Students in Mrs. Wensorski's and Ms. Blair's fifth-grade classes at McDowell Elementary School spent a recent night "in wax."
The students worked hard to prepare a written report on an important figure in history. Some included Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Walt Disney, Helen Keller, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Jackie Robinson, Neil Armstrong, Queen Elizabeth and others.
The children dressed up as the person and created display boards of their subject's life.
The McDowell Elementary School pupils have been some busy bees recently!
The kindergarteners were able to experience a day in the life of a fire fighter and a police officer recently. The class traveled to visit the fire station and the police station and the children were able to tour the buildings, ask questions and see the equipment used on the job.
Preschoolers, meanwhile, spend a day creating a scrap book of memories of their year of learning. Students and families worked together to create a book that they would be proud to take home. The scrap books not only included pictures but activities that students can continue to work on over the summer months.
Not to be outdone, the fourth- and fifth-grade students completed a state pilot test program. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Test will replace the MEAP in the near future. It is a computerized test and pupils used laptops to practice and pilot the test.
McDowell was selected by the Michigan Department of Education to pilot the program and the children did a great job, according to Principal Lynne Borg.
Hoover Middle School held its Relay for Life 2013 recently and although the sky was gray, the spirits certainly were not.
School students walked the track and had a great time raising money for a good cause. Around the track were stations of games, food and things to buy.
All proceeds, naturally, went to the Relay for Life cancer research efforts. So far, Hoover has raised over $2,500.
For a slideshow of the event, click here.
Hoover Middle School recently received an enlightening visit from the Motor City Lyric Opera.
The opera continues to bring the joy of music and the performing arts to students and families of metro Detroit through visits just like this one. The opera makes it a point to be inspirational, educational and accessible and affordable.
Since its founding in 2002, the non-profit group has introduced the world of opera to over 80,000 children free of charge.
During its visit to Hoover, the opera sang some well-known songs from famous operas. The performers offered something for everyone in the audience.
All we can say is, "Bravo!"
Noted storyteller Ivory Williams made a recent appearance at Eureka Heights Elementary School during a Title I assembly also attended by parents in the community.
Williams is well-known in the Detroit area and around the state of Michigan for his captivating performances. He's currently the president of the Detroit Association for Black Storytellers and is also an accomplished caricature artist.
He is the past vice-president of the Association for Black Storytellers. After a lengthy and highly successful career as a sales manager for AT&T, he stepped down to accept a post as the president of Efficacy Detroit, an organization dedicated to the intellectual development of children -- particularly those of color.
Williams has been quoted as saying that he is keenly aware of the importance of education, personal development, and the knowledge of self and the world and the effect they have on the quality of one's life.
He interweaves his stories with humor, wit and fun to engage audiences and spread positive messages. Spreading the ancient art of African and African American storytelling in the oral tradition, he's led seminars and workshops on many topics including "How to tell a story," "The business side of storytelling" and "Storytelling in the classroom."
His presentation was enjoyed by all in attendance.
Are you a graduate of a Taylor high school?
If so, we'd love to hear from you!
Graduation 2013 is right around the corner, and as we were thinking about it, we wondered if we could get some updates posted on Taylor School District graduates of the past.
When did you graduate? From what high school? Have any great memories from "the old days?" Who were your favorite teachers? Favorite subjects?
Plus: What are you doing now? Married? Children? What are you doing these days? Where do you live?
If you're interested, send a quick email to the "Talking Taylor Schools" blogger, Karl Ziomek, at karlziomek11@gmail.com. We'll post these updates as we get them. The Taylor School District would love to hear from you!
And if you have a graduation picture and a current photo, we'd love to publish those, too.
If you were out near Randall Elementary School last week, you may have witnessed something a little different.
Thanks to the combined efforts earlier in the week by the physical education and music departments at the school, pupils were motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle by adding exercise to their daily routines.
After a little motivation, on Friday all of the pupils and staff met on the playground to participate in ACES, All Children Exercising Simultaneously.
With the help of some tremendous fifth-graders who were able to lead each class in a different exercise, everyone appeared to get a decent workout in ... and everyone had a good time doing it.
Nothing like a little music to bring some smiles to people's faces! Especially when it comes from elementary school-age pupils.
Children involved with Randall Elementary School's after-school activities teamed up for Randall's "Violin and Hand Chimes Concert" recently.
Plenty of families attended the event and the school staff said it was awesome to see all the families supporting what their children do and to witness the dedication of these after-school clubs.
It was a great time for all involved. Check out the photos!
