We are Thankful!

Our class enjoyed taking time to reflect on all that we are thankful for. Students researched about the very first Thanksgiving and compared and contrasted to how we celebrate today. We read about Pilgrim boys and girls and what their lives were like compared to what our life is like. Students learned about Squanto and his influence on early settlers. They made their own "Indian skins" and told stories with Indian symbols. Their project was to disguise a Turkey and write a convincing "speech" of why they were NOT a turkey. The students creativity was amazing and quite convincing as well.  Students also made turkeys with signs that said "Save a turkey, eat ____". They wrote several reasons why we should eat their favorite food and NOT turkey! We finished the month of thankfulness with a "feast". Parents joined us for a special Holiday Lunch provided by the cafeteria. I know one thing is for sure, there is MUCH to be thankful for!

Field Trip! "Freckleface Strawberry" Play at South Florida State College

Our first of campus field trip adventure was a trip to South Florida State College to watch "Freckleface Strawberry". CTE First Graders enjoyed laughing, clapping and singing along to a musical about a little girl called "Freckleface Strawberry". Students heard a message about accepting others and learning to love yourself just as you are. We are all unique in our own special way. The play was great and a bus rides are always exciting.

Vertan's Day Program

CTE really wants our Veteran's to know how much we appreciate all they have done for our country. So each year the Cracker Trail Elementary School Veteran's Day Program attracts students, family, and community members alike for a patriotic program filled with hundreds of little voices proudly singing patriotic songs. There are also special performances from the chorus, our very own whip cracker, and even an honorary gun salute with a trumpet solo of "Taps" from a local VFW. Students submitted names of family members who have served or are serving in the US Military. Those names are called one by one to be honored individually. Students are able to join their honored guest as they stand before the crowd to be recognize for their service. From CTE, THANK YOU to all who have served to make this country great!

S.T.E.M. Day

The first early release was a school wide STEM Day. Each grade level planned exciting hands on activities surrounding Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. First Grade students rotated classrooms to participate in different hands on activities such as exploring science tools, "What is a Scientist", 3-d shapes and engineering with tooth picks and gum drops, and an experiment with "dancing" raisins.