June 2007
 

Building It Up
View photos of Glebe sixth graders and their construction projects
The sixth graders at Glebe Street Elementary School have recently completed a construction project. The students worked on this project as both a cooperative learning activity as well as a math lesson. Students were divided into small groups and were given the task to create a construction project for a plot of land. Some groups built houses, some built parks, and some created restaurants. The teams built their plans and worked through the trial and tribulations of making their design work. The teams then also had to calculate the area and perimeter of their designs. They used these calculations to come up with an estimate of how much their project would cost to build. They calculated the cost of lumber, concrete, paint, grass, windows, doors, etc. This project was a huge success. Teams not only worked well together, but many pushed themselves to create a project that was different and unique. Way to go sixth graders!

Look Out Below!
To view more  photos from Mr. Westman's Fourth Grade Class's "Eggsperiment,"
Mr. Westman recently got his fourth grade class to think about the science behind impact and shock absorption in a pretty "eggciting" way. The experiment involved dropping an egg from a height of 14 feet or more, and  students were to design a container that would protect the egg from breaking on impact. In Mr. Westman's class's case, that height of 14 feet or more came in the form of a Johnstown fire truck ladder extended to its maximum. The students were inventive in their designs using everything from Fluff containers to balloons. Special awards were given out for Most Creative, Most Complex, and, of course, Biggest Splat.

NY Giants Player Gives Students Autographs - And Good Advice
Marc Hickok, the brother of our sixth grade teacher Ms. Jennifer Hickok, came to visit Jansen Avenue Elementary. Marc was recently drafted by the New York Giants, and the students were very thrilled to meet him. He spoke to the students individually and signed autographs for them. He also spoke to the class about the importance of staying in school and completing homework. He encouraged them to set goals, believe in themselves and keep trying even if they don’t succeed at first. He shared his experiences about football and about earning a biology degree in college. Moreover, he iterated to the students that he has worked hard at everything he has done - not just football. Mr. Hickok ended his visit with a Q&A session with the students. From football to his jersey number to what teams he watches on TV, Marc was a real "sport" answering all the students' questions. The visit provided a great learning experience for the students in that it taught them that doing well in school, hard work and perseverance are key ingredients to success.

Congratulations to those students who worked exceptionally hard in the third quarter and earned Principal's List honors! Each student received a big kudos from Mrs. Sotero and a certificate of merit for their accomplishment.

Jansen Teachers Create Class Web Sites to Increase Communication
Through its partnership with the PTA, Jansen Ave. was able to purchase rights to an online program that helps teachers to create their own World Wide Web sites, furthering our communication abilities. Each site has a calendar,  learning links and fun activities for students and parents to enjoy together. Check out the Teacher Pages link on the left for more details.

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