Introducing...(From left to right)

Mrs. Disch - STEAM - (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)

Michaela O'Donnell - SEL - (Social Emotional Learning)

Mrs. Steele-Hunter - Library

Mr. Herk - P.E. - (Physical Education)

Mr. B (Boudreau) - Music

Ms. Verock - Art

Art classes have been learning about Pop Art. They have learned about Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kasuma. They have been able to create art in the style of the famous Pop Artist. 

- Ms. Verock

Our library is buzzing with excitement as students have begun checking out books to enjoy in their classrooms! This year, our library learning is focused on building strong reading habits, developing comprehension and critical-thinking skills, and helping students become confident and responsible learners.

Our K–2 students are enjoying seasonal read-alouds and guided discussions that encourage them to make text-to-self and text-to-world connections, share their ideas, and listen thoughtfully to the ideas of others. These experiences help students grow as critical thinkers and skilled communicators while also connecting to our school CARES values: community, accessibility, responsibility, excellence, and safety.

Students in Grades 3–4 are continuing to develop their digital literacy and communication skills through activities with Epic Reading, Google tools, and other digital projects. Students are learning how to find, create, and share information appropriately while making responsible choices online. These skills support our goal of helping students become skilled communicators, critical thinkers, and empowered individuals.

Looking Ahead

Over the next few months, I will be on maternity leave. I have prepared a combination of literacy, digital literacy, and technology-based lessons for each grade level so that students can continue building on the skills and learning goals we have established this year. I am confident that our students will continue to learn, grow, and demonstrate the qualities of our Vision of a Graduate while I am away.

Please note that I may not be able to respond to emails right away during my leave. If a question or concern comes up, please contact school administration for assistance.

Thank you for your continued support of our library programs and our students' learning! - Mrs. Steel-Hunter

The year is off to a wonderful start in Music.  Lower grade students (K-3 at both ACES and RCS) have begun to learn the difference between beat and rhythm, and the difference between fast, slow, high, and low sounds.  Higher grade students (4th grade at ACES and 4th-6th grades at RCS) have begun incorporating vocabulary words like pitch and tempo when discussing musical selections, as well as reading and writing music at a beginner level.  We are continually strengthening our listening and performing skills while maintaining positive attitudes and respectful behavior during class time.  

- Mr. B

We are off to an awesome start to the year in P.E.  We have been playing some favorite games to start off the year that focus on teamwork and sportsmanship.  We discuss what good sportsmanship looks like and that when we play a game it's important to do your best but in most games one team wins and one loses.  Students that show good sportsmanship and participate will have a chance to take the Almost Impossible Shot at the end of each P.E. class.  So far only six students have made the shot out of over 500+ shots taken.

- Mr. Herk

Hello, my name is Michaela O’Donnell, and this is my second year teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL) here at ACES! Our lessons focus on helping students understand their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible choices.

We begin each class with a feelings check-in to help students recognize and reflect on their emotions. So far this year, students have been working on building a welcoming classroom community, setting goals, developing a growth mindset, and learning strategies to manage big emotions. We have also been exploring how small acts of kindness can make a difference, and how we can celebrate our own strengths while recognizing the strengths of others.

In Kindergarten and Grade 1, students have been focusing on identifying and understanding different emotions, expressing their feelings, and celebrating what makes each of us unique. Through discussions, stories, and hands-on activities, students are building the skills they need to better understand themselves and others.

As the year continues, we will keep developing these important skills through activities that encourage empathy, problem-solving, kindness, and positive relationships. I look forward to another wonderful year of learning and growing together!

- Ms. O’Donnell

Hello, my name is Mrs. Disch, and this is my second year teaching STEAM here at ACES and RCS. I will be meeting with all classes once every six days for a 45-minute special. I use an integrated approach to learning that empowers our students to ask big questions, design creative solutions, test their ideas, and use their critical thinking skills to learn from mistakes in a fun, hands-on environment.

Here is a quick look at what each component brings to this special:

• Science: Exploring how the world works through observation, experimentation, and natural curiosity.

• Technology: Using iPads, robotics, basic coding, and safe media research.

• Engineering: Applying design thinking to build, test, and refine solutions to real-world challenges.

• Art: Bringing creativity, design, humanities, and visual and performing arts.

• Math: Understanding patterns, logic, measurement, and numbers, and applying them to practical situations.

So far, students in all grades have completed an "All About Me" unit to learn our classroom routines and help make STEAM a safe, welcoming place for everyone. Students worked on using technology and classroom materials safely and appropriately. They are also listening carefully, following directions, showing growing responsibility during activities, and respecting each other's unique projects and interests. This unit helped set the stage so that everyone can safely learn, explore ideas, and enjoy working together.

As some of you already know, I have set up a Seesaw account for each student, which allows students to use their communication skills to record ideas, pictures, and videos into their digital journal. If you did not receive a letter from me in your child's folder with the QR code, or if you're having any trouble signing in to your child's digital portfolio, please email me at gdisch@arrsd.org. Thanks!  Looking forward to another fantastic year,

- Mrs. Disch