Musicians in our Midst

Ms. Jen, our music teacher, is always seeking out new venues to allow Archway's music students to perform. As a result of her vigilance three Archway students were invited to participate in a Summer Recital at St. Paul's School. Avery, Mikayla and Sierra from the second and third grades performed pieces on the piano. I only wish I could have contolled the lighting and had a better camera (it's on my list). The students were delightful and I thought you might enjoy hearing them play if not seeing them clearly.

Moonlight Mist (Traditional)
Ocean (Traditional)


The Call of the Horn (Traditional)


Lavender's Blue (Traditional)
When the Saints Go Marching In (Traditional)

Science Soars!

Do you remember your middle school science classes? If you were very lucky, it might have been a little bit like science at Archway. This is where learning also involves doing. Ms. Barbara teaches science at the Upper Campus and she invited me to watch students attempt to launch hot air balloons they had made in the classroom using tissue paper and glue sticks.

On my first visit, I watched the seventh graders try diligently to send their balloon sailing. After lighting four cans of sterno, Ms. Barbara placed a charcoal chimney on top of them to funnel the heated air up into the balloons. Unfortunately, they couldn't get enough hot air into their balloon on this windy and rapidly warming day to send it sailing. These were not ideal conditions for this particular experiment and in the end they had to bow to the elements and resolve to try again another day.

I returned the following day to see the eigth graders. In contrast to the previous day, this one was chilly and overcast with a slight breeze. In other words, just about perfect. There were two balloons to be launched made by two different work groups. Watch the video below to see how the launches went.

Pretty cool, huh? I can't wait to make one of these at home. Don't forget to attach fishing line so you can keep it from flying away. The first launchers retrieved their balloon and were trying to repair it enough for one more flight and the second group was already trying again when I had to leave. Many thanks to Ms. Barbara and the 7th and 8th graders for inviting me and my cameras to document this exhilirating experiment.

Got Basketball?

Did you know Archway School had not one, but two basketball teams? Well, they do, or did, until the season ended in February. Thanks to Mr. Saul and Mr. Boris who generously gave of their time to coach a boys and a girls team in the Middle School Sports League (MSSL), a number of Archway students had the opportunity to play league basketball this year. Archway teams played basketball against local teams from Park Day, Bentley, St Pauls, Windrush, Hillcrest, Julia Morgan, The Academy, Redwood Day, and Athenian. The boys team played eight games and the girls team played seven. Playing for the boys are Daron, Winn, Chris, David, Julien, and Teo. Playing for the girls are Yuly, Natasha, Felicia, Masha, Rosie, Brianna, Julia, Elena, Irene, and Lauren. (Players are not listed as pictured above).

I was able to attend the last games for the boys and the girls teams. The boys played Park Day in an exciting battle that was decided in the final seconds. Archway dominated the first half leading by more than 20 points at one time but Park Day came alive in the second half and chipped away at the lead. A last second score tied the game sending things into overtime. Park Day sunk a basket for 2 points in the final 2 seconds of play. This was basketball at it's best, with excitment running high throughout the game.




The girls played their last game of the season at Bentley. Things looked tough when a bigger, older and more experienced varsity team took the court against them. Things just got tougher when the whistle blew, but the Archway girls played every play as though it was the most important one. The Archway fans cheered them through to the end and I was proud to be there with them. They represented themselves and their school with pride, determination and an adamant refusal to quit.




With the season coming to an end you won't get to see these teams play again until next year. But when basketball season starts again and you're itching to watch some hoops, these are two teams worth seeing. They are truly inspiring athletes inside and out.

Trout That Teach

Mr. Barry and his students have once again been welcoming aquatic life into their classroom. As some of you already know Mr. Barry likes to fish. When he heard about a program through the Department of Fish and Game where teachers and students could raise trout and even salmon for local release he was hooked. Just click on the video below to hear Mr. Barry explain the program.

So, the Grizzly Peak Flyfishers of Kensington provides the tank, and the Department of Fish and Game provides the eggs and monitors teacher progress. Archway students provide enthusiasm, curiosity and care. They observe the trout’s growth and movements as topics for descriptive writing assignments. They are also responsible for recording water temperature.

On a Thursday, late in February, the children and their drivers including Mr. Barry went to Lake Temescal during lunch to release their trout. Each student was responsible for releasing one baby trout and had the option to send them off with a name. There was Sheila, Charzar, Something, lots of little Barrys and a few others. After lunch there was enough time for a hike around the lake and some raft building and rock climbing before heading back to Archway.

Thank you Mr. Barry for bringing this project to Archway and for inviting me to the release. I enjoyed watching the children wish their babies well.

Lunch at the Park

It was a gorgeous day today. I hope you were able to get out in the sunshine for a little while. Not only was I able to be out but I spent that time with the Upper Campus students.

When I got to upper campus, the eigth graders were selling pizza to earn money toward their Washington DC trip. Keep in mind that Archway School with the Warriors Night is fast approaching so reserve your tickets by February 15th to show your support for the 8th graders. I can't make the game so I made a small donation to the pizza crew. I know they would appreciate any other donations as well.

After the pizza, everyone headed to the park to soak up some sun and I just happen to have my camera with me. So..... enjoy some photos.

Chinese New Year Dragon Parade

Each year, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, Ms. Kym and her Early Birds (students in before care) build and decorate the Dragon's head. It is then attached to its body which is a long piece of red material with loop handles. This years' head was especially realistic utilizing faux reptile skin. This simple event is exciting for the children and reminds our friends down Piedmont Avenue that Archway School is still in the neighborhood. I always enjoy walking with the parade and getting a few photos to share.

Lower Campus Holds Mock Elections

Students at the lower campus spent some of their time today learning about the election process. They found out who the candidates are and were then given an opportunity to vote.

It seems almost everyone had an opinion. The polls closed promptly after snack time with 98% of the students present casting a vote. Here are the results:

• Barack Obama won 72% of the votes



• Hillary Clinton came in second with 22%



• John McCain, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney got 2% each



• The remaining candidates recieved 0%
  

If you are curious about what the children had to say on election day, check out these video clips: