Elmira Elementary School

Samuel Becerra, the artist for our current Oregon Country Fair grant project, is originally from Mexico City. He has been interested in Pre-Columbian music and culture throughout his lifetime. He has played, composed and recorded music for more than twenty years. He plays a variety of instruments included the congas, bongos, guitar, the cajon and flutes. He has also studied visual arts focusing on ancient Mexican sculptures. Samuel makes his own percussion and wind instruments that resemble instruments of ancient times in the Pre-Hispanic era of his homeland. He promotes the Mexican culture of the past and present as a full time artist.

We are honored to have Samuel working with our students this year to have them create their own whistles modeled after those of the Pre-Columbian era. Each grade level has chosen a symbol to make out of clay such as birds, dragons, bears, panthers, foxes and skulls. In addition to creating their own whistle and learning how to play it, the students are mesmerized as Samuel infuses the history, music and culture of his ancestry.

There will be a culminating exhibit and presentations on Thursday, February 19 beginning at 6:30 in the gym where the students and Samuel will share with parents and the public about this incredible experience.

The school-wide character education program (N.E.D.) is bringing their 45 minute assembly to EES. This assembly will be presented January 20, 2015 from 1:00-1:45. NED is a loveable cartoon character whose name is an acronym for Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best. NED is simple, relatable and kid-focused.

There will be Yo-Yos… tricks and a strong message of positive self-esteem delivered to all our kids this coming Tuesday!

Next month in  February… our kids are participating in the Portland Opera Grant for schools

 and the Barber of Seville will be performed at EES!

Thanks a  ton to the FRSD Board for the time… effort and dedication to making our buildings and education grow.

Toys for Tots generously donated toys for children at Doernbecher’s Hospital.

Elmira students Kelly Torres and Nancy Coffman received some help from local Marines and Toys for Tots as they spread their message of “Kindness Counts” to children at Doernbecher’s Hospital in Portland.  Kelly, a cancer survivor, and Nancy wanted to find a way to give back to Doernbecher’s.  Kelly has been a patient there and knows what some of those children are going through during the holidays.  The pair decided to ask community members to donate toys for those children.  Their act of kindness caught the attention of Ms. Turle who phoned the marines and asked for additional help.  Today, the girls were presented with the donated toys and had the opportunity to share their message with local news media.

Elmira Elementary strives to teach students the importance of compassion for others.  We are proud of what these two exceptional young ladies have chosen to do for those who are in difficult situations this holiday season.

Veteran’s day is November 11^th and every year I think of my father and my uncles who have all been classified as the last great American Heroes.   These were people who fought in World War II. World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a war fought from 1939 to 1945 in Europe and, during much of the 1930s and 1940s, in Asia. But anyone who has served our country is a hero and needs to be thanked or remembered on this day.

World War II was the largest armed conflict in history, spanning the entire world and involving more countries than any other war, as well as introducing powerful new weapons, culminating in the first use of nuclear weapons. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few said Winston Churchill, when he spoke about the R.A.F fighter pilots during WWII. But it stands to reason to say,  never has so much been owed by so many to so few for anyone who has served or who is currently serving in our armed forces.   Thank you Veterans…you make our world a better place.

Also as a reminder, Elmira Elementary School will be closed November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Jackie

The FRSD is looking for community members who are willing and available to participate on the District Budget Committee.  The commitment is minimal (typically meets 3 times max each Spring) and there is no experience or financial background necessary.  The application to apply is available at: http://www.fernridge.k12.or.us/blog/2014/09/03/budget-committee-vacancies/  Please consider applying or passing along the information to anyone that may be interested.  Thanks.

A message went out to all students from the dialer, this was a mistake…obviously we don’t have Thursday school at the elementary???!!! Holy Moly!!??  Sorry for any inconvenience but it is good to know the dialer works so well.

Students can access a free typing program so they can practice at home.   Our students find this site fun and entertaining and they are learning some essential skills for school and work.   All students will have to keyboard their answers into  our new state test.   This website will help give them a jump start on the needed skills.  Go to parent and student websites on the right side of this page and you can access this program from home (or click on the picture).

Last year at the Elmira Elementary Auction, Nancy Coffman’s parents bid on and won the Principal of the Day prize.   On September 18, 2014, Nancy claimed her prize and this is what she had to say about it…

Principal for the Day By Nancy Coffman

Yesterday I was Principal of the Day. It was so much fun! First I got my whistle and nametag. Then I helped as the attendance folders came in.

            Ms. Turle taught me how to use a walkie talkie. Michelle taught me how to answer the phone and where the hold button is. I even answered the phone for a mom!  I went into the first grade class and the Kindergarten room. Ms. Turle bought me lunch and during lunch the magician came and I introduced him to the school at the beginning of the assembly. I got to be on lunch duty and recess duty. I got to hand cupcakes out to the 1^st graders during lunch. At the end of the day Ms. Turle gave me a present that was a certificate in a picture frame. It was the best day ever! I thank Ms. Turle so much!