"And now, the end is near;

And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I'll say it clear,
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain."
                                               Frank Sinatra

This is the last week of school for our students, so the end is near.  At this point of the school year, I like to look back at our SEM goals and reflect on our accomplishments.  And I will state my case, once again, that the Schoolwide Enrichment Model provides the students at Laurel Mountain an education like no other.  I believe that looking at our students' interests and strengths is the absolute best way to educate our children. Working from a strength based model makes school fun, engaging and interesting for our children. It allows our teachers the chance to get to know our students on a personal level, not just an academic level.  SEM breeds creativity and critical thinking in our students.  It gives our teachers a chance to share their passions with their students. SEM creates a school climate that is full of energy and a love for learning.

And I am certain that the Schoolwide Enrichment Model is what sets Laurel Mountain apart from any other school in the area.  I am extremely proud of our teachers, staff, students and community who help make SEM a reality at LME. And I am extremely proud to share our accomplishments from this school year.

Continued Successes:
Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS): Mrs. Levitan taught Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) lessons in grades 1st, 2nd grade, 3rd grade and some 4th grade classes. Ms. Ferriola taught PETS lessons to our kindergarten students. These lessons teach students about the different types of thinking (convergent, divergent, visual and evaluative) that people use to solve problems.

LEGO Educational Kits: Students had an opportunity to learn with the LEGO Educational Kits during enrichment clusters in all grade levels.

Independent Investigative Method (IIM): The Independent Investigative Method (IIM) of research continued in all grade levels K-5. We focused on increasing the level of questioning in the students’ research questions by focusing on Bloom’s Taxonomy and Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity Model. We increased the quality of authentic products made by the students to show what they have learned throughout their research.

Total Talent Portfolio (TTP): We continued to build and utilize each child's Total Talent Portfolio (TTP). Teachers communicated contents with parents and students during conferences and throughout the year.

Enrichment Clusters: Students in grades K-5 participated in Enrichment Clusters for 6-8 weeks. We offered a wide variety of topics based on student’s interests. We worked towards more student driven clusters guaranteeing that each enrichment cluster round is different, since the students participating are different. Furthermore, we will worked on more student driven authentic products and services focusing on what would the enrichment cluster look like in the “real world”.

Enrichment Cluster Tours: Enrichment Cluster Tours are for parents and interested community members. These tours allowed our parents and guests to witness enrichment clusters in action. We increased the number of kindergarten/1st grade enrichment cluster tours which allowed more of our parents to see the clusters in action. We also had several visitors this year from Round Rock ISD and staff from Eanes ISD and St. John’s School in Houston tour enrichment clusters.

Parent and/or Community Experts: We utilized parent and community experts to assist with enrichment, enrichment clusters and Enrichment slots (E-slots) taking place in the classroom.

Communication: We communicated with parents and our community through the LME website, E-news, SEM blog, emails, Parent University classes and a brand new SEM Twitter account.

New Successes:
Enrichment Cluster Facilitator Communication: This year there were several chances to reflect on enrichment clusters throughout the process. Mrs. Levitan met with each round of facilitators once during the eight weeks of their enrichment clusters. The purpose of this meeting was to touch base with the facilitators, celebrate accomplishments, and provide a forum to discuss questions and/or struggles. Mrs. Levitan also met with each facilitator group when clusters were completed to reflect on the journey. It was vital to have a time to meet together as a group and reflect on the enrichment cluster experience. This was an important learning tool for our teachers. It gave our teachers a chance to ask questions, receive validation, and reflect on their experiences with the children in the enrichment cluster. Reflection is an important part of the learning process. At LME, even the teachers are learners.

New format for Enrichment Cluster Showcases: In the past, the showcases for the enrichment clusters have been a “walk, look and see” format. This year, the students were the docents for the displays from their enrichment clusters. They were able to share “live” what they accomplished and learned during their enrichment cluster journey. This provided a more authentic experience for the parents and guests. But most importantly, it provided an authentic experience for the students. We had several members of Round Rock ISD Central Office, including our new Superintendent Dr. Flores, and Technology Specialists from our district visited during our enrichment cluster showcases. All visitors were VERY impressed with our students and their knowledge.

Collaboration and Differentiation: Mrs. Levitan collaborated with teachers in a variety of areas this year, such as IIM, service learning, enrichment clusters, enrichment slot activities, differentiation, and PETS lessons. In addition, Mrs. Levitan pushed-in to the 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms this year during math to provide differentiation support. In some classes, Mrs. Levitan worked alongside the classroom teacher to help differentiate math instruction. In other classes, Mrs. Levitan would work with small groups of students. Based on their academic needs, she would either enrich or provide more support within the math curriculum. This allowed these teachers to reach all of our diverse learners.

