Friday, January 28

FRIDAY FOLDER mable campus january 28


SHOW & TELL
Congratulations to our Basketball Teams as they head to the Playoffs! 

New Science Curriculum Introduced
This year Fairmont has begun implementing a new elementary science curriculum.  Designed by our science specialty teachers, it incorporates the latest in best practices for teaching science, encourages technology use and promotes an inquiry-based learning approach.   Exploratory, hands-on, project-based are all terms that describe it.  Inquiry-based learning is student-centered, a brain-based learning approach focusing on questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

There is an old adage that says, "Tell me and I forget; show me and I remember; involve me and I understand."  When we involve students (using the inquiry-based method) in the processes of science, they really do understand, and they get excited about what they are learning.   Involvement requires skills and attitudes that enable students to ask relevant questions and seek appropriate resolutions.  These habits of mind go well beyond memorizing facts and information.  

Chief among the misconceptions associated with inquiry-based learning is that it just "fluff and stuff." Nothing could be further from the truth.  Our primary goal at the elementary level is to teach the students the processes of science - how to observe, record, question, test, analyze - real world skills needed more than ever before.  The textbook becomes just a resource not the central focus of this kind of learning.  Assessments look different and measure different things

The knowledge base for science is constantly changing and expanding.  New ideas and discoveries are daily occurrences. No one can ever learn it all.  Today's students need the skills and the ability to continue learning.  "What we know" is not nearly as important as "how we come to know."

We want parents, students and our teachers to understand the intention of and goals for our new science curriculum.  We are on a journey of discovery, an exciting one, but it will take time to reach our destination. 

Article contributor:  Sandy Cosgrove, Director of Education

Holy High School Batman 
Choosing a high school can be daunting task. With so many names and reputations flying around our area, it's hard to know where to begin. High school is a time to explore. It's a time for you to find yourself and to learn what matters. As an eighth grader, no one expects you to know what the future holds; he/she does however, expect you to choose a high school that will help you figure it out. 

Before you start, know who you are. Sit down with your parents and teachers to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, personality, and future goals. Yes, it can be awkward, but before you choose a high school that fits, you need to understand the mold. Are you socially self-sufficient or do you need a warm hug at the end of each day? How much homework can you handle? What clubs are you interested in? Figure out your must haves and wants and then eliminate any school that clearly cannot meet your needs. Go beyond the headlines. Don't be fooled by expansive sports complexes and shiny trophy cases. Instead, look at class size, curriculum, and the school's list of most recent college acceptances.  After you have narrowed down your list based on academics, make an appointment to visit your favorites during a typical school day. While you are there, talk to other students and learn about the school from their perspective. Spend time observing classes you will likely take and speak to a guidance counselor about how they can help you. 

Make your own decisions. Where to attend high school is an important choice that should be made between you and your family. Do not pick a high school only because your friends are going.  High school is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. Finding a good fit requires time and thoughtfulness. Don't automatically assume a school is good based on appearance, and don't assume it's bad based on reviews.

Article contributor:  Bradley Jiang, 8th grade journalism student

To read more articles from the Mable journalism class, click here.

WEEK IN REVIEW

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT mable first grader shows "locks" of love


CALENDAR
Monday, January 31st
Elementary Basketball: Mable vs. Heritage Oak
Away Game

Tuesday, February 1st
2nd Into 3rd Grade Information Meeting
6:00 pm
Mable Library

Wednesday, February 2nd
2nd Into 3rd Grade Information Meeting--Encore Presentation
8:45 am
Mable Library

Friday, February 4th
NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service

Monday, February 7th
Elementary Basketball: Mable vs. Mission Hills
Home Game

Tuesday, February 8th
3rd Into 4th Grade Information Meeting
6:00 pm
Mable Library

Wednesday, February 9th
3rd Into 4th Grade Information Meeting--Encore Presentation
8:45 am
Mable Library

5th Grade Study Trip: American Heritage
8:45 am - 2:00 pm
Knott's Berry Farm

Thursday, February 10th
Junior High and 6th Grade Ski Trip
Mountain High Ski Resort
6:30 am - 5:00 pm

Fairmont Parent Association Meeting
8:30 am
Junior High Stage Area

Friday, February 11th
Ruby's Day
1128 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim
The Mable Fairmont Parent Association will receive 20% of all food and non-alcoholic beverage sales!

