Breathe...

It's hard to catch one's breath this time of year, is it not? Everyday for weeks I've been planning to post, but we've had so many daily activities worthy of blogging and capturing in photos, that I keep putting it off until I can gather a few minutes to observe, collect, upload, describe, and... whew! There's just a ton happening within our school's walls, and it's wonderful! Take a look at this list and enjoy the slide show following!

** The week of Thanksgiving we held our annual lunch and served over 750 students and family members. The halls were packed to the gills with the sights and smells of one of our favorite holidays.

** Kindergarten classes had exciting hands-on learning activities during Indian Day. They experienced the life and times of our Native American friends, complete with homemade corn cakes and butter.

** Second Grade topped off their studies of Colonial Times by reliving Colonial Days, as they learned to write with real quill pens, heard tall tales from a visiting storyteller, and welcomed a pioneer friend who shared artifacts and information of the times.

** Following Thanksgiving break, First Grade rode the "Polar Express" to the upper campus and had their own private viewing of the well-loved movie. Donned in their comfy PJs, they capped off the day with hot chocolate!

** To coincide with our Performer Level Green School status, each grade is assigned one of five Green School components to study. Third graders worked hard to organize "Hazardous Waste Day" in conjunction with their assigned area of study, and invited our Lipscomb community and the area to do away with hazardous waste the earthy-friendly way.

** Third Grade also spent some quality time visiting a local nursing home and spreading Christmas cheer. What a service!

Our Doors are Open!

Campus School Open House[1]

Dem Bones

How I would love to have more time to venture around the school and sit in on classes more often. Everytime I have the opportunity to experience a lesson by one of our teachers, I think about how I wish I could erase years off my current age and become a Lipscomb Mustang myself. I wanted to be a second grader a couple of weeks ago. I knew something exciting was going to take place that morning when our Science Lab Coordinator, Ginger Reasonover, came in the door dressed head to toe in clothing labeling her entire skeletal system.

In the slideshow below you'll see in pictures what students learned about their valuable bone structure. It was a fully rounded class complete with music and movement, lecture, hands-on experience (while piecing together the system with candy bones), and of course, Mrs. Reasonover's personal human display. The children seemed to love it, and what's more important, I bet they could answer some pretty intricate questions about what they learned. Now that's the way to do school!

Elementary News, November 16th, 2009

Click on FULLSCREEN, ZOOM to enlarge, and SCROLL to enjoy this week's newsletter from Mrs. Sharon Farmer, our principal.

Elementary News 11-16-09

Jesus Takes Top Spot

If ever there were a question about the spiritual impact DLES has on its students, the answer was loud and clear at Big Chapel last Thursday. After a spirit-filled song service led by one of our fourth grade teachers Mr. Adams, Mr. Chisam followed with a discussion about the school-wide survey conducted to find out our students' top ten things for which they are most thankful. The survey choices were compiled by our own third grade, with a write-in option, and distributed to representatives of each grade, first through fourth. The children anxiously awaited the answers as each envelope was opened and read, and with every "drum roll, please..." the excitement grew.

The Top Ten Reasons to Be Thankful results:

1. Jesus Dying on the Cross
2. God Creating Us
3. Parents
4. Bible
5. Grandparents
6. Brothers and Sisters
7. Church
8. Teachers
9. Christian School
10. Friends

Go ahead... dry the tears and take a big breath of joy. I know many of us who witnessed it did. To know that this was entirely student-driven, and to watch hundreds of hands go up in celebration for such meaningful reasons... well, it is simply a testimony to the presence of God in this place and the hearts of your children and their peers.

So, so thankful ~
JDG

I Know that I Know

Several days ago I was walking down the hall to run an errand. Rather than go the direction I'd intended, I picked up a scent - oddly enough - of Barbasol??? Was that really what I smelled? So I followed my curiosity to the third grade hallway, made my way into Mrs. Sanders' classroom, and sure enough... my nose had not lied. There, in the midst of foam-covered desks, a most-talented teacher (with shaving lotion can in hand) was reading off spelling words, one by one. To some this might seem a bit strange, but to those of us who love to observe master teachers finding unique ways to reach children and make the learning "stick", it was a great moment. The students were practicing spelling, sharpening their handwriting skills, and enjoying every minute of it. The power of multi-sensory learning... As I read recently in an article at early-advantage.com, "Multi-sensory learning takes advantage of the way our senses—hearing, sight, and touch, primarily—reinforce one another while learning. Each sense builds toward a more complete experience of a concept or idea." When done well, students at the end of such an experience know that they know what they are learning... and that can make all the difference!

