The faculty at Park Elementary loves to sharpen their saw! We have a new winner this year. Mrs. Bird kept the tradition of our new faculty having what it takes to win the trophy. Awesome Job! Thank you everyone for playing. This was Mr. Kay's last roll down Park's hallway, and he sure is going to miss these fun times.
Ms. B, our school counselor, has been teaching us about being proactive vs. reactive. During Lighthouse Leaders we learned what it means to be proactive, and that sometimes we have the choice in a situation to be proactive or reactive. Her lesson was followed up the following week during our Leadership Sendoff with what being reactive can look like. What a great obeject lesson with Diet Coke and Mentos. Thank you, Ms. B!
Have you ever wanted to work at our great school? Now you can! We are hiring overload technicians to work with our students and teachers. If you are interested or would like to know more details please go to our district website nebo.edu and click on the jobs tab.
If you have been to Park recently, you know there is so much happening with our students. We could not do this alone. Park Elementary recognized Mary Ann Eyre with Nebo Credit Union today at the Utah Valley Business and Education Partnership Breakfast.
Our principal, Mr. Kay helped our first graders with an apple art project for Johnny Appleseed day. The first graders had a great time. Thank you, Mr. Kay!
Below you will find links to sign up for a Student Led Conference time. This is our first time trying it online, we will keep our fingers crossed that it works.
*Please follow the link for the teacher you need to set up an appointment with.
*You will notice some classes have scheduled appointments and some are doing it more open house where you sign up for a chunk of time that works for you to come in.
*Please sign up with your students name.
*Include your email address and it will email you a reminder 2 days prior to SLC's.
Park Teachers believe as you let your students lead, you'll create a school culture of leadership and student empowerment. Shared leadership is one of the most fundamental paradigms of The Leader in Me. It is rooted in the belief that everyone can be a leader.
Monday, September 18 is a minimal day in Nebo School District. Students will be released from school at 12:00. Lunch will be served one hour early. All Nebo teachers will be attending district wide training.
Every week the 5th graders get to come read with the 1st graders. The 1st graders love having the older kids join them. Thank you 5th graders for all of your help!
Students in Ms. Marshall's class are learning about the 4 seasons. Today students synergized to make a 4 seasons collage. Great teamwork Panthers! They look awesome!
Here is a fun family activity happening right here in our community. This is a free community event for everyone!
Park Elementary kicked off their school wide WIGS (Wildly Important Goals) this week. Be sure and ask your students why their teacher looked a little different today.
Our school WIGS are:
90% of our students will receive a Golden Panther Paw this year for showing great leadership skills and living the 7 habits.
93% of our students will be ON TIME for school each day.
90% of students will be reading at grade level by the end of the year.
100% of students will make one year’s growth in reading!
CAN WE DO IT??? YES WE CAN!
This week we welcomed Mrs. Cromar to our Fourth Grade team. As you can imagine, starting up a classroom after school has started is no easy task. Park teachers stepped right up and spent the afternoon helping her set up her classroom. At Park we simply call that
Habit 6: Synergize. Together Is Better: Alone we are smart. Together we are brilliant.
Our Park family is the best! WELCOME MRS. CROMAR!
On August 30, students and parents filled the gym at Park Elementary. They had the privilege of listening to students speak about their experience at Park and how their leadership skills and the 7 Habits have helped them in school. They were introduced to the faculty and had a chance to meet with their teachers for important school information. After all of that, everyone gathered back in the gym to be entertained by the Green Man Group from Utah Valley University. Since it was raining, we all gathered in the lunchroom to enjoy a hot dog dinner.
We are currently seeking parents to serve on our School Community Council. We meet once a month at the school. The council plays an important role in our school creating our School Improvment Plan as well as advising the School Trust Land Money. If you are interested in serving, please stop in the office and fill out the application by September 8. We are currtently looking to fill 6 parent positions.
The SCC (School Community Council) plays an important role in partnering in the education of our children with the school, its staff and faculty and the district.
The 2nd and 3rd graders had a blast getting to know each other on the first day of school. They cooled off with a popsicle, and got to make a lot of new friends.
Please plan on attending our Back to School Bash, August 30 at 6:30. We have school information ready for you as well as the GREEN MAN GROUP and our tradtional hot dog social on the playground. We will have school shirts ready for you to order as well. Shirts are $8.00. Students will wear them on Spirit MONDAY. There is an order form attached if you would like to print it and bring it with you.
Our annual Back to School night will be held August 30, 2017 @ 6:30 in our gym. We hope that you can all attend as this night has turned into a fun family tradition. You will receive important school information as well as meet with your teachers and discuss the great things that will be happening in your child's classroom this year. And back by popular demand.... THE GREEN MAN GROUP will be here! After their performance we will have a hot dog social on our playground. Hope to see you all Wednesday.
Shiny shoes and new backpacks filled the halls as Park Elementary welcomed students back to school! We couldn't help but share pictures of our good looking leaders! Scroll through all of them to find your class.
Remember to like Park Elementary on Facebook for quick information all year long.
We are so excited to start a new school year. Thanks to all of you that patiently worked through the online registration process with us. We anticipate it being even more stream lined next year.
Here are some dates that we want you to be aware of.
We have some important registration updates for you.
Macey’s is excited to serve our community and local schools with the continuation of the School Cents program. They are happy to be a part of the education experience of today’s children and are proud to offer the School Cents program as a way for schools to obtain additional education funds.
Park Elementary is looking forward to online registration this year! We hope that this will make the registration process easier and more convenient. Please use the following link to begin the registration process.
There is no rest for our Custodial crew. Their first day of summer break begins by deep cleaning each and every classroom in our building. Thank you to Mr. Talbot and crew, you always keep our building looking great!
(click on the link for full story and Victory Lap video) Our final Victory Lap of the year was held to honor all of our outgoing 6th grade students. We wish them the very best of luck in Jr. High. They will continue to do great things and make us proud.
We also honored all of our retiring staff: Mrs. Banks, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Smithee, Mrs. Prior, Mrs Gardner and Mrs. Kimball. We wish you all the very best of luck in your new adventures!
It was the final Victory Assembly of the year, and Park Staff wanted it to be one that students would remember. Handing out student awards for Math, Language Arts, Leadership, Track Meet, Perfect Attendance AND Kiwanis Terrific Kid was only the beginning of our assembly.
The faculty performed for our student body. First, the ladies entertained with a funny performance. Then the men WOW'd us with YMCA followed by a whole faculty Glow Stick Performance.
Our 6th grade students are counting down their time in elementary school. We will honor each of our 6th grade students at a graduation ceremony on May 23 at 6:00 p.m. Graduation will be held in the Park Elementary gym.
We can't believe the last day of school is almost here! Friday, May 26 will mark the end of the school year. Students will be released at noon on this day. Lunch will be served early to accomodate the early release time. We hope all of our Park Leaders have a great summer vacation!
Park Student Leaders raised $1,800 through penny wars. They took the money and awarded past Park students college scholarships. Talk about beginning with the end in mind! We can't wait until the students standing on stage giving out the scholarships will be standing up there receiving them.
Monday was a big day for our Kindergarten students. In preperation for first grade students attended school all day, practiced for their graduation, ate school lunch AND participated in their end of term incentive activity. We bet they all slept really well! We are so proud of all the accomplishments our Kindergarten students have made this year.
Congratulations to Mrs. Graham who was nominated by her peers as the classified employee of the year. Lorie goes above and beyond as our computer teacher. She is very knowledgeable about computers and Google classroom and teaches it to our students with enthusiasm. Congratulations Mrs. Graham - you deserve this award!
Park Elementary is hiring an adult night sweeper. See job discription below, share with anyone that may be intersted. Job closes Friday, can apply online at www.nebo.edu - click on the job tab.
Adult Sweeper - Lane C - $9.02 per hour. 3.30 hours per day, 5 days per week, 180 days per year. Must be at least 18 years of age to apply. There are no benefits with this position. Will work under the direction of the head custodian and the lead night custodian and with the Night custodian doing general cleaning of classrooms and hallways after school.
3rd grade track meet is re-scheduled for May 10, 2017. 6th grade will have their track day on May 16, 2017. Both will take place at Spanish Fork High School football field.
If you are willing to help with the events, please contact your teacher.
Our awesome PTO will be sponsoring our Spring Carnival Monday, April 24, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. There will be bounce houses, games, food, basket auctions & student performances. Back by popular demand "TEACHER OF THE DAY" All students will receive a ticket from their teacher when they leave school on Monday. There will be a can for them to drop it in when they attend the carnival to be entered into the teacher for the day drawing.
Please mark your calendar now to attend.
Park Elementary will be hosting a Parenting With Love & Logic class May s 1, 8, 15 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. There is a $12.00 book fee to attend the class.
Parenting With Love & Logic is designed to help parent's practice effective parenting without the power struggles. This class teaches parents and children to accept natural consequences and reach a win/win agreement. Please pre-register by calling Holly at 801-465-6010
Penny Wars is in full swing. This Friday will be the final day to bring change in for our service project. Dig into those couch cushions and check your car seats. Our students will be awarding scholarships at the end of the month! Thank you to all that have supported it.
It is time for our annual “Penny Wars” Service Project! We began this service project last year to give scholarships to past Park alumni that are now high school seniors. Our goal last year was to raise enough money to give one $500 scholarship. In true Panther giving we raised enough to give TWO $500 scholarships! The two recipients were Sawyer Hamilton who went to BYU and Alisha Garzan who also went to BYU. Our hope is to keep paying this forward so when our current students are high school seniors they will also have the opportunity
Spring Break is here! We hope the weather cooperates with whatever plans you may have. School will resume April 10th.
Students in the sewing club designed and made a beautiful school flag. Students synergized in creating the design, then each member was tasked with creating part of the flag. What a great life skill you are all learning. Special thanks to our sewing club advisor Mandi Bristow for sharing her talents with our students. We are excited to display our new school flag in the hallway of our school.
Spring Break is almost here! There will be no school for students in Nebo School District April 3 - 7.
Approximately 300 people turned out to Leadership Day on February 10, 2017. They were amazed at the speeches, performances, tours and many other talents. We were so proud of all of our students and can't wait to see the great things they do after leaving elementary school. Special thanks to Travis Bourne with Spanish Fork Channel 17 for editing our video!
March 6 - 10 is Teacher Appreciation Week. Our PTO has some fun activities planned for students and teachers that are all planned around the theme "UP"
Monday - BATTER-UP Wear your favorite team.
Wednesday - SURF'S UP Wear Beach Attire
Thursday - GIDDY UP - Wear Western Wear
Friday - DRESS UP - Dress up like their teacher
Just a reminder that March 6, 2017 is a professional development day for teachers. Students will be dismissed from school at noon. Thanks for making arrangements for students to be picked up at 12:00.
Congratulations to Mrs. Leifson who is the recipient of the Crystal Apple Award. Mrs. Leifson was nominated by her peers for this honor. The following was said about Cheryl.
Cheryl constantly has dedicated herself to going above and beyond what has been required in order to ensure that all of her students are successful in mastering the curriculum as well as developing a love for learning and an understanding of leadership roles and responsibilities.
We are excited to kick off our Champions Challenge Reading Challenge. Several members of the Fiesta Days Rodeo committee along with Miss Rodeo Utah, McKenna Hales was on hand to not only teach students about the sport of rodeo but to offer up incentives to keep up with their good reading habits. They even got Mrs. Gardner to dress up as a rodeo clown and get in the barrel.
Book Buddies was a huge success and was very well attended this year. Thanks to all of the students and parents that braved the snow and joined us for a good book and a doughnut. We would like to send a special thank you to our PTO for sponsoring the event. Not only did they buy a dougnut for everyone that attended, they even gave a book to each student.
Don't forget our final Student Led Conference will be held Monday, February 27, 2017. We look forward to sharing the great progress that your student is making and setting goals for the final term of the year.
Teachers were reminiscing of their own Valentine Day parties as students exchanged cards and sweets. Thanks to all of our awesome parents that helped with class parties! You can tell by the looks on our students faces that they had a great time (the look on Mr. James face we are not so sure)
Celebrate Valentine's Day and your love for reading with these 9 quotes about love from children's books! What are your favorite children's books or quotes from children's books about love? Share them in the comments below! http://www.scholastic.com/parents/blogs/scholastic-parents-raise-reader/9-quotes-about-love-childrens-books
Calling all volunteers! Help us run our Spring Book Fair! Sign up using the link below! https://volunteer.scholastic.com/#/signup/fulxTsbs7
The Utah Food Bank will have their truck at Park Elementary January 26, 2017 at 2:45. All Park families are invited to come out and utilize this great community resource. Please see the attachments for additonal information.
No, this isn't "new math" it's students learning how utilizing habit # 6 "Synergize" can help you work together to solve a problem. Check out our 5th graders synergizing in Leadership Academy.
School is In Session (Thur 1/5)Areas of Nebo School District have been affected by the recent storm. After evaluating the situation, as of 6:10am, the decision has been made that the schools of Nebo School District will be open for school at regular times today (Thur 1/5/17). Busses are running.
Park Elementary is on a 2 Hour Start Delay. School will start at 10:30. There will be no Morning Kindergarten today. Travel Safe!
We are excited to welcome all of our students back to school on January 3, 2017.
We hope you all had a chance to "Sharpen Your Saw" and are ready to end this school year on a high note!
In the spirit of giving, Mr. James 6th grade class opted out of a traditional Christmas party on the last day of school. Instead, they walked to the rest home in Spanish Fork and sang Christmas Carols to all of the residents. We are so proud of the selflesness that our students are displaying. Special thanks to Miranda Thompsen - room mother for setting it up.
Merry Christmas to all of our students and families. We will see you all in January!
Greetings Park Families-
The Utah Food Bank Truck will be at Park Elementary on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 2:30 - 3:30. This program is for ALL Park families and we encourage you to come out and take advantage of this great resource.
Park Staff came together in teams to make gingerbread displays. The rules were simple, your entry could not already be put together and you had one hour to do it all. The creations were displayed in the school and then given away to students to take home and decorate their homes with. This is a tradition that is enjoyed by all employees. ENJOY THE PICTURES!
You may have seen "mannequin Challenge" videos on the internet. Ms. Poulson's class decided to give it a try! Follow the link to see the awesome video!
We will celebrate and honor our Veterans at an assembly - November 11, 2016 at 1:00. We invite all Veterans to participate in our assembly. Please come to the front office by 12:45.
