Second Graders Connect with School in Athens Greece for Discovery Education Project

On Tuesday, December 16, the second graders at Northside Elementary School held a Google Hangout with students from the Winners Education School in Athens, Greece. The hangout was part of the collaboration work for the two schools in the DEN Voices Connect project, sponsored by the Discovery Education Network.

During the hangout, students shared information about the location of each of the schools and discussed ideas around the project's theme of being an agent of change in our world. Northside students learned a couple of Greek words,  discussed the time difference between Chapel Hill and also differences in measuring temperature when discussing the weather. We learned that during the hangout the temperature was 8º C.

At the end of the hangout, Northside students sang the Agents of Change song for the students in Greece. Student have been learning this song in their music classes with Ms. Mia Jones.

Hopefully this will be the first of other connections we make with this school during the course of this project. We also look forward to connecting with 4th graders at Clarion Area Elementary School in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

Stay tuned for information about the Agents of Change music video that will be released at the end of the school year and feature the Northside second graders and students from all schools around the world that are participating in this project.

Video of Northside students singing Agents of Change for students in Greece.

Northside Flag Team Recognized for Doing an Outstanding Job

The Northside flag team is responsible for raising, lowering, and caring for the flags that are displayed outside of our school each day.  The team is made up of students from the 5th grade and are lead by Mr. McIlwaine. They are recognized for doing a great job with their duties and being on time everyday. Keep up the great work!

Northside Flag Team Members:

Morgan H., Abigail J., Emerson K. , Tyler H., Olivia W., Stricklon M., Jaden F. , Seth D.                                                   

Northside Participates in the National SpeakUp Survey

Northside Elementary is participating in the National SpeakUp Survey as part of a district initiative to  collect information from teachers, parents, students, and community members about the role of technology in learning. Our district is aiming for 100% participation from all stakeholders.

Parents can access the survey by going to the school's website (nes.chccs.k12.nc.us) and clicking on the speak up banner at the top of the homepage.

Students will complete the survey at school. Computers will be available in the library for parents who wish to take the survey during the school day. Paper copies of the survey are also available in the main office.

If you have any questions, please contact Alan Brown (abrown@chccs.k12.nc.us), Instructional Technology Facilitator at Northside Elementary.

Your Participation in Speak Up is Important!

Together, let's work towards leveraging technology to promote
enhanced learning in our K‐12 schools.
   

About the Speak Up National Research Project

The Speak Up National Research project annually polls K‐12 students, parents and educators about the role of technology for learning in and out of school and represents the largest collection of authentic, unfiltered stakeholder voice on digital learning. Since 2003, over 3.4 million K‐12 students, parents, teachers, librarians, principals, technology leaders and district administrators have shared their views and ideas through Speak Up. Education, business and policy leaders report that they use the data regularly to inform federal, state and local education programs.

About Speak Up 2014

• Online surveys available October 6, 2014 –December 19, 2014.
• Surveys are available this year for: K‐12 students, teachers, librarians, principals, district administrators, technology leaders, parents, business partners and community members.  The parent survey is also available in Spanish!  
• Every K‐12 school and district is eligible to participate in Speak Up. Survey access is available to participating schools and districts free of charge.  All information is 100% confidential and there is no limit to the number of surveys you can submit.    
• Every participating school and district receives free online access to your own participant data in February 2015 including the national and state data for comparison.  Why do your own survey?  Speak Up provides you with national data for benchmarking!  
• Project Tomorrow annually shares the nationally aggregated data with Congress, the US Department of Education, research organizations and many state governments.  
• Survey question topics include:  learning and teaching with technology, 21st century skills, games, STEM career exploration, online and blended learning, flipped classrooms, mobile devices, digital and online textbooks, writing with technology, professional development, school‐to‐home communications, digital citizenship, and common core assessments.   
• Use Speak Up data to:  conduct a needs assessment in your school or district, create a vision for 21st century learning, develop your technology plan and budget or measure the success of your technology investments. Be part of the national Speak Up momentum!

Speak Up is an initiative of Project Tomorrow, the nation's leading education nonprofit organization focused on empowering students to have a greater voice in their education. To learn more about Speak Up, please visit www.tomorrow.org/speakup.

