Charter-ing a New Course at Hampton

Elementary Charter School

Debra Collins Principal

David Barber Assistant Principal

Hampton Elementary School

10 Central Avenue

Hampton, GA 30228

Phone: (770) 946-4345

Fax: (770) 946-3472

HENRY COUNTY, GA – In referencing their tagline “Full STEAM Ahead,” one

would quickly see the Hampton Elementary conversion charter train has been moving

towards a goal of recognition and approval by the State Board of Education over the

past few years.

They finally reached their destination this winter after gaining the stamp of approval

from both the Henry County and State Boards of Education. However, the steam has

not dissipated in the least since crossing the latest achievement marker. This is just the

beginning of their journey.

Principal Dr. Debra Collins is the proud conductor guiding this school’s educational

engine. She knows through this new charter that Hampton Elementary will be able to

take off and cover more ground for the educational betterment of her students and staff.

STEAM is the popular acronym translating to science, technology, engineering, arts,

and mathematics. Each component represents an area of strong importance and focus

for today’s educational setting. Part of that same educational setting has many

educators looking to explore and expand techniques to help make a greater impact on

student achievement. That is where the charter component enters the picture.

A charter school is one that enters into an agreement with an educational board or

authority to reach certain achievement levels in exchange for flexibility in various

aspects of the school’s operation. Many charter schools are brand new schools, but

several traditional schools are making the switch and becoming conversion charter

schools. Hampton Elementary is the second such school to make the transition in the

Henry County School System.

“Putting the Child First”

Full STEAM Ahead! March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

School becomes second conversion charter school in Henry County School System

Continued...

Page 2 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Charter-ing a New Course, continued...

Just like the first conversion charter school in the district, Hampton Elementary Charter

School will still remain a part of the Henry County School System, and attendance lines

will not change. The students of the community and school zone are already proving

they are up to the task of the increased expectations as well.

The plan for the school’s new focus started small in the first year of the three-year

process. It first took a committed effort from the teachers and staff of the school to

make things possible.

“We started by adding additional fine arts classes to the schedule with our upper

grades,” said Collins.

After just the first year of exploration, the results were hard to ignore.

“At the end of that year, the students who participated in the extra classes not only

outscored their peers on the CRCT at HES but also their peers in Henry County, so we

knew we were on to something.”

The journey had started, and there was no looking back – and for good reason.

“The next year, we added a STEAM class once a week, and again our CRCT scores

rocketed. This school year, we added STEAM classes twice a week and applied for the

charter knowing that we are on the right path for the students that we serve.”

Along the way, excitement for the movement to a redesigned school was gained by

showcasing the efforts and ultimate goal to the community. Community input is

crucial, and the energy was multiplied each time the ideas were shared with local

government, community members, and families with kids already at the school.

What child or school community member would not be excited about the new classes

that are being introduced to this long-standing school? There are more high-impact

classes on the way.

Cosmetology, science labs, computer skills, engineering, robotics, dance, percussion,

chorus, advanced art, problem-solving, horticulture, and creative stitchery are just a few

of the examples of new classes that will provide STEAM Stations and project-based

learning for students.

The school is looking forward to moving further down the tracks to success for current

and future students. It all started with a desire to search for more for the students of this

anchor school in Henry County. One milestone has been achieved and several more are

on the way.

For more information on Hampton Elementary Charter School, visit

www.henry.k12.ga.us/he.

Respectfully,

Page 3 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

The Family Resource Center

The HES Family Resource Center is located on the front hall, Room #202 across from

the Media Center. We are open every day 7:30 a.m.—3:00 p.m. If you need to come

after hours, just let us know!

We have over 1250 resources available to keep or to check out to use at home with your

child: educational games, practice books, books-on-tape, parenting books, lots of free

parenting tip brochures, and so much more. If you have a concern about a subject we

probably have a resource that would help you and your child. If we don’t have what you

need, let us know and we will try and get it for you. The FRC is your center. We hope

you’ll stop by, say hello, and see all that we have to offer.

El Centro de Recursos para la Familia

El Centro de Recursos para la Familia HES se encuentra en el vestíbulo de entrada,

Salón # 202 frente al Centro de Medios. Estamos abiertos todos los días de

7:30 am - 3:00 pm Si usted necesita para llegar después de horas, sólo háganoslo saber!

