February 25th, 2015

Today we had an opportunity to walk the Peace Wing and look at the artwork that all of our fellow students of Cranston School prepared for the Tanga Art Sale. Everything looks so beautiful and professional! Tomorrow we get to walk the Harmony and Hope wings to check out their masterpieces as well. As me what I learned about the other pieces of artwork today!

This afternoon we worked further on our inquiry projects, trying to categorize our information with headings that indicate what type of information we have collected.

We are gearing up to present our art tomorrow night and we hope that you all can come and see the products of our hard work! Please see the message below regarding the purchasing of artwork tomorrow evening. 

Dear Parents,

As you know Cranston School will be having their Tanga Show and Sale on Thursday, February 26^th, 2015.  Each student has made a beautiful piece of art for the sale.  As in previous years, students have first dibs on their own artwork.  Each piece will be for sale for $10.  If you would like to purchase your child’s work prior to the sale please email their classroom teacher.  We will put a sold sticker on the piece. Student work will be able to be taken home the evening of the sale after 7:00 p.m. or the next school day.  We would like to showcase their work for most of the evening.  Money can be brought tomorrow morning or the evening of Art Sale and Walk.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thanks,

Miss Jackson and Mrs. Cooper 

***REMINDERS***:

1. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please bring these into school ASAP.

2. Return the Student Movement Form by March 16th.

3. Miss Jackson's Scholastic Book Orders are due on March 11th.

4. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.

February 24th, 2015

Today was the first day of Tanga week here at Cranston School. We are all busy preparing our displays for our art projects and putting on the finishing touches to sell our art on Thursday evening. Today we started reflecting on the process that brought us here to this week and our finished products: What was our favourite part of our project and what did we learn about Africa?

We are finishing up floor hockey this week. We are playing full games in teams until Wednesday. In Music we are continuing to play and read music on the xylophones.

This afternoon we looked at a website called Alberta Tomorrow. This website is a simulator educational tool that is used to look at the development of ecosystems and environmental resources throughout our history up to present day. It can then be used to make a plan for the future as we look at implementing sustainable practices into the further development of our resources and industry. We have our own accounts to access the site with, so take a look with your family and show them what you've discovered within this website!

***REMINDERS***:

1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please bring these into school ASAP.

3. Return the Student Movement Form by March 16th.

*****4. Return the Spaghetti Dinner order form by February 25th (TOMORROW).*****

5. Miss Jackson's Scholastic Book Orders are due on March 11th.

February 20th, 2015

Today we started of our day with a celebration in the gym for Chinese New Year. Students from the Calgary Tai Chi and Martial Arts College came and performed for us. Their movements were so precise, colourful and fast! We were in awe of their performance.

In music, the students sang a Chinese New Year song. They are also continuing to work on "We Are One" for Music Monday.

We ended the day with an entry in our Visual Art Journals on Chinese New Year. We used various mediums to create a display of information about the celebration. As me what I learned about Chinese New Year today!

****Please check your child's communication folder for Child Tax Credit Tax Forms. 

Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please bring these into school ASAP.

3. Return the Student Movement Form by March 16th.

4. Return the Spaghetti Dinner order form by February 25th.

5. Miss Jackson's Scholastic Book Orders are due on March 11th.

February 19, 2015

The students were very focused on the computers this afternoon as we continued to use websites to answer our questions for our inquiry work.  The students learned how to use chat with their group members when they have a question related to the inquiry work they are doing.  Students are encouraged to continue on with their research at home.  We discussed that it is important to create headings for jot notes so that the google docs is organized.  Remember to always put the source that you find your information with the jot notes.

We read an exciting part in Out of My Mind today.  Ask your child what wonderful and life changing event happened for Melody today.

Dance was a lot of fun today!  We learned some African dance moves.  Both classes also had music this morning.

February 17th, 2015

We hope you all had a great long weekend! 

