032824 Lower School Newsletter

An unprompted picture of our first grade class. We are blessed to have such wonderful students at LPS!

LOWER SCHOOL FRIENDS FOREVER

What’sInside:

TeacherSpotlights:TonyStarlight&LourdesBeard

HonorStudentsAreRecognized

GemMiningOn-siteFieldTrip

SCISAChessTournament

1stGradeClassPet-Pancake

2ndGradeFieldTriptoPetco

EasterEggHunt

3rdGradeFauna&Flora

3rdGradeMusicalLearning

3rdExplorestheU.S.

2ndGradeKarateKids

Spanishin5thGrade

Q3HonorRoll

SolarEclipse

SummerMusicCamp

ClassroomSupplyListsfor2024-25

UpcomingEvents

SCISA EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

CLASSROOM PETS

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

TheMusicMan...TonyStarlight

Color:Blue

Flower:Foxglove

Candy:RitterSportChocolateBarswithHazelnuts

Restaurant:Perrone’sor‘RWayPizza

FunFactAboutMe

IwascrazyaboutsportsbeforeIgotinto musicinthe9thgrade.IwasAthleteofthe Yearin7thgrade,andIoncekickeda50yardfieldgoalforBozemanSeniorHigh SchoolinBozeman,MT.

Go-ToSongorMusicGenre

PatrioticandMilitary Anthems,orObladiObladabytheBeatles.

MySuperpower

Aconductor'sbatonpurchased fromOlivander'sWandShop fromtheHarryPotterworld.With amagicwandatmydisposal, there'snolimittowhatwecould do!

MomentsThatMake MeSmile

DreamFieldTripforMyStudents

Multiplethingshappeneverydayinmusicclass thatmakesmesmile.Usually,it'swhenIseea studentengaginginanactofkindnesstowards anotherstudent Othertimes,it'sseeingthe "lightgoon";whenastudentsfinally understandsamusicalideathatwe'vebeen workingon Iwouldlovetotakethekidstosee myannualChristmasprogramthat Ihavebeenperformingforthelast 16yearsatlargetheatersin Portland,OR.Theycouldallgo backstagetomeetthebandand thecrew,andwecouldallgoouton stageandsingasongtogether!

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

HolaSeñoraBeard

FunFactAboutMe

IIhaverunafewhalf marathons,afull marathonandseveral Triathlons.

Go-ToSongorMusicGenre

SometimesIliketoplayRickyMartin,Shakira, andMarcAnthonywhenweareworkingona project Althoughmostofthetimeweplay sillyvideosongsaboutafrog,hotchocolate orzooanimals

MySuperpower

Iwouldliketopeerinsidetheirmindsto knowexactlyhowIcouldenhancemy teachingtoassisttheminlearninganother language Justlikewithmostanysubjects, somepeoplegraspconceptseasierthan others.Languageisnodifferent,itcomes easiertosome.Ihopetogetmystudentsto appreciateotherworldlanguagesby adjustingmyteachingtotheirneeds.Istrive tokeepmystudentsengagedthrough humor,varietyandenthusiasm.

Color:Red

Flower:GerberDaisy

Candy:PeanutM&Ms Restaurant:Perrones

MomentsThatMake MeSmile

Itisalwaysverytouchingtometohaveour studentsinquireabouttheservicedogsour familyraises Ilovebriningourpupstoschoolto helpsocializethemandthestudentscertainly dotheirpartinthetraining.Theygetsoexcited toseethepupsanditisverysweettoseethem givethedogssomuchloveandattention.

DreamFieldTripforMyStudents

IwouldtakemystudentstoSpain Iabsolutelylovethe countryofEspaña Allofthegeographicalareasofthe countryarerichinhistoryanduniqueincultureand traditions.Thelandscapeissovarieddependingonthearea andthelanguagecanvaryabitbetweenthenorth,south, eastandwest.Overtheyears,Ihavehadthepleasureof enjoyingseveralareasofSpain.AlthoughIhaveyettovisit thebirthplaceofmygrandfather,IslaCanaria,whichis whereheimmigratedtoCubafrom.

March 27, 2024

RECOGNIZING HONESTY: HONOR

In a world where integrity is sometimes overshadowed by personal gain, it's heartening to witness individuals who uphold honesty as a fundamental value. At Lowcountry Preparatory School, we pride ourselves on nurturing not just academic excellence, but also character and integrity Today, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on a group of remarkable students who exemplify these values through their actions.

Honor Awards Recipients: Piper Adkins, Trey Benford, Grace Costaldo, Porter Brooks, Caroline Meeks, June O'Halloran, and Makenna Celaya.

These individuals have demonstrated unwavering honesty in a recent incident that reaffirms our faith in the moral compass of our student body. When a batch of plastic eggs, intended as a surprise gift for Mrs. McCants, inadvertently found its way into the students' possession, it could have been easy for some to seize the opportunity for an unexpected reward. Items in these eggs included $20 bills and gift cards. However, these students chose a different path.

Instead of succumbing to temptation, Piper, Trey, Grace, Porter, Caroline, June, and Makenna exhibited remarkable integrity. They, without hesitation, returned them to their rightful owner. Their actions not only embody the spirit of honesty but also serve as a shining example to their peers and the wider community.

In a world where ethical dilemmas abound, the importance of cultivating integrity cannot be overstated. These students have not only earned our admiration but also our gratitude for upholding the principles of honesty and responsibility. Their actions reflect the values we strive to instill in every student at Lowcountry Preparatory School.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of Piper, Trey, Grace, Porter, Caroline, June, and Makenna, let us also reflect on the significance of integrity in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. May their exemplary conduct inspire us all to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in everything we do.

Congratulations to our Honor Awards recipients, and may their commitment to honesty continue to illuminate our school community.

Well done

young Marlins!

AWARDS FOR EXCEPTIONAL INTEGRITY

Porter Brooks, 4th

Makenna Celaya, 5th

June O’Halloran, 5th

Caroline Meeks, 5th

Grace Costaldo, 5th

Piper Adkins, 3rd

Trey Benford, 3rd

GEM OF A FIELD TRIP

mining station that sparked curiosity and anticipation among students and educators alike.

As children eagerly gathered around, they were greeted by a friendly instructor who introduced them to the tools and techniques of gem mining.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Diamond Del's visit was its emphasis on hands-on learning. Equipped with mining pans and sieves, students eagerly sifted through the soil in search of hidden treasures. With each discovery, their eyes lit up with wonder and excitement.

Thank you Mrs. Livingston for organizing this event!

SPRING CHESS TOURNAMENT

On March 26th, our Lower School Chess Team made waves at the spring SCISA State Chess Competition, showcasing their strategic prowess among nearly 20 schools and over 110 elementary students. Led by 5th graders Kyle Chow, Toby Hayes, Paul Terenzi, and Kate Zechmann, along with 4th graders Grady Short and Hollis Swanson, our team left an indelible mark on the tournament.

In a display of skill and composure, Kyle Chow claimed 2nd place individually, followed by Toby Hayes at 8th place. Their stellar performances, coupled with the collective efforts of the team, secured us 3rd place in the state standings.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our dedicated players for their remarkable achievement. Special thanks to our coaches, supporters, and fellow competitors for making this event memorable. As we celebrate this success, we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of our Lower School Chess Team.

WELCOME PANCAKE TO 1ST GRADE

Meet Pancake, the leopard gecko, the newest addition to Lowcountry Prep's first grade classroom. Pancake is more than just a pet he's a valuable teaching tool, instilling lessons in responsibility and compassion in the young learners.

With a daily job chart in place, students take turns caring for Pancake, learning valuable skills in responsibility and accountability.

Having Pancake in the classroom inspires students to approach their studies with enthusiasm, knowing their efforts contribute to his wellbeing.

Caring for Pancake teaches practical life skills and fosters confidence in students. Pancake brings joy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder to the classroom with each interaction.

FIRST GRADE SERENADE

In the heart of Lowcountry Prep's first grade classroom, something magical is happening. With hearts full of joy and voices filled with melody, the students have taken it upon themselves to serenade their beloved teacher, Mrs. Livingston. As their reading and writing skills flourish, so too does their love for music, inspiring them to compose and perform original pieces that express their admiration and gratitude for Mrs. Livingston. With each heartfelt note, the students' bond with their teacher grows stronger, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

PETCO...HERE WE COME

On March 22nd, second graders at Lowcountry Prep embarked on a field trip to Petco, accompanied by their enthusiastic teacher and dedicated parents. This hands-on excursion provided students with a unique opportunity to interact with various creatures and learn firsthand about responsible pet ownership.

