2015-2016 School Year

Welcome to the Quest Specials Teacher's Blog!


We are:
Carolyn Woods-Physical Education
Mark Zieba-Media
Meaghan Mead-Art
Martha Wyborski-Biechler-Music


Thank you to all families that donated much needed supplies from the "lend a hand."  If you would still like to donate, there are more hands with items needed posted in the front hallway. 


We do many exciting and different things in our classrooms and are excited to help your child grow academically at Quest.  We will update the blog throughout the year to share special news and events. 

Nutrition

A few pictures from our nutrition lessons. Students learned all about My Plate and the importance of eating a balanced diet. 

3rd graders learn the food categories and sort foods. 

Students quiz each other on nutrition facts

5th graders create 3 balanced meals

Team building

To start off the new year classes (K-5) are doing team building activities. We discuss what are good teamwork qualities and we put those words into action. This goes great with our moral focus of the month, perseverance. Good teams often need to overcome an obstacle or challenge to reach their goal and having perseverance is critical. 

Turkey Trot November 25th

Quest Turkey Trot Race

NOVEMBER 25^TH AFTER SCHOOL!

Registration open to students and families in grades k-8.  Return registration forms in with payment to your homeroom teacher.   $2 without a Tshirt (due by 11/24), or $10 includes a Tshirt (due by 11/13).  This is an outdoor race, less than 1 mile.  Students race with their grade level.  PTO provides a light refreshment at the finish line.  Medals awarded to 1^st-3^rd place in each grade level.  Every participant receives a turkey token.

Race begins around 3:45 and finishes by 4:15.  Parent volunteers are needed along the course route to encourage racers and ensure safety.  Please contact Mrs. Woods (in the gym) for more information.

UPDATE
Winners!!

Thank you to all participants and what a fantastic run/walk we had! 

Kindergarten

1^st Place: DeAngelo H.

2^nd Place: Max L.

3^rd Place: Alivia M.

 1^st Grade

1^st Place: Avery A.
2^nd Place:Sebastian P.
3^rd Place: Iman S. and Alex B.

 2^nd Grade

1^st Place: Cayden R.
2^nd Place: Vance E.
3^rd Place: Edward C.

3^rd Grade

1^st Place: Walter R.
2^nd Place: Melvin
3^rd Place: Ondre

4^th Grade
1^st Place: Asha H.
2^nd Place: Dylan.
3^rd Place: Noah

 5^th Grade

1^st Place: Sarah R.
2^nd Place: Jarrett P.
3^rd Place: Lianna S. and Eric H.

 Middle School

1^st Place: Nathan T.
2^nd Place: Chase T.
3^rd Place: Xavier H.

Pictures From the Gym.

Students are having a blast in the gym!  Middle school is finishing up their football unit, students in K-5 have been learning proper throwing techniques, doing fitness challenges, practicing math skills, and learning the bones of the body. 

5th grade fun on the scooters

Using multiplication skills to play pyramid battle. 

 

All students are busy playing pyramid battle.

 

 

Fill out a ticket if you win in the championship circle of pyramid battle.

 

 

Teamwork!

 

Foxtail fun!

 

 

How many hula hoops can you keep going? 

 

 

Learning some bones of the body with a team relay.

 

 

Working together to assemble the skeleton puzzle.

Students in 4th grade win the fitness challenge.

 

 

Solving math problems. 

Physical Education Donations Needed

Over 700 students filter through the gym each week.  With cold and flu season just beginning, we have a need for Kleenex, hand sanitizer and Chlorox Wipes.  Please donate an item if you can.  Are students will appreciate it!

Media

Media 

Welcome to a new year in the Media Center.  Students are starting the year off completing their NWEA fall testing.  These tests are very important to the homeroom teachers in order for them custom tailor their instruction for each indiviual students needs.  Testing will be completed in late September and normal Media class will resume. 

Exciting things going on in the library this year....
     -Book Fair.  Please sign up and volunteer your time and help support literacy throughout the building.  Book fair is scheduled for the first week in December and the middle of March 2015.  Book Fair is a great time to encourage students the importance of reading.   

 K-1- Students are learning about parts of a book, how to check out books at their reading levels, and what types of books exist which include genre, purpose, and styles.