Shine bright,
JDG

A Visit from Dr. Seuss, Mem Fox, Esphyr Slobodkina and More!

One of the wonderful aspects of our campus school is the connection we have to our university. We have an extremely strong education program on the main campus - undergraduate and graduate - and so we are blessed in many ways with their talented students throughout the year. Dressed in costume from head to toe, Lipscomb University students came to several classes yesterday and shared stories as well as information about their notorious author. For those of you who still get goosebumps when you visit the children's section of the library like myself, you would have loved it. I know our students sure did.

For more information on the benefits of reading aloud to your child, click the following link - http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/07/02/07/reading-aloud-to-kids-the-12-benefits-of-reading-books-out-loud-to-children-of-all-ages.htm. It's well worth the time and offers a list of top recommendations for read-aloud books.

Take the opportunity to read to and with your child. By the looks on their faces yesterday(check out slideshow below), you're certain to have a willing and captive audience!

Shine bright,
JDG

It's Harvest Time

Just a reminder to all that Harvest Parties are planned for this Thursday, October 29th. Times vary according to grade, so check with your child's teacher to confirm. We hope families will attend and celebrate this wonderful time with us. The overcast skies, cooler temps, and decorated school halls make this time of year a favorite for so many. We hope to see you there!

Come Have a Swimmin' Good Time!

A Tuna Fish who can't carry a tune? A Star Fish who can't get an acting job? A seven-legged Octopus? A Zebra Fish with spots? A Tiger Shark who wants to be friends with everyone? Join our talented first graders in the aquatic fun as little Tiger Shark and his unique collection of friends discover how their differences make them each special. The thirty-minute production is Thursday morning, October 29th, at 8:10 in the elementary gym. See you there!

Bridging the Gap

First of all, please accept my apologies for letting so much time slip by without a post! I was sick for a few days and have been feverishly trying to catch up ever since (no pun intended). There is so much I hope to put up in the next few days, so check back soon.

I want to inform you about a new communication offering provided by our Learning Enhancement Program (LEP). It will be available every nine weeks and full of information you and your student can use to be successful in so many ways. Please find The Bridge, Volume 1, Issue 1, below. For easier viewing, click on "fullscreen" at the top and then the "+" icon to enlarge. Thank you LEP staff for thinking of us. We appreciate your hard work!

Shine bright,
JDG


The Bridge 3

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears - OH MY!

Well, not really... but close! How about a Bearded Dragon, Chinchilla, and Gerbil? The 2nd grade has been heavy into their habitat unit and hosted the annual Animal Day to make it a true learning experience. Mr. King, one of our own parents and resident veterinarian, was on site to provide information (along with a few furry, and slimy, animals). Students were invited to bring their own pets, and Mrs. McCollum was even seen touching the snake - a bit uncertain, mind you, but touched it none-the-less. Thank you to Mr. King, parents, and, OF COURSE, our fine feathered, hairy, and scaly friends, for making our morning of learning EXTRA-special!

Another HUGE Success!

As a "newbie" to the elementary school, I was not aware of the sheer magnitude of such an event as Nothin' But Fun Day! Within a matter of hours our school - inside and out - was transformed into an even more student-inspired, teacher-and-parent-approved campus. Blow-ups filled the gym, carnival-like booths lined our playground... they even drilled holes in our asphalt to anchor the massive tent. It was extraordinary! PTO parents spent hours and hours in preparation for this well-attended and much-anticipated day, and for that we are all thankful.

Anything for our children, right?

To close down the evening, many of us made our way up to the high school football field to watch the Mustangs play. The weather had been so temperamental the entire day, yet the poncho-clad fans didn't let it stop them. Thinking over the exciting day of children's smiles, helpful volunteers, and sweet teachers doling out hugs and high-fives to their current and past students, I couldn't help but think, "God is here." Those of us filling the bleachers were given yet another sign of His presence as one of the most beautiful rainbows I've ever seen arched its way over the playing field. What a marvelous way to end a fantastic day!

