Dickson Elementary School

TNCEP Program

2010-05-25T04:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May, 13
TNCEP Program

The main focus of the program is to give the children a more in-depth look at the food pyramid. There will be eight different stations that the students will rotate through in groups of three. Five of the stations will focus on each of main food groups (milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat & beans). The other three will discuss the importance of daily physical activity, reducing sugar intake, and the pyramid as a whole. There will be information at each station as well as an educational activity. The children will stay at each station about five minutes and someone will blow a whistle to signal the groups to rotate. Each station will be manned by an approved Extension community volunteer.

Ronald McDonald

2010-05-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

DMS Band

2010-05-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

Students from DES enjoyed listening to the music Dickson Middle School band performed led by Mr. Shane Joyce.

Energized Guyz

2010-05-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Energized Guyz sponsored by TVA and local power company

Title I Workshop

2010-05-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

For Kindergarten and first grades, Mrs. Vanessa Flowers talked about Write to Learn program we're using this year. Each student got their own journal and stickers to create a story which they were asked to share. Also got writing activities for parents to use to encourage students to write over the summer.

1st and 2nd Grade play

2010-05-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Nicholson worked with 1st and 2nd grade to put on the play "Fairy Tale News."

1st and 2nd Grade Dance

2010-05-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Davileen McNeeley worked with 1st and 2nd grade to do a dance routine to "Boogie Shoes."

Dare Graduation 2010

2010-04-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Dickson Elementary Dare Graduation

Class of 2010

Introduction

Guest Speaker

Bob Rial

District Attorney Award

Essay Winners

Ashley Flowers

Dare is all about drugs and how not to use them. I've learned a lot in Dare. Dare stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Dare has taught my classmates and me not to use drugs and alcohol. Through Dare, I've learned to make good decisions, and stand up for myself. Here's more that I learned!

I learned about tobacco. Tobacco is a very powerful substance. When you smoke tobacco, you get more upper respiratory problems. Tobacco is illegal to anyone under the age of 18. Smoking tobacco has many harmful side effects. Such as, yellowing of teeth, dries out skin causing wrinkles, and breathing problems. Tobacco is horrible.

I also learned about marijuana. Marijuana has more tar than tobacco. If you smoke marijuana, you have an increased risk of caner. Here are some side effects and health risks. Like tobacco, marijuana causes breathing problems. You can have short-term memory loss and ability to concentrate. Marijuana is illegal in the United States.

My Dare officer, David Cole, taught me how to pick the right friends. Here are qualities of a good friend. A good friend is someone who is honest and truthful. Now, qualities of a bad friend. They all of a sudden dislike you. Choose the right friends and the right people to hand out with. I think Dare is an effective program.

Alexis Ramey

Hi! If you are reading this your probably a good friend of mine, because I don't want just anybody reading this DARE report. I want someone who will understand it and understands me.

First lets talk about how to say NO to drugs and alcohol. Lets say that somebody you know asked you if you want a cigarette all you have to say is "NO!" and that all. Its that simple. What if someone asks you if you want to come to a part they say that their parents will be out of town that night. Say NO and if they won't leave you alone about it walk away and keep saying NO!

Now lets talk about how it can effect your body. People might say lets smoke marijuana it will make all your troubles go away. Well first if you do smoke it your troubles have just started. So just like we were talking about say NO!!!! Marijuana can effect most parts of your body maybe all parts of your body.

Finally, we will talk about healthy choices. Alcohol, cigarette, marijuana those things are what you should say NO to. Have you ever heard of someone is doing something they aren't supposed to do and they say "this person made me do that" or "that person made me do this" Well that person is wrong YOU make your own choices!!!! Nobody can make you do anything. So thats why we talk to you about Healthy Choices like saying NO to cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. Did you know that alcohol slows down the brain and body and that smoking puts the health of your friend and family at risk and marijuana user have increased risk of cancer?

So thats why I am into DARE. It keeps me away from the thing that can kill us! So remember DARE will help you and your family and it will remind you to keep saying NO!!!!!!

Spirit Award

Daren-the-Lion

Olivia Penny

Mrs. Duggan's 5th Grade Graduates

Mrs. Queen's 5th Grade Graduates

Our appreciation goes to Officer David Cole for all the hours he spent with our 5th grade students.

Academic Pep Rally

2010-03-26T04:39:00.000-07:00

Academic Pep Rally: Character Counts

2010-03-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

Academic Pep Rally: Honor Roll

2010-03-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

4th Grade

5th Grade

Academic Pep Rally: Name That Staff Member!

2010-03-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

Meet our contestants

Let's get started

Dickson Elementary School Staff Members

Nurse Rosemary

This staff member has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and her husband has one too!

She really cares for our students

She is one of our newer friends at DES

Mrs. Rust

She likes to cook for friends

Likes to garden .. Especially grow roses

Play frisbee at the lake with her dogs

Hang out on the front porch

She has lots of little friends

Go to the beach

Mrs. Trotter

She is the youngest classroom teacher at DES

Her husband teaches blind children

She has broken 2 bones this year

Ms. Sheffield

Has a dog named Bailey

Is really into photography in her spare time

Loves the Vols

Ms. Beech

Loves to eat and read

Is a grandmother

Loves to bake cakes

Loves to teach

Rides a Harley Davidson

Mrs. Roche

This staff member just LOVES teaching math

Shopping is her hobby

Has a cat named Stella

Mrs. Flowers

Has the same wedding anniversary as her parents and inlaws

Has lived in White Bluff all her life

Has three great kids who have, or are attending DES

Mrs. Phillips

Is a huge Titans fan

Was once on the Bozo show as a young child

Gets to hang out with 1^st, 2^nd, and 5^th graders during the day

Is short

and the winner is................

Garrott Witherspoon

Academic Pep Rally: You Belong To Me

2010-03-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Students from Mrs. Jan Noble and Mrs. Karen Phillips performed during our academic pep rally:

Taylor Swift's "You Belong To Me"

Academic Pep Rally: Top AR

2010-03-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Top AR students for the third nine weeks:

1st Place: Kayla Springer

2nd Place: Annabree Corlew

3rd Place: Justin Coggins

Academic Pep Rally: Perfect Attendance

2010-03-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

You've Got to Be Here

Academic Pep Rally: We've Got Spirit

2010-03-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

We've got spirit yes we do. We've got spirit how about you?

5th Grade: Pointillism

2010-03-25T11:17:00.001-07:00

Jump Rope for Heart

2010-03-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

Coach Brown with Tristen and Jasper McClure - they donated $1,000 to the American Heart Association during Jump Rope for Heart

Candy Sale: First Place Winners

2010-03-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

Jason Sutton and Nicholas Hassell won first place in the candy sale for selling 12 cases of candy - they each received $75

Candy Sale: Second place winner

2010-03-22T04:48:00.000-07:00

Zachary Mattocks won second place in the candy sale for selling 10 cases of candy - he received $50

First Grade Mural

2010-03-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

First grade mural finally hanging in front of the

first grade classrooms. Beautiful job first graders.

Dan Brown- Mix 92.9 Teacher Appreciation Award

2010-03-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Each month, Mix 92.9 selects a teacher who has been nominated for the Teacher Appreciation Award to receive a crystal apple among other prizes. Nominated by Phillips Earhart, Coach Dan Brown was chosen in February to receive the award. He is shown here holding the crystal apple he received. Congratulations Coach Brown. We are all so very proud of you.

Kindergarten: Dr. Seuss's Birthday

2010-03-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten students had a very good time the week of March 1st celebrating Dr. Seuss week. All of the students made Dr. Seuss characters by doing a rubbing of the bottom of their shoe after reading The Foot Book. They decorated socks after reading Fox in Sox. One class also made a huge birthday card for Dr. Seuss. They made cats in the hat and made hats to wear home. Kindergarten students ended their celebration with a Green Eggs and Ham party.

Candy Sale: Honorable Mention

2010-03-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hailey McClanahan sold 8 boxes of candy during

Dickson Elementary School's candy sell.

She received $10 and an honorable mention.

First Grade: My Robot

2010-03-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

First graders read "My Robot." Students made their own robots at home. Students also wrote about their robots and told the class about them.

Kindergarten: Mrs. Rust's Class Green Eggs and Ham

2010-03-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Rust's class celebrating and honoring Dr Suess on his birthday with hats, special activities, readings and a Green Eggs and Ham tasting for all Kindergarteners!

Family Night at DES

2010-03-09T04:12:00.000-08:00

Dickson Elementary School recently hosted Family Night. Parents and students shopped at the book fair. Family members also made a flower craft based on the book "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle. The workshop was led by artist Ms. Yvette Renee Parrish.

1st Grade: Art Resident Yvette Renee Parrish

2010-03-08T04:32:00.000-08:00

First grade students spent a week with artist Ms. Yvette Renee Parrish.

Students read "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle.

Students created a mural showing the life cycle of a plant.

Students painted, made clouds using tissue paper, learned a song, and planted real seeds.

The Kids on the Block

2010-02-22T04:53:00.000-08:00

The Kids on the Block, Inc. originated in 1977 in direct response to US Public Law 94-142, which required that children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment. For many children, this meant being included in a classroom with their non-disabled peers. Mark Riley, who represents a child with cerebral palsy, was the first puppet character created to fill the need of children with disabilities to have their non-disabled peers understand and accept them. Through Mark Riley, the children learned about cerebral palsy and began asking questions directly to Mark. The Kids on the Block, Inc. was launched because of this enthusiastic response from the children. The Kids on the Block, now internationally acclaimed, has continued to grow over the years and offers programs on disabilities such as spina bifida and visual impairment, medical differences such as leukemia and AIDS; educational differences including learning disabilities and ADHD, and social concerns including sexual abuse prevention, and alternatives to violence.

Snow Day

2010-02-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

4th Grade: Mrs. Perez's Class

2010-01-31T16:22:00.000-08:00

Students from Mrs. Christy Perez's class experimenting on how to make a light bulb work.

Laurel Shastri

2010-01-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

Laurel Shastri is the co-artistic director of Ballet Tennessee. Ms. Shastri has worked as a teaching artist in residence in the Hamilton County Public School System, Lights On, and Dance Alive programs since 1996. IN her work, she incorporates techniques from the National Dance Institute, Southeast Center for Dance Education, and Brain Dance developed by Anne Green-Gilbert.

This hands-on lesson plan demonstration highlights the relationships between potential and kinetic energy and dance. Participants explore through movement, the similarities and differences between the dance concept of energy and the scientific definition. Participants will be able to demonstrate potential energy and kinetic energy as well as other related science concepts through dance. They will also gain knowledge of shape, level, time, locomotor, and nonlocomotor movements, and other dance concepts. Incorporated within the lesson are: introduction or review of dance concepts, exploration of dance concepts using scientific vocabulary, teamwork, creative problem solving, assessment of participant's knowledge of vocabulary, and artistic assessment.
This came from the lesson plans she sent for the 4th/5th grade residency.
How are dance and science alike?
How can we use dance to learn about science? How can we use science to learn about dance?
What are some of the similarities and differences between scientists and dancers?
Brief discussion: Space, how dancers use space and how stage directions are analogous to a coordinate system of graphing.
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
In dance terminology, velocity would give you information about direction (space) as well as how fast or slow (time) whereas speed would give information about how fast or slow only.
What is force? What forces act upon a dancer’s body? How do dancers use these forces in order to create a dance?
●   Balanced forces
●   Gravity
●   Friction
●   Pushing
●   Pulling
●   Stillness
What is dance? Is it possible to use dance to learn about science? Why or why not? What is potential energy? What is kinetic energy?

5th Grade: Laurel Shastri Residency

2010-01-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

4th Grade: Laurel Shastri Residency

2010-01-31T14:04:00.000-08:00

Dickson Elementary School: Second Pep Rally

2010-01-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

Pep Rally: Kindergarten Skit

2010-01-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

Pep Rally: Character Counts

2010-01-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

Pep Rally: Honor Roll Recognition

2010-01-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

Let's Study!!

