The Fall Outing
9/20/2019
PNA has a mission statement that everyone works towards; "We educate students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, courage and integrity". With this in mind and taking students forward developing 21st century skills there are 4 learning skills that are a cornerstone to the PNA curriculum: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. It is through the continual exercise of these four skills that students explore and learn subject matter. Whether it's art or algebra that's the focus, PNA students are required to communicate with each other, collaborate effectively, stretch themselves creatively, and think critically. PNA's Responsive Classroom program, which helps us structure our daily morning meetings, focuses on team building, games that make kids (and teachers) move, laugh, and mingle, and on setting expectations for classroom behavior that allow the classroom to coexist and collaborate harmoniously. However, we serve up lots of extra helpings of games and exercises during the first 6 weeks of school; the overwhelming emphasis is on getting the 4Cs juices flowing. For some students, new to PNA, working with their peers toward a solution may be a new and difficult challange. For some naturally reticent students, or some naturally forceful students, collaboration is a delicate balance of give and take that can be hard to negotiate. But we know that collaboration is imperative to fruitful inquiry and healthy relationships. Through collaboration, the outcome is, generally, far greater than the sum of the parts. This is where the Fall Outing comes in. The idea of the Fall Outing is not just to get the kids outside, but to build school spirit. Teams are mixed at every level, and students each find their own moments to shine as they use their individual strengths to help their teammates out through the day! It is a chance for the elementary school to mix, mingle and team build. The younger kids need to know that they can depend on the older kids, and the older kids need to know that there are younger kids looking up to them (this ethic continues throughout the year with the class Buddy system). This event and other future trips or events are an opportunity for a small group of peer learners to bond together, and start honing those communication and collaboration skills that ensure success at every level. Mapping Energy
9/13/2019
We are now 3 weeks into the new school year. Routines are starting to fall into place, systems have been set up and school life is moving along briskly. At the start of the year, there is always hustle and bustle as things get figured out. Teachers have new students and students have new teachers. Everyone though, has a lot of energy after a long summer break and is eager to dive into learning. How apt then that our first science unit is on 'energy' itself. To introduce this science unit 4th grade was presented the question; 'How is energy transferred when objects collide?' After some discussion we explored Newton's Third Law "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." To have a tangible example of this law to to develop an answer to the posed question 4th Grade created their very own Newton's Cradles. Following on from our time capsule project and the use of grid references in our early exploration of map reading, we delved deeper into the many types and many uses of maps. Learning to read maps using grids, latitude, longitude and cardinal directions. Learning to read maps requires the understanding, comprehension and application of many new and complicated ideas and technical vocabulary. Understanding what each map is showing you, having comprehension of the data and what it means and being able to use and apply the data to solve problems and find information. Personally, I think maps are really cool, so this unit I am really enjoying teaching. Hopefully some of that enthusiasm has rubbed of on the students. Whenever I visit a new place on vacation or a trip, I always collect a map and spend hours pouring over it, much to the ire of my wife who greets me with a fanfare of sighs and eye-rolls whenever I pull my map out my pocket to check directions or locations. We haven't gotten lost yet though! A moment in time...
9/6/2019
The beginning of the school year is a busy time for students, families and teachers alike. Full of excitement and new adventures but if we are not careful the school year will be over just as quickly as it came. Everyone says "time flies" and “cherish every moment, it goes by way to fast” and as a new parent I am starting to see what they mean. My son is just turning 5 months old and has already changed so much. With this in mind and the rush of the star of the year it seemed apt to slow down and take a snapshot of where we were. At the beginning of the year at PNA we take the time to come together as a class, to build a classroom community, to think about what we want to achieve with our time and to identify our hopes and dreams for the coming year. This year 4th Grade took a different approach to this work with our first project; 'The Time-Capsule' . Starting off right...
