Announcements 2-13-12

Spotlight on French Class

This week French students in 7th and 8th grade are working on restaurant skits.  We are also starting an after school French club at the end of March. Students can sign-up through Open Doors.


Rosie's Girls


Reunion Sunday from 1:00-4:00PM in Team USA and the Big Gym


Athletics


Saturday 2/11 Basketball games:
5/6 Boys play in Swanton
5/6 Girls play in Georgia


In-service 


Friday 2/17 is a teacher in-service day and there is no school for students.


MathCounts


The MathCounts Regional Competition is this Saturday at UVM. Good luck to our SACS MathCounts Team!


Culminating Event Schedule

Community	Theme	Event Date & Time
Bright Beginnings	Earth & Universe	2/20 - 2/24 Drop in all week
Investigators	Science Fair - Changes of Matter	2/24 10:00 - 11:00AM
Explorers	Matter (Solids, Liquids, Gases)	2/24 10:30AM
Imagination Grade 1	Weather	2/16 11:00am with lunch following
Imagination Grades 2&3	Weather	2/23 time pending
Travelers	States of Matter	2/24 12:00 - 1:00PM
Incredibles	Scientific Method	2/24 7:45-8:45AM
Voyagers	Bones & Muscles	2/24 12:30-1:40PM
Triumph	Regions of the US	2/20 1:00-2:30PM
Discovery	Human Body	2/24 8:00AM
Renaissance	Science Fair - Scientific Method	2/23 5:00-6:00PM & 2/24 8:30-9:10AM
USA	Working Within Our Community	2/20-2/24 Drop in all week

Open Doors Announcement

Open Doors Brochures will be distributed Monday, February 13th during lunch periods for the 3rd-8th graders.

Open Doors will bring 1st/2nd grade teachers the brochures for the Wed dance class.  There are 6 spots available for this class.

News from the Cafe

We had a "Fun Friday" bowling in the cafe today!

We had two winners in our Fuel Up to Play 60 tracking competition. Congratulations to Danny and JD who won NFL inflatable chairs on Friday in the cafe! Keep tracking, because we have more prizes to give away!

Pep Rally


K-3 Pep Rally hosted by the Explorers Monday (2/13) at 8:30 in the Big Gym. Bring your Raider Spirit!


Field Trip


The Voyagers are going to Jay Peak at 8:30 on Monday 2/13


Drama Club


practice Monday 2/13 from 3:15-4:15


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day



Drink plenty of water. Just a 2% drop in body water can result in fuzzy thinking, poor focus and
trouble with basic math.


Use your brain for a Mental Exercise:


Stop what you're doing and listen. List all the sounds you hear. Repeat. Did you get more the second time?


Hot Lunch Entree for Tuesday February 10th



Oven Roasted Hot Dog on Wheat Bun 
Ketchup, Mustard,  Relish, Onions 
Crispy French Fries 
Baked Beans 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 2-10-12

Spotlight on Art Class

The Art Department is preparing for the upcoming District Art Show which takes place at the St. Albans Armory next week. The opening reception takes place on Monday (February 13th)  from  5:30 - 7:30. The Show will continue on Tuesday through Thursday from 8AM to 5PM and Friday from 8AM to 12PM. Many of our talented students will have their work displayed.  There will be large portrait grid drawings and nature poetry books created by seventh and eighth graders, ceramic bowls created by fifth graders, Rainbow Fish collages, mobiles and papier mache spaceships created by second graders, clay looms created by third graders, fish mosaics by kindergarten, underwater paintings and self-portrait puppets created by first graders, and masks created by fourth graders.  Letters of congratulation were sent to parents of students whose work was selected for the show.
Come and see the work of our creative students!!




Evacuation Drill


On Thursday, we had a drill and evacuated all students to the gym. Students were quiet, listened to directions and the rest of the building was empty in under ten minutes. We are so proud of our school and the way everyone handled this drill. We gave directions to 700 students with no microphone, and you could have heard a pin drop. 


