Here is Koch's Homeroom doing a choral reading of I, Too, Sing America.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
PS 22 Chorus
Check out this amazing video of some 5th graders from Staten Island in New York. AMAZING TALENT!!!
This is their youtube site.
Here is their blog.
The PS22 Chorus was formed in the year 2000. We are an ever-changing group of 5th graders from a public elementary school in Staten Island, New York. We are NOT a school for the arts or a magnet program.
The chorus has become a bonafide internet sensation over the last few years, singing choral renditions of classic & alternative pop songs. The kids have sung with Tori Amos, Passion Pit, Crowded House and Common! They have also performed for President Obama and the first family, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, Randy Jackson, Marcia Gay Harden, Nancy Pelosi, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Celebrity fans include Perez Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, Jason Mraz, Tom Kaulitz (Tokio Hotel), Suzanne Vega, Rob Dyrdeck, Innocence Mission, Bonnie Hunt, David Hasselhoff, Alyssa Milano, and many more.....
The PS22 Chorus has been seen on the VH1 Divas 2009 Special, Nightline, MTV, Good Morning America, and many more. The group was featured on National Public Radio, the BBC, and even Howard Stern.
This is their youtube site.
Here is their blog.
The PS22 Chorus was formed in the year 2000. We are an ever-changing group of 5th graders from a public elementary school in Staten Island, New York. We are NOT a school for the arts or a magnet program.
The chorus has become a bonafide internet sensation over the last few years, singing choral renditions of classic & alternative pop songs. The kids have sung with Tori Amos, Passion Pit, Crowded House and Common! They have also performed for President Obama and the first family, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, Randy Jackson, Marcia Gay Harden, Nancy Pelosi, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Celebrity fans include Perez Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, Jason Mraz, Tom Kaulitz (Tokio Hotel), Suzanne Vega, Rob Dyrdeck, Innocence Mission, Bonnie Hunt, David Hasselhoff, Alyssa Milano, and many more.....
The PS22 Chorus has been seen on the VH1 Divas 2009 Special, Nightline, MTV, Good Morning America, and many more. The group was featured on National Public Radio, the BBC, and even Howard Stern.
Let's Hear it for CALHOUN
At Calhoun!
We're learning everyday in our classrooms
There's nothing we can't do.
Here at Calhoun!
These halls will make you feel brand new.
The teachers will inspire you.
Let's hear it for Calhoun, Calhoun, CALHOUN!!!!!
Written by Mrs. Bracken and Mr. Pearson's homeroom kiddos!
We're learning everyday in our classrooms
There's nothing we can't do.
Here at Calhoun!
These halls will make you feel brand new.
The teachers will inspire you.
Let's hear it for Calhoun, Calhoun, CALHOUN!!!!!
Written by Mrs. Bracken and Mr. Pearson's homeroom kiddos!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Reading Competition
Last REMINDER!!!
This was sent home on Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Dear Parents,
GREAT NEWS!!!! We took our Winter MAP test yesterday in READING and we saw some awesome scores. Almost every single one of our students went up!!! Our class went up a total of 169 points!!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!! Since we did so well on the READING MAP TEST, I decided it was time for a FRIENDLY CLASSROOM COMPETITON in Reading. Not only will this be a fun activity, the students are going to be making GREAT STRIDES in their reading scores and their daily reading procedures! We already use the reading log on a daily basis, but it is going to be used EVEN more to record daily reading and much more!
So.... LISTEN UP!!!
STEP 1: Every day students will have a reading assignment out of the green Harcourt Trophies textbook. I will check their work each morning. Here is the outline:
Monday night: Read the Vocabulary Power section for the Story of the week and begin reading the Story of the Week. (Record on Reading Log).
Tuesday night: Finish reading or REREAD the Story of the Week (Record on Reading Log)
Wednesday night: Pick one sheet out of the practice book that goes with the Story of the Week and complete both sides.
Thursday night: Complete the Comprehension Test in the back of the Practice Book for the Story of the Week (Turn in on Friday).
STEP 2: I will check every students’ Reading Log EVERY MONDAY. I will check to make sure every student has read a total of 75 pages for the week. It has to be signed by the parent to get credit! (That is 15 pages a night- so try to read a little each night so you do not get behind!)
STEP 3: Each student will receive a STAR Reading Bookmark. When a student has finished reading a book, he/she will record the title and how many pages were in the book. The parent will initial the star to show that the student read that book. When we get back from Christmas Break, I will check each student’s STAR Reading Bookmark to see who read the most pages!!!
First Place-
Chronicles of Narnia COMPLETE SET
Football signed by Dabo Swinney and Brad Scott
Sit at Mrs. Bracken’s desk for a WEEK!
Second Place-
Trip to the Treasure Chest for 2 items!
