classroom notes
New greenhouse
PLAINFIELD -- Ridge Elementary School students now have an essential tool to harvest seeds, study scientific principals and even compost lunch leftovers: a greenhouse.
Construction on a new greenhouse is finished after several years of fundraising by Ridge students, staff and the school PTO, coupled with grants from the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence. The greenhouse stands behind Ridge Elementary School, located at 1900 Caton Ridge Drive, Plainfield.
As soon as the greenhouse was available, each kindergarten through fifth-grade level made plans to use it as part of their science curriculum, to study the scientific method, measurement, the life cycle and plant related objectives.
"The possibilities for the greenhouse are endless," Ridge fourth-grade teacher Robert Battey said. "This project is truly unique in that every child has the opportunity to help in the creation and management of our very own greenhouse."
The greenhouse also nicely served the newly formed Ridge Environmental Club. The club teaches fourth-grade students how to maintain flower beds, compost, grow plants, recycle and conduct experiments.
The Ridge Environmental Club also partners with neighboring students in the Drauden Point Middle School Club Green to use the space for their club meetings and projects. It also fosters peer teaching between the students.
"Ridge students will have positive peer role models at the middle school level and be able to enjoy the greenhouse from elementary school through middle school if they choose," Battey said.
"Both clubs are excited to uncover all of the possibilities the greenhouse holds."
Second place winners were Isabella Landeros , first grade; Mitch Misischia , second grade; and Matthew Shroba , third grade. Third-place winner was fourth-grader Nicole Charley .
RHS seniors Ryan Miller (aviation) and Brenda Najar (child care) and junior Sara Abbasi (medical office) were awarded the honor along with BHS seniors Mitchel Vernon (auto service), Amelia Torres (culinary arts) and Zachary Hagner (EMS).
The program introduced students to the alphabet, numbers, simple phrases, and cultural aspects of Arabic countries.
Highlights of the program included a speaker from Palestine who addressed the difference between American and Arabic cultures; a trip to a mosque; learning a folk dance; and making and eating Arabic food.
After this intensive two-week program, the students received three transferable college credits.
When asked why they enrolled in the program, Peek commented, "I took the course to experience a new culture and get more information about languages, which I am very intrigued about." Maynard stated, "I originally did the program to become familiar with Arabic, which I plan on choosing as my major in college in hopes of becoming a translator or interpreter."
The "Liberty White Table" in the entrance of the school remain until just before Thanksgiving. Liberty is located at 1401 Essington Road, Bolingbrook.
The White Table display stems from the book, "America's White Table" by Margot Thesis Raven. It tells the story of a soldier who goes off to serve his country and how a table is set as a reminder of those who serve.
In the book, the table represents a soldier's lonely battle against many, honoring America's armed forces, especially those missing in action and those held as prisoners of war. All fourth-grade teachers at Liberty will read the book to their classes.
"This wonderful book not only honors our armed forces, but reminds those who step forth into our building about those serving our country," said Jeff Hall, Liberty differentiation specialist.
The fourth-grade students will set the table with a white tablecloth to signify a soldier's pure heart as he or she answers the call of duty.
A lemon wedge and salt will be placed on a single plate to manifest a captive soldier's bitter fate and the tears of the families waiting for their return.
An empty chair will be placed at the table for the missing soldier. A black napkin will be placed near the plate, symbolizing the sorrow of captivity.
An overturned glass will symbolize a meal that won't be eaten with family. A white candle will be placed on the table for peace. And a red rose in a vase will be set on the table for the hope that all those missing will return home someday.
Liberty families will also fill out "Salute and Thank You" sheets to honor family members who have served or are serving in the armed forces. The sheets will be placed on the wall behind the table for all students, staff and community members to view.