All Park Families are invited to attend the assembly.
Park Elementary 2nd grade wanted to show their appreciation for some of our Home Town Hero's last month. They made thank you signs and took candy bars to the Fire Department, EMT's & Spanish Fork Police Department. We appreciate all you do for our school and community.
Our Red Ribbon Week is officially underway! Thanks to our PTO for sponsoring this event. We kicked it off with Air Care Helicopter from Mountain View Hospital landing on our playground. The fligt crew talked to us about the importance of staying drug free. We will be dressing up each day to align with the daily drug free message.
Are you looking for a job working with the great students of our District? Kelly Services is hiring! Kelly is the company Nebo uses to contract our sub teachers. You can click the Kelly link on the left side of this page or follow the link to the Nebo job page and use the Kelly link on the right side. Kelly is offering incentives for new employees hired!
We are excited for our fun run coming up on October 18! We appreciate all that have made a pledge. There is still plenty of time to pledge if you have not done so. You can talk with one of our students and make a pledge with their card or go to our website and make a pledge online.
We are so excited about our Fundraiser! We have set a goal to reach 1,000 pledges schoolwide. Please spread the word and help us reach our goal. We will post updates to our website daily! Remember 100% of all funds raised come right back to Park Students! We will collect pledges through our run day. You can pledge online at http://park.nebo.edu/content/fundraiser or contact one of our students or teachers. We will run October 18, 2016! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Vision Screening
The school nurse is conducting a vision screening on October 12, 2016. She needs 10 volunteers to help test the childrens vision. Easy job. Just show up and help, thats it.
Date: 10/12/2016 (Wed.)
Time: 8:30am - 11:00am MDT
Location: Park Elementary
Please use the following link to sign up or call the school directly to let us know if you can help 801-798-4045
Congratulations to our Park Panthers that received a Victory Award in the month of September. Students can earn an award each month in the areas of Math, Language Arts and Leadership. We are so proud of all of you, keep up the good work!
Monday, September 26, 2016 is Student Led Conferences at Park Elementary. Conferences will run from 2:00 - 8:45. If you need to know your time, please email your teacher or call the school.
Big shout out to all of our Students, Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles that came out to read with Park students. We had a great turnout. Thank you to our PTO for sponsoring this event! Check out a few pictures and all of those smiling faces!
Leaders are everywhere at Park Elementary. We are happy to report there are student leadership opportunties available for students to apply for. Please go to our school webpage and click on the Student Leadership Job Applications tab to view job descriptions and print applications.
Current openings include: Attendance Stats, Mailman, Attendance Tracker and Panther Paw Placers.
Students must bring application complete with parent and teacher signatures to the person hiring by September 28.
Attention Students & Parents -- The book fair is coming to Park Elementary! It will be open September 26 - 30. We are looking for volunteers to help us staff this event. We would appreciate any time you can volunteer to help make this years Book Fair a success. Please use the following link to sign up.
September 19 is a Minimal Day in Nebo School District. Park students will get out of school at noon on this day. This day is set up so teachers can attend district wide training. Please make arrangments for your students to be picked up at noon so teachers can get to their training on time. Thanks!
Today was our traditional WIG kick off assmbly. As all Panthers know WIG stands for Wildy Important Goal at Park Elementary. Teachers used skits, dance and song to introduce our school WIGs to students.
Reading Goal: 90% of students will be reading on grade level at the end of the school year with 100% of students making atleast one years reading growth.
Attendance Goal: 93% of our student body will be on time for school each day.
Leadership Goal: 80% of our student body will receive a Golden Panther Paw for exceptional leadership skills.
Shine those pearly white teeth and slick down their hair, September 13 is Picture Day!! More info will be coming as the date gets closer.
If you can volunteer an hour to help us coordinate picture day we would really appreciate it. Please use the link below to sing up!
Mark your calendars now to join us on September 1 @ 6:00 p.m. for our Back to School Night. We will start promptly at 6:00 in the gym. We will discuss school business then excuse parents to visit classrooms (students will stay in the gym for an activity). After two class rotations, we will all meet back in the gym for the Green Man Group performance! We are excited to have them back at Park! After their performance we will all go to the playground for a hot dog social. We hope to see all of you next Thursday!
Park Teachers along with all Nebo employees were treated to an inspiring message this morning at Maple Mountain High School. The keynote speaker reminded us that we all truly matter and we all have potential. We hope to carry that message througout this upcoming school year.
**School Registration** Tuesday, August 2, 2016. We are looking forward to meeting and greeting all of our Panthers! You may drop in anytime from 7:30 - 4:00.
Please help us spread the word, we need all students to come in and register.
Spanish Fork Fiesta Days celebration is in full swing. Be sure and pay attention as entry #65 goes by Monday morning during the Grand Parade. Our very own Park Leaders will be showing their community spirit by participating in the parade this year.
The school theme this year is "BUILDING LEADERS"
*CLICK ON STORY FOR VIDEO* Spanish Fork residents filled the fairgrounds arena as Boy and Girl Scouts delivered flags to members of our Military that placed them in a fire and gave them a final salute.
Park Student Leaders (PSL) met Monday morning to make sure their school is in tip top shape for the upcoming Spanish Fork City celebration, Fiesta Days. Parades run right by our school and students wanted to make sure that everyone that passed by Park knew of the pride they have for their school. Hats off to our student leaders, the flower beds look great and Center Street is clean and weed free and ready for the community to relax and enjoy the parades. HAPPY FIESTA DAYS!
Nebo bus drivers and attendants wanted. The district provides needed training. Daily routes are open for the beginning of school. Starting pay for drivers is $15.23 and attendants $11.32. Please apply online at
www.nebo.edu/jobs.
Mark your calendars now, registration at Park Elementary is August 2, 7:30 - 4:00.
It is important that each little Panther come in and get registered on this day so we can have an accurate count as we begin the school year. Final teacher assignments are also based on the number of students we register this day, so it is SO IMPORTANT that we have our students register.
Students will receive their teacher assignment, purchase their NEW school shirts and parents can join our awesome PTO.
See you August 2!
As the Champions Challenge Rodeo rode into town, all of the cowboys and cowgirls took a moment to recognize all of the minutes Spanish Fork Elementary students read during the Champions Reading Challenge. Congratulations to Jordan Jensen and Kyler Hoover who were the boot winners for Park Elementary. They were part of the rodeos opening ceremonies. Special thanks to Justin Boots for donating a pair of boots for each of them. Also a big shout out to Steve Money, Steve Leifson and the entire Fiesta Days Rodeo Committee!
We can't believe the school year is already over! Our last day of school is May 27. Students will get out of school at noon. Lunch will be served early this day. Thanks for a great year!
The Utah Food Bank will be bringing free lunch to students this summer. Youth up to age 18 will be eligible. The dates are Monday - Friday June 6 - August 19. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch will take place at the Spanish Fork City Center Library Park. Please see the attached flyer for more info.
Our school has several new teachers today. Thanks to our successful school carnival ran by our PTO each class had the opportunity to “bid” on teacher for the day. Several students came prepared with their own lesson today. Thanks to all of our student teacher leaders!
Field Day Help
We need help with field day! We have all the activities planned, we just need volunteers to help carry them out, and pass out otter pops! Thank You!
Date: 05/13/2016 (Fri.)
Time: 12:15pm - 2:40pm MDT
Location: Black Top by playground
Park Elementary PTO
Click Here to Sign Up- http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4cada72baaff2-field
Nebo’s district-wide collaboration time will change to Monday instead of Wednesday beginning in the 2016 - 2017 school year. All students will continue to be dismissed 45 minutes early from school on Mondays. Nebo District implemented a highly successful, district-wide collaboration time in 2008. Collaboration time is specifically for teachers to focus on improved student learning and quality instruction.
Step Right Up Here! Step Right Right Up Here! Join us Friday, April 29th from 5:00-8:00p.m. for some fun rides, games, food, and a good time.
Carnival Information:
Unlimited Rides Wristbands $8.00/ Rides and Games $10.00
Unlimited rides, games and one meal deal $12.00
Or tickets 4/$1.00 Lots of Food and Fun!
Everyone invited! Bring the whole family!
Come have some fun with us!!!
Hey parents! What are your kids up to this summer? Join the Utah Commission on Service and Volunteerism in a Summer of Service? Kids can win great PRIZES for volunteering! Sounds like a win, win! FMI: http://l.facebook.com/l/6AQFGUPcmAQHaSXLzi7iQj6X9zCmE1rEsrdVhcnXXjN7Beg/UServe.Utah.gov/summerofservice #utahsummerofservice16
There was a tremendous amount of synergy going on as students and buddies researched an animal and prepared a report. Afterwards, our kindergarten students were proactive in serving their buddies some donuts and water. It was a win-win situation as everyone put first things first in working on the research papers and then sharpened the saw by giggling and enjoying the donuts. We would love to thank our amazing PTO for providing the donuts! They truly seek first to understand our needs!
Does your child like art? Do they want to learn more? Then join an art class this summer through Nebo School Districts Art program. Visit nebo.revtrak.net for more information.
Congratulations to seven very lucky Panthers who just won tickets to the Champions Challenge Rodeo which will take place in June at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds. These students met their reading challenge and were entered into a schoolwide drawing: Jordan Jensen, Aspen Olsen, Saberial McKell, McKay Thomas, Kyler Hoover, Austin Golding, Taylor Johnson. Kyler Hoover and Jordan Jensen were the lucky winners of a new pair of Justin Boots. Way to go Panthers!
Congratulations to Mrs. Sorensen for being Park Elementary's Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Sorensen has taught 5th grade at Park School the past 9 years. She is an incredible teacher, teammate, and does so much for the students at Park. She has been integral in implementing the Leader in Me as well as a student leader advisor and mentor to other teachers that have come through Park.
We are so proud and honored to have Mrs. Sorensen at Park. Congratulations!
Our 5th graders enjoyed an afternoon of games and activities for earning their end of term party. Way to go Panthers! Sharpen those Saws!
On Leap Day, we had an assembly. Rodeo Clown J.J. Harrison was there along with rodeo queens and rodeo officials from Spanish Fork City. They talked a lot about the difference between teasing and bullying as well as the difference between tattling and reporting. J.J. always likes to end with a contest. He had Mr. James come up and try to rope him. Mr. James actually roped him! Then to close, we repeated after J.J. and told our teachers that they were awesome and underpaid.
Recently, students helped with the Spanish Fork City Easter Egg Hunt by putting eggs together for the event. Led by our Leadership Academy teacher, Mrs. Wirfs, students synergized to help our community. This is one of the many things Leadership Academy has provided this year.
Leadership Academy has provided learning opportunities in leadership, music, art, and more for students. To understand more how Leadership Academy works, the following is from one of our Blog Squad Leaders Evan Prokopiw, 6th grade student.
Leadership Academy by Evan Prokopiw
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have this wish I wish tonight.
Our 6th grade Stars have been engaged in learning about the Universe. Sixth grade science is intriguing because students explore from the tiniest microorganism to the vastness of the universe and make the connection to how they fit in the picture.
We are very proud of our Park Leaders for their excellent work in Math, Language Arts and Leadership. Way to go Panthers!
Park Elementary PTO
Kindergarten Registration
We need help for kindergarten registration! It is Wed. March 23rd from 7:30am to 3:00pm. Each shift is 2 hours. You will be checking addresses, photo copying birth certificates, etc. Thank you.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4cada72baaff2-kindergarten
Date: 03/23/2016 (Wed.)
Time: 7:30am - 3:30pm MDT
Location: Park Elementary School GYM
Park Elementary PTO
Spring Carnival Volunteers
We need your help! We are needing volunteers to help run activities at our school carnival on April 29th. By supplying our own volunteers, we will receive more funds in which we can bring more technology to our school, and/or send our students on more field trips! Please sign up in the time slot you can help us! Thank you!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4cada72baaff2-spring
Date: 04/29/2016 (Fri.)
Congratulations to Randel Talbot-Park Elementary Classified Employee of the year! Mr. Talbot was awarded by Craig Harvey from Horace Mann with the Classified Employee of the Year.
What would we do without Mr. Talbot? Park Elementary is lucky to have a custodian that cares so much for the cleanliness of the building and for our students, teachers and parents. Mr. Talbot is as classy as a 1968 Camaro. You won't find anyone that will do as much as he will for the teachers and students at Park. Randel truly goes the extra mile to serve others.
"A Leader is someone who demonstrates what's possible." -Mark Yarnell
Mrs. Poulson helps third grade students by creating visual arts. While they are creating masterpieces, they are also working on their leadership skills, by synergizing and sharpening the saw. Together, the third graders work every Wednesday on this HUGE project and keeping it a secret for the BIG day. All they can use is paper, scissors, and glue. This is a must see Parents! Hope to see you soon at Leadership Day this Friday. Keep up the great work Third Grade and have FUN!
Please mark your calendars now to attend Leadership Day at Park Elementary. All of our student leaders have been working hard on a schoolwide presentation to showcase their leadership skills.
Everyone is welcome! Please rsvp to the school by calling 801-798-4045 or email Mr. Kay at ryan.kay@nebo.edu
February 26, 12:45 - 2:00
Are You Feeling Groovy? Bodacious? Far-Out! Join us at the Winter Book Fair Tueday, February 16-19th. Volunteers are needed. Click here to be GROOVY!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0c4da9af2ba75-winter
Recently students celebrated good grades, good attendance, and good behavior with a rewards assembly. Students competed with teachers in Minute to Win it games. There was some serious talent from both teachers and students. Thanks for working hard Panthers!
We are proud of our Park Panthers that worked hard to earn Victory Awards this month. Nice job leaders!
As the popular song from the Peanuts movie states I feel better when I'm dancing, Park students sure can relate. Students enjoyed a presentation from our 3rd grade students as they prepare for the upcoming Leadership Day. They danced to the hit song I feel better when I'm dancing and did not disappoint. We are excited to see them perform again in a few weeks.
Students were randomly drawn to win the Gingerbreadhouses made by the faculty. The winners were: Kobe Carter, Tesa Jensen, Max Howe, Oaklee Skiba, Trinity Golding, Ashley Villatoro, Cadillac Webb, Everett Boyd Evan Delagadillo. Congrats Panthers!
Mrs. McAllisters class reached their goal for positive behavior. To celebrate, students feasted on chocolate fondue goodies. Way to go Panthers!