We started our week back with Daily 5 this morning. Later in the morning we met with Mrs. Cooper to finish planning out our Native Legends. We talked about the 'moral' of a story and examples of what that could look like in our stories. Ask me what the moral of the story is!

In math, Mrs. Jackson's class continued working on sharing strategies to problem solve more complex word problems involving multiplication. Close to the end of the class, Mrs. Jackson passed out cards and asked us to do a series of computations using the card we received. Without her looking, she was able to guess all our cards just using the answers we gave her! She shared her secret with us at the end of class and we are eager to try it at home. The following are the steps we need to instruct our families to do with their cards:

1. Ask someone to pick a card from the deck and keep it secret.
2. Have them multiply the face value of the card by two. (aces = 1, 2-9= same value, jacks = 11, queens = 12, and kings = 13).
3. Ask them to add 3 to their result.
4. Ask them to multiply the last result by 5.
5. Have them add 1 if their card is a club ♣, 2 if it is a diamond ♦, 3 if it is a heart ♥, and 4 if it is a spade ♠.
6. Ask them to tell you their number.

We memorized the steps that we need to guess your card so see if we can do it! Then discuss how we think this trick might work!

We also continued working on our Native Legends. We need to have the significant events listed for our stories and our morals ready to go since we will be starting to write them out this week. If we didn't finish this in class, we will be having to complete this at home for homework tonight!

We ended the day by taking more notes about Africa from the letter that Mrs. Rauser had sent to us. We learned a lot of information that we didn't know before. Ask me what I learned!

Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please bring these into school ASAP.

3. Return the Student Movement Form by March 16th.

4. Return the Spaghetti Dinner order form by February 25th.

February 10th, 2015

Today was an exciting day at Cranston School as we celebrated Carnaval! We enjoyed a couple of hours of many activities involving dancing, sports, and crafts. At the end of the festivities we all came to the gym together and ended with a celebration that included Bonhomme and french music.

Please read the following notices:

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Note about Valentine's Day:

If you are interested in bringing valentine’s cards for your child’s class, we will be handing them out on Wednesday February 11. We would recommend you write just “From: (your child’s name)” instead of writing all the names of each student. This will make it easier for them to hand it out to students. Please note that bringing cards is optional! We will be handing out cards separately per class so bring enough cards for everyone in your child’s class would be recommended. Thank you!

Miss Jackson- 21
Mrs. Cooper- 23

Also, we ask that you refrain from making class treats. If you would like to send a special treat with your own child you are welcome to but we will not be distributing treats.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Open to Students Staff and Families:

Student Night, $35 ticket offer

For each ticket sold, the Flames will make a donation to our school.  Each student in attendance will be entered into a draw to ride the Zamboni during intermission!  

There are 2 games to choose from:

Calgary Flames vs Minnesota Wild  

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at 7:30 PM 

Or 

Calgary Flames vs Dallas Stars 

Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2015 at 8:00 pm  

Go to www.calgaryflames.com/studentnight to purchase tickets.  Or, to buy in a groups of 20 or more, contact slaird@calgaryflames.com

Be sure to use the drop down menu to choose CRANSTON school!

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Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please start bringing these into school.

February 9th, 2015

Today the grade 4's started French with Miss Jackson. We learned and practiced some basic conversational french like Bonjour! Salut! Comment ça va? Ça va bien! We did out best trying to pronounce the words properly. We took turns practicing conversations with partners and with Miss Jackson in class. Ask me what I remember from our class this morning!

In gym class we practiced our passing skills at further distances than last week. In music we learned a song for Chinese New Year that is coming up on Thursday, February 19th.

In math, Miss Jackson's class worked through their problem solving questions together on the board using our C.U.B.E. strategies and U.P.S. Check. In Mrs. Cooper's class, we continued to create increasing patterns and describe the rule.

We ended our day by investigating the Trout Life Cycle more in depth. We even went down to the kindergarten classroom to observe the trout that live here at Cranston School.

Just a reminder that puppets were dues today - a few students did not hand them in so please complete these tonight if you haven't done so already.

