poinsettia school

It is that time of the year when we all are gearing up getting ready for the big spring-time testing involving the CST (California Standards Tests) through the STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) program for the State of California. We are excited to have our first chance to demonstrate the growth the teachers and students have made for this our first year. 

However along the way the learning must be much more. The application of these standards and the experiences in and around the school are what makes education the great event. 

The primary classes at Poinsettia Elementary celebrated the leap year addition of a day with an outbreak of decorated frogs that infested the grassy knolls at Poinsettia Elementary. Teachers and students captured the critters before the end of the day putting an end to this aberration that happens every four years.  The teachers celebrated Read Across America Day with the Poinsettia Panthers. Students were participating in Read Across America Day in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Some students enjoyed the Southern California weather and the features of the new school to relax and read. First graders came back from their field trip to the Dove Library on Monday March 3rd. They celebrated Read Across America by visiting our local library. They received a tour and heard a story. Then they finished off the day with a read-a-thon. The 3rd grade students from Mrs. Gross’ class at Poinsettia Elementary visited the Cannon Art Gallery to experience the exhibit titled ”In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits.  Students enjoyed learning how to draw a self-portrait in the art room relating to the art they would be viewing in the exhibit.  Next, they were given a professional gallery tour of the exhibit itself, consisting of over 50 color and black and white photographs.  Students learned about posed versus candid portraits, the effects of complimentary colors, some of the history of “National Geographic” magazine, and how technology has changed photography.  Thank you to the Cannon Art Gallery and its contributors for another wonderful, educational, and free field trip!  School should not only be hard work and learning, but also be an event that celebrates the thrill of learning. We are continuing this tradition and making history this year as a school.