POINTS of PRIDE: Ms. Hartman's Class at Atkins

Ms. Hartman's 4th Grade Class

Sometimes we get so busy we forget to view school through the eyes of a child.  I was reminded of the joy of being a 4th grader when I visited Ms. Sara Hartman's class at Atkins Elementary, a part of the Benton Community School District. 

My afternoon visit began with a preview of the Reader's Theater play - Jingle's Christmas Dilemma, a play written by Ms. Hartman.  The 4th grade class presented to first grade and will share the play with a local facility for handicapped adults at a later date.  What a treat to see the excitement in the eyes of 4th grade actors and actresses!  Enjoy the view of this holiday season through the following photos of the play...

Narrator while Santa waits

Reindeer give their advice

  
The play provided words of wisdom such as, "You have the ability to do whatever you set your heart to do!" and "Believe in yourself and you will achieve your goals!"  Also embedded within the play were words of advice for good writing skills as Jingles attempted to write a great story for Santa.

Once play practice was complete,  the students quickly and quietly transitioned back into their rooms to give their presentations about states around the United States.  Each student completed their project stored within their electronic portfolio and presented it via Google Docs to the class.  Facts about states were given.  Not only did they give the state motto, but taking it deeper, they also told what that motto meant.  They were very professional in their presentations - solid voices, good eye contact, great articulation of words.  Ms. Hartman is all business as she shows that she values their learning.  Much is said about Level 1 voices (Level 3 voices are for recess), and she makes it obvious what her expectations are.  Students know the routine and listen attentively to the other students, waiting patiently to ask quality questions once the presentation is complete.

Jason West, Sarah Hartman, & Jo Prusha

Students left for recess and I was able to visit with Principal Jason West and Curriculum Director Jo Prusha.  Benton School District has the TLC grant and has four instructional coaches, two curriculum/professional development leaders, and model classrooms that provide examples of technology infusion, differentiation, and progress monitoring.  Their Professional Learning Communities are known as CL/DT - Collaborative Learning/Data Teams.  In the area of technology, their junior high/high school are 1:1 with iPads.



DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHICS
Enrollment: 1400-1450
Free and Reduced Lunch:  around 23%

Returning to Ms. Hartman's room, students were participating in center work - reading with the teacher, categorizing words, and completing computer work.  Once again smooth transitions were made between tasks.  To celebrate their success, students completed a class cheer:

Don't mess with the best 

'Cause the best don't mess!

Don't fool with the cool

'Cause the cool don't fool!

Don't bite my apple!

Don't shake my tree!

I'm a mighty fourth grader -

Don't mess with me! 

Another great visit to an Iowa classroom!  It was a privilege to spend time as a fourth grader in Ms. Hartman's classroom.