5th Grade Attendance Question January 30, 2017

Today the question was, "Should the United States build a wall on the Mexican border?  Why or Why not?  Explain."  After an interesting discussion, surrounded around words like tolerance, taxes, budget, history, racist, and culture; one student began to brainstorm different ideas rather than building a wall.  The challenge then became to collaborative brainstorm ways to protect both country and humanity.  The following are the results of that thinking:

Use drones to patrol our boarders; send signal to a branch of the government; which would employ more people

Two screenings between US and Mexico and become better allies; we aren’t the only good people, why should we control them?  We are all about the melting pot.  If we aren’t letting people come, then are we really the melting pot?

Airplanes should always have guards on them as well as a “white hacker” (hacker for the US)

Metal detector for the passports that has a special new metal within the passport to help authenticate it as well as arming guards with bullet proof clothing

Police station along the border; people are usually coming to the United States for a good reason, and we could help provide temporary housing to help people go through the natural process

Metaphorical wall with extra and added security; immigrant has to have approval from the Mexican government with US override possibility

Attendance Question 5th Grade October 24, 2016

I always as a question when taking attendance in my Gifted Student Program.  Typically, I capture the thinking of our classroom community.  I am moved by this week's question and the thoughtfulness of my students. 

If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing?

• fishing
• rescuing animals
• volunteering
• art
• try out for professional sports
• playing Disney Infinity
• 2/3 in stocks and then spend 1/3 on a cure for cancer
• help people that don't have homes
• still work; invest
• seek happiness
• reading
• donating to charity and then buy sports cars and things
• travel around the world
• donate all I have; split to different charities; and work again
• get a better job; give most to charity
• get a private jet; fly around and give to others; then blow the rest on mansions and sports cars; then get a better job
• pro softball player and donate
• make Youtube videos and spend money only on necessities
• give some to charity; some in savings; start own business
• keep my animator job; do some crafts and donate to charities
• keep working like an average joe; and donate a bit more than an average joe
• move to Paris; donate to charity; spend time being an attorney; then a judge; then open a French bakery; then become President
• Move to Puerto Rico, buy a jungle and house; go to Alabama; work at the zoo
• help many animals
• travel; not have a house and just rent different apartments
• donate; buy a mansion; buy companies and stocks

Attendance Question 5th Grade October 24, 2016

I always as a question when taking attendance in my Gifted Student Program.  Typically, I capture the thinking of our classroom community.  I am moved by this week's question and the thoughtfulness of my students. 

If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing?

• fishing
• rescuing animals
• volunteering
• art
• try out for professional sports
• playing Disney Infinity
• 2/3 in stocks and then spend 1/3 on a cure for cancer
• help people that don't have homes
• still work; invest
• seek happiness
• reading
• donating to charity and then buy sports cars and things
• travel around the world
• donate all I have; split to different charities; and work again
• get a better job; give most to charity
• get a private jet; fly around and give to others; then blow the rest on mansions and sports cars; then get a better job
• pro softball player and donate
• make Youtube videos and spend money only on necessities
• give some to charity; some in savings; start own business
• keep my animator job; do some crafts and donate to charities
• keep working like an average joe; and donate a bit more than an average joe
• move to Paris; donate to charity; spend time being an attorney; then a judge; then open a French bakery; then become President
• Move to Puerto Rico, buy a jungle and house; go to Alabama; work at the zoo
• help many animals
• travel; not have a house and just rent different apartments
• donate; buy a mansion; buy companies and stocks

Future Problem Solving!

On February 17^th and 19^th, 41 students in grades 4-6, competed at the district Future Problem Solving competition.  Students in 7 teams worked hard to complete the six step problem solving process within the topic of Natural Disasters.  Additionally, teams created and performed skits depicting their underlying problem and solution.  18 students will be moving on to state competition in March!  Way to go FPSers!

Presentation of Action Plan (skit) results:

Wednesday 2/17

3^rd place: Team C: Owen D. (5), Thanmay K. (5), Braxton L. (6), Sara B. (6), Ria P. (6)

6^th place: Team D: Sean S. (6), Max A. (6), AJ C. (6), Aidan G. (6), Liam L. (6), William P. (6)

Thursday 2/29

2^nd place: Team E: Madelyn W. (5), Caitlin A. (5), Alana H. (5), Kayla H. (5), Ali N. (5), Marisa R. (5)

Global Issues Results:

Invitation to State:

Team A: MacKenzie B. (6), Priya G. (6), Madeline H. (6), Laine S. (6)

5^th  place: Team C: Owen D. (5), Braxton L. (6), Sara B. (6), Ria P. (6)

 

Scenario Writers Invited to State

Ria P. (6), Liam L. (6), Laine S. (6), Braxton L. (6), Jasmine F. (4), Milli P. (4)

Community Problem Solver Invited to State

Arts for Action, Project by Ria P. (6)

Google Doodle Portraits

5th grade embarked on some research for the upcoming Google Doodle contest!  This year, the theme is What makes me...me.  Students will be creating a unique Google Doodle to explore themselves through creativity. 

Today, we interviewed a peer and drew a portrait based on their peer's information.  Check out the doodlers in action!

TEDed Club and Teamwork!

A Tagxedo of ideas!

TEDed Club has begun in 5th grade!  We have explored our passions and are working to refine our ideas to be shared through a TEDed Club talk.  We've also begun to look at what characteristics make a great beginning, middle and end of a talk.  I'm so impressed by the interests of the students and can't wait to see how these talks come together!

 

 

Teamwork!  A group of 5th graders works to complete a 3D puzzle!

Morning Message

Morning Message, for me has had a different perspective than the typical Morning Message in classrooms.  You see, each day, I arrive back in my classroom from morning duty to find positive, uplifting messages on my board.  Written by students after their Safety Patrol duty, on their way to class, the messages inspire me to enjoy the opportunities and possibilities of the day.  They remind me of why I teach.  For that...I am grateful. 

International Day of Peace

How will our students and community share peace today and every day? 

Students, if you decide to take action, comment below and share with your community! 

Happy International Day of PEACE! 

Pax,
Dr. Haddock