South Des Moines Elementaries

HowePreschoolers were busy in January discussing ice and icicles (part of their study of the letter “I”) and catching snow flakes on pieces of paper for close examination. There was snow to play with on the sensory table. The big hit while studying the letter “J” was sampling three jelly beans. The students put a mark on a graph indicating the flavor they liked the best. For the letter “K” we read a story about a kangaroo without a pouch called, “Katy No Pocket.” The students were then given a “pocket” and had to find something from the room to put in it. The teachers helped the students give clues while the rest of the class tried to guess what was in each pocket. For the letter “L” the theme was love and caring. We talked about how we love our families and how we care about our friends at school. There is a special chart in the room and every time we see students helping others they get marks by their names. For the letter “M” the theme will be mittens and magnets. We will read the story “The Mitten” and act it out. We will also try to figure out why and what things stick to magnets.

JacksonNothing submitted.LovejoyAll students visited STARLAB, the indoor planetarium, this month. They saw a starry night, moon, constellations and solar system. Lessons about light and sound waves were taught. The planetarium is related to the fourth-grade current science unit and was a wonderful extension activity.McKinleyThe kindergartners celebrated the 100th day of school Feb. 6. They each brought a collection of 100 things from home, voted on their favorite, read 100 pieces of literature, wrote 100 words, and made 100 cereal necklaces and 100 glasses.

MorrisStudents have been working on projects like monumental sculpture, weaving, pastel portraits and rugs inspired by Islamic art and design, even collaborating on large abstract drawings. The young artists use lessons learned in math, science, social studies and reading to apply to their artwork. Artists are also beginning a study of American Indians. Dick Shepard, Polk County conservationist, spoke to students about the American Indians who settled in Iowa in prehistoric times. He showed artifacts found in Yellow Banks Park. Artists will learn about arts of the woodland, plains, northwest coast and desert cultures.

Park AvenueOn Feb. 5, Park Avenue School pride groups took on the topic of bullying. Each multi-age group talked about what bullying behaviors are and why some people choose to use them. They also shared a story about a child who was bullied and discussed ways to handle different situations.River WoodsThe English Language Learners will be taking the Iowa ELDA test this month. This test measures the students’ progress in four domains of the English language. They are tested on their listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities. The K-2 students are assessed by their teachers and ELL on a rubric-style test. The 3-5 students take a lengthy written and oral test. Each year, we look forward to seeing the progress the students have made on this test compared to previous year.

South UnionNothing submitted.StudebakerThird-graders recently participated in Career Day. Many family members volunteered their time to talk with the students about their jobs/careers. We had a homemaker, a heating and cooling expert, a team leader for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, a surgeon from Mercy Hospital, a supervisor from Anderson Erickson Dairy, a surgery patient care tech (aide) from Lutheran Hospital, and a truck driver. Our guest speakers emphasized the importance of trustworthiness and responsibility as it relates to their specific jobs. The volunteers brought in props and treats and had the students participate in interactive activities. They answered many student questions about their careers.

WrightThe students in Paula Hermann’s third- and fourth-grade combination room have constructed a “life-sized” model of the Big Friendly Giant after listening to Roald Dahl’s book. They knew that the giant was 24 feet tall, and discovered that one of their classmates was exactly four feet tall. The students worked together to take measurements of the four-foot student and record those measurements on a stick figure. They then discovered that they could multiply each measurement by six and create the correct proportions for the giant. The students have colored and cut out their giant and are now looking for a place to display him. It’s not easy to find room for a giant in an average classroom!

South Des Moines middle schools

BrodyNothing submitted.McCombsFebruary is caring month. Students talk about how caring is not just a way of feeling, it’s a way of behaving. In our advisory groups, we talk about how caring requires us to be as considerate, kind, compassionate and generous as our duties and responsibilities permit. But sometimes it is tough. A related schoolwide activity is the use of “I care cards,” coupons designed for students and staff to give each other. A chain of linked coupons is hung up in the cafeteria for all to see how we recognize caring.MerrillNothing submitted.WeeksThe Weeks Sisters for Success have been meeting monthly and working on self-esteem, communication and respect. The group of approximately 30 African American sixth- to eighth-grade girls took a field trip to “I’ll Make Me A World in Iowa,” a celebration of African American culture. They will work on a community service project this spring.

