This week Ms. Baldwin's 2nd grade class learned about the Civil Rights Movement, the Montgomery bus boycott and the injustices of segregation.

Mrs. Strong's 4th grade class was able to "mine" for minerals today. The class learned about the difference between rocks and minerals. They took a rock (cookie) apart to look for the minerals (chocolate chips, M&Ms) inside. By the end of the lesson, the students were able to state the difference between a rock and mineral! 

Fifth grade began a Kindness Challenge in December, and the challenge continues this month. As students decorated the hallway in the swamp, each student had their own paper stocking hanging on the wall. Before Christmas break students were able to write small kind notes and stuff them in each other’s stockings. They are trying to find some small or different ways to spread kindness to others. What a great way to inspire each other help everyone feel important! 

Discovery Gateway came to Cherry Creek Elementary to show our 5th graders the proper way to mix chemicals without blowing anything up or destroying themselves. When chemicals synergize, they create something different as they work together, just like what Habit #6 teaches us. Students were able to mix chemicals together and practice what they learned through personal trial and error.

They really enjoy the presentation that the lab scientist gave. They also enjoyed working with one another and synergizing to bring about a chemical reaction.

Today, Mrs. Deardeuff's class made their own thermometers. The liquid inside is made with water and rubbing alcohol. When the bottles are sealed tightly, the liquid rises up the straw when the temperature goes up. It was a neat and easy way to show how heat, air, and pressure work together! 

On December 15th Mrs. Deardeuff's class walked to Mountain West Animal Hospital to learn more about reindeer from the amazing Doctor Bott! Dr. Bott is an expert on reindeer and let us ask questions and see his 6 reindeer. One student asked Dr. Bott if reindeer can fly. He responded, "I've never seen one fly, but that doesn't mean they can't." Well said! Thanks, Dr. Bott!

Ever heard of "lead measures" and wondered what that means? You may know that it has something to do with tracking goals at school, or at least you may suspect it has something to do with the Leader In Me program. 

Mrs. Deardeuff's class is doing a 12 (school) days countdown to Christmas break. On one of these days, they read "The Gingerbread Pirates", made gingerbread man ornaments and played a fun "Build-A-Gingerbread Man" game. Mrs. Deardeuff was even gracious enough to share her recipe for making gingerbread man ornaments. They smell amazing!

1 cup applesauce

2 Tbsp Elmer's glue

4 ish oz. cinnamon.

Mrs. Golding’s students get to take charge of “Lead Time” every day. They walk our class through changing the calendar, updating the weather, reviewing the 7 Habits, reciting a 7 Habits poem, and leading a brief discussion on how we have used and can use the habit of the month! They are great leaders!!

Bethany Clark was this year's Crystal Apple Award winner. The Crystal Apple is given to employees who demonstrate above and beyond service and kindness. Recipients are nominated by their faculty, and we all feel that Bethany is so deserving of this award. She does so much for our school and our students, much of it behind the scenes. We appreciate all that she does! Congratulations, Bethany!