Students at Harley Avenue Primary School, within the Elwood School District, have been adjusting well to the new school year. While faced with challenges of new learning environments and classroom settings, there has been no lack in learning opportunities and activities for students to enjoy. 

On Jan. 27, Ms. Shay’s kindergarten class constructed snowmen out of cardstock and tissue paper to celebrate the change in season. 

That same day, pre-k students in Ms. Patty’s class broadened their knowledge of the alphabet by learning words that start with the letter “N.” Students enjoyed using colored pencils and crayons to color in pictures of noses, naps, nuts and nets.

Down the hall, kindergarten students in Ms. Seilback’s, Ms. LaBarbera’s and Ms. Schlieben’s classes worked on improving their writing skills. Students used their own experiences to write and illustrate their own children’s books.

First graders in Ms. DePietri’s class, and second graders in Ms. Greenblatt’s class, have also been concentrating on their writing. Students are increasing their vocabulary with crossword puzzles and participating in frequent reading and writing workshops.

First graders in Ms. Palma’s class took time out of their day to develop their reading skills. Students read independently books of their choosing.

First and second grade students have also been using new programs and technology to increase their mathematics skills. Students in Ms. Morris’s first grade class recently used i-Ready Math on their Chromebooks to solve addition and subtraction equations.

Additionally, throughout the school, all students have had the opportunity to partake in general music classes, as well as explore the sensory hallway, designed to help calm students when they need a break from traditional classroom activities.