Lincoln High School

Band parents and students attended a meeting Feb. 11 to review information and plans for the band and orchestra’s Orlando trip scheduled for March 12-18. Band directors Darrin Bartachek and Kevin Stegemann presented information and forms to sign related to transportation, hotel accommodations, safety procedures, clothing, uniforms, conduct, instrument care and health concerns. The trip will include contest performances at Festival Disney by the concert band and orchestra. On March 14, the orchestra will perform at the House of Blues, and on the afternoon of March 16, the concert band will perform at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort in the Atlantic Dance Hall. The marching band will also march in the night parade in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom on March 14. Side trips will be taken to Disney Hollywood Studios, the Kennedy Space Center and Universal Islands of Adventure. The band trip occurs once every four years and is designed and planned to be a positive musical and educational experience.The Railettes dance team performed Feb. 2 at Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kan. The girls received two choreography plaques for pom and hip-hop, a technique award, a sweepstakes and super sweepstakes trophy and a Winner’s Circle Cup.

East High School

The following are the students of the month for January in the family and consumer science department: Sharnae Lamar and Madison Tedrow for child development; Amanda Roth and Samantha Roth for relationships; Karen Rodriquez for sewing technology I; Carly Weizarek for sewing technology II; Shawnee Miller for housing; Chris Overman for adult living; Lorrie Kingen and Ly Linfoung for nutrition and food prep I; Sean Logan and Presious Moore for nutrition and food prep II.

Junior Zach Mitchell qualified for the state swimming meet held Feb. 9 in Marshalltown. He swam the 50-yard freestyle and finished 20th in the state.The color guard solo, team and ensemble contest was held Feb. 9. Squads from across Iowa were invited to participate.The color guard is starting a Scarlet Middle School Color Guard program in 2008. Information about this new program will be sent to feeder middle schools. There is no audition process. Any student in sixth through eighth grade next school year can participate. The group will perform six times September through February and will meet once a month to practice. Call Michelle Eggleston at 988-2784.

The Iowa Special Olympics state winter tournament was held in Dubuque, Jan. 14-16. Seven East students participated - two in figure skating and five for speed skating. Each earned two medals. The students swam at the Grand Harbor Hotel and Water Park.The winter dance “Candy Land Extravaganza” was held Feb. 9. The following students were elected as the court for this dance: freshmen Alex VanGundy and Alyssa Denning, sophomores Brady Burrows and Chelsey Mongar, juniors Brad Underwood and Brittany Wilkinson. The king was Scott Jensen. The queen was Jenny Sullivan.

Hoover High School

The Hoover History Club hosted two jazz historians as part of Black History Month on Feb. 11. Abe Goldstien is a local jazz enthusiast who is working on a project highlighting the jazz history of Des Moines. Donald Clark is a historian who authored the “Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music” and “Wishing on the Moon,” a biography of Billie Holiday. The presentation was attended by History Club members, American history students in Maureen Murphy and Jason Danielson’s classes, music students in Randy Hoepker, Scott Davis and Anna Wolf’s classes, and English students in Linda Brown and Amy Stockton’s classes.

Hoover hosted the state large-group contest Feb. 2. More than 100 schools from southwest Iowa attended the contest where more than 1,500 students performed in 10 categories. Hoover students had 13 entries that had advanced from the district contest. Of those, 12 received division I ratings. Students receiving I ratings were Bea Rendon, Adam Stearns, Adam Beaves, Katie Taylor, Sam Kyker, Hillary Olson, Stephanie Mondon, Jessie Christensen, Edward Rodriguez, Kyle Utke, Kristin Hukill, Aaron Homard, Nick Ghormley, Alyssa Gourd, Shaun Knapp, Kendra Swanson, Gavin Gallegos, Tim Nelson, Elizabeth Hewitt, Sarah Kleinhesselink, Christine Attey, Dan Oswald, Jordan Saltonstall, Evan Hoyt, Laurah Mwirichia, Jordan Taha, Cassie Tant, Whitney Woodyard, Carolyn Thorn and Anthony Olson.