Sit with a friend at lunch for 2 days!
Homework pass
Third Place-
Coupon
Cup of ice
Homework pass
Students, while you are reading, make sure you take AR tests because I am going to give a special prize to the person who has the most points on January, 5th. GET READY!!! No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance. ~ Atwood H. Townsend ~ Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.~ Joseph Addison ~ Happy READING!!!
Let the GAMES BEGIN!
Mrs. Bracken
This was sent home on Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Dear Parents,
GREAT NEWS!!!! We took our Winter MAP test yesterday in READING and we saw some awesome scores. Almost every single one of our students went up!!! Our class went up a total of 169 points!!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!! Since we did so well on the READING MAP TEST, I decided it was time for a FRIENDLY CLASSROOM COMPETITON in Reading. Not only will this be a fun activity, the students are going to be making GREAT STRIDES in their reading scores and their daily reading procedures! We already use the reading log on a daily basis, but it is going to be used EVEN more to record daily reading and much more!
So.... LISTEN UP!!!
STEP 1: Every day students will have a reading assignment out of the green Harcourt Trophies textbook. I will check their work each morning. Here is the outline:
Monday night: Read the Vocabulary Power section for the Story of the week and begin reading the Story of the Week. (Record on Reading Log).
Tuesday night: Finish reading or REREAD the Story of the Week (Record on Reading Log)
Wednesday night: Pick one sheet out of the practice book that goes with the Story of the Week and complete both sides.
Thursday night: Complete the Comprehension Test in the back of the Practice Book for the Story of the Week (Turn in on Friday).
STEP 2: I will check every students’ Reading Log EVERY MONDAY. I will check to make sure every student has read a total of 75 pages for the week. It has to be signed by the parent to get credit! (That is 15 pages a night- so try to read a little each night so you do not get behind!)
STEP 3: Each student will receive a STAR Reading Bookmark. When a student has finished reading a book, he/she will record the title and how many pages were in the book. The parent will initial the star to show that the student read that book. When we get back from Christmas Break, I will check each student’s STAR Reading Bookmark to see who read the most pages!!!
First Place-
Chronicles of Narnia COMPLETE SET
Football signed by Dabo Swinney and Brad Scott
Sit at Mrs. Bracken’s desk for a WEEK!
Second Place-
Trip to the Treasure Chest for 2 items!
Sit with a friend at lunch for 2 days!
Homework pass
Third Place-
Coupon
Cup of ice
Homework pass
Students, while you are reading, make sure you take AR tests because I am going to give a special prize to the person who has the most points on January, 5th. GET READY!!! No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance. ~ Atwood H. Townsend ~ Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.~ Joseph Addison ~ Happy READING!!!
Let the GAMES BEGIN!
Mrs. Bracken
I Will Write
I Will Now WriteLyrics by Kim Bearden
Sing to “I Will Survive”
At first I am afraid; I am petrified
Keep thinking I can never find a topic or decide
I always spend so many nights
Thinking ‘bout what I should write
Ideas I find and then prewrite with all my might
And then I draft while leaving space
To place my ideas as they come to me right there upon the page
And as I write them down so fast
No little worries should there be
Because this very first rough draft is only written just for me
So I’ll show my ideas flow
I’ll let them out now
I’m doing really well I know
I am the one who feared the task that was assigned
But I won’t crumble; I will not lie down and die
Oh, no, not I. I will now write
Oh, as long as I give it a try for greatness I will strive
I’ve got all my thoughts to give
I’ve got stories that should live and I’ll now write
I will now write
Then it will be time to tear my words apart
Revise and make them better from the very start
And as I change and rearrange
I can’t feel sorry for myself; I will comply
So I can hold my head up high
And as I choose the words so new
I’ll have more style and better word choice as good writers do
I will have strong organization and the details to complete
Add some varied sentence patterns with great verbs that do agree
So I’ll show my ideas flow
I’ll let them out now
I’m doing really well I know
I am the one who feared the task that was assigned
But I won’t crumble; I will not lie down and die
Oh, no, not I. I will revise
Oh, as long as I know how to change I know I’ll be alright
I’ve got all my thoughts to give
I’ve got stories that should live and I’ll revise
I will revise
Then I’ll edit all my work just to show my pride
And fix the errors in mechanics that I should not hide
Check the spelling, punctuation, and the things that are still wrong
‘Cause I am smart, and these mistakes do not belong
And then it’s time to finalize
Publish my best of my writing all for other people’s eyes
I will complete my final copy in a way that makes me feel
Like I’ve given all my best and that my efforts are for real
So I’ll show my ideas flow
I’ll let them out now
I’m doing really well I know
I am the one who feared the task that was assigned
But I won’t crumble; I will not lie down and die
Oh, no, not I. I will now write
Sing to “I Will Survive”
