Newbury's second-graders completed a cross-curricular animal investigation project this month and they did a fantastic job...
Animal Investigation Project
Newbury’s second-graders completed a cross-curricular animal investigation project this month and they did a fantastic job. They started in science class researching facts for an animal of their choice. Once they found enough facts about the animal’s habitat, its predators, its adaptations and how it helps and harms the environment, the students wrote a rough draft report in writing class. After putting it all together and getting some help with editing, they wrote or typed their final published copy at home.
In the meantime, they created leaf artwork for their animal in art class, wrote a song about their animals to the tune of “Wheels on the Bus,” which they practiced singing in music class along with instruments, and made masks of their animals in science class.
They also made their own animal book in reading class. Their book had various text features showing what they learned about their animal, including photos with captions, a glossary and an index, a diagram of their animal’s body, the animal’s food chain and food web, a world map showing where they live and so much more.
To bring it all together, there was an animal investigation presentation in the auditorium. Parents were invited to come and hear the students read their reports while dressed up in animal costumes. The students also got to display the diorama of their animal and its habitat that was completed at home.
The second-grade teachers were blown away by the hard work and dedication that the students and parents put into the project. Everyone saw so many creative sides come out, and teachers were so impressed with how well they spoke using a microphone in front of a large crowd. Newbury could not be more proud of them.
PBIS Recognition Received
Congratulations to Newbury Elementary School for receiving the Ohio PBIS Bronze Recognition Award for 2016. The school was honored at the Ohio Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Showcase held Dec. 1 at the Robert’s Conference Center in Wilmington, Ohio. A total of 47 schools in Ohio were honored for their successful implementation of PBIS.
The Ohio PBIS Network was initiated by the Ohio Department of Education Office for Exceptional Children to develop materials, resources and training to support the scaling up of PBIS in Ohio schools, which has been an effective and proactive framework for improving safety, social competence and academic achievement for all students.
During the 2015-16 school year, Newbury’s entire staff worked on implementing PBIS throughout the school. They formed a team of staff and administration to tailor this program to best fit Newbury’s needs.
Students are consistently encouraged and rewarded for following set expectations and students who need additional guidance are redirected in a more systematic way. Newbury’s PBIS team examines behavior data monthly and is always looking at ways to meet their students’ needs.
To encourage positive behavior and building pride, Newbury has educated the students and reviews their three overarching principles: Integrity, Cooperation and Excellence. Newbury did well with their first year of PBIS and spent last year planning and looking at what systematic changes needed to be made. Newbury is proud of the Bronze Award, the only award a building in its first year of the program could receive.
Lenni Lenape Tribe Visits
The fourth grade along with the second and fifth grades had some unique visitors this month. Members of the Lenni Lenape tribe came to Newbury Elementary School on Nov. 29 and shared their life and history with the students.
Clan Mother Morning Dove, Chief Quiet Wolf, Eagle Heart, Red Hand, Sweet Breeze and others live nearby in Ashtabula.
The fourth graders had studied about the Woodland Native Americans that lived in Ohio hundreds of years ago, but they did not realize that descendants of these tribes still lived in Ohio. The students were shown Native American tools, musical instruments and clothing and were treated to the stories of a storyteller. The huge drum was striking as several of the members played and sang while the students danced in a long, trailing line around the room. Newbury felt very lucky to have these amazing people visit and share their knowledge and experience with the students.
