Center Happenings 2/29/16 - 3/11/16

Nature Walks by Amelia and Ava G 

Holly is an invasive species in Washington.
Photo by Kelvin and Sydney D   Caption by Cassie

In Soleil we have small groups that we go in every Friday for example there are the Banana Slugs and the Worms. In those groups we will go on something called a nature walk which is when Cassie takes a group out into the woods to look at different types of plants and animals. Last week in our nature walk we looked for invasive species like the Himalayan blackberry.

Olympics by Emma and Lowata

Here is a picture of Queen Elizabeth telling us about her life. Photo by Lane and Henry

 The Olympics are book reports that Soleil does. There are different medals such as the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Pearl, and others. Currently in Olympics, the H.I.M.P.’s are working on their Sapphire medal, which we read books that were made into movies. The Super Pink Fluffy Unicorns are starting their gold medal. Plus working on finding their two nonfiction books for the Gold medal. * 

*Teacher Addendum

               The Unicorns are working on the Gold Medal one piece at a time as part of their weekly Language Arts homework packets.

Art by Kohl and Isa

Two students partner up to finish a marble maze with straws and popsicle sticks. Photo by Sophia and Melia
For this week in art, we are making mazes out of box lids. We are using straws, marbles and glue. The main goal for this project is to get a marble through the maze by tilting the box lid. Last week we started of by drawing a rough draft of what our mazes would look like. Some people already got to gluing the right size straws onto their boxes. Today most of us are starting on gluing the straws to the maze to make walls to guide the marble to the finish. Overall, this project is going to take some time and will be sort of difficult but it will be exciting because we get to use our imagination.

Unicorn Social Studies by Nicolai and Jacob

This is a photo of a list the Unicorns made. The list is about reasons to vote.

Photo by Ben, Josh, and Josh

This week, in social studies, we learned about how presidential voting works and the voting process. We also did writing about how to help more people vote. These are the ideas we made:

How can we get more people to vote?

• Give people the day off
• Vote by mail
• Make it a holiday
• Vote on the weekend
• More than one day
• Vote for one week
• Pay people to take others to polling places
• Let people vote at home and other people pick it up
• Bus stops by polling places
• Teach about voting and government in school and tell parents
• Government send letter telling people why they should vote
• Vote online
• More polling places 

Read Across America Week by Payton and Naomi

Unicorn's Door
Photos by Isabella and Livia

HIMP's Door

This week in school we celebrated Read Across America. Kids in our school have decorated doors of their favorite book. Most of them are Dr. Seuss related because two days ago (March 2nd) was his birthday! We took pictures in library with props (Lorax’s mustache Thing one and Thing two signs etc. It was so much fun!! Both kids and adults love his books and he brings smiles to our faces. He has made our hearts two sizes bigger.

Washington Caucus and Primaries by Bam and Zane

Graphic by Josh K

This year, Washington is using a primary and a caucus to help choose who their Candidate is. Democrats choosing through caucus, Republicans through Primary. Democrats can vote in Primary, but it doesn’t count.*

*Teacher Addendum
          Primaries and caucuses are how citizens can help choose their party's candidate for President.  Delegates are assigned to candidates based on the outcome of the primary or caucus. Eventually delegates will represent their state's party in the Democratic and Republican National Conventions where the president and vice president nominees are chosen for each party. Each state decides which system to use; in some states the Democratic and Republican parties use different systems. 

             This year Washington will use both primaries and caucuses. Republican's will use the Primary in May to decide how to allocate 100% of its delegates.  Democrats will use the Caucus on March 26th to decide 100% of its delegates. Every registered voter will receive a ballot for the primary. The Primary on May 26th will be a closed primary; this means that you must declare a party on your ballot and how you vote must match. Democrats will be able to vote in the Primary, but it does not affect how delegates are allocated.
         See this Washington Primary and Caucus Dates website for some basic information. See this video for the difference between primaries and caucuses. For more information about the process a candidate goes through during an election see this link.  Register to vote here. Democrats can find out more information about the Caucus here and follow a link to find their meeting place here.  Here is the Washington State Republican Party website. 
          

Final Salmon Update by Austin and Colin

The baby salmon are ready to be released back into the wild. Photo by Abby and Giselle

For the past few weeks we have been raising salmon in our school library. It has been really exciting getting to see the salmon’s growth every time we go to the library. We have seen them grow from eggs to fry We recently released the salmon at a hatchery in Edmonds. It was sad to see them go after spending weeks with them, but they will be happier in the river. It had been so fun seeing the salmon grow, I wish we would have been able to keep them longer.

