Mr. Mills Blog

I was surprised to find out that ISAT testing is only 2 weeks ago. I’m not surprised because I didn’t know we had ISAT testing, but I’m surprised it so close. I know it can be a stressful time for students, teachers, and parents, but I’m confident our students will do well. And, I’m happy to hear that the closer we get to starting the ISAT, the closer we are to finishing them as well.

Both 3rd grade classes worked in the computer lab this week on the Windows Paint program. They will be making landscapes with this program. As I have told the students, I like doing artwork on the computer, so I’m hoping the students will get as much joy from it as I do. I have told them that computer generated artwork is very different from artwork we would do in the fine arts classroom. And, some students who don’t feel as successful using paper and pencil might find great success drawing on the computer.

The 4th grade students continue to work with Ms. Walsh on the CAPE project. We are nearing the end of the first phase of this project soon. As you can see, the students got a chance to go outside to take pictures this week. I’m glad we waited a week because the melting of the snow will hopefully make their pictures from outside more interesting. The students are also beginning to write their final stories from the picture they took. I will explain more next week, but they will eventually be due on March 7th.

The 5th graders are still painting their grids. We have begun to put the pieces of the puzzle together in the hallway near the art room. Many of the students have been asking, “How will it make a face?” It should be interesting to see how this takes shape over the next week or so. I know I’ve very excited to see the results.

The 6th graders have begun working on their final world language math games. They have done a good job of policing themselves and getting down to work. We are hoping these games can be used with classes other than just 6th grade. I’m glad the world language teachers supported this class so much with this project.

On the technology front, the 3rd graders will begin making Microsoft Excel graphs with data they have collected in their classrooms. I have been working with someone through CUIP to help this project take shape.

Also, I’m going to a technology conference in St. Louis next week, so I will not be here on Monday and Tuesday. You can never stop learning as far as I’m concerned…