Drama Club


Practice from 3:15-5:15pm


News from Odyssey of the Mind

The team has been working hard on their long term problem and on practicing for the spontaneous portion of the competion. This past weekend, the team participated in SATEC's spontaneous scrimmage with 5 of SATEC's teams that are going to the State Tournament in March.  We were congratulated for being the best at creatively solving three out of the six problems presented that day, and performed very creatively for all of the other problems.  Odyssey of the Mind is a program designed to get the children to think outside the box to solve three types of spontaneous problems: verbal, hands on, and hybrid or mixed that can be hands on verbal or non-verbal. They will also present an eight minute long term problem of their choosing on March 10th at CVUHS in Hinesburg, and they will be judged on the official spontaneous problems on tournament day. The entire program is hands on for the kids and hands off for the coaches; which isn't always easy for either the coach or the kids, but it has been a rewarding and fun experience for all involved!! 


News from the Voyagers

Voyager students have been using drama and movement to work on their fluency, voice, and presentation skills! 

Last week students performed ":Two Pigs and a Mud Pie"and today others showed their talents during "Cinderella Outgrows Her Glass Slippers". There was a lot of laughter and students were surprised to find that some of their classmates have been hiding some serious talent! The actors and actresses in both plays

are eager to continue with more presentations to entertain the team!

Girl Scouts


If you have an interest in Girl Scouts, please see Mrs. Biggie for a form to request more information.


Dance Tonight (2/10) Sponsored by The PAG 2012 for Grades 6,7 & 8


Arrival and Dismissal from Dances!


Dances are held from 7 – 9 p.m.


Students will continue to enter through the gymnasium doors
and sign themselves into the dance.


School Expectations (Safe, Achieving, Caring) remain at all
evening events and that includes dances.


Dismissal from dances is the change. At the end of


our dances chaperones and staff will walk students through the
building to our front lobby. We will dismiss from there.


After all the parking lot changes we have noticed that the flow of traffic is
natural and more light is provided. Safety is important and this change will
be safer for all participants.


Please be prompt for pick up as staff and chaperones need to get home
too. If your student does not have a ride home please don’t send them
to our dances unless they have made arrangements before coming to the
dance. 

Kindergarten Share Time!

Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day

The food pyramid has been replaced by a food plate. Check it out on kidshealth.org

Use your brain for Dexterity:

Tongue Twister: How can c clam cram in a clean cream can?

Hot Lunch Entree for Friday February 10th

Chef’s Creation Specialty Pizza 

Side Caesar Salad 

Chilled Fruit Cup 

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 2-9-12

Spotlight on Music Class


7th and 8th grade music classes with Miss Jarvis have been working this year  with a new software program called MixCraft.The program enables students to learn about music composition through the use of music "loops". Students have to be creative in the way they choose and mix the loops appropriately to create a certain mood or style. Students have also learned about musical form and how to structure their music. On their final project, students also added pictures to go with their music - but admittedly we ran into a few technical difficulties with some of this!  This is an example of a piece that was composed during class.  The piece is a creative example of the students using loops that fit well together in a rock style.  Thanks for Brandon F. and Damon L. for their good work. Click the link below to hear their work!



Brandon&Damonmp3

Valentine's Day Estimators Cup Challenge

The Challenge is on! 
Here are the rules: When you visit the front desk, you will see the vase containing roses and candy hearts. You are allowed to measure the square vase. You can remove the flowers carefully, and measure the volume displaced by the plant, but not the plastic covering the candy hearts. The class that gets closest to the actual number of candy hearts in the vase is the winner!  Every team gets one entry per grade level. You will find the entry slips at the front desk and they are due by Tuesday, February 14th at 12:00pm. Good Luck!


Kindergarten and Team USA

Students from Team USA mentoring Mrs. Williams' class at WIN Time.

PAG

Tonight (2/9) at 6:00 Steve Taubman will be at BFA in the auditorium to talk about Project Graduation for anyone who is interested. 

School Board Meeting

Tonight (2/9) in the library at 6:00pm. The SACS Tech Squad will be presenting.

Jazz Band Concert

Tonight (2/9) in the cafeteria at 7:00pm.


WordMasters Word of the Day



acrid
Function: adjective
1 : biting or bitter in taste or odor
2 : bitterly irritating to the feelings <an acrid remark>
The acrid odor of burnt gun powder filled the air after the pistol had been fired.
Review words from List 1:
resolute
cudgel
deficit
dross
exhort
capricious


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day


Sage is a powerful herb that has been shown to significantly boost memory recall.


Use your brain for Creativity: If you were a book,play or movie, what would be your title?


Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday February 9th



Chicken Enchilada 
Or Bean & Cheese Enchilada in Soft Flour Tortilla 
Brown Rice Pilaf 
Steamed Peas 
Happy Birthday Cake 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 2-8-12

Spotlight on Team USA

Team USA is having a busy year.