Center Happenings 2/15/16 - 2/26/16

Unicorn Reading by Melia and Sophia

The unicorn’s are working on researching weather topics. For example earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

6^th Year Math by Giselle and Abbie

Photo by Ezra and Aaron J

 This week in sixth year math we are revising our unit tests that we got back on Thursday. We are going to fix and edit the mistakes we made on our tests so we can improve the grade we got. Currently the unit we are working with, involves ratios, algebra, and graphing. In Mr Barnes class, if we do not know the piece of homework that was assigned for that day, we can go to the website for Summit, where Mr Barnes will post the pages of homework that were assigned.   

HIMPS Social Studies by Kelvin and Sydney

Photo by Evelyn and Sid

In the H.I.M.Ps social studies, we are working on the Westward Expansion, which we are now working on a 5 paragraph Essay on a chosen project for the westward expansion. Some of us are doing things like Cowboys, hydraulic mining, and trail of tears. We are working on thing like that.

AED Assembly by Ben, Joshua W, and Josh K

Photo by Austin and Alec
This is an AED Machine.

On February 12th, Soleil went to see  the AED assembly.They taught us CPR,  a very important thing you can use to save someone's life. They also taught us how to use a AED. They taught us by putting on a little play with Olaf, who pretended to have a heart attack. Then 6th graders and middle school students came out on the stage and pretended to do  CPR  on Olaf and dummys. All in all, it was a very fun, informative, and a very serious topic.       

Soleil is going to be on the Morning Broadcast by Livia and Isabelle

Photo by Saki and Lucy

We worked hard on the Soleil morning broadcast videos.

The banana slugs went on a nature walk. They walked around the field by the track and they looked for Abiotic and biotic things in the forest. For art we finished up our snowman selfies that we made and we put a silver outline on our fish that we water colored. Finally, we did a talent show and the valentines party. There was a lot of talented students.  Some student did funny acts,  overall it was a lot of fun, we all had a good time.

Friendship Party By Henry and Lane

Photo by Ava D and Chloe

At the friendship celebration we had lots of fun!  We had boxes full of valentine’s along the walls they were all about space, because the theme was out of this world! On one side we had the talent show (which was mostly karaoke). On the other side we had games like valentine card making and picking up skittles and putting them into a separate bowl with chopsticks. We also had bingo and trying to eat a donut on a string. (The fastest time was 20 seconds). Once we finished partying we had a Soleil potluck which had desserts like cupcakes and cookies and we had savory things like salad and pizza. That’s what we did at the friendship party!

Photo by Liam
We had lots of fun creating snowman selfies!

Center Happenings 2/1/16 - 2/12/16

4^th Year Math by Zane and Bam

In 4th year math, we are learning about fractions and how fractions are decimals. For example, last Wednesday we were learning money can be turned into fractions like how 5.64 can be turned into five and sixty- four hundredths.

Or, for another example, if you were doing 5.4 you would change it into five and 4 tenths, or change 4 tenths into hundredths and then it will become 5 and 40 hundredths. we are also learning how to tell which is a bigger fraction or which one is the smaller fraction.

For example if there was 5.6 and 4.52 you were told to figure out which is bigger, you would take 5 and 6 tenths and turn it into 5 and 60 hundredths because six tenths is the same as 60 hundredths. and then, 4 and 52 would stay the same because 52 can’t be a tenth. So you have your answer, 5 and 60 hundredths.

Sometimes, when we have a test we get a little confused with what they give us, but we work hard to get it. and today we had learned how to add decimals, you pretty much add them the same way as money, or if you haven’t learned that, then you add it like the decimal wasn’t there.   

5^th Year Math by Josh K.

For the past few weeks, we have been working on the give+take strategy. The give+take strategy is when you have a problem like 51+49, and to make the problem easier, you take 1 away from 51, and put the 1 into 49. Then your problem would be 50+50, which is easier to solve.

Unicorn Writing by Aaron G and Grayson

In unicorn writing we are working on writing an essay about something that is important to us. In class we are working on making essay webs that will help us plan our big essay.  We are also writing essay ideas.  Our teachers were also helping us expand our writing to make it longer. To sum it up, in class we are working on improving our essay writing.    

Salmon Update by Aaron J and Ezra

We have started raising Salmon in our Library! Every Wednesday group B goes to the Library to see these wonderful creatures. (We also go there to check out books :D ) Every week, we see them grow bigger and bigger. The last time we saw them, they were sac fries transitioning into the par stage of their life. The picture below is the stages of a Salmon’s life. The Salmon in the Library are Coho Salmon.

Beginning Band by Austin and Alec

Beginning band is exciting, but it’s hard to participate when it goes quickly because our teachers go over something and it goes fast sometimes. When it goes fast and we are not done learning it sometimes we have trouble learn the notes quickly.