If Buddy the Elf showed up at Park school this week he would be ecstatic! The synergy and teamwork that went into the gingerbread houses from all the teachers and staff set the mood going into Christmas Break. In a teambuilding activity set up by the jolliest elf in the school-Mr. Kay, teachers worked vigorously to build a gingerbread house in under an hour. Teachers and staff could plan and design anything they wanted to for this event. And what a sight to behold at the end!
May this year be more promising than the year before. Spread the happiness all around you.
Merry Christmas to ALL of our Park Family!
"He came with a smile. He came nice and sweet. He came so friendly, all students he had to meet. He read and he read till his reader was sore. He thought to himself, this time of year...the kids is what it's for."
Fifth grade students enjoyed a visit from the Grinch last week. He read a story, visited classrooms, and he may or may not have got a kiss from Mrs. McAllister. Thanks Grinch for bringing some Christmas Cheer to Park Elementary.
The Leader in Me is catching the eye of many leaders in the community of Spanish Fork. Last month Stacy Beck from the City Council and representative of the Chamber of Commerce, visited with students at the Victory Breakfast and became impressed with the skills and habits students are learning at Park Elementary. Ms. Beck reported back to the Chamber and came back to Park with other members from the Spanish Fork Chamber of Commerce and presented a check of $1,500 to help keep the Leader in Me going in the years to come.
When thinking about service the greatest feeling is the end result. Park students collected over 700 teddy bears for Project Teddy Bear sponsored by Bank of American Fork. These donations will bring comfort to children dealing with trauma or lonlieness and comforting others is something we care deeply about at Park. We are grateful for the generous donations students and families made for this great cause.
Mrs. Shauna Gardner is this year's recipient of the Crystal Apple. Mrs. Gardner has taught for 14 years at Santaquin and Park Elementary. Her teammates describe her as trustworthy, friendly, professional, and always willing to share. She is a great friend.
She is called on regularly with her musical talent of playing the piano and leading music. Mrs. Gardner loves horses and going to horse shows. She is a big sports fan, especially when her kids are playing. She is married to Mike Gardner and together they have 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
Mr. Kay received a PEAK award at last night's board meeting. The PEAK award is given to any Nebo employee that displays Positive Energy And Kindness. PEAK winners are nominated by anyone in the school--teacher, parent, staff member, you name it. We are honored to have such a caring principal that does so much for the students, teachers, parents and community. Click Here for December PEAK winners.
The following is the nomination letter for Mr. Kay:
There is something special about serving in the community. We have a great opportunity at Park School to help with Project Teddy Bear sponsored by Bank of American Fork. Please help by donating your new or gently used clean teddy bears. Students can bring them to school and our Park Student Leaders will pick them up at each classroom every morning until December 11th. Thank You for your support!
A vision in Nebo School District is to develop 21st Century skills in our students. At Park Elementary we have the best computers teacher in the district in Lorie Graham. Mrs. Graham does a tremendous job teaching keyboarding and computer skills that prepares students for the technological world.
It's that time again! Please join us this Wednesday, December 2nd from 2:15-9:00 P.M. for Student Led Conferences. Students will share their Leadership Binder and share their progress and goals they have met or are still working on. This is a great time to discuss any victories or concerns you may have as well.
If you have forgotten your scheduled time or have any other questions, please call the office at 801-798-4045. See you then!
Students are branching out in Leadership Academy the next few days. They are learning about Mosaic art and creating their own little masterpieces. Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. It is a technique of decorative art or interior decoration.
Each week students learn about a leader in history in many areas like art, poetry, science, etc. The leader this week is a leader in Mosaic art known as Gustav Klimt. Students learned the art form and have created their own Christmas Mosaic masterpiece.
The 4th grade received a visit from Museum on the Move today. They are a traveling museum from The Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City. They came to teach part of the 4th grade Science Core including a study of Rocks and Minerals, and Fossils. Students were able to observe, infer and record the information they gathered as they handled the fossil and rock specimens.
"At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents." -Jane D. Hull
The halls of Park Elementary have a few more faces than normal on a typical school day.
I noticed this one day walking back to my office. I thought to myself how wonderful it is to see more and more parents in the classroom and in the hallways working with students and helping teachers.
Thank You Spanish Fork 17 for your support of in giving back to our Veterans.
“All Gave Some and Some Gave All” –Billy Ray Cyrus
Today we honor our Veterans who have served our country so bravely. At Park Elementary, students know the importance of this day. It is a day to be grateful. It is a day to remember. It is a day to be proud to be an American. As a school, we wanted to give back to our Veterans. Knowing that what we have to give is so little compared to those that gave so much.
Thank you to all of our students, parents & staff that supported our fundraiser this year! It was a huge success and we appreciate your support. Please enjoy a few pictures from our run.
What do a Ferrari, a Cougar and a Demolition Derby Car have in common?
They were all part of a hands on Red Ribbon Lesson to illustrate what your healthy body looks like when you take care of it and what your unhealthy body looks like when you abuse it. Thanks to our awesome PTA for a great Red Ribbon Week!
Due to weather we will hold the Fun Run in the main gym and lunchroom. Here is the schedule for grade levels:
8:45--4th grade (GYM); 5th grade (Lunchroom)
9:45--1st grade (GYM); AM Leifson Kinder & Elliott Kinder (Lunchroom)
10:45--6th grade (GYM)
12:15--3rd grade (GYM)
1:15--2nd grade (GYM); PM K (Lunchroom)
Please feel free to stop in and watch!
There's nothing like a pie to the face. Just ask Mack Attack from APEX Fun Run. Mrs. Hunt's class won the challenge last week so students enjoyed a game of kickball today. Trase was the lucky winner with the most donations pledged so he ATTACKED Mr. Mac with a pie to the face. Nice Job Mrs. Hunt's class!
Keep those pledges coming in. We really appreciate the support from our families and friends. Just as a reminder, we will be running Thursday starting at 9:00. Please feel free to stop by and cheer on our runners.
If you or someone you know shops at Sam's Club, you can really help our school with Box Tops. You can earn up to 400 Box Tops per receipt! Click here to learn more.
Box Tops end this week on Wednesday, October 28th. Thank You for your support!
On a recent visit to Leadership Academy I was impressed with our second grade students and their understanding of table manners and the appropriate way to set a table. Their lesson on this topic was last week, and I was impressed beyond words at the amount of information they retained.
All students were very willing to share what they knew about appropriate table manners. KayLee - Everyone sits at the table, Max - Don't wipe your mouth with your sleeve, Eleanor - No Slurping, Sabe - No Burping!
"The winner ain't the one with the fastest car, it's the one who refuses to lose." Dale Earnhardt
October is National Principals month. On Tuesday, students and staff wanted to celebrate what an Awesome principal we have at Park Elementary. Mr. Ryan Kay is a huge NASCAR and demolition derby fan. In fact, on top of what he already does for his family, our school and community, he works to help put on one of the finest demolition derbies in Utah in his hometown of Nephi. So, we decided to put on a little event to celebrate him as our leader.
Apex is all about building leaders. At Park Elementary, we know a thing or two about building leaders as well. That is why we have teamed up with Apex to help with our school fundraiser to raise money for technology and The Leader in Me.
As students go out and ask for pledges, they are building leadership skills, building school pride, and making Park Elementary the very best place to gain the academic and leadership skills needed to face the 21st century.
Park Elementary has teamed up with Apex for our school fundraiser this year. Pledges by donors will help purchase technology and continue to fund the Leader in Me. Stay tuned each day for fun videos by our school staff and students. Go Panthers!
Mrs. Pershon’s 4th grade class is taking their on time attendance goal very serious! As you can see from their daily tracker, there has only been 4 days total for the entire school year that they have had below 93%. Congratulations 4th graders, your on time efforts will help with your academic goals as well as the personal goals you have set for yourselves. We are proud of you!
"Life is for Service." Mr. Rogers
Our wonderful grandparent helpers, Grandma Janet Reese and Grandma Aileen Holt, were honored for their service in the community during a banquet held at BYU yesterday. It was a special event that words or actions can't express our gratitude for their service in our school.
Walking down the hall I see something that makes me smile. A fifth grade student tutoring a third grade student. As I eavesdrop into the tutoring session, wondering if the older student is just giving the answers, I am absolutley amazed at what I heard: Tutor Student: "Draw the array for 8x8." The younger student proceeds to draw a box with 8 columns and 8 rows, known as an array. I quickly learned there was great teaching and learning happening between these 2 students. I thought to myself "this is leadership at its best."
Park Elementary honored Specialist Stan Mecham, parent of Zoee and Griff Mecham, and hero to the Park Elementary family.
As part of the National Guard's deployment of the 116th, Specialist Mecham will be heading to Kuwait on a year long mission. To send him off, Park students expressed gratitude by singing God Bless the USA, preparing patriotic speeches, and writing "Thank You" notes for Specialist Mecham to read while serving our country.
Congratulations to the following students for earning Victory Awards during the month of September:
Math: Khalen Worley, Kyle Stuart, Parker Wilkinson, Jonathan Roque, Everett Boyd, McAlister Wilkinson, Isaac Willoughby, Trey Buttars, Manny Gonzales, Mason Hatch, Aidan Allen, Emily Taylor, Andrew Beattie, Aileen Maldonado, Isaac Reupena, Kayson Brinkerhoff, Talon Larsen, Ryder Dillenbeck
Mr. Glenn is one our amazing speech therapists in the school. Here he is teaching Mrs. Leifson's students how we make different sounds when we speak. You can see the reaction of the students as he talks to them about the vocal cords using a balloon to demonstrate. We love our speech teachers!
Park School Counselor, Mrs. Smith taught Mrs. Leifson's kindergarten class how to "Stand Strong" when dealing with bullies. Mrs. Leifson is excited to report that students are beginning to use this program in a proactive manner. They use the "Please Stop" signal and it has changed behavior. Way to go Panthers!
After a fun science unit on the sun, Ms. Taylor's class created solar ovens using a pizza box and energy from the the sun. Students made s'mores and didn't mind getting a little messy. What a tasty way to celebrate their learning! Great Job Mrs. Taylor's class!
Nebo School District Elementary Director, Julie Warren, took a tour recently of Park Elementary and had many positive things to say about the school, students, and faculty. She was greeted by student leaders in each classroom, walked the cleanest halls in the district and saw wonderful student work displayed. There is a wonderful feeling in Park School. We know it is because of the faculty, students, and patrons at Park Elementary.
Just a reminder that our first Student Led Conferences of the year will take place Wednesday, September 30. They will start at 2:15 and end at 8:45. Please check with your teacher if you need your assigned conference time. See you Wednesday!
It's not every day you get a visitor from another country at Park School. Today Park Elementary welcomed Mayor Vignisson from Westman Islands, Iceland, a friendship city to Spanish Fork.
Student leaders guided Mayor Vignisson, Mayor Leifson and others on a tour of the school. Students greeted our Icelandic friend with happy smiles and warm hearts.
"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”—John F. Kennedy
Back to School Night was a huge success! Thanks to our parents, students and teachers for making it all possible.
This was a great opportunity for parents to meet with teachers to become familiar with the curriculum and procedures in their child's classroom. Likewise, teachers had the opportuinity to answer questions from parents in a close setting.
The night was just getting started as Park patrons enjoyed an unbelievable performance by the Green Man Group from Utah Valley University. Those that attended enjoyed a hot dog social afterwards.
There is a stretch of hallway in our school that seemed to need a little upgrade. Maybe everything is gray and you can't recall what hallway we are talking about because it really was ALL GRAY!
Now when you walk down that hallway you will notice the amazing artwork that is displayed in nice black frames. The objective with this Art Alley is to showcase students' art work from every class. This month, Mrs. McAllister's and Mrs. Sorensen's 5th grade classes synergized and went with a 7 Habits theme. Be sure to check out the great work from our students.
Opening WIG Assembly
“I like to put on a wig or a fake mustache and do something silly with friends, do a little dance.” Tom Lenk
There is something about dressing up and getting in character that brings out the inner craziness of people—especially teachers.
IT IS TIME!
We are just over a week into the school year, teachers have settled in, students are in full learning mode, and now it is time to establish class and school WIGS.
WIG stands for Wildly Important Goal. Today is the big kickoff assembly to familiarize students with school wide WIGS. As you can see-it's gonna be a blast! Stay tuned for more pictures and fun stuff.
The beginning of a new school year is a time for students to start fresh with friends, teachers, and most importantly--themselves. At Park Elementary we know how to start FRESH. The beginning of the school year is a time to start with new class mission statements and personal goals.
The beginning of a new school year is a time for students to start fresh with friends, teachers, and most importantly--themselves. At Park Elementary we know how to start FRESH. The beginning of the school year is a time to start with new class mission statements and personal goals.
IT'S FINALLY HERE!! We hope all our Park Panthers wake up eager to learn and are prompt and on time for the FIRST DAY of school tomorrow! We are so excited to see our smiling Panthers in the hallways and classrooms.
Remember we are still on time to class. Let's shoot for a PERFECT ATTENDANCE DAY. 100% on time!
It is a Win-Win Wednesday at Park Elementary. ONE MORE DAY until teachers are back in full swing and one more ONE MORE WEEK until students fill our hallways with bright smiling faces! Sharpen up those habits and bring your WIN-WIN attitude. We all WIN as we get closer to starting a new school year. See ya in Seven!
It's ten days before students walk the halls of schools across the state. Most kids are home planning their last summer activities not thinking for a second of going back to school. It's a little different for Park Student Leaders. These amazing students have planned a day of service to help Park school look beautiful as kids start coming back next week.
Park Elementary will host an open house August 18 1:00-3:00. Come in and meet your new teacher and see your classroom!
Park Elementary will hold school registration July 30, 7:30 - 4:00. Please plan on attending and registering your students for the upcoming school year. We look forward to welcoming our Panthers back on the first day of school, August 19.
Here's an equation for you: 100% Attendance = Pizza Party
Mrs. Poulsen's and Mrs. Taylor's class worked hard to be on time and ended up on the winning row of the Golden Panther Board. These are some happy first and third graders. Way to Go Panthers!
It's a bird... It's a plane... No, It's our Superhero teachers!
Park PTA members made it a "super" week for our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Everyone noticed the doors that donned a superhero theme and Breaking News posters throughout the school. Teachers were treated to lunch and gifts all week, which was super in its own right.
It's that time again! Students on the winning row of the Golden Panther Board ate breakfast with three amazing leaders in our community.
