A New Book Nook Inspires Nursery and PreKindergarten
Posted on November 19th, 2013 by tcroweThe Nursery and Pre-K children have been investigating our recently renovated Book Nook in the classroom. The children are learning how to care for our classroom library, books, and materials. A puppet theater, flannel board, and other storytelling materials are also featured in this space. We’ve added a writing center as part of this updated space and a listening center will be incorporated in the near future.
The Nursery and Pre-K teachers have been working with Abbey Gebel, the Lower School reading specialist, to enhance the reading program to differentiate instruction and further prepare our children for Kindergarten. This is being explored through Reading Workshop as well as Letter and Word Study.
A Word Wall will be a prominent feature in the classroom, and children will add names, samples of environmental prints, and key words that are being learned through literature and shared reading and writing experiences.
The photos offer a glimpse into the level of interest and involvement the children are experiencing already!
Posted in: Highlights, Nursery, Pre-Primary School, PreKindergarten
Lower School Entrepreneur Day
Posted on May 8th, 2013 by Tony Tepedino
The second annual Entrepreneur Day at Allendale Columbia School took place on Friday, May 3rd. John Sullivan, Lower School Director, and Martha Bjorklund, Enrichment Specialist, were in charge of the event. Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade students set up businesses and sold their handmade products to the school community. Profits from the day will be donated to Crosby’s Fund, a local charity for pediatric cancer research at the Wilmot Cancer Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital at The University of Rochester, NY. This charity was chosen by the participating students. This day provided many opportunities for our students. It gave them a chance to understand how a business is built and how it runs. It next allowed the students to be creative and original in their thinking as they develop products for their business. Finally, it afforded them the opportunity to feel the gift of giving to an organization that benefits other people.
In preparation for Entrepreneur Day students were required to complete a business plan, decide either to be a sole proprietor or form a partnership, and spend time making their products in preparations for the event. Four local Entrepreneurs came to speak to the students before Entrepreneur Day.
- Keith Wilson CFO of Sweetwater Energy
- Penelope Pankow of F. Oliver’s Oils & Vinegars (read more about Penelope’s visit here)
- Tanvi Asher owner of Peppermint
- Andy August owner of Park Ave. Bike Shop
Each speaker offered their advise, shared their expertise on how to run a successful business, and told the students many stories about starting and running their own businesses.
Entrepreneur Day gave the Allendale Columbia Lower School students the experience of what it is like to own and operate a business. It was a wonderfully creative day with so many original items being made and sold.
“The learning that takes place is exciting and authentic, and that is what we are all about at Allendale Columbia.” said Martha Bjorklund, Enrichment Specialist.
Over $1000.00 dollars were raised for Crosby’s Fund, and everyone in the school community enjoyed the experience.
Posted in: Fifth Grade, Fourth Grade, Lower School, Third Grade
The Permanence of Practice
Posted on April 23rd, 2013 by Tony TepedinoMusician Paul Gaspar has Allendale Columbia School 7th grader, Brandon, demonstrate the importance and permanence of practice. Mr. Gaspar was a guest speaker at career day for our middle school students.
Posted in: Middle School
SOLE Challenge
Posted on March 5th, 2013 by Tony Tepedino…
Posted in: Lower School
Guide on the Side
Posted on January 18th, 2013 by Tony Tepedino…
Posted in: Middle School