President’s Day by Sid and Evelyn

This year, President’s Day is Monday, February 15. President’s day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Though several other states have individual holidays celebrating the birthdays of Washington, Lincoln, and other presidents, President’s day is now properly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

Mindfulness Friday with M by Saki and Lucy

On Fridays, we have a wacky schedule. After recess group A walks back to the classroom. While group B walks to P.E. After that, some people from group B go to advanced orchestra or advanced band until lunch.

       Meanwhile, group A has split up into two groups. One group is called the Banana Slugs, and the other group is called the Squirrels.  One group goes to M’s side to do mindfulness.

   When we are on M’s side, we practice mindfulness. We usually start with a focus minute.

Center Happenings 1/18/16 - 1/28/16

Photo by Sofia Marie and Sydney P

Unicorn Reading by Nicolai and Jacob

In this segment, we are doing non-fiction reading. Also, we were practicing paying attention on how the books were organized. While we read we write notes on a text and choose what type of text it is like:

Cause and effect

Compare and contrast

Chronological

Problem and Solution

We write down notes about the text in these ways.

Photo by Amy and Braeden

6^th Year math by Austin and Colin

The 6th graders did a pretest for the second half of the year. On Thursday they gave us the only half of the test. On Friday we got to do the rest of the test we got to see what we are going to be learning this year. This test will help the teachers know what they need to teach more on, and what they don’t need to focus on. I think this test was fun to take, but a lot of other Students will disagree with me. This test tested us on volume, ratios, coordinate graphs, percentages, algebra and finding averages. To conclude we had fun taking the test and we know this test helps the teachers a lot.

Photo by Mira  and Neha

HIMPS Reading by Bam and Zane

In H.I.M.Ps writing we are learning about the Westward Expansion. We are reading books about the Westward Expansion and taking notes. Our goal is that by the end of next week, we will have a final draft of a paper that explains 12 main events in the Westward Expansion. Some events we are writing about are The Oregon Trail, The Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark are three main ideas we are writing about. Today, the rough draft will expected to be turned in. Most people are finished but a couple people still are not done.

Photo by Ethan and Billy

Social Studies by Lowata & Emma

This week in social studies, the H.I.M.PS are studying the Westward Expansion. We are writing notes and researching with different books and websites on the Westward Expansion. In Super Pink Fluffy Unicorns, we are learning about the Westward  Expansion.

Photo by Alexa and Francine

Art by Amelia and Naomi

This week in art we did snowman selfies. A snowman selfie is a picture of a snowman changing poses and expressions. It was very fun! Our teacher M was helping us a lot by saying: “Use whisper lines!” Some people decided to use scarves and hats and some people to decide to use both top hat and scarf.  People also had brooms as arms on their snowman.  In conclusion, doing snowman selfies were very fun!

Photo by Joey and Devin

MLK Day by Isa and Kohl

January 18 was the day we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was a great leader in the times of racism. He was admired by many people and lead many marches, protesting the unfairness of the laws. He is also known by his famous speech “I have a dream”. For this holiday, we marched around our school with signs protesting to reenact the unfairness in respect of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did for our country. Before we marched we had an assembly telling his life story. In all, we would not live the same way we do if Dr. MLK Jr. did not stand up for what was right.

Photo by Emilee and Reed

Friendship

Every year in soleil we have a friendship party, Certain people are chosen to help plan this party. They are called the friendship comity. We have interviewed 2 people on the comity. Here it is...!

This is an interview Ava had with Neha

Q 1: What is the friendship party about?

A 1: You get to see everyone at the party and get to have fun!

Q 2: What foods will be at the part?

A 2:cookies brownies, candy, fruits, veggies, etc.

Q 3: What are you excited for?

A 3: I'm excited to help out with the games because I’ve never helped out before.

Special Report #3

All Madrona Bands by Henry and Lane

Interview about the Salmon Eggs  By Abbie & Giselle

1. Q: Which stream did you take the fish eggs from?

 Answer: North Creek, which is in Lake Washington.

2. Q: When will you release them this year?

Answer: This year we will release them in March, around spring.

3. Q: How many of the eggs are there in total?

Answer: All together there are around a total of five hundred salmon eggs in the tank.

4. Q:  What type of food will you feed them as they grow?

Answer: A mixed food of fish meal and vitamins, that was made for them because they usually eat other salmon that are broken down when they are young.

5. Q:  What type of salmon will they grow up to be?

Answer: Cohoe or Silver salmon, we couldn’t use Chinook or King salmon because they are an endangered species. That way, we wouldn’t have to worry about them dying when already so little of them survive.