______________________________________________________________________
Please read the following information from the Tanga Committee:

Please remember that all special Tanga T-shirt orders and due by February 10th!  We hope that you will consider participating in this part of our fundraiser.  T-shirt size samples are available to look at in the office.  We will be encouraging all students who have purchased a shirt to wear them the week of our Tanga event!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Note about Valentine's Day:

If you are interested in bringing valentine’s cards for your child’s class, we will be handing them out on Wednesday February 11. We would recommend you write just “From: (your child’s name)” instead of writing all the names of each student. This will make it easier for them to hand it out to students. Please note that bringing cards is optional! We will be handing out cards separately per class so bring enough cards for everyone in your child’s class would be recommended. Thank you!

Miss Jackson- 21
Mrs. Cooper- 23

Also, we ask that you refrain from making class treats. If you would like to send a special treat with your own child you are welcome to but we will not be distributing treats.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
3. Return order forms with payment if you are planning on ordering a Tanga t-shirt. Orders are due on February 10th (Tuesday).
4. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please start bringing these into school.

February 6th, 2015

We started off our day with an inspirational video. This video's message was about helping others to make them feel better without expecting anything in return. We talked about how helping others can be very small things that don't take a lot of time and money but they can be huge in the lives of others and make us feel good at the same time. Talk some time this weekend to watch this video and talk together with us to discuss ways in which we can help others in a small way.

We then went out for our annual Winter Walk. What a beautiful walk! The trees were laden with snow so we really felt like we were walking in a winter wonderland. It was an invigorating way to start our day!

In gym we got to practice our passing techniques with Mrs. Bowles and Mrs. McEvoy. And then we ended the day with more Tanga Art! We are getting so close to having a finished project. It is very exciting to see everything coming together!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Note about Valentine's Day:

If you are interested in bringing valentine’s cards for your child’s class, we will be handing them out on Wednesday February 11. We would recommend you write just “From: (your child’s name)” instead of writing all the names of each student. This will make it easier for them to hand it out to students. Please note that bringing cards is optional! We will be handing out cards separately per class so bring enough cards for everyone in your child’s class would be recommended. Thank you!

Miss Jackson- 21
Mrs. Cooper- 23

Also, we ask that you refrain from making class treats. If you would like to send a special treat with your own child you are welcome to but we will not be distributing treats.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
3. Return order forms with payment if you are planning on ordering a Tanga t-shirt. Orders are due on February 10th (Tuesday).
4. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please start bringing these into school.

February 5, 2015

Today we started of the day by reading Kathryn Otoshi's book, "One". This book inspired a conversation about how our words and actions can have an impact on others. We talked about hurtful things we have seen or experienced and wrote these on a big heart. Each time a hurtful phrase was written, the heart ripped a little. Once it was all torn up, we started to piece it back together with positive actions and words that can help someone feel better. When it was all taped together we knew that we had helped mend it but we also were aware of the negative words still written on it. Ask your us about why the heart doesn't look the same in the end and what we can do moving forward to prevent this from happening in our Cranston School community.

We had dance today with Ms. Janelle today. We got to show off some skills in breakdancing! We also got to play instruments with Mrs. McBride in music.

In math, we worked with Mrs. Cooper on measurement. We then finished off the day with our Tanga art project. We started to decorate the bags that we are going to be putting our writing kits into.

As we continue with our Tanga preparations, we would appreciate it if some parent volunteers could come into our class to assist us in putting finishing touches on our writing kits. We have a couple of tasks lined up over the next week or two, so if you are interested please email Miss Jackson or Mrs. Cooper. Thank you in advance! 

Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. Review Scholastic Book orders and submit by February 6th for Miss Jackson's class.
3. Return order forms with payment if you are planning on ordering a Tanga t-shirt. Orders are due on February 9th (Monday).
4. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please start bringing these into school.

