Announcements 1-19-12

Survey

Have you taken our Family Virtual Field Trip survey yet? The survey will close on Friday January 20th so please be sure and get your votes in!
Click this link to take the survey:

 Family Virtual Field Trip Night

Fuel Up to Play 60

Fuel Up to Play 60 is a program that our school participates in. It encourages healthy eating and 60 minutes of movement everyday. To find out more go to http://www.fueluptoplay60.com/. They are having a contest to see which school can get most students signed up and tracking their healthy eating and activity and we are hoping that we can be that school! We came in second in the whole state of VT last week and we would like to keep the momentum going! If students need help signing up they can see Mrs. Gunter or Mrs. Trainer. We have some prizes for students who are tracking regularly!



Giant Grid Drawings of Famous People Project

Please click the following the link to see a slideshow of this project put together by Ms. Haberman and Mrs. Brown:

http://sacsunifiedarts.blogspot.com/2012/01/giant-grid-portraits-in-art-gallery.html


Athletics


7/8 Cheer practice Top Gun ONLY from 5:00 - 6:30pm


WordMasters Word of the Day
from the 4th grade list:


grimace
Function: noun
: a twisting of the face or features (as in disgust, disapproval, or
pain)
grimace verb



Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday January 19th




Nachos Supreme
Seasoned Taco Meat,  Nacho Cheese Sauce, Lettuce, Salsa &, Corn Tortilla Chips
Spanish Rice
Rainbow Coleslaw
Low-Fat Dessert
Fresh Fruit
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 1-18-12

Exciting Compost News!


Here is a portion of an email from Tom Reynolds, Programs Coordinator for The Northwest Solid Waste District. 

"Here is the list of compost results.   Over 8 tons of food waste diverted from the landfill with an average of 3 pieces of non food waste per week.   

If St. Albans City School had 500 meals per day or 2500 meals per week.  I pick up compost containers once a week or 18 times for a total of roughly 45000 meals and the students and staff had only 59 pieces of contamination.  The school would have achieved well over a 99% success rate with diverting only food waste in their compost program. Well the facts are in- St.Albans City Elementary School DID ! Add that to the schools ‘Job Well Done’ list."

News from 6th Grade Math

 All 6th graders just completed a project based learning activity called "The Hand of a Giant".  Students were given just the hand print of a giant.  They had to determine the height of the giant just from this hand print.  They were given no other information.  They worked in cooperative groups and use the concept of proportional reasoning to find the giant's height.  

News from Mrs. Dean's Class

Mrs. Dean's 4th grade class took a virtual field trip to study area and perimeter of two dimensional shapes on Tuesday. The students represented our school by exceeding expectations around active listening ,working collaboratively, and really knowing their stuff! Great job!

SACS Band Alumni have Talent 

The Band BET, made up of former SACS students, came in at lunch on Tuesday to play some of their original music during lunch.

Athletics


7/8 Girls Basketball games at Home vs. SATEC at 4:00 pm


7/8 Boys Basketball games Away at SATEC at 4:15pm




Odyssey of the Mind


Primary Team Meeting 6:00pm in Mr. Galle's Art Room




WordMasters Word of the day


from the 7th Grade list:



lethargic


Function: adj
1: the quality or state of being slow, lazy, or not caring
lethargy
function: noun:
1 : abnormal drowsiness
2 : the quality or state of being slow, lazy, or not caring





Hot Lunch Entree for Wednesday January 18th



Chicken Alfredo 
Chicken, Broccoli, Cheese & Whole Grain Rotini 
Dark Green  Garden Salad 
Oatmeal Muffin Square 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 1-17-12

No School Monday January 16th


We are off on Monday to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 


News from the Explorers

During WIN time on Tuesday the 10th of January the Explorers played Jeopardy on the topic of Matter.  During the game, they had to answer questions about the different states of matter, how matter can change from one state to another, and results from experiments that they had observed and conducted.  Some of the questions were pretty hard when they were asked about things like sublimation, viscosity, and Bose-Einstein condensate.  However, the Explorers were up for the challenge and they had a fun time in the process.  

Talent

Raiders Got Talent came to a close on Friday with our many winners receiving their trophies. It was so exciting to see how much talent SACS students have, and how supportive everyone was of their friends. Thank you to our performers and audience - keep practicing because we can't wait to do it all over again next year! Rock on, SACS! You are all winners in our books!

News from Kindergarten

The Kindergarten Classes read many books about Gingerbread Men.  They culminated the week by making Gingerbread Houses.

