By Marion Ferguson
Garner ISD Superintendent
GARNER – Garner ISD recently sent its fifth grade students to YMCA Camp Grady Spruce, as has been the custom for the past several years.
Located adjacent to Lake Possum Kingdom the camp offers not only nature trails and historical sites, it allows students to experience boating, archery, and many other outdoors pursuits.
Students went to camp knowing they were going not just for fun. During the four days and three nights that they were at camp, they had to have their journal with them at all times.
As they were hiking along a trial or were mapping the constellations during a stargazing session, camp guides, teachers or chaperones helped them to learn to make connections between classroom instruction and the natural world. Students then composed their thoughts in the journals.
Removed from their normal family support structure for a few days, students also grew more independent while learning the importance of being a productive part of a group or team from which they could draw support. I appreciate the job Ms. Gina Fanning, fifth-grade teacher, did in organizing this event and all of the parents who made the event possible.
The week of Nov. 9-13 was memorable primarily because of the observance of Veteran’s Day held at the school. Ms. Shaw had students well prepared for the musical program that featured music that told the story of the country’s growth from independence until now. The music was interspersed with student written speeches presented to thank the veterans in attendance for their service.
Veteran’s Day, just like Camp Grady Spruc,e offered the opportunity for students to make connections between learning in the classroom and practice in the community.
Overall 340 meals were served at our Thanksgiving meal at school on Wednesday. The dining tables were set up in the gym for the first time in anticipation of the great number of guests. The cafeteria could simply not have handled the event. The gym turned out to be the perfect venue, allowing for decorations, student programs, and comfortable setting. It was a pleasure to have so many guests. Thanks to the Beta Club for their help in staging the event.
Once students get back from the Thanksgiving break, the month of December will fly by. On Tuesday, junior high students taking drama will travel to Petrolia to perform their one-act play in district competition. There will be six schools competing with Garner performing third. The schedule of plays begins at 1 p.m. The following week, Garner elementary and junior high will travel to Archer City and Windthorst, respectively, to participate in the district academic UIL competition. Sixty-eight percent of Garner students will be competing.
Until next week …
Education
Related Photos
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Garner principal Steve Wallace congratulates fifth grade student Miguel Tapialuna on his selection as November's Elementary Student of the Month. Courtesy
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Garner School sixth grade student Abby Kent was presented as the Junior High Student of the Month for November to the Garner School Board by principal Steve Wallace, left, and board President James Barton, right. Courtesy
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