Breaking Ground on the Evans' Garden

This week, students started construction on the Evans Garden. Teachers, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Thompson wrote a grant hoping to get the garden funded. They had success! The grant was funded and students have began building. The garden will be composed of nine raised flower beds and will grow a variety of plants and crops throughout each school year. Check out the garden progress below. 

Painting with Mr. Terry Morrow

On Tuesday, December 18th, many 5th grade GATE students had the opportunity to learn from artist, Terry Morrow. Mr. Morrow came and taught students all about art as they each painted Frosty the Snowman. Mr. Morrow is related to Courtney Morrow, one of our own GATE students. What a treat!  Check out the pictures below!   

GATE students decorate Central Office Christmas Tree

All the GATE students in Albertville created DOT ornaments in honor of International Dot Day back in September.  This fun day of celebration was centered around Peter Reynolds' book, The Dot. On the Friday before Thanksgiving, all three GATE teachers gathered at the Albertville Board of Education to decorate the tree using our creative DOTS! See if you can spot your dot!  The ornaments are made from different mediums:  watercolors, markers, glitter, "good junk", Zentangle designs, paint, and more! 

Cont. Cardboard Extravaganza = Success

On October 30th, parents, family and friends were invited to come and play all the cardboard arcade games created by the EES GATE students.  It was quite the success! 

Guntersville Dam Field Trip

On October 29th, the fifth grade GATE students at Evans Elementary had the rare opportunity to tour and visit the Guntersville Dam. This semester, students are learning and studying about invention and innovation. While taking the tour, students learned more about the innovation of electricity and how the Guntersville Dam plays a vital role in how electricity powers the homes we live in. Students enjoyed hearing from plant manager, Chip Troy and public relations specialist, Kristine Cooper as they led us on our unforgettable tour. 

2015 Global Cardboard Challenge

This year, EES GATE participated in the Global Cardboard Challenge, inspired by Caine's Arcade. The Global Cardboard Challenge promotes critical and creative thinking as it encourages students to think "outside the box" and become innovative thinkers. During the challenge, students rely on their creative minds, imagination and cardboard to create arcade game masterpieces. In order to successfully execute their plans for the Global Cardboard Challenge, students used a thinking strategy/model called, Talents Unlimited. Students used divergent thinking and decision making skills to successfully plan and execute all their awesome, innovative ideas. On October 30th, parents and their students will come for a day of fun at EES. Parents are invited to come, play and see all their student's hard work! Below you will see SOME of their creations...more to come!!

Off to a great start in GATE!

Students started the year out by introducing themselves using rotational symmetry. Although it wasn't the easiest task, they enjoyed seeing the final products. They all did such a great job making them individually unique. 

After learning about our classmates, we learned more about how our brains work and function. This year, we will be learning several cognitive skills to help us become better thinkers. Last week, we learned that we are divergent. Ask your kiddo what that means. :)

On September 15th, students will celebrate International Dot Day. On this day, students will reflect on their individuality and making their mark. Such a great meaning to a fun day. Below you will see a picture of their creatively decorated dots. These dots will be displayed on the central office Christmas tree in December. #makeyourmark

Look who's back! The chickens are now residents of the EES courtyard. The students have enjoyed observing them through the windows as they walk down the hallways. 

A few silkie chicken facts... They have black skin and black bones. They have turquoise ears (SO COOL). They do not have "barbicles" in their feathers, therefore, their feathers look fluffy. They have an extra claw/toe. They are such neat animals.