Kindergarten Honor Roll

Mrs. Jocelyn Rust's Class

Mrs. Marie Trotter's Class

Mrs. Stephanie Warren's Class

First Grade Honor Roll

Mrs. Vanessa Flower's Class

Mrs. Karen Lagan's Class

Mrs. Melissa Nicholson's Class

Second Grade Honor Roll

Ms. Jan Noble and Mrs. Karen Phillips' Class

Mrs. Suzanne Parham's Class

Ms. Katherine Sheffield's Class

Third Grade Honor Roll

Mrs. Suzanne Collins' Class

Mrs. Joan Fussell's Class

Mrs. Diane Moses' Class

Fourth Grade Honor Roll

Ms. Sandy Beech's Class

Mrs. Christy Perez's Class

Fifth Grade Honor Roll

Mrs. Betsy Duggan's Class

Mrs. Margie Queen's Class

Student body cheering for honor roll students.

Pep Rally: Back To School Bop

2010-01-28T04:44:00.000-08:00

Students and teachers enjoyed this portion of the pep rally.

Pep Rally: AR Recognition

2010-01-28T04:05:00.000-08:00

Top 3 AR Award Winners

Class with highest AR points

Pep Rally: You Gotta Be Here

2010-01-27T04:48:00.000-08:00

Perfect Attendance

Kindergarten: Number People

2010-01-25T05:06:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Rust's Kindergarten Class

Rick Anderson

2010-01-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Rick feels right at home in the classroom. After all, he was in and all around the classroom for 25 years teaching art to thousands of children. His career began in 1970 teaching art at Coleman Junior High School in Greenville, Mississippi. From there, he went to South Natchez High School for 12 years, and finally, in the Jackson, Mississippi school system for 9 more years. He retired from the classroom to continue his professional art career. During that time, as well as now, he conducts watercolor workshops, group art classes, demonstration lectures, and serves as juror for many art exhibitions, both children's and adults. Rick is also a member of the International Reading Association.

Diorama? Rain Stick? Are you serious? Find out how art can connect to Science, language arts, math, and Social Studies. In this session you will discover ways to infuse art into the classroom. Participants will receive a handout with over 50 art related websites. I will demonstrate how a number of art projects can be integrated into the core classes. Depending on the session time, participants may begin a number of these art projects.

3rd grade: Puppets to

2010-01-04T04:14:00.000-08:00

Students were given a role in a play. With there character, they were to create their own puppet using model magic. After making their puppets, students put on a puppet show for their peers.

Drama Club: Twas the Night Before Christmas

2010-01-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" is a fun-filled romp through a hear-warming tale of family love and playful friendship. Hop a ride with Izzy on the Christmas Train to the North Pole and hold on to your hat! Anything can happen when Izzy's around.

Directed by: Melissa Nicholson and Jennifer Nicholson Jenkins

Moore Family

Clara- Madison Grove Willy- Justin Coggins Bo- Darien Grimes

Mother- Emily Smith Clement- Jacob Selvidge

Elves

The Elves

Lena Mauo, Peyton Jennings, Tara Rahman, Mikiya Northington, Taylor McFall, Jacob Smith,

Gabby Wiedman

Louie- Becca Jackson Cop/Train- Tyler Choate Abominable Snowman- Luke Price

Rosie and Izzy

Rosie- Jessica Estes

Izzy- Dayjah Williams

Toys

Soldier: Haley Jennings, Play-doh- Kylie Mc Fall Chatty Cathey- Carissa Gardner

Santa and Mrs. Clause

Santa- Tristen McClure

Mrs. Clause- Emma Martin

Reindeer

Carrie Ragan and Courtney Cochran

Produced by:

Dickson Elementary School

Play by: Kathryn Schultz Miller

Photography Club Exhibit

2010-01-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Students, staff, and family members take time between performances to observe the great talent of our photography club. These pictures were just fantastic. Through the eyes our children.

Gym: Certificates of Appreciation

2010-01-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

Clock Operators and Score Keepers

Gavin Roche and Justin Coggins

Gym: Basketball Awards 1st Place

2010-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

5th Grade Award Winners

Girls: Ashley Flowers, Makayla Holmes, Lena Mayo

Boys: Peyton Witherspoon, Dylan Hodges, Olin Leaster

4th Grade Award Winners

Girls: Ashley Erikson, Kallie Haddix, Shasta Rogers

Boys: Brandon O'Connell, Nathan Vincent, Trace Shelton

3rd Grade Award Winners

Girls: Dayjah Williams, Anna Bree Corlew, Miranda Oldom, Taylor Moize

Boys: Roger Tidwell, Michael Ivy, Darien Grimes

Gym: Basketball Awards 2nd Place

2010-01-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

5th Grade Award Winners

Girls: Jessica Estes, Faith Rosenbaum, Asheley Holland

Boys: Jordan Hagewood, Garrett Witherspoon, Mason Whitaker, Tyler Choate

4th Grade Award Winners

Girls: Gabby Weidman, Destiny Stevens, Haley Jennings, Kailey Rosenbaum

Boys: Myles Holmes, Beau Burney, Jay Pritchard

3rd Grade Award Winners

Girls: Gracie Johnson, Stephanie Humphreys, Madison Groves

Boys: Evan Morgan, Luke Price, Dalton Donegan

Gym: Basketball Awards 3rd Place

2010-01-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

5th Grade Award Winners

Girls: Tara Rahman, Emily Smith, Drusilla Sea

Boys: Justin Reedy, Harrison Caldwell, Chance Parchment, Chris Vassar

4th Grade Award Winners

Girls: Jordan Bowman, Jacoa Ash, Heather Buckner

Boys: Jason Sutton, Ryan Whitaker, Robert Peterman

3rd Grade Award Winners

Girls: Laren McVoy, Kelsey Dodson, Christian Benner

Boys: Jacob Selvidge, Noah Hayes, Jacob Smith, Gage Jenkins

2nd Grade: Polar Express Train Cars

2010-01-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

We measured the sides/ painted and used peppermint wheels.

2nd Grade: Action Word Cookies

2010-01-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Second grade students from Mrs. Noble's class formed arms and legs to show an action word.

Rachel Sumner: Mrs. Parham's Class

2010-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Rachel Sumner: Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Phillips' Class

2010-01-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

Rachel Sumner: Ms. Sheffield's Class

2010-01-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Rachel Sumner: Mrs. Collins' Class

2010-01-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Rachel Sumner: Mrs. Moses and Mrs. Fussell Combined

2010-01-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

You can tell the students really got into the act!!

Rachel Sumner: Straw Panpipe

2009-12-30T06:37:00.000-08:00

How To Make A Panpipe

Cut three or four straws so that you have five pieces varying in length. These are your playing straws.
Roll your modeling clay into pea-sized balls (slightly larger than the opening of the straws). Plug the bottom of each straw and be sure that it is completely plugged. You can check by holding the open end of the straw up to your eye and look for light coming through. If you see light you haven't sealed it well enough.
Arrange the playing straws in order of length with the shortest straw at one end and the longest at the other end. Be sure that all the clay plugs are on the bottom and the open ends on the top. Also, make sure they are level across the top.
Cut four two inch pieces of straw for spacers. Place a two-inch spacer straw between each of the six playing straws. Line the spacer straws up 1/4 inch lower than the six pieces varying in length.
Place a strip of tape around all of the straws even with one end of the spacer straws. Place another strip of tap around all of the straws even with the other end of the spacer straws.
Decorate your panpipe and put your name on it.

How Does The Panpipe Work?

When you blow across the top of the panpipe, it makes the air inside the straw vibrate. Small air spaces vibrate more rapidly than large air spaces. When there is very little air in the panpipe, you produce a high note. When there is more air, the note is lower.

Tips On Playing Your Panpipe

Hold your panpipe upright witht eh open end of the plastic air column on your lower lip. Extend your upper lip and blow gently across the top of the straws. If you blow too hard you can begin to feel a little dizzy. Warning: If you EVER feel dizzy while trying to play your baster stop immediately, and take a break.