The highlight of the trip was the prospect of adopting a gecko as their classroom pet, just like 1st grade. Unfortunately this Petco did not have any geckos, so Mrs. T visited the Petco in Myrtle Beach over the weekend and brought in the class pet, Waffles, Monday morning. The second graders at Lowcountry Prep were excited to see their classroom pet! Waffles is settling into his new role as classroom pet!

THANK YOU MAJOR FRED FOR WATCHING OUT FOR US DURING OUR FIELD TRIP!

EASTER EGG HUNT

On 03/27/24, Due to inclement weather, our much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt had to be relocated indoors to the Lower School building. Despite the rain, the excitement remained palpable as our eager participants gathered at 12:15pm to embark on this indoor adventure.

In a heartwarming display of school spirit, seniors generously volunteered to hide the 1700+ eggs, arriving promptly at noon to ensure the festivities could proceed as planned. Their enthusiasm and dedication added to the anticipation, setting the stage for a memorable event within the confines of our school walls. Though the weather may have changed our plans, the joy of the hunt prevailed as children scoured the halls and classrooms in search of colorful eggs.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this indoor Easter Egg Hunt a success, demonstrating once again that rain or shine, the spirit of celebration thrives at our school.

Easter Egg Coloring Contest Winners

Kindergarten: Leo Bleakney

1st grade: Aleadia Clinton

2nd grade: Lilly Fay

3rd grade: McKenna Barclay

4th grade: Maddie Zechmann

5th grade: Makenna Celaya

thank you thank you seniors! seniors!

EXCITING ADDITIONS TO THE 3RD GRADE

The Third Grade classroom has welcomed some delightful new additions recently, with a focus on both fauna and flora! Firstly, let's introduce our two girl betta fish, Marlin and Bubbles. A huge thank you to all the parents who generously donated towards setting up our class fish tank!

In addition to our finned friends, we've also introduced sea dragons, otherwise known as tiny brine shrimp, adding another dimension to our classroom ecosystem.

But that's not all! We're also thrilled to announce the arrival of our new plants: the Venus Fly-Trap and our hydroponic herb garden, generously donated by parents. We're eager to cultivate lettuce, lavender, and various herbs, adding a touch of greenery to our learning environment.

The excitement in the classroom is palpable as our students eagerly embrace the responsibility of caring for our new pets and nurturing our growing plants. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making our classroom a vibrant and enriching space!

A MUSICAL JOURNEY IN THIRD GRADE

Our third-grade students have been learning about the United States Constitution. Immersed in the realms of Reading and Social Studies, our young learners have delved deep into the foundational principles of our nation's guiding document

Central to our studies has been the Preamble, which encapsulates the aspirations and ideals of our nation. To bring this important text to life, they’ve embraced

a unique approach - singing! Through a catchy song, our students have made the Preamble a memorable part of their routine, ensuring its significance resonates in their hearts and minds

Our students were eager to showcase their newfound knowledge. With confidence and enthusiasm, they took center stage to perform the Preamble in front of Mrs. McCants's fifth-grade class. It was a moment of pride and accomplishment, as our third graders demonstrated not only their understanding of the text but also their ability to communicate it with poise and flair.

Through this musical exploration of the Preamble, our students have not only gained a deeper appreciation for the principles enshrined in our Constitution but have also developed valuable skills in communication and performance. Job well done third graders!

EXPLORING THE UNITED STATES

Our third grade students have been learning all about the U.S. states by doing research into what makes each state unique.

Students have been researching, taking notes, summarizing, and creating a three-paragraph informational report over one randomly selected state.

They have also been given the task of creating a graphic organizer which analyzes each state's motto, nickname, flower, capital, animal, bird, flag, and other important information.

This unit of study combines Reading, Writing, and Social Studies; it also incorporates some artistic talent as they create a detailed graphic organizer which features their chosen state.

KARATE KIDS IN 2ND

On Wednesday, March 13th Karate World came to visit Second Grade. Zeke and Ms Paige talked to the class about respect and control of our bodies and mind. They taught us about focusing our eyes, mind and body. They showed a high block and a low block. Johnathon demonstrated some moves and Carly was picked to break the board which she did successfully!

Earlier this month, the fifth-grade Spanish class embarked on an engaging project centered around animals. Tasked with creating a short report on their favorite animal, students enthusiastically embraced the assignment, showcasing their creativity and linguistic skills.

