Problem Based Learning at Paine

During the third trimester at Paine Elementary second graders explored land forms, land masses and changes to land in their science unit using STEMscopes and Mystery Science.  To wrap up the unit for the trimester, students completed a PBL (Project Based Learning) activity.  Students were given the task of designing a barrier that would prevent erosion of sand due to wind and water.

The Task

Are you ready for a spirited competition on the beautiful beaches of California? Welcome to the Annual Sand Castle Days Competition. Every year during the Sand Castle Competition, there are teams whose castles are destroyed before they are finished, due to water and wind. You will be a part of a design team of experts who will design a barrier system to protect the sand castles from the natural forces of wind and water and the erosional destruction they could cause during the competition.  The barrier system protecting your sand castle must be made from any appropriate materials that are free and recyclable.  Be prepared as a team to explain why your design will be effective in preventing wind and water erosion.

The second graders used moss, plastic cups, foam plates, pebbles and popsicle sticks to create barriers to prevent the sand from blowing or washing away.  The majority of the models created by the students helped prevent erosion from either wind or water.  Students were more successful in preventing wind erosion, but one team was also able to completely prevent water erosion as well.

Second grade teacher, Mrs. Findley, reported, "All of the teams' explanations were excellent.  I was very proud of them and their application of what they learned this trimester.  I made brief videos of all of the teams explaining their design and why/how they thought their design would prevent erosion and sent them to their parents."

Felecia Gulledge Honored

The Alabama section of the American Chemical Society honors a high school chemistry teacher each year for their efforts to educate future chemists and other allied professionals. Felecia Gulledge, HTHS science teacher, was presented with the award on May 8 at a banquet at Silver Coin Indian Grill. Felecia received this distinguished honor with her family in attendance. Dr. Phyllis Faust introduced Felecia before she received her award. Congratulations to Felecia Gulledge for this remarkable award. 

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District Elementary Collaboration

Teachers from all three elementary schools met at Paine Elementary May 7 for an afternoon of reflecting and collaborative planning for the 18-19 school year.  Teachers from each grade level, specialists, counselors, and special education teachers met to reflect on and analyze assessments, refine pacing guides, create lists of needs, update summer reading lists, debrief on new curriculum, plan summer professional learning, and to celebrate successes from the 17-18 school year.  Paine PTO provided delicious refreshments for the participants. 

Magnolia Art Show

Over 1300 pieces of art adorn the halls of Magnolia Elementary this week. The students' artwork is outstanding!  The art show coincides with their book fair this week. Parents are invited to a special showing tonight, May 8. 

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TCS Wins Best Community for Music Education!

For the third consecutive year, Trussville City Schools has been named a Best Community for Music Education! The Best Communities for Music Education acknowledges schools and districts across the United States for their commitment to and support of music education. We are fortunate to have such a great staff of music educators and supportive administrators across our district. A press release from the NAMM website is below. There are 583 school districts recognized from across the US and only five from Alabama (Albertville City Schools , Auburn City Schools, Hoover City Schools, Vestavia Hills City Schools and Trussville City Schools).

Trussville City Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. 
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, representatives from Trussville City Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

This award recognizes that Trussville City Schools is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing-while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children. 

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. In a series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University a link was found between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood.