Fort Calhoun Elementary had a blast celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The theme this year was “kindness.” The week included some fun annual activities like dress up days, guest readers and door decorations. However, we also included some new activities like the kindness chain and kindness jar which both encouraged students to be mindful of all the kind acts they are doing every day. They also participated in making a kindness rock during their craft time. The assembly is always a fun way to end the week and this year’s event was no exception because it ended with a silly string fight. So Fun!
Artist in Residence at the Elementary
Students at Fort Calhoun Elementary participated in a fun art project recently. The PFE sponsored an Artist in Residence, Julia Noyes from UNL. The program involved the entire school and consisted of a curriculum-based art project developed and conducted by Julia. The students learned about the Pointillism style of painting, created by Georges Seurat in 1886, and took part in creating two murals to be displayed in the school.
Kindergarteners Encounter Wildlife
Students in Mrs. Clausen’s Kindergarten class got a fun treat last week. Wildlife Encounters from Gretna brought in several different animals for students to see up close. Presenter Kip Smith had an albino boa constrictor, a fennec fox, an orange hair tarantula, an African hedgehog and an alligator. He taught the students about their habitats, life spans, diet, age, gender, adaptations and other fun facts. The students loved it and they were very excited to see all the animals at their very own school!
The albino boa constrictor was named ‘Noodle’. We learned about how it finds food through its sense of smell through its tongue (it can smell left and right with its tongue!) and its ability to see heat! We also learned about how a snake’s tail is special and can vibrate/rattle its tail to scare away predators!
The African Hedgehog ‘Sonic’ was about 4 years old (it has a lifespan of 8-10 years). It uses scent camouflage because it has bad eyesight! When we tickled it, it curled up into a cute little ball! It felt pokey. The hedgehog is a burrowing animal and is an insectivore.
The orange hair tarantula has an exoskeleton. We couldn’t tough the tarantula because we didn’t want to hurt it because of this. We were able to see it climb up the presenter’s shirt because of its tiny claws on each of its 8 legs. We also learned about how it can flick its hair.
The alligator was missing a front leg. It had a genetic mutation and also had a deformed foot. It can move very fast! We were able to watch it move! The alligator opened its mouth but you can’t see down its throat! That is an adaptation it has! We also learned about the alligator’s 3rd eyelid and how it pulls its eyes under for protection. The alligator was about 17 years old. Alligators are unique in that their mother raises them for 2-3 years before leaving them. We also learned about the alligator’s skin. We were a little scared to feel the alligator but many were brave!
Pictures and article by Mae Clausen
Don’t Miss Out on the Fun!
Congratulations to the Elkhorn Band Olympics Medal Winners
Congratulations to the following medal winners last Saturday at the Elkhorn Band Olympics Solo and Ensemble Competition for 9th and 10th graders.
Jayden Hunter won the 5th Place Medal in 9th grade Alto Saxophone Solos.
LIzzy Pace won the Silver Medal in 10th grade Alto Sax Solos,
and Savannah Lukasiewicz was the Gold Medalist in the Baritone Saxophone Solo Division.