Beginning Band Concert

The Beginning Band, led by Mr. Mehaffey, played to a packed house in the library Friday afternoon. If you couldn't make it, not to worry, it was videotaped and will be posted to the school website. As soon as the concert video is posted, the link to it will also be posted in the Daily Announcements.

WordMasters Word of the Day

from the 5th grade list

behemoth:

1. something huge: something that is enormously big or powerful
2. huge animal: in the Bible, a huge beast usually thought to be a hippopotamus

Hot Lunch Entree for Tuesday January 17th

Soup & Sandwich 

Grilled Cheese

Sandwich on 

Wheat Bread 

Hearty Country

Vegetable Soup 

Chilled Fruit Cup 

Happy Birthday Cake

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 1-13-12

We need your Input!


We are trying to plan a family virtual field trip night. Please click the link below and take the short survey so that your voice can be heard. Thank you!
 Family Virtual Field Trip Night




The Learning Kitchen


We are very excited to announce that we recently applied and were approved to host a program called "The Learning Kitchen." The classes will begin in April. Here is a short description from the Hunger Free Vermont/Learning Kitchen website:


"In a series of six classes, 8-15 participants receive instruction in meal planning, budgeting, shopping, and cooking from area chefs and trained nutrition educators. At the end of each class, participants take home free ingredients to make the recipes at home."


This class is for students in grades 5-8 and space is very limited. If you are interested in learning more about the class, or would like to be a part of The Learning Kitchen please contact Mrs. Trainer or Mrs. Gunter at 527-0565 ext.1102 or by email: gunterd@fcsuvt.org






Beginning Band Concert


The concert that was scheduled for Thursday evening will take place this afternoon (1/13) at 1:30 in the library. It will be videotaped and posted to the school website.




Virtual Learning

Last night Mr. Galle hosted a Virtual Learning Informational session for 7th and 8th grade students and their parents who have expressed an interest in taking  middle school and high school courses online. In his half hour presentation, Mr. Galle, who teaches a virtual class himself, went over the basics of online learning and how to go about the sign up process. He then made himself available to answer questions and help sign the students up for virtual learning on one of the many computers in the SACS Library computer lab. Many of the students in attendance were interested in signing up for Mr. Galle's online class! The turnout for this meeting was excellent - Thank you to parents and students for coming out! 

The Flipped Classroom with Mr. Clark & Mr. Allen

Mr. Allen and Mr. Clark have begun to change their teaching.  They are working on what is called the Flipped Classroom.  The Flipped Classroom changes the standard way of teaching a lesson in class and then sending the students home to practice that without guidance.  If they receive guidance, it is from their parents and the parents weren't there for the lesson and odds are, were taught in a different way then their kids were.  In the Flipped Classroom, the students watch a lesson at home via our Youtube channel and come to class with questions and or knowledge about the skill taught.  Students in the Flipped Classroom will also apply their new skill in a class practice activity and then in their actual classwork.  Students without internet access are give ample time in class to watch the lesson providing equal opportunity.  The lessons also provide opportunities for struggling students to rewind a lesson or even go to a part that need to focus on.  

Check out the youtube channel with the lessons here: http://www.youtube.com/user/MrFlippedWriting?feature=mhee

News from PE

Grades 3-6 will begin a Bike unit in the spring with help from a grant awarded to the City of St. Albans.

To learn more about this grant, please visit: http://www.localmotion.org/blog/2011/12/st-albans-city-wins-big-grant-for-sidewalks-paths/

Drama Club

Practice this afternoon from 3:15-5:15 in Mrs. Jarvis' room

Athletics

7/8 Girls Basketball HOME vs. Fairfax at 4:15

7/8 Boys Basketball AWAY vs. Fairfax at 4:45

Saturday:

5/6 Basketball Games in the Big Gym starting at 7:30am

School Mall

The Booklets are due today (1/13) at lunch-- please remember to bring them in!

News from Team USA

Team USA members decided to have a crazy dress-up day.  The clothes that were worn were from our Barn visit earlier in the year.  The idea behind the day is that what a person wears or looks like should not affect how they are treated.

Team USA's Energy Committee is teaming up with SATEC to host a Button Up VT Clinic. This program is to help homeowners, to save money, and energy during the Winter months. If you are interested, come to the BFA Tech Center room 208 on Wednesday January 18th from 6:30-8:30pm. Students will be there to greet you and show you to the clinic.

