SHSU Charter School - Greengate Academy PTO

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EADAF2CA1FFC52-late1

SHSU Charter Greengate Families we need your help! If you can help out our awesome teachers with Late Arrival Duty. These volunteers make it possible so that no educational time gets interrupted or begins late. Please click the above link and sign up for the remaining days in September before Fall Break begins.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EADAF2CA1FFC52-late1

Greetings Bearkats!
My name is Ms.Ray and I will be teaching 5th grade self contained for the 2022-2023 school year! I am a recent graduate of Sam Houston State University where I received my B.S. in Education with a concentration in EC-6 core instruction. Although this will be my first official year teaching at the SHSU Charter School, I am no stranger to the wonderful things that occur at our campus. Many of you may recognize me as I worked behind the scenes as a paraprofessional throughout the 21-22 school year. I am very excited to start off my teaching career with the SHSU Charter school and can’t wait to see where this school year takes us!
From one Bearkat to another,
Eat Em’ up Kats! 🐾🧡💙

First Grade learned about magnets this week. They went on a fishing trip to attract other magnets and win prizes. So much fun!!

Second grade is “thinking outside the box” and creating playground equipment out of recycled cardboard. We started by designing a map of a playground a few weeks ago.

For this weeks 3rd grade STEM project, we extended our learning to explore different forms of energy in action. After reading the book, Iqbal and his Ingenious Idea we discussed sustainability and how to create an effective solar oven. Using what we learned we baked s’mores in our pizza box ovens using light and thermal energy from the Sun. I think the kids loved it…. just look at these smiles.

Big Kahuna Fundraiser is here!! Be sure to check out the packet that was sent home today. 15 items will get your kiddo on the party bus or 20 items per family.

Bearkats get your costumes and candy ready for a night of spooky fun with family and friends!

Join us if you dare for TRUNK OR TREAT with the Springwoods location. We can't wait to see what you cook up for your cars!

Teacher Highlight: Emily Batelaan (3rd/ 4th grade Language Arts & Social Studies)

Ms. Batelaan comes to the teaching profession with over 20 years of experience in children’s ministry. This experience includes working with children from pre-school to high school ages.

She decided to pursue classroom teaching and is graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in special education. She has also completed her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in July of 2021. Ms. Batelaan is certified to teach early childhood through 5th grade general instruction, physical education, and art, as well as special education.

She is passionate about helping students find their strengths and working hard to make sure everyone knows their value and makes contributions to the classroom and community at large.

Ms. Batelaan enjoys all things Disney especially Disney parks, scrapbook projects, and live music.

A parent sent these to me and I thought I’d share.

Great afternoon art project.

*We are not associated with Children’s Place. Please check out their social media for more details.*

Full STEAM ahead!
Today 5th grade learned about the career of marine engineers. We even got to build and test out our own boats! Students were able to figure out that density plays a huge role into whether or not a boat will float on water!

Reminder:
No School Friday, September 2 or Monday, September 5.

School resumes on Tuesday, September 6.

My name is Katie Sherrow, also known as Miss Katie. This is my 6th year teaching at SHSU Charter School Greengate. I have a deep connection to this particular charter school location. As crazy as it sounds, I began teaching at Greengate when I was 15 years old. I dreamt of being a teacher since 1st grade, when my mom Miss Denise was my very own teacher. I have 2 fur babies and my students are my other children.

My favorite subject is Math, which is why I teach 3rd and 4th grade Math and Science this year. The kids call me the “Queen of Strategies”. I believe that every student is able to learn, as teachers we just have to find the right way to show them.

Take a night off from cooking dinner and come hang out with Freedom the cow and friends!

Join us for a family fun spirit night at Chick-Fil-A!
September 12 from 3pm-8pm just mention SHSU Charter Greengate and a portion of the proceeds go to our PTO to continue providing amazing things for our BEARKATS!

See you guys there!!!

Kindergarten learned the Itsy Bitsy Spider and created waterspouts for STEM. It might look easy, but these kiddos worked diligently to build a waterspout that didn’t fall apart. Job well done, kindergarten.

STEAM Friday!!
5th grade was challenged to make a trampoline for a ball to bounce on. As we were exploring we found out that the springs on a trampoline help us to bounce higher and keep the trampoline stable! After we created and tested our trampolines, we also learned about how we use potential and kinetic energy when we jump on trampolines.

First Pizza Day of the year is this Thursday.

Hey y'all!

My name is Sarah Kissel. I've been teaching since I received my Bachelors of Arts degree, with an emphasis on EC-6 Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Education. from the University of Houston Downtown in 2010. Also, in 2014, I graduated from Lamar University with a Masters of Education degree in Teacher Leadership. I am EC-6 certified, as well as EC-4 and ESL. I started my teaching career in charter schools and then moved to public ISDs in Houston.

Last year, I joined the SHSU Charter School staff at Greengate Academy. I started as a 4th grade teacher, but later moved to 2nd grade to prepare myself for teaching 2nd grade this school year.

As every teacher will say "you will learn something new everyday", so I am following my quote and attending SHSU this fall to work on my diagnostician certification.

