Landstown Mind Vine

     As a culminating event to the Conservation Creative Problem Solving task that students in Ms. Saunders’ classes spent a few months working on, they got to talk with an environmentalist from the community.  Ms. Ameila Baker, owner of the Green Alternatives general store housed in the Five Points Community Farmer’s Market in Norfolk spoke with the children.  After having the students play a game about the environment, Ms. Baker spoke with the children about the language, skills, and products of an environmentalist.  Students learned that, while you can make a living as an environmentalist, you can become an environmentalist–even at age 10–by simply modeling eco-friendly behaviors and inspiring others to follow your lead!

    In addition to suggesting and implementing several conservation solutions around the school such as notes posted on the recylcling cans informing everyone of what can and can not be recycled, weekly tips and reminders about conserving water and electricity and a proposal to switch from soap and water to hand sanitizer to name a few, students entered a contest using the CPS project. 

     The We Can Change the World contest sponsered by the National Science Teachers Association, Discovery Education and Siemen’s encourages students to find an authentic environmental problem in their school or community that they can work towards fixing.  The research and problem solving that students completed for the CPS task in fourth grade seemed like a great fit for the contest.  So, a small group from each of the fourth grade cluster classes worked with Ms. Cabotaje to complete applications that represented the entire class’ work.  Though we’re not expecting to win a big prize, seeing how classroom work transfers to real-world competitions was a great experience!

School champ, Jamir H., considers his next move

Ashley S. watches her opponent closely

The Woman’s Club in Norfolk

Josh M. waits for his partner's next move

     Five months of bridge lessons were brought to an end with an in-school tournament and an intercollegiate tournament.  One boy and one girl from each of the fifth grade cluster classes who had earned the most points were named bridge champ and presented with a trophy.  The winners from Ms. Swager’s homeroom were Cassidy A. and Jamir H.  The top bridge players from Ms. Sykes’ homeroom were Kianna M. and Louie B.  Congratulations!  Every student received a certificate in recognition of their completion of the bridge program.

     Eight students represented Landstown Elementary in the intercolegiate American Contract Bridge League Tournament that was held at the Woman’s Club in Norfolk on Saturday, March 27, 2010.  Ten schools from Norfolk and one from Virginia beach were represented.  Cassidy A., Josh M., Louie B., Mary F., Jamir H., Natalie N., Angel W., and Ashley S. took third place in the tournament.  Way to represent Landstown, bridge champs!

     Help keep your child’s bridge skills fresh.  Bridge is a game to be enjoyed by the whole family!

     In tough budget times, it is more important than ever to stay informed about the services available to your gifted child.  The Gifted Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  is a local advisory committee comprised of parents, students, members of the community, and gifted resource teachers from Virginia Beach City Schools. The primary purpose of the committee is to advise the School Board of the educational needs of all gifted students in the division.  The CAC meets the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

     The CAC is looking for parents to serve on the committee.  Do you want to help ensure that high quality gifted services continue to be delivered in Virginia Beach Schools?  Are you interested in advocating for your gifted child as well as others in the city?  If you would like more information, please contact the Office of Gifted Education at 263-1405.   The CAC needs high quality parents like you!