Shine bright,

JDG

Calling all families...

We NEED you! Anyone interested in being a DLES Ambassador, I have a wonderful job specifically for you! Just around the corner - November 5th, 6th, and 22nd- are our annual Open House opportunities. I have a terrific stack of postcards to advertise the events, but a team effort would be even more effective. Brainstorm places to make them available... your churches, your neighborhood association meetings, your mom's groups, your exercise classes, your clients... EVERYWHERE!

It's as easy as 1 -2 -3!

(1) Make a list of the top reasons you love our school.

(2) Think outside the box about where you can spread the word.

(3) Make yourself available to tell your story (and hand them the card, of course!).

Come by my office (Elementary Admissions/Guidance) at your earliest convenience to pick up your stack. You can - and do - make a difference! For that, and so much more, we thank you!

Shine bright,

JDG

The sweetest sounds...

So, last Thursday was the first time I'd had a chance to get to Chapel before the children arrived. Was I ever impressed with their entrance into the gymnasium, as they came through the doors enthusiastically singing praise songs and continuing until all four grades were seated. It brought tears to my eyes; hundreds of sweet voices raising in song to worship! What an awesome experience.

As you see in our slideshow, we had a special guest, Youth Minister Andrew Sowards of Antioch Church of Christ, who spoke to the group about the importance of training and preparation, referencing back to the well-known Proverb 22:6 scripture, "Train up a child in the way he should go..." He related spiritual training to his juggling accomplishments. The children were mesmerized, to say the least. It was very entertaining and brought the point home well.

Our time together ended with a spirited celebration of "Farmer's Favorites," and "Caught Being Good Awards," our principal's favorite classwork picks of the week and teachers' nominations for star students of the week, respectively. I know I'm still somewhat new, but I just don't know that the excitement for such a place is going to wear off anytime soon. These kinds of occurrences happen on a daily basis, and once again I find myself in great appreciation for our DLES!

Shine bright,
JDG

...and THIS is why we choose DLES!

I was fortunate enough to see a message sent to one of our third grade teachers, Chuck Chisam, and I couldn't help but share some of it with you. I know for many of us parents, the realization of other influences on our children can be frightening... especially when considering their time at school. We all know they spend more hours awake in their school environment than they do even with their own family. Where they are can make a HUGE difference! When you read what's below, take a moment to thank God for yet another blessing today; the blessing of making it possible to be a part of such a special, special place.

Mr Chisam,

When I visited your room and saw you sitting there in your rocking chair reading your very quiet class a story before lunchtime, I thought of the lucky children that were going to sit at the feet of a very kind, gentle man this year . . . what a role model you are for so many. This is what makes this school what it is! And when I read your weekly emails on the Fruit of the Spirit, where else can emails be sent out on distribution lists with that kind of rich content? Thank you, Chuck, for all you do for all the children with whom you come in contact.

Correction!

Just a note that the link posted yesterday for the Christie Cookie Contest was not correct. It has been fixed and is ready to be used! http://ilovechristiecookies.com/contest/form.asp

YOU CAN HELP US WIN $25,000!

It's OK to beg when it's for a good cause, right? Christie Cookies is giving away $25,000 (and other prizes) to the non-for-profit that collects the most votes. You just click http://ilovechristiecookies.com/contest/form.asp and use the drop-down menu to find David Lipscomb Campus School, Nashville, TN. That's it. So simple! Why wouldn't you do it? Imagine what $25,000 could do for our school - YOUR child! Pass along the link to your friends, your family, your coworkers, your church community - EVERYONE - and make a difference!