Brandon Gordon and Mike Mendenhall from the Spanish Fork City Council and Lana Hiskey, Nebo's very own Public Relations Representative, visited with students and discussed the Leader in Me program as well as some of the 7 Habits they use in their work and personal life.
It was said, the way to start your day out right is to be with students. That is the truth!
We love all our Park Panthers!
"Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend." Theophrastus
During our Park Family Night, Mr. Kay gave a "Big Thanks" to Pat Christianson for all the time she spent at Park Elementary serving on the PTA as a member and President for the past two years. We are so grateful for ALL the work she has done over the years and we wish her the best in her future endeavors.
Students, Family, and Park Staff enjoyed a little magic after the service project at Park Family Night.
On May 11th, Park held its second annual Park Family Night. The night began with some Spring Cleaning around the school. Parents, students, and staff all chipped in to freshen up the school. We also enjoyed a magic show by Mike Hamilton and of course ICE CREAM!
Hard work, fun, and school pride made this event a HUGE success!
Each year the Kiwanis Club recognizes students the TERRIFIC Kid Award. TERRIFIC stands for: Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable.
Congratulations to Trinity Fairbanks, Sydney Hoover, Madison Thomas, Matthew Smith, Bradley Snyder and Aaron Bravo!
The following students were our April Victory Award recipients:
Math
Payton Young, Kitiara Anderson, Fenwick Maughn, Kade Carter, Sam Wright, Sky Thompson, Dane Gibson, Logan Terry, Eilas Venzuela, Donald Pixley, Brian Barney, Ethan Brown, Eden Stuart, Jordan Wright, Devon Lucas, Eden Lewis
Language Arts
Last month, Park students were challenged to read 180,600 minutes during the month of March in connection to the Champions Challenge Rodeo.
Our little Panthers made it by a hair with 181,000 total minutes read. As part of the challenge, Mr. Kay, Mr. Gull, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Glenn, and Mr. Hales agreed to let students shave their heads or beard. Needless to say, we have a few bald teachers walking the halls of Park School.
Seven lucky students also won tickets to the Champions Challenge Rodeo next month, two students won a pair of Justin Boots.
The following students earned Victories during the month of March:
Math
Dakota Payton, Tierra Corbett, Kenslee Burnette, Levi Christley, Rylee Matthews, Ava Taylor, Preston Johnson, Jasmin Matute, Cohen Terry, Alyce Archuleta, Chloe Hansen, Trevor Miller, Hailey Christensen, Kelly Shoemaker, Talon Larsen, Savannah Stauffer, Kenyen Randall, Jasper Butler
Language Arts
First graders in Ms. Poulsen's class chose to work for a read-a-thon as their behavior reward. They worked really hard through part of February and March to earn this reward. Nice job Panthers!
If you've ever watched a NASCAR race, you would be impressed by not only the cars themselves reaching upwards of 200 MPH, but the pit crew as well and everything that goes into running a successful race.
Well, Mrs. Banks is our well-oiled machine that makes any stock car look like something you would see entered in a demolition derby.
Mrs. Banks has earned the Classified Employee of the Year Award for OUTSTANDING perfomance. Craig Harvey from Horace Mann Insurance presented Mrs. Banks with the award.
Recently, 5th grade students researched an American President and were invited to attend a Presedential Gallery to share all about thier president.
Students created flip-books and shared all about their president while drinking lemon water and eating cookies.
Congratulations to our very own Mr. Talbot. He received the classified employee award sponsored by Horace Mann Insurance and Craig Harvey. Mr. Talbot is very deserving of this recognition. He is a great leader and example at our school. We are proud of you!!
What could be Cooler than Chester Cheetah? Maybe Olaf . COOL is Mat Thomas from the new Spanish Fork Wal-Mart and management team that donated $2,000 to Park ELementary. This is all part of Wal-Mart giving back to the community.
As part of the Grand Opening of Wal-Mart, a few of our Park Panthers were able to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the new store. We are proud of our leaders and the leaders in our community that make Spanish Fork the place to be.
No rain, snow, or sleet will stop these Panthers from completing the D.A.R.E. program. Officer Beddoes discussed with students the importance of making good, healthy choices and resisting the use of drugs. Students celebrated all that they leaned with a donut pary.
Officer Beddoes from the Spanish Fork Police Department met with 5th grade students for the past several weeks instructing students on the importance of staying drug free as part of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program (D.A.R.E.)
Officer Beddoes discussed with students the importance of making good, healthy choices and resisting the use of drugs. Fifth grade students were honored at D.A.R.E. graduation Tuesday where they recieved a certificate for completing the drug free course.
Students enjoyed a donut party to celebrate their work.
Park Panthers are in for the ride of their life during the month of March. In conjunction with the Champions Challenge Rodeo in May at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, Diamond Fork Riding Club and city officials have teamed up with local schools in a reading challenge to energize students to love reading.
Students that read 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, will be eligible for a drawing for a pair of Justin Boots and tickets to the Champions Challenge Rodeo.
As part of the February Victory Awards Assembly, students enjoyed watching and learning about Native American dancing and culture. Shoshana Begay, who currently works at Park with our Title I team, introduced her family and presented a wonderful presentation through Native American dancing. Students were thrilled at the amazing dances and enjoyed learning about the Native American culture.
Congratulations to the following Panthers that received Victory Awards during the month of February.
Math: Everett Boyd, Poponatui Sitake, Harlie Hortin, Bryton Przybycien, Serenity Chase, Hailey Sorensen, Kolby McEwan, Nate Johnson, Hayze Fimbres, Logan Nelson, Ashlyn Petersen, Hailey Christensen, Max Leifson, Eden Mattinson, JaCoby Jenks, Brogan Evans
It's National School Breakfast Week again! Celebrate the most important meal of the day each morning in the cafeteria with our lunch ladies and other Park Panther friends.
A penny saved COULD BE a penny earned for the final day of Penny Wars tomorrow morning if the silver and green don't invade your teachers can.
Check out the list of leaders and those in the hole to MAKE YOUR LAST STAND at the Penny Wars table. If you would like to make a donation with a check or in bills and count it as pennies for your student's class you may do so simply by letting a school official know or with an attatched note. Or, continue bombing other classes to hinder their progress.
Mrs. McAllister's class LOVED experimenting with conversation hearts as they learned about water.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
After many days of positive behavior, Mrs. Poulson's class earned a reward. Park's brave first grade intern, Mrs. Poulson, gave the class a choice for their reward and they chose the most obvious activity...MAKE A PINATA! What a fun activity for these little first graders. Way to go Panthers!
Students in Mrs. Coates class collaborated with District Art Speciailist Tom Wood with an integrated art lesson as part of the GAINS program. Students enjoyed an integrated watercolor lesson on iconic Utah arches.
It's Penny War time again! CHECK your COUCHES, your CONSOLES, your CUPBOARDS and COFFEE CANS for all that loose CHANGE and support Park Elementary!
Penny Wars supports Park students with fundraising. The War begins as students bring in pennies for their own class but silver and bills are used to bomb other classes. A penny earns a students' class a point, while silver and bills count against the class total.
In the end, it's a Win-Win for everyone!
Over the past few months, Warren Orthodontics in Springville held a Best Teacher contest where students could nominate their favorite teacher.
Mrs. Perschon was nominated by Ethan Brown and was presented with a prize and a class treat of Pop Rocks becuse she ROCKS!
Ethan says he loves that Mrs. Perschon reads books in class, has lots of interactive learning and of course, she is NICE.
Congratulations Mrs Perschon!
Park Elementary Crystal Apple Teacher
We are proud to announce Mrs. Sorensen as Park Elementary Crystal Apple Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Sorensen attended Utah Valley University and graduated with a paralegal degree. She worked as a paralegal for several years before returning back to UVU to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She started her career at Park Elementary in 2007 as an intern and has been here ever since!
First grade students in Mrs. Poulsen and Mrs. McAllister's class celebrated what they learned about winter with some fun activities yesterday. Students learned how all snowflakes are different, wrote about “How to Catch a Snowflake”, read books about winter, and made a tasty snowflake treat with Mrs. Lybbert. Great Job Panthers!
As a Leader in Me school, Park Panthers look up to the heroes and leaders of Spanish Fork Law Enforcement. Thank You to all the police officers and staff that help protect and keep our city safe.
Special Education teacher, Mrs. Baron, is pleased with the recent donation of two-hundred and fifty dollars from the Nebo Foundation which helps to purchase The Number Worlds Leveled Intervention Math Program. This program is aligned with our current Utah Common Core and supplies individual student text booklets, all relevant lesson manipulates, and a teacher's manual. Mrs. Baron happily states:
Congratulations to our December Victory Award Students! These students have worked hard in the areas of Math, Language Arts and Leadership. Thank you for your great work in the classroom. Way to go Panthers!
Mrs. Smithee's 4th grade class enjoyed some Mountain Man activities at their rendezvous celebration this week. Students have learned all about the life of a Mountain Man. During a rendezvous, mountain men would trade, tell stories and have other fun activities together.
Mr. Kay even dropped by to show off his mountain man strength.
Way to go Mrs. Smithee's class!
The Seasons Come and Seasons Go, Do you know what makes it SO?
Sixth Grade students participated in a seasons lab where they collected data, used critical thinking skills and made observations as to what might cause seasons.
Students tested two different hypotheses, distance and tilt of Earth's axis, as they worked with high tech equipment. It was a great learning experience for all to have a hands-on activity to learn from.
Christmas is a time for giving. Students at Park did just that and more as they enthusiastically hauled food to the auditorium and stacked it in organized sections. There may be a job at Maceys in the future for these kids.
The Christmas Spirit is alive and well at Park School. Thanks to all students, staff and parents for your donations and help during this time of year.
Our 5th grade Panthers enjoyed dressing up in their best duds as they attended Christmas Around the World at BYU Marriott Center. Students were entertained by dancers, singers, and other musicians at this special event. It was a great experiece for students to enjoy.
Mrs. Cooper's 6th grade class performed the classic Charles Dickens play A Christmas Carol for parents and students today. Mrs. Cooper's students have put in a lot of time and effort and performed a terrific show.
From Scrooge to Tiny Tim to the rest of the cast, students dressed the part with their best 1800's attire with cool sound effects to spice up the performance even more.
Great Job Mrs. Cooper's class!
SAGE Results are available for Nebo School District Schools. Follow the link if you're curious:
https://datagateway.schools.utah.gov/Assessment/SAGE?schoolYear=2014&lea...
There are many things to LIKE about Park Elementary: The Best Logo, The Best Teachers, The Best Principal, The Best Secretaries, The Best Janitors, The Best Lunch Crew, The Leader In Me, and MOST of ALL-The Best STUDENTS!!!
To LIKE more things about Park Elementary and catch up on the GREAT things happening at our school, Like our page and share this post! You will be entered to win great gifts like school shirts and books! Like us now and spread the word. Winners will be announced on our Facebook page.
November's Victory Assembly featured hard-working students, turkeys, turkey buzzards, and a whole lot of fowl play.
After students were recognized for their victories, students participated in a Gobble Contest which did not disappoint. Students cheered for their favorite gobbles and gobblers as special guest judges (principals) Mike Duncan, Garrett Andersen, and Celeste Gledhill proved with their comments that "birds of a feather, flock together."
Veterans Day
“I will always do my duty, no matter what the price.
I’ve counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice.
Oh and I don’t wanna die for you,
But if dying’s asked of me,
I’ll bear that cross with honor,
’Cause freedom don’t come free.”
American Soldier by Toby Keith
October Victory Assembly
Mr. Elliott was recently honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award presented by the Utah Education Association and major sponsor Key Bank. Mr. Elliott is 1 of 10 teachers in the state of Utah to receive this award.
First grade students know the 7 Habits will save them from the ghouls and goblins of Halloween.
Students were treated to a great surprise today as they arrived at school. There was a derby car and truck and several classic cars including a 1928 Model A, 1972 Cougar and 1967 Mustang Fast Back waiting for them. Each class had an opportunity to go out and see the cars as Mrs. Wirfs made the comparison of a healthy, drug free body (classics) to the not healthy body (demolition). Each student signed a drug free pledge promising to stay drug free.
In their class they "stomped" on balloons filled with candy as they stomped out drug use.
Red Ribbon Week:
Green Day
Students had the “Time of Their Life” at the Green Man assembly in connection to Green Day for Red Ribbon Week. Clint Pulver from Utah Valley University entertained a sea of green Park Panthers with a Drug Free message that will stick with students tighter than a Green Man suit.
These scary characters are like tribal people from the past. The students in Mrs. Cooper's class made their own masks while studying about prehistory in Social Studies. The sixth grade students learned about tribal governments and how to solve problems such as not having enough food and what to do if someone steals food or won't do his share. They can use these skills to understand the difficulties facing our own government and learn to solve their own problems.
Mr. Elliott is one of ten finalists for the Teaching in Excellence Award. We are proud of Mr. Elliott and all that he does to help Park Elementary students.
The following is an excerpt from Mrs. Leifson’s nomination application. Way to go Mr. Elliott!
Victory Assembly
Park students celebrated the first Victory Assembly of the year. Victory Assemblies is a school wide celebration of achievement in the areas of Math, Language Arts, and Leadership. Teachers select one student in each area that has shown growth in these three areas to receive the award. We are excited for the students that were selected for the month of September and look forward to each student earning an award throughout the year.
Positive Panthers
We are excited for the great things that have happened at Park Elementary so far this year. One thing that has been amazing is the many students that have been caught using the 7 Habits in the classroom, hallways, playground and lunch room.
Mrs. McAllister's class enjoyed an Out of this World activity this week as they learned about the moon. They read books about the moon and created moon phases from Oreo cookies. Nice Work Panthers!
The Light Shines Bright for Park Elementary
By: Adam Gull
It was the perfect day for the perfect celebration for Park Elementary families and faculty during their Back to School Night and Lighthouse ribbon cutting ceremony. After days of heavy rain, the sun shined bright for this special day where students, parents, teachers, city leaders and district administrators joined together to reopen Park Elementary as a Lighthouse School some sixty years after its beginning.
Park Elementary will hold a Back to School Night Celebration on September 11th at 6:00. Please join us as we reopen Park School as the newest Lighthouse School which is part of The Leader in Me. There will be a special ribbon cutting ceremony with school faculty, students, parents, community leaders, and 7 Habits star Sean Covey!
