Edition 2012 #4 - 4th Grade Spelling Bee

by Chanel B

The 4th graders did a spelling bee using their vocabulary words from Unit 3. Mr. Cooper and I really enjoyed doing the spelling bee because it helped the students understand different ways to explain a word.

Splitting up into groups

First rule: There is absolutely no talking!!!!

Here are the spelling bee groups:

• Group 1- Antonie J, Christian H, Trey D, Zachary B, Marquise C, and Alonzo V 

• Group 2 - Heavyn B, Bryan H, Kintrell J, Aeriell W, and Demaija E 

• Group 3 - D’shanti B, Elijah W, D’shayah C, Pauline W, and De’Janae B 

• Group 4 - Marquail S, Kenya W, Marquis D, and Donald N

  
Mr. Cooper interview

Q: Do you think it was a challenge? Why?

A: Obviously, my students were embarrassed by the lack of participation within their group. I’ll bet next time they will be prepared.

Q: Was this a great chance to see if the students studied or not?

A: Absolutely. I could have easily told you those who studied their list.

Q: How did you like the spelling bee?

A: I thought it went smoothly for being the first time. The way you used all four skills was very neat.

Q: Would you like them to do the spelling bee again?

A: Yep! We’ll let you know when unit 4 begins!


Places

1st - Group 4

2nd - Group 1

3rd - group 2

4th - Group 3

 
  
A special thank you to Mr.Cooper and 4th Grade for letting me use your time!

Edition 2012, #3 - Our Christmas Gallery

Well, our photo contest didn't go as well as we had planned or hoped. Next year!

Until then, here are three Christmas photos from The Eagle Way staff. Enjoy!

1. Chanel B

Well. My friend was supposed to be putting up her own tree, but she wasn't sure how. So, I took over.

I like this picture because I decorated the tree, and I like the mirror reflection in the blinds.

"My Friend's Fantastic Christmas Tree" 

2. Dejah W

This is my most important ornament. It's a snowflake on my Christmas tree.

I like the blue wall in the back. It looks different, frozen.

"Frozen Snowflake"

3. Mr. Bill

This is a light on a strand of lights on my staircase. It's a closeup. Duh.

I like this photograph because of the twisting wires that are in the background. I also really like the reflection of the light in the wood behind it. And... it's square!

"Light on a stairway"

Merry Christmas!

See you in 2012.

Edition 2012, #2 Christmas Photo Contest!

Announcing!

The Eagle Way

Christmas Photo Contest!

Here are the rules:

• To Enter - Email your Christmas-themed photo to senior_editor@stethelreda.org

• Eligible - only St. Ethelreda students grade 6, 7, & 8 can participate

• Judging - our criteria will be originality, creativity, a Christmas theme, and usage of Ashley's Top 10 rules as your guide. The judges will be The Eagle Way staff and our celebrity judge, Sister Caroline.

• Due - Monday December 19, 2011

• Prize - One winner will be selected. The winner's photo will be posted here at The Eagle Way (fame), and he/she will receive a deluxe prize package (fortune).

• Bonus prize - The homeroom class of the winner will receive $50 of school supplies!

• Notes - When you email your photo, please include your name, grade, and a description of why you liked your photo. Also, please comment on which of Ashley's Top 10 rules you used in taking your photo. Any student may submit up to 3 photos. Please email them in separately. All photos must be new and the original work of the student.

Good luck to everyone!
Peace.

Ashley's Top 10 Photo Tips

Ashley Macknica is a friend of The Eagle Way and a professional photographer in New York City.
Her website is: www.ashleymacknica.com

Here are Ashley's top 10 helpful tips for taking great photographs:

1. See it in your head - look at a situation and start to see where the best photo could be
2. Move around - a step to the left, climbing on a chair, or lying on the ground can make for a better shot
3. Stop to compose - it is easier to take a non-crooked photo the first time than to fix it later
4. Be bossy - human subjects may need to be told what to do
5. Notice the background - and change it if you don't like it
6. Turn off the flash - see what happens when you shoot in a room with fluorescent lights, a lamp, or just natural window light
7. Take the wheel - try turning off the "Auto" setting; cameras have lots of different modes which give you more control
8. Get insider access - ask for a seat up front or some extra time to take photos
9. Save your "outtakes" - wait until later to delete them, sometimes you will find good shots you might have deleted
10.  Take your camera - take it with you everywhere and shoot as much as possible