If You Still Can't Get Sound

If your clay has not sealed the bottom fully you will not be able to get sound. Try holding your finger or thumb over the bottom opening where you have the clay and blow gently. Be sure that you are covering the entire hole!
Practice blowing across the top of a bottle until you get sound. Once you master playing a bottle, try you panpipe again.
You can also fold the bottom of the straw up and tape each end to close the bottom end.

*This information was provided by Rachel Sumner

Rachel Sumner: Turkey Baster

2009-12-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

Fill your baster bulb with water by putting the open end under a slow running faucet until it reaches the top of the bulb or try to remove the bulb, fill it and replace it. You may have to experiment with both filling techniques to see which one words best for you and your baster. Do not fill the plastic air column of the baster.

Hold your baster upright with the open end of the plastic air column on your lower lip. Extend your upper lip and blow gently across the top of the baster. If yo blow too hard you could begin to feel a little dizzy.

Gently squeeze the bulb of the baster near the bottom to change the level of the water and the pitch of your baster. If you squeeze near the top, you may cause the water to leak from the baster bulb. (If you do get a leaky baster, put some duct tape over the edge of the bulb so that it seals the bulb to the column better.)

Experiment with the baster sounds. Create different sounds by considering:

Speed: fast, medium, and slow
Length of the breath: Short quick breaths (staccato notes) or notes that are held out (sustained notes), or connected notes that slide from one to the other (legato) by keeping the breath flowing.
High sounds ( to represent little creatures like mince)
Low sounds (to represent big creatures like trolls)

Students as DES loved the turkey basters.

*Turkey baster informations was given by Rachel Sumner

Rachel Sumner: Spoons

2009-12-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Rachel Sumner demonstrating how to put spoons together.

Wrap a rubber band on the handle of one wooden spoon and then wrap another rubber band in the same location of the handle as the first spoon. The rubber bands will create a space between the spoons. Place the wooden spoons back-to-back

Tip on holding your spoons: Be careful not hold on to your spoons too high up the handle as you try to play or you will mute them. Keep your fingers relaxed as you hold the spoons and tap.

Rachel says playing percussion with spoons is a joyous use of everyday materials. They sound a little like castanets. The sound is produced when the "bowls" of the spoons are clicked against one another.

Place the bowls of the spoons back-to-back. You will need to make sure that the bowls are separated from each other. They must be loose so they can make a clacking sound as they are tapped. One way to do this is to hold them with your index finger between the handles of the two spoons, wrap the rest of your fingers around the handle of the bottom spoon and put your thumb over the spoon on top.

Rachel Sumner also let students know they can use any type of spoons from their kitchen at home. You can play teaspoons, tablespoons, or any other set of wooden, plastic or metal spoons.

Rachel Sumner: Washtub Bass

2009-12-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Directions: Drill a hole in the center of the tub and also in the pole about a foot from one end. Put the nuts, bolts, and washers through in this order: eye bolt, nut, washer, tub * ( or pole), washer, nut. Tighten the nuts securely. The optional but recommended part is to drill a hole in the little piece of wood and put it on the inside of the tub at * because sometimes over time the whole thing will pull right through the tub if you don't. However, too big a pice of wood interferes with the vibrations and sound.

At the other end of the pole from the bolt, cut or file a notch across the round end like this ----( l l ) about half an inch deep. ( I usually file it or get a neighbor to cut it for me). This will fit over the bottom rim of the tub to keep the pole from slipping off while in use.

To Play: Set the edge of the pole on the bottom rim and tie the line/string securely, adjusting it to the height and tension you desire. This usually takes some adjusting, so don't tie fancy knots until you have it where you want it. Then you are ready to go!! The sound carries better if you play on a hard surface and put something like a thick book under the edge of the tub away from you so that the entire upper rim is not flush against the floor. Plant your foot and the notched end of the pole on the lower side and start plucking! If you get unwanted buzzing around the area where the washers are, a couple of Dr. Scholl corn pads will take care of it nicely.

* Written by Rachel Sumner

The String Instrument Family

2009-12-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

A string instrument is constructed with a tightly stretched cord or wire that sounds when plucked, struck or played with a bow. Violin, harp, lute, bass, guitar, and bajo are examples of string instruments.