Saturday, February 19th
 Free Assessment for Prospective Students
9:30 am
Space is limited, so please call 714-563-4050 to reserve a seat.

Contributed by Marissa, Mable Campus

FRIDAY FOLDER citron campus january 28

SHOW & TELL 
New Science Curriculum 
This year Fairmont has begun implementing a new elementary science curriculum.  Designed by our science specialty teachers, it incorporates the latest in best practices for teaching science, encourages technology use and promotes an inquiry-based learning approach.   Exploratory, hands-on, project-based, - are all terms that describe it.  Inquiry-based learning
is student-centered, a brain-based learning approach focusing on questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 

There is an old adage that says, “Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand.”  When we involve students (using the inquiry-based method) in the processes of science, they really do understand and they get excited about what they are learning.   Involvement requires skills and attitudes that enable students to ask relevant questions and seek appropriate resolutions.  These habits of mind go well beyond memorizing facts and information.   
Chief among the misconceptions associated with inquiry-based learning is that it just “fluff and stuff.” Nothing could be further from the truth.  Our primary goal at the elementary level is to teach the students the processes of science – how to observe, record, question, test, analyze – real world skills needed more than ever before.  The textbook becomes just a resource not the central focus of this kind of learning.  Assessments look different and measure different things.

The knowledge base for science is constantly changing and expanding.  New ideas and discoveries are daily occurrences. No one can ever learn it all.  Today’s students need the skills and the ability to continue learning.  “What we know” is not nearly as important as “how we come to know.”
We want parents, students and our teachers to understand the intention of and goals for our new science curriculum.  We are on a journey of discovery, an exciting one, but it will take time to reach our destination.  
Warmest regards,

Sandy Cosgrove
Director of Education

WEEK IN REVIEW 

LUNCHBOX february menu, citron


CALENDAR 
Tuesday, February 1st
Aquarium of the Pacific -Under the Sea Shapes Presentation
9:00am – 9:40am

Aquarium on Wheels Truck Display
9:45am – 11:30am (each classroom will have a set time to visit the truck)

Wednesday, February 2nd
Groundhog Day

Thursday, February 3rd
Chinese New Year

Friday, February 4th
School Closed
Teacher will be at an all day in-service

Contributed by Elly, Citron Campus 

FRIDAY FOLDER anaheim hills campus january 28


SHOW & TELL 
WordMasters 
Two students representing Fairmont Private School-Anaheim Hills recently won highest honors in this year's WordMasters Challenge-a national language arts competition entered by aproximately 220,000 students annually, which consists of three separate meets held at

Competing in the very difficult Gold Division of the Challenge, eighth graders Rebecca Choi and Yvonne Kim both earned perfect scores in the year's first meet, held in December.  In the entire country only 51 eighth graders acheived perfect results.  Other students at the school who also achieved outstanding results in the meet included fourth graders Alexandra Brondum, Anastasia Huddleston, Channing Lee, Sunny Yang, Jelissa Lin, Sarah Hsiao, Mariano Chacon and Ava Malakooti; sixth grader Zoe Wang; seventh graders Lauren Lee, Ezekial Levin, Megan Mettler, Yannie Hoang, Nicole Kuntjoro, and Brittney Nguyen;and eighth graders Kayla Bach, Aaron Su, and Emily Yang.

The WordMasters Challenge is an exercise in critical thinking that first encourages students to become familiar with a set of interesting new words (considerably harder than grade level), and then challenges them to use words to complete analogies expressing various kinds of logical relationships.

