Buchanan K-1 ‘Olympic’ music

Let the “games begin” at the Buchanan K-1 Center as students and teachers “unite” for an “Olympic” 2024-25 school year. The “Opening Ceremonies” began on Aug. 20 when the “flame” of learning was lit for a “record” year. One “event” all of the kindergarten and first grade music students participate in is music class. The students “proceed” to the music room twice a week to attend 30 minute music classes which “qualify” as a “team sport.”

The “five rings” in the music room are rhythm, melody, harmony, form and tone color. Students are “lifting” their voices in song and “diving” into music classes playing a variety of rhythm band instruments, xylophones and boom whackers. There are many “champions” when student “teamwork” allows them to utilize bean bags, scarves, parachutes and stretchy bands in a “synchronized” manner.

As the year progresses, students will be “surfing” through a variety of musical genres as they listen to music from “countries around the world.” The students will be “racing” through introductory rhythms and “jumping” into a variety of rhythm “relay games.” “Goals” will be achieved as they design their own instruments and “perform” their musical compositions.

The kindergarten and first grade students at Buchanan are on “track” to have a “gold medal year” in music class. They will “carry the torch” of music with them throughout their lifetime as music is truly the “language the whole world speaks.”

Submitted by Barbara Nicholas, music teacher

HHS social studies

• World Geography: They’ve just begun their first major unit, focusing on North America. In each unit, students examine four key aspects of the region or country they’re studying: physical geography, history, politics and government systems, and society and culture. For this particular unit, they’ll dive into these topics for the United States and Canada. Every day, they start class by discussing current events related to the area they’re covering. These current events can range from politics to sports or entertainment. My goal is for students to stay informed about the world, no matter the topic. After North America, they’ll move on to Mesoamerica and the Caribbean.

• Sheltered World History: Students have just wrapped up their first unit, which covered the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. Their focus was on how early humans migrated across the globe and the remarkable inventions they developed along the way. This foundation is essential as they move forward in exploring the rich history that follows.

• Sheltered U.S. Geography: This course is designed to give students a comprehensive look at each state in the United States. They just completed an overview of our country, including its landmarks and highway system. This week, they’ll begin an in-depth exploration of the states, starting with South Dakota.

Submitted by Jordan Mullen, HHS Social Studies teacher