The advanced drama classes present the annual senior-directed one-act plays at 7:30 tonight in the auditorium. Five short plays directed by seniors in the advanced classes will be presented. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.Introductory psychology students participated in the activity “Breakfast with a Dead Psychologist.” Students spent three days researching famous psychologists, then made posters and presented them. Students sat with other “dead psychologists” over breakfast and asked them questions like: Why do you think an introductory psychology student should study you? Why did you decide to study what you did? And what impact did you have on the field of psychology? Some students dressed in character. The unit concluded with an open-note test.

John Eller’s advanced sophomore English classes are embarking upon a two-month, project-based learning experience. Committees of students have devised the rubric by which their work will be graded. Subject choices include Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” and Malory’s “Le Morte d’Arthur.”Morgan Heintz, Tony Woods and Tiara Ziegler have art work on display at the annual Des Moines public school exhibit at the State Historical Building through March 2.

North High School

The student council is selling bright yellow “Save the Polar Bears” T-shirts for $10. Contact Kathy Bassett or Maura Welp to purchase one. All proceeds will go to a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving our planet.A family night for eighth-graders who will attend North in the fall was held Feb. 12. The students had a pizza dinner and some won raffle prizes. The band came into the cafeteria to play the school song and everyone had the opportunity to visit with coaches. Parents heard about scheduling and class requirements for next year and were able to talk with counselors and administrators. To end the evening, students were admitted free to the varsity boys’ basketball game.

Roosevelt High School

The varsity show choir, under the direction of Mary Anne Sims, competed in the Troy-Buchanan Show Choir Invitational on Feb. 9. Roosevelt placed third in its division during the preliminary competition and qualified for the finals where it earned the fourth runner-up trophy. The group also won the caption awards for best crew, best band and best ballad. Senior Sasha Smith won her second best female soloist award. The choir will next compete in Millard, Neb., on Saturday.

The dance teams and cheer squad competed in the University of Iowa of Iowa cheerleading and dance team championships Feb. 10 with the following results: First place for boys’ dance team, fifth place for girls’ dance team, and first place for cheerleaders.Erma Fetic has been selected as the Roosevelt candidate for the 2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Each high school has the opportunity to nominate a student who has been a youth volunteer.

The academic decathlon team participated in regional competition Feb. 7-8 at Drake University. Team members included Eli Becker, Nikki Weaver, Paul Cromartie, Ben El-Baroudi, Martina Korpue and Heather Ritchhart. Individual awards went to Paul Cromartie in mathematics and Ben El-Baroudi for interview. The team qualified for state competition in Denison on March 14-15.Five band members and 10 orchestra members attended the Iowa State University honor orchestra festival in Ames on Friday and Saturday. The festival is a special honor for outstanding orchestra students selected by their high school directors, Sandra Tatge and Treg Marcellus. The orchestra students who attended were Sara Wise, Ted Brown, Megan Held, Caroline Weeks, Rebecca Drustrup, Robert McGaughey, Tyler Staples, Andrew Goss and Conor Wells. The band students who attended were Danielle Neary, Cuillam Rumundt, Patrick Mullen, Matt Steffen and Greta Dahlberg.

Citywide Schools

CowlesPrekindergarten classes have learned about the Chinese New Year. They created dragon masks, lanterns and wind socks. They also had fortune cookies. Students wore the color of red to signify Chinese happiness.Students have had lots of indoor recess because of the cold weather. They have been playing chess, mancala and Chinese checkers. Some students hula hoop and jump rope in the hallway.Upper-elementary students are working on projects on famous African Americans and research projects on American Indian tribes.

