Mrs. Maher's Blog

Fremont County Soil and Water Conservation Field Day

2009-05-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

The fifth grade students from Sidney Elementary joined nearly 60 students from Fremont-Mills, Hamburg, and Farragut on a Fremont County Soil and Water Conservation Field Day on Friday, May 8. The students and their chaperones traveled to Waubonsie State Park and the former Girl Scout Camp to engage in a full day's activities planned by various members of the Fremont County DNR. Thirty minutes sessions were presented on the following topics: Fish ID, Fishing, Soils, Wildlife, Rainfall Simulator, Forestry, and the Wetlands. The students enjoyed the various learning stations and the hands-on approach to learning about conservation. Some even became skilled in fishing and made a "big catch" or two! Great job by the Fremont County DNR!!

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

The students in grades K-3 enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Ambassador Sidney, on April 8. Students are shown searching for the eggs and other goodies that the Easter Bunny had scattered on the yard. The residents also enjoyed watching the children run to find them. Thanks to the staff at the Ambassador for sponsoring this event for the children.

Family Fun Night

2009-04-03T04:46:00.000-07:00

Approximately 40 families and 90 children attended the Family Fun Night on Thursday, April 2. "Are You Smarter Than Your Teacher" was planned to have families check their trivia knowledge and learn about another new piece of technology available to their students. Each family used a "clicker" to record their family answer to a variety of questions. Children and parents enjoyed the evening, which was sponsored by the Sidney Partners In Education parent group.

We Visited New Jersey!

2009-04-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

The children in Mrs. Ewalt's fifth grade have met some new friends....in New Jersey....via technology! They were engaged in a one-hour conversation on Tuesday, March 31, with the class using a Skype program. Both classrooms were able to learn about the other by asking questions, listening to their responses, and laughing together using both audio and visual means. Ms. Wahling, a former Sidney graduate, contacted us after viewing our website, and asked about the possibilities of the having the two classrooms correspond . What a great opportunity for the students! The students will are excited about the plans to continue to communicate and learn about life on the east coast. The students are also anxious to share information about Iowa with the New Jersey students.

AEA Math Bee Team Results

2009-03-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Sixth Grade Math Bee Team from Sidney. They finished in 8th place overall from a total of 43 schools in the AEA. Additionally Amanda Mullins finished third individually from over 200 students in the competition. Other team members who contributed to the 8th place finish were Aidan Case, Michael Coates, Blane Moreland, and Alexis Hall.

Register for Preschool and Kindergarten

2009-03-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

We are currently making plans for the 2009-2010 school year! If you have a child who will be 3, 4 or 5 years old by September 15, 2009, and would like to enroll him/her in our preschool program or in kindergarten, please call the elementary office at 374-2647.

Our preschool program serves both 3 and 4 year-old children in morning sessions. We also serve 4 year-olds in a 2 and one-half day program. Please call for more information about our preschool program and to reserve enrollment for next year.

Our kindergarten round-up is scheduled for April 16, so call to enroll if your child is not currently in Great Beginnings Preschool.

Spelling Bee

2009-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the students who will advance to the Fremont County Spelling Bee to compete in competition against students from the other schools in the county. The students who will advance to the county level are as follow:
Fourth grade: Mackenzie Hulsing 1st place, Sapphira Waddell 2nd place, Dalton Walters 3rd place, and Jordan Bryant 4th place.
Fifth grade: Genna Crom 1st place, Kennedy Hughes 2nd place, Mackenzie Daffer 3rd place, and Sarai Waddell 4th place.
Sixth grade: Amanda Mullins 1st place, Aidan Case 2nd place, Blane Moreland 3rd place, and Brittany Kelley 4th place.

Charlie Would Be Proud

2009-01-30T09:09:00.000-08:00

Charlie Would Be Proud

2009-01-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

The students and staff participated in their final Walking to Wellness event on Thursday, January 29. They walked around the square in Sidney to reach their goal of matching Charlie Engle’s “Running America” goal. Collectively they walked over 3200 miles while plotting their trek on a map in the Cowboy Café. Students and staff started the activity on October 15, when Charlie visited Sidney as he passed through Iowa. His mission was to spread the news about the importance of walking as well as the importance of healthy eating habits. In celebration of their goal, the students gathered for a group picture and were presented with one of the healthiest of food choices, an apple! A picture of the students will be sent to Charlie, as he and some of our staff have continued to correspond about our progress.
Mr. Sears continues to emphasize the importance of walking, and will encourage the students to make a new walking goal. We are proud of our students for reaching their original goal and will continue to keep track of their “walking to wellness”.

Parent Connection

2009-01-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

Communication with our patrons is important to us! This blog is intended to enable that two-way communication between the school and home. We appreciate your comments, your suggestions for ways that we can better serve the children, and your thoughts regarding student activities. I look forward to hearing from you.

Professional Development January 22 and 23

2009-01-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

While your children were at home (probably busy on email or some other technology), the teachers were involved in their own work in the area of technology. Trainers from the Area Education Agency provided technology training which will allow digital communication with students and families. As you know, our district has committed to integrating technology into the curriculum in all all areas and subject matter. Next year, students in grades 9-12 will each be provided with a laptop computer. It is our role at the elementary go provide the foundational technology training to enable students to be prepared to use the computer resources to the maximum extent possible.