You make a canjo. It may remind you of a cup and string telephone except you use two tin cans and fishing line.

The pitch of stringed instruments can be changed by:
1. Stretching or loosening the string
2. Shortening or lengthening the string
3. Thickness or thinness of the string.

*This material was used from the lesson plans of Rachel Sumner

Rachel Sumner: Canjos

2009-12-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

How to make a Canjo:

1. Poke a hole with your thin nail into the center of the bottom of each can.

2. Measure each musician's arm from the fingertip to the elbow and cut a piece of fishing line to that length. (Rachel likes to have children work together to help each other measure and cut. Demonstrate how to do this with a partner and then provide gentle and encouraging guidance when needed.

3. Thread the fishing line through the hole from the outside of the can. Tie a double knot at the end of the fishing line inside the can.

4. Thread the other end of the fishing line through the hole of the other can and tie a double knot at the end of the fishing line inside the can.

How to play the canjo:

1. Place one can under your dominant arm with the open side of the can facing the back of your body.

2. Hold the other can in your other hand. The open side of the can will face away from your body.

3. Boing the string with your dominant hand.

4. Stretch the string by pulling the can in your hand as you keep tension to hold the can under your dominant arm so that you keep the can under your arm. The more you stretch the string, the higher the pitch.

5. Loosen the tension on the string and notice how the pitch changes becoming lower the more you loosen the string.

3rd Grade: Pitch

2009-12-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

Third grade students found out if the pitch of the notes from the water glasses will go up or down when you take water out. We filled several mason jars with water at different water levels. We tapped the side of each glass bottle gently with a spoon. We recorded our data. After we recorded our data, students took turns playing the water glasses and having the class guess the tune they played a.k.a Name That Tune.

2nd Grade: Legend of the Poinsettia Art

2009-12-14T04:07:00.000-08:00

Kidz Act

2009-12-14T04:04:00.000-08:00

Students from Kidz Act are preparing for their upcoming Christmas play.

Kindergarten: Field Trip to Pumpkin Patch

2009-12-14T03:54:00.000-08:00

Field Trip to Pumpkin Patch

2nd and 3rd Grade: Ferdinand

2009-12-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

Second and third grade students went to the Renaissance Center to watch the Nashville Ballet perform "Ferninand" The Story of Ferdinand is by Munro Leaf. Students were charmed by a lovable bull that would much rather sit and smell the flowers of the field than fight and fuss like all the others.

Through Ferdinand's gentle spirit, we humorously learn to appreciate and embrace what truly makes each of us special and realize that, sometimes, "stopping to smell the flowers" can be far more beneficial than "putting up a fight!"

The set designs were cleverly inspired by the Cubist paintings of renowned Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso.

1st Grade: Tableau

2009-12-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

First grade students created a Tableau featuring the life cycle of a butterfly.

A tableau is a french word for a still picture representing an ideas physically created by actors; it is an acting 'snapshot.'

an egg - the students who are in a small, round shaped ball

a caterpillar - the students who are long and slender

a chrysalis - the students who are hugging their body, curled up

a butterfly - the students who are spreading their arms as wings

1st Grade: Collage

2009-12-03T16:21:00.000-08:00

First grade students made a butterfly collage after reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "I am a Butterfly."

Collage is a french word that means to cut and paste. We used small pieces of tissue paper to design the butterfly wings.

1st Grade: "I'll Catch Me a Turkey"

2009-12-03T16:05:00.000-08:00

For a Thanksgiving project, all first graders listened to a song called "I'll Catch Me a Turkey."

Then the students were a turkey or a farmer's wife. The farmer's wife tried to catch the turkeys for Thanksgiving lunch.

Yes, it looks like students are running around like a turkey with their head cut off....they are demonstrating the locomotor movement RUNNING.

