What's Up at South Hill Elementary?

Mrs. Edwards's fifth grade class at South Hill Elementary participated in the Teach Children to Save Program presented by Mrs. Lin Jennings and Mrs. Kimberly Morris from Citizens Bank and Trust.  The students learned basic concepts of how to save money and why it is important. Mrs. Jennings also volunteered as the class lunch buddy throughout the school year.

Ruthie Kinker, Math Specialist at South Hill Elementary, took the 4th graders on a "Math Hike".  The students reviewed  4th grade math skills on their hike.  More importantly, the students learned how to see math in their everyday lives and how to use problem solving skills.  Mrs. Adcock's class, shown here, enjoyed the math trail with Mrs. Kinker and learned various ways to solve problems.

The South Hill Elementary School Young Scientists Club held its final meeting on May 12th. This group of students met monthly this year to conduct science experiments under the direction of Mr. Leonard Elam, the school's 4-H instructor.

On May 7th, the fifth grade students from South Hill Elementary visited Park View High School to attend Food for America Day. Students were instucted on various aspects of farming through demonstrations and activities provided by the FFA students from the high school and middle school.

On April 7th, the fifth grade students from South Hill Elementary attended Native American Day at MacCalum More Gardens. The students enjoyed learning about the circle dance as well as many other aspects of Native American culture.

June 2010

Zachary Blackburn, a third grader at South Hill Elementary, recently made a donation of two Lemony Snicket books to the school library. Pictured are Zachary and Mrs. West, school librarian.

Mrs. Hendrick's fourth grade class at South Hill Elementary recently completed a unit on the structural and behavioral adaptations of animals.  In order to discover the differences among bird beaks, the students participated in an experiment.  Each child had the opportunity to use different instruments while attempting to collect various objects in a short period of time.  Afterwards, students used their Math skills to calculate class totals for each beak type and discussed how beaks effect birds' eating habits.

Mr. Reed's Fifth Grade Class and Mrs. Adcock's Fourth Grade Class at South Hill Elementary had a special visit from Park Ranger, Sherry Storm to teach the students about water safety. As a special surprise, Ms. Storm brought along two special visitors for the students to meet! The students learned all about snakes, their habitats, how they adapt to their environment, and what to do if they ever encounter snakes in the wild. The students who were brave enough were able to hold or touch the gentle snakes.

May 2010

SOUTH HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS WILD ABOUT READING - Teachers and staff recently celebrated Get Caught Reading Month by wearing their "Wild about Reading" tshirts.  Based upon the children's classic Where the Wild Things Are, the tshirt design created enthusiasm and excitement throughout the school to read this book and others.  Five percent of the personalized tshirt sales will be donated to the Haiti Relief Fund through the Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army.

April 2010

Mr. Wes Shepherd, Business Department Officer for CCB of South Hill, recently visited Mrs. Adcock's fourth grade class at South Hill Elementary. In recognition of "Teach A Child To Save" Day, Mr. Shepherd shared a wonderful  book "Alexander Used to Be Rich Last Sunday."  While reading the book the students graphed how much money the character Alexander wasted on trivial things. The students found out very quickly how easy it is to waste money on unnecessary things.  The students learned that by saving and setting goals for their future, students have the opportunity afford more important things in the future such as paying for college, owning a car or home, or just paying for needs without depending on credit.  Each students had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Sheperd one-on-one to learn how they each could open a savings account and start saving immediately. They also each receive a certificate, Money workbook, and a pencil. The students were excited about the visit and thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Sheperd's lesson!

Mrs. Leilani Todd, a representative from Mecklenburg Electric, recently visited the fourth graders at South Hill Elementary to teach how electricity works, where electricity comes from, how we can save on electricity in our homes. The students enjoyed playing a game to help show which household products use the most electricity. They also learned how standard irredescent light bulbs campare to the newer light bulbs by watching a meter work while the bulbs were lit.  Mrs. Todd showed where electricity comes from using a model board as well. This lesson was a great review for the fourth graders who had just completed a month long unit on electricity.

Planting flowers was a great way to celebrate Earth Day. The students in Mrs. Kathy Reese's kindergarten class at South Hill Elementary created a garden to attract butterflies and birds. The students have also enjoyed reading books about plants. A favorite book was Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert.

April 16th was a great day for a trip to the Metro Richmond Zoo. The kindergarten students from South Hill Elementary enjoyed perfect weather for an outing at the zoo. One of the highlights of the trip was a program by several of the zookeepers. The students learned about birds, reptiles, and mammals. The students also had a great time feeding and observing the animals. The students and teachers would like to thank the PTA and parents for supporting this trip.

Bryce Watson, a third grader at South Hill Elementary, recently donated a biography of Jackie Robinson to the school library.

Special Olympics

A very proud group of students from South Hill Elementary participated or cheered for their classmates this past week.  The 2010 Spring Track and Field Event was held at Bluestone Senior High School in Skipwith, Virginia. The sky was a little cloudy, but the spirit of competition was bright and happy throughout the day. The athletes trained, tested their skills, and became winners. Each participant could take part in one field and one track event. Ribbons were awarded for 1st and 2nd Place in the Softball Throw, 100m and the 50m races.  Special Olympics has become a symbol of hope for many children with disabilities and their families around the world. We love those Special Olympians.

April 2010

The Fourth Grade Gifted and Talented Students from Mecklenburg County Schools recently visited Red Hill, Patrick Henry's homeplace, in Charlotte County. The students enjoyed touring the home, the grounds of the homeplace, and visiting the museum.

March 2010

Many of the students were treated to a trip to La Crosse to watch the Children's Theatre of South Hill perform Rumpelstiltskin. 

 

December 2009

Wesley Haskins visited the second grade classes of Karen Church and Ann Owen Friday, December 11 to demonstrate the effects of erosion on land. This topic is included in the Virginia Standards of Learning for Second Graders. Mr. Haskins works in the area of Soil and Water Conservation for the Department of Conservation and Reservation. The students really enjoyed Mr. Haskins' presentation and experienced a wonderful learning opportunity by viewing the real causes and effects of erosion.

October 2009

Kaitlyn Campbell, first grader, making a book donation to the South Hill Elementary library.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Each Walmart store, Neighborhood Market and Sam's Club selected one school in the local  community to participate in the Teacher Rewards program.  Ten teachers at South Hill Elementary School received $100.00 reward cards from the South Hill Walmart.  The Teacher Rewards program has been developed in response to the growing need among U.S. elementary school teachers for help with supplies for their classroom. This new program is expected to help over 40,000 teachers offset out-of-pocket expenses for school supplies. 
 
Pictured left to right are :
Front: Virginia Nichols, Britney Kirby, Denise Walker, Kim Hendrick, Rachel Brown
Back: Connie Parrott, Patricia Reed, Kaitlyn Bartholomew, Alison Wells, Shannon Pulley

 

Monday, September 14, 2009

The South Hill Elementary students were treated to a surprise visit from "Puppet Love", a puppet program designed to encourage good character.  The children were introduced to a variety of puppets which taught traits such as being a good friend, being honest, how not to bully, and trying your best!  This program was funded for the school by an anonymous community member.  The staff and students would like to thank those who allowed this wonderful program to take place.  This was a great way to begin the school year by reinforcing good charater traits!