Back to basics: Students head back to school

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

Accelerated Reader tests will be added to first-grade curriculum soon, with students reading the book and then taking a computerized test. Jett Urtubees and Olivia Witt get some practice time at the computer in Michelle Lopez’s class.

Students attending public schools in Warren County, with the exception of Bobby Ray Elementary, were beckoned from sleep by a clock’s early alarm Monday morning as they prepared to return to the classrooms after a long holiday. Teachers indicated their pupils were rather quiet and a little sluggish – maybe a bit tired when they came back from vacation. All are begging for snow!

The first order of business in Joe Wright’s fourth grade class at Eastside was to remove all the holiday decorations. Their next plan of action will be making preparations for TCAP. Most of Wright’s students said they wanted to get back to school to see their friends, but dreaded the homework.

Eastside librarian Robin Underhill was reading a story book aloud to kindergarten students when she noticed one of them nodding off. She thought, “Sure they are tired. I am, too. In fact, this time last week we would have been sleeping!”

Michelle Lopez’s first-graders were focusing on reading. She wants them not only to read, but to love to read. They will be participating in a reading contest where top readers earn prizes and awards for their efforts.

Participating in The Great American Mail Race, fifth- and sixth-graders are corresponding by letter with other children across the United States. This English project helps tone their letter-writing skills while they learn about other parts of the country and research their own area in order to share information about Eastside School, Rock Island and Warren County. Teachers Michelle Lewis and Amy Fuqua have already received inquiries from students in Ohio and Iowa.

Here are some of the students comments about their return to school:

“I’m glad to be back,” said Tori Grissom. I missed my friends, but not the homework.”

“I want to be at home watching television and playing PlayStation 2,” said Eli Brock.

“I’m glad to be back,” said Luke Hillis. I missed Mr. Wright, too.”

‘I’d rather be at home,” Gage Myers commented.

“I’m looking forward to summer vacation!” August Palombo said.

Eastside Elementary, like all other schools, is back to the basics? that is unless it snows soon.