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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Special Guests at Caroline

Today, a quartet from the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra came to play their sing "Firebird" for the 2nd graders. The students have been listening to the song, learning about it, and drawing pictures of their interpretations.  Here is an excerpt about the program from their website:


The CCO's successful Youth Outreach Program visits the schools in and around Tompkins County each spring to provide a classical music experience for youngsters - right in their classrooms. For over fourteen years, an ensemble of musicians from the CCO has visited second-grade classrooms over a six county area.

The program consists of three phases:
  • Phase 1: A docent musician from the CCO visits each school to introduce the second grade classes to the theme for the year and prepare them for the upcoming visit of a small ensemble.
  • Phase 2: The small ensemble of CCO musicians then engages the children in an introduction to the oboe, viola, violin, and cello. They talk about music as a vehicle for expression and introduce the children to musical concepts.
  • Phase 3: The program culminates in a visit to Ithaca High School's Kulp Auditorium where the 700 second-graders attend a one hour concert given by the award-winning Ithaca High School Orchestra.

By familiarizing students with instruments before they have the opportunity to participate in the school's instrumental instruction program, the CCO hopes to promote individual music study in elementary school and beyond. The CCO is happy to share our enthusiasm and interest with kids of any age, and we appreciate the collaborative spirit of the schools and the individual teachers – this program wouldn’t be the success it is without your active involvement.



Meanwhile, "Kids on the Block" came to 3rd grade to teach about different disabilities.  First we met two students.  One was in a wheelchair, and has cerebral palsy.  He talked about what that is and how it impacts his life.

Next, we met Mandy, who taught us what it's like to be deaf.  She taught us some sign language, and the students learned to look directly at her and speak clearly so that she can read their lips.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Mr. McDonald eats BUGS for reading!

Last Friday, Caroline Elementary School reached our monthly reading goal and Mr. McDonald was served a 3-course meal of bugs to celebrate!
Meal worms, chocolate-covered crickets, and sour-cream grasshoppers!
Our new superintendent, Dr. Brown, showed up to be our special chef.
Every student wore a green "Wild About Reading" t-shirt!



For the time being, a video is posted on the homepage of our district's website. "Caroline- Wild About Reading"
In addition, a slideshow of this event can also be seen here in the Ithaca Journal.
Congratulations Caroline School!