2-3- Students are learning about using the library system including the dewey decimal system to search for books that fit their reading levels, interest levels, and books that help them to meet their Accelerated reading targets.
-Students are also using the computer to work on their home row keys as they are learnign the proper form and method of how to type properly. Proper typing skills wil help them as they begin to research and learn where are safe and effective places to find information on the internet.

4-5- Students are learning safe and reliable places to find research information that they are looking for on the internet. They are learning how to sort through unreliable sources and identify resources that will help them to begin to research topics in the near future for projects related to the classroom.

6-7- Students are learning how to incorporate new technology and ideas in daily life activities. These include working on projects on things in life such as high school, college, and career research. While the students dive into those subjects they will be incorporating new technology into their existing knowledge framework such as wordprocessing, drafting, global web based navigation, and presenting information.

7-8- Students are starting to learn programming using Scratch. Scratch is a simple programming language that uses block command structures to create fully functional mini applications. These applications can be digital stories, animations, and full games. Scratch is a program sponsored and developed by MIT. The students will be working on creating an aquarium, maze, statistical yes/no program, and multi dimensional simulation game.


DONATE IF YOU CAN.
I'm always in need of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and Chlorox wipes. Also if you have a pair of athletic shoes in good used condition, please consider donating them to the gym.

Thank you,
Mr. Zieba

Physical Education

Welcome to a new school year!  I'm glad to be back at Quest Academy for the 6th year now.  I enjoyed a long summer break and maternity leave, but it is nice to be back helping students become healthy and active. 

Please remember a few things.....
     -Your gym shoes on gym day.  (not boots or heels are permitted)  Students who forget gym shoes may borrow a pair from me or sit and watch. 
     -Regular school uniform or a PE uniform is permitted.  PE uniform can be plain navy blue    sweatpants and a Quest T-shirt or a plain grey t-shirt.
     -Please inform me of any asthma or physically limiting conditions that your child may have.
     -Our goal is to encourage students to be physically active for a lifetime.  We do this by exposing them to a variety of activities. 
    -Safety is, and always has been, my number one priority in the gym.  Students work hard to keep themselves and others safe in this dynamic and physical environment and I hold them accountable for doing so. 

This year your students will be participating in a variety of games, sports and movement activities.  Ask them how their day in the gym went.  Encourage physical activity every day for 60 minutes!  Developing healthy habits at a young age will more than likely lead to a healthy adult lifestyle. 

Who's in the gym?
Monday-Welton, Mimnaugh, Darin, Robert, Suiter
Tuesday-Loveall, Madej, Zieba, Richardson, Murray
Wednesday-Chandler, Gonyeau, McCarthy, Mahle, McGrail
Thursday-Pepper, Reese, Kessler, Patterson
Friday-rotates on a monthly basis. 
Middle school everyday on a A/B rotating basis.


DONATE IF YOU CAN. 
I'm always in need of Kleenex, hand sanitizer, and Chlorox wipes. Also if you have a pair of athletic shoes in good used condition, please consider donating them to the gym. 

Thank you,
Mrs. Woods
 

2014-2015 School Year Start Up!

Welcome to the specials blog for Quest Charter Academy!  Our students are awesome!  We are excited to share the amazing things that they are doing in specials classes this year. 

We have two new faces.  Miss Mead is our new art teacher and Ms. Biechler is teaching music.  Stop in and say hello. 

The specials giving tree is located outside the music room.  As we see over 700 students each week there are a few items we could use.  Mainly items like Kleenex and sanitizer, but there may also be a few unique needs as well.  If you would like to take a leaf from the tree and donate that item we would be very appreciative!

The specials schedule is a set Monday thru Thursday for K-5 students.  Middle school students are on a A/B rotating schedule.  Check with your homeroom teacher to see when your students have each special. 

We look forward to getting you know your child and meeting his or her academic needs.  Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. 

Fifth Grade Newspaper Sculptures

Mr. Mimnaugh and Mrs. Pepper's class just finished creating some amazing sculptures using only newspaper and tape.  These sculptures started out as smaller maquettes (using marshmallows, noodles, and straws).  The students then voted on their favorites for the class.  The students that created the class favorites became the 'project foremen' (these student's names are underlined below).  Their job was to keep their group on track and to encourage them to carry out the original vision for the sculpture.  Overall the students did a great job and I wanted to share their successes through this forum.

