Kids for the Bay

Continuing their study of the Bay, the second graders were joined by the fourth graders Thursday December, 20th , in a hands on exploration of the San Francisco Bay. Shefali Shah, with Kids for the Bay, spent almost 4 hours helping Archway students practice good scientific method and explore the Bay without leaving the classroom. Click on the video clip below for more information about the Kids for the Bay program in general and specifically their classroom program. You can also visit their website at kidsforthebay.org.

After discussing the traits of a good scientist, students began their exploration of the bay by studying a satellite map. They identified bodies of water and important landmarks including bridges and islands.

In their first experiment, students placed an egg in containers of fresh and salt water to compare the density of the two. Those who hypothesized that the salt water was more dense proved to be correct. As Maya said, the fresh water is lighter than the egg and the salt water is heavier than the egg.
Following an exploration of the relative density of salt water vs fresh water, students built clay models of the bay inside tubs. They then added blue water to the Pacific Ocean and clear water to the Sacramento River. The two mixed to create a light blue San Fransisco Bay.

The final portion of the program provided an opportunity to explore some bay organisms. First, students used all five senses to develop scientific descriptors of seaweed. They also examined dugeness crab and striped bass up close. Finally, they watched a video, "kids by the bay" that helped them explore how we can help the bay stay healthy.

Aquarium of the Bay Field Trip

Mr. Barry's 2nd grade class took a day to visit the Aquarium of the Bay on San Francisco's Pier 39. The enthusiastic group of students, parents and Archway staff got an early start as we enjoyed a ferry ride from Oakland's Jack London Square.

Aquarium of the Bay is unique in that it focuses exclusively on the marine life and habitats of the San Francisco Bay. Two long tunnels surrounded by 700,000 gallons of water set the pathway for the class, while countless numbers of animals including rays, leopard and sevengill sharks, sturgeon, rock fish, stars and anemones swam(or just hung out) and took turns racing over our heads (How many anchovies were there in the school that circled above us, thousands?). Also on display were developing skate embryos we could see inside, and moon jellies from egg to full grown.

Then it was off to the extremely popular touch pools for some hands-on learning. The very friendly smooth-skinned rays and skates popped their noses out at the kids and spent lots of time visiting. The leopard sharks did not show the same enthusiasm, but did stay still long enough for everyone to get a chance to feel their rougher skin. Finally the multi color stars, and prickly sea urchins offered a marked contrast to the squishy sea cucumbers set in a pool with fresh bay water being piped in every few minutes. (Yes, we did check, the water is run through at least 3 filters and no animals were harmed by the recent oil spill).

After lunch near the pier and some time spent admiring, laughing at and imitating the sounds of the local sea lions, it was time to catch the ferry back home.

The study of aquatic life is ever present in Mr. Barry's class. Everyone on the trip appreciated the opportunity to experience it up close.

Photos and story contributed by Lisa Sturges, mom of Jared, 2nd grade.

Student's From Pacific Boychoir Academy Vist Archway

The Archway Lower School was thrilled to welcome 15 of the Pacific Boychoir Academy students to come sing for us on Thursday, November 29th. Another East Bay Independent School, Pacific Boychoir Academy is a small middle school but has an extensive after school program.

They are now auditioning for boys age 5-9, so please check out their website at http://www.blogger.com/www.pacificboychoiracademy.org. Not only did they share their incredible voices and wonderful spirit, but they taught us about voices and also talked about all the different states and countries they have traveled to on tour. What a remarkable group!

One Hundred Daffodils Find a Home at Archway's Lower Campus

Archway School was 1 of almost 200 groups who signed up to plant a total of 50,000 King Alfred Daffodil Bulbs through a City of Oakland Community Service Project. Our students planted 100 bulbs around the lower campus. These bulbs will be added to the 150,000 planted over the last 3 years. Thanks to these participating groups, come spring, Oakland residents will be able to enjoy more than 200,000 bountiful yellow blooms on hillsides, parks, freeway entrances and exits, outside of schools, libraries and other public open spaces.

Archway students spent some time out of their day cleaning, digging, measuring and planting to make their school and their city more beautiful. Thanks Mr. Barry for arranging this community service project for the children. And thanks Ms Laurel for providing the photos.

Fall Carnival

On Lower Campus, on October 31st, in the final hour of the day, many of the children and Archway staff were in costume. The staff was hosting a variety of fun stations to celebrate the holiday “Carnival” style.

Ms. Kathy was swamped at her bottle making station. Here, children put shiny stuff, floaty stuff, bright stuff etc. in bottles of colored water to beautiful effect.

Ms. Sarah and Ms. Mel helped the children make ghost pops with Tootsie roll pops, markers and Kleenex. I tried to get a couple of ghost shots but they kept disappearing.

Ms. Laurel set up a station with markers, stickers, rub-on transfers and sundry items to decorate bags. These could then be used to stash treats earned at other stations.