Bring a Guest to Lunch Day- September 16th

It is that time of year again...

BRING A GUEST TO LUNCH DAY

At all Elementary Schools...

Tuesday September 16th

Bring a Guest to Lunch Day is going to be held in our school cafeteria on Tuesday, September 16th.  Why not ask your mom, uncle, aunt, friend, dad, grandma or just that special person to come eat lunch with you.  Enjoy a great BBQ Chicken lunch that day.

This a perfect opportunity to invite your families to experience all of the great things going on in your school cafe.  The lunch menu was planned by Karen Essig who is the district Culinary Trainer and  Chef.  We promise that no one will be disappointed. 

CLICK HERE for more information.

Northside Elementary Wins Major Award- North Carolina’s First LEED Platinum Elementary School

Chapel Hill, NC — Northside Elementary School in Chapel Hill, NC has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) Platinum certification with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The three-story, 100,000-square-foot school opened in fall of 2013 and represents the first LEED Platinum elementary school in North Carolina.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools partnered with Moseley Architects to design a new school to support 585 students. Located in the heart of the Northside neighborhood, the site was originally home to the all African-American Orange County Training School. Since 1924 this site has functioned as a site of education, and the school’s design embraces the rich history of the community and the alumni. A display along the lower level corridor shows a timeline for the students to appreciate the history of the site, as well as a large display case that houses the school’s original cornerstone.

“We are thrilled to learn of Northside Elementary’s LEED Platinum designation,” said Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Tom Forcella. “Moseley Architects, and the entire planning team, worked extremely hard to create such an amazing learning facility. It will benefit our students and our community for decades to come.”

The design integrates many sustainable features, and embodies a truly sustainable approach to a small site. The district’s Policy 9040 for high performance design criteria set the stage for the school to pursue LEED Gold. However, through a collaborative effort between the design team and the school district, that goal was surpassed, while still remaining on schedule and within budget.

The design incorporates a garden roof area connected to the adjacent science classroom, a comprehensive stormwater management plan that includes an underground rainwater cistern that supplies water to the toilet fixtures and cooling tower, pervious pavers, porous playground surfaces, carefully designed windows, tubular skylights, and light shelves to both maximize daylight in classrooms and reduce the energy spent for lighting.

The building also places a special emphasis on functioning as a teaching tool for the students, staff and community. Early in the design process, the idea of using the school building to actively support the curriculum was discussed with key staff members. Through continued staff input and a healthy collaboration, this idea was not only realized but expanded. Discreetly placed interior and exterior signage provides brief descriptions of several sustainable design features utilized at Northside. Each sign directs the reader to the school’s Building Dashboard for more information concerning the building’s sustainable features, which provides media center book suggestions and internet websites where the subject can be explored further. The school’s teachers also collaborate with one another on integrating these features into customized lesson plans and project-based learning efforts.

Jim Copeland, managing principal for the project with Moseley Architects is proud of what Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools achieved.

“I am particularly pleased that our team was able to achieve their vision,” said Copeland. “Northside Elementary is one of only 20 LEED Platinum public schools in the entire country, and one of only four elementary schools.”

-Press Release by Jeff Nash, Executive Director of Community Relations

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

2014-2015 School Supply List Posted

The school supply list for the 2014-2015 school year has been posted. CLICK HERE to access it. There has also been a permanent link placed under the Quick Link section on the school's home page.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Navigators on the Move Produces School Rap

Navigators on the Move is a group or third, fourth, and fifth grade students that meets regularly after school and works on many different projects together involving music and rhythm. The group is led by teacher assistant, Mr. McIlwaine.

One of this group's most recent projects was producing a school rap video that included members of the group and Northside staff. Check it out below!

Northside Rap

By Jeremy McIlwaine

Chorus
We’re thinking, learning, growing with persistence and pride.
Northside, Northside!
We’re representing at Northside, Northside.
Thinking and growing with purpose at all times.
We’re representing to Northside, Northside.

Verse 1
I’m a Northside Navigator
Flying high in the sky.
Thinking, learning, growing with persistence and pride.
New school, new hall.
Walk in the rooms, lights come on.
Teachers using microphones,
It’s learning time. We’re in the zone.
When I walk in Northside, yes, yes, I know it’s on.

