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Picture taken by:
Tori Evans Photography
Jacob
3rd Grade
Opening Minds to Lifelong Learning!
May/June 2017
Opening Minds to Lifelong Learning
Page 2
From the Principal’s Desk
Miriam Breece, Principal
April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed
forces community. We have had an exciting month as we “purpled up” with so many activities. All of these activities were
planned to celebrate our children and all the hard work they have put in this year.
Our Robotics Team started us out with a "Probots" Showcase Expo. For two days, the
Robotics Team presented their projects to the entire school and visitors. Everyone was
amazed at how the students were able to design, build, and program robots, using Lego NXT
systems!
The 82nd All American Band performed for us as we sang and danced along to so many
of our favorite tunes!
Picture taken by:
Tori Evans Photography
Our fabulous PTO “purpled us up” with special Irwin t-shirts for all staff and students. The PTO
also arranged for the Golden Knights to jump in and perform their air show. Everyone was so
excited when the team jumped in with our Mustang Flag!
Picture taken by:
Tori Evans Photography
As we embrace the future, we are trying to move Irwin to a culture of excellence where we are never satisfied with good,
but always striving for greatness. We will also continue our Project Based Learning (PBL) approach to teaching and learning
using our Interrelated and Integrated Model. These integrated units of study will combine our College and Career Ready
Standards and curriculum, allowing students to use technology, connect to communities and the real world, and build skills
for college, career, and life. Teaching in such a contextual manner promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and knowledge
retention among students.
Important Dates
May 1-5: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5: No School for Students (CCRSM Training)
May 8-12: Book Fair (Buy One Get One Free)
May 23: Jungle Book performances
May 29: No School (Memorial Day)
June 9: Last Day of School for Students
Opening Minds to Lifelong Learning
Page 4
Interrelated and Integrated Model of Instruction
Kari Dahl, Staff Development Teacher
We are nearing the end of our first year using the I & I Model of Instruction at Irwin. Our teachers have
developed units that combine the grade level Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies standards. At
Irwin, our special area teachers have integrated their standards into these units as well. Through teacher
collaboration, our students are able to make cross-curricular connections and “dive deeper” into their learning.
Our students are working on their last PBL unit of the school year! Here are the driving questions and final
products for this unit:
Driving Question
Final Product
2nd Grade
How do your choices of goods and
services impact the world around
you?
Business Plan
Economic Marketplace
3rd Grade
How can we, as global citizens
study, protect, and preserve
healthy habitats for all living
organisms?
Community Service Project– Pet Supply Drive
4th Grade
How can we, as researchers, teach
others about the impact of
historical events?
Lesson, activity, or presentation to teach
others about historical even
5th Grade
How do we, as young scientists,
follow the scientific method to
conduct an experiment?
Science Fair Project
Opening Minds to Lifelong Learning
Pet Supply Drive
PBL Unit 5– 3rd Grade
Our 3rd grade students are learning about habitats and adaptations. For their final product
for this unit, the students will be organizing a pet supply drive at Irwin. All of the supplies
will be donated to the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society (FAPS) on Bragg Boulevard. We
will be collecting donations from May 1st through May 19th. Donation boxes will be placed in
the atrium and at the end of each hallway.
Two representatives from FAPS came to Irwin on April 18th to talk to our students about
their job at the shelter, how to be a responsible pet owner, and items that the shelter
needs to run effectively. Here are some of the supplies that they need:
Thanks for your supporting our
community service project!
Page 5
Opening Minds to Lifelong Learning
Page 6
Counselors’ Corner
Dr. G.A. Small and Mrs. E. Preston, School Counselors
As the end of the school year draws near, the counseling curriculum shifts its attention to summer planning as well
as to the transition to the upcoming grade. Recent counseling lessons focused on citizenship and career
exploration. This lesson appropriately precedes summer planning, of which self-discipline and responsibility play
especially large roles. A holistic approach to health is presented with students being encouraged to challenge
themselves mentally and physically. In an effort to keep minds and bodies strong, consider the following ideas for
a safe, happy summer.
FUN IN THE SUMMER!
Summer presents great opportunities for parents and their children at no or low cost. Here are 10 ideas for
summer fun:

Visit free Museums

Spend the day at the pool, lake, and beach or turn on the good old fashioned sprinkler.