Ms. Kym was handing out UNICEF boxes for Archway’s Annual donation. Our goal this year is $600.00. That’s just $5.00 per student . If you have not yet, but wish to contribute, you still can. Give your contribution to Ms. Kym by Monday Nov. 5th.

Mr. Scott was kept busy at the face painting station. It seemed he had many appreciative fans.

Ms. Kelly applied her own artistic talents to helping children select magical components and then build their own wand.

Mr. C.J., at the ghost bean bag throw, and Ms. Riva, at the spider toss, had non-stop customers. Hitting ghost targets taped on the wall and tossing a spider ring so that it landed and stuck in a web earned students a trip to a prize bin. I don’t even have to tell you that these two stations were popular.

Thanks to the Archway staff for giving that extra effort that goes such a long way. These events make wonderful memories for the children. They also provide opportunities for building relationships across grades that is so important in the Archway community.

Music at Archway's Lower Campus

Ms. Jen, Archway’s Music teacher, is off to a tremendous start this year. In two short months she has been busy supporting her students in composing and performing musical pieces and making some of their instruments. Students have created some of their own musical instruments using tins, clay topped skewers (mallots) and filled plastic bottles (shakers) for percussion instruments. She is never lacking in creativity (remember the pvc pipe digeridoos?) or flexibility.

A few members of the fifth grade class decided to start a band this year. The band is called Dark Universe and they gave their first performance at the Walkathon where they provided spectacular entertainment during the lunch break. They have composed their own songs and I am sure they will continue to develop new skills under Ms. Jen’s guidance.

As additional entertainment, the first through 4th graders performed some songs they have been working on in preparation for a performance at the Claremont House.

Both the first and second grades and then the third and fourth grades walked to the Claremont House (retirement home) for a scheduled performances. They arrived to find their audience already seated and waiting for them.

They sang three songs including “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and played a percussion piece which they collaboratively composed.

Also, this week Ms. Jen invited John Imholz, father of Fanya and David, to do a demonstration with a number of string instruments with the 3rd and 4th grade classes.

Thanks Ms. Jen for providing Archway students with these rich and varied musical experiences. And thanks to John, too.

Archway's Walkathon 2007

Another Walkathon has come and gone but the memories (and photos) will linger on. In the true spirit of community, Archway parents, teachers and students all chipped in to make this one a successful event . Many walkers came in costume and I was lucky enough to run into bug first thing in the morning before she decided to ditch her lovely lady bug costume.

I also met up with a small group on patrol

friends walking together

as well as a fairy or two

and many other interesting costumes

Thanks to all of the parents who planned organized and staffed the event and a special thanks to the upper campus students who helped cover some of the corners and the new fun stations. Snow cones were especially popular with tired walkers. We also added popcorn, button making and spin art.

The button/spin art station where walkers could design and create their own button was also quite busy.

The food was delicious and gorgeous. Thanks to those who planned, shopped and cooked to provide the grilled meats, tofu, vegetables and salads.

The walkathon provides a space for families to spend time together walking and talking with each other and with other Archway families. This year we had a sunny and fair day just perfect for visiting and catching up.

At the end of the day my favorite part is seeing students who have given of themselves to support their school and the pride that comes with their accomplishment. The money the students raise from this event goes to support Archways' music and art programs.

See you there next year around the same time and same place!

Walkathon is Coming Sunday, Oct. 21st

If you haven't already, you should definetly mark your calendar for Archway's Walkathon 2007. It's scheduled from 9:00-2:00 at the Oakland Campus on Sunday Oct. 21st. Just sign up some sponsors, show up and walk to be eligible for lots of fun and prizes. Check some of them out below:

Prizes For Lower Campus Students:

Prizes for Lap Walking

Most Laps Walked: Two (2) tickets for Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Every 5 Laps: A ticket for Popcorn or a Sno-cone

Every 10 Laps: A trip to the Grab Bag Station: Win Assorted Prizes
Including: Golden Tee Golfland miniature golf passes, puzzles, games, kick balls, key chains, disc shooters, jewelry, candy and more

30 Laps or More: A Friday lunch and treat with your teacher and an ice cream cone gift certificate


Prizes for Fund Raising

1st Prize: $50 gift card for a toy store

2nd Prize: Three (3) Movie passes

3rd Prize: Two (2) rounds of miniature golf at Golden Tee Golfland

Top Class: An Ice Cream Sundae Party

Prizes For Upper Campus Students:

Prizes for Lap Walking

Most Laps Walked: Recording Artist of your choice Merchandise Gift Package
(Will include: t-shirts, hats, programs and much more)

Every 5 Laps: A ticket for Popcorn or a Sno-cone

Every 10 Laps: A trip to the Grab Bag Station: Win Assorted Prizes
Including: Boomers gift certificates, iTunes gift card, puzzles, games, kick balls, key chains, disc shooters, jewelry, candy and more

30 Laps or More: Off Campus Lunch and Lunch Gift Card

Prizes for Fund Raising

1st Prize: 2 Live Nation Rock Concert Vouchers
(you choose the show)