Tenemos más de 1.250 recursos disponibles para mantener o de revisar para usar en

casa con su hijo: juegos educativos, libros de práctica, libros-on-tape, libros para

padres, un montón de folletos punta de crianza libres, y tanto más. Si usted tiene alguna

preocupación acerca de un tema es probable que tenga un recurso que le ayudará a

usted ya su hijo. Si no tenemos lo que usted necesita, háganoslo saber y vamos a tratar

de conseguirlo para usted. El FRC es su centro. Esperamos que pase por, decir hola, y

ver todo lo que tenemos para ofrecer.

* También contamos con los recursos disponibles en español.

Family Resources

This month’s Family Resource Center specials

Centro de Recursos Familiares especiales de este mes

The following free pamphlets are available to the first 25 family members who request

them:

Los siguientes folletos gratuitos están disponibles para el primeros miembros 25

familiares que lo soliciten:

“Talk and Listen to Children”

“Hablar y escuchar a los niños”

“Build Responsibility in Children”

“Desarrollar la responsabilidad en los niños”

Continued...

Page 4 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Family Resource Center specials, cont’d...

Centro de Recursos Familiares especiales, cont’d...

To request these free pamphlets:

Visit the Family Resource Room

Contact your child’s teacher

Call the school office @ 770-946-4345 or

E-mail jbradley@henry.k12.ga.us

Para solicitar estos folletos gratuitos:

Visite la Sala de Recursos de la Familia

Comuníquese con el maestro de su hijo

Llame a la oficina de la escuela @

770-946-4345 or

E-mail jbradley@henry.k12.ga.us

Love and Logicisms (Wise Words about Kids)

From Love and Logic

When kids say, “Mary’s

mom doesn’t make her do

chores,” wise parents smile

and say, “well that’s really

sad for Mary. Aren’t you

glad I love you enought to

expect more of you?”

Do not pay your

kids for

completing their

chores.

YOU are the MOST important person in your child’s

education. YOU are the biggest influence on your child’s

life. Use that influence to put your child on the pathway to

success!

Page 5 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Tips for Increasing Your Brain Power

Fractions of Fun

Understanding fractions is much easier when your child can visualize them. Here are

ideas to help him/her see and use fractions.

Keep a diary: Show him/her that fractions are a part of everyday life. For a week, have

your child record and illustrate each one he/she notices. For instance, your child might

write, “We ate a half a pizza for lunch,” or “Mom asked for 1 1/3 pounds of turkey at

the store.” How many examples can your child find and draw?

Play a game: Have each player cut a sheet of construction paper into six horizontal

strips. Your child should leave the first one whole and then cut the second one in half

(fold it, and cut along the fold, and the others into thirds, fourths, sixths, and eights.

With bits of masking tape, label a die: ½, 1/3, ¼, 1/6, 1/8, and “wild”. To play, roll the

die, and lay the matching piece of paper on your whole strip (for “wild” choose any

piece). The goal is to be the first one to fill your strip without overlapping any pieces

(example: ½ + ¼ + ¼ = 1 whole strip).

Put in order: together, make a set of fraction cards, with one fraction per index card

(1/4, ½, ¾, 1, 1 ¼, 1 ½, 1 ¾, 2). Shuffle the cards, and see how quickly your child can

put them in order. Then, while your child closes his/her eyes, lay the cards in order but

leave out a few. Give him/her the missing cards, and have him/her put them where they

go.

Article from Math + Science Connection

Page 6 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Hampton Elementary Receives $200.00 from

The School Newsletter Company

Hampton Elementary received its first donation of $200.00 for the publishing of their

school newsletter. The School Newsletter Company helps schools create their monthly

newsletters. Businesses advertise in the newsletter. The company then donates part of

their profit received from advertisements to the school. Hampton Elementary looks

forward to working with The School Newsletter Company on future monthly

newsletters. A big thank you to this company for enabling our community school to

earn money for the education of children in the Hampton community.

Page 7 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Roofing Residential Commercial

770-872-4696 www.excel-build.com

155 Westridge Pkwy Suite 223;

McDonough, GA 30253

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART EVENT AT HAMPTON

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A SUCCESS!

On Friday, February 14, 2014, students at Hampton Elementary School jumped all over

heart disease and stroke by par ticipating in Jump Rope For Hear t. The students

raised more than $3,000.00 for the American Heart Association, which funds research,

programs and education to fight heart disease and stroke, our nation’s No. 1 and No. 4

killers.