Verse 2
Shhhhhhhhh… level zero in the hallways.
Lunch time, yum yum.
Recess time, it’s all fun.
PE, music, and art, yes this school is all good.
Teachers teach to do our best.
They give the skills, we do the rest.
Every Friday I smile as I pass my test.

Verse 3
We’re buidling future off our past.
Navigators on a mission.
When we’re sitting in the class,
We show respect and we listen.
Stop, walk, and talk...
There’s no bully at our school.
i-Pad, Mimio, bamboo gym floors.

Verse 4
Wait, hold up. It’s getting hot up in the kitchen.
This school be recycling.
We have a rooftop garden.
We have turn on the playground.

Verse 5
Learning Center in the back.
Six thousand books on the racks.
Principal’s got our back.
EOG, we’ll be passing that.
It is the first year. Give us some time.
We’re still learning…
But when you look in to the rear view mirror you see us coming.

Northside Teacher of the Year Interview with Mrs. Fearrington

Before our very own Mrs. Fearrington was named Teacher of the Year for the district, a Northside student had the opportunity to interview her! Here is what she had to say:

Q: what is your favorite part of teaching?

A: I really enjoy watching Kindergarten students grow.  They begin the year with limited knowledge and they end the year with a wealth of knowledge.

Q: when did you start teaching?

A: I started teaching in 1994.

Q: have you taught any other class than kindergarten?

A: Yes, I have been a classroom teacher for grades Kindergarten, first, second, and third grades.

Q: do you enjoy working with kids?

A: I love working with kids.  They have taught me a great deal during the many years of my career.

Q: what are your funniest moments in teaching?

A: I enjoy watching students during our writing period.  I read so many "funny" words that are not spelled correctly.  I'm always pleasantly surprised when they read what their writing "should " say.

Q: any comments on kindergarten and your classes?

A: After teaching for so many years, I still "LOVE WORKING WITH KIDS!"

The interview was conducted by Martin for the May edition of The Compass, Northside's student Newspaper.

Study E.O.G.s

This year, Northside Elementary School is having their first official End-Of-Grade tests, or E.O.G.s. The test is for 3rd 4th  and 5th graders who have been working exceptionally hard througout the year. The examination is conducted over a 3 day period - Tuesday June 3rd through Thursday June 5th. The subjects consist of math and reading and for 5th grade Science. Students will be allowed at least 3 hours for each test. When interviewed about the science EOG, Irene a fifth grader said “I feel scared because we might have to take the Science EOG on the ipads. It’s true the new curriculum will require each student to take the Science EOG on the ipads. While this will make it easier  for the kids to take the test because they no longer have to bubble their answers on a piece of paper, technical difficulties may be inevitable. We can only hope for the best on this one. This test will one of the first of many at NES and we as 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will set the example for future students.  During the test we will see if the hard work has paid off. Hope you remembered to !

This article was written by Greta and is published in the May edition of the Northside student newspaper The Compass.

Illustration by Emily 

iNavigate Dance Performance

On Friday May 16th, the iNavigate dance team had two performances. An assembly was held in the morning for all Northside students and an evening performance was held for families and the community. The iNavigate Dance team is led by Ms. Murril and consists of 4th and 5th grade student dancers. The performances showed off the talent and dedication of these terrific dancers!

Dance Flight #2014... What a Trip!

On Friday, May 9, 2014, the Northside Elementary PE department sponsored Dance Fight #2014. The event was held outside on the blacktop and gave students throughout the school an opportunity to show off the dance skills that had learned in their PE classes. Many parents and community members where a part of the audience.

Student dances performed during the show included: Birdie Song, The Pink Panther, Jump Jim Joe, La Raspa, Patty Cake Polka, Gustoaf Skoal, Circle Virginia Reel, Troika, Cotton-Eyed Joe, East Coast Swing, Charleston Bump, Shag, and Merengue. The staff performed an organized dance call the Northside Push and the finale include the entire school dancing the Ice Cream and Cake, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and official school dance, The Navigator.

All Pro Dads

On the first Thursday of every month delicious smells and laughter drift out of the cafeteria. What is going on in there? All Pro Dads! What is All Pro Dads? All Pro Dads is when kids and their dads gather in the cafeteria to learn about the memories of other dad's childhoods. The kids there also eat breakfast with their dads. Coach is in charge of the fun. After all of that we have a raffle with prizes like T-shirts and water bottles. Even though your dad may not always be around you can still join the fun, moms can come too! So by the next time this awesome Thursday rolls around be sure to go enjoy breakfast, an awesome speaker, and a raffle!  

Check out this article written by Coco in the April edition of The Compass (Northside's student newspaper)

Illustration by Emily

International Navigator Night

On Tuesday, April 22, Northside held it's first International Navigator Night. This event provided an opportunity for Navigators and their families to share and learn about countries and cultures from around the world.

The event kicked off with performance in the gym that included musical and dance numbers. Afterwards, attendees could stop by the cafeteria to sample taste treats from countries around the world. Northside families also set up table displays that highlighted the many countries and cultures that are represented in our student population. The displays provided information about everyday life, special celebrations, food and clothing. Some booths even provided opportunities for attendees to work on arts and crafts projects.

The evening provided a great opportunity for learning and celebration for all!

  

Northside School Lunch Heroes

School Lunch Hero day is May 2nd, in recognition of the heroes in our cafeteria two students in the Newspaper club interviewed Ms. Anne, Northside's Cafeteria Manager.

The cafeteria may be a room full of chairs and food but no student really knows what really goes on behind the counter. We interviewed one of our cafeteria specialists, Ms. Anne. Our cafeteria staff so very important to our school  They cook the students breakfasts and lunch every single school day. We want to highlight some of the many great things that Northside’s cafeteria staff do for us at our school.

       

Irene asked Ms. Anne, “How early do you get to school everyday?“

“I get to school at 5:45 in the morning to begin my responsibilities, ” Ms. Anne replied.“

“Wow that’s early! You must really care for Northside’s students.” noted Aida. “Do you get to choose what’s on the menu?”

“No, we have a Dietitian, a person whose job is to give people advice about what to eat in order to be healthy. They pick our school’s menu,” replied Ms. Anne.

Then, Irene asked Ms. Anne, “Who cooks the food?”

“Ms. Gina and Mr. Owen prepare the meals.” she replied.

        The cafeteria is a wonderful place where students aren’t just fed, we are also cared for. Northside’s cafeteria specialists try to make sure their food is extraordinarily healthy. We even found out that some of the meat is farm fresh. On top of that, all of the delicious food is made from scratch. The whole cafeteria staff does a really good job because the students at Northside  enjoys and loves their cooking everyday.

Thank you Northside’s cafeteria staff for everything you do to make our school experience special!

Check out this article by Irene and Aida in the April Edition of the Compass (Northside's Student Newspaper).

The 5th grade sculpture project

The 5th grade has the amazing opportunity to work with Mr. Mark Brown on an immensely enormous piece of art! We are creating a sculpture that will hang in front of a parking garage/apartment complex. We started by creating some remarkable ideas like a giant goldfish tank, giant shoes,  sharks, and sunglasses Then Michel Brown and Ms. Keene chose the ones that they thought we could actually do, one was a cow walking up the building! This project will combine 2 of 3 ideas into one giant public art piece!!

Check out this article written by Margaret in the April edition of The Compass (Northside's student newspaper)

Photo by Igor

SIT Nominations Sought

Nothside Elementary is holding its regular School Improvement Team (SIT) election this May. We will be electing two (2) members of the SIT this election.

If you are interested in serving on the Northside SIT, please consider nominating yourself.  Nomination forms can be found HERE and will be sent home in your child's Friday Folder as well.

Nominations must be returned to Ruben Fernandez, either by email, at Ruben@NCLawonline.com, or paper forms may be turned in to your child's teacher, who will send them in. All nominations must be in by May 2nd to be put on the May 9th Ballot.  Voting ballots will be sent home in your child's Friday Folder on May 9th, and must be returned to your child's teacher by May 16th.

-Submitted by  Ruben Fernandez