New Enrichment Team (E-Team): In the past, the enrichment team has included our Enrichment Coordinator, a representative from each grade level, special education, TAG and specials. This year, we decided to try something new. The new E-Team was comprised of our support staff, including our TAG teachers, interventionists, counselor, librarian, IT specialist, principal, assistant principal and enrichment coordinator. The purpose of this team was to provide resources and support to classroom teachers to help facilitate differentiation for all students in the classroom. Members of this team worked one-on-one with a variety of students. These relationships provided another levels of intervention with extra love and guidance. Many positive relationships and connections were made between students and staff members who may not normally interact with each other during the school day.

2014 Confratute: This July, ten Laurel Mountain teachers will attend Confratute at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Confratute is the longest running summer institute on enrichment-based differentiated teaching held, this being its’ 37 year! Confratute is organized and run by Dr. Joseph Renzulli, Dr. Sally Reis and their staff from the Naeg School for the Gifted at UConn. It offers a jam-packed week of events to engage, inspire and rejuvenate educators. The ten LME teachers attending this summer are: Mr. Lance Brinkman (4th), Ms. Elizabeth Gordan (4th), Mr. Marty Gordan (1st), Ms. Wynn Holzinger (4th), Ms. Jessica Jackson (5th), Mrs. Nicole Levitan (Enrichment Coordinator), Ms. Donna O'Neal (4th), Mrs. Marci Shrull (TAG), Mrs. Jessica Trejo (4th), and Mrs. Jody Wenum (2nd). Mrs. Levitan will also present a Special Topic session which focuses on how we have built the Schoolwide Enrichment Model at LME. This opportunity would not be possible without the generosity of our parents and community to the Excellence Fund. The donations provide our staff first-hand training on SEM and differentiation practices. The ten teachers attending are very excited about this professional development and are looking forward to bringing back what they learn to campus next year.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This was a reflective writing piece completed by a kindergarten student last Friday when enrichment clusters were over. The transcription is typed in below. Not sure that I need to write anything else.  I think she says it all.  This is why we do what we do at Laurel Mountain. Schoolwide Enrichment Model, the THING that sets us apart.  

"I was in the Creative Card Cluster.  The thing that I didn't like was when it was over.  The End."

Teachers Are Learners, Too

I was invited this afternoon by Principal Eleece Moffat to talk to her staff at Canyon Creek Elementary, a fellow RRISD school.   I am excited to share with them different aspects of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) and how we have implemented these parts into our everyday lives at Laurel Mountain.  It is always delightful to share the successes of our students and teachers with others.  And I am extremely proud to represent ALL of the amazing things that go on everyday within our school walls.  Here is the Prezi that I created for this presentation:

http://prezi.com/a8c8vw081vzr/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Also, on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning we will have Ms. Susan Simpson from St. John's School in Houston visiting our campus.  Susan is a teacher at St. John's and a graduate of the Three Summers Masters Program at the University of Connecticut.  She is coming to see a SEM school is action.  We are eager to welcome her to LME and help her explore more about the Schoolwide Enrichment Model.  I am always enthusiastic to make new friends and partners along our SEM journey. We end up learning as much from them, as they do from us.  Always teaching AND learning, another thing that sets LME apart.

Follow me on Twitter: @SEMatLME

The Fun Never Stops...

This is what most of us concentrated on last week...

But just because it was STAAR week, does not mean the fun needs to stop.  For example, our kindergartners and first graders started their second round of enrichment clusters this past week.  By allowing our K and first graders to participate in two enrichment clusters, we meet our goal of giving our youngest friends several opportunities to explore areas of interest. Our students are engaged, having fun, and most importantly learning.  Another thing that sets LME apart...

And don't forget that you can now follow me on twitter @SEMatLME.

 "Football Around the World" in action.

 Moving and grooving in "Just Dance!"

 Creative kids in "Creative Cards".

 "Computing Cubs" watching a video on coding.

Sorting dinosaurs in "Dinotopia".

 Edible scooter from "Yummy in my Tummy!"

Who can build the tallest tower in "Team Lego"?

The art and science of paper airplanes in "Amazing Airplanes".

Levitating cups in "Hocus Pocus". 

Science is fun and messy in "Chemistry Unleashed".

