Deasy School first-graders shared their recent research on marine animals, which was highlighted in e-books and projects, with family members on May 16.

The students have been learning about marine animals in STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) class under the guidance of STREAM teacher Giselle Taylor. During class, they paired up and selected a marine animal to research, locating information about the animal’s habitat, their food supply, photos and other interesting facts. Using what they learned, the first-graders used Adobe Spark to create an e-book. They also created their respective animals out of recycled materials on Global Design Day. 

The youngsters were excited to share their e-books and projects with their families. They also enjoyed some light refreshments. Each of the first-grade teachers commended the students on their outstanding work. 

Deasy School kindergartners participated in a mini-lesson about levers during STREAM (science, technology, research, engineering, arts and mathematics) class. The students completed two learning centers as part of the lesson. At the first center, they listened to a Capstone e-book about levers on the iPad and completed an activity book. At the second, they worked together to create a seesaw using the Lego Education Simple Machines kit. The lesson involved the 21st-century skills of critical thinking, communication and collaboration.

Deasy School second-graders went on a deep-sea exhibition using the Google Expeditions virtual reality app during their STREAM (science, technology, research, engineering, art and mathematics) class with teacher Giselle Taylor.

Ms. Taylor served as the “tour guide” as students explored Australia, Fiji and Mexico, learning about different types of sharks. Students listened carefully to descriptions of whale, great white, blacktip reef and Port Jackson sharks, learning about their size and the environment where they live. After the exploration, students selected a shark and typed up what they learned in Seesaw, a digital portfolio app for students. 

According to Ms. Taylor, the virtual reality shark dive was a culminating activity for students learning about sharks through the Flipgrid Explorer Series: Sharks. They also have been learning to type and were able to apply those skills to the assignment.        

Deasy School integrated co-special education teachers Katie Drennan and Sue Seltzer rallied the Deasy staff in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month, which is celebrated during the month of April. Both teachers expressed the need for education and understanding of this disability. The Deasy staff will “light it up blue” every Monday by wearing their autism awareness T-shirts. The teachers will also be sharing books and appropriate primary videos with their students to hopefully raise awareness and acceptance.

To combat the busy schedules of families, the district has implemented a monthly Family Night. On Family Night, students will not be assigned any homework from their classroom teachers, allowing their families to preplan fun activities, without interruption.

Family Night will be held on the following dates:
Oct. 25        Jan. 31          April 18
Nov. 22        Feb. 14         May 23
Dec. 20        March 21       June 13