"Fire in the House"
created by: Isyses, Michelle, Emely, Evangelina, Chyanne, Lily, Nola, Angelique & Abbie



"Masquerade"
created by: Kayla, Sarah, Cloe, Zoe, Simdi, Markus, Devin, In'Dia, Darrian & Seb



"A Normal Day"
created by: Jasmine, Nick, Alyssa, Cody, Camilla, Jorge, Kyle, Asia, Grace, Jakob, Xavier & Brandon

"The Leaning Tower"
created by: Samuel, Jordan, Chase, Alexis, Natalie, Alysa, Mckai, Xavier, Joey, Samia, Alydia, & Mya

"Recovery/Disappointment 1.2"
created by: Nathen, Maddie, JaRon, Bradley, Michael & Julian

Michigan Art Education Association Art Show

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to submit 5 student works in the MAEA Art Show.  The pieces were adjudicated in Lansing in both the elementary and the middle school division and judged against artwork from all over the state of Michigan.  Several artworks were chosen in the top categories.  Congratulations Quest Artists!



Kindergarten
Christian Lambert-Parsons



First Grade
Sarah Drain

Fifth Grade
Alysa Chamberlain
*Top 65 in Elementary Division*

Third Grade
Bradley Berner

Seventh Grade
Sabrina Rosado
*Top 100 in Middle School Division*












Jump Rope for Heart

Jump Rope For Heart

Attention all students in grades K-5.  Jump Rope for Heart envelopes have been sent home so that fundraising for the American Heart Association can begin and you can be a heart hero!  The event takes place during your regular scheduled PE time the week of March 3^rd.  Envelopes with donations are due the day of the event.  Quacky Duck coupons can be turned in anytime to receive your duck immediately (coupon located on the donation envelope). 

Every $50 raised can help save a life!  Help us reach our goal of raising $3,000 this year! 


Join the Duck Pond Today!

Media News

Hello Parents,


The Media Center is staying very busy learning new technology and library skills.  Below is a break down of all that is happening in the Media Center.

K-1- Students are learning about parts of a book, how to check out books at their reading levels, and what types of books exist which include genre, purpose, and styles.

2-3- Students are learning about using the library system including the dewey decimal system to search for books that fit their reading levels, interest levels, and books that help them to meet their Accelerated reading targets. 
      -Students are also using the computer to work on their home row keys as they are learnign the      proper form and method of how to type properly.  Proper typing skills wil help them as they begin to research and learn where are safe and effective places to find information on the internet. 

4-5- Students are learning safe and reliable places to find research information that they are looking for on the internet.  They are learning how to sort through unreliable sources and identify resources that will help them to begin to research topics in the near future for projects related to the classroom. 

6-7- Students are learning how to incorporate new technology and ideas in daily life activities.  These include working on projects on things in life such as high school, college, and career research.  While the students dive into those subjects they will be incorporating new technology into their existing knowledge framework such as wordprocessing, drafting, global web based navigation, and presenting information. 

7-8- Students are starting to learn programming using Scratch.  Scratch is a simple programming language that uses block command structures to create fully functional mini applications.  These applications can be digital stories, animations, and full games.  Scratch is a program sponsored and developed by MIT.  The students will be working on creating an aquarium, maze, statistical yes/no program, and multi dimensional simulation game. 

NEWS-Book Fair- Dec 9-13, 2013.  Volunteers are always welcome.  Please volunteer if you can for am or pm times.  The kids love the book fair and buying books so we want to make sure we promote the reading process. 

Pottery Night!

Quest is teaming up with Pottery Creations (in Wyandotte) for a pottery night here at Quest on Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 from 5:00-6:30.  This year you will have the opportunity to paint mugs and/or ornaments. Each mug will cost $15 and the ornaments are 2 for $10. Pottery will then be fired and returned the week of December 16th.  Reservations and payment must be made in advanced and turned in to Mrs. DeLuca by Friday, November 15th. Parents must accompany children throughout event.  Forms will be sent home or will be available in the office if interested in participation.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mrs. DeLuca at 83.jdeluca@nhamail.com or ext. 231.