Learning to take pictures in "Snappy Snapshots".

Exploring rocks and minerals in "Rock On!"

Finger Puppets in "Puppet Pals".

Mrs. Bretsch presenting to "Pets and Vets".

Kindergarten and First Grade Enrichment Cluster Fun!

Today, I had the privilege of touring sixteen LME parents around our kindergarten and first grade enrichment clusters. This was the third and final meeting of round one of our K/1 enrichment clusters. I was so proud to show our parents all of the amazing learning opportunities taking place during the enrichment clusters. The students were excited, engaged and energized. It is so impressive to see what our youngest learners at LME can accomplish. Below you will find summaries of what each of the enrichment clusters accomplished in three weeks. 

But do not worry! Enrichment clusters are not over for our K and 1 students. Next Friday, they will all be placed in a second enrichment cluster, which lasts for three weeks as well. Our goal with our kinder and 1st grade students is to give them lots of opportunities to explore and learn more about areas of interest. And that is exactly what our enrichment clusters accomplish for these two grade levels.

One more thing! I have started to tweet. So to see and read more about SEM at LME, please follow me @SEMatLME. 

Giving our youngest students time to explore areas of interest...another thing that sets LME apart.

Hocus Pocus: The first meeting of the Hocus Pocus enrichment cluster was a huge hit! We learned how to make something disappear, how to levitate an ordinary object and how to confuse our audience with a seemingly simple cup trick. Remember, magic is just an illusion...or is it? Hmmm? See you next week as we learn some more great magic tricks!

Football Around The World: During this enrichment cluster we will learn how to create a football playbook and using teamwork to make us better soccer players.

Dinotopia: During this enrichment cluster we will be traveling back in time to discover dinosaurs. The children will explore this enrichment cluster through games, puzzles, books, and experiments. Fossils will be created and discovered on the LME property. A surprise activity awaits all paleontologists during the last Dinotopia class!

Puppet Pals: During this enrichment cluster we will make a variety of puppets, learn puppet manipulation skills and make a puppet stage. Students will also have a chance to try their hand at performing with an assortment of hand puppets and various types of puppet stages.

Just Dance: In the “Just Dance” enrichment cluster, we had lots of visitors and helpers for our first week. Madison Neely and Sophie Gray, from the Westwood Sundancers, came and taught us a dance to the song "Let It Go" from the movie Frozen. We learned about each other's dance experiences and the children expressed why they wanted to be in the dance cluster. The students brainstormed ideas of types of dance that they want to learn. These included Indian dance, tap, and contemporary styles. Fifth grade helpers will be helping with these dance style demonstrations and teaching. At the end of our first meeting several of the students performed dances for us all in a talent show type format. 

Team LEGO: In this enrichment cluster the children will find out how LEGOS are made, design their own mini-figure, work as a team to build the tallest tower and even use an app to help us make our own LEGO movie!

Out of this World! During week one, we will explore and discover all kinds of interesting things about space. We will rotate through four stations with books, games, toys and puzzles to get ourselves into the outer atmosphere! During the second week, we will have a guest engineer, Mr. Hall, help us launch rockets from a rocket launcher outside. We will see how the different angles of the rockets can affect the distance they travel. Our final week we will make a rocket using a film canister to hold our fuel. We use water and Alka-Seltzer to power the engine and blast our rockets into the sky! We will take extra fuel home to blast off our rockets over the weekend!

Friendship Bracelets: At the “Friendship Bracelets” enrichment cluster, we talked about our experiences with jewelry making and watched an instructional video about using Rainbow Looms. Then we got started making bracelets! Our facilitators are Mrs. Miranda and Mrs. Webster. We also met our 5th grade helpers Shreya, Sarah, Adwita and Violet who are Rainbow Loom experts!

Chemistry Unleashed: During this enrichment cluster we will be discovering the different states of matter by mixing solutions that will turn into a solid and watching liquid dramatically turn into a gas. We will also see how one liquid can make another liquid “dance”.

Snappy Snapshots Cluster: During this enrichment cluster we will be exploring and learning the basics of good photography. Your child will even get to start their very own portfolio with their “snappy snapshots”!

Amazing Animals: In this enrichment cluster we will be exploring remarkable reptiles, brilliant birds, and our surprise mammal this year is a real show dog. What does it take to care for these cool pets and why are they so incredible? We hope to answer some questions and have fun learning some new things. In addition we will have activities that will help us celebrate our interest in animals.