After the ceremony and a short visit to your students' class, everyone is invited to enjoy a hot dog outside to continue the celebration.
Come take part in this exciting event!
Nebo School District Celebrates 39 Buildings Achieving the Energy Star Recognition Award
Nebo School District has received notification that 39 of its buildings have earned the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Certification, the most of any school district in the state of Utah. This recognition is presented to the most energy efficient buildings in the country.
Students may be out, but new faculty members are in session learning all about the 7 Habits. We welcome First Grade teachers Bristi Poulson and Janae McAllister, Sixth Grade teacher Shawn Rawlings, and new custodian Randel Talbot to Park Elementary and the newest Lighthouse School-Park Elementary!
Recently, Park faculty, parents and students rejoiced at the wonderful news of becoming a Lighthouse School. When you think of a lighthouse, you imagine a beacon illuminating its light in all directions beckoning to the incoming ships there is safety after the storm. A lighthouse also warns of danger of rocks and other obstacles that stand in the way of reaching the shore.
After lessons on gravity, second grade students participated in an Egg Drop where they designed devices to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from the roof of the school. As Humpty Dumpty Hales sat on the wall dropping the eggs over easy for a great fall, students cheered their egg on to live another day or hoping the king’s men could put it back together again. Some eggs were packed with cushions and some glided to the pavement with a parachute, while others would simply never see a frying pan. It was definitely a sunny-side up day for
“Aruba, Jamaica, ooh 5th Grade wants to take ya… on their Cruise Day.” Well, it wasn’t exactly Kokomo, even though that is where we would wanna go, fifth grade students enjoyed themselves nonetheless.
Gandhi once said: “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.” Well, there were 25 satisfied students with full bellies because of their own victories Friday morning. Yes, Park students enjoyed another Victory Breakfast with special guests Julie Warren, Elementary Education Director and J. Lynn Jones, Federal Programs Director from Nebo School District.
For the past two months, Park students have participated in a reading challenge sponsored by Spanish Fork City in connection with the Champions Challenge Rodeo. This event is taking place at the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds on May 31st. Students that met the requirements for their monthly reading were entered in a drawing for two tickets to the Champions Challenge Rodeo. Former Mayor Wayne Anderson and members of the Diamond Fork Riding Club drew one lucky name from each grade level to attend the special event. M
Leadership is becoming more prominent each day at Park Elementary. It’s important for students to learn leadership skills now, especially when it applies to academics. That is exactly what our Literature Leaders experience as they work to promote reading in the school. Students at Park have the opportunity to find certain books in the library, read them, and report to a Literature Leader about the book they read.
Mrs. Luke’s class had an early morning pancake breakfast for all the students who met their WIG to bring planners back all term. Congratulations to these students for using the 7 Habits and meeting this goal. These students will definitely be ready for 6th grade next year!
WOW! May has been a busy month at Park Elementary, especially students earning Victories! Below are the students that earned awards in Leadership, Math and Reading. Congratulations Panthers!
Math: Kaden Jones, Hudsyn Wininger, Killian Olsen, Madeline Terry, Dane Gibson, Mariah Clark, Justice Corona, Aiden McCabe, Cooper Heaps, Scarlet Wirfs, Annica Cuthill, Auston Castor, Kaitlyn Thomas, Jadee Cole, Elijah Docter, Aaron Bravo, Ashlie Platt, Miguel Ramirez, Jorge Valodvinos, Nathan Oviatt
If you know anything about Park Elementary, the first thing you would think of is the Leader in Me program. But, there is something else at Park that is just as special. Mrs. Graham, our wonderful and caring computer specialist teacher, has spent about an hour a week for the past four months working with a special group of students called P.A.L.S or Park Advanced Learning System.
LesLee Hunt received this year's Crystal Apple for her exemplary teaching and service to the students, parents and faculty of Park Elementary. Mrs. Hunt has taught at Park Elementary for 14 years. She is dedicated, knowledgeable and hardworking. Mrs. Hunt is dedicated. Mrs. Hunt loves her students and is committed to giving them the very best. She goes the extra mile on behalf of students as well as parents and teachers. It is well know that Mrs. Hunt will help you with anything you need. Mrs. Hunt is a caring, dedicated teacher. Mrs. Hunt is knowledgeable.
As part of The Leader in Me program at Park Elementary, we educate not only our students in the 7 Habits, but also our parents to help families to be successful in our community.
Last Thursday, parents attended a financial wellness class presentation by Brian Nelson, Founder and President of 8 Pillars Financial Education Company.
Mrs. Coates 5th Grade class enjoyed a chip and dip and game party for reaching their WIG (Wildly Important Goal) of 90% Excellents in Prep time during the month of March. Way to go Panthers!
The First Grade 3rd Term Reward Party for those students who met the attendance and citizenship requirements. The students played games in each room. They were able to play Hot Potato, Charades and Glow in the Dark Bowling. For our last activity, there was a huge first grade Dance Party and popsicles. The students had a lot fun. The games and dancing were a great way to Sharpen Our Saws!
Park Elementary is so proud of our Teacher of the Year Cheryl Leifson! Mrs. Leifson is a wonderful teacher and gives her heart and soul to her Kindergarten students.
The following has been said about Mrs. Leifson:
Cheryl loves coming to school early and putting on inspirational music. What magic will take place in her classroom today?
Cheryl teaches from the heart and gets to know each student individually and stirs in them a desire to create.
Congratulations!
Our very own 4H Drama Club exhibited some of their talent in a musical called GO WEST! Students worked very hard to this point and did a great job singing and dancing. Thank you to Mrs. Lowe and Mrs. Davies for all your hard work in 4H. We are proud of the talent at Park Elementary!
Mrs. Bradford's class celebrated with a Paint Party recently. Over 80% of the students passed off learning the alphabet letters and sounds! Students were excited and had a fun time painting with water color paints and eating treats! Mrs. Bradford is so happy with this accomplishment and for the class! Way to Go Panthers!!
March has roared in like a lion for Park Elementary students, but it was the months of preparation by students and faculty that made the Leader in Me Symposium and third annual Leadership Day such a great success.
Leadership Day was a great success! The studentbody was amazing from speeches to classroom visits to school panel. Here is a link to the Daily Herald article. Thank You students, teachers, and parents!
Park School celebrated Victory winners for the month of March with special guest Spanish Fork Mayor and former Park Panther Steve Leifson. Mayor Leifson shared with students how he used the 7 Habits while on City Council and when he made the decision to run for mayor. One Habit he mentioned was Synergizing or working together with others for a greater cause. We appreciate Mayor Leifson for his message and support of Park Elementary Students!
Victory Winners
It was another successful Victory Breakfast on March 14th for 25 lucky Park Panthers and special guests Bill Summers, Raul Carson from Maceys and Sierra Sorensen from America First Credit Union.
Students and guests enjoyed breakfast burritos and talked about the 7 Habits in school and in the workplace. At Park Elementary we are building leaders that will someday be effective workers and citizens in our community.
We would like to invite you to Park School's Kindergarten Registration on Thursday, March 20th, from 7:30-4:00.
Please bring birth certificates, immunization records, and proof of address.
If you have neighbors or know anyone with children entering kindergarten, please let them know about registration.
Since the first of the year, Mrs. Cooper's class has been hard at work replicating Dutch artist Pieter Bruegel's famous "Hunter's in the Snow" painting. It has been a tremendous effort in Synergyzing, with the students voting on the picture, tracing the main lines of the painting onto tiles of paper, coloring the tiles accurately, and putting them together into a cohesive picture to be ready for Leader in Me Day in March. The students found that they had to work with each other to get the picture to work out right.
We would like to invite you to Park School's Kindergarten Registration on Thursday, March 20th, from 7:30-4:00.
Please bring birth certificates, immunization records, and proof of address.
If you have neighbors or know anyone with children entering kindergarten, please let them know about registration.
Victories are achieved quite often at Park Elementary. Students and classes accomplish many goals in attendance, academics, and personal goals. But this victory was delicious because it was the first Victory Breakfast for our Positive Panther Board winners.
Students that had their name on the winning row of the Positive Panther Board, along with Dale Phelps, President of Nebo Credit Union, and Mary Ann Eyres, Branch Manager in Spanish Fork, came together for a breakfast celebration.
Mrs. Leifson has been voted as Park Elementary Teacher of the Year.
When you get to know Mrs. Leifson, it is no surprise that she would be voted as Park Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. She is a very talented, skilled, and caring teacher! She is also very prepared and goes the extra mile and 10 yards to make school something special.
This week is National School Breakfast Week. Tuesday morning students and teachers enjoyed a free breakfast consisting of breakfast pizza, cereal and of course CHOCOLATE MILK!!
Thank You to our wonderful lunch ladies that have made this all possible!!
The Jon. M. Huntsman Family is proud to sponsor the 22nd Annual Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education. • Nominate your favorite Utah public school teacher, volunteer, or administrator • 11 winners will receive $10,000 • Nomination forms can be found online at www.huntsman.com/haee • Due Date: Friday, March 14, 2014 For more information, please call the Huntsman Awards Committee at (801)584-5799. Thank you for your continued support!
Come on down to the Book Fair Fiesta!!
There are many books to choose from for any age or reading level. The Book Fair will be open Monday-Friday from 8:00-9:00 am and 2:30-3:30 pm. It will be open all night during SEP's on Wednesday, March 5th.
Hello all Nebo School District Students and Family Members,
Don't forget about the National School Breakfast Week art contests this week. The winner from each school will be submitted to the district-wide contest and will have a chance to win a bicycle. Check with your school about how to to submit your drawing. Please "Take Time for School Breakfast" and have a happy National School Breakfast Week!Regards,Morgan Adams Dietetic Intern
The Nebo School District is celebrating National School Breakfast week March 3-March 7. The 2014 theme for this annual event is "Take Time for School Breakfast". On Monday, Mayor Steve Leifson will join the students at Rees Elementary for breakfast and read the official proclamation to open the week's events. Throughout the week we have numerous activities including prize giveaways in the cafeterias and both a school and district-wide art contest. Students can enter their school's art contest for a small prize.
The Leader in Me is all about building leaders in our school. Students in Mrs. Stauffer's class learned they cause positive effects when using the 7 Habits. Students have learned to apply the 7 Habits in school, during recess, at home and in the community.
WAR, what is it good for? Absolutely EVERYTHING at Park Elementary!
We will continue our Penny Wars fundraiser till this Friday, February 28th. This is a great way to contribute to Park School and to help fund the fabulous activities and programs provided at our school.
This is how Penny Wars works: Students bring pennies to contribute to their class running total. The class that collects the most pennies wins and will be given a reward from Mr. Kay.
"To Live; To Learn; To Lead"
Park Students met together for the 2nd Victory Assembly this year on February 7th. Victory Assemblies are a way to recognize students as leaders in the areas of math, reading, and leadership in the classroom. Students are selected by their teachers and recognized during a Victory Assembly on the first Friday of each month.
Book Fair is coming soon and we need volunteers! It's almost time for the Park Elementary School's Spring Book Fair - Students will preview the book fair with their teachers on Monday March 3 and we will be open for Shopping Monday March 3rd Thru Friday March 7th. Plan to come spend some time at our Book Fair Fiesta where there will be something for everyone. We will be open each morning from 8am - 9:00 and afternoon school 2:30-3:30pm. On Wed March 5th we will be open all afternoon and evening during SEP's.
Park Elementary would like to congratulate the finalists that participated in the annual Spelling Bee. It was an exciting event with fabulous sportsmanship displayed by students and viewers.
Natalie Combs, from Mrs. Coates 5th grade class, claimed the title of the 2014 Spelling Bee and will move on to the upcoming Utah Valley Spelling Bee. Nathan Oviatt, from Mr. James 6th grade class was the runner-up.
Other Participants included: Bryant Shell 4th, Lily Stutz 4th, Korbin McEwan 5th, Kensie Huff 5th, Sarin Burr 6th.
While the State Legislature is in session, leaders from Park Elementary had the opportunity to visit the state capital and showcase The Leader in Me to some of our state representatives.
Monday, February 3, 2014 started out very early for six Park Panthers: Tyrel Bird, Logan Castor, Auston Castor, Katie Stauffer, Baylee Carter, and Hampton White. These student leaders shared their Leadership Binder with legislators and discussed personal goals, why they made that goal, and made new goals after celebrating with a victory.
It was a battle of the books as Mrs. Sorensen's class collided in a Reading Superbowl that was held for two weeks leading up to the real Superbowl last weekend. The class was divided into two teams, the Broncos and the Seahawks. Students read each night and turned in their minutes on a football the following day. Whichever team had the most minutes read the night before, scored a touchdown for their team. It was a nailbiting event as the score went back and forth and ended up being a close game. In the end the Broncos ended up winning by 1 touchdown.
2nd grade students enjoyed reading with their "Book Buddy" Friday morning. Students were able to sit and read or listen to a variety of books and enjoy a delicious donut afterwards. Thanks to all of our teachers, students and visitors for making this event so special!
Students were thrilled Wednesday morning when they received a free book from the PTA. Connie Hansen from the Park PTA organized the event to give each Park Elementary student a book. Many smiles were shared as students gathered in the library to choose from a variety of picture books, chapter books, fiction and non-fiction books as well. When students chose their book they had it stamped by a PTA member and the book became theirs to keep. One student was so excited he exclaimed "I'm gonna keep this forever!
Students in Mrs. Cooper's 6th grade class participated in a fun activity called the The Great Ice Melt. Students were to create a 6x6 inch box with insulated materials found at home that could keep an ice cube from melting. This activity is part of Mrs. Cooper's Heat, Light, and Sound science unit and teaches students the concept of insulation.
Winners of the contest are as follows: Baylee Carter 1st Place, Trevin Harris 2nd Place, and Carson Czarnik 3rd Place. Congratulations!
White Ribbon week was a great success this year, thanks to Jen Brown from Park Elementary's PTA. White Ribbon Week teaches students the importance of Internet safety and to make smart decisions while online.
Mrs. Kimball’s 2nd grade class reached one of their WIGs (Wildly Important Goals) on Friday, January 24, by earning their 50th “excellent” from specialist teachers! They held a victory celebration the same day, which included pizza and an exciting dance party. The students enjoyed learning and enthusiastically doing the following dances: The Bunny Hop, The Chicken, and The Twist. What great dancers! Congratulations to the students on their achievement!