6. Q: How big will the salmon become, what will they look like?

Answer: Six to sixteen pounds, they will live two to four years, and when they grow up they will have bright silver spots on the body and tail fin, and very sharp teeth.

The Unicorn by Ben, Josh K, Sydney D, Payton, Isabella, and Kelvin

Credits by Josh K

Some of our classmates made an amazing play based on unicorns. The play is about  a girl named Sally Grace. Sally Grace is searching for the rare and mystical piggycorn, and the majestic white unicorn. Together, Sally Grace and her friends find the mystical creatures, and they lived happily ever after! Make sure to check out this wonderful play on the Soleil blog!

Cast:

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Actors:

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Isabella as: Sally Grace and

Nalah the unicorn

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Josh as: Reuben the piggycorn

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Producers:

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Payton: Director

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Ben: Producer

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Sydney: Filming

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Kelvin: Scenery

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The End

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Post-Production Interview by Ben and Isabella

Ben: “What did you like most about making the play?”

Isabella: “What I liked best about the play was how we weren't too serious about the play.”

Ben: “What was your favorite part of the play?”

Isabella: “I think when the pigicorn was flying through the air and hit me in the face.”

Ben: “Did you like “Sally Grace”?”

Isabella: “Yes, because she was really enthusiastic and really motivated.”

Ben: “ What part did you dislike the most.”

Isabella:” I didn't like that  I had to put on a dress and makeup.”


The Tape by Melia and Sophia

Livia's and Ava's Mashed Potato Cooking Show 

by Livia and Ava G

Center Happenings 1/4/16 - 1/15/16

Photo by Alec and Austin

Art by Reed & Emilee

This week in art we are practicing painting  pictures of salmon, so we can make a larger water colored picture of a salmon next friday. Because we are observing salmon hatch from eggs to fry in our library.

Next friday we are drawing salmon without a picture. To copy we will have a picture to look at but we will not be coloring one in that was printed from the internet like this week. We will be using a silver sharpie, real watercolor paper & watercolor.

Photo by Aaron G and Grayson   

4th year math by Francine & Alexa

 This week, the 4th graders are finishing  their multiplication and division unit and starting  factions. They’re also learning about perimeter and  area.

Photo by Chloe and Ava D

5th year math by Joey & Devin

This week in math we did a racing fractions game & played target practice. We also worked with number lines to find the answer to fraction problems.  During math we also had a extra recess because we earned enough bear points by being mindful.

 

Photo byAaron J and Ezra This is a student who is working on a fiction story.

Writing by Ethan & Billy

 Billy: In Pink Fluffy Unicorns we are writing about realistic fiction stories. Are realistic fiction stories are focist in first or third person.    

In HIMP writing we are currently learning about the Westward expansion in writing which we are mainly focused on. Our current medal we are working on is the Diamond medal which is a medal where you have to do a monologue which is where you dress up as a famous or well known person & do a presentation about their life.

Photo taken by Cassie; Photo concept and banner by Lucy and Saki

2015 reflection & highlights by Sydney  P.  & Sophia Marie

In 2015, Soleil had many highlights. We interviewed a few people to see what they thought about it

    Q: What did you like about 2015?

    A: I liked writing with Kim.

    Q: What would you change about 2015?

    A: I would manage my time better.

    Q: What was your favorite thing about 2015?

    A: I liked the first art project.

   Q: What was your favorite thing you learned?

   A: The American Revolution.

Soleil had many other highlights, but these are a few things that really stood out to the students of Soleil.

     

 

Photo by A student's hope for 2016 is to improve her math skills.

Hopes for 2016 by Mira & Neha

For 2016 hopes we interviewed some Soleil students, about their hopes for the 2016 school year.

                        Student Interviews:

Q: What are your 2016 hopes for the school year?

Giselle: I hope that everyone will get to know the 4th years in the class.

Ezra: I hope that I can get better in math.

Henry: My hope is to try not to blurt out in class.

Ava D: My hope is to turn in everything on time.

Jacob: I hope to learn exponents in math again.

Altogether everybody has great hopes for this year even the people who didn’t get interviewed.

Video by Liam and Joshua

                                                                                                                                               

How to comment on the blog by Amy & Braeden

      Did you know that you can comment on the blog to tell people what you think?  What you need to do is to go to bottom of a post and you will see a “Comment” button. You can click on it and be taken to a different page where you can comment on the blog. Keep in mind, that when you “publish” your comment, the comment might not appear on the blog because either the publisher didn’t approve it or it’s taking a while for the comment to come up. So if you did comment on the blog, so please be patient.