ARTS EXTRAVAGANZA WEEK IS HERE!

This week, we celebrate the arts through Arts Extravaganza, a Chets Creek annual tradition. Our walls are adorned with fabulous works of original art from our own talented and creative young artists. Our school is alive and beautiful with the student work!

Today, the students participated in an assembly presented by an Orlando based theatre group, Theatreworks. The students learned about the famous painting of the Mona Lisa, the mysterious woman smiling, by Leonardo DaVinci. The students also learned about other artists during the Renaissance Period.

                    

Thank you to the cast for staying after the show, enthusiastically answering so many questions from our students. You have certainly left a positive impression on all of us!                                           

Visiting Author/Illustrator

We were amazed today by the talented and funny author and illustrator, Mr. Henry Cole. He shared stories with the children about how he began his lifelong passion to draw and write stories. We are very fortunate to have such a talented guest at Chets Creek.  

What Language Do You Speak?

Today, I traveled over forty years back in time to when I first moved to America. I was five years old and I remember my first day of kindergarten as a terrifying experience. Why you might wonder? Simply because I did not speak any English and no one seemed to make an effort to help ease my transition. I was trapped in this black hole of fear and confusion in a very large five story, dank building with over a thousand students.

What does this experience have to do with today? Today, I met a new family to our school that recently moved here from Greece. Mrs. Nash and Mrs. Phillips, both teachers at Chets Creek,  were resourceful and quick to provide a way to connect with the family. That's where I was able to help. That same afternoon, I met with Mrs. Nash and the family of the children. The parents were eager to ask questions and the children were delightful. Kudos to my colleagues for their care and compassion! I so wish that you had been my teachers when I first moved here.

Getting To Know You

What a great day this was discovering fun and interesting things about my students! They are each so unique and amazing.

Entomophagy: Bug Eating

Today was my first day back to school with my fabulous new first grade students and we started our morning out with an assembly featuring, The Bug Chef. Well if anyone is wondering, I did eat a scorpion, fried of course with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Aside from the crackly shell, I must say, it tasted ok and the kids had a great time cheering us on. What a great first day!

Meet the Teacher

Today was orientation for the new students in my class and the turn out was excellent. Thank you to the families that were able to join us. I am looking forward to a great year with all of our amazing first grade students and families!

We Love Our Volunteers!

Today, volunteers small and tall came together to assemble over 1,200 information packets that need to be completed by each family that has a student attending Chet Creek this year. Our volunteers are truly a remarkable and dedicated group and we appreciate them. Thank you!

Chef Chet

Hello everyone. My name is Chef Chet and I am looking forward to meeting all of our new first graders on Friday during orientation. Bon Appetit!

Test Taking Strategies Song

The students are learning new test taking strategies on a weekly basis. Last week, the students learned a song to help them remember the new strategies thanks to Miss Perez and her students. The tune is to London Bridge. A copy of the song has been added inside your child’s green homework folder.

Around the World Once Again

This time of year is my most favorite for many reasons. This is the time of year that we can slow down just a bit, while still learning and creating. A few weeks ago, we began our non-fiction studies and learned about determining importance in non-fiction text with a focus on Holidays Around the World. With a "suitcase" in hand, we virtually toured several countries over three weeks and learned about the special holidays that occurred in each country. The students also completed crafts that reflected the different countries. 

At the end of this unit, we had a fabulous international feast with foods from around the world. Families graciously brought in ethnic dishes that were representative of their culture. We had the best turn out ever! The children even entertained their families with songs. I was very thankful that there was so much participation in this wonderful event.  I wish you all a very happy and peaceful winter holiday!