Faculty and staff gathered together around a quilt to support Mrs. Farrer during this difficult time in her life. The quilt is tied together with messages and words of encouragement from Park faculty and staff.
Our hearts go out to Mrs. Farrer and her family. Thank You Mrs. Farrer for your love and devotion to the students of Park Elementary!
Fifth and sixth grade students enjoyed a brief assembly on how to make the science fair enjoyable. Mrs. Luke's daughter Ashley Luke (7th grader at Spanish Fork Jr. high) and niece Chloe Randall (7th grader at freedom academy) spoke to the kids about their experiences with the science fair. Chloe brought her project to display and explained to the group what she did for the project. They explained how important it is to pick a topic that they are really interested in.
Park Elementary Spelling Bee will be held February 2, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the gym. All 4th-6th grade students are able to participate in the Spelling Bee. Classroom winners will be selected this week and move on to the school Spelling Bee on February 2nd. The school winner will be eligible for the Utah Valley Spelling Bee held in a few weeks. Good Luck!
Just for fun, did you know the winning word for the National Spelling Bee last year was knaidel
/ˈk(ə)nādl/
“We’ve spent our lives behind bars…Handle Bars!” Rich Weiber
Wheelies, tricks, stunts, jumps, spins, and frightened teachers are a few things students enjoyed during the Rich Weiber Stunt Bike Rewards Assembly.
“Where there is unity there is always victory.” ~Publilius Syrus
Students met together on January 3rd to celebrate the first Victory Assembly for 61 leaders from Park Elementary. Victory Assemblies are a way to recognize students as leaders in the areas of math, reading, and leadership in the classroom. Students are selected by their teachers and recognized during a Victory Assembly on the first Friday of each month.
A cherished Park tradition around this time of year is Sing Around the Tree. Park students gathered in the auditorium for three days to sing Christmas songs and listen to a Christmas story read by a Park Elementary celebrity (Mrs. Banks, Mrs. Barron, Grandma Pat).
The most exciting event took place on Thursday, December 19th, when Santa Claus made an appearance as students sang Here Comes Santa Claus. Students were thrilled as Santa made his way down the aisle to greet them!
Students & faculty alike will be sharpening their saw over the Christmas break. Would you like to learn how to sharpen your saw or know more about the other 7 habits? Stop in, ask any Park Panther (kindergarten - 6th) and they will explain it to you. WE ARE LEADERS FOR LIFE!
Park Elementary's very own Mrs. Banks was honored with Nebo School Districts PEAK (Positive Energy And Kindness) award on December 11, 2013 at the December board meeting. Mrs. Banks exemplifies the PEAK award to the highest degree. Mrs. Banks was surprised with flowers, hugs and kisses, by her family members and grandchildren that were able to attend the meeting. The following is a collage of phrases by Tamra Lybbert, Ryan Kay, Lorie Graham, and Sheralyn Lowe who nominated Mrs. Banks for this award.
We hope that each of you have a wonderful Christmas!
Best Wishes,
Park Faculty & Staff
Officer Farnworth from the Spanish Fork Police Department met with 5th grade students for the past several weeks instructing students on the importance of staying drug free as part of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program (D.A.R.E.)
You've heard the saying around this time of year "It is better to give than to receive." In this case, Park Elementary was happy to receive. Laura Taylor, Dale Phelps, and Earl Davis from the Nebo Foundation along with Lana Hiskey from Nebo School District, awarded Park Elementary with a $1,000 grant for The Leader in Me program. In return, Park Elementary is building leaders for the future that will make a difference in our community.
Mr. Kay and PTA President Pat Christianson happily accepted a check of $330.48 from Sonic in Spanish Fork.
Earlier this year, our PTA teamed up with Sonic and organized a fundraiser to benefit Park Elementary. Park families were encouraged to attend Sonic Night for dinner during the hours of 5-8 and Park Elementary would receive 10% of the total sales during those hours. It was a great turn out and students had a great time eating and being with their families.
We are grateful to our PTA and Sonic for their contribution to Park Elementary.
We would like to congratulate Mrs. Perschon's class for meeting their on-time attendance 3 out of 5 days this week! Keep up the great work!
Park Elementary kicked off their W.I.G or Wildly Important Goals assembly on November 26th.
Tuesday morning was a strange one to students when they saw teachers in the hallways and classrooms. Many students asked a similar question with a puzzling face..."Why are you wearing a wig?"
Each Wednesday the fifth grade students buddy up with a first grader to read, practice spelling, or in this case, a special math integrated art activity.
When asked about working with a first grade buddy, Mckenzie said "I like helping them learn." Mckay said "I like that they help and I read to them."
We are proud of our first and fifth grade leaders that are making a difference in the school.
Park Elementary halls were filled with Positive Panthers as they entered the school on monday morning. Many students have been caught using the habits in the classroom, hallways, playground and lunch room.
Patrick Young from Mrs. Coates class was the first to receive a "Golden Panther Paw" and was able to write his name on the Postive Panther board.
Park Elementary students and faculty have set a goal to have 95% on-time attendance by 8:30. Students learned about the No Tardy Smarties last week in an assembly to kick off school and class W.I.G.S or Wildly Important Goals.
This is a special year for Park Elementary as we work toward becoming a Lighthouse School as part of The Leader in Me program. As part of the requirements, school administrators, teachers, and students have several scoreboards to help motivate and increase on-time attendance, behavior and academics.
Our third graders had a wonderful opportunity on November 13, 2013. Dr. Jones, from the Rotary Club, donated dictionaries to each student. They will keep them here at school and take them home at the end of the school year.
Park Elementary recognized our brave veterans in an honorary assembly on November 8, 2013.
Students were invited to send pictures of veterans in their family that are currently serving or who have served, to the office to be put into a slideshow to be shown in the assembly on November 8th. This was one of several special ways to honor our veterans.
5th grade students enjoyed reading with their "Book Buddy" on November 8th.
Students were able to sit and read or listen to a variety of books and enjoy a delicious donut afterwards. Thanks to all of our teachers, students and visitors for making this event so special!
2013 Reflections Theme:“Believe, Dream, Inspire”
Congratulations to the 2013 Reflections Winners! They are from left to right: Kayson Brinkerhoff, Daysun Cuthill, Aurora Bateman, Mady Lackey, Draeven Miner, Jessica Cook (not pictured).
Thank You to all students who participated and Brian Esparza from the PTA for organizing this years contest.
Students in Mrs. Hobbin's 1st Grade Class were up to their elbows in a slippery, slimy math lesson yesterday.
Students were presented with a large and small pumpkin. Mrs. Hobbins began her lesson on estimation and counting by having students guess how many seeds were in each pumpkin. Students then dug out the inside of the pumpkins and counted all the seeds.
Morgan from Mrs. Hobbins class said: "We got all the yucky stuff out and counted the seeds. It was my favorite activity in school!"
Students at Park were surprised with a special gift yesterday morning. Jake Harward from Harward Farms delivered a pumkin to each student for Halloween. Students lined the front of the school and one-by-one received a pumkin as Harward Farms workers unloaded the pumpkins from a flat bed truck. Students' smiles were as wide as a jack-o'-lantern.
Zoeie from Mrs. Farrer's 3rd grade class presented a Thank You card to Jake and the Harward Farms crew.
We appreciate Harward Farms for bringing joy to Park students!
Park Elementary will be holding our annual Halloween Parade on October 31 at 2:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to attend. Please be lined up anywhere along the outside of the school. We will parade around the entire block of the school.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT OUR HALLOWEEN PARADE!
Cherissa Wood from UDOT presented Harlie from Mr. Elliott's class with a scooter and helmet for her participation in the Walk More in Four challenge. Students were asked to walk and ride safely to school and in their neighborhoods. Way to go Harlie!
Several students were also awarded with UDOT's "SNAP, Walk 'n Roll" soundtrack for their participation.
For Green Ribbon Week students were asked to wear green and walk to school safely. Students that walked received a snack for rememering to be safe when walking or riding to school. Thank You to Pat Christianson and Hayley Isaacson for the fun activities the students participated in.
Park Students had the opportunity to compare and contrast a healthy drug free mind and body to an unhealthy mind and body on drugs with a fancy convertible Ford Mustang and a demolition derby car.
Students came out and viewed the cars as a class and had a discussion with our PTA President Pat Christianson and Principal Ryan Kay. Students were taught when we make healthy choices this is what our body looks like and feels like. And when we make unhealthy choices this is what our body looks like and feels like.
Park Elementary students enjoyed a special treat Tuesday...Or should we say "Trick" when dis-illusionist Brad Barton visited during Red Ribbon Week.
Students were engaged in a high energy magic show as magician Brad Barton made a credit card float in mid air, ripped a newspaper to shreds and put it back together as well as many other incredible tricks throughout the show.
6th grade students enjoyed reading with their "Book Buddy" last Friday.
Students were able to sit and read or listen to a variety of books and enjoy a delicious donut afterwards. Thanks to all of our teachers, students and visitors for making this event so special!
Park Elementary 5th grade students celebrated their Native American Tribe Project by sharing their diorama with Park students and parents.
Students worked diligently to research a Native American Tribe which included tribes such as: Cherokee, Ute, Navajo, Piute, Hopi, Pawnee, Comanche, Iroquois and more. Students summarized their research by presenting it in a 3D diorama.
Thanks for all your hard work 5th grade students!
Box Top Bonanza is here! Start cutting those box tops and bring them to school. The class with the most box tops will receive a special PINK PARTY!! Ask Grandparents & Neighbors to start clipping for you. Look for the pink bag in your classroom to deposit your box tops! Box Top Contest ends October 18.
Thank you to everyone that supported Park Night at Sonic. It was great to see so many students and parents brave the cold and rain. We were pretty sure that Mrs. Banks was in the slush costume, but when she showed up we are guessing it must have been our very own Mr. Gull!
Support Park Elementary at Sonic Drive In Tonight!
Park Elementary will receive 10% of all profits made between 5:00 & 8:00 tonight, September 26, 2013! There will be games and great food! Grab your family & neighbors and come out to Sonic Drive In and help raise money for our school. Mention that you are with Park Elementary when you order they will upsize your order for free!
Students in Mrs. Hobbin’s first grade class were participating in a webbing activity to illustrate the importance of working as a community. She had students drop part of the web to illustrate what happens when we are not all working together.
Follow the link and click next until you find Park Elementary. START VOTING! Thank You!
It’s finally here…The first day of school! Thursday August 22, 2013. School hours M, T, Th, F 8:30 – 2:45 Wednesday 8:30 – 2:00. Kindergarten students will come in for their assessment with their teacher. Their official first day will be August 29. Kindergarten hours M, T, Th, F 8:30 – 11:00 ~ 12:00 – 2:45 Kindergarten Wednesday hours 8:30 – 11:00 ~ 12:00 – 2:00.
I look forward to seeing all of you on the first day of school!
Just a reminder about our open house on August 21 at 1:00 – 2:30. This is a great opportunity for students to meet their teacher and see their new classroom. School starts the following day, August 22 at 8:30. I look forward to a great school year at Park Elementary!
Mr. Kay
Thank you to everyone that came out to registration. It was great to meet so many Park students and parents. If you were unable to make it this week, please call into the office or stop by and register. Mrs. Banks will be in the office August 6 & 13 from 8:00 – 12:00 to help you get registered.
Park Elementary is now on Facebook! Be sure and like us for news, updates and pictures delivered right to your Facebook account. You can find our Facebook link on the right-hand side of our homepage.
Mr. Kay
Hello Park Panthers!
The Student Council has been selling Smencils, scented pencils, and wood cut outs this school year. They were going to use the money to purchase student council t-shirts. They changed their minds about the t-shirts and decided to purchase a tree instead. There is only one tree in the green space of Park Elementary playground. The students decided they wanted a tree that would flower but not have fruit. They selected a flowering fruitless cherry tree. Each spring it will have pink blooms.
Sixth Grade Orchestra students had their final concert on May 10. They worked really hard under the direction of Ms. Kim Durfler, the Orchestra Teacher. Park students and Larsen Elementary students combine to make our school Orchestra. It was wonderful to hear how much their playing has improved over the school year. Great Work!
4H students were able to work with Kerri Lowe & Sherylyn Lowe to put on the play Mary Poppins. Students auditioned for the lead roles in the play and they rehearsed every Monday afternoon. Special thanks to the talented Kim Clark for making our costumes. The following students participated in the play:
Parents and community members visited Park Elementary for Leadership Day. Visitors learned about the 7 Habits. Students worked hard to explain and show how the 7 Havits have help Park Elementary School. It was a great celebration of the leaders in each student and staff member! A big thanks goes out to Mrs. Smith and the Lighthouse committee for all of their hard work.
BYU Kinnect Dancers visited Park Elementary and presented a program about Heros. Kinnect is a student outreach performance dance company with a specific focus on developing teaching, creative, and performing skills in its members. This group is carefully selected, prepared, and mentored in order to effectively teach dance as a creative process to elementary- and middle-school-age children, following the U.S. National Dance Standards and the Utah State Dance Core Curriculum.
The third grade students enjoyed a field trip to the Clark Planterium in Salt Lake City. They had a fun time exploring the exhibits. They learned a lot about the planets, stars, and other heavenly bodies. The students really loved watching a movie on the Dome Theatre.
Mrs. Sorensens class had a Reading Superbowl. Every night the students would read and then have thier parent sign the football saying how many minutes their child read.
The class was divided into two teams the 49er's and the Ravens. Which ever team read the most minutes the night before would get a touchdown for that day. The 49er's won the class challenge by 1 touchdown. Anyone who participated received a superbowl "ring" and the 49er's had a party for being the winning team.
A theater class from UVU came to Park Elementary and presented a play called Honk! Honk! is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling, incorporating a message of tolerance and self-esteem. The musical is set in the countryside and features Ugly, a duckling who is rejected by everyone but his mother, Ida; a sly tomcat who wants to eat Ugly; and other barnyard creatures.
On Wednesday, April 17, Park Elementary held their annual Spelling Bee. Many students work hard studying their spelling words. The Spelling Bee winner was Natalie Combs. Other class winners were Emberly Walburger, Kenzie Huff, Josh Paulk, Nathan Oviatt, Spencer Platt, Piper Shick, and Wynter Watkins. Congratulations to these Park Leaders of Spelling!
Ten-year-old Bethany Wilson had been diagnosed with Leukemia when she was young. Luckily, it went away with lots of help. She is now cancer free! She had to be checked out of fifth grade this year because she kept getting sick. Bethany said, "I think others notice that I'm gone and wonder about me." She also said. "I miss Park School a lot." Bethany may be going to Brockbank Elementary School in the Fall. So many of us hope that she will come to Park School. Bethany currently goes to K-12 online learning school. Bethany has nine siblings and two parents.
Sixth Grade students had the opportunity to attend a registration assembly at Diamond Fork and Spanish Fork Junior High Schools. Students listened to the Jazz Band, 8th Grade Orchestra, and Choir preform. The counselors explained how to fill out the registration form and discussed all of the elective choices. Junior High School Students then took the 6th graders on a tour of the school. It was a fun and exciting visit. Each student was given a registration form that need to be returned to their 6th grade teacher by Friday, March 22.
Habit #6 is important because it teaches people to work together. It also helps because a lot of the time you get a job that you need to work together. Habit #6 is Synergize which means to work together. We all should synergize and work together to get along better. Habit #6 and the other habits make our school better.
The 6th grade food tasting assembly was very fun. We had some lunch ladies from the District come and make a turkey and beef meal. The 6th grade students were invited to taste the turkey and the beef and then take a survey on which they like best. The one that is picked the most will be one the school lunch menu next year in all of Nebo School District. After we ate the meal the lunch ladies gave us dibs ice cream dipped in chocolate, and sprinkled with nuts. It was delicious. We would like to thank the lunch ladies for coming and preparing this for us.
Patrica Palmer was selected by Park School teachers to receive this year's Nebo Education Association Crystal Apple award. Craig Harvey of Horace Mann Insurance presented Mrs. Palmer with her award. Mrs. Palmer has dedicated her life to teaching students. She has taught in both Alpine and Nebo School Districts for a combined total of 36 years. She also worked in the CFA for two years and was the Intern Coach at Park Elementary for two years. We are grateful for all that Mrs. Palmer does to help her second grade students achieve excellence!
My favorite habit is #6, Synergize. Synergize means to work together so that the team always wins. I visited Mrs. Palmer's class to see how they use Habit #6, Synergize. When Mrs. Palmer's class earns free-time they like to play board games and play on one of the white boards. The class has to work together to earn the free time and they also have to work together to play the games. Everyone should work togther and we can always win.
On February 21st, Park School had it's annual Science Fair! Lots of students participated and they were all so creative! We wish everyone could win a ribbon, but unfortunately, only 3 people could win in each grade. The students who won first, second, and third got to move on to the District Science Fair. All the people who made a science project got a certificate, with their name on it, and Airheads candy. We can't wait for next year when Park celebrates science again!
For Park's reward assembly we had a magician come to our school. The students were able to go if they had no U grades or missing assignments. He had a magic rope that when you tied a knot in it, the knot could just fall off. The man's name that performed our magic show was Al Lampkin. He changed water into Coke! Many students enjoyed going to the reward activity. This man has visited many schools. He has gone to many countries and states too!
BYU’s Center for the Study of Europe is once again sponsoring its annual art competition to encourage European awareness in Utah Schools. This year, the competition is being expanded to include all students in grades K–8. The 2013 theme is “My European Stamp.” Students are invited to create a piece of art using any artistic medium that looks like a stamp on the official 8.5x11 template provided by CSE. Artwork created on any other paper will not be accepted.
Experimental Theatre, Heroes, and Dinosaurs is what Brigham Young University had to offer the 6th Grade students of Park Elementary. On February 7th, the sixth grade students enjoyed watching Henry V in the Nelke Theatre in the Harris Fine Arts Center. This was an experimental theatre experience. The actors interacted with the audience and worked hard to make Shakespeare come to life for those in attendance.
The fifth grade students who turn in their completed homework get rewarded with a Fun Friday Activity. The Fun Friday Activity on February 1st was building snow sculptures. It was a perfect day, because it had snowed recently but the sun was out and shining. The students were encouraged to bring their own squirt bottles and the teachers provided the food coloring. They chose who to work with and what to sculpt. They all had a lot of fun. Keep up the great work 5th grade students!
The 5th grade students graduated from the Dare program on November 20. The Dare Program teaches students to live a drug free life! This is important drugs are harmful and dangerous. We all had to write an essay about not using drugs. We all received Dare t-shirts. It was a fun program because it teaches us not to do bad things.
Mrs. Cooper's class put on a play, The Christmas Carol. They did an awesome job! I really liked it. It was really funny. They all had costumes and a set. Summit Grace was my favorite actor. He was one of the ghosts. He did a really good job. Great work Mrs. Cooper's class!
Mrs.Wenger is our new school psychologist. She has been a helper teacher before she came to Park. She loves teaching here at Park. During Mrs. Wenger's free time she loves to read the Harry Potter series. She just got married and the rest of her family lives in California. We are so excited to have Mrs. Wenger here at our school!
We have recently been able to attend an assembly about The Seven Habits of Happy Kids and throughout the whole assembly we talked about all of these different ways the seven habits can help us in our life. Just in case your wondering here are all of the habits: #1, Be Proactive, #2 Begin with the End in Mind, #3 Put First Things First, #4 Think Win Win, #5 Seek First to Understand then to be Understood, #6 Synergize, and #7 Sharpen the Saw.
L. Kobie Wilkerson, award winning author, visited eight elementary schools to teach about writing and share his love of reading and education. Mr. Wiilkerson is an educator, author, poet, speaker, presenter, and a wonderful storyteller. He brought and signed copies of his book, "Queen Infinity" for all the teachers & staff.
Sixth grade students have the opportunity be in an early morning Orchestra class. They rehearse two to three times a week. They play all kinds of string instruments like the violin, viola, cello, and the string bass. Sixth grade students from Larsen Elementary also come to Park to combine for Orchestra.
We had the opportunity to listen to their Christmas Concert at an assembly. They were very good. We enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!
The 5th grade students at Park created social studies projects focusing on Native Americans! Each student got to pick which tribe they wanted to study. There were five students per tribe. Some of the other grade levels came into view these creative projects. The 5th grade students loved making these projects. These projects had four sides that could of represented food, clothes, living, and hunting. These students have enjoyed their time to work on and display them.
Dr. Jones came to Park Elementary and did a presentation about dictionaries. He gave each of the 3rd graders here at Park School a dictionary from the Rotary Club. These dictionaries will be perfect for the Third Grade Language Arts curriculum which focuses on dictionary skills.
Our Kindergarten classes worked hard to put together a wonderful Christmas Program for their friends and family. Great work to the teachers and students!
Fifth grade teachers, Jenn Sorenson & Deana Coates, have been selected to recieve a grant to participate in the summer 2013 field study, Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute, sponsered by Driven 2 Teach.
The Driven 2 Teach program takes teachers out of the classroom and to the very places where history happened – they travel there so they can teach it here. Those experiences then elevate and enhance history for their students.
Mrs. Coates is not new to Park Elementary, but she is a new 5th grade teacher. Last year she worked with the interns and new teachers. I interviewed Mrs. Coates and found out many interesting things about her. Her favorite food is chips and salsa. Her favorite thing to do in her free time is garden and sew. She has been a teacher before she came to Park. Mrs. Coates is very nice and is a wonderful teacher.
Mrs. Lybbert was a teacher for 16 years; she was a facilitator for 8 years and she worked at B.Y.U for 7 years. She was a co-liaison for B.Y.U. She loves teaching at Park. She says,"Park is such a caring school and it makes me feel welcome. Great school, great kids!" In her free time, she likes to travel, try new recipes, camp, read, and play family games. She is married to Derrick, and he also teaches. She has 3 daughters: 2 are teachers, one is a sophomore in high school. She has 3 grandchildren, and one son who goes to B.Y.U Hawaii.
We owe a big thank you to everyone who donated items to this years food and clothing drive. We also want to thank Grandma Pat, the student council members, and all those who help to sort the items. So many families will benefit from your generosity. We feel fortunate to be members of such a generous community. If you know someone in need please contact the main office.
In celebration of the fifth anniversary of Macy’s holiday “Believe” campaign, the retailer is bringing the beloved “Yes, Virginia” animated special to life on school stages across the country! “Yes, Virginia The Musical” is based on a true story and tells the heartwarming tale of 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, who wrote a letter to the New York Sun newspaper in 1897, inquiring about the existence of Santa Claus.
Grandpa Taylor, a Park School Leader, was born in 1931. He joined the navy after graduating high school. He fought for our country during the Korean War. Grandpa Taylor married his love Grace Louise Moore on December 29,1955. He also had five children. He loves all of them very much. We all know that Grandpa Taylor is famous for his wave.
Each year we have a Gobbling contest! The best gobblers are awarded with a turkey. This years winners were kindergarter, David DeLaCadena; first grader, Aiden Fairbanks; second grader, Savannah Penrod; third grader, Zkaydin Fowles; fourth grader, Logan Castor; fifth grader, Nate Gilmore; and sixth grader, Sydney Crandell. Congratulations!
We all know that we have new teachers here at Park Elementary. One of them is Mrs. Anderson, who teaches 6th Grade. Here are some fun facts about Mrs. Anderson. Her favorite color is purple. She's married and has 4 kids. In her free time, she likes to watch her kids play sports. She wants to make a shout out to all the nice students and faculty members and teachers. All of her students are happy to have her as their teacher!
This is Miss Beaudin's first year teaching but she has helped in classes before and she says she loves teaching here at Park. She loves reading and playing games in her free time. She has 6 people in her family, and she wants a dog but her dad says no. Her favorite subject to teach is math because some times they do fun activities.
Order your limited edition Park Elementary t-shirt for Christmas! Orders will be taken thru Friday November 9th. Order forms are available in the main office. The price is $8 and will be delivered in time for Christmas. Click through the photos to see all the color choices.
The Panther Press is a new journalism club created by Mrs. Mendenhall that gives students selected the chance to write articles for our school newspaper. Over the year, the members on the Panther Press will be able to write about exciting assemblies that take place throughout the year, as well as special field trips, Spelling Bees, class projects, and other subjects with signifigant importance. The members are excited for this new oppurtunity that has come upon them, and can't wait to publish their hard work on our school website!
Here is an electronic copy of our October Newletter.
The twelve Park Elementary Student Council representatives and Mrs. Cooper attended a conference at BYU on Oct.
We are lucky to live in a community full of businesses that support local schools. Fresh Market shows their support through the School Cents program. Schools are preselected by each store. Store patrons can turn in their Fresh Market receipts at the school or at the Fresh Market store. The more receipts the school collects the larger the donation. At the end of September, Mark Levingston from the Spanish Fork Fresh Market presented Park Elementary with a check for $902.35. Fresh Market will be donating over $50,000 to local schools this year. On their website they explain how they fe
Thursday, September 13, 2012 was the Live United: Day of Caring. Employees of the Nestle (Stouffer's) Company came to Park Elementary and spent the morning giving our playground a face lift. The basketball standards were repainted. The map of the United States was labeled with the abbreviations for each state. The Neslte employees painted other colorful geometrical shapes around the playground. We appreciate the employees from the Nestle Company for spending time at Park Elementary and making our playground a fun and colorful palce to play!
On Friday, August 31st, 2012 some of our 5th and 6th grade students were invited by J. Lynn Jones, the Special Education Director for Nebo District, to greet Special Education Directors from all over the state to a meeting at the Nebo District Office. The students who were chosen to participate were Madyson Lackey, Bethany Wilson, Brandon Cook, Joe Graham, Laurae Latham, and Chris Hatfield. They did a great job shaking the hands of those in attendance and directing them to their meeting. We are proud of our student leaders!
The Park School Spelling Bee had 16 participants from fourth through sixth grade. As the students spelled their words, it was evident that they all had studied very hard to qualify to make this far. Each fourth through sixth grade class had held class spelling bees to find students that would represent their class in the school-wide bee.
Mrs. Elaine Olsen's Preschool have created amazing cities. The students had an assignment to create a business to be in a city in their preschool class. The students made some fantastic businesses and they were very creative. Pictured are many of the businesses that made their cities. The students pictured are in the Monday morning class.
Jason Jones and his magnificent birds made a visit to Park Elementary on Wednesday, November 16. Mr. Jones taught us about birds of prey. He informed us that there are 3 characteristics that all raptors have- they are predatory, they have a hooked-sharp beak and they have talons. He showed us hawks, falcons and owls. One of the hawks was allowed to fly from the back of the gym back to Mr. Jones. It swooped across the gym just above the students heads as it flew back to Mr.
Veterans Day, November 11, 2011, the students at Park School were privileged to have local veterans present an assembly highlighting the great accomplishments of our military. The veterans introduced themselves and told the students which branch of the military they served in and which conflict. They represented World War II up through the War in Afghanistan and Iraq. The students were shown a short video which showed how our military help people all over the world.
Marshall Reese, son of Martin and Joyce Reese, recently did his Eagle Project at Park Elementary School. His project was a large map of the United States stenciled and painted on the asphalt in the playground area of the school. The map is bright and colorful. Several businesses in Provo and Orem donated supplies and paint to help Marshall accomplish his Eagle project. Marshall is a sophomore at Maple Mountain High School. Marshall is a hard working young man who desires to do his best inside and outside of school.
Park Elementary has been recognized by the Utah State Office of Education as one of the 2011 Utah High Performing Title I Schools. This recognition is provided to Utah Title I schools that are able to demonstrate high levels of student achievement. To earn the Utah High Performing Title I School Award schools must make Annual Yearly Progress for at least two years, score at or above the state average on state math and language arts tests, and be nominated by their district superintendents. Our teachers, staff, students and parents have worked very hard.
We have some new faces at Park Elementary School for the 2011-12 school year. We would like to welcome Miss Lindsee Brice and Michelle Hartman to the second grade team. We welcome Mrs. Sarah Sumsion and Mrs. Aprel Mendenhall to our sixth grade team. We hope they will be happy here at Park School. We are glad they are here and know that they will add strength to our faculty.
The month of May brough out sprinters, long jumpers and long distance runners as the Spanish Fork City Recreation Department sponsored the annual Hershey Track Meet. The majority of the Park Elementary School students from grades 3-6 participated in this event. The weather went from cold, to cold and damp, to beautiful depending on what day your grade level was assigned. Despite the weather conditions all who participated tried their best and had fun. Congratulations to all who won! (Pictures are from the 4th grade meet)
Mrs. Shauna Hatch recieved the Outstanding Classified Employee of the Year for Park School. On May 16, 2011 Craig Harvey of Horace Mann presented Mrs. Hatch with a certificate and some goodies representing how the staff at Park School feels about this great lady. Mrs. Hatch was originally hired as a Title I technician and now she is also an office assistant secretary. Mrs. Hatch is one of the nicest people here at Park School. She is a breath of fresh air. She is always positive, understanding and willing to lend a listening ear. Mrs.