The fourth-graders visited the Des Moines Art Center. They have been making retablos in art class and filling them with clay figurines of special things and beliefs in their life.DowntownThe 7- and 8-year-old classes have been working on multiplication and division. The students have discovered that there are several ways to solve a problem and arrive at an answer.Jessica Capper and Josie Burg’s students have completed a study about how to prevent the cold and flu. The school nurse helped teach the students about the importance of hand-washing. Also, the Polk County Health Department visited and shared additional information. The students are looking forward to a study about cameras.

Students in Erika Buckner’s class are beginning their study of musical instruments. They’ve had several guest musicians play instruments and teach them about how they work.Mary Sweeney, Amanda Clark and Sarah Otten’s students are preparing for a musical entitled “It’s Saturday.” The students auditioned this week.JeffersonSharon Nahas’ third-graders have been reading a wealth of biographies on famous Americans. Students read and reflected on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. A “biopyramid” was developed about his life by each student. During their art-project session with Susan VandeHaar, each student illustrated King. The projects are on display in the library.

PhillipsThe student council hosted a representative from the Animal Rescue League on Feb. 8. The council presented the Animal Rescue League with more than 200 blankets and towels and other pet supplies.SmouseThe early childhood department continues to benefit from the ABC grant to provide “kinderdrama” to students. In November, “Mortimor” by Robert Munsch was first introduced to the students through music teacher Matt Gunasulus. He used different sized African tubano drums to represent the characters going up and down the stairs. The teachers used story board characters to retell the story in their classrooms, and Amanda Julson from the Des Moines Playhouse came with her monkey puppet, Bananas, to help tell the story. Students then made their own story boards to take home and retell the story with their families. They made tambourines and kazoos from plastic plates and paper tubes so they could make noise all day just like Mortimor. In January, the students learned about bears and other animals that sleep in the winter by exploring the book “Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson.

Young Athlete Play Days is a program designed to provide play activities and socialization opportunities for children between the ages of 2 and 7. Smouse students participated in the program Tuesday at the Archie Brooks Community Center. This program was created to serve children too young to participate in other Special Olympics Iowa competitions. The Young Athlete Play Days program also provides networking opportunities for parents. Participants enjoyed activities including ball darts, basketball, batting, bowling, 25-meter dash, musical balance beam, ribbon routine, soccer kick, standing long jump and the tennis-ball throw.

This year’s theme for Dr. Seuss Week, Feb. 25 to 29, is “Leap with Dr. Seuss” in celebration of leap year. A different book will be highlighted each day and the students will participate in related activities throughout the week. Celebrity readers will also read favorite selections to the students.Walnut StreetClassroom teachers arranged several different types of activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Activities varied from decorating boxes and bags to passing out valentine cards.

The second- and third-graders are continuing to work on their famous black Americans projects. Second- graders are doing an author study on Robert Munsch and have also been working with polygons in math. The third-graders are working on multiplication and division.GoodrellTonight is the seventh annual Family Arts Night. Starting at 5:30 bring your families and enjoy hands-on activities and displays for all ages. Dancing, singing, games, relays and student displays are planned. Food, catered by Hy-Vee, will also be available in the cafeteria for a small fee. At 7 there will be a concert performed by the Goodrell band, orchestra and show choir. Parents or guardians must accompany students.

Central CampusA “seniors meeting seniors” event was held Feb. 14. Representatives from area businesses spent time in career and technical institute classrooms and share personal career information and answered student questions. Instructors and students shared program information with the business representatives. Following the class time, all participants enjoyed a collaboration appreciation luncheon in the Central Campus caf?.Orchard Place

During January, each day until the Super Bowl, students read books and wrote reports on a total of 110 books. The students indicated if they were rooting for the Giants or the Patriots in each report. A display was posted in the hall indicating the students’ names and teams. By Super Bowl Sunday, the Giants had 53 reports and the Patriots had 57 reports. A drawing was held Feb. 4 of all students who picked the Giants, and prizes were awarded. Every student who entered the contest also received football cards. The event was coordinated by library associate Eleanor Sanders.