8/31/2019
At PNA we use The Responsive Classroom Approach. It is a way of teaching that fosters safe, challenging and joyful classroom and school wide climates for all students. Using this approach we understand that all of a students' needs - academic, social, emotional and physical - are important. This is teaching to the whole child. At PNA we create an environment that responds to all of those needs using practical strategies for bringing together social and academic learning throughout the school day so that your child can do his or her best learning. Key responsive classroom practices include the following: - A Morning Meeting - Guided Discovery - Creating own Guidelines - Classroom Organization - Interactive Modeling - Academic Choice - Teacher Language - Collaborative Problem Solving - Logical Consequences - Working with Families So how does PNA build and nurture a culture of collaboration in a classroom or a school of diverse learners? We intentionally build it with our students! We start our day with a morning meeting to create a stress-free atmosphere where everyone is welcomed and greeted. We explicitly teach children how to make eye contact and a friendly handshake. We create guidelines with the students and hold them accountable. Students had to learn what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to solve problems together, to think critically together, and how to communicate by respecting each other’s ideas, strengths, and skills. In Fourth Grade the classroom guidelines were put forward, discussed, developed and eventually decided upon by the students of the class. After all, they are the ones who they are most important to. Finally there were 5 guidelines that were decided upon and agreed to by all. Each student wrote out their own classroom guideline contract and signed their name to it, agreeing to start off 4th grade the right way. Take turns speaking and listen to each other. Help each other and work together. Be positive and kind. Have an open mindset. Try your best and have fun! Closing Time...
5/27/2018
Well, it's ALL OVER! Our Fourth Graders have finished up their year and are ready to go on to Fifth Grade! This week, Fourth Grade (and Third Grade) were joined at the hip to celebrate and blow off some steam. There was PNA's First Annual Pac-Man Competition... First up, Piper versus Bella... Next is Dash... Then David and Isabella... Then Sonya and Nevaeh... Biking!On Wednesday, the (Lower) Lower School participated in Bring Your Bike To School Day, and so Ms. Orbase and I decided to let the Third and Fourth Grades bring theirs, too! Field Day Fun!Thursday was a special day, because Miss Molly ran PNA's annual Field Day! The PNA staff was joined by quite a few parents, who hosted games and chaperoned groups for several hours to ensure everyone had a fun time! In the video below, PNA Field Day participants take time out from competition to play Amoeba Tag! One Last Thing...Due to a scheduling crunch, Fourth Grade was unable to fully complete a 'bonus project' that we had been planning for our second semester. The class had been working on writing and shooting a twenty-five minute short film that told the story of a group of fourth graders (what a coincidence!) who encounter a mysterious child during recess. This child lives in the woods surrounding the school, but adults can't seem to see her and no one knows who the child is. Together, the students work to unravel the mystery of the child's identity. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to shoot the entire film, but in the last few days of school we decided to shoot a few scenes 'guerilla-style' (in other words, 'unplanned and on the fly'). Some of it worked, and some of it didn't. In the short video below, three students go looking for the mysterious child on their own -- and bump into three other kids who have been following them. This is only a very (very) rough cut without any proper sound mixing nor any foley, and shots run long and short, but it gives you some idea of what we'd been working on. We hope you enjoy this assembly cut. And One MORE Last Thing...In case you weren't able to see it at the 'premiere' -- here is a video that 'Fourth Grade Films' made for this year's auction. Hush Hush & On The QTAs you all know, PNA is moving to our super cool new building! If you have the time, it would be WONDERFUL to have your help when we move. Listed below are the key dates. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or Tabitha for further information! Thank you! Important Moving Dates
Tuesday, May 29th - Friday, June 1st - Join as during the day or after work to box up items and take loads over to the new school. We’ll work from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, June 2nd - MOVING DAY - 9:00 a.m. until complete - Moving trucks will pull into PNA at 9:00 a.m. ready to be loaded and unloaded. Monday, June 4th - Wednesday, June 6th - Final Clean UP If you have even small amounts of time this week, or during the times listed above, please email Matt, Tabitha or stop by the front desk - we can use any help you can give! THANK YOU! Spirit Week!
