Kudos to Third Grade!

Yesterday morning our third graders and their teachers were honored at the Sustainability Breakfast at Lipscomb University. At that event, our students learned that they were the first place winner in Tennessee for their Disney Planet Challenge project (just look at the excitement on their faces). Beyond the state, they placed in the top 20 elementary schools in the nation. "Keep Our Water Clean; Don't Rush to Flush" has been a great learning experience for our third graders, with that project integrated into every subject. Congratulations to our third grade teachers, Ms. Sanders, Mr. Chisam, Ms. Smith, and DLES Science Lab Coordinator, Ms. Reasonover, as well as all third graders for a job well done! We're proud of you.

3RD GRADERS MOVE STATE AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES TO ACTION

        On Monday, February 13^th, 2012, state and local dignitaries were invited to David Lipscomb Elementary School to hear about third grade efforts towards reducing hazardous waste, specifically the disposal of outdated and unused medication.  In attendance were State Representative Mike Stewart, Metro Councilman Sean McGuire, Lori Munkeboe with TDEC, Sharon Smith from Metro Public Works and representatives from the Metro Police Department, Detective Donaldson and Officer Charles Vance.  Students shared with the guests their yearlong efforts in educating themselves and the community on the proper disposal of medication while enlightening the visitors about the dangers of not doing so.  

         At the completion of the student presentation, Representative Stewart responded with a promise to the students that he would collaborate with them to take the issue to a legislative level.  Additionally, Councilman McGuire addressed the class and committed to taking the same stand.  He promised to draw up a resolution to honor the David Lipscomb Elementary School 3rd grade for its work in raising community awareness about the issue and to work toward a class visit to City Hall to share the information with Mayor Karl Dean.  Following yesterday’s events, TDEC’s Ms. Munkeboe stated, “My applause and admiration to a group of young students and their ability to understand a complex issue like unwanted pharmaceuticals. They investigated the problems and made smart decisions on how to recognize and implement solutions.  From one-day collections to a public service announcement, their work was thoughtful and targeted.  I am more comforted knowing that these young people will protect our state, our country, and our earth with the dedication and respect it deserves.”

          DLES third grade students took on the charge to spread the word of safe and proper medication disposal in August of last year as a part of their involvement in the Disney Planet Challenge.  Since that time, the project’s efforts have been integrated into multiple disciplines within the classroom, including Literacy, Math, Social Studies, and Science as well as enrichment areas of Art, Music, and Technology.  All students have been in close collaboration with Lipscomb University’s School of Pharmacy, Biology Department, and Chemistry Department through professor/student hands-on learning experiences, visits to the university campus, and a joint hazardous waste collection day for the Nashville community.  This effort brought in over 165 pounds of medication, not to mention other hazardous waste of over 40,000 pounds of e-waste, 8,000 batteries, and nearly 3,000 pieces of household waste.

"No Mustang Runs Alone" Kicks Off!

It is my hope that our spectacular kick-off for our anti-bullying program “No Mustang Runs Alone” will encourage open dialogue in the classroom, open discussions at home, and open conversations among children.  We all know what it feels like to be intimidated, called names, and in general, made to feel “less than.”  We want our students to know that they are beloved and that they belong. Hopefully, a few of us will realize that we have been teetering very close to the definition of the word “bully” I sent out last week.  That awareness is what we’re looking for…before it becomes bigger and more intense.

Our children have soft hearts. One mom wrote me this morning to say that her kindergartner spotted some bullying in their neighborhood, one child picking on two others.  He said, “That is bullying. He doesn’t need to act that way to them and we need to tell him not to do it anymore.”  I hope all of our students begin to see how their words and actions are perceived.  Our goal is not to create a culture where everyone is pointing out bullying, but rather that  children and adults examine themselves to question their own motives. We might be surprised how we are perceived by others. 

Along the way, I’m sure we will also identify some real bullying that will be addressed. From these conversations, I also hope we give skills to some children who have silently joined a crowd of spectators, not knowing how to defend and tell. Thank you for the comments you have sent us; pray God’s guidance as we continue to encourage our students to be “Christ-like in attitude and behavior.”
Sharon Farmer, DLES Principal

Celebrating Christmas

     I remember my first Christmas at DLES.  I was walking down the hall one morning before many students had arrived.  Not all ceiling lights had been turned on allowing the lights on the tree to glow even brighter, and below the tree was a set of tiny bells playing beautiful songs of the season.  I was overcome with such peace as I thought about how thankful I was for my own children and so many other students to be in a place so full of joy and truth.
     To be perfectly clear, there has been no shortage of joy over this Christmas season at DLES.  It began with our fourth grade chorus joining all Lipscomb choruses, Campus School through University, and performing with Amy Grant and guests for Lipscomb University's annual, Lighting of the Green:

Next came Polar Express Day complete with the conductor, a viewing of the movie, dancing teachers serving hot chocolate, and, of course, creative writing pieces to cap off the experience:

What is Christmas without Santa?  Campus School Headmaster, Dr. Mike Hammond, made his annual appearance as the jolly ol' St. Nick to help put Pre-K and Kindergarten in the spirit:

Parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were given stellar performances, including Orff ensembles, a capella arrangements, scripture memorization and traditional and modern holiday works, by pre-first through fourth graders on Grandparents' Day:

There's nothing better than the last half-day of school before break... homemade goods, parents, and parties galore:

And nothing beats our Christmas sing-a-long tradition that follows morning Chapel:

It's because of such, DLES is full of spirit, love, and excitement for learning, and we are so thankful for the hundreds of educators, staff, students and families who make it so.  From our "house" to yours, we wish you the merriest Christmas ever, with love! 

Elementary News - November

Elementary News

November, 2011

We are approaching a season of the year when events, activities, and requirements in all areas of family life can cause stress and take away joy.  As I was working this week to gather all the information you need to navigate the wonderful offerings we have upcoming during this semester, I realized how overwhelming this must seem to parents of young children. I never want what we’re offering here at school to take precedence over what is good for your family. 

We are busy here at DLES, perhaps more excited and busier than we usually are in November and December. I hope you can take a breath, say a prayer of thanks to the One who made us, and look forward with a discerning eye to the opportunities set before your family. 

Thank you, parents, for supporting our programs and our teachers here at Lipscomb. We know your insight, your understanding, and your support as we move forward are key components to the success of our school. It is with thanks to you and thanks to the Father that I enter this busy time of year, knowing that the ultimate goal here is to educate, inspire, and nurture children.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Sharon Farmer
Elementary Principal

The Stephens Gift:
Last week at the Lipscomb University Associates Gala, Dr. Lowry announced that a donation of $10,000,000 has been given to the Campus School by long-time Lipscomb supporters Neika and Bill Stephens, through the Stephens Christian Trust. We have spent the past year planning and dreaming for the future of our school, and this gift makes possible many of the programs and facilities we have planned. As details unfold for our updated and new facilities, you will be hearing more information. We ask for prayers and your input as decisions are made. Many of our students have been writing thank-you letters to Mr. and Mrs. Stephens. I’m amazed by the mature and spirit-filled children you are rearing. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Annual Fund: Letters have recently been mailed to Campus School families detailing this year’s annual
fund goal. We hope you will be prayerful as you consider your role in Lipscomb’s future.

Disney Planet Challenge: Our third grade team of teachers, along with our science lab coordinator Ginger Reasonover, has entered the Disney Planet Challenge. This is a nationwide initiative encouraging environmental education and community environmental projects. Since DLES is a Performer Level Green School, this initiative is a “natural” as we educate our students. Our students are studying the effects of the improper disposal of medications on our water and soil. With the help of the Lipscomb University Pharmacy School, students are running tests on soil and water and documenting results. Our students will be holding a Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day on Tuesday, November 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Their flier is the 3rd page of this newsletter. Please help us recycle hazardous materials properly. Bring your recyclables next Tuesday to the front of the elementary building.

News and Notes:

• Congratulations to our second through fourth graders who participated in Jump Rope for Heart on Friday, Nov. 4th. They raised approximately $9,000 for the American Heart Association.
• Congratulations to our fourth grade chorus members who were chosen by audition to participate in the MTVA Honors Chorus: Lydia Guertin, Annabel Williams, and Sydney Willamson.
• Thank you for your positive response to the adjustments we had to make due to the Granny White Pike road closure for the past month. We appreciate your flexibility.
• This is the time of year when our students sign up to run in the April 27th ING Kids Marathon. You have received registration information from Belle Cromwell and Melanie Grogan by e-mail. Last year we had about 130 runners. The cost is $25 per participant if you register before December 31st. The race will fill up quickly.
• Remember that you can order talent show and first grade play pictures from Scott Ellis, the school photographer. Go to his website: http://www.scottellisphoto.com/. Enter the gallery “Lipscomb.”

• Fourth graders and their parents enjoyed Pioneer Day yesterday, planned by our fourth grade team. We began the morning in chapel with Bob Wood, one of our members of the Board of Directors, talking to our P-1st through 4th graders about pioneers in the Bible—Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Joseph—people who went into a new land, trusting God to lead them to a better place, making the journey easier for the people coming behind them. This was a marvelous day of hands-on integrated learning!

Dates to Remember:

Tues., Nov. 15 Hazardous Materials Community Drop-Off, Elementary Campus
Thurs., Nov. 17 DLES Thanksgiving Lunch
Nov. 21-25 Thanksgiving Holidays, No School, No Extended Day
Tues., Nov. 29 Lighting of the Green at Lipscomb University
Dec. 14, 15 Pre-First through Fourth Grade Grandparent Days
Dec. 15, 16 DLES half-days
Dec. 19 – Jan. 3 Christmas Holidays, No School
Wed., January 4 Students return to school