February 4th, 2015

We read two short Native Legends. "The Birth of Niagra Falls" and "How Horses came into the World". One of them explained how Niagra Falls came to be. The second explained how horses came to be. Some students need more time to complete their puppet for the main character of their Native Legend.  If you have not finished your puppet, please complete it at home and bring it back to school by Monday.  


As we continue with our Tanga preparations, we would appreciate it if some parent volunteers could come into our class to assist us in putting finishing touches on our writing kits. We have a couple of tasks lined up over the next week or two, so if you are interested please email Miss Jackson or Mrs. Cooper. Thank you in advance! 

Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. Review Scholastic Book orders and submit by February 6th for Miss Jackson's class.
3. Return order forms with payment if you are planning on ordering a Tanga t-shirt. Orders are due on February 9th.
4. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please start bringing these into school.

February 3rd, 2015

Today we read a Native Legend called, "Mystic Horse" by Paul Goble. This legend was from the Pawnee tribe that tells of a friendship between a boy and a horse. Ask me to retell the legend! We discussed the characteristics of this legend and compared it to the others we have read. In doing this, we are determining what consistently makes up a legend and this knowledge will help shape our own legends.

We continued our activity in math, measuring and estimating perimeters of many objects in our classrooms. In gym, we continued practicing our skills in floor hockey.

At the end of the day, we continued working on our Tanga writing kits. We are making sure that all of our projects are finished and looking professional!

As we continue with our Tanga preparations, we would appreciate it if some parent volunteers could come into our class to assist us in putting finishing touches on our writing kits. We have a couple of tasks lined up over the next week or two, so if you are interested please email Miss Jackson or Mrs. Cooper. Thank you in advance! 

Just a few reminders:
1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. Review Scholastic Book orders and submit by February 6th for Miss Jackson's class.
3. Return order forms with payment if you are planning on ordering a Tanga t-shirt. Orders are due on February 9th.
4. If you didn't order a precorder because you have one at home, please start bringing these into school.

February 2nd, 2015

Today we started learning about the Life Cycle of a Trout. Since we have trout in the learning commons of Cranston School, we will be observing them as changes continue to happen. We talked about what we know already about their life cycle and what we would like to know. We will also watched a video and looked at pictures about what has happened so far. Ask me what I learned so far about a Trout's life cycle!

We started playing floor hockey in gym today. In partners we worked on push-passing the puck back and forth with partners, trying our best to keep the puck right on target. We had music as well today where we learned about voicings (Soprano and Bass) of the the glockenspiel instruments and how they need to be setup when we play them together.

In math, both groups worked together today on measurement, specifically perimeter. We also received a letter from Mrs. Rauser which was her response to our letters about Africa. We got to read it and take notes on the information we learned. 

We ended the day with an assembly about Carnaval. This kicks off our festivities leading up to the big day, Tuesday, February 10th. 

As we continue with our Tanga preparations, we would appreciate it if some parent volunteers could come into our class to assist us in putting finishing touches on our writing kits. We have a couple of tasks lined up over the next week or two, so if you are interested please email Miss Jackson or Mrs. Cooper. Thank you in advance! 

                                          FROM THE OFFICE - IMPORTANT NOTICE

We would like to direct your attention to the letter below in regards to flooding that happened on the weekend at Cranston School.

To The Families of Cranston Students:

Sunday morning, one of our overhead sprinklers malfunctioned and caused some flooding in the school.

There will be no interruption to learning because of this, and there is no danger to students or staff. CBE Facilities, Honeywell and Serv Pro have worked all night to clean up the water and dry out the areas. School continues today on schedule.

The flooding affected some of the storage areas that open onto the hallway, as well as Mr. van Rootselaar and Mrs. Kenna’s room. The malfunctioning sprinkler was located inside door number two.

A special thanks to the City of Calgary fire department for its quick response in turning off the sprinkler to avoid further damage.

Cherie Wood, Acting Principal

Monty Slim, Acting Assistant Principal

Just a few reminders:

1. Please return signed Report Card envelopes if you haven't already.
2. Review Scholastic Book orders.