5/18/2018
This week, students at Pacific Northern Academy showed their spirit with a different theme for each and every day. Monday was 'Denim Day', Tuesday was 'Blast From The Past (see the photos above and below), Wednesday was Sports Day, Thursday was 'Animal Day' and Friday was 'Future Self Day'. In the photos above and below, students dress as a blast from the past! In the video below, Fourth Grade starts the day off with some challenging karaoke. One team challenges the other to sing a song of their choosing -- and then judges decide who puts on the best performance. Yes, We're Still Working On The Adobe/Sod Home...The Fourth Grade (finally) completed their sod-roofed home. In the photos below, students put the last few finishing touches on their structure. As you may recall, the bricks used on the walls were 'poured' using ice cube trays in a process similar to the ways in which real mud bricks would have been formed, and the roof was constructed of wood lashed together with twine, and then finally covered in sod. (Yes, it actually was sod taken from the PNA grounds.) And, a small part of the construction process. In the video below, Keeva and Sonya glue bricks together using a carefully formulated mixture of mud. Some hay is mixed in, as well, in order to provide insulation and give the mud a stronger bond when it dries. Hush Hush & On The QTOur Next Chapter Begins… Bringing books to the new building We’re moving our library to the new school with the help of our fantabulous students! On Monday, May 21st, students will move their favorite book from the PNA library to our new school. We will walk the 1/4 of a mile to our new location, deposit our books, and have a small reception with cookies! We ask that all students wear a green shirt (polo preferred) or a shirt/sweatshirt with the PNA logo on it. If you would like to volunteer, please let your child's teacher know. Field Day Chaperons Needed! Thursday, May 24th Ms Molly will need a few parents to help with Field Day on Thursday, May 24th, with the following tasks: 1) Three parents to help her with planning, food, and set up (starting at 9:30 AM) 2) About eight parents to help the kids with the games (From 12:45 -3:00 PM) If you are interested in helping, let us know what your availability is by using the sign up link: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45A4A72DA7FB6-field1 or you can send an email to [email protected] Important Moving Dates Listed below are key dates for our move:
If you would like to lend a hand, a truck, or words of encouragement, please get in touch withTabitha so we can have an idea of how many volunteers we’ll have available for these days. Sneak Peek!And now, we offer a special sneak peek at what your Fourth Grade students will be doing in Fifth Grade next year! Please click on the link below to be updated on all the exciting happenings in Mr. Johnson's class!
The Mysteries Of Fourth Grade
5/11/2018
Here at the Fourth Grade Blog, we ordinarily cover all of the 'usual' things in our newsletter, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies/Science, class trips, etcetera -- but this time we'd like to do feature a few things we don't normally feature. In this week's blog, we take a sneak peek at some of the other classes and activities that go on at school besides those that are just 'standard Fourth Grade'. Take a gander, as we're featuring some videos from the lunchroom, morning games, an odd moment where the kids jam themselves into the teacher's chair, some sod/adobe construction, and a cut-throat game of dodgeball from physical education! (We even managed to turn math on its head with a dressdown pass competition... see below!) Polygon Madness!Earlier in the week, the Fourth Grade math class held a competition to see who could identify (using a set of riddles) the most polygons in the shortest amount of time. (Polygons ranged from standard three-sided triangles (right, isosceles equilateral, scalene, etcetera) to hexagons and octagons. The idea was for students to familiarize themselves with the terms and concepts associated with geometric shapes. The contest proved so heated that it went into our language arts class. The winners eventually proved to be Keeva and Sonya, who managed to identify thirteen polygons in about ten minutes. and then wasted no time in using their dress down passes the very next day! Morning GamesOn Fridays, we usually run a 'mash up' of games in the morning meeting. Instead of focusing on just one game, we take one game suggestion from each student and then play it as quickly as we can. In the video above, watch as fourth grade runs through several games! Behind The Scenes At |
Auction Items - Second Chance! Wednesday, May 9th - Friday, May 11th The few-but-fabulous items left over from PNA's 2017 auction will be up for sale via silent auction this Wednesday through Friday in the front hall at PNA. Don't miss out on this opportunity bid on a variety of wonderful one-of-a-kind items - all at discounted prices! Bidding closes at 6:00pm Friday. | Ice Cream Social Volunteers! Thursday, May 24th Parent volunteers are needed to help serve ice cream starting around 3 PM. We're also looking for a parent to pick up our Ice Cream treats at Tastee Freez and deliver them to school. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f45a4a72da7fb6-field1 or send an email to [email protected] |
Parent Association!