WordMasters Word of the day


From the 7th grade list:



refrain


1: Function: verb: to hold oneself back <refrain from laughing>
2: Function: noun: a regularly repeated phrase or verse of a poem or song : CHORUS




Hot Lunch Entree for Friday January 13th



Chef Made Specialty Pizza 
Fresh Carrot Sticks w/ Hummus Dip 
Low-Fat Dessert 
Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 1-12-11

Channel 15


One of the goals for Team USA this year was to produce a news show for the school. The group, Team USA Raider Report, published the first show. This has been a huge undertaking. The amount of time capturing video, editing, organizing and producing the show is much more than we anticipated. We have been working with our local cable access, Channel 15. As we move forward we hope to get a monthly show completed. We have learned a lot from our first show, and we will only improve the product as we continue. Look for our next show to be airing in January.
Team USA Raider Report 1 from Team USA on Vimeo.

News From Athletics

8th Grade Boys and Girls Basketball games away at Westford today (1/12).Games start at 4:00

On Tuesday, the 5/6 and 7/8 Cheer teams traveled to the Collins Perley Sports Complex to have a skills practice with the BFA Varsity Cheer Team.

Beginning Band Concert

The concert is tonight (1/12) at 7:00pm in the cafeteria.

School Board Meeting

The meeting is at 6:00pm in the library

Mark your Calendars

 "Boot, Scoot and Boogie" at the next grade 4-6 Dance! 
Hosted by the Voyagers

Friday, January 20th 
In the school cafeteria 
6:00 - 8:00 pm

The dance is for SACS students only and admission is $3 


Awesome dance music, fun games and yummy refreshments for sale

WordMasters Word of the Day



From the 4th grade list:


condense
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): condensed; condensing
1: to make or become more close, compact, concise, or dense:
CONCENTRATE (condense paragraph into a sentence
2: to change from a less dense to a denser form (steam
condenses into water).



Hot Lunch Entree for Thursday January 12th

Taco Bar w/ The Works 

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

Spanish Rice 

Creamy Coleslaw 

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 1-11-12

News from Tech Squad

Before the holiday break, The SACS Tech Squad took a virtual field trip to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio.The focus of the trip was the use of technology in hip-hop music. The trip took them through the history of hip-hop music, from it's inception on the streets of the Bronx, all the way through today. They were able to see how technology assists not only hip-hop artists when producing a track, but also the DJ's that play the music. At the end of the field trip, the students were even able to make their own hip-hop track with the help and the virtual trip guide and software that is used by many recording artists today. 


School Mall


School Mall ends on Friday. Students should bring their completed booklets to lunch with them on Friday to hand in and recieve their prize. 


PTO


Meeting this afternoon (1/11) at 3:30 in the library


Virtual Learning Informational Session


The informational session will take place tonight (1/11) in the library computer lab at 6pm. This is for students who have signed up for virtual classes through VHS and their parents. 


Odyssey of the Mind


Primary team meeting tonight (1/11) at 6pm in the Art Room.




News from Open Doors

 Interested in teaching your child/ren how to be smart with money?

The Open Doors program is sponsoring a free seminar for parents on teaching children about money. 

Workshop will be on Monday, March 12^th 5:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Albans City School Library.  

Food will be provided.  We are working towards providing childcare to increase parent participation. 

Please contact Suzanne Skaflestad at 527-0565, ext. 1103 or at skaflestads@fcsuvt.org to sign up.  Registration is limited. 

WordMasters Word of the Day


From the 7th grade list



catalyst


Function: Noun
1: a substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction but is itself unchanged at the
end of the process; especially : such a substance that speeds up a reaction or enables it
to proceed under milder conditions


1: someone or something that causes or speeds significant change or action <the group
was a catalyst for social reform>



Hot Lunch Entree for Wednesday January 11



Brunch For Lunch
Waffles w/Warm Syrup or Strawberry Topping 
Fresh Sweet & White Home Fries 
Sausage Links 
Farm Fresh Milk 

Announcements 1-10-12

News From Kindergarten

Ms. Lawyer's Kindergarten class had a surprise visit from  Dr.Einstein and Dr. Dynamite the very famous "Mad Scientists" . The Science lesson was about solids and liquids. After much scientific discussion, the Kindergarteners assisted the doctors in making "ooblek".

The Kindergarten students spent time outside last week enjoying the fresh snow and sliding on the playground slopes.

Stage

Have you seen our refinished stage in the large gym? It looks fantastic! We are asking everyone to please stay off the stage so we can keep it looking beautiful. Thank you!

WordMasters

Round II begins today (1/10) at WIN time!

Here is a WordMasters Word of the Day from the 4th grade list:

decrepit

Function: adjective

: broken down with age: WORN-OUT 

Athletics

5-8 Cheerleaders will be attending a practice session with the BFA Varsity Cheerleaders tomorrow afternoon. Please remember to bring in your permission slips. 