Rock On! During this enrichment cluster we adopt “Pet Rocks”, excavate crystals, learn about rocks of the USA, and and whatever else the students are interested in learning! Let’s see where our imagination takes us! 

Vets and Pets: During this enrichment cluster, we will be learning many exciting things about animals and careers with animals. We will survey our friends and graph our favorite animal. A real Veterinarian will teach us about pets and how vets help animals. We will explore how to care for and train pets with hands on activities. During our three weeks of exploring we will also have a chance to dig deeper into a specific interest in pets through a variety of activities. Your child’s passion for pets or a career with animals will be developed as we follow their interests and talents learning about vets and pets.

Amazing Airplanes: During this enrichment cluster we will be learning about the history and science of airplanes, making and testing paper airplanes, and designing and constructing our own airplane out of various materials.

Creative Card Making: During this enrichment cluster we will be learning different techniques to make pop up cards, origami cards, pull-tab cards, and many more. We’ll be using different craft supplies: stamps, markers, paint, glitter, yarn, ribbons, colorful cardstock and more. As a cluster we’ll be deciding on what type of cards we will be making: birthday cards, thank you notes, thinking of you cards, etc. We’re sure to brighten the days of others!

Computing Cubs: Our group of Computing Cubs had a great time exploring the world of computers. We started with a discussion of where we see computers in our day to day life and what jobs they perform. This led into a discussion of what a program is and spending time at the website http://code.org/learn. This free website allows kids to write their first computer program with help from the Angry Birds. After completing an hour of code, all participants received a certificate with their name on it. In our two remaining meetings we will be looking inside a computer, learning some basic typing skills, and exploring how a Smart Board works. We're off to a great start!

Yummy! Yummy! To My Tummy! “Yummy! Yummy! To My Tummy!” is an amazing culinary experience that combines food and art. We will be using every day favorites such as pretzels, cheese sticks, pudding, and strawberries to create delicious edibles as well as pieces of art. We will be providing a service to our families as we learn new recipes and kitchen skills that we can use at home, and some treats will be taken home to share. Every lesson has a literary extension that promotes love of reading, even in the kitchen!

2nd and 3rd Graders Time to Shine!

Our 2nd and 3rd graders had the opportunity to show off their hard work and dedication on Friday, March 28th. This was our Enrichment Cluster Showcase day. The 2nd and 3rd grade students were placed on different time shift throughout the morning.  The students were the docents at their display and were able to explain and demonstrate to visitors what they learned and accomplished during their eight meetings in their enrichment cluster.

We had over 200 visitors that morning and everyone was impressed with the knowledge of our students and the products of the showcase. We were excited to welcome several visitors from RRISD: Carla Amacher (Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education), Lannon Heflin (Informational Technology Services, Director), Robert Autry (Informational Technology Services, Elementary Education) and Jeff Uselman (Informational Technology Services). We also had two vistors from Barton Creek Elementary in Eanes ISD. We have been working with them all school year to help them on their SEM journey. 

The entire morning was a HUGE success!  I could explain what happened in words, but a fun video is so much better. Please click on the link below to view.

Enrichment Cluster Showcases...another thing that sets LME apart.  

2/3 enrichment cluster showcase

2nd and 3rd grade Enrichment Cluster Summaries

Today at Laurel Mountain, you could FEEL that it was Friday.  You could see the excitement in our student and feel anticipation in the air for our 2nd and 3rd grade Enrichment Cluster Showcase.  The students were ready to share with our visitors the journey they took over the past eight weeks in their enrichment cluster. The students did a phenomenal job and I will write more about that on the next blog (along with some great pictures).  Until then, I want to share the summaries from our 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment clusters.  As you could see today and read below, our students are engaged, collaborating, communicating, creative and using their critical thinking skills.  Just another thing to add to the list that sets LME apart.

Take One: We have spent the past couple of months on a cinematography quest. Students have honed their skills with flip cameras and the WeVideo App. While many enjoyed spending time in front of the camera, others chose to stay behind the camera. The students learned how to edit and add special effects to their videos. Through the WeVideo application everyone had the opportunity to have a movie published! Our cinematographers are very excited to present their work at the showcase.

Global Crafts Cluster: For the past several weeks, students in the “Global Crafts Cluster” explored the countries of the Netherlands, Russia and India. We learned important culture, customs and crafts particular to each country. Students created windmills to represent the Netherlands. We began our journey through Russia by making nesting dolls and our version of Faberge eggs. Our cluster was so excited about Russia that we sent a couple more weeks exploring with the help of LME parent Yulia Klueva who shared her Russian culture and made beautiful snowflakes and paper chains with the children. We completed our global journey in India where we made Rangoli designs with colored rice.