Officer Elections for 2018-19
It's time to elect Parent Association officers for the new school year! Offices include President, Vice-President, and Secretary. We are fortunate to have such incredible and talented parents at PNA, and we would love to have your help with the events that benefit and inspire our PNA students. This is a great opportunity to see your ideas come to fruition at our new building! Let us know at
[email protected] if you are interested or if you would like to find out more information about what is involved.
Nominations for officers will be accepted through May 11th and officers will be elected via a meeting to be held at a TBA date and time.
Officer Elections for 2018-19
It's time to elect Parent Association officers for the new school year! Offices include President, Vice-President, and Secretary. We are fortunate to have such incredible and talented parents at PNA, and we would love to have your help with the events that benefit and inspire our PNA students. This is a great opportunity to see your ideas come to fruition at our new building! Let us know at
[email protected] if you are interested or if you would like to find out more information about what is involved.
Nominations for officers will be accepted through May 11th and officers will be elected via a meeting to be held at a TBA date and time.
Field Day Chaperons Needed!
Thursday, May 24th
Ms Molly will need a few parents to help with Field Day on Thursday, May 24th, with the following tasks:
1) Three parents to help her with planning, food, and set up (starting at 9:30 AM)
2) About eight parents to help the kids with the games (From 12:45 -3:00 PM)
If you are interested in helping, let us know what your availability is by using the sign up link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45A4A72DA7FB6-field1
or you can send an email to
[email protected]
Thursday, May 24th
Ms Molly will need a few parents to help with Field Day on Thursday, May 24th, with the following tasks:
1) Three parents to help her with planning, food, and set up (starting at 9:30 AM)
2) About eight parents to help the kids with the games (From 12:45 -3:00 PM)
If you are interested in helping, let us know what your availability is by using the sign up link:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45A4A72DA7FB6-field1
or you can send an email to
[email protected]
Angles, Designs & Mockups
5/4/2018
This week, Fourth Grade (finally) got to sit down to design their 'home structures.' Working in three groups, the students came up with their own independent designs based on structural concepts we studied in Social Studies and Science classes this year.
The three teams worked to come up with the best combination of elements that they could come up with, using research they'd done on the adobe, thatch, igloo and sod-based dwellings of Native Americans and early settlers.
In the pictures below, students try to put their ideas on paper to illustrate their ideas for their fellow students.
The three teams worked to come up with the best combination of elements that they could come up with, using research they'd done on the adobe, thatch, igloo and sod-based dwellings of Native Americans and early settlers.
In the pictures below, students try to put their ideas on paper to illustrate their ideas for their fellow students.
After looking each others' designs over, the students settled on a clever combination of what all three groups came up with. Check back next week for a peek at what they ended up building...
Meanwhile, In Math Class...
Students worked their way through learning about rays, angles, points, and everything between (no irony intended). Fourth grade math used geo-boards (plastic squares with pegs that allow rubber bands to be mounted on them) to experiment with bisecting, perpendicular, and parallel lines.
They also played a game in which contestants tried to 'box in' as many squares as possible, as quickly as possible, using parallel and perpendicular lines. (See the video below for the students in action!)
They also played a game in which contestants tried to 'box in' as many squares as possible, as quickly as possible, using parallel and perpendicular lines. (See the video below for the students in action!)
Project Of The Week!
This week, Fourth Grade also had the privilege of having their own PBL project featured in the alcove by the gym as the 'PBL Project Of The Week'. With very little help from their teacher, the fourth grade decided to create a museum display that walked others through the news studio set that we used for our morning news announcements are the beginning of this semester.
