Opera Idaho Comes to Sacajawea

Third and fourth-grade students at Sacajawea got a rare and special experience when Opera Idaho performed for them. They performed the famous opera "The Magic Flute" by Mozart. The students sat transfixed as they watched the story of Tamino, a prince who must undergo a series of tests in order to marry the princess Pamina, unfold before them. They got a special surprise when they discovered that a few of their classmates had parts in the Opera too.

Show Your School Spirit and Order a Shirt Today

This is the design on the shirt. It will be refined by the designer.

We are now taking orders for Sacajawea school shirts.

The students are not required to buy them, but they do follow our dress code.

Order forms for the shirts went home earlier this week. More forms are available in the office.

Shirts are $11 (extended sizes are more) and they come in different sizes and colors.

All money is due by October 23 and can be paid to the office.

Youth Colors

Adult Colors

Parent-Teacher Conferences October 21-October 23

Can you believe that it is already October and time for Parent-Teacher Conferences?! This quarter has flown by and the students have been working so hard on their school work. We are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's learning. If you need to reschedule your conference please call the office so we can find a time that is more convenient for you. See you next week!

Why Is Math Taught So Differently Today?

We often get questions from parents about why we teach math differently than they used to ("Back when we were kids").  If it was good enough for me, why isn't it good enough for them? That is a great question.

This guy does a great job explaining this, comparing the standard multiplication algorithm to a couple of modern methods.  The standard algorithm is often a little more efficient and it does work consistently.  However, it really just is a matter of following directions (the steps) and doesn't help students build an understanding of the math.

What I saw when I worked with middle school students was that those students who had been great at the standard algorithm in elementary school but didn't really understand what was going on with the math began to fall apart when it came to more complex thinking and problem solving in middle school math.  We want our kids to really understand the math to build a foundation for success later on.  Once they understand it then they can choose to use a more efficient method for calculating a correct answer.


Why is Math Different Now from raj shah on Vimeo.

We expect that many more of our current students will go beyond the levels of math that were required for us when we were kids.  Many of the best-paying jobs in their future look like they will  require a higher level of math skill than we had when we were kids.

Thanks to Mrs. Knowlton for the tip on this video.

Mayor's Run/Walk Challenge

Skyhawks were last year's winners!

The Mayor's Run/Walk Challenge begins October 1st and goes to the end of October. The goal of the challenge is to encourage students to move more and to create healthy habits. The elementary schools in the district will be competing to track the most miles ran or walked by students. The school with the most miles will win $2000 to be used to purchase playground and lunchroom equipment.

Mr. Thomas will be out at the Skyhawk Trail before school and at lunch recess punching tickets. Parents are welcome to come out and help punch tickets and to cheer the students on.

First Grade's Fairy Tale Slime

First grade combined a science lesson with their fairy tale unit for an exceptional learning activity. Students combined equal amounts of glue and liquid starch to make a slime. Then glitter and jewels were added to give that fairy tale sparkle. Students ended up with FAIRY TALE SLIME.

4th Grade Science is Electrifying

Miss Lovell went and did it again! Knocking kids socks off and getting all of our 4th graders to jump into science with both feet! Most recently, 4th grade has been working on understanding circuits, conductors and insulators. This fun, hands-on lab allowed students to experiment with how electric currents work (and don't work) simply by using conductive clay, insulating clay, batteries and LED lights.

Family Health and Fitness Night

Caldwell School District Family Health & Fitness Night

Collaborating with community partners to promote healthy lifestyle opportunities for all families.

FREE FAMILY EVENT

Sept. 25th, 2015 at

Caldwell High School

4:30‐6:30 p.m.

One adult pass per family free admission into the homecoming football game for attending fitness night!!!!

Hosted by the Elementary PE Teachers

For more information contact:

Mike Jones at Van Buren 455‐3326

Scott Thomas at Sacajawea 455‐3333

Michelle Humberger at Lincoln 455‐3321

Adam Freeman at Wilson 455‐3313

Ashley Green at Washington 455‐3317 

 Sherry Adams at Lewis & Clark 455-3345

Learning, Food, and Fun At Math Night

Despite the crazy weather on Thursday it was a full house at Sacajawea for Math Night. Families gathered in classrooms to learn skills and activities to help them understand math better and for them to see that math can be fun. They also had a chance to visit the library and play some simple math games with cards and dice. Wrapping up the evening families gathered in the cafeteria for a pizza dinner served by Caldwell High School Senior Volunteers.
Thank you to all the teachers and staff for helping to make this night a great experience for families. Most of all thank you to all the parents and family members who came out to support the students in their learning.

Math Night is Tomorrow!

Math Night is Tomorrow!

Thursday, September 17

3 Sessions: 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00

Enjoy some fun math games and learn how to help your child with their Math homework.

After attending a session enjoy a pizza dinner in the cafeteria with your family.

Reminder: We are having a Coin Drive until the end of September. If you have any spare change you would like to donate you may bring it to the library.