Pumpkin Run

 

 

The Pumpkin Run will take place Friday November 1st after school and is open to all students and family members of Quest for a $2/each registration.  Registration forms were sent home earlier this week and are also available in the front office.  Registration deadline is Thurday, Oct. 31st.  Students who register on time will be eligible for a race medal, should they finish in the top 3 for their grade level. 

The race takes place outdoors, so dress weather appropriate.  The starting line is by the playground and racers will finish the 1/2 mile course in front of the school. Race begins at 3:45.  Middle school students run first, followed by heats of 5th, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st and then K students. Our amazing PTO will be providing refreshments at the conclusion of the race to all participants.  All racers will receive a special pumpkin token as they finish. 

We hope to see everyone there for this exciting, yearly event! 

Music Exploration

Kindergarten and 1st grade students have been doing a fantastic job working on developing, understanding, demonstrating and singing steady beat.  They have been learning how to work with a metronome to maintain a steady beat and have been able to demonstrate this by marching, clapping, jumping, stomping, tapping and singing partner songs.  We will  continue to develop this important fundamamental musical foundation with games and songs. 
Students in 2nd grade-4th grade have been diligently exploring and working on understanding how to read beat icons, demonstrate rhythmic length by moving their bodies and saying words with the same syllable length as the beat icon. Students have been working in cooperative learning groups using gigantic rhythm flash cards and arranging them various ways to create their own arrangement.  Students demonstrate their arrangement first with body percussion and then transfer the rhythm on hand held classroom percussion instruments.  This application of rhythm helps students identify, understand, apply and demonstrate their knowledge of rhythm.  So far students have learned the rhythms of whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet and 16th notes.  Students will continue this project and write out their own rhythmic creation to be performed in class.

5th grade students have been working on their recorder unit from last year since students who were in ILP weren't able to fully participate.  Students have been working on mastering proper hand position, note fingerings, articulation, and breath support.  They currently have mastered the notes B, A, and G and will shortly be learning notes C and D.  Each week in class students review how to read rhythm, notes, apply correct fingerings to notes and play the songs learned.  They work in cooperative groups to help each other and practice and give mini group performances at the end of class. 

Middle School Choir has been doing a fantastic job learning their vocal sol feg warm ups and developing a wonderful ensemble sound.  They are a group of young ladies who are full of enthusiasm, energy and work hard every class.  They are developing their note and rhythm reading abilities and applying these skills to pieces of music learned in class.  In addition to this they are beginning to work on developing 2 part harmony and

Middle School beginning band is in full swing and students have been doing a wonderful job working hard to learn how to read and play their first 5 notes of concert Bb major scale.  This past week they have done a terrific job learning how to play together and are making huge strides in developing their beginnin band sound.  They will continue to work on finger dexterity and coordination to develop stronger technique and learn proper ensemble skills such as watching the conductor, playing together within their section and note reading.

Advanced band has been continuing their growth by working on concert Bb, F, Eb, and now Ab major scales.  They have been working on developing a mature sound with Chorale exercises and developing both interdependence and independence with songs such as America The Beautiful.  Advanced band did a fantastic job learning 3 songs in 5 rehearsals for our MEAP assembly and they did a great job performing.  Students in this ensemble have the opportunity to attend Solo and Ensemble February 1st at Livonia Franklin High School.  Students who attend will prepare a piece, perform for an adjudicator and receive a rating.  Students who receive a 1 or 2 will be awarded a medal. 

Notes From Your Physical Educator.

Dear Parents:

It is my pleasure to teach your child Physical Education this year. I thought it would be beneficial to let you know some information about me and my policies and rules in this class.

This is my 5th year at Quest Charter Academy and my 10th year teaching Physical Education. Before my arrival at Quest, I taught for 5 years at Richmond Middle School.  I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with majors in Physical Education and Science from Central Michigan University (Fire Up Chips!).  I earned my Master's Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Adventure Education from Plymouth State University.  

 

Just a some information on how Physical Education will run this year.

 

· Your child has physical education one day a week (k-5) on a specified day.  Middle school students that are signed up for PE have it every other day for the entire year.  