“I’m so overjoyed with the success of this year’s event,” said Ms. Watkins, Jump Rope

For Heart coordinator. “We all had a lot of fun, and the kids enjoyed learning about the

importance of physical activity and how they can play a role in saving lives.”

The American Heart Association’s Youth Director stated that is awesome you all

raised over $3000.00 in seven weeks. We are so proud of Hampton Elementary

School for supporting the American Heart Association for 25 years!

Jump Rope For Heart is a program that promotes physical activity and heart health

through jumping rope. It is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

To make a donation or to find out more about Jump Rope For Heart, call your nearest

American Heart Association office at (local phone #) or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-

242-8721). You can also visit us online at heart.org/jump.

“Thank you students, parents, faculty/staff and community for your outstanding

support helping the American Heart Association continue research on heart

disease and strokes”.

Page 8 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Jump Rope for Heart Top Fundraisers for 2013-2014

Thanks for donating $3,111.96 to the American Heart Association

Jump Rope for Heart event. The funds we raised will help the

American Heart Association continue research for cardiovascular

disease and stroke.

Please congratulate the following top fundraisers on each grade

level:

(They will receive trophies for their outstanding accomplishments)

Kindergarten:

1st Place: Peyton Ledoux-Hall

2nd Place: Karina Brooks-Tucker

3rd Place: Dylan Dingler-Jones

First Grade:

1st Place: Kaedin Weeks-Blake

2nd Place: Athyn Warren-Myrick

3rd Place: Jude Ellis-Myrick

Second Grade:

1st Place: Karla Brooks-Browning

2nd Place: Carlos Cubeas-Castle

3rd Place: Franky Holcomb-Castle

Third Grade:

1st Place: Alexis Parker-Chhom

2nd Place: Walker Watson-Phillips

3rd Place: Weston Petty-Reeves

Fourth Grade:

1st Place: Miranda Williams-Ellis

2nd Place: Alyssa Willey-Ellis

3rd Place: Hannah Hall-Little

Fifth Grade:

1st Place: Williams Carpenter-Bremer

2nd Place: Hunter Watson-Bremer

3rd Place: Brittany Wood-Mays and

Logan Dickherber-Olthoff

The top contributor for Hampton Elementary School is Kaedin Weeks in Mrs.

Blake’s class

Thanks again for helping our students maintain a HEALTHY HEART!

HEART POWER= BRAIN POWER!

Ms. Watkins

Physical Education Instructor

Page 9 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Classrooms

Mrs. Maddox’s class participated in the Reading Renaissance’s “Read the Most from

Coast to Coast.” We helped to break the record for taking the most AR Quizzes in one

day!

More than 30,000 educators took part in Read the Most from Coast to Coast. Students

will receive a certificate of participation for helping to break last year’s record. This

year over 4,987,949 AR quizzes were taken! Our class is very excited to have been a

part of this!

Page 10 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

San Diego Mexican Restaurant

678-583-4003

4959 Bill Gardner Pkwy Suite 101 Locust Grove, GA 30248

www.sandiegomexrest.com

Free Cheese Dip

With purchase of Adult Entree

Bring or Show

this Coupon

Click for

Menu

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts,

and Math) Classes

These STEAM Dance Teams

performed at the Black History

Program on February 28th

Girls and Pearls STEAM Station

The Girls and Pearls STEAM station has had

some exciting events this month! First, we had

our school’s principal, Dr. Collins, as a guest

speaker. The girls prepared questions about her

career as a female principal. She spent the hour

discussing her role in the education field and

how she has become a leader in field that once

was predominantly male-dominated. We learned

that our principal’s favorite part of her job is the

flexibility in scheduling and being able to be part

of so many children’s lives. The girls in our STEAM station enjoyed hearing about her

role in the education field and were able to think about occupations that they may one

day partake in.

To end our Girls and Pearls STEAM station, we

hosted a Tea Party. The students were able to

demonstrate their table manners as they dined on

snacks and sipped juice from fancy tea cups. The

students have learned so much about careers,

goal setting, making and breaking habits, making

good first impressions and have gained self-

confidence. Here’s to a great session with a

fantastic group of girls!

Page 11 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Students will be showcasing what they have learned in

their STEAM Class.

Families are invited and encouraged to attend.

Save the

Date

Steam Night

March 25, 2014

5:30 – 8:00 PM

Page 12 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Connection Classes

PE Teacher, Ms. Watkins, teaches HES students Healthy

Habits

Students of the Month

Each month a student is chosen by each homeroom teacher. This student is chosen

because they have displayed good character, and for their accomplishments during the

month. They are recognized by the school with a special breakfast in their honor.

Students receive rewards from some of our Partners in Education.

February 2014 Students of the Month 1st Row: Brianna Kennedy, Hannah Pihl, Isabella Langston

2nd Row: Emily Robinson, Allec Walker, Layla Huggins, Johnathan Cook, Madeline

Arnold, Nia Bryant

3rd Row: America Padilla, Ja’Liyah Crockett, Tania Williams, Neveah Dawson,

Miranda Williams Continued...

Page 13 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Students of the Month, continued...

March 2014 Students of the Month

1st Row: Samuel Julmisse, Cara Bodie, Alexis Parker, Jasmine Felenos, Omarion Rowe

2rd Row: Torion Wiley, Athyn Warren, Anastasia Engel, Belle Turner, Blake

Higginbotham, Caylon Yielding, Kimberly Vences, Steve Blake, Anna Grant (Absent)

School Council

School Council Members

Theresa Burge, teacher representative Dr. Debra Collins, principal

Zakery Daniel, business partner Amy Hall, teacher representative

MaryAnne Mitchem, business partner Krista Nelson, parent representative

Christi Palmer, chairperson & Erin Studstill, parent representative

parent representative

School Council Meetings

February 27, 2014 8:00 AM

March 27, 2014 5:30 PM

May 8, 2014 8:00 AM

Parent Vision Team Members

Twanna Anderson

Terrence Lewis

Christy Palmer

Karrie Brooks

Cagney Lopez

Mirna Ponce

Cecelius Gant

Tiffany Maher

Kim Skelton

Gabriela Mendizabal

Reminder

Next Parent Vision Team Meeting Thursday, March 20, 2014

5:30 PM Room 206

Page 14 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Stay Current!

Please let the school office know if phone numbers change as it is

imperative to have current phone numbers to contact parents/guardians in

cases of emergencies or concerns. One of the ways that we communicate

with families is through the phone message system, and the message system

can only be successful if we have accurate phone numbers in our system.

So, if you change your phone number, please contact the school office and

update your information.

School Hours

School Hours for students – 7:45 AM to 2:25 PM. Students who arrived to school

after 7:45 AM should be escorted to the office by a parent/guardian and signed in.

Attendance to school is of the utmost importance! Please have your student at school on

time each and every day!

Morning supervision begins at 7:15 AM. Students are not to be dropped off before

7:15 AM. No staff members are on duty before 7:15 AM. The front doors will be

locked until 7:15 AM.

School Program. Dismissal begins at 2:25 PM. Car riders should be picked up in the

front of the school. Students who remain at the school after 2:45 PM should be enrolled

in the Afterschool Program.

Your Ad Here

Hampton Elementary 3 Rules

Ready!

Responsible!

Respectful!

Page 15 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Georgia Walk to School Day @ Hampton

Elementary

Wednesday, March 5th over 50 families walked to Hampton Elementary School for

Georgia Walk to School Day. They were supporting “Safe Routes to School”. By

walking not only were they helping the environment, but keeping their bodies healthy.

Even thought it was a cold morning, they still walked. When they arrived at the school

they entered the “HES Café” where they could enjoy pastries and hot chocolate or

coffee while they rested at a café table covered with white linen table cloths. It is a true

blessing to be a part of a community school where families can walk with their children

to school.

Family Fun Night

Over 100 people attended Family Fun Night Thursday, February 27th at Hampton

Elementary School.

Some of the activities they enjoyed were:

A dinner of hot chili, baked potatoes,

salad, tea and lemonade

Making a homework box to take home to

keep them organized for their homework

Making and playing literacy games

Making and playing math games

Playing games in the gym

Visiting the Family Resource Center for

dessert as they left all the fun to go home.

Continued...

Page 16 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Family Fun Night, continued...

This event would not have been possible without the Hampton Elementary’s faculty

and staff who gave of their time to make this possible. A BIG thank you goes out to:

David Barber, Delinda Bell, Lamona Bryant, Theresa Burge, Judy Castle, Debbie

Collins, Sharon Ehle, Graham Fletcher, Jerrie Hill, Maria Lamb, Barbara Myrick,

Jeretha Thomas, Merry Watkins, and Joyce Bradley.

There are games from Family Fun Night available in the Family Resource Center.

You may contact Mrs. Bradley at 770-946-4345 or jbradley@henry.k12.ga.us for

information on how to receive them free of charge.

You may also use your smart phone and the QR code below to access all games on

HES Web Page

Your Ad Here

March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter Page 17

March Calendar

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Saturday

School

(grades 3-5)

8:30-11:30

2

3 SIEP 2:25-4:30

4 Odyssey of the Mind

Team

2:25 – 4:00

5 Georgia Walk to School

Day

Georgia Writing Assess-

ment

Odyssey of the Mind

Team

2:25—4:00

SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

6 PTO Talent Show Practice

2:25 – 4:00

7 PTO Donut Sale

School Dance

2:25 – 4:30

8 Saturday

School

(grades 3-5)

8:30-11:30

9 Daylight

Savings

Time

10 Regular School Day

SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

11 Fifth Grade 4H

Odyssey of the Mind

Team

2:25 – 4:00

12 Fifth Grade Cap and

Gown Pictures

Student Council Meeting

during lunch

Odyssey of the Mind

Team

2:25 – 4:00

SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

13 PTO Talent Show Practice

2:25 – 4:00

14 PTO Donut Sale

PTO Talent Show 1:00 &

7:00

Grade Period Ends

15 Saturday

School

(grades 3-5)

8:30 – 11:30

Odyssey of the

Mind

Competition in

Lilburn

16

17 St. Patrick’s Day

Chess Club

2:25 – 3:30

Athletic Club

2:25 – 4:00

SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

18

19 SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

STEAM Stations

20 First Day of Spring

Spelling Bee (grades 2 &

3) 8:30

Rockin’ Girls Book Club

2:25

Parent Vision Team

Meeting 5:30

21 PTO Donut Sale

Spelling Bee (grade 1)

8:30

STEAM Stations

22 Saturday

School

(grades 3-5)

8:30 – 11:30

23

24 Book Fair

Fox in Socks Day – wear

your favorite socks

SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

25 Book Fair

Who Day – wear your hair

in a wacky fashion

Report Cards Go Home

School Science Fair

(grades 4 & 5)

STEAM Station Night

Program 5:30 – 7:30

26 Book Fair

Sleep Book Day – wear

your favorite PJs

STEAM Stations

SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

27 Book Fair

Guest Reader Day

Cat in the Hat Day – wear

your favorite hat

School Council 5:30 PM

28 Book Fair

PTO Chick-fil-a Biscuit

Sale

Student of the Month 8:00

AM

Book Character Dress Up

Day

Character Parade 8:30

STEAM Stations

29 Saturday

School

(grades 3-5)

8:30 – 11:30

30

31 SIEP 2:25 – 4:30

Notes:

Page 18 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Yearbooks on Sale

Hey Hornets!

The 2013/2014 Yearbooks are on sale for only $13.00. Don’t Miss Out on this one of a

kind memory book! Sale ends April 1, 2014.

Buy a yearbook ad! Purchase a yearbook ad to honor a special Hornet! Tell your child

how proud you are with a Yearbook Recognition Ad. Share favorite childhood photos,

stories and more with a personal message that will be printed in the yearbook and

treasured forever.

Ads for sale!

$30 Full Page for students $50 Full Page for businesses $20 Half Page

$15 Quarter Page $10 Eighth page $5 Single line “shout out” (text only/no photos)

Look What Students Are Achieving at Hampton

Elementary School!

HES Students Take 1st Place in Henry County Schools

STOCK MARKET GAME

Hampton Elementary School 4th & 5th grade TAG classes participated in The Stock

Market Game sponsored by the Georgia Council for Economics Education. This was

the first time HES has participated! HES was well represented with FOUR teams in the

top 10, including FIRST place! Congratulations to all those who participated.

Continued...

1st Place Team: Jason Tanner, Jimena Montero, Endya

Redding (not pictured)

7th Place Team:(Not Pictured) Tierra Bailey,

Brianna Carter, Bethany Green, America Padilla

9th Place Team: Nicholas Brown, Jacob Downing,

Sophia Haner

13th Place Team: Miranda Williams, Avery

Crockett, Justyce Smith

Page 19 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Look What Students Are Achieving, continued...

26th Place Team: Austin Jones, Josh Magness

(not pictured)

27th Place Team: Jaden Augustine, Kimyah

Skelton, Balarie Padilla, Alyssa Willey

83rd Place Team: Kimberly Vences, Taneisha Simon, Jessie

Sineath (not pictured)

89th Place Team: Brandon Bogle, Eri Renteria,

Chris Hudson

Reader of the Year Winners

Congratulations to these students who won Reader of

the Year for Hampton Elementary School! They

were honored at the Henry Heritage Reader of the

Year ceremony on February 25, 2014.

Extra special congratulations to Alejandro Mendez who

won the Lindy Lopez-Butner Award (awarded to

students for who English is their second language) at

the state level!! WOW! Below please read Alejandro’s

entry essay.

Continued...

Page 20 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Look What Students Are Achieving, continued...

Your Ad Here

Student Grade Award Nominating

Teacher

Jamarion

Franklin

1 READER OF THE YEAR Myrick

Landon Stowe 2 READER OF THE YEAR Browning

Walker Witchey 2 READER OF THE YEAR Castle

Samantha

Guaderrama

3 LINDY LOPEZ-BUTNER

(ENGLISH AS A SECOND

LANGUAGE)

Reeves

Bryan Ponce 3 READER OF THE YEAR Reeves

America

Padilla

4 LINDY LOPEZ-BUTNER

(ENGLISH AS A SECOND

LANGUAGE)

Little

Jessie Sineath 4 READER OF THE YEAR Little

Alejandro

Mendez

STATE

WINNER

5 LINDY LOPEZ-BUTNER

(ENGLISH AS A SECOND

LANGUAGE)

Kotsalis

Ella Nelson 5 READER OF THE YEAR Andrews

Elisandra

Salgado

5 LINDY LOPEZ-BUTNER

(ENGLISH AS A SECOND

LANGUAGE)

Mays

Continued...

Page 21 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

Look What Students Are Achieving, continued...

Alejandro Mendez

What Reading Means to Me!

Reading, to me, means grabbing a book and opening it up. A book is like a chest, if you

open it up, you will find all sorts of treasures, like in a chest. It has all sorts of

information and stories. It can tell stories and put pictures in your mind. Your brain is

like a cup and stories are like juice and water. When you read a book, the stories are

poured into your brain and it is feeding your brain new information that might help you

throughout your entire life. Reading is like a meal for your brain. Your brain needs the

information. The more information you read, the bigger the meal is and the bigger your

brain gets. Your brain is trying to pack all the information inside!

Reading is special because if you are having a hard time or if something is happening,

you can always find a book and read it and it might make you happy. You can read to

learn or you can read for enjoyment. When my dog Lucas died, we were very sad. Then

I read a book that I loved to read and that really helped me. It got my mind off the death

of Lucas and made me happy. Books can heal. When a tornado was happening one

time, we went to a friend’s house and I was really scared. I took a book and read while

the tornado was happening. The book made me feel safe and confident that we were

going to survive.

I like to read books that are informational. For example, I am currently into books about

vegetables and the mysterious jellyfish. I like to plant stuff in my little family garden

and reading about veggies gives me more knowledge of what to do and to perfect my

garden. Jellyfish are just so mysterious. They have no brain, no heart, no blood, no

nervous system. They are just very odd.

When I read fiction books, I read books that are funny and that are appealing to me. I

do like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. They are so funny because they tell about

things that might happen and they are so funny. I have read the entire series and this

weekend I am getting the newest book in the series.

I Reading Week 3/24-28/2014

Monday: “Fox in Socks” Sock Day

Tuesday: “Who Day” Wear crazy clothes and “Who Hair”

Book Swap in the cafeteria from 7:15-7:55

Family Fiesta STEAM Showcase Night

Wednesday: “The Sleep Book” PJ Day

Book Swap in the cafeteria from 7:15-7:55

Thursday: “Cat in the Hat Day” Hat Day

Guest Reader Day!!

Friday: Character Day Parade…dress as a BOOK character

Continued...

Page 22 March 2014 Hampton Elementary School Newsletter

I Reading Week 3/24-28/2014, continued...

A Reading Festival

BOOK FAIR!

Door decorating contest! The best/most

creative book themed door in each grade

level will win a prize from the book fair!

Caught Ya’ Reading! Photographers will be out and about looking to catch folks

reading! A fun bulletin board outside the media center will display these

photographs!

Book Drive! Donate gently used books!

ARTS ALIVE

April 4, 2014