May 22, 2013
The Findley Drama Club finished the year with a fantastic performance of Disney’s Jungle Book KIDS. One performance was held at the Levitt Auditorium at the Des Moines Art Center on May 9, and a repeat show was performed at the Findley gym the next day. Sixty-two second through fifth graders performed on stage with the assistance of two directors from Drake, five Findley teachers, and several parent volunteers. Each student had a costume and wore makeup for roles as diverse as jungle plants, trees, wolves, a snake with coils, rocks, and elephants. Jungle Book KIDS is a musical, so there were many songs and choreography to rehearse and perform. Findley actors have learned a lot this year while playing theatre games, learning mime, and putting together three different productions. Students are looking forward to next year with great anticipation!  The club held a celebration to recognize completing the first year of the Findley Drama Club.

The Findley Drama Club finished the year with a fantastic performance of Disney’s Jungle Book KIDS. One performance was held at the Levitt Auditorium at the Des Moines Art Center on May 9, and a repeat show was performed at the Findley gym the next day. Sixty-two second through fifth graders performed on stage with the assistance of two directors from Drake, five Findley teachers, and several parent volunteers. Each student had a costume and wore makeup for roles as diverse as jungle plants, trees, wolves, a snake with coils, rocks, and elephants. Jungle Book KIDS is a musical, so there were many songs and choreography to rehearse and perform. Findley actors have learned a lot this year while playing theatre games, learning mime, and putting together three different productions. Students are looking forward to next year with great anticipation!  The club held a celebration to recognize completing the first year of the Findley Drama Club.

May 15, 2013
Findley and Lovejoy Elementary staff and families participated in Two Schools, One Book, a project to encourage families to read together. Each family was given a copy of Charlotte’s Web and assigned to read a chapter each night. Discussion questions were provided, also. A family breakfast was held at Findley with the State Fair theme being carried out by serving Breakfast on a Stick!

Findley and Lovejoy Elementary staff and families participated in Two Schools, One Book, a project to encourage families to read together. Each family was given a copy of Charlotte’s Web and assigned to read a chapter each night. Discussion questions were provided, also. A family breakfast was held at Findley with the State Fair theme being carried out by serving Breakfast on a Stick!

May 08, 2013

Jackson Elementary School staff and students were treated to a wonderful springtime concert by the Tony Valdez group. Tony and his partners have been a “Cinco de Mayo” tradition at Jackson for many years. They play popular music and some Latin-style music. Kids and staff enjoyed relaxing and grooving outside on the front lawn. The sun was as bright as our attitudes! 

May 07, 2013
Edmunds Elementary Physical Education instructor Jesse Smith put Edmunds students to the test in April with strength and cardio work, as they took part in the Play 60 fitness program, which is done in conjunction with the National Football League. Designed for 3rd through 5th grades, these rigorous assessments put the students to the test in a number of areas of health and fitness, including aerobic capacity, strength and flexibility. In order to earn the “Play 60 Fitness Gram Award,” students needed to perform at rigorous levels in several of the fitness categories. Many did achieve the standards, working hard to do their best, and ten proud third graders passed, showing that there is a benefit to all the hard work. They all received Play 60 Fitness Gram Awards and they are ready for their next challenge!  

Edmunds Elementary Physical Education instructor Jesse Smith put Edmunds students to the test in April with strength and cardio work, as they took part in the Play 60 fitness program, which is done in conjunction with the National Football League. Designed for 3rd through 5th grades, these rigorous assessments put the students to the test in a number of areas of health and fitness, including aerobic capacity, strength and flexibility. In order to earn the “Play 60 Fitness Gram Award,” students needed to perform at rigorous levels in several of the fitness categories. Many did achieve the standards, working hard to do their best, and ten proud third graders passed, showing that there is a benefit to all the hard work. They all received Play 60 Fitness Gram Awards and they are ready for their next challenge!  

May 07, 2013
Terri Thomas, Junior Sarpee, Lamarkes Russian-Wooler and William Edwards represented King Elementary during the Drake Relays on Friday, April 26. These future track and field stars enjoyed watching high school, college and Olympic athletes participate in this year’s relays.

Terri Thomas, Junior Sarpee, Lamarkes Russian-Wooler and William Edwards represented King Elementary during the Drake Relays on Friday, April 26. These future track and field stars enjoyed watching high school, college and Olympic athletes participate in this year’s relays.

April 30, 2013
Stowe Elementary was  invited to bring six students to the World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute at Iowa State University. It was an incredible honor to be the only elementary students attending from across the state. Students attended a luncheon with an expert in the field of agriculture and were able to ask many questions. Then it was on to the keynote address by Governor Branstad. The next stop was an immersion session where they  learned about the climates impact on food growth.  They finished with a closing ceremony. It was an amazing day filled with learning. 

Stowe Elementary was  invited to bring six students to the World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute at Iowa State University. It was an incredible honor to be the only elementary students attending from across the state. Students attended a luncheon with an expert in the field of agriculture and were able to ask many questions. Then it was on to the keynote address by Governor Branstad. The next stop was an immersion session where they  learned about the climates impact on food growth.  They finished with a closing ceremony. It was an amazing day filled with learning. 

April 25, 2013
Athletes from Brubaker Elementary’s Special Olympics team participated in the West Central Special Olympics on Tuesday, April 12 at Simpson College. The team, coached by Heather Lynam, did an awesome job! All athletes earned first place in at least one of their two events, which means they are on to state at Iowa State University on May 24. It was a great day for everyone involved.

Athletes from Brubaker Elementary’s Special Olympics team participated in the West Central Special Olympics on Tuesday, April 12 at Simpson College. The team, coached by Heather Lynam, did an awesome job! All athletes earned first place in at least one of their two events, which means they are on to state at Iowa State University on May 24. It was a great day for everyone involved.

April 23, 2013

Third graders at Windsor Elementary are having fun, learning about the different body parts of a crayfish, studying their behavior, habitat, and what they need to survive. Students get to pick them up after they learn the proper way to handle them so they don’t get pinched by the pincers. They also get to feed them. This is one of the science activities students in 3rd grade love to inquire about. 



 

April 22, 2013

Sixty McCombs Middle School students, accompanied by staff, parents and administrators, marched in the Drake Relays Parade on April 21.  Student groups that were represented included the Golden Eagles, Choir, and Band. Students carried a “Golden Eagles” banner, and wore Golden Eagles or McCombs’ music tee-shirts. 

The Golden Eagles is an honor society for McCombs students who have achieved academic success and display excellent citizenship. Choir students, under the direction of Mr. Branden Oliver sang “Gold” by Britt Nicole, and spectators could hear McCombs’ students chant “Let’s Go Eagles, Let’s Go!” as McCombs marched past.

Principal Nancy Croy said, “McCombs students and staff are working hard to increase academic achievement and improve school climate. It is great to have the opportunity to showcase our successful students and educational programs at prominent events such as the Drake Relays.”

April 19, 2013
Kindergarteners at Cattell Elementary have been using technology to enhance reading, writing and math skills. Each K-5 classroom received two new iPads thanks to a technology grant and Cattell PTO. Students are eager and excited to use the new iPads and are always engaged during their work time.

Kindergarteners at Cattell Elementary have been using technology to enhance reading, writing and math skills. Each K-5 classroom received two new iPads thanks to a technology grant and Cattell PTO. Students are eager and excited to use the new iPads and are always engaged during their work time.