Pre-School Playtime! 
Check out these fun pictures from our preschool playtime :)

Mrs. Carroll's Class Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
During the week of January 10, 2011 and prior to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, third graders learned about Martin Luther King, Jr.  We started reading the story My Brother Martin from our Treasures textbook which shared information written by Martin's sister, Christine King Farris.  Ms. Farris wanted boys and girls to know that her famous brother was once a kid just like them, and how ordinary people can grow up to do great things.  In addition to other activities, students made an "I Have A Dream" mobile where they stated their own dreams for their community, their country, and the world.  The week concluded when students watched Rev. King deliver his  famous "I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Junior High Spirit Day!
In conjunction with the winter sports pep rally, junior high ASB leaders held their second spirit day.  The purpose of spirit day is to increase school spirit through a modified dress code and spirit activities.  The ASB chose Rainbow of Colors as their free dress theme and each grade was given two colors of the rainbow to wear on spirit day.  Following the pep rally, where the 4th graders were able to make more noise than the 5th through 8th graders, the 5th graders were invited to stay and watch a few fun spirit competitions.  ASB president and vice president Rebecca Choi and River Crawford first demonstrated and then presided over a goofy human wheelbarrow, leapfrog, and duck-walk race was followed by a Lucky Charms marshmallow toss, and ended with the building of human rainbows.

Cougar Sports
Congratulations to the Tri-Way Boys Basketball Team
They start play-offs next week as the #5 seed!

Congratulations to the Tri-Way Girls Basketball Team
They start play-offs next week as the #1 seed!

DSL Boys Basketball vs Mable
Cougars Lost 24-28

DSL Girls Basketball vs Mable
Lady Cougars WON 12-6

Tri-Way Boys Basketball vs Heritage Christian
Cougars WON 50-32

WEEK IN REVIEW 

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT anaheim hills pianist plays carnegie hall


CALENDAR 
Monday, January 31
 Tri-Way Basketball Play-Offs First Round

Tuesday, February 1
 Tri-Way Play-Offs Semi-Finals

Wednesday, February 2
 DSL Basketball vs Camelot Boys ONLY at 3:00pm

Thursday, February 3
 -Super Bowl Free Dress Day!
Students should wear jerseys/colors to represent:
The Steelers (Black and Gold/Yellow)...Mr. Drakes Team!!
The Packers (Green and Gold/Yellow)
-Tri-Way Basketball Finals

Friday, February 4
 Teacher In-Service  NO SCHOOL

Saturday, February 5
 Junior High Debate Tournament at Edgewood

Contributed by Vicky, Anaheim Hills Campus

FRIDAY FOLDER edgewood campus january 28

SHOW & TELL 
Edgewood Cheerleaders place 2nd at CA Championships!  
The Edgewood Cheerleaders woke up bright and early on Sunday morning to be the first performers at the CA State Championships in Long Beach this past weekend! Their high energy routine and cheer earned them 2nd place!  Their coaches, parents, and friends are very proud of all of their hard work and commitment.  The next stop is their first National competition in Orlando, Florida from February 11-14.  This is a first for Fairmont, and a huge accomplishment.  Please wish them good luck!  Go Eagles! 

4th Grade Field Trip to Discovery Science Center
Last Thursday the 4th graders took a Field trip to Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana.  The students thoroughly enjoyed the center's hands on activities.  January was a great month to visit because it focused on 4th grade science curriculum!  The students enjoyed learning more about ecosystems, food chains, and the delicate balance of life.  Some of the other highlights included laying on a bed of over 3,000 nails, participating in the DinoQuest activity, and learning about the science of hockey!  Everyone had a great time exploring and learning! 

Orange County Debate Tournament

Hello Everyone,
As some of you may have seen on the campus calendar, Edgewood will be hosting the Orange County Debate League's Winter Classic tournament on Saturday, February 5th.  The event will last from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.  I am very excited about this tournament as it will mark the first time in our history that Edgewood has hosted a debate, and it will involve the introduction of many new schools into the league.

I appreciate your help and support in making this a rewarding event for the students of Orange County.  As always, feel free to attend if you'd like to see some great debates.  You may contact Lauren Frazier, Denise Miller or myself with any questions regarding the event.  

Thank you.

-Ben Hughes

Topics:
· The use of plastic has done more harm than good.

· Instant replay should be available for use in Major League Baseball.

· Cigarettes should be illegal.

· The United States should reinstate the draft.

· Impromptu Topic [TBA]

Edgewood Teams:
MCF- Amanda Madden, Amanda Cohn, Nick Flores
NMN- Sonali Narang, Kieran Mital, Lam Nguyen
MRB- Liam Murphy, Alison Ren, Francisco Buitron
QGP- Natalie Queathem, Rabka Gajiani, Austin Prado
RMW- Isabel Rogers, Isaac Modica, Sophie Eschbach-Walker

A Word of Explanation....
This year Fairmont has begun implementing a new elementary science curriculum.  Designed by our science specialty teachers, it incorporates the latest in best practices for teaching science, encourages technology use and promotes an inquiry-based learning approach.   Exploratory, hands-on, project-based, - are all terms that describe it.  Inquiry-based learning is student-centered, a brain-based learning approach focusing on questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. 

There is an old adage that says, "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand."  When we involve students (using the inquiry-based method) in the processes of science, they really do understand and they get excited about what they are learning.   Involvement requires skills and attitudes that enable students to ask relevant questions and seek appropriate resolutions.  These habits of mind go well beyond memorizing facts and information.   

Chief among the misconceptions associated with inquiry-based learning is that it just "fluff and stuff." Nothing could be further from the truth.  Our primary goal at the elementary level is to teach the students the processes of science - how to observe, record, question, test, analyze - real world skills needed more than ever before.  The textbook becomes just a resource not the central focus of this kind of learning.  Assessments look different and measure different things

The knowledge base for science is constantly changing and expanding.  New ideas and discoveries are daily occurrences. No one can ever learn it all.  Today's students need the skills and the ability to continue learning.  "What we know" is not nearly as important as "how we come to know."

We want parents, students and our teachers to understand the intention of and goals for our new science curriculum.  We are on a journey of discovery, an exciting one, but it will take time to reach our destination.  

Warmest regards,

Sandy Cosgrove
Director of Education

Edgewood 5th Grade Builds Award Winning Robot
Congratulations to Nishant Chanturvedi, an Edgewood campus fifth grader, who was one of five local students to be recognized for his skill in robotics at the Southern California LEGOLAND Cup on December 5.  The competition was part of the First LEGO League (FLL) 2010 Challenge with the theme "Body Forward".  Nishant's team, the Bionic Bots, took first place in the "Research" category for the 9-14 age range.
Through the 2010 Body Forward™ Challenge, FLL teams explore the cutting-edge world of Biomedical Engineering to discover innovative ways to repair injuries, overcome genetic predispositions, and maximize the body's potential, with the intended purpose of leading happier and healthier lives.  After conducting research on the human body, the Bionic Bots selected a broken spinal cord as their real world problem.  They delved deeper into this complex part of the human body and created an innovative solution to fix a spinal cord. 

Each FLL Challenge has two parts - the Robot Game and the Project.   Teams build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology to score points in 2.5-minute matches on a themed playing field.  For the project component, teams explore an actual problem that today's scientists and engineers are trying to solve, develop an innovative solution to that problem (either by creating something that doesn't exist or building upon something that does), and share their findings. 

The Bionic Bots received support and insight from a number of local experts including team mentor Dr. William Loudon from CHOC Hospital in Orange. They presented their project to Dr. Loudon who provided valuable medical feedback and many stimulating insights. Sapphire Perez, a senior at the University of California, Irvine, and a member of the Society for Women Engineers, shared her knowledge of biomedical engineering with the Bionic Bots.  Rick Pruesse of Orthovita, an orthobiologics and biosurgery company,  demonstrated the biology of bone healing.  

Nishant has been exploring his passion for robotics with classes at Mathobotix in Irvine.  The classes are designed to promote the support and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using robotics through a grade level structured curriculum.   