Shine bright,
JDG

You Can Have it Both Ways

One of my favorite shows to watch comes on PBS, Saturday mornings - Everyday Food. A production of Martha Stewart and hosted by five VERY down-to-earth women, the recipes are actually quite normal. Yet, for this full-time working mom with two little ones, it kicks chicken nuggets and fries up a notch! I was watching this weekend and loved a couple of snack ideas I'm planning to add to my own rotation. I thought some of you might like them as well. Especially as we're entering the time of year when Middle Tennessee can't make up its mind on what kind of weather it's having, these hot AND cold snacks are quite handy for after school. Both are make-ahead friendly, ready and waiting for you to determine if it's a sweatshirt or shorts kind of day. Enjoy, and tune in for the show at 10:30 AM, Saturdays on PBS, for more great ideas that are healthy and busy-family-friendly.

Frozen Fruit Salad

Ingredients
Serves 4
2 bananas
2 cups red grapes, seedless
2 cups green grapes, seedless
Directions
1. Peel bananas; cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place banana slices and grapes on a small rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until fruit is frozen throughout, at least 1 hour. (Once frozen, fruit can be placed in a resealable plastic bag and kept frozen up to 2 months.) Divide fruit among four bowls, and serve.

Warm Fruit-and-Nut Snack

Ingredients
Makes 12 servings
2 cups assorted dried fruit, such as apricots (slivered), raisins, cranberries, or cherries
2 cups salted nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, or mixed**

Directions
1. In a medium airtight container, combine fruit and nuts. To store, keep at room temperature, up to 1 month.
2. Preheat oven or toaster-oven to 350. For 1 serving: Spread 1/3 cup mixture on a small rimmed baking sheet; bake until warm, about 5 minutes. Serve.

** I might suggest pretzels in place of nuts if there's an allergy issue in your family.

A Hula Hoop and Song

Hasn't someone out there had a great-aunt who would never miss a chance to grab your cheeks and squeal how cute you are? How about the stranger in the grocery aisle patting your belly asking the baby's due date? Personal space. Many people get it, and so many others do not.

The kindergarten teachers decided to tackle this concept with their classes early on, hoping to help them discover one another's personal space and how to stay safe by respecting it. We have a terrific group of K-5s, but for any parent of one - including myself - we all know what an issue this can be at times.

I was excited to meet with this crowd first thing this morning. We discussed hands and feet, elbows and even teeth (suggested by a participant in the front row), reminding ourselves that if they're on our body, they're ours; we keep them to ourselves. A hula hoop provided a great visual of the space "bubble" we each require. The children were cute as could be standing and rounding their arms in front of them, "floating" and practicing to stay in their own space as they moved about to a bubble song. I knew the concept had resonated when I asked for some ideas on how to deal with others getting in our space. One little boy eagerly raised his hand and exclaimed, "You could say, 'Hey! You're poppin' my bubble!'" I just love my job.

Later on this afternoon, I happened to think of a simple song to help your young ones remember what we talked about today. To the tune of Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping), sing these words with your child whenever you can. Oh, and maybe - just maybe - you might save someone's cheeks, and mommy dignity, in years to come.

I am safe, I am safe (Are you sleeping, are you sleeping)

Yes, I am, Yes, I am (Brother John, Brother John)

I can keep my hands and body to myself (Morning bells are ringing, Morning bells are ringing)

Yes, I can, Yes, I can (Ding, ding, dong, Ding, ding, dong)

Shine bright,

JDG

We've Only Just Begun

Don't you remember your first days of school, especially having experienced the unusually low temps we've had this weekend? The chill in the air certainly brings back pictures of my first grade teacher's big, wooden, apple earrings and the smell of Elmer's glue, not to mention the cafeteria's version of "grilled cheese and chili." It's such a terrific time of year, full of excitement and anticipation for what's to come.

Our school got off to a roaring start last Monday! By the week's end, the entire group - faculty, staff, and students - was working like a well-oiled machine with smiles everywhere you turned. "Meet the Teacher Night" was a HUGE success at standing-room-only. Our university president, Dr. Lowry, shared some wonderful news about the tremendous growth and success Lipscomb University has experienced and promised his continued commitment to helping make our campus school better and better. He was able to spend a good amount of time visiting classrooms and listening to the question-and-answer sessions teachers provided their students' families. There was such energy in the air, two calls over the intercom had to be made to encourage visitors to head home... what a wonderful problem to have!

We've only just begun, and we still have some spots available in a couple of grades. Spread the word about the remarkable school we have. It's guaranteed to change lives!

Shine bright,
JDG