Upper Elementary News
Ferndale Upper Elementary 3rd and 4th grade students were treated to a variety of unique and interactive STEAM experiences in late November, thanks to the efforts of one outstanding teacher, Vaughn Davis. Mr. Davis earned this opportunity for our students through Code 313 and the STEAM Slam Tour.
In his application, Mr. Davis wrote “As S.T.E.A.M. is becoming more visible and important to our students and families, it is critical that we instill a lifelong love in any area that will allow our students to thrive as working and functioning adult citizens.” Mr Davis has been a teacher at FUEL for 7 years. “My goal each year is to find the hidden talents our students may possess. I have seen many artists, engineers, singers, and musicians come before me. When I see it, I make it my goal to bring it out in them however possible. S.T.E.A.M is important to the future success of our students because, I often ponder the following question: If people are not doing what they truly love, will they be able to lead a happy and productive life?”
Code 313 is a non-profit offering youth and families the foundational skills needed to create; using today’s technology through exciting hands-on coding, enrichment camps, in-school and after-school programming and workshops to foster a highly talented workforce that meets employer needs. The brand-new STEAM Slam Tour is an engaging day of entertainment and hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering fused with Art, Math, and Music brought directly to 10 Michigan schools.
Blessings in a Backpack Ferndale received an incredible donation this past week from Amy Wilds, owner of Wildly Fit. The Fitness Coaching company hosts a 5K fundraiser each year to support Blessings in a Backpack across several districts. This year, she has donated Blessings in a Backpack Ferndale with $10,000 following the Huffin' for the Stuffin' 5K event! Thank you so much to Amy and her family for this incredible donation and her support over the past few years!
On Thursday, November 30th, Mrs. Carp/Burgess 5th grade class visited Mrs. Tobin's Kindergarten class for more Buddy time. Together they listened to "The Snowy Day" be Ezra Jack Keats then worked with their buddy to create a self-portrait of their own snowy day. They ended with the visit with creating snowflakes that focused on what made them unique.
To our amazing girls on the run: Fantastic job on the 5k on Sunday, November 19th! It is not easy to wake up early and go run in the cold—especially a place as windy as Belle Isle—but that did not stop you girls this Sunday. You all used what we learned throughout the season: how to run at your own pace, how to set goals, and how to do your absolute best. You all truly showed us what it means to be UNSTOPPABLE! Congrats for finishing your 5k to Amelia C, Evelyn C, Alma, Tegan, Evelyn D, Louise, Josephine, London, Amelia J, Alona, Charlotte, Athena, Olive, Ilaria, Izabella, Evelyn T, Kylie, Brooklyn, Tyler, and Lucy! With much love from your coaches, Sophie, Rachel, and Autumn.
Two students from FUEL, Jeremiah Robinson and Miguel Bostick, had the opportunity to attend a student leadership training event this week through Student Voices for Healthy Choices at Oakland University. They will continue this school year, to be leaders on the Student Wellness Team and work to identify areas of wellness they want to improve in their community. Jeremiah and Miguel were able to share their ideas with other students in Oakland County as well as identify leadership qualities they see in others (including our very own Mrs. Jeffery!) as well as in themselves.
One of FPS music teachers, Mrs. Duncanson, had the honor of presenting at the prestigious American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) National Music Conference in Albuquerque, NM, last weekend. AOSA, boasting around 4,500 members, stands as one of the larger professional organizations for music educators in the United States.
Mrs. Duncanson's presentation focused on innovative ways to enhance the music classroom experience by incorporating student voice and choice through literature, movement, and instrument playing. Mrs. Duncanson's sharing is not just a reflection of her expertise but also a testament to the commitment FPS has in providing a rich and engaging musical education for our students that goes beyond the notes on a page!
Every 2-3 weeks, Mr. Grzesik’s third grade class walks from Ferndale Upper Elementary over to FLower to meet with Ms. Dallmann’s kindergarten class. This week, they met for a fall-themed time together. The 3rd graders get practice being mentors to the Kindergartners, who love hanging out with the “big” kids!
On Wednesday, November 1st, students from Burgess/Carp and Davis' 5th grade classes visited the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Adventure Center near Downtown Detroit. One class toured the facility while the other participated in an engaging classroom experience where students worked together in small groups before presenting to their peers about all things Michigan! Students said they loved the Big Tree, Kayaking Simulator (with an awesome view of many Michigan lakes and rivers), and the Eagle's Nest where souvenir photos were snapped and a bird's eye view of MI was explored! Thank you to all of our wonderful chaperones and volunteers for your help bringing students on this awesome experience.
The Outdoor Adventure Center is located at 1801 Atwater St. in Detroit. The center is open to the public, for only $5 person with over 20 interactive and educational exhibits. Plan your visit today.
The Ferndale High School special education team dressed up as Mario characters for Halloween this year. "We had a blast and hope the kids appreciated our effort," said Amy Ceglarek.
Meanwhile, at Ferndale Upper Elementary, Mrs. Jeffrey had Pac-Man fever and chased Pinky, Blinky, and Clyde all over school. Plenty of students joined in the costume fun, including several of Ferndale's Finest. Happy Halloween!!
5th graders from Mr. Davis's class recently checked out the Green Screen equipment, which includes iPads from Oakland Schools. We went on a virtual field trip and had a blast! The students exceeded my expectations with their creations. They made news clips to include breaking new, weather reports, and much more. It was amazing to see everyone working together and helping out. Students used the Kinemaster app to upload, save, and add our photos and clips to an album. The hard work and "unstoppable" attitude it took to complete this project is quite impressive!
At Lower our K-2 musicians are singing and playing to our autumn season through songs about pumpkins and falling leaves and moving our bodies to match.
3rd-5th grade Musicians at FUEL are celebrating Hispanic Heritage month through exploring Mariachi from Mexico, and Salsa and Samba from Latin America. 3rd grade has been singing "Mi Cuerpo" in Spanish and playing along with homemade shakers! 4th graders are working on alternating vs simultaneous playing drums and xylophones. We have been playing along with Skelly the skeleton girl. 5th grade musicians have been reading Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle and playing instruments with the true story to wrap up Latinx Heritage Month. All students have been exploring music form through movement and folk dancing this October. 5th grade Choir started this week with Ms. Schroeder -we have over 60 committed singers in our 5th grade choir!
FHS Choir/Orchestra are preparing for their Hijinx and Hilarity Concert on Thursday, October 26. We look forward to seeing you there!
Marching Band has its last regular season competition on Saturday, October 21 at Lake Orion HS, and MCBA Prelims on Saturday, October 28 at Okemos HS.
We are proud of our K-12 Eagle Musicians!
Ferndale Lower & Upper Elementaries gathered this week for the annual K-5 Walk-a-thon and Field Day. During the event, Lower and Upper classes spent the day with their buddy classroom playing games and enjoying treats. The elementary PTA organized the event, once again. Thank you, Ferndale Family, for supporting the students with this fun-filled event.