 We are involved in a Project Based Learning project that involves working with several outside citizens and agencies in the development of a Skate Park and/or Youth Center for St. Albans Teens. The students are surveying students across the county for potential users, as well as designing and preparing cost analysis for possible projects. They are visiting potential sights and exploring area real estate possibilities. They are also working with Mr. Jeff Bean to produce 3 Dimensional models on the computers.

 The students are also working on an Energy Committee. They have attended several workshops and hosted a Button Up Clinic for the State. They will soon be visited by the CEO of Vermont Electric Co Op and he will present a program on the Smart Grid and alternative energies potential. He will be accompanied by a crew filming a Documentary on his efforts, and Team USA will play a role (small) in the film and will later speak with the producer. This will hopefully give them hints that they can use as they continue to film and produce their own bi-weekly show on Channel 16!

  The Team continues to mentor younger students across the school a couple days a week, donate time and efforts to the Humane Society, and host a Community debate for the 4 individuals running for Council seats in the City. They will also interview the incoming Mayor and the outgoing Mayor for insight into leadership techniques and styles.

   This year we have been fortunate to have a number of quality speakers, including Ms. Liz Gamache, Manager of Corporate Services for VEC, (and our next Mayor), Lt. Col. Rogers, 9/11 Hero, and Corey Parent, former student and intern at Golman-Sachs,  and Mr. Armando  Vilaseca, the Commissioner of Education who  visited to share in USA's National Award from AMLE.

We inite you to visit us anytime and please visit our web page at   www.teamusavt.org  Thank you

Team USA Raider Report Show 2

Team USA Raider Report from Team USA on Vimeo.


A Team USA student created news show. The purpose of the show is to display the many wonderful things happening at St. Albans City School. With the support of our local cable access station, the kids have produced their second show.


State of the Union Address Contest


This is for all 7/8 communities in the cafeteria at 2:00pm


Athletics


7/8 Boys Basketball AWAY vs Georgia at 4:00 pm
7/8 Girls Basketball HOME vs Georgia at 4:00 pm


Odyssey of the Mind


Primary Team Meeting at 6:00pm in Mr. Galle's office


News from The Explorers

Brainstorm Adventure's Brain Fit Tip of the Day

Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts have been shown to protect the aging brain, maintain memory and cognition, and improve moods.

Use your brain for a Mental Exercise:

List as many items as you can that are invisible (e.g. air, love, thunder)

WordMasters Word of the Day

proceed
Function: verb
1 : to come from a source (to stem from)
2 a : to continue after a pause or interruption b : to go or act by an orderly method
3 a : to carry on an action, process, or movement b : to be in the process of being done <the
work is proceeding well>
4 : to go forward or onward : ADVANCE
After the meeting, we are going to proceed to the factory.


Hot Lunch Entree of the Day



Local Baked Potato Bar 
Chili, Homemade Cheese Sauce, Fresh Steamed Broccoli, Cabot Sour Cream & Fresh  Chives 
Spinach Salad w/Apples & Maple Vinaigrette 
Local Apple Muffin 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 2-7-12

Spotlight on Dynamic Design

By Adia

The 7th and 8th graders are having a great contest!  The contest was created and conducted by our own 21st Century teacher, Mr. Moore.  Each student who wanted to could write a “State of the Union Address” that they would have delivered if they were President of the United States.  Dynamic Design had several entries, and we wish to congratulate our two finalists: Kathleen and Alison.  Team USA and Renaissance each had the opportunity to select two finalists as well.  The finalists from all communities will be reading their speeches at 1:57pm in the Cafeteria on Wednesday, February 8th, in front of a distinguished panel, including locally elected officials and members of the St. Albans press!  Now, you are probably thinking, “What would motivate 7th and 8th grade students to compete in an optional writing contest about the government?  There must be a very good prize!”  Well, you are right. The prize will go to the student with the best State of the Union Address out of all the communities, and that student wins a $50 savings bond!  That sure is a great opportunity to better our education while still winning 50 smackeroos!  If you would like to stop by and watch the speeches, it will be in the Cafeteria at 1:57pm on Wednesday! (That's 2:00pm to you spectators!)  Come and root for your favorite!  See you then!

This contest also ties in nicely with Dynamic Design’s current 21st Century Thematic Unit on government, titled “Law and Disorder.”  We are preparing for an exciting field trip to the Vermont Capital and State House in Montpelier on February 14th, and preparing a “Law and Disorder” dramatic production for our Culminating Event later in February.

Academy Cheer Challenge

Over 60 City School athletes preformed at the Academy Cheer Challenge on Saturday. The SYA team placed 1st in youth division, 5/6 Raiders placed 1st in middle school division and the 7/8 Raiders placed 4th in JR High division. City School also had many athletes win in the top gun stunt, jump, and tumbling divisions. Congratulations to all of our athletes!

Athletics


8th grade Boys and Girls Basketball game HOME vs. Westford at 4:00


Drama Club


Practice 3:15 - 5:15


News from Kindergarten


Kindergartners are studying woodland animals.

Open Doors Reminder

Open Doors session one has ended except for the Back Stage Pass class that meets on Thursdays 3:30-4:30..We are working on session two. Open Doors will announce when brochures are ready.

Valentine's Day Express

It's that time again! The choices this year are a silver & purple necklace, a silver and red necklace or a flower for $1.25 each. You can find a slip at the front desk. Please return the slips with payment to Mrs. Biggie. Delivery will be Tuesday February 14th!


Brainstorm Adventures Brain Fit Tip of the Day:



The standard American diet is too high in Omega 6 fatty acids and low in Omega 3s. The best sources of Omega 3s are from cold water fish like wild salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna.


Use your brain for Dexterity:
To remember a lost word, sit in a chair and gently raise your left knew as you bring your right elbow to it. Repeat on the opposite side. Repeat 10-20 times. 


WordMasters Word of the Day:
from the 7th grade list



dilapidation
Function: noun
: a dilapidated condition : partial ruin
Dilapidated:
reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect
Landlords failed to enforce repair clauses, causing a general dilapidation.


Hot Lunch Entree for Tuesday February 7th



Hearty Macaroni & Cheese 
Roasted Beet Wedges 
Homemade Cornbread

Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 2-6-12

Spotlight on Team Renaissance

Check out Renaissance's cool new t-shirt design!

Renaissance students doing a scientific inquiry to determine the relationship between air temperature and the density of the snow.

 Yesterday, Renaissance 8th grade math students had the opportunity to speak and work with a Manager from Citizens Bank concerning their Financial Fluency Unit.

We invite anyone to join us from 11:30 to 12:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays to participate in our community time where students lead committees and are working on a career unit.

St. Albans City School presents WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN!

St. Albans City School would like to welcome all incoming Kindergarteners (children who will be 5 before September 1^st, 2012) and their parents to the 2012-2013 school year.  You are invited to visit us in the Kindergarten on Tuesday, March 27th  and Wednesday, May 9^th from 6 pm to 7 pm.   Registration material for Kindergarten screenings will be available.  Your child’s social security numbers, immunization records and birth certificate are required.  For more information, call Helene Biggie at 527-0565 @ ext. 1101.

Odyssey of the Mind

SACS Division 2 team will be competing in the unofficial scrimmage at the Town School on Saturday from 1:30pm-3:30pm.

Attention 8th Grade Yearbook Staff: 

There will be NO Yearbook meetings next week, on Monday 2/6 or Tuesday 2/7.  All Yearbook staff members should please check in with Ms. Maguire next week.

Junior Iron Chef Team


Meet on Monday 2/6 in Ms. Cavallo's office at 1:45 for final recipe plan.


Academy Cheer Challenge

The 7/8 cheer team working on some team building skills

Come and support the SACS cheerleaders! The Challenge starts at 12:00 on Saturday 2/4 (doors open at 10:00) it's $6 for adults and $4 for students. 

Drama Club

Saturday practice 2:00-4:00pm

Monday practice 3:15-5:15pm

Athletics

5/6 Basketball games at home starting at 7:30

News from Team USA

Every Friday Team USA joins Kindergarten for lunch to mentor. This week, they surprised their buddies with a special song!

Team USA Sings The Good Bye Song from Team USA on Vimeo.

Mrs. Lawyers Class on "PJ" Day!

Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day


Omega 3 fatty acids increase serotonin levels and thus improve our moods.


Use your brain for a Creativity:


What if...the moon could talk? What would it say?