2nd Prize: $25 Gift Card
(you choose: Old Navy, Gap, iTunes or Cody’s Bookstore)

3rd Prize: $15 Starbucks Gift Card

Top Class: Bowling Party at Albany Bowl

And then just for fun there will be:


Button Making, Spin Art, Face Painting, Tattoos, Candy Give-Aways, Hair Coloring and Dress Up Accessories, Lunch and Live Entertainment (Ms. Jen, Archway's Music Teacher, has been working with a student band that will provide lunchtime entertainment)


If you still haven't signed up to volunteer, just email juliemjonsson@40yahoo.com or marjorieherman@comcast.net and let them know you want to help. And you can always contact Bridget, Archway Director of Development at brivezzo@comcast.net or 517- 6777.

Conflict Managers are Now on Duty

In keeping with Archways' commitment to treating others with consideration and respect, conflict managers are trained to help out on the school yard when they spot trouble. This is both a privilege and a big responsibility for the 4th graders who just completed conflict resolution training.

Mr. Scott, Ms. Sarah Guy and Ms. Kym began by reviewing some attentive listening skills. Students were given a handout called share which provided an acronym for a few skills needed when helping others resolve conflict. These are Shhhh! Stay quiet and still, Hear what others say, Accept what others say, Restate what you heard and Encourage others to speak. In addition, conflict managers were encouraged to help students say how they felt, to accept that there really can be two very different sides to a story and to support students in finding a solution they can both live with. After this skill review, staff role played and resolved a conflict. Students then broke into groups to do their own role playing with each participant getting a chance to manage a conflict.

I count myself as lucky to have been able to witness this instruction. The conflicts were staged but the compassion and earnestness with which these new conflict managers approached their fellow students was heartwarming. Of course, Ms. Kym and Ms. Sarah are always available but teaching students to help each other resolve conflicts is one of the ways Archway shines above and beyond the rest.

These students will now take turns with 2-3 students per day being "on duty". They are encouraged to play and have a good time but to keep an eye out for disharmony. After a week or so they will meet again to review their experiences and learn from each other.

Thank you 4th graders for your willingness to take on new responsiblitlies.

Chalk for Peace

At Archway's lower campus each Friday morning, students come together in multi-age groups called tribes. They explore issues and work on projects in a supportive and cooperative interaction. The result is always interesting and often inspiring.

This weekend, people across the nation, will be working to spread the message of peace. At Archway, students "chalked for peace". It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. On this morning, Archway students worked on images that spoke one word in a very big way.

A Lower Campus FYI from Ms. Kym

Ms. Kym placed a note of general info items in lower campus boxes today. It is reproduced here in case you misplace it or you don't yet know about your box which is in the building referred to as the after school room, the music room, the art room and the building with the basketball goal on it.

9/07/2007

Dear Parents,

Welcome or welcome back to you all! We have completed a very smooth first week of school. It's good to be back. Please feel free to visit or call me if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year!

• We ask that you please check your Parent Cubby, and the Lost and Found bin daily. Both are located n the After School Room.


• PE is on Tuesday and Friday; please make sure that your child is wearing running shoes on these days (and any day that they will be playing actively on the yardor on the climbing structure). In the past, we've had some falls with kids in sandals or thongs.


• Please have your child apply sunscreen in the morning before school. If you feel that they need more during the day, we have sunscreen available, at recess and lunchtime. We will ask the children to re-apply at those times. Please practive putting on sunscreen with your child and speak to them about when you want thwm to put it on during school hours.

Thank you for your help!

Ms. Kym (547-4747 x 21)

An Informative Charade

Out on the yard, ideas, sprout ...










friendships blossom...




And things can get really rotten without a little supervision and a few simple rules to keep everyone safe.



I know many of you have met Ms. Kym by now, but you may not know that she is the law of the land once the children hit the school yard. She is also experienced, kind and firm. Great qualities to have when you are supervising a number of children. She is assisted quite ably out there by Ms. Sarah Guy. Together they keep everyone on track with not only the rules but how to get along and keep recess fun.



This week 3 talented third graders presented the yard rules during lunch through a game of charades.

I thought parents might also like to know the rules. You may even find you’ve been aiding and abetting without knowing it.

• Always let the teacher know where you are. Ask before going into a classroom or bathroom.
  


• No climbing on anything but the “climbing structure” or the lemon tree in the kindergarten yard. No toys in the “climbing structure”.



• No throwing anything but balls. No throwing balls at others, dodge ball, ball tag. The grass area is the quiet, ball free zone.



• No ropes around body parts.



• No pulling others with hula hoops.



• No picking up others, no piggyback rides.



• No bare feet on the yard.



• No personal toys on the yard. No heelies, scooters or skate boards.



• No sharing or trading food. No glass containers. Eating and drinking while sitting in designated areas only.
  


• Pick up and throw away all trash, recycling and compost.