February Field Trips & Assemblies
5th & 6th Instrumental Concert
Wednesday, Feb. 2nd

4th Grade to Mission San Juan Capistrano
Wednesday, Feb. 9th

JH Ski Trip
Thursday, Feb. 10th

4th Grade to Honda Center
Thursday, Feb. 24th


Edgewood's Sports Corner
Monday, Jan. 31st
DSL BB vs. Mission Hills 
Girls play at 3:00 & Boys play at 4:00 pm
JH BB Playoffs

Tuesday, Feb. 1st
JH BB Semi-Finals

Monday, Feb. 7th
DSL BB vs. Anaheim Hills
Girls play at 3:00 & Boys play at 4:00 pm

Monday, Feb. 14th
DSL BB vs. Heritage Oak
Girls play at 3:00 & Boys play at 4:00 pm

Monday, Feb. 28th
DSL BB @ McDowell
Girls play at 3:00 & Boys play at 4:00 pm

WEEK IN REVIEW

LUNCHBOX february menu, edgewood


CALENDAR  
Monday, Jan. 31st
5th & 6th Instrumental Rehearsal 1-3 pm

Tuesday, Feb. 1st
5th & 6th Instrumental Concert 7 pm (For Parents)

Wednesday, Feb. 2nd
5th & 6th Instrumental Concert 10 am (For Students)

Thursday, Feb. 3rd
6th Grade Musical at 7:00 pm in Allison Hall

Friday, Feb. 4th
Teacher In-Service Day - No School

Saturday, Feb. 5th
Debate Tournament @ Edgewood 7:30-5 pm

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood Campus

Thursday, January 27

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT edgewood fifth grader builds award-winning robot


Nishant Chaturvedi, an Edgewood campus fifth grader, was one of five local students to be recognized for his skill in robotics at the Southern California LEGOLAND Cup on December 5.  The competition was part of the First LEGO League (FLL) 2010 Challenge with the theme “Body Forward”.  Nishant’s team, the Bionic Bots, took first place in the “Research” category for the 9-14 age range.

Through the 2010 Body Forward™ Challenge, FLL teams explore the cutting-edge world of Biomedical Engineering to discover innovative ways to repair injuries, overcome genetic predispositions, and maximize the body's potential, with the intended purpose of leading happier and healthier lives.  After conducting research on the human body, the Bionic Bots selected a broken spinal cord as their real world problem.  They delved deeper into this complex part of the human body and created an innovative solution to fix a spinal cord.

Each FLL Challenge has two parts – the Robot Game and the Project.   Teams build and program an autonomous robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology to score points in 2.5-minute matches on a themed playing field.  For the project component, teams explore an actual problem that today's scientists and engineers are trying to solve, develop an innovative solution to that problem (either by creating something that doesn't exist or building upon something that does), and share their findings.

Nishant has been exploring his passion for robotics with classes at Mathobotix in Irvine.  The classes are designed to promote the support and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using robotics through a grade level structured curriculum.  

Contributed by Danyelle, Marketing

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT mable first grader shows "locks" of love


As we enter February, the month in which we celebrate love, it helps to be reminded that love comes in many forms.  Mable first grader, Raajasvi T., demonstrated her love for helping others when she decided to cut off ten inches of her hair to donate to Locks of Love.  Locks of Love creates high quality wigs for financially disadvantaged children who have lost their hair due to illness. Raajasvi’s favorite part of cutting her hair was that she was doing something nice for someone else, and we are very impressed that such a small child would choose such a big way to show how much she cares. Raajasvi says she was inspired to donate her hair because her Mom recently had donated her hair to Locks of Love. We think Raajasvi's new "do" makes this compassionate cutie even more beautiful!  For more information on Locks of Love visit www.locksoflove.org

Contributed by Karen, Mable campus 

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT anaheim hills pianist plays carnegie hall

How many kids can say they've played at Carnegie Hall?  Not many.  But, the Anaheim Hills campus is home to one such talented student.  Fourth grader Allison To is an accomplished pianist.  She is also a very skilled violinist.  Allison has won multiple awards in numerous competitions such as SYMF (Southwestern Youth Music Festival), MTAC (Music Teachers’ Association of California) festivals, the Long Beach Mozart Festival, and was awarded Gold Medal at the 2010 International Young Musician’s Competition. In the same year, Allison gave her debut performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.  Her favorite subject is math and she enjoys shopping, drawing, and playing with her best friend Suma, her Maltese dog.  She currently studies piano under the direction of Ariel Yang at Opus119, the school of music’s prestigious Conservatory Program.

Contributed by Vicky, Anaheim Hills campus