Today is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, so we'd like to say, "THANK YOU," to the amazing paraprofessionals here at Frontier. These staff members support our students in and out of the classroom. You can often find them working with small groups or with individual students to provide instruction in reading, writing, or other educational activities. We are so fortunate to have each and every one of these incredible ladies at Frontier.
We want to take a minute to recognize and thank Mrs. Knam, Frontier's school librarian, for her continued dedication to our students. She has an intense desire to serve our school community, and ensures that our students have updated and engaging books.
This school year alone, she has received more than $8,000 in grants from Donor's Choose, CapEd, and The Idaho Lottery. With this money she has purchased new chairs for the library, holiday books, and high-interest books for reluctant readers. Writing grants is a time consuming process, but she does not let that stop her. In fact, this summer she will be teaching grant writing at the Idaho Commission for Librarians Summer Summit.
Mrs. Knam is one of a kind and we are fortunate to have her as part of our Frontier Family.
Last night Mrs. Dutcher, Mrs. LaMay, and Ms. Kiefer participated in the Idaho Lottery's Scratch for Schools event. After scratching a number of winning tickets, they were able to bring back $265 for Frontier.
Our fifth graders had a special visit from Boise State's AstroTAC, which stands for Astronomers in Training Assisting the Community.
Through unique hands-on learning, and a portable planetarium, our students were able to enjoy STEM activities that support Idaho's 5th grade science standards.
During their recent lesson on "Materials, Properties, and Engineering", Mrs. Stewart's second graders were asked if they could build a house out of paper. Turns out they can!
They were then tasked with building the tallest paper tower, and building a tower strong enough to hold a book.
This was a fun and engaging activity that the kids loved!
Mrs. Buffington has an active Donor's Choose project and could use your help. She is hoping to provide all of our incoming kindergartners with a book about feelings and a stress ball to enjoy over summer break. Helping students name and tame their feelings early on will benefit them throughout their entire academic career. Keep reading to hear what she has to say about it.
"I love seeing fresh new kindergarten faces show up in the Fall ready to learn all of the things their amazing teaches have in store for them. As a counselor, I teach students about how to identify their feelings and tools they can use to help themselves calm down. We will discuss feelings and tools throughout the year, but as we all know, much of what children learn is learned at home with their families. Reading together about the different feelings we all experience can be a bonding time for parents and kids, enhance reading skills, and prepare them for the big year ahead."
-Mrs. Buffington
With support from our community, we can help make this happen! Click the link below to donate now.
https://www.donorschoose.org/project/feeling-ready-for-kindergarten/7261289/?utm_source=dc
Happy St. Patrick's Day from our littlest leprechauns!
Yesterday our third graders were able to make a special trip to the Morrison Center to enjoy the Boise Philharmonic. For many of them, this was their first time experiencing a classical symphony orchestra. We are so grateful our kids were able to participate in such a memorable day.
Our first graders learned about sound and vibration today, and what better way to wrap up the lesson than by making kazoos!
We are so lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing staff here at Frontier. Our teachers, counselor, coach, paraprofessionals, and admin always make our students their top priority.
This morning we were able to recognize two staff members who have gone above and beyond this year. We are proud to have Sarah Kiefer represent Frontier as our Teacher of the Year and Kim Frazier as our Classified Employee of the Year. Congratulations to both of you, Frontier is a better place because of you!
The Student and Family Assistance Program is a new and FREE resource for all of our students AND their family members. Five free counseling sessions per issue, as well as resources for other areas of need, are available.
Call 833-935-3816 or visit bpahealth.com/sfap for more information.
Happy Valentine's Day from Frontier Elementary!
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow last Thursday, which means six more winters of winter.❄️ In honor of Groundhog's Day, our full day kindergarteners made groundhog puppets in Enrichment Library.
Check out these amazing writing samples from Mrs. Patchen's students. Look closely at the progression of writing from first, second, and third grades. Their hard work is showing!
We are building MATHEMATICIANS here at Frontier!
The fourth graders tackled a very large division problem and came out successfully. They were so proud of their work that they wanted to hang it in the hallway for all to see, which of course made for a great photo op!
All of our students, not just these fourth graders, are accepting challenges when it comes to math, taking risks in their learning, persevering when the learning gets tough, playing with numbers, and working collaboratively in order to be successful in their learning.
We couldn't be prouder of what they are doing and the growth we are seeing!
#wearewestada
Mrs. Leishman's first graders build their reading fluency every day, but on this day they were able to read about bats...in the dark....with flashlights! Students love engaging activities like this that takes an every day activity and turns it into something a little more fun!
Frontier Elementary School Counselor Sara Jo Buffington is offering a six-week session of Parenting the Love & Logic Way at Frontier Elementary for any West Ada School District parents and/or educators who are interested.
Love & Logic is a parenting approach that provides parents with an opportunity to gain practical and proven tools for raising respectful and responsible kids. Classes will begin Monday February 6, 2023 from 6-8 pm in the Frontier library and will be held weekly. The last class will wrap-up on Monday March 13, 2023. The cost of the class is $15 per person/couple (to cover the cost of the workbook).
If you have attended a session previously and want to sit in again (and already have a workbook) you are more than welcome to do so at no cost.
Please email buffington.sara@westada.org by February 3, 2023 in order to reserve your spot! Money will need to be collected so that workbooks can be purchased before the class begins.
Mrs. Stewart's second grade class recently learned about Chinese New Year, along with Chinese traditions and culture.
Our students have been working hard this semester to reach their academic goals. The kids pictured here have set, worked towards, and achieved their learning goals in the last month. We couldn't be prouder of their hard work and determination!
#wearewestada
Wishing you Happy Holidays from a few of our youngest Falcons!
