Band October Newsletter

The SGA Brass, Reeds, Flute and Percussion classes have been working diligently on fundamental instrumental practices. This includes holding the instrument properly, posture, characteristic tone, articulation, time keeping (foot tapping), note identification (by type and name), and playing the first five notes of each instrument. Students have been active in refining the practices within their Essential Elements Books, as we have focused on numbers 1 through 13. For some classes, we have even started to play short songs such as Mary Had a Little Lamb (“Rolling Along” in our book, #14) and #17 Hot Cross Buns. It is very exciting to see each class continue to make great improvements in their foundational instrumental skills! 

Choir October Newsletter

The wonderful SGA Choirs recently went on a journey of musical identity, and created a personalized music playlist called “The Sound of Me.” Each student then presented their playlist and what they discovered about the music they like and how it reminds them of friends, family, loved ones, and themselves. Everyday the Choirs practice their solfege by singing “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music and also our Canon exercise, which is a solfege focused tune that different sections sing at different times in what is called a “round.” Currently, the students are fine-tuning a song called “Antiphonal Kyrie”, a two-part song where there is a call and response from each part. This song develops interdependence between each part, and drives the choir to sing multiple harmonies at once. For the month of October, we will be singing a new tune titled Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe, an East African Worship Song that features a variety of African percussion instruments, such as the Djembe. This song will require the choir to learn a great level of rhythmic syncopation in a fun and spirited way. 

Physical Education October Newsletter

September 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament 

We are excited to share highlights from the 6th grade 3-on-3 basketball tournament held in September! With 12 teams participating, the atmosphere was electric, and the energy on the court was unmatched.

All teams displayed remarkable skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day. Each player brought their A-game, making for some thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. 

After an intense series of games, we are proud to announce that the overall winners were **Team Ice Spice Elite**! Congratulations to the champions for their outstanding performance and teamwork. 

A heartfelt thank you to all players and fellow students for your support in making this tournament a success. We look forward to more events like this in the future!

Keyboarding October Newsletter

Our students are currently working hard to improve their keyboarding skills in the Keyboarding Class through September and the beginning of October. They are learning the keyboard layout, familiarizing themselves with the positioning of each key, and practicing typing exercises to build their speed and accuracy. As we begin the new month, we will focus on completely mastering the keyboard keys. We will provide them with more challenging exercises, personalized feedback, and one-on-one guidance to ensure they attain the highest level of proficiency in keyboarding. 

Careers and Technology October Newsletter

Students are learning about different vocational careers and exploring pathways using a software curriculum called DEPCO to set them up for future success in whatever occupation they choose. DEPCO's educational curriculum covers topics such as science, business, marketing, IT, careers, technology, family and consumer sciences, and industrial automation. DEPCO's mission is to improve the learning environment by offering a curriculum that uses an interactive approach to learning activities. Students work with a partner for two weeks or 10 school days to learn about a curriculum related to a particular career cluster and complete hands-on activities related to the field.