Author Visit is coming.....

Upcoming! Children's Author Chris Rumble Visiting BRES! 

I am excited to share that children's author, Chris Rumble, will be visiting Banks Road Elementary next Thursday, April 11th, 2013.

Chris is the author of the popular series, "The Adventures of Uncle Stinky." His hilarious text and comic book style illustrations keep readers coming back for more!

When Chris visits BRES next Thursday, our Trailblazers will participate in his "Reading Pep Assembly." During this time, Chris will use music, art, & his endless enthusiasm to excite our students about reading! Students will learn songs about reading set to familiar tunes; watch Chris as he creates illustrations; and hear excerpts from Chris' books!

 

Want to learn more about Chris Rumble?  Follow this link to Ms. McCool's Media Center Blog:  http:/./banksroadmedia.weebly.com/

 

(Thanks to Ms. McCool for this entry!)

Book Drive begins...

Last year one of the most memorable moments for me as the principal was traveling out to a nearby neighborhood and distributing hundreds of books to children ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers!  We partnered with the YMCA program and they drove us out on the Y bus to a neighborhood where much outreach is needed.  Our schools pulls students from this neighborhood so it was project that really was near and dear to my heart and the hearts of many BRES staff members.  In a matter of three hours we distributed books by the armful and boxful to students and their families!  Additionally, we distributed reading comprehension strategies in both English and Spanish to our families to strengthen the school to home connection.  Once again, the BRES staff family is coming together to collect books for these students and we need your help.  Everyone has a book or two that they have already read sitting on a shelf.  If this is the case, please send it in with your child for our book drive.  We will take gently used books from board books, chapter books, series or whatever you have.  Did you just stock up on new books during our Book Fair?  Go around and collect the books from last year that your child has already read for the book drive.  We will take them and distribute them to students in need of literature!  Have questions or want to learn more about this book drive?  Email me at cgraf1@wcpss.net or call me at 919-890-7330. 

No practice for Banks Boomers...

Hey Banks Boomer Families,

Ms. Loftin will be tracking out the weeks of April 15th and April 22nd.  There will not be practice for the Boomers during these two weeks.  Practice will resume the week of April 29th.  Thank you.   

Kindergarten Community Service Project a great success!

Trailblazers,
I am so proud of our Kindergarten students.  This year as a school we worked to increase our service projects and "pay it forward" to our immediate community and beyond!  In February and March our Kindergarten students learned about dental health.  Kindergarten students also collected dental health items for donation.  I am proud to share with you that over 147 items to the Salvation Army for distribution to those in need!!!!  Thank you to all of you who contributed to this service project.  It was a lesson for our students that has the potential to reach so many! 

Your Proud Principal, Mrs. Graf

April Important Dates

April here and so are the showers...the rain didn't stay long this morning and the day turned out to be pretty beautiful.  Just as beautiful as the learning and teaching going on at BRES today!  I was lucky enough to be in five classrooms today.  I observed students using iPods to access factual information on the Civil War in fifth grade, students identifying elements in a story that help them visualize and deepen their comprehension of the text in second grade, and students working through the writing process using graphic organizers to plan writing pieces all the way to using Word to publish their final drafts and insert photos to support their writing piece in special education.  Additionally, I was able to see students practice multiple skills in PE where stations were set up for students that included dribbling a basket ball, kicking a soccer ball with the appropriate inside the foot technique and participating in tossing to improve their aim!  Not to mention the team work that the stations naturally presented to students!  At last but not least, our third graders were deepening their comprehension through teacher guided reading and creating timelines on the computers for their biography projects!  Learning and teaching doesn't take a break here at Banks not even on April Fool's Day!

Learning and teaching will continue all month and so will the opportunities for you to join us here at BRES!  Please see below for important dates you will want to add to your Google Calendars and Smart Phones!!

April 9th:  Picture Day Tracks 1 & 2  Bring your best smile!
April 17th:  Holly Harps, Grades 2 & 3 Cultural Arts Project
April 18th:  General PTA Meeting 6:00 p.m. Multipurpose Room  (This is a special event!  We will nominate and vote on PTA Office positions as well.  Come out and play Bingo for FREE and enjoy some family time with other BRES families!  There will be popcorn and baked goods for purchase as well!)

Talent Show Results

We searched high and low to find the students to participate in our BRES Annual Talent Show.  The Judges deliberated and decisions have been made....check out the list below!  Additional students have been contacted by Ms. Loftin for participation as Transitional Acts.  The show is sure to be great with talent like this!

Talent Show Acts

Dylan Ferrell- Guitar

Gretchen Sargent/ Hannah Poplin- Clogging

Amy Smith- Acapella

Austin Monk- Guitar

Erin Wenzel- Irish Dancing

Kiera Wenzel- Lyrical

Ryan Seamon- Singing

Kesa Ferguson- Piano

Shim Ferguson- Piano

Jacob Chancy- Marshal Arts

Jillian Felman- Singing

Merrick Graf- Singing

Morgan Hamilton- Singing

Mckenna Graf- Singing

Jimmy C, Andrew S- Pogo Sticks

Abigail Chacona, Jada Fox- Cheer Dance

Vincent Cruz- Whistel

Madi Blackmon- Gymnastics

Emma Jone, Jaila Greene- Sing and Dance

Crystal Delaguila- Piano

Mary Amelia S, Katelyn L, Josie- Dance (Gymnastics)

Cameron Hair- Tap

Krista Norris, Leah Racey- Lyrical

Max Rucker- Marshal Arts

Sarah Ziese, Callie Wolff, Emily Milham (K), Brenna Dixon (2^nd)- Cup Song

Savannah T, Haydon T, Mia G, Alison R, Lauren L- Dance and Band

On your radar....Kindergarten Parent Information Night

Alright, believe it or not we are planning our Parent Information Night for our rising Kindergarten parents for the new school year!  We can't wait to meet you on May 9th at 6:00 p.m.  We will share "a day in the life of a Kindergarten student" and "what to expect with the curriculum."  Additionally, we will share information about how you can support your child in being prepared for Kindergarten.  We will also give explain the "Staggered Entry" process and give you your assigned date and time for staggered entry.  Kindergarten teachers will be on hand to answer questions you may have.  Also, our YMCA Before and After Care representatives, our School Nurse, the PTA and our Data Manager will all be sharing information that will be important for you and our incoming Trailblazer students!  Have questions about this event?  Call 919-890-7333 and we can answer all of your questions!  Looking forward to meeting you, Mrs. Graf