Hands on With Zig

2009-11-30T15:11:00.000-08:00

On November 16, Dickson Elementary had a program provided by Zig Wajler of "Hands on With Zig" called Math with Music. In this program, math concepts and skills are compared side-by-side with music and instruments showing how the connections are made and explaining how concepts work. Students are engaged as active participants playing electronic and percussive instruments discovering how to implement various mathematical operations to accurately and efficiently display how the skills and concepts relate to real-world applications through music. Reinforced basic Math skills through music include; whole numbers and symbols, number operations and estimating with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions, abstract thinking with simple patterns and symmetry, ordered pairs and numbers, odd and even numbers, system(s) of measurement with time, shapes and grids with relationships such as intersecting parallel elements, and analyzing data in the form of song form, orchestration and compositions. Musical composition selections include familiar classic, traditional and contemporary song-styles representing various genres of music as heard in everyday life.

More Pics With Hands on With Zig

2009-11-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

5th Grade: Civil War

2009-11-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

First Grade: Mural

2009-11-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

First Grade made a mural. A mural is large artwork, typically painted on the inside or outside of buildings.

We made an underwater mural because we read Fun with Fish.

We colored fish with markers or colored pencils. Then we glued the fish on a large piece of blue paper which was the ocean.

We hung the mural in the hallway for all to see.

2nd Grade: Study of Futurism

2009-11-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

3rd Grade: Symmetry Butterflies

2009-11-22T09:58:00.000-08:00

3rd Grade: Plotting Pictures

2009-11-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

Math standard for this activity was to interpret a frequency table, bar graph, pictograph, or line plot. After student plotted the points, students used different patterns to design their boats.

4th Grade: Cups, Pints, Quarts, and Gallons

2009-11-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

How many cups in a pint? How many pints in a quart? How many cups in a gallon? These 4th graders should know know after they created these adorable people using cups, pints, quarts, and gallons .

Library: Rainy With a Chance of Meatballs

2009-11-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

2nd Grade:The Enormous Turnip

2009-11-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

1st Grade: Medals

2009-11-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

First grade read Try Your Best where the characters participated in various sporting events.

Students made their own medals.

First students made the medal out of clay.

Then students painted the medals.

Then students got to wear their artwork!

4th Grade: Phases of the Moon

2009-11-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

3rd Grade: More Shape Critter Pictures

2009-11-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

2nd Grade: Parts of a Plant

2009-11-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

3rd Grade: Leaf Art

2009-11-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

Sequencing was the objective students used for creating animals out of leaves. Students brought in beautiful leaves from their home for this activity.

5th Grade: Dia de los Muertos

2009-11-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

2nd Grade: "Johnny Appleseed"

2009-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Second grade student performed the play "Johnny Appleseed" in their classroom.

Art: Leaf Press

2009-11-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

5th Grade: Quilt

2009-11-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

3rd Grade: Shape Critters

2009-11-16T04:40:00.000-08:00

Third grade students create a critter by using four shapes. Circle, rectangle, square, and triangle. After creating their critter, students painted their picture by using water color.

All About DES

2009-10-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

Pep Rally: Student Body

2009-10-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Larkins getting this Pep Rally started!!

Dickson Elementary Students are all set for their first Academic Pep Rally.

Pep Rally: DES Cheerleaders

2009-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

Pep Rally: Character Counts

2009-10-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Character Counts

How Exciting!!!!!!

Go Bears!

These students were awarded 'student of the week' during the first nine weeks .

Pep Rally: Honor Roll Recognition

2009-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Pep Rally: Extreme Make Over

2009-10-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Students and teachers put on a skit to show student body how good grades are made.

Pep Rally: YMCA

2009-10-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

It is time to do YMCA

Pep Rally: AR Recognition

2009-10-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

Top three leading AR Students: Kayla Springer -5th grade, Annabree Corlew-3rd grade (not pictured), and Nick Arms- 2nd grade.

The classroom with the most books read: Mrs. Noble and Mrs. Phillips Second Grade Class

The classroom with highest percentage correct and second highest books read: Mrs. Collins' Third Grade Class

Congratulations- Keep up the great Work!!

Pep Rally: You Gotta Be Here

2009-10-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

You gotta be here to learn and we learn a lot!

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Perfect Attendance for the first nine weeks.