Weekly trips to the library (don’t forget to check out the summer library programs)

Hiking/walking at a state park plus a picnic.

Historical sites in the state (generally free of charge or donation request)

Opportunities through on-post Child and Youth Activities

Cooking Project that you and your child can do together or have everyone plan a meal

Challenge your child to do some writing over the summer. Buy a special journal ($1.00 in a dollar store) and
have them write a story a joke or a poem at least once a week but once a day would be even better.

Children always like yard projects - plant some quick-growing items that will bear vegetables over the summer.

Have a pajama day when everyone stays in their pajamas and children and parents can get extra sleep, read,
and play board games. No electronic activities and no TV. This is especially good for a rainy day.
These are just a few things you can do with your children which will allow for quality time at almost no cost. Be
creative in your thinking. There is no limit to the activities available to you and your child! Be sure to partake in
these activities yourself and consider cell-phone free engagement with your child.
Opening Minds to Lifelong Learning
Page 7
CONTINUE TO CONNECT WITH YOUR CHILD!
There is nothing a child likes more than being recognized by their parent for just being their kid. These are some
absolutely cost-free suggestions to keep building a strong relationship with your child:

Tell your child you love them for who they are, not what they do.

Provide a minimum of 12 hugs per day (That is the recommended dose of hugs
for anyone).

Provide lots of positive reinforcement when your child’s behavior is good.

Pay attention to isolating behavior and encourage your child to share with you
what might be happening.

Any time it is possible, designate 5-10 minutes of alone time with each of your
children once a week (a little time goes a long way).

Recognize your child for helping or supporting another child or adult.

Ask your child to select one responsibility and have them do it for one week (no allowance connected to this)
and remind them that as a family we all have responsibilities at home.

Have a minimum of one family dinner each week where everyone sits at the table and talks about their day (no
TV on during dinner).

Recognize when your child is not in a great mood. Acknowledge it and allow them work through it independently
and talk about it later if necessary. We are not always happy every minute of the day.

Let your child know that you are always there for them no matter where you are.
Before you know it your children will be grown and you will wonder where the time went. Take advantage of this
time now when it will have the greatest impact on their lives.
We have enjoyed working with and teaching your children this year. Please have a safe and an enjoyable summer!
Opening Minds to Lifelong Learning
Page 8
Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES)
Señora Watts and Señora Aguilar de Chavers, FLES Teachers
¡Bienvenidos!
What's going on in the Irwin Intermediate Spanish classes?
We are continuing an exciting journey together as your child learns more about the Spanish language and cultures around the
world. The Spanish program for grades 2 and 3 is centered on a communicative approach that incorporates the four main
language skills of learning a language; speaking, listening, reading, and writing that are used in everyday life. Your child
receives Spanish instruction twice a week in two 45 minutes sessions.
Topics that we have covered in this year’s curriculum include:

Greetings and salutations

Introducing self and others

Personal feelings

Numbers 1-100

Colors

Shapes

Clothing

The calendar and expressing dates

Basic math in Spanish

Seasons and weather expressions

School supplies and classroom objects

Cultural practices, traditions, and holidays in Spanish-speaking countries
Learning a second language is an exciting opportunity that is very useful in today’s diverse world. This year, our goals are to
help your child develop vocabulary and knowledge of key phrases in the Spanish language, as well as, an appreciation of
cultural differences. We are learning Spanish by integrating music, singing, dancing, role-playing, and crafts.
Currently, we are studying amazing facts about the 21 Spanish speaking countries. Students are starting to identify the flags
and locations on a world map for each country. As you can see, the students are having a wonderful learning and cultural
experience. Please feel welcome to visit us anytime.
¡Gracias!
Señora Watts
Señora Aguilar de Chavers