I'm looking forward to is having a great year!

5th grade STEAM Friday: Build a bridge that is 12 inches long using drinking straws and masking tape. The strength of your bridge will be measured using gram cubes in a cup.

They had a blast learning about the various types of bridges and what makes them stable. I see some future Bearkat engineers!🧡💙

Third Graders as “teachers” of daily math review.

Fourth Grade SCOOT for rounding numbers.

Third and Fourth grade working on designing a water park.

We’re getting goopy today in second grade. I apologize ahead of the time to the parents, but they are loving it!

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Teacher Highlight: Carolyn Thompson (1st)

Greetings.

My name is Carolyn Thompson.( Better known as Ms. T). I was born in New Orleans, but raised in North Louisiana.

I teach all subjects to first graders. I'm the dinosaur at our location because I've taught more years than I can remember... over 35 years. I've taught grades 1-9 during my years of teaching.

Each year just before school begins, I get really excited because I love teaching and I absolutely love children. I'm kind of like the grandmother at school.

I look forward to teaching the upcoming first graders this year. So let's get ready to rumble... with books of course.

Art gets turned in for the fundraiser this week.

STEAM Friday in Second Grade with Ms. Kissel

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After reading “Repunzel”, the students built a tower with popsicle sticks and cups. The goal was to work as a team and build a solid structure for our character to stand up high! See in the comments for some fun videos!!!

5th Grade STEAM Friday!!!
Our challenge for the day was to be able to make a paper clip “float” without touching it! Students explored magnetism, which we have been studying in science along with other physical properties of matter!

First Grade built 2 and 3 dimensional shapes with toothpicks and marshmallows.

Kindergarten Steam

Kindergarten designed the “canvas” for a tent and created a shady spot for the playground.

Teacher Highlight: Tammy Sanders (Lead Teacher & Kindergarten)

Mrs. Sanders has taught for 20+ years. Most of these years have been in kindergarten. She holds a Bachelors of Science in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in early childhood. She is a certified K-6th grade as well as English as a second language.

Mrs. Sanders enjoys reading and reviewing both print and audio books for indy authors, vegetable gardening, and classic cars. She owns a 1955 chevy truck with light blue glitter paint.☺️ Mrs. Sanders is also known for her passion for tasty iced coffee and more recently sugar free loaded teas.

Sneak Peek into First Grade
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STEM in Action
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First grade has been studying the five senses. They used their sense of touch to construct power towers out of a specified set of materials.

Such a wide range of outcomes. Loved that each group created something vastly different.

🧡🐾💙 Way to go first grade!! 💙🐾🧡

Sneak Peek into 3rd & 4th Grade

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STEM in Action
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Third and fourth grade combined classes to create water filters today. The classes had to design their water filter, test if it worked, and redesign if needed.

They worked together across grade levels to interact with multi aged peers. The kiddos loved it!!

🧡🐾💙Way to go 3rd and 4th grade!!💙🐾🧡

Kindergarten in Action

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STEM in Action
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Kindergarten was given a sheet of construction paper, a glue stick, and a pair of scissors. They were tasked with creating individual paper chains within a set amount of time. Then, they were given 3 strips of paper and asked to work together to attach the individual chains.

The goal was to have the longest chain once finished.

🧡🐾💙 Way to go kindergarten! 💙🐾🧡

Sneak Peek into 2nd Grade

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STEM in Action
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Second grade worked on team building while constructing towers. These kiddos were totally engaged and not only worked well with peers but problem solved, tested, and retested theories until they were able to achieve their goals.

💙🐾🧡Way to go Ms. A and 2nd grade!!💙🐾🧡

Sneak Peek at Kindergarten

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Hands On Learning in Action
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Kindergarten has jumped into hands on learning by using manipulatives to sort by color, shape, and size.

We have also been reading Mo Willems books. The kiddos drew the main character, Pigeon. They did an amazing job!!

I also posted a sneak peek of the birds being drawn for the art fundraiser.

Thank you so much to the PTO for getting cooling towels and neck fans for all the paras.

The paras were so excited. Hopefully, it provides a little relief from the heat on gym days.

August Happenings:

We will be introducing you to our PTO President and our K-3 teachers here on FB.

You will have the opportunity to join our PTO, become a board member, and/or become a member of the yearbook committee. We need your help to make this year a success.

This month is Art History Month. We have partnered with Original Works for our first fundraiser. Students will be creating art projects during specials that will be printed on magnets. You will have the opportunity to purchase these magnets as well as get your child’s art printed on other items such as mugs.

More information to come.

Pizza money will be collected for the Fall Semester. Payment can be made online or sent in with your child.

Howdy, Bearkat Families.

This year we are upping our STEM curriculum and need your help. Below you will find a list of common STEM materials used for projects. If you are able to donate any of these items or other items that can be used for building, please send in to your child’s teacher.

We will be creating a central area to store items for the entire school to share.

🧡🐾💙 Thank you so much for supporting the learning of our Bearkats. 🧡🐾💙