Utilizing their computer skills, many students crafted elaborate presentations complete with graphics and animations. They were encouraged to develop concise yet descriptive sentences, with minimal reliance on external resources like Google Translate.

The results were impressive, with students confidently presenting their projects in Spanish. Sra. Beard, their teacher, was delighted by the students' expressive presentations, which not only demonstrated their language proficiency but also provided insight into their individual interests.

Overall, the project was a resounding success, fostering both language acquisition and a deeper understanding of the diverse world of animals among the students.

Q3 HONOR ROLL RECIPIENTS

Mr. Wehunt is hosting a parent coffee on Wednesday, April 10th, from 8:00 - 8:45 am in the Marlin Cafe.

This is an informal gathering that provides an opportunity for parents to gather, socialize and ask questions about any of the plans or programs for next year.

We look forward to seeing you there!

SOLAR ECLIPSE ON MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024

On Monday April 8, 2024, we will be experiencing a partial solar eclipse in our area. The peak visibility of the eclipse is anticipated to be between 3:07 PM and 3:14 PM, coinciding with our usual afterschool pickup time. With the safety of our students as our top priority, we have made the decision to adjust our dismissal schedule for that day Lower School students will be dismissed at 12:50 PM and MS/US students at 1:00 PM to ensure that they are safely home before the peak of the eclipse. Additionally, the aftercare program is cancelled on April 8th.

We kindly ask that you take some time to review the Safety Guide provided by NASA regarding this upcoming solar event It contains valuable information on how to safely experience the eclipse. Additionally, please remind your child not to look directly at the sun during the eclipse, as it can cause serious damage to their eyes.

For your convenience, you can access the Safety Guide provided by NASA here: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Safety Sheet – Multilingual Here are a few key safety precautions to discuss with your children: Do not look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection Eclipse glasses are specifically designed for viewing the sun and should be used instead of regular sunglasses.

Avoid looking at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, or binoculars.

Summer Music Camp

Mr. Starlight is offering summer music camps, designed for kids who are serious about learning to understand and perform music.

•$225 per week, includes pizza lunch concert on Thursday.

•Monday-Thursday from 9 am to 12:30 pm at Lowcountry Prep.

•Lunch concert performance for the families on Thursday 11:30-12:30.

•Sessions: (1) June 10-13 (2) June 17-20 (3) July 8-11 (4) July 22-25

Daily schedule:

9:00 - Singing warm-up.

9:20 - Rhythm: Fun with percussion instruments.

9:45 - Melody: Exploring melody using voice, keyboards, & xylophones.

10:10 - Harmony: Playing chords with ukuleles, guitars & keyboards.

10:35 - Snack-time: Listening & learning about various genres of music.

10:55 - Basic Music Theory: Learning to read & understand music.

11:20 - Rehearsal: Preparing songs for Thursday’s lunchtime concert!

12:10 - Lunchtime: We’ll eat & watch videos of legendary performers.

12:30 - Pick-up.

IMPORTANT:

Students must be committed to singing and learning technique. This is not designed to be free time in the music room. Call or email Mr. Starlight for more information.

tstarlight@lowcountryprep.org or (818) 731-4541

Spring SpringBreak Break ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY YOUR YOUR YOUR

March 29: Deadline for Middle School food drive

March 29-April 7: Spring Break

April 8: 6th Graders visit 5th Grade Classroom

April 8: Solar Eclipse - Early Dismissal; LS at 12:50, MS/US at 1:00

April 10: Lock Down Drill

April 10: Parent Coffee with Mr. Wehunt, 8:00-8:45am in the Cafe

April 11: SCISA Science Fair

April 18: Fire Drill

April 19: Lower School Spring performance - 1:30pm

April 22-24: 7th & 8th Grade Williamsburg Field Trip

April 22: Star End of Year Testing Window opens for K - 5th grade

April 26: Field Day

April 27: Prom

May 3rd - 2nd grade Field Trip to Hobcaw

May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6: AP Testing Begins

May 21-23: 1/2 days; no lunch or aftercare

May 21-23: MS & US Final Exams

May 24: Last Day of School/Awards Day (LS starts at 8:30am, with 5th grade graduation immediately following)

May 25: Graduation Ceremony for Seniors, 10am