Ms. Ruppert-Stratton

I wish I could change the date on this...oh well.  Just wanted to say that the ISP's were a success!  I was amazed that so many third graders chose to use LiveBinder.com instead of a display board.  It really was a treat to see all of their hard work.  What was especially rewarding was that they really seemed excited to show off their projects.  I love that Lance decided to give hay to a miniature horse!  Now, Jacob- what a TAG kid.  He actually wrote his card in Russian for his Russian Hamster.  I teared up from laughing.   Liam's flyer was so colorful  and eye-catching.  Dana had a wonderful collage.  And  Faiz's gift comparison was really thorough.  And Jarod's service menu that really looked like a restaurant menu.  I can't wait to hear the stories when they actually raise the money to buy their gifts for that special someone or some animal:)

Once again, I have to gloat over the 4th grade Civic Missions.  The kids really rose to the challenge of helping out the community.  I know most surprised themselves in what they could accomplish in so little time.  Kara raised over 100 cans of cat food, some blankets, and toys  for the Austin Humane Society.  The school loved her trailer that she put on broadcast.  It was a tear-jerker for sure.  I loved that she had a sewing party where she invited her friends to make kitty warmers!  Love that!  Haley, Daniel, and Joshua were an amazing trio raising over 1000 cans for the Austin Capital Food Bank.  They went above and beyond by appearing at Family Fitness Night to gain donations.  I loved that they not only designed a T-shirt for their "mission", but they actually sent away for it and they arrived!  Blessing's mind changed about Pit Bulls being vicious dogs when she was able to visit the "Love-a-Bull" Shelter and work with some of the dogs there.  Her video diary of her reflections was really a fun and great idea to note her thoughts.  Sara rose to the challenge and took on adding "No Dumping" to several of the drains around the community.  We loved her homemade shirt, too!  And Anthony - poor Anthony showing up not once to a volunteer event to clean up the Lady Bird Lake, but twice showing up only to see that no one was there. But, that didn't stop him from cleaning up the pond behind his house!  And Ethan took on getting cans for a local shelter with the help of his grandma.  He's bringing awareness to his apartment complex and had an amazing amount of knowledge about kids who are homeless. 

5th grades projects went well, too.  I'm not so sure they were as thrilled about theirs since they had "a reality check" about what life might look like after college.  True - most don't have the expensive car and the dream home...yet.  Don't fret 5th graders.  The next project, "Knowledge Quest", will be right up your alley.

I believe the fourth graders have been presented with the most challenging, and yet rewarding, ISP's this quarter.  I know partnering with an organization in order to positively impact the local community can be quite daunting.  But, so many of the students rose to the occasion which has me just beaming.  I think the realization that these projects are finally being realized and not just pipe dreams was when I opened my email this morning to find the PTA announcemnent for Haley, Daniel, and Joshua's Capital Food Bank drive that will be going on at the Family Fitness Night tomorrow.  It's exciting for me to see all the hard work that the students have put into their mission.  Also, I am thrilled that parents and administrators are supporting the students' pursuits.  It has a been a bit of a juggle for me getting this blurb out and that blurb.  But, in the end, knowing how my students are impacting the community around them - helping save lives (2-legged and 4-legged) is just, well, extremely rewarding.  My students "rock"!  Yes, you, too, Daniel!

I think what was so interesting for me was to see how the fifth graders each created something so different even though they all had the same criteria.  Raymond's powerpoint even has a section where you get to guess along!  Check it out:

raymondgeometry.ppt

So, I'm a bit slow getting this news out.  I apologize.  I know many of you would like to see your picture up here after I requested parents to send me pics.  Thank you to all you parents who sent me pictures!  I don't know what I was thinking that day forgetting my camera.  I had even run down to see Mrs. Carter in order to get new batteries...Anyway, the Showcase was a success!  I'm so happy that so many of you showed up and later emailed me letting me know what fun it was for your child.  The ISP projects are supposed to be just that - engaging, fun, all while learning!  I wish I'd had them when I was a kid.



What a great idea for a science project!  Now, aren't you glad Faiz that doing this ISP got your science fair project done three weeks before all the other kids?!  It was a superb project!



Katie showing off her technology skills



Raymond and Madeline both did excellent jobs presenting their career choices





Madeline and Samuel.  Madeline again you ask?  Well, yes.  Her mom brought a camera!  Thank you!  And thank you both, Madeline and Samuel for taking the time to interview someone who is in your career choice.  I think it really helped the two of you decide if being a lawyer or archeologist really was for you or for the birds.



Sonika went above and beyond the assignment for "Animal Nation" in creating a book about sea turtles!