From the Hawk Nest

Next week our third grade students will take the M-STEP, our state assessment. This is a comprehensive test that will give a snapshot of how your child is progressing in their education in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics.

I've included a testing schedule for you below. Please try to avoid these times for appointments and arriving late and picking up early.

Just in case you missed it, this is the link for teacher appreciation week. Can you help?

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f44a8af2ca1fd0-hsestaff

Have a wonderful weekend,

Bill Renner

HSE Principal

Jr. Kindergarten students are exploring how dynamics (volume) affect the mood of the music they hear, whether in songs or in movies. They will be creating their own music and instrumental sound effects and, also, adding appropriate dynamics to convey the mood of the action in the children’s story, Mortimer.

The focus of Kindergarten classes has been on reading and playing rhythm patterns made of quarter notes and rests found in their songs. When playing, they use a variety of rhythm instruments, such as tambourines, spiraled rhythm sticks, crow sounders and triangles, to experience a variety of tone colors (sounds that are specific to particular instruments).

First grade students are revisiting quarter notes/rests and paired eighth-notes, echo-playing them on drums, singing them, and counting and performing them via body percussion and dancing.

Second-grade students are finishing their study of form. They are identifying and alternately singing phrases as a strategy for learning to sing unfamiliar refrains more quickly and accurately. They are, also, gaining more understanding of the music terms, lyrics, melody, tune, rhythm, verses, refrain/chorus and word rhythm.

Third graders are putting the finishing touches on performing a fanfare on resonator bars. This short piece, built in pyramid fashion to create four-part harmony, segues nicely into the students’ future study of musical texture.

Ms. Vergith

EVERY MONDAY IS HAWK PRIDE T-SHIRT DAY!

May

May 1-5 Teacher Appreciation Week. Use the link below to contact the H.E.L.P. Group to find out how you can get involved.

May 1 - M-Step testing (for third grade) begins

May 1 - NWEA Spring testing window opens

May 8 - June 2 - Collecting dimes for cancer research

May 15 - Brandon School Board Meeting at 6:30 at the I-TEC Center

May 18 - H.E.L.P. Group meeting. We'll vote for new board members at this meeting at 4:00 pm in the HSE art room

May 19 - High School Performing Arts to visit HSE for a performance

May 26 - 1/2 day of school

May 29 - No School

Student Day- 8:55-3:50 p.m.

Half Day- 8:55-12:10 p.m.

Office Hours- 8:10-4:40 p.m.

Email: brenner@brandon.k12.mi.us
Website: http://www.brandonschooldistrict.org/index.php/schools/harvey-swanson-elementary
Location: 209 Varsity Drive, Ortonville, MI, United States
Phone: (248) 627-1850
Twitter: @PrincipalRenner