 

· Your student’s grade will be based on participation, wearing tennis shoes, meeting the proficiency level for skills practiced at his or her grade level, and behaving appropriately for physical education class. If you have any questions regarding my grading policy, please feel free to speak with me. NHA has also developed a PE curriculum that we follow.  

 

· All students are expected to wear tennis shoes to every gym class. When a student does not wear tennis shoes, he or she may receive a minus for the day and will not be allowed to participate in class. I do have extra shoes that students can borrow that will allow them to participate but sizes are limited and not every student wants to borrow shoes. Tennis shoes are soft-soled shoes that cover the toes, heel, and top of the foot. Heelys, boots, sandals, and dress shoes with a heel are not acceptable. This policy is based on my desire to create a safe environment and only tennis shoes provide the appropriate protection and support for the activities the students are expected to perform.

 

· Occasionally, children try to avoid participation by telling me that they are ill or hurt. Therefore, it is my policy that unless a student has a note from a parent or doctor, he or she must participate in physical education class. If the injury is severe, such as a broken bone, I will need a note from a doctor regarding when your child can return and any restrictions he or she may have upon returning. Also, please alert me to any restrictions or serious medical conditions your child may have (including asthma).

 

· Looking ahead, this year’s Pumpkin Run is being planned for the Friday, November 1st at 3:45, and the Raindrop Romp is Thursday April 17th.  Field Day is tentatively set for June 10th and 11th. . If you would like to volunteer at either of these events, you will need to fill out the volunteer form, if you have not already done so.

 

I believe physical education is important in all of our lives, and it is my job to teach your children the skills necessary for them to enjoy physical fitness and exercise throughout their lives. I will encourage all of the students to be physically active in a safe, controlled way. It is also important to me to treat your student with respect, patience, and kindness, and I will expect to be treated with those same qualities in return. I look forward to being a significant person in your child’s life, so please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

 

Carolyn Woods

Physical Education Teacher

83.cwoods@nhaschools.com

313-299-0534 ext. 229

Art- Mrs DeLuca

Hello All, 
Welcome to or welcome back to Quest!  I am really excited about the upcoming year and having the opportunity to share my passion for the visual arts with your children.  In my class, we will be learning about a lot of new and old art techniques, artists, and strengthening our creativity, imagination and problem solving skills.  I strive to create a safe and  educational environment that requires students to explore many different types of artistic mediums.  Through this blog, I will keep you up to date on upcoming projects and after school opportunities so that you can share in your child's artistic growth.  Feel free to contact me if you would like to volunteer in my classroom or to speak with
me regarding your child's progress.
- Mrs. DeLuca

September Fitness Challenge

Reminders:
- Students need to come prepared for physical education with proper foot attire and uniform.  Students may wear regular school uniform or plain navy sweat pants and a plain gray or Quest t-shirt.  Girls who wear skirts need to have shorts on underneath.  If a student forgets their shoes, they are able to borrow a pair from my shoe bin. 

-Water bottles are not permissible in P.E. class.  Classroom teachers will allow students to use the drinking fountain at the conclusion of the 35 minute P.E. class period. 

-Students who have asthma or other chronic physically limiting conditions need to communicate this to me so that the necessary precautions/accommodations can be made. 

Classes this month will be reviewing gymnasium expectations, practicing safety, developing personal and spatial awareness and participating in a fitness challenge.  The fitness challenge in September is a 4 minute run.  Students will try to jog for 4 minutes without stopping, or walking.  Students that win the challenge are awarded with a glitter toe token and a necklace which they can keep the token on.  I will also take a group picture of the winners which you can look for in the front hallway on the P.E. bulletin board (located near bathrooms).  There is a different challenge each month that students can earn different tokens from and add to their necklace.  Replacement necklaces and tokens cost $2. 

Any questions or concerns, please email, call, or send in a note. 

-Have a healthy day!
Mrs. Woods

Welcome To A New School Year!

There are four special classes at Quest this year.  Art with Mrs. Deluca, Media with Mr. Zieba, Physical Education with Mrs. Woods, and Music with Ms. King.  We look forward to an exciting year!  Updates with class information and events will be posted on our blog periodically.  Please bookmark and visit this page for exciting upcoming information.