Third grade recently read the story “Aero and Officer Mike”. This story is about a police officer and his K-9 partner. It describes the events in their day, the training they incur and how they work together as a team. The book came to “life” for the students when Corporal Mendenhall and his K-9 partner came to visit Bancroft. The dynamic duo is from the Chester County K-9 Sheriff Department. Corp. Mendenhall talked to the children about his job and how he helps people. However, Nero stole the show when he demonstrated his amazing K-9 abilities. Everyone enjoyed their demonstration!

After reading a biography written about George Washington Carver and the many inventions that he and other important people used second grade students at Bancroft Elementary School brainstormed problems that they face as students. After a list of problems was generated, the students went home to create an invention that could solve one of the problems. Next, the students created a 3-D model of the invention and make a mini-poster to demonstrate how the invention works. Students will be sharing their inventions in an oral presentation.

Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection, and Bancroft Elementary School’s nurse, Mrs. Maureen Orlando, has been sharing a GERM-buster lesson with classes to discuss the why, when, and most importantly, how to wash hands. The use of the GlitterBug hand washing products and an ultraviolet light allows students to visualize the trail of contamination we often spread via our hands!

So when we have germs on our hands, who you gonna call?

GERM-BUSTER!

Guidance counselor, Mrs. Jan Turner, conducts classroom guidance lessons, which are an integral part of the curriculum at Bancroft Elementary School. First graders learn about the importance of rules in their new school and second graders learn the differences between tattling and reporting.

The newly state-mandated career lessons are underway and will finish by year’s end. The topics of this curriculum include entrepreneurship as well as career awareness, preparation, acquisition, and advancement. The school has welcomed two guest speakers – Mrs. Noelia Scharon, Co-Owner/Founder of La Michoacana Ice Cream  visited the third grade and Kennett High School’s Assistant Principal Mr. Ray Fernandez visited the fourth grade. Fifth grade students participated in mock job interviews. Later in the school year, Crime Victims of Chester County will do presentations on bullying and internet safety. These lessons are instructional and informative in nature and reach all students.

In Physical Education class, students are having fun with fitness, utilizing our equipment funded by a KEF CrossFit Kids grant! We are working on squats, overhead presses, and box jumps. Our fitness days include fun warm-ups and games, and of course a fun workout to practice our skills! We are also working on sport-related skills such as kicking and throwing and catching. Students played 2 versus 2 soccer games, over and underhand throwing, and “Capture the Football”- just in time for football season. GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!