Seeing Injustice Through the Eyes of Children
Posted on February 14th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolNo one points out injustice quite like a child does. And no one gives us more hope than our children do.
Beginning with their preparations for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and their annual Kindergarten Breakfast, Allendale Columbia Kindergarten students learned about the life and legacy of Dr. King and the outstanding contributions of African American authors, artists, statesman, and scientists.
But while their research told them about these great people in our history and of today, the most difficult questions began with “why.”
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Highlights, Kindergarten, Lower School
Trying Conquers Transition Fears
Posted on February 8th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolKids do think ahead sometimes, especially when it comes to big transitions. Fifth-graders moving up to Middle School worry about the schedule, changing classrooms and teachers, lockers, and mixing with older kids. Eighth-graders moving to Upper School often cite preparing for college, tougher courses, more choices, and whether they can balance everything. Parents worry about these things, too, as they try to anticipate their child’s path forward. Imaginings of what might be often distracts them from the excitement of what’s to come.
The cure: trying it! Once students, with support, experience a day in the life at the next level and see what actually happens, the fears fade away. That’s why Allendale Columbia does a Next Steps program every February for fifth-graders and eighth-graders. (more…)
Posted in: Eighth Grade, Fifth Grade, Highlights, Lower School, Middle School, Ninth Grade, Seventh Grade, Sixth Grade, Upper School
Ukuleles Build Connection, Creativity, and Resilience
Posted on February 1st, 2019 by Allendale Columbia SchoolBy Rachael Sanguinetti
Happy National Ukulele Day!
If you’ve visited the AC chorus room in the last two years, you probably noticed a huge addition to the decor of the room: 22 concert-size ukuleles on the back walls. They are a point of conversation on many tours of the music building and have become an important part of the AC Middle School music offerings.
We use these instruments in 6th Grade Foundational Music and in Ukulele Electives offered each semester. They are also used in Lower School General Music classes and for Upper School clubs. Over the past few years they have been used by many students across divisions for composition, performance, and group music making. (more…)
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Highlights, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School
RSVP: Next Steps Event for PreK to Grade 4
Posted on February 1st, 2019 by cnickelsParents of students in Pre-K through Grade 4 at AC are invited to a special Lower School Next Steps event on Friday, February 8th from 8:00-9:30 a.m. We will start in the CPC to learn more about next year from current students. Afterward, parents will be invited to visit and observe classrooms in action from 8:45-9:30 a.m. and visit our with our specialists in Art, Spanish, Music, and PE, and with our Learning Advocate. (more…)
Posted in: First Grade, Fourth Grade, Kindergarten, Lower School, LS Birches, Second Grade, The Birches, Third Grade
Robotics Teams Win Design, Amaze, and Research Awards
Posted on January 31st, 2019 by Allendale Columbia Schoolby Donna Chaback
AC’s Gia helps direct the MAGMA team’s driver Amora in a Teamwork Challenge.
Allendale Columbia School teams brought home three awards at the VEX IQ Robotics Qualifier, and at least two teams, VEX Chargers and MAGMAS, will be going on to the State Championships.
The Qualifier was held Saturday, January 26th, at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) in Syracuse. A total of 38 VEX IQ Robotics teams of students in Grades 4-8 participated. AC’s teams were all composed of 5th-graders. The State VEX IQ Championship will be held at the MOST on March 9th. AC has had teams go on to the World Championships in each of the last two years, with last year’s team winning one of the Sportsmanship awards. (more…)
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Centers for Impact, Fifth Grade, Fourth Grade, Highlights, Invent, Lower School
Feb. 1st Friday Night Delight Postponed
Posted on January 31st, 2019 by cnickels
We are postponing this month’s Friday Night Delight, originally scheduled for February 1st. We will communicate the new date as soon as one is confirmed. This pertains to the STEM-focused Friday Night Delight for our K-5 families.
Thanks for your understanding and stay tuned!
SCIENCE FAIR: Movie Screening Feb. 7th
Posted on January 30th, 2019 by cnickels
Join us for a special viewing of SCIENCE FAIR by National Geographic
Hailed by critics as “infectious and exuberant” and “the funniest movie of the year,” National Geographic Documentary Films’ SCIENCE FAIR follows nine high school students from around the globe as they navigate rivalries, setbacks and, of course, hormones, on their journey to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair. As 1,700 of the smartest, quirkiest teens from 78 different countries face off, only one will be named Best in Fair. SCIENCE FAIR won the audience award at Sundance and SXSW.
This event has already occurred. To watch the documentary on your own, please check Amazon or Netflix.
Watch the trailer and see for yourself why science is so cool.
Allendale Columbia School presents this event as part of our commitment to exposing students and the Rochester community to STEM and entrepreneurship opportunities. Learn more about the AC Invent Center for STEM and Innovation and the AC Center for Entrepreneurship.
Posted in: Entrepreneurship, Highlights, Invent, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School
Young Soloists Turn Butterflies Into Bravado
Posted on January 24th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia School
Yes, there were a few butterflies in the stomachs of Lower School students who had signed up for the annual Solo Performance Night held January 18th. But once they got started, the young students turned those butterflies into brave and beautiful notes that floated to the receptive ears of a welcoming audience. (more…)
Posted in: Authentic Learning, Fifth Grade, First Grade, Fourth Grade, Highlights, Kindergarten, Lower School, Second Grade, Third Grade