First Grade Community Gathering
& Breakfast
The First Graders are studying Community. One of our concepts in this unit is to study our school Community.
We got to know the workers in our community by interviewing them. For example, we interviewed Jerome, a custodian, and learned how he keeps our building clean and running smoothly. We painted portraits of the people we interviewed and wrote speeches about them.
At our Community celebration we presented our music, artwork, and speeches.
We all joined together to share a Community breakfast in our classrooms. Our families and school staff visited each room and shared food and laughs, building a stronger community in our school.
Have You Seen Our Art Fence?
By Jen Mason Stott, Librarian
First graders studied the author/illustrator team, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. We read Extra Yarn, a story about a girl knitting sweaters for her whole town, bringing color to her community. We wondered: Could we do that for King Open? We found out about yarn-bombing: covering an outdoor object with yarn. We could yarn-bomb part of the recess yard! Jen brought in loads of sticks. Liza (SLC teacher) brought bags of colorful yarn, and Brendan, Diana, and Liz helped us. First graders got to work, wrapping sticks with yarn for several weeks. We drew what the fence would look like. Then Jen attached the yarn sticks to the fence along Broadway for all to see.
It was TOP SECRET! We agreed to tell NO ONE but parents and guardians. We even kept the secret from Principal Williams!
A cozy calm settled over the library as we worked on our secret gift to the King Open community. Children loved comparing and selecting yarns and handling rough natural objects, honing fine motor skills and working together. “Yarn sticks” is still a popular choice during first grade library time!
Black History Month is Here! Come Read with Us!
Last year, parents and KOED teachers of color read favorite stories and biographies during library time. Students loved it! Are you are interested in reading or telling a story to a class - in February, or anytime? Talk to Librarian Jen! We have many books to choose, or you can bring a favorite. Visit the library or reach out: [email protected] or 617.349.6540 x103.
3rd & 4th Grade Olá Map Museum
Family Breakfast
On November 22, the third and fourth grades OLÁ held a Parent Breakfast in Rooms 203 and 205. Some of the student work showcased were Personal Narratives in Portuguese and in English, and the Map Museum and the River Table. Third grade students performed a class created scene that showed their exploration of cultural and societal challenges facing some indigenous Brazilian peoples of the Amazon. Fourth grade students showcased fictional legends they created based on our study of native legends, a project that is connected to our year long study of Native American cultural groups by U.S. region.
Kindergarten Nature in the City Breakfast
The Nature in the City breakfast is a celebration of our Fall science curriculum. During this period, students observed the natural traits which are present in our own environment, such as the animals surrounding us (squirrels, rabbits, butterflies, spiders, etc.) and the rich vegetation with a variety of trees and plants found in the City of Cambridge. Some students also got to measure the temperature and think about its influence on the landscape, the clothes we wear, and the activities we plan to do. In the classroom, students recorded their observations in their science notebooks, participated in read-aloud activities, created craft projects, helped the teachers make graphs and posters, and sang songs. Parents had a glimpse of their kids adventures in this community event. In addition to our breakfast, children also visited the Boston Nature Center. At the BNC, children participated in hikes, a nature scavenger hunt, sketched animal artifacts, and even learned about animal migration and resources collection through a hula-hoop game. The trip was a wonderful opportunity for children to roll up their sleeves and dive into nature!
Photo: Children learn about animal resources and migration through play!
Phys Ed News
Getting to Know Mr. W
Hi, My name is Carl Williams, and I am the PE teacher at the King Open School. I am so excited to be part of the King Open Community.
Where did I get my passion for teaching? My passion comes from working with kids, getting to learn about them, and getting enjoyment out of watching them learn, grow and develop. My passion also comes from me wanting to teach kids about how being healthy and active is a very important part of everyday life.
How do I stay healthy? As I tell the students, I try to stay healthy by being as active as possible and eating a balanced diet. I like to exercise (going to the gym and varying my workouts), and I like to play basketball (as a lot of the students will tell you).
What Your Child Needs to Be Prepared For Gym
Although this time of year provides inclement weather, it is vital that all students wear sneakers to phys ed class. So if you are not in the habit already, please begin to send your child in with a pair of sneakers on his/her phys ed days. Wearing sneakers during physical activity is a safe habit to begin now and a preventative major in terms of feet/ankle injuries while in PE.
Unit Focus of the Month
Grades JK-2
J/K: Manipulative Skills & Math
1st Grade: Literacy & Non-Manipulative Skills
2nd Grade: Literacy & Non-Manipulative Skills
Grades 3-5
3rd Grade: Science/Nutrition of The Body
4th Grade: Movement Concepts & Math - in addition to continuing w/ their Swim Unit
5th Grade: Ballroom Dance - 5th graders have been working so hard on this, please join us for their dance performance on March 14 at the high school
Let's Connect!
Stay in the loop by joining our social media communities.
King Open Facebook
King Open Twitter
District Social Media
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UPCOMING EVENTS
February 9
Kindergarten 100th Day of School Celebration
February 12
Grades 3rd & 4th Cape Cod Informational Meeting
5:30-6PM in the Library - childcare provided
February 14
Bright Star Touring Theatre Show
6-6:45PM in the Gymnasium
February 15
MLK Assembly
9:30AM in the Gymnasium
February 19-23
NO SCHOOL: February Vacation Week
February 28
FOKO Meeting
6-7PM in the Library
School calendar >>
District calendar >>
BRIGHT STAR TOURING THEATRE PRESENTS STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM: THE LIFE OF DR. KING
Wed., Feb. 14 | 6PM
King Open Gymnasium
Children $3, Adults $5, Family (4 or more) $10; Pizza $1; Drinks Free
KING OPEN
M.L.K. ASSEMBLY
Thurs., Feb. 15 | 9:30AM
King Open Gymnasium
Families, staff and students are invited to join us in the gymnasium for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Assembly at 9:30AM. The M.L.K. committee and technology team has been working hard to put together this community gathering. Featured at the assembly are student artwork, poetry, speeches and singing. Fifth graders will be answering the question “What does civil rights mean to me?" We hope to see you there!
AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MUSIC
Kathleen Kolman, KO music teacher, is currently on leave. She was expected to return this month but has recently decided to extend her leave to the end of the school year. Heather Fishman has been temporarily teaching music classes in Kathleen's place. Heather has agreed to teach for the remainder of the school year. Kathleen is expected to return in Sept. 2018.
KING OPEN/CSUS BUILDING UPDATE
The King Open/Cambridge Street Upper Schools and Community Complex is presently commencing on schedule for a September 2019 occupancy. The main academic building adjacent to Willow Street is furthest along with foundations and structural steel complete, and the upper floor slabs have been poured for the other building trades to start their work. The east building adjacent to Berkshire street that houses the gyms, cafeteria auditorium and performing arts practice rooms for the school activities is scheduled for completion of steel erection in early March. A topping off ceremony will be held to recognize this milestone, more info to follow.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Immigration Legal Screening Clinics - FREE!
This FREE monthly clinic offers participants a consultation with an immigration attorney and the chance to learn more about how immigration law affects them and their families. Details >>
More programs & events in our community >>
GET INVOLVED
Learn how you can get involved at King Open!
Read on >>
MOBILE APP
Stay informed via our FREE mobile app!
Details >>
FIND IT CAMBRIDGE
Looking for things to do in Cambridge? Then take a peek at Find It Cambridge!
www.finditcambridge.org
King Open School
359 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139
617.349.6540
Fax: 617.349.6548
KO Website
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