Ruby Van MeterWe are continuing to highlight some of the job sites students use as part of the RVM program. This week’s focus is the Science Center of Iowa and Drake’s Hubbell Cafeteria. RVM students have worked at the Science Center of Iowa for several years. Twice daily a group of students goes into the building to help keep the place clean for all the visitors. The students help out by general dusting, sweeping the floors, and dusting display items and returning them to the appropriate places. One of the nice things about the work environment is that the students can also learn about many different things in the world of science. At Drake’s Hubbell Cafeteria, the lunch trays just keep coming and coming. That is what the RVM students who work at the Hubbell Cafeteria at Drake University say. This group of students pulls off the trash, glasses, silverware and dishes to get them ready for the dishwasher. Then everything is loaded into the dishwasher. Students working there learn to work as a team and practice social skills while around others in the kitchen and dining room.

The annual Valentine’s Day dance was a huge success. Thank you to all of the staff and parents who attended and helped to make it a fun experience for everyone.ScavoThe sociology class is working hard on projects that they will be presenting to sixth-grade students at Harding Middle School. The theme for all of the projects is “Safety in Our Society.” The subjects vary from physical safety and safety in relationships to safe communication. The class will do their final presentations Feb. 26.Some staff members are already preparing for an interesting and information-filled summer session. Eve Shonts and Greg Schmida are working together on a project-based English course that will include literature, documentaries, field trips and guest speakers. They are specifically focusing on the 1960s, the Vietnam War and the counterculture of that era.

Private schools

Des Moines ChristianSarah Thune received a division I ranking, the highest offered, at the Iowa High School Music Association’s piano festival Feb. 9.

“We love our pastors” day was celebrated Feb. 13. The day began with a tour of the school followed by refreshments. Pastors were then honored at a special all-school chapel. Music was played by the jazz band and the Victory singers. Pastor Rod Bradley preached.The junior high school show choir placed sixth out of 12 choirs Feb. 8 at the Urbandale show choir competition. This is the first year for the junior high show choir program at the school.

The junior high choir competed at the conference vocal music competition Feb. 12.The seniors vs. staff basketball game was played Saturday. Dinner was served by the senior class prior to the game. There were cake auctions, a three-point shooting contest and relay races.Mid-term conferences conclude today.The Parent Teacher Fellowship is hosting a schoolwide tubing party tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park in Des Moines.

Dowling CatholicJunior Staci Dowd organized a group of fifth-graders from St. Augustin Parish to participate in the Sunday liturgy at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. The students did the readings and took part in the music at Mass.The spring baseball clinic for second- through eighth-graders will be March 4-6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the main gym. The cost is $40 for a first child and $20 for each additional child. T-shirts are included in the price. Players should bring tennis shoes, a glove and a bat, and wear comfortable clothing. Please label equipment. Sign-up deadline is Feb. 29. For more information, visit www.dowlingcatholic.org.

The Dimensions show choir performed at the Okoboji Show Choir Invitational recently. The group placed second in the afternoon competition and third in the evening finals competition. The choir is directed by Jody White.Sophomore Mary Craven earned a division I rating at the state piano contest held recently.The boys’ swim team performed well at the district swim meet recently. State qualifiers were seniors Jesse Otis and Luke Halsch; juniors Michael Lyle, Billy Nesbit and Matt Wentzel; sophomores Colby Kubat, Chris Niebur and Thomas Carmody. Colby Kubat was named district swimmer of the year.

Seniors Nate Looker and Colton Smith have been named Governor’s Scholars. Sponsored by the Iowa High School Athletic Association, the program recognizes the top students in schools across Iowa each year.The speech and debate students qualified for the national speech and debate tournament. The students are seniors Grant Nelson, Alex Baranosky, Anne Whitty and Meredith Englund; juniors Spencer Sheaff and Ryan Trout; sophomores Alex Blank and Catherine Porto; and freshman Steph Musser.