The Fourth Grade students at Park visited the Alf Engen Ski Museum and Olympic Park just outside Park City on April 22, 2011. We learned more about the importance of snow to the economy of Utah and the importance of the snow pack to our water supply for the residents of Utah. We learned that after the silver mines closed in Park City the snow became white gold, by bringing in tourists that wanted to ski. The students got to see where athletes practice aerial ski jumps in the summer by going off ramps into a swimming pool. We went to the top of the bobsled run and had a look around and m
The fifth grade students are now practicing for the Hope of America. Hope of America is a patriotic program that is part of the kick off for the Freedom Festival each year. The students will be performing in the Marriott Center in May.
The 3rd grade students recently participated in a grade level spelling bee. We would like to congratulate all those who participated and give a big Hip, Hip, Hooray to the 3 winners. Third place went to Amanda Lewis, second place went to Nathan Oviatt and the first place winner was Carson Czarnik. Good job!
Park School's Crystal Apple Award was presented to Carrie Dunn on February 28, 2011. The award was presented by Craig Harvey of Horace Mann Insurance who sponsors the award.
On January 19, 2011 the annual Spelling Bee was held. The competition was tough as usual. The teachers and audience of the fourth through sixth grade students and parents held their breath as we watched students spell words that some of us couldn't even pronounce. All those who competed are to be commended for getting to this level of spelling expertise. The school is very proud of you. The final 3 were Britney Jensen-3rd place, Wynter Watkins-2nd place and Sam Weaver in first place. Sam went on to compete at the district level in March.
On February 24, 2011 our students were delighted by a production of Babe, the Sheep Pig. This assembly was presented by the Young Company of Brigham Young University. The play was performed in the middle of the auditorium instead of on the stage. The students were seated on the floor around a large X pathway between them. This X pathway was where most of the action took place. Many Park students got to join the actors by being ducks, dogs, puppies, sheep and a camera man. The story truly came to life.
Elaine Olsen's Preschool students became city builders recently. Each preschool student got to design a building or business that would be part of their city. From the looks of their city, the future looks bright.
Miss Wride's third grade class created a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. that needs to be shared. On separate pieces of art paper the students painted sections of what would eventually be a portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. If you didn't have an oppurtunity to see it hanging outside their classroom, here it is. There are definitely many artists in Miss Wride's class.
The B.Y.U Young Company came to Park Elementary and presented a wonderful version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew". The students were engaged and mesmerized throughout the entire performance. Thank you Young Company for all of your hard work and talents. It is evident that you were prepared to help young minds enjoy the experience of Shakespeare.
Everybody just read, read, read!
The fourth grade presented 3 mini operas to their parents and the students in December. Opera by Children is an educational program sponsered by the Utah Festival Opera Company. There were stories of pioneers digging tunnels, making settlements and endangered species learning to get along with each other. The fourth grade students put a lot of effort into painting scenery and props, memorizing all the songs and helping make costumes. It was a fun time for all. The fourth grade teachers; Mr. Hales, Mrs. Perschon and Mrs.
Just before Christmas the first grade classes held a Cultural Arts Fair for their parents. They shared their talents in a variety of areas, including dance, drama, music and visual arts. What talented first grade students we have!
Mrs. Ruth Cooper's sixth grade students performed a Reader's Theater of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens for the younger grades at the school. A (once in probably life time) Snow Day was the cause of A Christmas Carol in January. The sixth grade students donned some costumes and scripts and shared a great story. All who attended had a great time. Even though it was a Reader's Theater, the actors made the story come to life.
The fifth grade students at Park Elementary recently completed the D.A.R.E. program taught by Officer Farnworth of the Spanish Fork City Police Department. A Graduation Ceremony was held in their honor on November 17, 2010. As a requirement for graduation, students were asked to write an essay about the D.A.R.E. program, what they learened during DARE and to make a pledge to be drug free. Three students were chosen for outstanding D.A.R.E.
Captain Jack Sparrow, an Egyptian pharoah, clowns, ghouls, witches, and even Thing One and Thing Two are walking the halls of Park School. Who are these people? Where are the teachers? Where is the principal? Where are the students? It seems that everyone has transformed, it must be Halloween time. Can you spot your teacher or a friend?
Fun times at the Fall Carnival! There was good food, fun games, & fabulous gift baskets for the silent auction. Thanks to all that donated items for our gift baskets. A great big thank you goes out to Valerie Davies and Lisa Muirbrook for co-chairing this fun event. Of course it wouldn't have been a success without all of the Park families that came out and enjoyed all the festivities!
The Utah Water Van from the Living Planet Aquarium visited the Park School fourth grade classes on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Jennifer Johnson and Douglas Mauck presented a program educating the students about the water cycle and the importance of water in Utah. They brought in 2 large models to help illustrate the water cycle and to show the use of water in Utah. The sun shone and water evaporated. Water was sent from the resevoir to the farmers fields. The presenters also shared live animals that would live in our wetlands. There were 2 amphibians and a reptile. The students disc
Park Elementary School students recently completed a "Box Top Bonanza" contest. Park students were encouraged to bring in the pink Box Tops for Education to the school. Twenty five classes competed in the competition to see who would bring in the most box tops. Mr. Peterson's class got 1st runners up. Mrs. Sorensen's class took 2nd runners up, and Mrs. Gardner's class took 3rd runners up. Mrs. Leifson's class won first place by bringing in 1,522 box tops! Mrs. Leifson's first grade class was rewarded with a "Pink Party". Mrs.
October 21st of Red Ribbon Week was "Give Drugs the Boot" day. Students were encouraged to dress in Western attire. Lots of boots were seen around Park School halls that day. Here's some fine looking boots, students and a cowboy.
On Wednesday, October 20th, the students were treated to an assembly put on by the musical duo called Moon Light. This duo is a father and a daughter, Stephen and Aubree Oliverson. Aubree has been playing the violin since she was five and also composing music since then. Her father, Stephen is also a talented pianist and composer. They have performed at the Sundance Film Festival, at Thanksgiving Point and as far away as Minneapolis. We were all amazed at the talent of this duo. They were joined by Aubree's 4th grade brother, Eric and her 6 year old sister Lily. These two also perfor
The Spanish Fork High School Football Captains visited Park Elementary School to inspire school spirit. Captains: Nate Russell, Isaac Asiata, Travis Still, P.J. Inoke, Hayden Nielsen and Sean Leifson visited our school during a lunch recess and signed autographs. They talked with the students about staying healthy, exercising, and being good sports. Students enjoyed running after a few long passes and punts.
Park Elementary School is running , biking, skateboarding, walking and more, to be a Gold Medal Mile School! The Park PTA launched the Gold Medal mile program at an assembly on Friday, September 17, 2010. The students, their families and teachers will be walking around the USA as they log their miles throughout the year. Paper airplanes filled the air, as they were caught, those students were asked to unfold their airplane to discover a U.S.
Great Books, good stories, great company and a doughnut too!
Thank you PTA, for providing us this reading oppurtunity.
KSL Radio and Zions Bank honored Susan Cloward, a Reading Specialist at Park Elementary School on
September 22, 2010.
The Teacher Feature Program was developed to recognize outstanding teachers who have gone the extra mile, not only in the classroom, but who have also made a significant impact on many young lives.
The Utah Symphony through the Professional Outreach Programs in the Schools (POPS), were able to once again visit our District and perform a concert for the 4th grade students. The performance was held at Maple Mountain High School this year. Our Park Fourth grade students looked fabulous as they boarded the bus all decked out in their finest clothes ready to hear Musical Magic: Stories Come to Life. The symphony was conducted by David Cho. The students heard music from a Harry Potter movie, A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
The Park Elementary sixth grade classes visited the Viet Nam Moving Wall at the Spanish Fork Cemetery on Monday, September 13, 2010. The students were awed by the number of men and women, 58,000, who died trying to preserve freedom. Andrew Stamm found the name of his great-uncle on the wall.
With the start of a new school year we have great new teachers and staff at Park School. In kindergarten is Lori Moosman. In second grade is Maridan Jensen. In the third grade is Brittany Wride. The fifth grade has Jamie Hickey and Becca Dewey. Our new staff developer is Michael Duncan. Our new Intern coach is Deana Coates and we have Lisa Muirbrook as our Intern Principal. We hope they all feel welcome at Park School!
What a great way to start out the new school year. It was Dads & Doughnuts for the sixth grade students on September 3rd. Everyone enjoyed a good book and a yummy doughnut!
Mrs. Smithee's 4th grade class presented a program entitled, Celebrating Reading, for the Kindergarten through the third grade students on Wed. April 21st. Mrs. Smithee's class had a great time putting on the show. It was evident that all the students had done a lot of practicing. Everyone enjoyed seeing some of their favorite book characters come to life.
Birds were swooping over the students heads on Wednesday, April 14,2010. Mr. Jason Jones brought some birds of prey to Park School to teach us about these beautiful birds. He discussed with the students what kinds of adaptations these birds have compared with other birds. Some of the birds the students were able to see were: a great horned owl, a peregrine falcon, a Harris hawk, a Merlin hawk and a very young Lanner falcon. Thanks to Mr. Jones for sharing his love for these amazing birds with us!
The 4th graders had the oppurtunity to visit the Alf Engen Ski Museum and Olympic Park near Park City, Utah on March 31. The students were shown a video that gave a history of the area and how mining attributed to Park City's growth and that the skiing industry helped save that mining town from becoming a ghost town. The students also got a review of the water cycle and how it effects us in Utah. The students got to see many exhibits from the history of skiing to exhibits of 2002 Olympic medals and skiis that were used in World War II. At the end of the tour the bus took us to the top o
Mrs. Tricia Jensen, our P.E. teacher, recently held a basketball shoot-out for the 3rd - 6th graders. Each contestant had one minute to score as many points as possible. All the students who signed up, had a fun time trying to set new records for themselves. The overall winner was Matt Taylor, a 5th grade student.
Pictured from left to right and from top to bottom are: Mele Iketau, Spencer Voorhees, Makayla Smith, Matt Taylor, Kathryn Paulk, Ethan Nelson, Wynter Watkins & Skiler Hohrein.
Park School Students Raise $4000.00!
The 3rd grade spelling bee winners are:
Piper Shick- 1st place, Laurae Latham- 2nd place, & Wynter Watkins - 3rd place. Congratulations to all who participated! Many thanks go out to the Spanish Fork Rotary Club and Wells Fargo Bank for sponsoring this event.
Chad Hymas is from Rush Valley, UT. When he was in his twenties he had a farming accident. This accident left Chad paralyzed from the chest down. He is a world class wheelchair athlete and once wheeled from SLC, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada! He is an amazing speaker and we were very lucky to have him visit our school. Chad talked to the 2nd through 6th grade students about making good choices and being able to live their dreams. He told the students to listen to their parents and teachers about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. He reminded the students to be careful on the Internet and
Mrs. Smithee's 4th grade class held a Mt. Man Rendezvous on Feb. 12th. They have been studying Utah Mt. Men in Social Studies this school year. The students dressed up like Mt. Men and participated in activities such as: pin the tail on the beaver, a stick pull and arm wrestling. We want to thank Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Palmer for helping us with the activity rotations, and to Mr. Elmer for cheering us on. We all had a skookum(good) time!
The competition was tough. All the Park Spelling Bee contestants had prepared. Everyone watching were impressed at how well these Spelling Bee contestants were doing. It was a battle to the last speller standing! Great job to all of those students who participated. Congratulations go out to the winners!
Fall of 2009-Halloween was a fun time for all at Park School.
Everyone joined in on the fun, including our own Mr. Keddington. :)
On January 21st the 4th grade students presented 3 mini-operas. Each opera is written by the students, the props and set design and the costuming is done by the students with some teacher and parent help.
The operas were based on events in Utah history. Mrs. Smithee's class presented: "The Midnight Mystery" a pioneer story. Mrs. Perschon's class presented: "The Watches of Time" a time travel opera to Thistle, Utah. Mr. Hales' class presented: "The Pony Express" a wild west adventure.
The Utah Water Van is an educational outreach program offered by The Living Aquarium to fourth grade students throughout Utah. Our presenters Ashley Kerbs and Kristen Bonner brought models to help teach our students about the water cycle, Utah weather, water conservation and Utah wetlands. The students were also able to see a garter snake and a tiger salamander up close and personal. The program was very interactive, engaging, and fun. We learned that Utah is the 2nd driest state in the nation, that there are interesting animals in our wetlands and that we rely on the snow
Wednesday, January 20th the students at Park School were taught to avoid drugs, alcohol and violence. This assembly presented by Corbin White focuses on getting a "natural high". This assembly required lots of student participation from giving ideas of what can give you a "natural high" to singing karaoke to their peers. A fun time was had by all, including the teachers who got to perform "Twist & Shout". Thank you Corbin White for helping us remember all the good things we can do to be happy!
On Tuesday, October 13, the BYU Theater Group performed the play The Tempest for the 2nd - 6th graders. Trevin Harris from Miss Jordan's 2nd grade class helped with sound effects by using a rain stick for the storm at the beginning of the play. Ariel played by Caitlin Webb kept us very entertained.
At the "Green Ribbon Week" assembly the students got to hear from 3 BYU athletes. Each athlete shared with the students how important it is to stay healthy & fit. The athletes that came were: baseball player Chad Nacapoy, cross country runner Jessica Hauser & sprinter Kevin Biesinger.
During an assembly for Green Ribbon week, the Park School crossing guards were honored. A big thank you goes out to Ernest Taylor, Melissa Zuber & Kelly Fullmer. Thanks for helping Park students safe!
Park School PTA kicks off another school year of Dads and Donuts at Park School. Each month, on the first Friday a grade level of students celebrates reading with their Dads. Thank you Park PTA. We look forward to more great reading.
Mission: To Live; To Learn; To Lead
Vision: We inspire our school community in developing academic and leadership skills by teaching "The 7 Habits," making connections throughout the curriculum, and involving everyone in leadership roles. We serve each other, our families, and our community. We achieve and inspire greatness.