At first I am afraid; I am petrified
Keep thinking I can never find a topic or decide
I always spend so many nights
Thinking ‘bout what I should write
Ideas I find and then prewrite with all my might
And then I draft while leaving space
To place my ideas as they come to me right there upon the page
And as I write them down so fast
No little worries should there be
Because this very first rough draft is only written just for me
So I’ll show my ideas flow
I’ll let them out now
I’m doing really well I know
I am the one who feared the task that was assigned
But I won’t crumble; I will not lie down and die
Oh, no, not I. I will now write
Oh, as long as I give it a try for greatness I will strive
I’ve got all my thoughts to give
I’ve got stories that should live and I’ll now write
I will now write
Then it will be time to tear my words apart
Revise and make them better from the very start
And as I change and rearrange
I can’t feel sorry for myself; I will comply
So I can hold my head up high
And as I choose the words so new
I’ll have more style and better word choice as good writers do
I will have strong organization and the details to complete
Add some varied sentence patterns with great verbs that do agree
So I’ll show my ideas flow
I’ll let them out now
I’m doing really well I know
I am the one who feared the task that was assigned
But I won’t crumble; I will not lie down and die
Oh, no, not I. I will revise
Oh, as long as I know how to change I know I’ll be alright
I’ve got all my thoughts to give
I’ve got stories that should live and I’ll revise
I will revise
Then I’ll edit all my work just to show my pride
And fix the errors in mechanics that I should not hide
Check the spelling, punctuation, and the things that are still wrong
‘Cause I am smart, and these mistakes do not belong
And then it’s time to finalize
Publish my best of my writing all for other people’s eyes
I will complete my final copy in a way that makes me feel
Like I’ve given all my best and that my efforts are for real
So I’ll show my ideas flow
I’ll let them out now
I’m doing really well I know
I am the one who feared the task that was assigned
But I won’t crumble; I will not lie down and die
Oh, no, not I. I will now write
Please Don't Stop the Music
Please Don’t Stop the Music- Roaring 20’s, Great Depression, and the New Deal
Written by: Mrs. Bracken’s Social Studies Classes ’08-‘09
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Anderson, SC
Sing to: Rhianna’s Don’t Stop the Music
It’s Roaring 20’s
Life is changing due to new technology
Americans are buying Ford’s Model T
It’s perfect for one person or a whole family- it’s affordable- yeah
Assembly line
It’s mass production now they’re working all the time
Economy is boomin’
We’re not in a bind
Hairdryers, Mixers, fridges--- oh just let it be
Electricity
Airplanes, radios, and movies
We call them new technologies
It’s 1920 and the party here has just brought many
We’re going to the movies, silent 1st then Talkies
Entertainment
Sports and Shows
Listen to the radio
I’m in the Roaring 20’s
Lots of things are changing
Some good and some bad
Prohibition happened
Alcohol’s illegal
to make, sell or drink it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
I’m in the Roaring 20’s
Lots of things are changing
Some good and some bad
Prohibition happened
Alcohol’s illegal
to make, sell or drink it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music.
Man, we weren’t ready for what happened next.
Black Tuesday is a day I wish I could forget
Stock Market Crash and now the banks are closedEconomy- no money
How could this have happened?
We’re in a Great Depression
And now we’re living in a shantytown
with no progression.
We’re waiting in a line
It really hurts my pride.
We are annoyed and I’m tired of being unemployed.
I’m in the Great Depression
Lots of things are changing.
How did it get so bad?
I just can’t get through it
I’m about to lose it
Can I keep on going?
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
I’m in the Great Depression
Lots of things are changing
How did it get so bad?
I just can’t get through it
I’m about to lose it
Can I keep on going?
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music.
Now it is FDR’s turn
Let’s stop all the problems
With the New Deal laws
The 3 R’s should do it
We will make it through it
Now we have more money
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music.
Written by: Mrs. Bracken’s Social Studies Classes ’08-‘09
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Anderson, SC
Sing to: Rhianna’s Don’t Stop the Music
It’s Roaring 20’s
Life is changing due to new technology
Americans are buying Ford’s Model T
It’s perfect for one person or a whole family- it’s affordable- yeah
Assembly line
It’s mass production now they’re working all the time
Economy is boomin’
We’re not in a bind
Hairdryers, Mixers, fridges--- oh just let it be
Electricity
Airplanes, radios, and movies
We call them new technologies
It’s 1920 and the party here has just brought many
We’re going to the movies, silent 1st then Talkies
Entertainment
Sports and Shows
Listen to the radio
I’m in the Roaring 20’s
Lots of things are changing
Some good and some bad
Prohibition happened
Alcohol’s illegal
to make, sell or drink it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
I’m in the Roaring 20’s
Lots of things are changing
Some good and some bad
Prohibition happened
Alcohol’s illegal
to make, sell or drink it
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music.