Lost in Books: The students of “Lost in Books”LOVE to read! So...each Friday we got to read in the dark snuggled up in our sleeping bags with a flashlight. We each chose a Bluebonnet book to read and then we wrote a review on that book. We included the summary of the book but not all of the book so we don’t spoil it for anyone who wants to read it, the theme, what age of student would like it and how many “books” we would give it (one book being the least favorite book we’ve read to 10 being the most favorite book we’ve read). We hope these reviews will help the students of LME make a more informed decision of which book they would like to read. We will then attach these reviews to the LME library book shelves for all students, teachers and parents to enjoy!

Sports Galore: Our “Sports Galore” enrichment cluster played advanced sports both inside and outside. We played kickbasket, football, neucomb, hockey, flickbasketball, soccer, and quidditch with the UT club team. While playing these sports the students focused on sportsmanship, leadership, strategy, encouragement, inclusion, and understanding what to do to help their team. Mrs. Schnier and Mrs. Bretsch lead the cluster. A big thank you to Mrs. Bretsch for coordinating the visit with the UT Qudditch team which was a BLAST!

The Great Minecraft Experiment: The Crafters learned a great deal about Minecraft during this cluster, not to mention the importance of communicating and working together! We figured out how to play Minecraft on a PC, including joining a server and the complicated controls. The students decided to create a town with many different types of structures, from a castle with working arrow-dispensing defenses to a bakery complete with an adjoining farm to supply its baking necessities. All structures were beautifully and thoughtfully furnished inside. Several students worked together to create a redstone-powered railway on which players and visitors can ride to get a complete tour of the town. Everyone worked seamlessly together to make the vision become a reality! We are so proud of their hard work! The enrichment cluster's activities were meticulously documented on my blog:lioncrafting.blogspot.com, check it out!

Flying Lion Travel Agency: We had a GREAT time learning to be junior travel agents in the “Flying Lion Travel Agency” enrichment cluster. First, we learned about what a travel agent does and brainstormed ideas for exciting travel destinations. Our cluster learned about all elements of planning for a trip: picking where we'd like to go, booking a flight, selecting hotels, developing an itinerary, renting a car, and choosing restaurants. We researched our destinations through print and online media. We were lucky to have LME parent Cathy Andrews of Kingdom Planners come talk to us about what she does as a professional travel agent for all things Disney. Finally, our cluster members designed business cards and collected our best travel plans together to share with all of you! Welcome aboard!

Nature's Fury: “Nature's Fury” enrichment cluster was an amazing hands-on journey through the natural disasters that children hear so much about on the news. We used the chemical reaction of vinegar and baking soda (with added food coloring) to erupt volcanoes, used instant snow and rocks to develop mountain scenes that were shook into avalanches, mixed roots and rocks with soil as "rain" caused mudslides, made a tornado in a bottle while investigating centrifugal force, and created a homemade seismometer to measure our student created earthquakes. The service portion of our cluster centered around developing emergency kits to provide the Red Cross for families who have been displaced from their homes due to the forces of nature. We mapped out major natural disasters on a map and looked for connections as to why they would repeatedly occur in these areas as we worked with the earth layers and rubbing of tectonics with clay and rocks to decipher cause and effects relationships in nature.

Clay, Clay, Clay: What a blast we’ve had using our imaginations and skills to create unique works of artfrom clay. Our creations range from sculpture to potter’s wheel pots to pieces made with clay slabs, coils and pinch pot creations. Many of our pieces have been glazed and fired and are waiting to be seen by others. We have produced over 70 works of art. Not only have we been busy learning how to make different clay products, we have had a lot of fun creating and sharing with each other. We are also sharing with the community by donating several of our bowls to the Empty Bowl Project Auction, which provides financial support to the Round Rock food bank.

The Protectors of the Rain Forest: The “Protectors of the Rain Forest” spent the last two months creating majestic paintings of plants and animals from the rain forest. The students researched through books and the internet for an inspiration. They took their inspiration and sketched their vision onto paper and then transferred it onto their canvas. After spending time perfecting their drawing, they began the magic of painting these gorgeous creatures to make them come alive. When looking at each of these paintings, you will be drawn to the stunning beauty of the rain forest. These students did a magnificent job exemplifying their talent and their interest through these paintings.

