Academic Fair by Lisa Richardson, 5th grade
Last Tuesday was Hope’s annual Academic Fair. Each classroom showcased some really exciting and impressive projects. The 5th grade class focused on S.T.E.A.M.—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. For our project, the students spent weeks researching, discussing, reading and designing experiments related to landforms, soil and rocks.
During our study, I challenged the kids to figure out a solution to a current day problem relating to landforms. After using our classroom IPads as well as our technology lab to research, they came up with several strong ideas. However, after a very rainy winter, they decided to work on solving the issue of erosion on slopes. Each group chose a material to test to see which would work best to prevent erosion from happening. One group used cotton, one plants, one wood chips and the final group used gravel. They then engineered an experiment using a stream table propped up on wooden angles to mimic a sloping hill. For water, we used a cup with a 0.5 cm hole in the bottom. Water was then poured into this cup and allowed to drain into the top of the stream table. We were surprised to see that all of the materials worked pretty well to prevent erosion when placed on top of loose dirt. However, out of all the materials, cotton worked the best. The run-off from the cotton stream table ran the cleanest.
I’m not sure what was more exciting, setting up the stream tables and using our hands to mix dirt and water, running the experiment, or examining the amount of deposition found in our run-off basin. For me, the best part was listening to the students actively and enthusiastically engaged in solving a real life problem in small groups and actually complaining when science time was over each day!
Another part of our Academic Fair was creating beautiful 3-D Landform tunnel books. By making accordion fold books, students created different layers of landforms. Again, using the technology in the classroom, they were able to research and illustrate different landforms from the tallest mountains to the shallowest deltas.
I can honestly say this was by far the messiest learning we have done this year, but also the most fulfilling. We will complete our landform unit at the end of the school year with a field trip to Mt. St. Helens. At Mt. St. Helens, students will actually witness first-hand the absolute power of erosion.
Calendar of Events – Click Here
May 1-5: Teacher Appreciation Week
Wed. 5/3: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Kindergarten Class – Pentecost, Acts 1-5 / 6:00 PM PTH General Meeting / Tuition Materials Due
Fri. 5/5: Free Dress day
PTH General Assembly Meeting – Wednesday, May 3, 6 PM
Join your PTH board in the Church Commons to celebrate the successes of the 2016/2017 school year, discuss opportunities for next year, say farewell to outgoing board members, and elect incoming board members. Childcare will be provided, AND PIP hours apply!!! We still have two vacant positions for next year: Secretary and Treasurer. We look forward to seeing you there! Please email PTH President Sonjia Barker for more information at sonjiabarker@Hotmail.com.
Spring Scholastic Book Fair – May 15 – 19
Looking for great summer reading books for you and your kids? Want to earn funds for our school? Then plan on attending our Scholastic Book Fair where you can purchase books for kids, grandkids, and yourself! The fair will be located on the 1st & 2nd floor and open after school from 3:00 – 4:00 PM with the exception of Wed., May 17th where we will be open for Grandparents and preschool families from 9:30 to 10:30 am then 11:15 am to 1:00 pm. Funds from these sales go directly to Hope School to promote literacy and build classroom libraries.
Grandparents / Special Person Day – May 17
Wednesday, May 17, all grandparents or that special person are invited to attend a day of celebration. We will start off at 8:40 AM with a welcome by our Principal, Mrs. Okabayashi and Pastor Peter in the Sanctuary followed by our Chapel service. On the agenda: breakfast with your grandchild, drama & musical performances, and our book fair. Sign-up sheets can be found here and RSVP’s are due Tuesday, May 9th.
Tuition Materials for 2017 – 2018 – Due May 3
Tuition materials for our 2017-2018 school year are due to the school office tomorrow, May 3rd. If you DID NOT receive a tuition contract your student(s) are not currently registered for fall. To register, please visit: http://secure.k12online.us/hope-lutheran-school and enter your student’s access key to complete the registration process. Access keys can be obtained by calling or emailing the school office.
School Clubs – Click Here
PIP Opportunities – Click Here – Program Deadline May 31
Book Fair – Week of May 15 – 19, cashier help needed, set up & break down.
Golf Tournament – Help also needed at our annual golf tournament on Saturday, June 3rd. Contact Mr. Allen at tallen@hopeseattle.org.
PTH Board positions open for secretary and treasurer contact Sonjia at sonjiabarker@hotmail.com.
Support Hope Lutheran Athletics! Eagle Classic Golf Tournament June 3rd
Not a golfer? That’s ok! You don’t need to play or even love the game of golf to participate in this great event. All you need to do is want to support and encourage our 5th to 8th grade athletes by sponsoring this local golf tournament, helping us reach our goal of $4,000. With the money raised we are able to provide team uniforms, pay stipends for coaching and referees, cover transportation costs and purchase gym and field time. Sign up to play or sponsor your company or teacher here!
Box Top Drive
We are hoping to do a final push for Box Tops for the year. Proceeds are used to help purchase school supplies and keep our costs down. Please check your cupboards and send them in to the office or your child’s classroom. Fill out a Cinco De Mayo collection sheet by May 5th, bring it to the office and your child can choose a prize from the treasure chest! Thanks for supporting this program.
Hope Students Art Displayed at Hotwire – Month of May
The artists from Hope Lutheran School invite you to come see a variety of artworks they have created in art class this year. Artworks from Kindergarten through 8th grade are on display at Hotwire on California Ave. for the entire month of May. A reception will be held on Saturday, May 6th from 1-3pm for the students and their families. Prepare to be amazed at the drawings, paintings, prints, collages and more! These students created works of art in the style of such artists as: Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne and Keith Haring.
Our students are proud and excited to share their creations with the community!
Summer Camp Information
Flyers for a variety of summer camps from Stone Soup Theatre to our own Robotics camp can be found in the entrance of our school lobby.
Hope Church & Youth Events – Click Here
VBS is coming July 24-28 – Register and see all of the details at: http://vbspro.events/p/4c92da