Man, we weren’t ready for what happened next.
Black Tuesday is a day I wish I could forget
Stock Market Crash and now the banks are closedEconomy- no money
How could this have happened?
We’re in a Great Depression
And now we’re living in a shantytown
with no progression.
We’re waiting in a line
It really hurts my pride.
We are annoyed and I’m tired of being unemployed.
I’m in the Great Depression
Lots of things are changing.
How did it get so bad?
I just can’t get through it
I’m about to lose it
Can I keep on going?
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
I’m in the Great Depression
Lots of things are changing
How did it get so bad?
I just can’t get through it
I’m about to lose it
Can I keep on going?
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music.
Now it is FDR’s turn
Let’s stop all the problems
With the New Deal laws
The 3 R’s should do it
We will make it through it
Now we have more money
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the
Please don’t stop the music.
COPS
Cops- Grammar Police
COPS-
C= Capital letters
O= On topic
P= Punctuation
S= Spelling/Sense
An easy reminder to help students when they are writing is to teach the concept "COPS."
Written by: Robin Bracken
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Sing to: Coe Brothers - Bad Boys- Cops Theme Song
Speak this part like a Dispatcher Call:
The Grammar Police is on its way!
There’s been a call to have them look for mistakes in students’ papers.
They’re on the look-out for spelling errors, correct use of punctuation, subject-verb agreement, capital letters, main idea, staying on topic and vivid vocabulary and details.
Oh, one last thing... they are enforcing NO DEAD WORDS!
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
Capital letters are at the beginning
of every sentence- ok? ok!
On topic is what you’ll do
stay focused through and through- uh huh!
Punctuation keeps your paper organized
use them right you’ll get it each time!- each time!
Spell the words and check to make sure
your paper makes sense- not obscure! OBSCURE!
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
COPS-
C= Capital letters
O= On topic
P= Punctuation
S= Spelling/Sense
An easy reminder to help students when they are writing is to teach the concept "COPS."
Written by: Robin Bracken
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Sing to: Coe Brothers - Bad Boys- Cops Theme Song
Speak this part like a Dispatcher Call:
The Grammar Police is on its way!
There’s been a call to have them look for mistakes in students’ papers.
They’re on the look-out for spelling errors, correct use of punctuation, subject-verb agreement, capital letters, main idea, staying on topic and vivid vocabulary and details.
Oh, one last thing... they are enforcing NO DEAD WORDS!
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
Capital letters are at the beginning
of every sentence- ok? ok!
On topic is what you’ll do
stay focused through and through- uh huh!
Punctuation keeps your paper organized
use them right you’ll get it each time!- each time!
Spell the words and check to make sure
your paper makes sense- not obscure! OBSCURE!
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
Good Writers! Good Writers!
What ya gonna do?
What ya gonna do when they come for you?
Assignment Sheet January 25-29
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
*McCants Middle School will be here Feb. 2nd.
*Roaring Twenties Day - Feb. 3rd! (Please Dress Up)
*Early Release at 11 am - Feb. 3rd
ELA NEWS
We are beginning Circle of Gold. This will be a small group unit where the students will be in charge of reading and assessments!
MATH NEWS
We are beginning our Measurement unit. We will be using a ruler and protractor.
SCIENCE NEWS
We are continuing with Landforms while focusing on weathering, and erosion.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue to study the Roaring Twenties. Roaring Twenties Day is Feb. 3rd!
SPELLING
1. there
2. their
3. they're
4. your
5. you're
6. extra - beyond
7. inter - between
8. semi - half
9. co - together
10. mis - bad
11. extravagant
12.interchangeable
13. semiliterate
14. cohabitate
15. misconception
Quote
What I need is someone who will make me do what I can. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
*McCants Middle School will be here Feb. 2nd.
*Roaring Twenties Day - Feb. 3rd! (Please Dress Up)
*Early Release at 11 am - Feb. 3rd
ELA NEWS
We are beginning Circle of Gold. This will be a small group unit where the students will be in charge of reading and assessments!
MATH NEWS
We are beginning our Measurement unit. We will be using a ruler and protractor.
SCIENCE NEWS
We are continuing with Landforms while focusing on weathering, and erosion.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue to study the Roaring Twenties. Roaring Twenties Day is Feb. 3rd!
SPELLING
1. there
2. their
3. they're
4. your
5. you're
6. extra - beyond
7. inter - between
8. semi - half
9. co - together
10. mis - bad
11. extravagant
12.interchangeable
13. semiliterate
14. cohabitate
15. misconception
Quote
What I need is someone who will make me do what I can. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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