Colfax-Mingo’s Business Professionals Association has joined with the school to focus on developing leadership, business management and problem-solving skills and providing a service to the community. Seven Colfax-Mingo students went to Dowling in November to discuss the Casa Hogar project and fundraising ideas or programs. The Colfax-Mingo BPA recently sponsored a dance for Casa Hogar, making a $100 donation to the project.Iowa Christian Academy

Open house and elementary fun night will be Feb. 29. The theme is “leap year.” Prospective families can tour the school, meet the staff and enjoy the festivities and have dinner for free. All activities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the school, 2501 Vine St. in West Des Moines.Preschool and kindergarten round-ups are today in the music suite. Families interested in our preschool or kindergarten can come hear from our administrator, preschool and kindergarten teachers, tour the classrooms, and see samples of the curriculum. Child care for the first portion of the program will be provided, then children will be able to tour the classrooms and meet the teachers. For more information, call the school at 221-3999 or visit www.icablazers.org.

Homecoming week was Jan. 21 to 27. The following students were on the homecoming court: freshmen Alyssa Erhard and Nic Schroeder, sophomores Kristina Dunker and Lorin Harvey, juniors Justin Davis and Ellie Luginbill, and seniors Kylie Schroeder and David Berding. The queen and king were Emily VanderTuig and Michael Fleagle.Mount Olive LutheranThe concert band earned its second consecutive 1+ rating at the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association large-group festival held Feb. 9 at Roosevelt High School. The band has students in fourth through eighth grades and is directed by Christa Miller of Des Moines.

The kindergarten to fourth-grade choir, under the direction of Rachel Abraham of Des Moines, will sing this Sunday at Mount Olive Lutheran Church.Fifth- to eighth-grade physical education classes went roller stating and next week will go to the ice rink with physical education instructor Brent Bender of Waukee.Sacred HeartMiddle school students attended “Freedom Bound” at the Civic Center. Through story telling, drama and music students learned about the underground railroad. The production tells the true story of Addison White, an escaped slave, and his rescue by the citizens of the town of Mechanicsburg, Ohio.

The basketball teams received trophies at the Catholic Basketball League tournament held Feb. 3. The eighth-grade girls’ team and the sixth-grade boys’ white team each took first place. The sixth-grade girls’ team and the eighth-grade boys’ red team each captured second place. The eighth-grade boys’ white team finished in third place. The eighth-grade girls’ team was named league champion with a record of 10-0. Both of the eighth-grade boys’ teams and the St. Pius white team tied for first place as league champions. Each finished with a record of 9-1.

After a weeklong celebration of Catholic Schools Week, second-graders had a party Feb. 14 to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. Students decorated sacks to hold their valentines. Students exchanged greeting cards throughout the week, saved them in their specially decorated sacks and opened them during the party.Second-graders are also embarking on a biography project in language arts. Each child will read a book about a famous person and present facts about him or her to the rest of the class. Students will also chose a person to research and organize that information to present to classmates, as well as first-graders and third-graders.

Sixth-graders continue to study the history of Europe.Fifth-graders recently participated in Junior Achievement’s BizTown. It is the culmination of much time spent studying the real world of business and economy.The Home and School Association will host “Spell-a-thon 2008: Survivor Sacred Heart.” This combined spell-a-thon and fundraiser will be held March 3-7. Students can gather pledges and begin to study. Prizes and a traveling trophy for each class will be awarded.

On Fridays during Lent, there will be all-school Stations of the Cross presentations to reflect on the life of Jesus and help students with their Easter preparations.The student council began the Pennies for Patients campaign Feb. 11. This campaign will last until Feb. 29. Students are asked to bring loose change to their homerooms. The money collected will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Iowa and will benefit local children diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma.

The AcademyTalia Leman, 13, of Waukee, a seventh-grader, has been named one of Iowa’s two top youth volunteers for 2008 by the Prudential Spirt of Community Awards. She was nominated by The Academy. She will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip in May to Washington, D.C. where all the top honorees from across the country will be recognized. Talia founded RandomKid, which seeks to educate and motivate young people to work on a range of pressing needs. She began two years ago by encouraging kids to trick or treat for coins instead of candy on Halloween, and she donated the money to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Kids from across the country reportedly raised millions of dollars for hurricane victims.