I want to thank everyone for making this school year successful. Let's continue to work together for the benefit of our students, and make the most of this school year.

Go Eagles!

The Linden Community School Board of Education were recognized for their dedication and service to our students. During the "Board Appreciation Day," staff and students presented the members of the school board with gifts and genuine words of praise. Central Elementary Student Council represented our building and offered thoughtful gifts. Two members stood at the podium, and notes in hand, shared kind messages to the school board members.

When students began work on the Biosphere in Mrs. Koledo’s class, they did not know the depth of work that may be involved in this last sphere of the unit. Students took a deep dive into ecosystems that lead them through the various food chains and food webs, and ultimately to the dissection of owl pellets (regurgitated food). Each step along the way was interspersed with cross curricular work and activities that help solidify these important science concepts for our students. They were a ton of fun too!

Students explored using motors to create Lego snow machines in STEM class this week. After completing their build, students worked with a partner to create a program that directed the robot to maneuver through a course of their choice. They discovered units of measurement and which is best to control their robot. They learned how speed may affect the accuracy of the programmed plan (faster isn't always better)! Students will continue their robot builds next week, expanding on their knowledge of word block coding to create more specific course directions. It is so exciting to bring 21st century technology into the hands of our students!

Basic math concepts never change, but the approach to learning and teaching these standards are constantly evolving. At Central Elementary, Mrs. Koledo (5th) and Mrs. Bowles (4th) will be involved in evaluating a new math pilot program this winter. Both teachers have attended virtual development and will be observing the program in action at a neighboring school district. We hope to see this off the ground in the next few weeks.

Mr. Smith's fourth grade class built water mills for an energy unit in science. Students designed, built, and tested their water mills. After they were tested, students made modifications to their mills to make them work better. The water mills were tested again to see how much work they could do. During this test their water mills lifted washers in a small plastic cup. The current record is 40 washers. In the energy unit students have learned that moving water creates energy that can be used to complete work. They discussed evidence of energy and they learned how to get their water mills to complete more work.

The science department heads of our Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA) Team, presented to the school board a K-5 program. This new science program is called Amplified Science. It has been some time since our 4th and 5th graders engaged in a new science program. Having a cohesive K-5 program continuity in our science curriculum through each elementary grade level.

Mrs. Cooke's and Mrs. Fitzgerald's 4th grade reading classes just finished a collaborative unit on biographies. They are now working on an independent biography unit on a person of their choice by making a pizza box biography. This project combines reading, research skills and writing along with speaking skills, as they will be presenting their finished biography project to the class. We are excited to learn about some interesting people!

We wrapped up our mid-year NWEA testing. Our staff will now review the data and determine those students that could use additional support. The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), is a research-based not-for-profit organization that creates academic assessments for students pre-K-12. Currently, NWEA assessments are used by over 9,500 schools and districts in 145 countries. The last testing window will take place in May.

Last month our students' good-will and generosity shined through once again! We are proud to share that our Central students raised nearly $700.00 as part of the Linden Community Schools Holiday Penny Wars. Students brought in their change for two weeks and donated it to the Angel Tree and Christmas Express. Giving never gets old!

December's Christmas Extravaganza had an incredible turn out. The 4th annual and best one, yet! This event was sponsored by our PALS organization and included over 33 Central students who sold their home-made products. Local businesses graciously donated items that were raffled off to over 300 attendees. Overall, this was a great evening for everyone!

The Central Elementary school store will be open every Thursday, beginning on February 3rd. Our student council members will be running the school store during lunches. Prices will range from .25-$2.00. Kids are coming around today to show off the products that will be for sale and to promote the store.

Students are issued S.O.A.R tickets from staff members when they witness positive behavior in our kids. S.O.A.R. is an acronym for Stay Safe, Offer Kindness, Act Responsibly, and Remember Respect. Students turn those tickets into the office for weekly drawings. All tickets are then attached to Tuffy’s wing located in the hallway. Recently our students "filled" the wing and celebrated this accomplishment with free bags of popcorn and other treats.

February 14 Valentine's Day

February 18 No School-Professional Development

Email: mgagne@lindenschools.org
Website: lindenschools.org
Location: 7199 Silver Lake Road, Linden, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-8412