Hush Hush & On The QT
Field Day Chaperons Needed! Wednesday, May 23rd Ms Molly will need a few parents to help with Field Day on Wednesday, May 23rd, with the following tasks: 1) Three parents to help her with planning, food, and set up (starting at 9:30 AM) 2) About eight parents to help the kids with the games (From 12:45 -3:00 PM) If you are interested in helping, let us know what your availability is by using the sign up link: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090F45A4A72DA7FB6-field1 or you can send an email to [email protected] | Ice Cream Social Volunteers Needed! Wednesday, May 23rd Parent volunteers are needed to help serve ice cream treats during the Ice Cream Social starting around 3 PM. We are also looking for a parent who can pick up our Ice Cream treats at Tastee Freez and deliver them to school. Sign up for the Ice Cream Social at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f45a4a72da7fb6-field1 or send an email to the parent association at: [email protected] |
Graduation
Wednesday, May 23rd, 6:30pm
We are fast approaching our 8th grade graduation! This is the time of year where our 8th graders prepare a speech to talk about their time at PNA, their hopes for the future, and/or their journey to becoming the well-rounded young adults they have become before heading to high school. We encourage current parents of all grades to attend and see our graduating class off in style, as well as get a picture of what graduation for their child will look like.
Wednesday, May 23rd, 6:30pm
We are fast approaching our 8th grade graduation! This is the time of year where our 8th graders prepare a speech to talk about their time at PNA, their hopes for the future, and/or their journey to becoming the well-rounded young adults they have become before heading to high school. We encourage current parents of all grades to attend and see our graduating class off in style, as well as get a picture of what graduation for their child will look like.
Volunteer Opportunities LOTS of chances in May to get involved! May 17th - End-of-the-year Potluck Picnic (see above for details!) May 24th - Field Day (see above for details) May 24th - Ice Cream Social (see above for details) May 25th - Educational materials garage sale May 29th - Moving day May 30th - Moving day June 1st - Garage sale June 2nd - Garage sale June 3rd-8th - BIG moving week If you would like to volunteer for any days or times, please email Tabitha - it's very helpful for us! | Let's Paint! Sunday, May 20th We still have 2 slots available for the Let's Paint party with Ms. Jaeger! Seats are $100 each, and the party will be held on May 20th. Please email Annie if you would like to purchase a seat, or if you have questions. |
Special BONUS Picture!
See What's Happening NEXT YEAR in Fifth Grade!
The Big Trip!
4/29/2018
This week, the Fourth Grade took a trip to the Challenger Learning Center, in Kenai, Alaska, where they participated in activities related to science and engineering. The focus for the trip was on teamwork, but in the pictures below you can see that just because they were focused on learning didn't stop them from having fun!
Day 1!
Our first stop, once we reached Kenai, was for lunch. We'd been in the car for about three hours, and the students were ready to eat some high calorie lunches and then stretch their legs and burn off some stored energy!
When we finally arrived at the Challenger Learning Center, we quickly checked in and the students checked out their new digs -- bunks that were built to resemble those that might be found in a space station!
As might have been expected, students quickly staked out the top bunks, unpacked and then got down to business -- space business!
Not much later, they found themselves in a rocketry class, where students broke into groups and started work on constructing their own rockets, propelled by air pressure.
Not much later, they found themselves in a rocketry class, where students broke into groups and started work on constructing their own rockets, propelled by air pressure.
There were some bumps in the road to success, and not all of the groups had an easy time of it.
Eventually, though, things worked out for everyone and after the successful completion of their first generation rockets, fourth graders built a second generation of rocket that was to be launched outside. In the video below, each student watches their creations rocket into the sky!
Eventually, though, things worked out for everyone and after the successful completion of their first generation rockets, fourth graders built a second generation of rocket that was to be launched outside. In the video below, each student watches their creations rocket into the sky!
And, after all of their hard work at rocketry, students were treated to a delicious pizza dinner!
To cap off the night, before bed students reflected on their performance within the team. They were asked to write about two things they were proud to have done, and two things they thought they could have done better.
Students were then asked to name, out loud, at least one thing they were happy with, but allowed to keep their two areas of improvement a secret. (With the understanding that they would work on those two areas through the rest of the trip!)
Students were then asked to name, out loud, at least one thing they were happy with, but allowed to keep their two areas of improvement a secret. (With the understanding that they would work on those two areas through the rest of the trip!)
Day 2!
On the second day, after an early morning reflection on how they'd done the day before, students were ready to tackle another class -- this one focused on Climate Change.
Students learned about the differences between weather and climate, and took a look at how humans have impacted the climate of the earth. They were then asked to take a closer look at the rise of the earth's temperature, by simulating climate change effects with a heat lamp.
In a series of experiments, students predicted and then tracked the change of temperature on different colored pieces of paper.
Students learned about the differences between weather and climate, and took a look at how humans have impacted the climate of the earth. They were then asked to take a closer look at the rise of the earth's temperature, by simulating climate change effects with a heat lamp.
In a series of experiments, students predicted and then tracked the change of temperature on different colored pieces of paper.
In the video below, students track the changes!
On the way back, there was time for lunch at Chair Five, a restaurant in Girdwood owned by PNA parents!
In the photo below, Jackson, Kenny and David pose with a newfound sense of camaraderie!
In the photo below, Jackson, Kenny and David pose with a newfound sense of camaraderie!
For more information on the Challenger Learning Center of Kenai, Alaska, please hit the LAUNCH! button, below!
ERBs, Adobe Bricks & Steamboats
4/6/2018
This week, fourth grade pushed through ten (yes, you read that correctly, ten) ERB tests in four days. By the time that Friday rolled around, their brains were twisted into pretzels and it took a little fine tuning to bring the students back up to speed.
In the photo above, the math class attempts to reboot their brains in an effort to remember how to properly behave in math class.
Better luck Monday, I guess.
In the photo above, the math class attempts to reboot their brains in an effort to remember how to properly behave in math class.
Better luck Monday, I guess.
Sorting Materials!
Because our mornings were so packed with mind-bending tests, we tried to spend our afternoons doing as much physical activity as possible. One of the things we've been working on in science class is erosion. Last week, we collected materials with which to build (miniature) adobe bricks for (miniature) adobe homes. In the video above, fourth grade sorts through the materials they've collected.
Dirt is placed in one bin, rocks in another, and straw and moss in another. Next week, the fourth grade will use ice cube trays to cast adobe bricks. Stay tuned for updates!
Dirt is placed in one bin, rocks in another, and straw and moss in another. Next week, the fourth grade will use ice cube trays to cast adobe bricks. Stay tuned for updates!
A Photo So Good,
I Had To Give It Its Own Title.
In Math Class, we worked on measurements in inches and centimeters, measuring hand and arm spans and then drawing tables to show comparisons in size. For students returning from days of testing, some of what we did was a little difficult to process, and a few unfortunate errors occurred, resulting in some confusion and disorientation within the class.
Eventually, we got things sorted out.
Eventually, we got things sorted out.
Blowing Off Steam
Again, due to all of the testing, the fourth grade did their best to keep their blood pumping. Here they are, between tests, enjoying a game of Transformers and Simon Says.
Oh, and a conga line, too.
Oh, and a conga line, too.
The Killer Bee!
And did I mention... the killer bee?!
Hush Hush & On The QT
Moving Up Week - Next Week! Students will be moving up to the next grade next week to try it on for size. During one Morning Meeting, students will spend time with their future teacher and learn all about their future grade. Get Your Tickets TODAY! We still have a few tickets available for the PNA Auction Gala on Saturday, April 21st, but space is limited! Head to our website to purchase individual tickets, or contact Annie or Tabitha for table availability. This is our largest fundraising event of the year, with a silent and live auction, seated dinner and drinks, and it is always an evening of fun, excitement, and magic. Don't miss the best auction in town! | No School Friday, April 20th We will not have school on Friday the 20th so we can transform the building into the magical space it will be for the Auction. We will NOT have EDP on this day, save for drop-in care while parents are assisting with setup. We Need Cardboard! Help our Kindergarten construct their castle for their Spring Sleepover. We are looking for large cardboard boxes - the bigger the better! We will be collecting them in the breezeway by the front entrance. Email Mrs. McCormick or Ms. Tabitha if you have questions. |
Martina Henke
Martina Henke has been a K-8 educator for 30+ years. A life-long learner, she loves working with kids of all ages, new technology, great books, fiber arts, and her wonderful family!
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