Pet Palooza: “Pet Palooza” had a busy eight weeks! We had the opportunity to learn more about veterinarians, dog trainers, dog breeders, grooming dogs and working dogs. We loved learning new things from experts in their fields and getting to meet all of their furry friends! We also made dog treats, toys and pet treat and food bowls. During our last meeting we got to meet some of each other’s pets!

Crafting for the Troops: The “Crafting for the Troops” enrichment cluster accomplished many fun crafts for the soldiers that are in the Veteran's Hospital in San Antonio! We made pop-up cards to make them smile and to let them know that we are thinking about them and that we appreciate their service. We made soft, cozy blankets to help the soldiers feel more at home, hospital blankets are thin and not very fluffy! Another fun craft was painting coffee mugs. We thought a hand-painted mug would help their coffee or hot chocolate taste better! One of things we learned was that the soldiers can get very bored and that they really like working in word puzzle books. So, we decided to create book covers and on the computer, we created lots of word puzzles for them to enjoy. We had a great time working together to create our crafts and we hope that the soldiers that receive them will like them as much as we liked making everything!

Pinocchio's Pals: Over the past eight weeks, the students in “Pinocchio's Pals” have gone from beginning puppet makers to master puppeteers! They have learned to design puppets from scratch, plan out a list of materials, and create a variety of puppets. With a great deal of hard work, we were able to make finger puppets, sock puppets, marionettes, shadow puppets, and stick puppets. We even got to experiment with professionally made puppets too! Students had a blast learning how to bring the characters in their minds to life.

LME LEGOsmiths: Our “LME LEGOsmiths” completed final two builds. One was Dogbot, a mechanical replica of a dog that can open its mouth, move its eyes and wag its tail. Some of our LEGOsmiths made modifications to their Dogbot to make it act as happy as possible. The other build was a dragster that our LEGOsmiths also built a launcher for. They launched their dragsters, observed their speed, and then made modifications to increase their speed. We also prepared for the enrichment cluster showcase. Our LEGOsmiths are all sad that our eight-week adventure is over!

Help Save the Animals!: The students in Room 310 have been busy discovering ways to help save endangered animals. They have also been busy brainstorming ways they can help everyone else develop a passion to protect these animals. After much research, they have developed posters, PowerPoints, puppets, and dioramas to inspire their audience to join the cause of saving the animals!

Caring Crafters: In our “Caring Crafters” enrichment cluster we've been busy each week taking our love of crafting and using it to spread goodwill and sunshine to others. We've spent time creating gift baskets filled with homemade colorful rainbow loom bracelets, hand painted mugs, flower pens, notepads, lanyards, homemade cards and origami treasures. We will donate some of our gift baskets to the siblings of sick patients at Dell Children’s hospital. We had lots of fun together and got to spread a little joy to others in need!

Creative Coding: Students had so much fun making their game or story using Scratch! We had a couple parents come in to talk to students about their jobs that involve coding and game design. The last 6 meeting were used to create games and stories using scratch. During the meeting, student experts on Scratch helped other students solve their coding problem. It was very cool to see students helping students! At the end of the cluster, some students created a game by themselves and other students created games with a partner. All students had fun learning new things about coding!

Creation Station: The “Creation Station” enrichment cluster had a great time learning about different printing techniques. We kicked off our cluster by learning about printing as an art form and creating block or stamp prints out of Styrofoam plates, with ink or paint and paper as our medium. The next few weeks we worked on screen printing. We first made our own screens with panty hose, an embroidery hoop, and Mod Podge. This was a fun way to learn how the screen printing process works and what will or won't work when we create our real screens. Finally it was time to make our actual screens for screen printing. We first sketched our design on paper then traced the design on the screens. Next, we painted in our design using drawing fluid. Once the drawing fluid dried we were able to coat the screens with screen filler. When the screen filler was dry, we were able to wash off the drawing fluid so the ink would only pass through the image on our screen. The students were able to use their screen to print a t-shirt and a tote bag. It was a lot of fun learning about the screen printing process and all the many ways this technique could be used in our everyday lives.

Friendship Bracelet Rainbow Looming: The “Friendship Bracelet Rainbow Looming” enrichment cluster has had a blast making bracelets for people in the Armed Forces and for children at Dell Children's Hospital. Loomers spent their time engaged in learning new styles of bracelets from their friends and from watching how to videos on the computer. Several Loomers learned how to make dragons, horses and other bracelet patterns. We had a blast and are so excited to send our creations to others to cheer them up!