Basketball

7/8 Boys Home game vs. Georgia at 4:00pm

7/8 Girls Away game vs. Georgia at 4:00 pm

Drama

Drama Club meet from 3:15 - 5:15

Hot Lunch Entree for Tuesday 1/10/12

Goulash 

Meat, Tomato Sauce & Pasta 

Fresh Broccoli  Sprigs w/Ranch Dip 

Oatmeal Dinner Roll 

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 1-9-12

SACS Planner


What's upcoming at SACS


Saturday 1/7 - 5/6 Basketball games at 7:30 am
                           Drama club practice from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in room A1


Monday 1/9 - Drama Club practice from 3:15-5:15pm
                          The BFA Experience for current SACS 8th graders and their families will be    
                          held in the BFA Gym from 6:30-7:45
Tuesday 1/10 - Drama Club practice from 3:15 - 5:15pm
                        7/8 Boys basketball game home vs. Georgia at 4:00
                        7/8 Girls basketball game away vs. Georgia at 4:00


Wednesday 1/11 -PTO Meeting in the Library at 3:30
                                Odyssey of the Mind Primary Team Meeting from 6:00-7:00 pm in the   
                                Art Room
Thursday 1/12 - 8th Grade Basketball AWAY vs. Westford at 4:00
                              School Board Meeting in the Library at 6:00 pm
                              Beginning Band Concert in the Cafeteria at 7:00pm


Friday 1/13 - Drama Club Practice from 3:15 - 5:15 pm
                        7/8 Girls Basketball HOME vs. Fairfax at 4:15pm
                        7/8 Boys Basketball AWAY vs. Fairfax at 4:45pm

Did you know we have a SACS School Store?

It is called the Raider Treasure Chest and is run by the Voyagers 6th grade students. 

The Voyager students do the ordering, stocking, pricing, selling. counting money, and inventory.

The Raider Treasure Chest  is located in the Art Gallery just outside the cafeteria. 

It is open every Friday during lunch time.  Students are allowed to go shopping when they have finished eating their lunch.

Store Items Include:

colorful pencils, mechanical pencils, assorted pens, all kinds of erasers, fun pencil toppers, pencil sharpeners, small note pads, pencil pouches, magnetic locker buddies, and more

These items range in price from 25 cents to $1.

Ear buds and mice for the lap tops will be coming soon!

More Talent!

Team USA has talent!

The "Lunch Ladies" have....talent?

Stayed tuned for more talent next week at lunch!




St. Albans Rec. Dept/Rotary Bus


The Rotary Ski bus is cancelled for this Saturday (1/7)


Hot Lunch Entree for Monday January 9th



Hot Hamburg Sandwich on Wheat Bread 
Zesty Lemon Couscous 
Oven Roasted Zucchini Sticks

Fresh Fruit 
Farm Fresh Milk

Announcements 1-6-12

Third Grade Paper Challenge

On Thursday, the third graders received a big math challenge from Mrs. Cavallo. The second graders have pencils, now the third graders have paper! Before getting their challenge, the third graders first needed to understand a few vocabulary words related to paper, like case and ream. They learned that in years past, we have just estimated how much paper we used as a school. This year, the third graders are going to find a way to track how much paper the school uses for the rest of the year. Mr. Pelkey will be reporting to the third grader teachers each time he takes down a case a paper, which the third graders now know contains 5000 sheets of paper. They will work on this for the remainder of the school year meet again in June to share what their strategies were and what they came up with! Good luck, third graders! 

News from Voyagers

Jack Frost was nipping at our noses!  The Voyagers braved the cold to enjoy a day of skiing at Jay Peak on Tuesday.  The temperature was low, the wind chill was even lower, but spirits were high as the
students practiced their skills on the slopes.  Thank you to all the parents and staff that volunteered to help out!

Day Three: Raiders' Got Talent

The Incredibles have talent!

Team Discovery has talent!

Athletics

7/8 Boys Basketball Game at home vs. MVU this afternoon (1/6) at 4:00

7/8 Girls Basketball Game away at MVU tonight (1/6) at 6:00

Drama Club

Practice in Mrs. Jarvis' room this afternoon (1/6) from 3:15 - 5:15

Hot Lunch Entree for Friday January 6:

Chicken Caesar Salad 

Crispy Romaine Lettuce, Chicken, Caesar Dressing 

Chilled Applesauce 

Whole Wheat Dinner Roll 

Fresh Fruit 

Farm Fresh Milk