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SPECIAL EVENTS |
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KINDERGARTEN GRADE ONE GRADE TWO GRADE THREE GRADE FOUR GRADE FIVE SPECIAL EVENTS HOME ACTIVITIES HOME |
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SPECIAL EVENTS |
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KINDERGARTEN GRADE ONE GRADE TWO GRADE THREE GRADE FOUR GRADE FIVE SPECIAL EVENTS HOME ACTIVITIES HOME |
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Who should we cast our
vote for? Senators Barack Obama or John McCain? That was the decision
facing our students on October 30, 2008. For the first time, Grades 2-5
participated in a simulated voting experience related to the presidential election. Students filled
out a voter registration card and checked into the registration desk. They
were given a paper ballot with a choice to vote for either Senator Obama
or Senator McCain. Students then proceeded to cast their ballot in the
voting booth. The students of Burns Avenue were able to predict the
outcome of the general election where they overwhelmingly voted for
Senator Barack Obama, 76% to Senator John McCain, 24%
The Annual Hoops for
Heart/ Workout for Heart Programs were held on November 20th and December 4th,
respectively. Each year the students raise money to benefit the American
Heart Association. On November 20, the Fourth and Fifth Graders showed
off their basketball skills. They played "All Around the World", "Rainbow
Basketball" and "Knockout". On December 4, Grades K-3 worked up a sweat
doing push-ups, riding on scooters, and giving their legs a workout on
the steppers. The combined total raised this year for the American
Heart Association was $4,289.80! The students enjoyed the benefits of
exercise while participating in a worthy cause.
Dennis Oehler, gold
medalist in the 1998 Paralympic Games came to visit the Fifth Graders on
November 21, 2008. Mr. Oehler's professional soccer career came to a halt
in 1986 when a tragic car accident forced doctors to amputate his right
leg below the knee. A friend took him to watch the Paralympic Games which
encouraged him to resume his athletic career. He has had a successful
athletic career and has been a role model for individuals with special
needs. Mr. Oehler taught the students that it was acceptable to be
curious, ask questions and not to avoid eye contact when encountering a
physically challenged individual. Rather than having pity, Mr. Oehler
encouraged the students to have respect for the physically challenged.
Did the teddy bear
originate in America or Germany? That was the question author and
illustrator, Kathleen Bart, had the students answer when she visited Burns
Avenue on November 25, 2008. Ms. Bart is the author and illustrator of "A
Tale of Two Teddies", a book about two bears that were created at the same
time in 1902. One bear was created in America by the Ideal Toy Company and
the other one created by German toy maker Margarete Steiff. Our younger
students enjoyed this presentation. Then, Ms. Bart taught the students how
to draw their own teddy bears! By the way, our students believe the
American teddy bear was created first! The older students were treated to
a different presentation about her trips around the world using her
beautiful illustrations.
Once again the challenge
was issued. Would the Fifth Graders rise to the occasion and become the
2008 winners of the Annual Volleyball Game against the teachers and staff?
Sadly that was not the case. However, the Fifth Graders had a fun time
trying. The Volleyball Game is the culmination of the Physical Education's
Department unit on volleyball. The Fifth Graders and the staff showed off
their skills and competitive side and played a very entertaining game. 
Turn off those TV's and video games!
It was time for the Annual Cold Turkey Challenge. The program ran from
November 6-14. Students were asked to turn off the TV and video game
consoles and in turn read a good book. Those students meeting the criteria
got to participate in the Annual Cold Turkey Challenge Party which was
held on December 5. Students who participated watched a movie and
enjoyed an ice cream sundae!
The holidays are a time
for giving thanks and giving back to our community. The student body
participated in three very worthy programs this year. First, students brought in canned
goods and non-perishable items for the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Second, students also donated supplies to help support the troops. Members
of the Student Council helped package up the items for these very worthy
causes. Finally, the students participated in the Adopt-a-Family
Program and helped to make the holidays a joyful occasion for a family in
Hicksville.
Several Burns Avenue
students participated in a fine arts and essay contest in conjunction with
the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Day. In Library, the students
discussed Dr. King's, "Six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence". Students
had to submit artwork or an essay based on one or more of Dr. King's
principles. The categories included: painting, drawing, sculpting,
photography, and writing. The winners of the contest will have their entries
displayed in Albany's Empire State Plaza in January, 2009. In addition, the
winners received a prize from the Student Council. All participants
received a "No Homework Pass"!