5th Graders Attend Latin Jazz Workshop

Students from Class 502 play the Conga Drums after learning about the history of Latin Jazz.

 
Chris Washburne and percussionist Oreste Abrantes played music and discussed Latin Jazz at a recent workshop that was given to 5th grade students.  This was one of the many ways that PS4 celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.  But, what students really enjoyed was playing the instruments that the Professor of Music and Director of a jazz program at Columbia University brought to our school.

During this workshop, students learned about the history of Latin Jazz.  They were told about the origin of instruments like the clave, conga drum and cow bell.  These instruments were brought to Caribbean islands by African slaves.  Students were able to take notes and ask questions.  "Music is a very important subject to learn in school", said Mr. Washburne as he answered one of many great questions that PS4 students asked.  "It teaches you how to work together and how to improvise".

Special thanks to Jonathon Greenburg at Community Works for supporting music education in our school.  All 5th graders have been invited to attend a performance funded by this great organization on October 29th at Hostos Community College.  Chris Washburne and his band will be performing!  Take a look at the slide show below for some highlights from the workshop in the PS4 auditorium and click here to read more about Mr. Washburne!

This free slideshow design generated with Smilebox

Students Visit the Museum of Mathematics

Lynn Cartwright-Punnett, Museum Education Coordinator, speaks to students.

After its December 15th grand opening, PS4 was one of the first set of schools to visit New York City's newest museum; the Museum of Mathematics located on E26th Street in Manhattan.  After receiving name tags, students were led downstairs to attend a workshop about knots!  "Knot Theory is the mathematics of knots!", says Lynn Cartwright-Punnett, Museum Education Coordinator.  "Students will use rope and their jobs to make, explore, and classify knots.  The Knot Theory program relates to students work in geometry to study and classify shapes based on properties.  The work that students do with knots strengthens the same skills students do with shapes in geometry".

  

Students were also given an opportunity to explore the museum which included, pulley systems, puzzles, games, and even a bicycle with square wheels!  Teachers enjoyed the museum as well.  "Teachers are always looking for hands on learning experiences that involve math concepts", said Ms. Cabral.  "The activities at this museum are perfect...I can't wait to bring my nephew".

Congratulations to Miss Lynn and her staff at the Museum of Mathematics!  Click here for more information about the programs they have to offer and see below for some highlights from our trip!


           
         

What Is The 5th Learning About?

After the Social Studies Quiz Bowl, the 5th grade is changing their focus from The United States Government to the expansion of America. Students will be learning about the Louisiana Purchase, explorers like Lewis and Clark and the history of Native Americans living in this country. Look forward to the students gaining their knowledge by constructing timelines, Venn Diagrams and completing a research paper about the expansion of America. "I think our students will be ready for the challenge", says school's Social Studies teacher, Mr. Harris.

For great resources to help you learn about the expansion of America, check out these websites!

• History.org - Westward Expansion
• PBS.org - Lewis and Clark Trail Interactive Map
• Bookrags.com - Timeline of Westward Expansion Events
• Westward Movement

Design in the Classroom

Last Friday, 5th grade students were given an opportunity to explore design as part of everyday life. Design Museum Educator, Pamela Lawton, taught an introductory workshop intended for all audiences including those who are new to design thinking. Students were engaged in conversations and participated in a hands-on design activity as a vehicle for project-based learning about designing. 

Students were only given a few art materials and a scenario in which they needed to design an object for a specific purpose. In one particular 5th grade class, students presented their finished design project as if it was a real product!  A spokesman for one of the teams acted out how groceries would be brought up several flights of stairs with their product! "What makes design and art different is that designers generally work in teams", explains Ms. Lawton. "I was really impressed with how PS4 students collaborated in teams and role-played", she says, "they went above and beyond what I've seen in other schools".

Students in 520 admire their design.

Krisnel A. using her design.

Museum educator Pamela Lawton keeps an eye on the young designers.

Ms. Cabral, co-teacher of class 521, found the workshop very informative.  "It made me realize that designers really have to think about the user", she says.  "This workshop developed my students imagination and allowed them to think deeply about the cultural differences between the Dominican Republic and the U.S....media plays a big role in our students creativity".

For more information about the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, located in Manhattan, click here!

5th Grade Students Receive Certificates

Awarded students from the 5th grade.

During a recent monthly assembly, twenty-six students from the 5th grade received certificates for their hard work.  Certificates included:

• Math Masters
• Accelerated Reader
• Project Wisdom's Golden Rule (showing kindness, responsibility and overall good character)
• Student of the Month (overall academic progress)

"You and your teachers have been working very hard", said Mr. Batiz (Assistant Principal).  "It is important that you show progress...go from a 2 to a 3...from a 3 to a 4".  Each month, Mr. Batiz listens to the presidents and vice presidents of each class discuss what they have been learning.  Teachers are then given a chance to distribute certificates to those students who deserve to be recognized.

Congratulations to those students who have been recognized for the month of January!  Keep up the good work!

5th Grade Hosts Health & Fitness Fair

On February 17, 5th grade classes hosted a very successful Health & Fitness Fair! Each 5th grade class presented an important topic concerning health or fitness:

Ms. McLeod's class shared healthy snacks, including hummus and peppers! Selected students then gave Google Doc presentations about the disadvantages of eating processed foods. Students in Ms. Anderson's class provided water to visitors after leading them through a series of exercises. In class 520, students used diagrams and posters to discuss the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Rafael N. showed students how to take their pulse by putting two fingers under your chin. With the list of ingredients distributed, Ms. Cabral taught visitors how to make a strawberry-banana smoothie and everyone got a taste of this healthy treat!

"This is great", said Rahel Biegel, Program Coordinator for Healthy Schools & Healthy Families, "PS4 always has some great ideas for encouraging healthy lifestyles".

Look at the slide show below for pictures from this event!

Respect For All!

Speaking with the Dean of Discipline, Mr. Cantu (pictured here, with Mr. Harris), The Duke Ellington Express has learned about a program, named Respect For All. This program is dedicated to ensuring that students learn in a safe environment. "It is something that we take very seriously here at P.S. 4," says Mr. Cantu in the Dean's office. "We would like every student to be tolerant and respectful towards each other. The Respect For All program helps us do that." Each month, students are awarded for their academic achievements, but students are also awarded for showing tolerance and respect. Last week, the "Golden Rule Award" was given to ten 5th graders including Alex G. and Michelle H. (pictured above-both from class 521).

P.S.4 will continue to support the Respect For All program by hosting a series of anti-bullying workshops for students. On Wednesday, January 26th, a bully-proofing program called the Power of One (series of skits presented by actors) will review the roles of the Bully, Target, and Bystander. The program teaches students the importance of reporting bullying when they see it.

To see games, videos and information about what you can do to stop bullying, click here.

If you or someone you know is being bullied, immediately contact Mr. Cantu in his office, e-mail him at jcantu@schools.nyc.gov or call the main office at (212) 928-0739.