Buchanan K-1 Center
Welcome to Kindergarten Pod 2! Mrs. Ahlers, Mrs. Axtmann, Mrs. O’Day, Mrs. Schoenfelder, Ms. VanWyhe, and Ms. Westby’s classes have been busy learning and growing in exciting ways this season! In literacy, they’re working hard on letters and sounds, using what they learn to build words through directed drawings. Math time finds them developing number sense, comparing numbers to identify greater or lesser values, identifying, and writing numbers to 5. 

Meanwhile, we are eagerly preparing for our Annual Kindergarten Feast. As part of this cherished tradition, students are listening to stories about turkeys, feasts, pilgrims, and thankfulness. They’re comparing the lives of pilgrims to modern life and even making homemade butter to share at the feast. Before Thanksgiving break, all kindergarten classes will come together for a special meal of fruit, popcorn, milk, butter, and crackers. As part of the celebration, students will share what they’re thankful for. Teachers a grateful for the wonderful children and the joy they bring each day! 

Submitted by kindergarten POD 2 teachers

Washington 4-5 Center ESL

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Washington 4-5 Center is dedicated to helping students build the language skills they need to succeed in grade-level classrooms. Through focused instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, ESL students are quickly adapting to school routines and expectations.

Our fourth and fifth grade students arrive at ESL class each day prepared and eager to learn. They are actively expanding their vocabulary and enhancing their language skills using engaging curriculums, including Frames for Fluency, Champion of Ideas, and Ready, Set, Go! These programs are helping students strengthen their English and prepare for their upcoming language assessments in January and February.

As temperatures begin to dip, we remind parents to send students with warm clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves, during this colder season. If you have winter gear you are willing to donate, please contact the schools for the Winter Coat Drive.

Submitted by Sydney Katz, fourth grade ESL and Desiree Glanzer, fifth grade ESL

HHS computer / social studies

Students in the two Intro to Audio/Video classes have finished learning how to use chroma key effects and are currently finishing up their music videos.  In Intro to Networking class, we just started looking at the Linux operating system.  Each station set up a Raspberry Pi and were able to learn the different operations it can perform.  We are starting to reinstall Windows on our desktop and create 2 partitions so they can install Ubuntu, also. 

The Intro to Business class just finished up on management styles/techniques and now we are discussing leadership styles and how to develop leadership skills.

The Accounting class is getting closer to finishing the business cycle.  They are currently working with the “worksheet” and will learn how to create an Income Statement and Balance Sheet before moving forward to making closing entries.

Business Computer Applications’ class is into the third module of Excel, working with complex formulas and formatting rows and columns accordingly.  They will next move forward to creating various charts from Excel data.

Submitted by Michael Carda, computer/social studies teacher