WordMasters Word of the Day
From the 7th grade list:



subtle
Function: adjective
1 a : DELICATE 1, elusive <a subtle fragrance> b : difficult to understand or distinguish
<subtle differences in vowel sounds>
2 : marked by a keen ability to understand <a subtle mind>
3 : SLY 1a, crafty <subtle flattery>
4 : working slowly but effectively : INSIDIOUS <a subtle poison>
I gave my friend a subtle hint from across the room.


Hot Lunch Entree for Monday February 6th



Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Wheat Roll 
Zesty Lemon Couscous 
Fresh Carrot Sticks w/Dip 
Fresh Fruit
Farm Fresh Milk 

Announcements 2-3-12

Spotlight on Team Triumph

January was a very busy month for Team Triumph. Recently we went on a community ski trip to Jay Peak.  We had an awesome time! We are looking forward to our culminating event on February 20th. We have been learning all about the regions of the United States. In reading class we have been using a web-quest to explore the regions. In writing class we have been working on writing persuasive pieces about encouraging someone to visit our assigned state. The Math class is working on drawing a map of the United States to scale. It is going to look so great when it is finished. To get ready for our culminating event on February 20th we will be creating Glogsters about our assigned state.


Drama Club


Practice 3:15-5:15


Athletics


The Cheerleaders in grades 5-8 are going to the complex for a practice on the varsity mats.


7th grade Boys and Girls Basketball game away at Grand Isle at 4:15pm.


WordMasters Word of the Day
from 7th grade list



dirge
Function: noun: a song or hymn of mourning; especially : one intended for funeral or memorial
ceremonies
Etymology: Middle English dirige "service performed when someone dies," from Latin
dirige "direct," first word in a prayer for the dead, from earlier dirigere "to direct"
My aunt was a flood of tears before the dirge was done.


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day



Studies have confirmed that high-nitrate foods increase blood flow to the brain. High nitrate
foods include beets, celery, cabbage and leafy greens like spinach and kale.


 Use your brain for a Mental Exercise:


List as many types of trees as you can


yesterdays answer: (9x6x3)X=6x12x4x12x2.5x12, therefore X = 640


Hot Lunch Entree for Friday February 3rd



Dockside Fish Sandwich on Wheat Roll w/ Tarter Sauce 
Broccoli/Carrot Salad  
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk 

Announcements 2-2-12

Spotlight on Team Discovery

The Discovery community has been busy learning interesting and disgusting facts about the human body. The students are working as groups--made up of a 4th, a 5th, and a 6th grade student. The 4th graders are responsible for the muscular and skeletal systems, the 5th graders are responsible for the digestive and excretory systems, and the 6th graders are responsible for the circulatory and respiratory systems. At the end of the unit, every group will have a presentation for the rest of the community.

In addition to this community-wide project, our 6th grade mathematicians have been learning proportional reasoning. One group built a giant, according to her hand size compared to the average student's hand size; four other groups drew the classroom and its contents to scale to redesign Ms. Provost's room (The students voted on them and the winning design will be the new class layout. Luckily, no one moved Ms. Provost's desk into the hall); and three students worked on writing and solving word problems based on proportional reasoning.

We'll have more to share in the near future!

The Discovery Community

A Kindergarten student working hard on "Fundations"

Valentine's Day Express


It's that time again! The choices this year are a silver & purple necklace, a silver and red necklace or a flower for $1.25 each. You can find a slip at the front desk. Please return the slips with payment to Mrs. Biggie. Delivery will be Tuesday February 14th!


Brainstorm Adventure Brain Fit Tip of the Day:

Purple berries and apples are linked to decreased rates of age-related dementia and Alzheimer’s

disease.

Use your brain for logic:

How many boxes, at 9 x 6 x 3 inches, would fit in a closet that is 6 ft x 4ft x 2.5 ft? (the answer will be posted tomorrow)

WordMasters Word of the Day

from the 7th grade list:

dirge

Function: noun: a song or hymn of mourning; especially : one intended for funeral or memorial

ceremonies

Etymology: Middle English dirige "service performed when someone dies," from Latin

dirige "direct," first word in a prayer for the dead, from earlier dirigere "to direct"

My aunt was a flood of tears before the dirge was done.

Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday February 2nd

Taco Bar w/ The Works 

Seasoned Taco Meat, Shredded Cheese, Lettuce, Onions, Salsa, & Soft Flour Tortilla 

Spanish Rice 

Creamy Coleslaw 

Low-Fat Dessert 

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk