//www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/list.jsp?categoryREC_ID=-1&userREC_ID=-1 Decatur Classical School - Videos en-us Edlio CMS //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=295480 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=295480 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 04:10:09 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 4:29 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264988 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264988 Sat, 01 Aug 2020 04:05:09 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 3:36 Innovators and advertisers in the making! This is a small sample of 4th-6th graders creating multimedia advertisements for their rain catchers and futuristic toilets. Students worked on integrating rhetorical appeals (logos, pathos, ethos) to create persuasive advertisements. Innovators and advertisers in the making! This is a small sample of 4th-6th graders creating multimedia advertisements for their rain catchers and futuristic toilets. Students worked on integrating rhetorical appeals (logos, pathos, ethos) to create persuasive advertisements. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378518 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378518 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 08:10:14 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:23 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders working in cooperative groups to explore numerous energy transformations with hands-on energy stations as part of the National Energy Education Development Project, NEED at www.need.org, Energizing Student Potential Program, ESP, which provides schools nationwide with grant-funded materials to teach students all about energy in our everyday lives; 7th graders learning all about "How the words we say can be both helpful but also harmful" with a lesson co-faciliated by me and Mrs. Negron, as part of our daily SEL class; 8th graders worked alongside ecologists and several community volunteers of Urban Rivers Organization with our class field trip to The Wild Mile, https://www.urbanriv.org/wildmile. Students explored how The Wild Mile is the world's first "floating eco park" on top of the Chicago River, and the important role it plays in helping to filter out pollutants and provide habitat to wildlife both in and on the water of the Chicago River. If you have not been to The Wild Mile yet, I highly encourage you to go as a family as it is open to the public; lastly, there are some pics of our two Decatur Classical First Lego Robotics teams, which are comprised of 25 fifth through 8th grade students, who make up The Thinktanks and the Banana Boats, gearing up for this year's competition with numerous ideas for their robot designs. See this year's program theme at https://www.firstlegoleague.org/; Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders working in cooperative groups to explore numerous energy transformations with hands-on energy stations as part of the National Energy Education Development Project, NEED at www.need.org, Energizing Student Potential Program, ESP, which provides schools nationwide with grant-funded materials to teach students all about energy in our everyday lives; 7th graders learning all about "How the words we say can be both helpful but also harmful" with a lesson co-faciliated by me and Mrs. Negron, as part of our daily SEL class; 8th graders worked alongside ecologists and several community volunteers of Urban Rivers Organization with our class field trip to The Wild Mile, https://www.urbanriv.org/wildmile. Students explored how The Wild Mile is the world's first "floating eco park" on top of the Chicago River, and the important role it plays in helping to filter out pollutants and provide habitat to wildlife both in and on the water of the Chicago River. If you have not been to The Wild Mile yet, I highly encourage you to go as a family as it is open to the public; lastly, there are some pics of our two Decatur Classical First Lego Robotics teams, which are comprised of 25 fifth through 8th grade students, who make up The Thinktanks and the Banana Boats, gearing up for this year's competition with numerous ideas for their robot designs. See this year's program theme at https://www.firstlegoleague.org/; Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344749 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344749 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:09:22 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:17 We have been talking about happiness and what brings us happiness. Now we are drawing what makes us happy! We have been talking about happiness and what brings us happiness. Now we are drawing what makes us happy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366996 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366996 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:29 Intermediate students used foam balls and volleyballs and were shown how to bump and set the ball. Students practiced these 2 skills through games like pass and set circles and bump and set 4-square. Intermediate students used foam balls and volleyballs and were shown how to bump and set the ball. Students practiced these 2 skills through games like pass and set circles and bump and set 4-square. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366995 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366995 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:51 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366998 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366998 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:23 This week was the winter show so we got creative and moved our classes all over the building- thanks to Ms Schmittle for letting us use the music space. Primary students worked on their striking and volleying skills with both their hands and a paddle. They also engaged in a high intensity interval training workout. This week was the winter show so we got creative and moved our classes all over the building- thanks to Ms Schmittle for letting us use the music space. Primary students worked on their striking and volleying skills with both their hands and a paddle. They also engaged in a high intensity interval training workout. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366994 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366994 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:15 The Jr. High students also completed their handball tournaments. We discussed different strategy elements like using the pivot foot, the give and go and using fakes to help create space. This is a constant theme that overlaps into nearly every competition that we do. The Jr. High students also completed their handball tournaments. We discussed different strategy elements like using the pivot foot, the give and go and using fakes to help create space. This is a constant theme that overlaps into nearly every competition that we do. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366993 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366993 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:15 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366990 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366990 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:45 Primary students worked on their teamwork skills and following directions while playing different parachute games like color center and igloo. We had so much fun! Primary students worked on their teamwork skills and following directions while playing different parachute games like color center and igloo. We had so much fun! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238452 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238452 Sun, 31 May 2020 04:03:08 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:04 Kindergarten went on a scavenger hunt identifying items designed by engineers and analyzing the structure and function of these designs. 1st graders explored how sound travels by experimenting with a phone made of cups and string. 2nd graders explored the properties of matter, specifically color and texture, of 'monster trucks'. They have fun racing the cars afterwards. :) 6th graders in Rm. 109 finalized their circuit designs and will begin their robotic unit next week! Meanwhile, 6th graders in Rm. 107 have just received their circuit materials and have made great progress in figuring out to make a paper circuit using copper tape, a battery and an LED light. Can't wait to see what we make next week! Kindergarten went on a scavenger hunt identifying items designed by engineers and analyzing the structure and function of these designs. 1st graders explored how sound travels by experimenting with a phone made of cups and string. 2nd graders explored the properties of matter, specifically color and texture, of 'monster trucks'. They have fun racing the cars afterwards. :) 6th graders in Rm. 109 finalized their circuit designs and will begin their robotic unit next week! Meanwhile, 6th graders in Rm. 107 have just received their circuit materials and have made great progress in figuring out to make a paper circuit using copper tape, a battery and an LED light. Can't wait to see what we make next week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343883 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343883 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 06:09:07 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:08 We are working hard to show our understanding of the important components of the beginning middle and end of a story We are working hard to show our understanding of the important components of the beginning middle and end of a story //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=225380 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=225380 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 03:09:26 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:50 Students continue to strengthen their team-building skills by creating the highest tower they can using a maximum of 100 index cards and no more than 24 in. of tape. Students are surprised at first with how limited they are with their materials but soon realize that they often do not need to use all of the materials they are given. Students' perseverance has amazed me while they continue to rebuild even if their structure has fallen apart. Students continue to strengthen their team-building skills by creating the highest tower they can using a maximum of 100 index cards and no more than 24 in. of tape. Students are surprised at first with how limited they are with their materials but soon realize that they often do not need to use all of the materials they are given. Students' perseverance has amazed me while they continue to rebuild even if their structure has fallen apart. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229999 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229999 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 03:11:13 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:21 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351490 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351490 Fri, 19 May 2023 07:02:24 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:22 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade students explored through a lab investigation and computer simulation how atoms and molecules move differently between the states of solid, liquid, and gas depending on thermal energy within a system as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Inquiry unit; 7th grade dug deeper into their "Reproduction" SEPUP unit by investigating how geneticists predict the likely outcomes of alleles of genes passing from parents to offspring through a coin toss model as well as with the use of Punnett squares; 6th grade learned more about the "Rock Cycle" by playing a simulated geology board game where they learned more about the natural causes and effects that drive Earth's rock transformations over time both at the surface and deep below in the mantle between 3 main types--igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; and 5th grade became teachers as they worked in cooperative groups to create visual teaching lessons for the rest of the class on a lesson about the causes of climate. They learned from each others' lessons through a gallery walk of each groups' visual lessons. Thank you so much for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade students explored through a lab investigation and computer simulation how atoms and molecules move differently between the states of solid, liquid, and gas depending on thermal energy within a system as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Inquiry unit; 7th grade dug deeper into their "Reproduction" SEPUP unit by investigating how geneticists predict the likely outcomes of alleles of genes passing from parents to offspring through a coin toss model as well as with the use of Punnett squares; 6th grade learned more about the "Rock Cycle" by playing a simulated geology board game where they learned more about the natural causes and effects that drive Earth's rock transformations over time both at the surface and deep below in the mantle between 3 main types--igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; and 5th grade became teachers as they worked in cooperative groups to create visual teaching lessons for the rest of the class on a lesson about the causes of climate. They learned from each others' lessons through a gallery walk of each groups' visual lessons. Thank you so much for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340359 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340359 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:05:26 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 Students have been learning about sound waves and investigating what makes sounds different like volume and pitch. To see this an action students used straws to create reeds to could make different sounds based upon the way they were crafted. We analyzed the sounds and identified what we were hearing. Students have been learning about sound waves and investigating what makes sounds different like volume and pitch. To see this an action students used straws to create reeds to could make different sounds based upon the way they were crafted. We analyzed the sounds and identified what we were hearing. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330799 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330799 Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:12:03 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 4:18 Last week, students worked on designing balloons inspired by the 'Macy's Thanksgiving Day' Parade. Afterwards, they experimented with a green screen app, "Chromavid" to see their balloons walk down the streets of New York. Enjoy and stay tuned for more green screen projects in the future! Last week, students worked on designing balloons inspired by the 'Macy's Thanksgiving Day' Parade. Afterwards, they experimented with a green screen app, "Chromavid" to see their balloons walk down the streets of New York. Enjoy and stay tuned for more green screen projects in the future! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334915 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334915 Mon, 16 May 2022 06:02:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:18 This Friday, students got to spend the afternoon playing board games in the gym and outside in the snow participating in joint activities such as sports, making snow figures in the ground, burying a classmate in the snow (he wanted to be buried and was alive and well afterwards), and making an igloo together! Please enjoy this slideshow and thanks for checking in with us:) This Friday, students got to spend the afternoon playing board games in the gym and outside in the snow participating in joint activities such as sports, making snow figures in the ground, burying a classmate in the snow (he wanted to be buried and was alive and well afterwards), and making an igloo together! Please enjoy this slideshow and thanks for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348088 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348088 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:12:06 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:26 Give me a math rotations, and the kids are crushing it! Students get to practice a skill independently, solve a puzzle with a partner, and play games that help increase fluency. Give me a math rotations, and the kids are crushing it! Students get to practice a skill independently, solve a puzzle with a partner, and play games that help increase fluency. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331887 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331887 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 05:12:19 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:26 This week's slideshow depicts: 8th graders conducting a simulation of Natural Selection of bird beak physical traits; 6th graders conducting an investigation into the evolution of the chemical composition of Earth's atmosphere over the past 4.5 billion years; 7th grade fun class photo on our playground that they included in holiday greeting cards they made for each Decatur staff member; and an end to our last school day of the year 2020 with some time spent on SEL community-strengthening activities such as Kahoot review games of class Science content or fun competitive board games! Happy Holidays and New Year to all of our amazing Decatur JHS Students and Families and I look forward to seeing everyone again on January 3rd of 2022! This week's slideshow depicts: 8th graders conducting a simulation of Natural Selection of bird beak physical traits; 6th graders conducting an investigation into the evolution of the chemical composition of Earth's atmosphere over the past 4.5 billion years; 7th grade fun class photo on our playground that they included in holiday greeting cards they made for each Decatur staff member; and an end to our last school day of the year 2020 with some time spent on SEL community-strengthening activities such as Kahoot review games of class Science content or fun competitive board games! Happy Holidays and New Year to all of our amazing Decatur JHS Students and Families and I look forward to seeing everyone again on January 3rd of 2022! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366981 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366981 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:20 Primary students practiced their throwing and catching skills through the Free the prisoners game complete with a dragon, moat and castle! Primary students practiced their throwing and catching skills through the Free the prisoners game complete with a dragon, moat and castle! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366980 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366980 Sun, 07 Apr 2024 08:01:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:21 Students have been working on their throwing skills as well as utilizing teamwork to achieve more together Students have been working on their throwing skills as well as utilizing teamwork to achieve more together //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334916 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334916 Mon, 16 May 2022 06:02:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:31 This week's slideshow update includes: 6th graders active exploring their Earth's Resources SEPUP Geology Unit with 2 lab activities, one learning how remote seismic technology is used to locate underground resources deposits, and the other using chemical reactions to extract copper from malachite ore samples; 7th grade class played a Jeopardy Game to review for their SEPUP Unit Exam on "Reproduction"; 8th graders did some research on the reliability of online articles under the topics of "Selective Breeding" and "Genetically Modified Organisms" as they conclude their SEPUP Unit exploring "Evolution". I also added a couple of shots to show how amazing our Decatur Junior High Students are: a couple of 6th graders went above and beyond an article assignment from a recent Science World Magazine article on "Cells" by making their own cell models including a very detailed diorama model and a student who chose to knit his cell model and another 6th grader brought in their own mineral samples from home to share with classmates; and a couple of 8th graders who volunteered as lab. assistants to clean up SEPUP trays from the 6th grade experiment on extracting copper from ore samples. Thanks for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow update includes: 6th graders active exploring their Earth's Resources SEPUP Geology Unit with 2 lab activities, one learning how remote seismic technology is used to locate underground resources deposits, and the other using chemical reactions to extract copper from malachite ore samples; 7th grade class played a Jeopardy Game to review for their SEPUP Unit Exam on "Reproduction"; 8th graders did some research on the reliability of online articles under the topics of "Selective Breeding" and "Genetically Modified Organisms" as they conclude their SEPUP Unit exploring "Evolution". I also added a couple of shots to show how amazing our Decatur Junior High Students are: a couple of 6th graders went above and beyond an article assignment from a recent Science World Magazine article on "Cells" by making their own cell models including a very detailed diorama model and a student who chose to knit his cell model and another 6th grader brought in their own mineral samples from home to share with classmates; and a couple of 8th graders who volunteered as lab. assistants to clean up SEPUP trays from the 6th grade experiment on extracting copper from ore samples. Thanks for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364563 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364563 Sun, 04 Feb 2024 07:11:12 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:54 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade took a field trip to Indiana Dunes Learning Center and worked on strengthening their class community and learning about wildlife conservation in our National Parks; both 7th grade and 8th grade classes studied the behaviors of some aquatic macro and microorganisms such as Daphnia, Planaria, and Paramecium, as well as organisms that they discovered living in our classroom freshwater aquatic ecosystem; 8th grade also went on a field trip to The Wild Mile, where they worked with ecologists from Urban Rivers to learn about sustainability efforts in the Chicago River, of which our students will design floating gardens to install later this year at River Park (see Mr. Brennan's webpage for some pics of that trip!); thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade took a field trip to Indiana Dunes Learning Center and worked on strengthening their class community and learning about wildlife conservation in our National Parks; both 7th grade and 8th grade classes studied the behaviors of some aquatic macro and microorganisms such as Daphnia, Planaria, and Paramecium, as well as organisms that they discovered living in our classroom freshwater aquatic ecosystem; 8th grade also went on a field trip to The Wild Mile, where they worked with ecologists from Urban Rivers to learn about sustainability efforts in the Chicago River, of which our students will design floating gardens to install later this year at River Park (see Mr. Brennan's webpage for some pics of that trip!); thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=305151 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=305151 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 05:01:08 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 2:54 6th graders chose a winter picture and used imagery and figurative language to write a caption. 6th graders chose a winter picture and used imagery and figurative language to write a caption. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=332748 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=332748 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 06:01:17 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:34 Students observed 3 different substances made from household items using their senses, a pour test and a dip test. Be sure to ask your student what substance was most intriguing for them! Students observed 3 different substances made from household items using their senses, a pour test and a dip test. Be sure to ask your student what substance was most intriguing for them! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=230994 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=230994 Sun, 16 Feb 2020 03:11:24 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:05 In talking circles, Decatur students discussed and recorded what they're thankful for at school, in themselves and at home. Check out their their gratitude on paper chains on our gratitude tree in our North Lobby. 3rd graders also had a talking circle in Makerspace about how to make sure work completed in a group is evenly divided amongst all team members. 4th graders presented their Index Card Tower presentations, while students in K-2 began posting their reflections on Padlet. 6th graders in Rm. 107 have kicked off their robotic units by assembling a testbed, to get familiar with how the controller and various inputs/outputs in the robot brain function. In Science, 4th graders created reed instruments out of straws to explore amplitude and pitch in Science. In talking circles, Decatur students discussed and recorded what they're thankful for at school, in themselves and at home. Check out their their gratitude on paper chains on our gratitude tree in our North Lobby. 3rd graders also had a talking circle in Makerspace about how to make sure work completed in a group is evenly divided amongst all team members. 4th graders presented their Index Card Tower presentations, while students in K-2 began posting their reflections on Padlet. 6th graders in Rm. 107 have kicked off their robotic units by assembling a testbed, to get familiar with how the controller and various inputs/outputs in the robot brain function. In Science, 4th graders created reed instruments out of straws to explore amplitude and pitch in Science. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=332749 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=332749 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 06:01:17 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:36 Students were given several items to use to create a simple system as we learn about systems and they were able to create simple electrical systems that used solar panels to power a fan! Students were given several items to use to create a simple system as we learn about systems and they were able to create simple electrical systems that used solar panels to power a fan! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340360 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340360 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:05:26 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:20 Students created different projects from posters to skits to demonstrate their understanding of the role of banks in a community. The presentations were really fun to watch! Students created different projects from posters to skits to demonstrate their understanding of the role of banks in a community. The presentations were really fun to watch! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351009 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351009 Wed, 10 May 2023 07:02:15 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:20 102 took on the challenge of The Great Multiplication Scramble. Next, they will work with their table groups to complete a life size multiplication chart for our classroom. 102 took on the challenge of The Great Multiplication Scramble. Next, they will work with their table groups to complete a life size multiplication chart for our classroom. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345807 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345807 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 06:10:17 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:19 6th graders designed and curated their own museum exhibits for African, Mesopotamian, Asian, and Early American civilizations. 6th graders designed and curated their own museum exhibits for African, Mesopotamian, Asian, and Early American civilizations. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351483 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351483 Fri, 19 May 2023 07:02:24 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:15 We learned about the Hungarian Carnival with Bennett's family! Students learned about their traditions, and why they celebrate -- to scare away winter! Students had fun making masks and shakers to scare winter away! We learned about the Hungarian Carnival with Bennett's family! Students learned about their traditions, and why they celebrate -- to scare away winter! Students had fun making masks and shakers to scare winter away! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331220 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331220 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:12:10 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:16 In this video, students are working with their assigned partner to create an anchor chart for our new math unit: Chapter 4 Multiplication. They were given a word problem that they were having to solve for through completing this task. They even co-constructed a rubric for this assignment with me so that their voices and ideas are captured in how they would be graded. In this video, students are working with their assigned partner to create an anchor chart for our new math unit: Chapter 4 Multiplication. They were given a word problem that they were having to solve for through completing this task. They even co-constructed a rubric for this assignment with me so that their voices and ideas are captured in how they would be graded. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331224 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331224 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:12:10 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:16 In this video, we see third graders working with their assigned partners to create an anchor chart for our new math unit: Chapter 4 Multiplication. Students co-constructed with me, their rubric for this task so that their voices and ideas are captured in how they would be graded for this. In this video, we see third graders working with their assigned partners to create an anchor chart for our new math unit: Chapter 4 Multiplication. Students co-constructed with me, their rubric for this task so that their voices and ideas are captured in how they would be graded for this. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226429 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226429 Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:10:08 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:18 This week 5th grade students played the drumset for the first time! We played the backbeat with 3 people, 2 people, and sometimes by ourselves! We made connections between our complementary rhythm projects and the complementary rhythms produced in the backbeat. You can see 4th grade students composing with fruit pictures as they explore 16th note rhythms. You can also see some K students exploring high and low and short and long sounds with manipulatives! This week 5th grade students played the drumset for the first time! We played the backbeat with 3 people, 2 people, and sometimes by ourselves! We made connections between our complementary rhythm projects and the complementary rhythms produced in the backbeat. You can see 4th grade students composing with fruit pictures as they explore 16th note rhythms. You can also see some K students exploring high and low and short and long sounds with manipulatives! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384152 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384152 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 09:03:30 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:16 Students learned proper technique for dribbling (pushing off finger pads, waist high with the dribble and eyes up) and did a series of dribbling games like bubble breakers where students need to walk/jog or dribble to the next polyspot on the floor. Next they had to dribble 7 times on the spot to pop the bubble and were challenged to pop as many bubbles as they could in a set amount of time. Students learned proper technique for dribbling (pushing off finger pads, waist high with the dribble and eyes up) and did a series of dribbling games like bubble breakers where students need to walk/jog or dribble to the next polyspot on the floor. Next they had to dribble 7 times on the spot to pop the bubble and were challenged to pop as many bubbles as they could in a set amount of time. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384151 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384151 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 09:03:30 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:14 Students kicked off their basketball unit working on dribbling technique and then some build up games including Pac Man Dribble tag where several students are the Pac people and try to tag other players while dribbling their basketball. Other players dribble their ball and try to avoid the Pac people while also staying on the lines of the court. Students kicked off their basketball unit working on dribbling technique and then some build up games including Pac Man Dribble tag where several students are the Pac people and try to tag other players while dribbling their basketball. Other players dribble their ball and try to avoid the Pac people while also staying on the lines of the court. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383068 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383068 Fri, 23 May 2025 09:02:28 PDT Rebeca Viquez Rebeca Viquez 00:38 Hey parents! Just wanted to share that these 2nd graders are practicing their literature and improving their reading skills in Spanish. ¡Estamos súper orgullosos de ver su progreso y dedication! Hey parents! Just wanted to share that these 2nd graders are practicing their literature and improving their reading skills in Spanish. ¡Estamos súper orgullosos de ver su progreso y dedication! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343450 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343450 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 06:08:27 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:41 For the 1st week back to school, in science class students participated in some community building team challenges to welcome everyone back, welcome our new classmates who are new to Decatur, and set the stage for working in cooperative groups in Science class this year! Each student also completed an Interest Inventory/Survey so that Mr. K can get to know each of them better as unique and valuable members of our Science class learning community! Please ask your child all about it and thank you for checking in with us this week:) For the 1st week back to school, in science class students participated in some community building team challenges to welcome everyone back, welcome our new classmates who are new to Decatur, and set the stage for working in cooperative groups in Science class this year! Each student also completed an Interest Inventory/Survey so that Mr. K can get to know each of them better as unique and valuable members of our Science class learning community! Please ask your child all about it and thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343453 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343453 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 06:08:27 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:29 This short slideshow shows some images of how the world of Science is all around us. The pics of the bees were taken by Mr. K at Chicago Botanic Gardens, an ant colony living in a tree brach out on the playground discovered by some students and photo was taken by Mr. M, and of course, our nonhuman specimens in our classroom pond ecosystem with baby fish (small crayfish, a small-mouth bass, 2 rock bass, and a beautifully-colored sunfish all caught from Lake Michigan), and our lovable bearded dragon, Curtiss, who likes to hang out with students, and from the picture I mean literally:) This short slideshow shows some images of how the world of Science is all around us. The pics of the bees were taken by Mr. K at Chicago Botanic Gardens, an ant colony living in a tree brach out on the playground discovered by some students and photo was taken by Mr. M, and of course, our nonhuman specimens in our classroom pond ecosystem with baby fish (small crayfish, a small-mouth bass, 2 rock bass, and a beautifully-colored sunfish all caught from Lake Michigan), and our lovable bearded dragon, Curtiss, who likes to hang out with students, and from the picture I mean literally:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=211178 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=211178 Tue, 04 Jun 2019 03:03:12 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:15 When the weather doesn't always agree with us, sometimes we have to get creative with our workouts. The 3rd Grade class had to partner up, and pick 2 cards from the Fit Deck buckets and complete this exercises. After completing the exercise they had to run 10 down and backs. When the weather doesn't always agree with us, sometimes we have to get creative with our workouts. The 3rd Grade class had to partner up, and pick 2 cards from the Fit Deck buckets and complete this exercises. After completing the exercise they had to run 10 down and backs. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363294 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363294 Sun, 07 Jan 2024 07:10:15 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:03 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343454 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343454 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 06:08:27 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:29 This short slideshow shows some images of how the world of Science exploration is all around us. The pics of the bees were taken by Mr. K at Chicago Botanic Gardens, an ant colony living in a tree brach out on the playground discovered by some students and photo was taken by Mr. M, and of course, our nonhuman specimens in our classroom pond ecosystem with baby fish caught from Lake Michigan, crayfish, and our lovable bearded dragon Curtiss, who likes to hang out with students, and from the picture I mean literally:) This short slideshow shows some images of how the world of Science exploration is all around us. The pics of the bees were taken by Mr. K at Chicago Botanic Gardens, an ant colony living in a tree brach out on the playground discovered by some students and photo was taken by Mr. M, and of course, our nonhuman specimens in our classroom pond ecosystem with baby fish caught from Lake Michigan, crayfish, and our lovable bearded dragon Curtiss, who likes to hang out with students, and from the picture I mean literally:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379804 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379804 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:11:14 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:25 This slideshow highlights all JHS students running together at the jog-a-thon and having some friendly competition amongst homerooms at our annual JHS Oktoberfest. This slideshow highlights all JHS students running together at the jog-a-thon and having some friendly competition amongst homerooms at our annual JHS Oktoberfest. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348902 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348902 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:12:23 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:32 We wrapped up the week with a fantastic holiday party organized by our amazing room parents! Thank you to Lisbeth, Ginna, Jocelyn and Nicole for coming into our space to help facilitate creating bookmarks, playing bingo and a minute to win it challenge of drawing a snowman on a plate on top of their heads and of course laughing! We wrapped up the week with a fantastic holiday party organized by our amazing room parents! Thank you to Lisbeth, Ginna, Jocelyn and Nicole for coming into our space to help facilitate creating bookmarks, playing bingo and a minute to win it challenge of drawing a snowman on a plate on top of their heads and of course laughing! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348903 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348903 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:12:23 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:15 We wrapped up the week with some fun seasonal themed activities like winter bingo, a winter escape room of a series of puzzles, and a snowflake number review activity. We wrapped up the week with some fun seasonal themed activities like winter bingo, a winter escape room of a series of puzzles, and a snowflake number review activity. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264704 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264704 Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:05:08 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:39 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339180 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339180 Fri, 29 Jul 2022 06:05:06 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 3:01 We had an amazing time today with her poetry slam! We were able to share our second grade poems with the 6/7 and eighth graders, what a wonderful day! We had an amazing time today with her poetry slam! We were able to share our second grade poems with the 6/7 and eighth graders, what a wonderful day! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379806 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379806 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:11:14 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:35 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students continuing their explorations with wind turbines while also investigating energy transformations with solar cars that they assembled and tested outside; 7th graders made "Critter Pups" while studying the role of heredity/inheritance of traits from parents to offspring in sexually reproducing organisms; 8th grade exploring physical vs chemical properties of various elements and compounds, as well as investigating how to measure the density of materials; and several shots of 6th - 8th grade students who took advantage of the offer to come in during lunch time to work on their STEM Fair projects! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students continuing their explorations with wind turbines while also investigating energy transformations with solar cars that they assembled and tested outside; 7th graders made "Critter Pups" while studying the role of heredity/inheritance of traits from parents to offspring in sexually reproducing organisms; 8th grade exploring physical vs chemical properties of various elements and compounds, as well as investigating how to measure the density of materials; and several shots of 6th - 8th grade students who took advantage of the offer to come in during lunch time to work on their STEM Fair projects! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379805 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379805 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:11:14 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:43 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade investigating their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Unit anchoring phenomena of being materials scientists working for a company that needs to decide on aluminum, plastic, or glass as the best material to manufacture a single use drink container; 7th graders exploring cell organelles and genetics as part of their "Reproduction" biology SEPUP unit; and 6th graders giving group class presentations about wind energy and then doing hands-on investigations with working model wind turbines to generate electricity. Thank you for checking in with us:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade investigating their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Unit anchoring phenomena of being materials scientists working for a company that needs to decide on aluminum, plastic, or glass as the best material to manufacture a single use drink container; 7th graders exploring cell organelles and genetics as part of their "Reproduction" biology SEPUP unit; and 6th graders giving group class presentations about wind energy and then doing hands-on investigations with working model wind turbines to generate electricity. Thank you for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354586 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354586 Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:05:05 PDT Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:51 Students worked with a partner to discuss types of conflict in the novel and used text evidence to support their ideas. Students worked with a partner to discuss types of conflict in the novel and used text evidence to support their ideas. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351074 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351074 Thu, 11 May 2023 07:02:16 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:16 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386109 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386109 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:05:27 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:32 A Decatur record 7 students advanced to the IL State STEM Fair with several awards earned! Congrats to all of our scientists!!! Decatur Classical students and families enjoyed our 3rd annual Decatur Classical Family STEM Night as students presented and we had lots of volunteer STEM Vendors this year. Thank you to Northwestern University CTD, Mathnasium of Lincolnwood, Chicago Public Library Northbranch, Northwestern University Brain Awareness Organization (NUBAO), Chicago Muslims Green Team, ComEd Latino Engineers, Urban Rivers, Steve & Kate's Summer Camps, and former Fermi Lab physicist and Decatur LSC member Dr. Norman Gelfrand! A Decatur record 7 students advanced to the IL State STEM Fair with several awards earned! Congrats to all of our scientists!!! Decatur Classical students and families enjoyed our 3rd annual Decatur Classical Family STEM Night as students presented and we had lots of volunteer STEM Vendors this year. Thank you to Northwestern University CTD, Mathnasium of Lincolnwood, Chicago Public Library Northbranch, Northwestern University Brain Awareness Organization (NUBAO), Chicago Muslims Green Team, ComEd Latino Engineers, Urban Rivers, Steve & Kate's Summer Camps, and former Fermi Lab physicist and Decatur LSC member Dr. Norman Gelfrand! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335835 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335835 Mon, 30 May 2022 06:03:07 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:27 Check out this video of our amazing 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning game called "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science class in order to lay a solid foundation for much higher text complexity and scientific writing later in high school and college. It is so much fun to witness the enthusiasm our 6th graders choose to display towards their learning and thank you for checking in with us :) Check out this video of our amazing 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning game called "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science class in order to lay a solid foundation for much higher text complexity and scientific writing later in high school and college. It is so much fun to witness the enthusiasm our 6th graders choose to display towards their learning and thank you for checking in with us :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335834 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335834 Mon, 30 May 2022 06:03:07 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:20 Check out this video of our amazing 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning game called "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science class in order to lay a solid foundation for much higher text complexity and scientific writing later in high school and college. It is so much fun to witness the enthusiasm our 6th graders choose to display towards their learning and thank you for checking in with us :) Check out this video of our amazing 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning game called "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science class in order to lay a solid foundation for much higher text complexity and scientific writing later in high school and college. It is so much fun to witness the enthusiasm our 6th graders choose to display towards their learning and thank you for checking in with us :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=293497 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=293497 Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:09:29 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:04 Students read the story The Word Collector and we discussed the power of our words. Then students chose their favorite words to share to included them in their word clouds. Students read the story The Word Collector and we discussed the power of our words. Then students chose their favorite words to share to included them in their word clouds. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384162 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384162 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:03:31 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:30 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade investigating the phenomena of frequency and amplitude, as well as sound energy as part of their "Waves" SEPUP Unit; 7th grade explored the variables of mass, acceleration, and energy transfer during motor vehicle accidents within their "Forces & Motion" SEPUP Unit; some shots of 7th grade students supporting other classes during our "Plant a seed day" activity as part of our Wellness Week; 6th grade class did an arts-integration comic mini-project. "A Day in the Life of a Cel" with Ms. Froiland's teaching of their "From Cells to Organisms" SEPUP Unit, they also gained further microscopy skills while comparing cells structures under our microscopes; 7th grade students using their creative engineering skills to design, construct, and test a lego robotics car for our class pet bearded dragon, Winston; and a few shots of our JHS students enjoying the nice weather with some outdoor sports activities as part of Wellness Week; thank you for checking in with us:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade investigating the phenomena of frequency and amplitude, as well as sound energy as part of their "Waves" SEPUP Unit; 7th grade explored the variables of mass, acceleration, and energy transfer during motor vehicle accidents within their "Forces & Motion" SEPUP Unit; some shots of 7th grade students supporting other classes during our "Plant a seed day" activity as part of our Wellness Week; 6th grade class did an arts-integration comic mini-project. "A Day in the Life of a Cel" with Ms. Froiland's teaching of their "From Cells to Organisms" SEPUP Unit, they also gained further microscopy skills while comparing cells structures under our microscopes; 7th grade students using their creative engineering skills to design, construct, and test a lego robotics car for our class pet bearded dragon, Winston; and a few shots of our JHS students enjoying the nice weather with some outdoor sports activities as part of Wellness Week; thank you for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386101 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386101 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:05:26 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:32 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264709 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264709 Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:05:08 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335836 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335836 Mon, 30 May 2022 06:03:07 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:18 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders who are always eager to play the role of teacher by sharing their understanding in front of their class; 6th graders conducting a lab exploring how ground water/aquifers form as part of their SEPUP inquiry unit on "Earth's Resources"; 7th graders working on their Decatur Gala Auction Project where they each represented a different element of the Periodic Table of Elements (special thanks to Ms. Koreman, Ms. Strong, and our amazing 7th grade room parents, Dariela and Tara, for your support!); 8th graders cooperatively creating, producing, and filming their own I-Movies to culminate their SEPUP inquiry unit on "Evolution"; and a few more shots of our class pet lizard, Curtiss! Thanks for checking in with our Science Class:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders who are always eager to play the role of teacher by sharing their understanding in front of their class; 6th graders conducting a lab exploring how ground water/aquifers form as part of their SEPUP inquiry unit on "Earth's Resources"; 7th graders working on their Decatur Gala Auction Project where they each represented a different element of the Periodic Table of Elements (special thanks to Ms. Koreman, Ms. Strong, and our amazing 7th grade room parents, Dariela and Tara, for your support!); 8th graders cooperatively creating, producing, and filming their own I-Movies to culminate their SEPUP inquiry unit on "Evolution"; and a few more shots of our class pet lizard, Curtiss! Thanks for checking in with our Science Class:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384164 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384164 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:03:31 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:51 9 of our 8th graders participated in the CPS Citywide STEM Fair Competition on March 14th with 7 of them advancing onto IL State STEM Fair competition which will be held at the University of IL in Urbana on May 3rd! 9 of our 8th graders participated in the CPS Citywide STEM Fair Competition on March 14th with 7 of them advancing onto IL State STEM Fair competition which will be held at the University of IL in Urbana on May 3rd! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=240725 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=240725 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:03:19 PDT Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 4:34 Hey Team! Watch this video then solve the number sentences below using the strategy that makes the most sense to you! 25 + 16 25 .+ 22 14 + 19 17 + 24 Hey Team! Watch this video then solve the number sentences below using the strategy that makes the most sense to you! 25 + 16 25 .+ 22 14 + 19 17 + 24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343449 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343449 Sat, 19 Nov 2022 06:08:27 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:57 For the 1st week back to school, in science class students participated in some community building team challenges to welcome everyone back, welcome our new classmates who are new to Decatur, and set the stage for working in cooperative groups in Science class this year! Each student also completed an Interest Inventory/Survey so that Mr. K can get to know each of them as unique and valuable members of our Science class learning community! Please ask your child all about it and thank you for checking in with us this week:) For the 1st week back to school, in science class students participated in some community building team challenges to welcome everyone back, welcome our new classmates who are new to Decatur, and set the stage for working in cooperative groups in Science class this year! Each student also completed an Interest Inventory/Survey so that Mr. K can get to know each of them as unique and valuable members of our Science class learning community! Please ask your child all about it and thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353244 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353244 Sat, 24 Jun 2023 07:04:01 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:49 This week's slideshow highlights: some pics of 8th grade working with their second grade buddies to make spring chicken egg decorations; 7th grade students presenting in front of the class ecological case studies that focused on the question of "nature vs nurture" in how animal behavioral traits are found within certain species; 6th grade took on the roles of epidemiologists as they explored an interactive lab investigation together to find out what was the source of an infectious disease outbreak--they collected, analyzed, and interpreted data to determine the source; 5th grade did a lab investigation to determine how thermal energy added to a system causes changes to atoms that make up matter using glow sticks exposed to hot vs cold water; 6th - 8th grade students all enjoyed time together in the gym for the Winter Sports Assembly and March Madness competitions between homerooms; and as coaches Mr. Bahena and I enjoyed our students' second track and field practice outside this past Monday as our athletes get ready for their meets later this spring. Thank you for checking in with us and have a wonderful Spring Break with your family:) This week's slideshow highlights: some pics of 8th grade working with their second grade buddies to make spring chicken egg decorations; 7th grade students presenting in front of the class ecological case studies that focused on the question of "nature vs nurture" in how animal behavioral traits are found within certain species; 6th grade took on the roles of epidemiologists as they explored an interactive lab investigation together to find out what was the source of an infectious disease outbreak--they collected, analyzed, and interpreted data to determine the source; 5th grade did a lab investigation to determine how thermal energy added to a system causes changes to atoms that make up matter using glow sticks exposed to hot vs cold water; 6th - 8th grade students all enjoyed time together in the gym for the Winter Sports Assembly and March Madness competitions between homerooms; and as coaches Mr. Bahena and I enjoyed our students' second track and field practice outside this past Monday as our athletes get ready for their meets later this spring. Thank you for checking in with us and have a wonderful Spring Break with your family:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333891 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333891 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 06:02:04 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:13 Here's a short clip from students' partner reading in science time this week. Here's a short clip from students' partner reading in science time this week. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226430 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226430 Tue, 31 Dec 2019 03:10:08 PST Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 1:11 Sixth Grader Staff Assignment Sixth Grader Staff Assignment //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339199 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339199 Sat, 30 Jul 2022 06:05:07 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:43 This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade students maintaining our new in class worm composting bin--students are learning which foods are best for creating vermi-compost and keeping data of how much mass of food wastes is being kept from being tossed into the garbage and then into landfills; an 8th grade student feeding some horn worms to our class bearded dragon, Curtiss; 8th grade students conducting experiments investigating the variables of speed and mass on energy transfer of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy during vehicle collisions with our brand new SEPUP physical science curriculum as they explore their unit anchoring phenomenon, "How can we design safer cars?"; 6th grade students conducting an experiment learning about conductors vs insulators used in transferring electricity within electric circuits; 8th grade and 6th grade students cooperatively demonstrating the NGSS Science & Engineering Practice of "Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information" by presenting their experimental results to their classmates; 7th grade continued with their Sexual Health Education Unit Lessons this week with special emphasis on "Being Up-standers" and "Allies" when confronted with real-life situations of unhealthy influences and discrimination towards others. This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade students maintaining our new in class worm composting bin--students are learning which foods are best for creating vermi-compost and keeping data of how much mass of food wastes is being kept from being tossed into the garbage and then into landfills; an 8th grade student feeding some horn worms to our class bearded dragon, Curtiss; 8th grade students conducting experiments investigating the variables of speed and mass on energy transfer of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy during vehicle collisions with our brand new SEPUP physical science curriculum as they explore their unit anchoring phenomenon, "How can we design safer cars?"; 6th grade students conducting an experiment learning about conductors vs insulators used in transferring electricity within electric circuits; 8th grade and 6th grade students cooperatively demonstrating the NGSS Science & Engineering Practice of "Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information" by presenting their experimental results to their classmates; 7th grade continued with their Sexual Health Education Unit Lessons this week with special emphasis on "Being Up-standers" and "Allies" when confronted with real-life situations of unhealthy influences and discrimination towards others. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226203 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226203 Sat, 28 Dec 2019 03:10:05 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:02 As more and more classes have begun to build their towers, I am amazed at the level of determination students have - even after their designs have fallen apart! One group's tower fell apart with only *six* minutes left to go in the challenge. While it's difficult to have your work fall apart in when you've worked so hard, this team restarted immediately and ultimately had the highest tower in their class! It's also interesting to see which groups use another teams model once theirs falls apart. While some students have called this 'cheating', we know as engineers we often replicate others' ideas in order to make our own designs. After all, if no one had borrowed the Wright brothers' invention for building the world's first successful airplane, we wouldn't have the airplanes we have today! As more and more classes have begun to build their towers, I am amazed at the level of determination students have - even after their designs have fallen apart! One group's tower fell apart with only *six* minutes left to go in the challenge. While it's difficult to have your work fall apart in when you've worked so hard, this team restarted immediately and ultimately had the highest tower in their class! It's also interesting to see which groups use another teams model once theirs falls apart. While some students have called this 'cheating', we know as engineers we often replicate others' ideas in order to make our own designs. After all, if no one had borrowed the Wright brothers' invention for building the world's first successful airplane, we wouldn't have the airplanes we have today! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330351 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330351 Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:11:20 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:57 This shortened week's slideshow includes: 7th grade class working cooperatively to set up an experiment to test carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen release by from samples of plants taken from our aquatic ecosystem set up in our lab; 6th graders checking out some of the new STEM books and magazines that were donated to our classroom (thank you parents and students who donated to our classroom!); 6th grades eager to share their ideas during a whole class discussion; our Decatur First Lego League after school teams gearing up for competition by constructing and programming their robots; and some close up pics of our class baby turtle! Thanks for checking in with us this! This shortened week's slideshow includes: 7th grade class working cooperatively to set up an experiment to test carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen release by from samples of plants taken from our aquatic ecosystem set up in our lab; 6th graders checking out some of the new STEM books and magazines that were donated to our classroom (thank you parents and students who donated to our classroom!); 6th grades eager to share their ideas during a whole class discussion; our Decatur First Lego League after school teams gearing up for competition by constructing and programming their robots; and some close up pics of our class baby turtle! Thanks for checking in with us this! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352140 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352140 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:03:12 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:51 This week's slideshow highlights: several pics of students leading parts of science lessons; 7th graders from Room 1011 working together to bring in supplies for the Student Council charity drive; 5th graders celebrating as Mr. Murray made an all school announcement of the charity drive class leaders as they made it up to 3rd place; a pic of a special visit to our Science lab by Mr. Roper's 1st grade class who were shown our class pet lizard, Curtiss, and asking their own inquiry questions to one of our 8th grade herpetologists who takes special care of Curtiss during our breaks from school; 8th graders forming a human chain to simulate the cross linking of polymers as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP unit that they just completed; 6th graders playing classroom Jeopardy to review for their final exam on their "Geological Processes" SEPUP unit; and 5th graders each taking on the role of meteorologists forecasting weather as they continued exploring their "Weather & Climate" SEPUP unit. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: several pics of students leading parts of science lessons; 7th graders from Room 1011 working together to bring in supplies for the Student Council charity drive; 5th graders celebrating as Mr. Murray made an all school announcement of the charity drive class leaders as they made it up to 3rd place; a pic of a special visit to our Science lab by Mr. Roper's 1st grade class who were shown our class pet lizard, Curtiss, and asking their own inquiry questions to one of our 8th grade herpetologists who takes special care of Curtiss during our breaks from school; 8th graders forming a human chain to simulate the cross linking of polymers as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP unit that they just completed; 6th graders playing classroom Jeopardy to review for their final exam on their "Geological Processes" SEPUP unit; and 5th graders each taking on the role of meteorologists forecasting weather as they continued exploring their "Weather & Climate" SEPUP unit. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330353 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330353 Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:11:20 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:19 This week's slideshow includes: 6th graders sharing out their new knowledge by adding to the "Learned" section of our KWL of on our Class Driving Questions Board; 6th graders sharing their conceptual understanding of the "Causes of Climate" up in front of our class; 8th graders creating their own flip-books to synthesize their understanding of a recent genetics study portrayed through a documentary film called, "The Human Family Tree", which explored how DNA samples taken from random people in a genealogy study in one of the most ethnically diverse locations of our world, the New York borough of Queens, reveals that all humans share 99.9% of DNA and that "Race" does not exist from a biological perspective; and 6th grade students gearing up for a fun interactive academic vocabulary and community-building activity known as "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute". Thanks for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow includes: 6th graders sharing out their new knowledge by adding to the "Learned" section of our KWL of on our Class Driving Questions Board; 6th graders sharing their conceptual understanding of the "Causes of Climate" up in front of our class; 8th graders creating their own flip-books to synthesize their understanding of a recent genetics study portrayed through a documentary film called, "The Human Family Tree", which explored how DNA samples taken from random people in a genealogy study in one of the most ethnically diverse locations of our world, the New York borough of Queens, reveals that all humans share 99.9% of DNA and that "Race" does not exist from a biological perspective; and 6th grade students gearing up for a fun interactive academic vocabulary and community-building activity known as "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute". Thanks for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330354 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330354 Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:11:20 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:49 Please check out this video that shows our awesome 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning activity called, "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary in the content areas such as Science Class. It is so fun to witness the level of engagement our students choose to display during cooperative learning activities in our Science Class and thank you for checking in with us :) Please check out this video that shows our awesome 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning activity called, "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary in the content areas such as Science Class. It is so fun to witness the level of engagement our students choose to display during cooperative learning activities in our Science Class and thank you for checking in with us :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341008 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341008 Fri, 02 Sep 2022 06:06:10 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:08 Students observed evidence of forces in our playground such as : friction, gravity, motion...etc Students observed evidence of forces in our playground such as : friction, gravity, motion...etc //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330355 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330355 Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:11:20 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:49 Please check out this video compilation which shows our awesome 6th grade students participating in a fun interactive activity that reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science Class known as "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute". It is so much fun to witness how our students choosing to engage in cooperative learning activities like this with such enthusiasm! Thank you for checking in with us :) Please check out this video compilation which shows our awesome 6th grade students participating in a fun interactive activity that reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science Class known as "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute". It is so much fun to witness how our students choosing to engage in cooperative learning activities like this with such enthusiasm! Thank you for checking in with us :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333624 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333624 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 06:02:01 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:04 One of our favorite parts about our stretches in first grade is timing some of our quick movements together and watching ourselves as an ensemble in the mirror. One of our favorite parts about our stretches in first grade is timing some of our quick movements together and watching ourselves as an ensemble in the mirror. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330357 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330357 Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:11:20 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:19 Please check out this video compilation which shows our awesome 6th grade students participating in a fun interactive activity that reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science Class known as "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute". It is so much fun to witness how our students choosing to engage in cooperative learning activities like this with such enthusiasm! Thank you for checking in with us :) Please check out this video compilation which shows our awesome 6th grade students participating in a fun interactive activity that reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science Class known as "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute". It is so much fun to witness how our students choosing to engage in cooperative learning activities like this with such enthusiasm! Thank you for checking in with us :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=253826 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=253826 Wed, 08 Jul 2020 04:04:15 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 2:57 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291066 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291066 Mon, 07 Dec 2020 04:09:14 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:07 Congratulations and thank you to students and families for completing Week 1 of Remote Learning! Students have made great adjustments in our new learning environment. 4th-7th grade in Makerspace began building community by creating Play Doh creations of facts about their lives. It was great to see students' creativity come to life as we learned more about each other. Students began taking risks as they aimed to build the tallest tower they could using Play Doh and no more than 20 toothpicks. It was fascinating to see students being open to share when their towers fell but continue to persevere in starting a new design; sometimes even creating a tower inspired by another students' design. Congratulations and thank you to students and families for completing Week 1 of Remote Learning! Students have made great adjustments in our new learning environment. 4th-7th grade in Makerspace began building community by creating Play Doh creations of facts about their lives. It was great to see students' creativity come to life as we learned more about each other. Students began taking risks as they aimed to build the tallest tower they could using Play Doh and no more than 20 toothpicks. It was fascinating to see students being open to share when their towers fell but continue to persevere in starting a new design; sometimes even creating a tower inspired by another students' design. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386111 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386111 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:05:27 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:27 A special thank you to the neuroscientists from NUBAO for teaching our students some really engaging and fun neuroscience activities! JHS students in grades 6-8 explored with the human to human interface, a real human brain comparison with other mammal brains, trying to throw things using prism goggles that alter visual perception, and learned a lot about the brain's anatomy and nervous system's anatomy! A special thank you to the neuroscientists from NUBAO for teaching our students some really engaging and fun neuroscience activities! JHS students in grades 6-8 explored with the human to human interface, a real human brain comparison with other mammal brains, trying to throw things using prism goggles that alter visual perception, and learned a lot about the brain's anatomy and nervous system's anatomy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388777 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388777 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:09:15 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:23 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363274 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363274 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 07:10:13 PST Jennifer Liberman Jennifer Liberman 00:31 Fun Friday included having two 8th grade "mystery readers" come into the classroom!  Fun Friday included having two 8th grade "mystery readers" come into the classroom!  //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388775 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388775 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:09:15 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:56 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388533 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388533 Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:09:06 PST MacKenzie Pitcher MacKenzie Pitcher 1:12 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385027 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385027 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:04:25 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 7:05 6th graders had an adventurous day at The Forge working on their orienteering and mapping skills, while also building shelters that could withstand heavy rain. Those shelters came in pretty handy when the rain came down at the end of our trip. What a great day! 6th graders had an adventurous day at The Forge working on their orienteering and mapping skills, while also building shelters that could withstand heavy rain. Those shelters came in pretty handy when the rain came down at the end of our trip. What a great day! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=309789 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=309789 Thu, 13 May 2021 05:02:18 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 Please check out this video which highlights ways we are continually working to strengthen our classroom community so that each student has multiple ways of sharing their own voice, ideas, and questions about science with the class despite the extra challenges of remote learning! I am so amazed by our Decatur students' resilience during these challenging times of this ongoing pandemic! We also continue to work on strengthening classroom community by celebrating at the end of each week with some fun trivia games such as Kahoot and Gimkit, both of which could easily be played at home for some added family fun! Please check out this video which highlights ways we are continually working to strengthen our classroom community so that each student has multiple ways of sharing their own voice, ideas, and questions about science with the class despite the extra challenges of remote learning! I am so amazed by our Decatur students' resilience during these challenging times of this ongoing pandemic! We also continue to work on strengthening classroom community by celebrating at the end of each week with some fun trivia games such as Kahoot and Gimkit, both of which could easily be played at home for some added family fun! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331697 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331697 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:12:16 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:52 Congratulations to the 'Steel Turtles' and '2 by 4s' for competing in the City Qualifier on Sunday, Dec. 12 at the University of Chicago's Lab School. Both teams coded a robot to complete as many missions as they could in 2 1/2 minutes. They also presented to judges on how they collaborated together to design and code their robot, while demonstrating their innovation project as well. '2 by 4s' were awarded the 'Champion's Award' and will be moving forward to compete in the State Championship. Great job to both teams! We're so proud of the hard work they have achieved this season! Stay tuned in January for updates on our state championship. Congratulations to the 'Steel Turtles' and '2 by 4s' for competing in the City Qualifier on Sunday, Dec. 12 at the University of Chicago's Lab School. Both teams coded a robot to complete as many missions as they could in 2 1/2 minutes. They also presented to judges on how they collaborated together to design and code their robot, while demonstrating their innovation project as well. '2 by 4s' were awarded the 'Champion's Award' and will be moving forward to compete in the State Championship. Great job to both teams! We're so proud of the hard work they have achieved this season! Stay tuned in January for updates on our state championship. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336908 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336908 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 06:03:25 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:12 Today in science we experimented with balance and unbalanced forces. We did this back to back activity to have a physical reference for what happens when two forces are equally exerted on one another. Today in science we experimented with balance and unbalanced forces. We did this back to back activity to have a physical reference for what happens when two forces are equally exerted on one another. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384181 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=384181 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 09:03:31 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:31 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226690 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226690 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:10:11 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:37 4-6th Grade SS/Writing: simulating trade on the Silk Road, breaking down the Enuma Elish, and exploring personal identity in the context of a community. 4-6th Grade SS/Writing: simulating trade on the Silk Road, breaking down the Enuma Elish, and exploring personal identity in the context of a community. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343428 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343428 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 06:08:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:20 Students talked with other students to learn about what fun things they were up to this summer. Students talked with other students to learn about what fun things they were up to this summer. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351289 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351289 Tue, 16 May 2023 07:02:21 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 2:01 2nd Grade musicians and 6th grade musicians both worked at playing various parts of a song as an ensemble today. Check out how each groups interlocking parts work together (and how the musicians change and grow as they gain experience).  2nd Grade musicians and 6th grade musicians both worked at playing various parts of a song as an ensemble today. Check out how each groups interlocking parts work together (and how the musicians change and grow as they gain experience).  //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343429 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343429 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 06:08:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 Each student was given a dot on their forehead of different colors and had to work together with their classmates in order to find out what color they had and get themselves organized into different color groups. Each student was given a dot on their forehead of different colors and had to work together with their classmates in order to find out what color they had and get themselves organized into different color groups. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352375 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352375 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:03:16 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:22 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330360 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330360 Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:11:20 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:17 Check out this video of our amazing 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning game called "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science class in order to lay a solid foundation for much higher text complexity and scientific writing later in high school and college. It is so much fun to witness the enthusiasm our 6th graders choose to display towards their learning and thank you for checking in with us :) Check out this video of our amazing 6th graders participating in a fun interactive learning game called "Talk-A-Mile-A-Minute", which reinforces academic vocabulary development in Science class in order to lay a solid foundation for much higher text complexity and scientific writing later in high school and college. It is so much fun to witness the enthusiasm our 6th graders choose to display towards their learning and thank you for checking in with us :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339546 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339546 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 06:05:14 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:34 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade students investigating the variables of mass and speed on the kinetic energy transfer of vehicles in a collision as part of their SEUPUP Unit exploring "How can we design safer cars?"; 7th graders wrapped up their Sexual Health Education Unit by doing an amazing job of working in groups to present on several local community resources for adolescents; 6th graders were taking advantage of this abnormal midsummer-like weather to conduct some hands-on lab investigations into the workings of "Photovoltaic Cells", along with their first run of the "Solar Car Grand Prix", where each cooperative group first assembled their cars, and for the next race they get to redesign their cars to try and increase performance and speed--this is all part of their integrated Maker-Space & Science Unit exploring "How can we create a fully renewable energy society?"; and last but not least, a shot of our pet Bearded Dragon, Curtiss and some amazing 7th grade zoologists volunteers getting our class pond ecosystem/aquarium ready for some experiments with aquaponics. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade students investigating the variables of mass and speed on the kinetic energy transfer of vehicles in a collision as part of their SEUPUP Unit exploring "How can we design safer cars?"; 7th graders wrapped up their Sexual Health Education Unit by doing an amazing job of working in groups to present on several local community resources for adolescents; 6th graders were taking advantage of this abnormal midsummer-like weather to conduct some hands-on lab investigations into the workings of "Photovoltaic Cells", along with their first run of the "Solar Car Grand Prix", where each cooperative group first assembled their cars, and for the next race they get to redesign their cars to try and increase performance and speed--this is all part of their integrated Maker-Space & Science Unit exploring "How can we create a fully renewable energy society?"; and last but not least, a shot of our pet Bearded Dragon, Curtiss and some amazing 7th grade zoologists volunteers getting our class pond ecosystem/aquarium ready for some experiments with aquaponics. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339547 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339547 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 06:05:14 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:14 See weekly update video below for more details! See weekly update video below for more details! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261869 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261869 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 04:05:02 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:34 Students were given a choice board of "RAFT" assignments to complete, and here are a few highlights. RAFT refers to Role, Audience, Format, Topic. For instance, one of the projects is from the Role of the number 0, speaking to an Audience of other numbers, in the Format of a campaign speech/flyer, on the Topic of their "presidency" and how important they are to the number system. Students were given a choice board of "RAFT" assignments to complete, and here are a few highlights. RAFT refers to Role, Audience, Format, Topic. For instance, one of the projects is from the Role of the number 0, speaking to an Audience of other numbers, in the Format of a campaign speech/flyer, on the Topic of their "presidency" and how important they are to the number system. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361239 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361239 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 07:09:17 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 5:29 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders working in cooperative groups to explore the impact of the introduced species of Nile Perch into Lake Victoria in Africa, and how it affected the lives of those living in the region from both economic and environmental perspectives; 7th graders continued to investigate the impact of a genetic disorder on a patient's daily living; and 6th grade learned more about the issue of "where to store nuclear wastes"; there are some pics of students presenting to their classmates; a few video clips of students beginning their independent research on their chosen STEM Fair Project essential guiding question; 7th grade working in teams to complete the "Pitfall Harry" community-builder challenge; a few shots of our class pet bearded dragon, "Snickers"; and my 8th grade SEL/Advisory class, Room 1013, doing a fun partner activity that challenges their speaking and listening skills. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders working in cooperative groups to explore the impact of the introduced species of Nile Perch into Lake Victoria in Africa, and how it affected the lives of those living in the region from both economic and environmental perspectives; 7th graders continued to investigate the impact of a genetic disorder on a patient's daily living; and 6th grade learned more about the issue of "where to store nuclear wastes"; there are some pics of students presenting to their classmates; a few video clips of students beginning their independent research on their chosen STEM Fair Project essential guiding question; 7th grade working in teams to complete the "Pitfall Harry" community-builder challenge; a few shots of our class pet bearded dragon, "Snickers"; and my 8th grade SEL/Advisory class, Room 1013, doing a fun partner activity that challenges their speaking and listening skills. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=271432 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=271432 Sat, 22 Aug 2020 04:05:30 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233157 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233157 Sat, 28 Mar 2020 04:01:04 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 00:19 Over the Winter break, my family and I visited New Mexico, where we stayed in an Earthship, spent a day at Meow Wolf, toured the Georgia O' Keeffe Museum, and saw Site Santa Fe. I am very excited to share all that I learned while traveling throughout the beautiful state of New Mexico with our students! Over the Winter break, my family and I visited New Mexico, where we stayed in an Earthship, spent a day at Meow Wolf, toured the Georgia O' Keeffe Museum, and saw Site Santa Fe. I am very excited to share all that I learned while traveling throughout the beautiful state of New Mexico with our students! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235574 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235574 Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:02:05 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:20 The third graders had fun creating during our "Day of Play". The third graders had fun creating during our "Day of Play". //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236664 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236664 Tue, 12 May 2020 04:02:18 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:57 Students get out of their seats and walk around the room to complete doodle notes to learn about nonfiction text structures. Students get out of their seats and walk around the room to complete doodle notes to learn about nonfiction text structures. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348028 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348028 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:12:05 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:11 This is one of our weekly fitness days. We focus on increasing our muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. This is one of our weekly fitness days. We focus on increasing our muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=260306 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=260306 Tue, 21 Jul 2020 04:04:28 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 2:57 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261873 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261873 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 04:05:02 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:02 JMS teachers created a short video as part of our "weekly check-in video" to tell our students we miss them and care about them. JMS teachers created a short video as part of our "weekly check-in video" to tell our students we miss them and care about them. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340785 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340785 Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:06:03 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:45 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340783 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340783 Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:06:03 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 4:56 We had an absolute awesome time at field day! We even got coach to go down the slip and slide!!! We had an absolute awesome time at field day! We even got coach to go down the slip and slide!!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388964 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388964 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:09:19 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:23 RM 100 enjoyed using our senses to observe living and nonliving things outside of Decatur! RM 100 enjoyed using our senses to observe living and nonliving things outside of Decatur! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=259532 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=259532 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 04:04:27 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 5:07 "Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun." - Mary Lou Cook It's been exciting to see the projects students have been creating during this time! Here is a snapshot of how Decatur students have shown their creativity over the past couple of weeks. Maybe it will even inspire you to get creative. :) Enjoy! "Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun." - Mary Lou Cook It's been exciting to see the projects students have been creating during this time! Here is a snapshot of how Decatur students have shown their creativity over the past couple of weeks. Maybe it will even inspire you to get creative. :) Enjoy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376748 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376748 Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:09:06 PST Jess Park Jess Park 00:22 A primary school student inventing a new way to draw A primary school student inventing a new way to draw //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348017 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348017 Sun, 26 Feb 2023 06:12:04 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:56 Students explored whether or not cranberries float in water through an investigation. Students explored whether or not cranberries float in water through an investigation. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361216 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361216 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 07:09:16 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361215 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361215 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 07:09:16 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:03 Students engaged in a cone flipping activity (think the popular bottle flipping activity so many kids love doing). Students compete with a series of new partners trying to see who can land the cone first. Then both parties high five, fist pump or shake hands and say good game when they are done and they move on to a new partner. Practicing these skills in a low stakes environment helps students build up the skill set to be good sports when stakes are raised. Students engaged in a cone flipping activity (think the popular bottle flipping activity so many kids love doing). Students compete with a series of new partners trying to see who can land the cone first. Then both parties high five, fist pump or shake hands and say good game when they are done and they move on to a new partner. Practicing these skills in a low stakes environment helps students build up the skill set to be good sports when stakes are raised. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340516 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340516 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 06:05:30 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:27 This week slideshow depicts: 6th graders working on their integrated Maker-Space + Science Unit culminating project, where they were busy researching their cooperative groups' energy research topics, assembling their electronic circuit quiz game boards, and then beginning the design and construction of their renewable energy models that they will share with other classes at our first ever Decatur Energy Fair, which will be on Monday, June 6th; 7th graders wrapped up their SEPUP unit exploring evolution with a series of investigations into how homologous skeletal structures and comparative embryology are used by scientists to support Darwin's theory of evolution; and 8th grade wrapped up a unit exploring the physics of engineering and design of safer automobiles. This week: 6th grade will have special guest speakers in class on Thursday, as a team of Northwestern University's Engineers Without Borders Chapter will present to both 6th grade classes how they utilize STEM skills to help people around the world as part of EWB, as well as their own passions for STEM in general along with what it's like to be a college student at NU. 7th grade and 8th grade will end the year with a Frog Dissection Investigation, which allows them to apply knowledge and skills that they studied within the biological sciences by exploring similar skills used by STEM career professionals such as medical doctors and surgeons, veterinarians, forensic scientists, ecologists, etc. This week slideshow depicts: 6th graders working on their integrated Maker-Space + Science Unit culminating project, where they were busy researching their cooperative groups' energy research topics, assembling their electronic circuit quiz game boards, and then beginning the design and construction of their renewable energy models that they will share with other classes at our first ever Decatur Energy Fair, which will be on Monday, June 6th; 7th graders wrapped up their SEPUP unit exploring evolution with a series of investigations into how homologous skeletal structures and comparative embryology are used by scientists to support Darwin's theory of evolution; and 8th grade wrapped up a unit exploring the physics of engineering and design of safer automobiles. This week: 6th grade will have special guest speakers in class on Thursday, as a team of Northwestern University's Engineers Without Borders Chapter will present to both 6th grade classes how they utilize STEM skills to help people around the world as part of EWB, as well as their own passions for STEM in general along with what it's like to be a college student at NU. 7th grade and 8th grade will end the year with a Frog Dissection Investigation, which allows them to apply knowledge and skills that they studied within the biological sciences by exploring similar skills used by STEM career professionals such as medical doctors and surgeons, veterinarians, forensic scientists, ecologists, etc. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261847 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261847 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:05:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:42 Students have been learning about Autonomous Cars and Deep Sea Exploration and created these models. Students have been learning about Autonomous Cars and Deep Sea Exploration and created these models. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361217 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361217 Sat, 09 Dec 2023 07:09:16 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:31 Students played a game called sideline soccer where a few students are in the middle playing soccer against a few other players from the other team. The remaining players guard their respective sideline and try to keep the ball from going over the sideline. The students in the center and on the side are constantly changing every minute or so. Students played a game called sideline soccer where a few students are in the middle playing soccer against a few other players from the other team. The remaining players guard their respective sideline and try to keep the ball from going over the sideline. The students in the center and on the side are constantly changing every minute or so. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318624 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318624 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:05:20 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=293205 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=293205 Fri, 18 Dec 2020 04:09:25 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 5:54 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361694 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361694 Sat, 16 Dec 2023 07:09:23 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:06 This week's slideshow highlights: Ms. Koreman came to our 7th Grade Science class to present to on what a landscape architect does as a career--7th grade will be spearheading the design and implementation of a Decatur outdoor learning garden and other indoor and outdoor green spaces in collaboration with Nilay Mistry, Decatur alum and landscape architect instructor at IIT; JHS students in grades 6-8 were busy digging into their chosen STEM Fair Project Topics through researching their developed inquiry questions in order to start the path to becoming experts on their topic of inquiry; 5th-8th graders began our Lego League after-school robotics club this week; our 7th grade herpetologist busy caring for Snickers, our class pet bearded dragon lizard; and our class Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem now has 4 different species of fish caught from Diversey Harbor, including the invasive and strange-looking Gobi. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: Ms. Koreman came to our 7th Grade Science class to present to on what a landscape architect does as a career--7th grade will be spearheading the design and implementation of a Decatur outdoor learning garden and other indoor and outdoor green spaces in collaboration with Nilay Mistry, Decatur alum and landscape architect instructor at IIT; JHS students in grades 6-8 were busy digging into their chosen STEM Fair Project Topics through researching their developed inquiry questions in order to start the path to becoming experts on their topic of inquiry; 5th-8th graders began our Lego League after-school robotics club this week; our 7th grade herpetologist busy caring for Snickers, our class pet bearded dragon lizard; and our class Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem now has 4 different species of fish caught from Diversey Harbor, including the invasive and strange-looking Gobi. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352746 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352746 Fri, 16 Jun 2023 07:03:24 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:17 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261610 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261610 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:05:01 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:48 The students did a wonderful job creating nonfiction elephant books to showcase their remote learning. The students did a wonderful job creating nonfiction elephant books to showcase their remote learning. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365805 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365805 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:12:11 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:35 Check out some great pictures from our Fall Fundraiser the Jogathon! What a blast! Check out some great pictures from our Fall Fundraiser the Jogathon! What a blast! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365806 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365806 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:12:11 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:35 Boom City is a game where there are 2 teams and each team has a set of catchers on the wall mats. Each team also has throwers and blockers. The throwers need to complete a pass to the catchers on the mat who need to spike the ball and yell Boom City if they successfully throw and catch the ball. Blockers try to prevent the throwers and catchers from Boom City is a game where there are 2 teams and each team has a set of catchers on the wall mats. Each team also has throwers and blockers. The throwers need to complete a pass to the catchers on the mat who need to spike the ball and yell Boom City if they successfully throw and catch the ball. Blockers try to prevent the throwers and catchers from //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361684 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361684 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:09:22 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:43 Students started their soccer friendly games and next week will have a tournament. Students also participated in a fitness day where they practiced different aerobic exercises and learned about the benefits of cardio activity. Students started their soccer friendly games and next week will have a tournament. Students also participated in a fitness day where they practiced different aerobic exercises and learned about the benefits of cardio activity. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378707 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378707 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:10:17 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:41 Kindergarten studied a dance company called Pilobolus and a book they are featured in, The Human Alphabet. Then, we worked in partners to create the letters with our own bodies! Kindergarten studied a dance company called Pilobolus and a book they are featured in, The Human Alphabet. Then, we worked in partners to create the letters with our own bodies! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233183 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233183 Mon, 30 Mar 2020 04:01:06 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:17 Throughout the year the students have heard me saying the phrase "Be comfortable being uncomfortable." This has been my Moto since I've come to Decatur. This saying means that in order to grow and get better in certain areas, you need to go outside your comfort zone. For a couple of weeks I joined the 6th grade while they were in their tap unit. I haven't taken a dance class since middle school and have never tapped before in my life. I was pretty nervous going into class and was scared I was going to look foolish. I thought about our Moto though, and went into class without any reservations. I was able to see my students in a different setting, and was able to see how students handled certain situations outside my class. Throughout the year the students have heard me saying the phrase "Be comfortable being uncomfortable." This has been my Moto since I've come to Decatur. This saying means that in order to grow and get better in certain areas, you need to go outside your comfort zone. For a couple of weeks I joined the 6th grade while they were in their tap unit. I haven't taken a dance class since middle school and have never tapped before in my life. I was pretty nervous going into class and was scared I was going to look foolish. I thought about our Moto though, and went into class without any reservations. I was able to see my students in a different setting, and was able to see how students handled certain situations outside my class. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347148 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347148 Sat, 04 Feb 2023 06:11:12 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:24 This week's slideshow highlights: a rare sighting of "Leroy the Catfish" in our classroom aquatic ecosystem; 7th graders set up a couple of science demonstrations and experiments such as "leaf chromatography" to investigate why leaves turn colors in autumn, as well as "How can Superworms eat and safely biodegrade styrofoam?:;Decatur 5th-8th grade students gearing up for their upcoming First Lego League Tournament by teaching each other coding and showing their creativity through planning their innovation projects; 6th grade was busy this week working in cooperative groups to research the topic of "Greenroofs" and how they help combat climate change, in particular the phenomenon of the "Urban Heat Island Effect"; 5th graders explored why the seasons change by analyzing and interpreting data from a Scientific Simulation of the Earth's tilt combined with its yearly orbit around the sun; 7th graders were excited to break open a box that just arrived that contains a hydroelectric kit that they will assemble and test to see how running water can transfer energy to produce electricity; 7th graders also observed as I dissected aquatic planaria so that they can see how planaria can reproduce asexually through binary fission and regeneration; and last but not least, another sighting of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon. Thanks for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: a rare sighting of "Leroy the Catfish" in our classroom aquatic ecosystem; 7th graders set up a couple of science demonstrations and experiments such as "leaf chromatography" to investigate why leaves turn colors in autumn, as well as "How can Superworms eat and safely biodegrade styrofoam?:;Decatur 5th-8th grade students gearing up for their upcoming First Lego League Tournament by teaching each other coding and showing their creativity through planning their innovation projects; 6th grade was busy this week working in cooperative groups to research the topic of "Greenroofs" and how they help combat climate change, in particular the phenomenon of the "Urban Heat Island Effect"; 5th graders explored why the seasons change by analyzing and interpreting data from a Scientific Simulation of the Earth's tilt combined with its yearly orbit around the sun; 7th graders were excited to break open a box that just arrived that contains a hydroelectric kit that they will assemble and test to see how running water can transfer energy to produce electricity; 7th graders also observed as I dissected aquatic planaria so that they can see how planaria can reproduce asexually through binary fission and regeneration; and last but not least, another sighting of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon. Thanks for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326228 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326228 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:09:17 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:56 This week, 6th graders reflected on various resources to discuss why we wear masks and what would happen if we decided to show the world what was behind our masks. As a continuation of our Identity & Community unit, students began brainstorming and drafting ideas for a mask that they will be constructing in some of our upcoming classes. This week, 6th graders reflected on various resources to discuss why we wear masks and what would happen if we decided to show the world what was behind our masks. As a continuation of our Identity & Community unit, students began brainstorming and drafting ideas for a mask that they will be constructing in some of our upcoming classes. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378706 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378706 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:10:17 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:22 5th Grade learned a brand new tutting combination and are working to perfect it. We are excited to see if it makes it into our winter show dance piece! 5th Grade learned a brand new tutting combination and are working to perfect it. We are excited to see if it makes it into our winter show dance piece! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=273839 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=273839 Mon, 07 Sep 2020 04:06:15 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 11:08 How LUCKY are we that we get to have Mr. Echevarria at our school next fall? The video interview conducted are all questions from our Decatur students. Thanks for submitting your awesome questions to allow us to get to know Mr. Echevarria! I can't wait to see what you create together next year! How LUCKY are we that we get to have Mr. Echevarria at our school next fall? The video interview conducted are all questions from our Decatur students. Thanks for submitting your awesome questions to allow us to get to know Mr. Echevarria! I can't wait to see what you create together next year! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381044 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381044 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:12:20 PDT Jennifer Liberman Jennifer Liberman 00:22 Students created models of animals and their defenses. They then did a gallery walk and each student pairing explained their model! Students created models of animals and their defenses. They then did a gallery walk and each student pairing explained their model! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261829 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261829 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:05:01 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:02 The JMS teachers wanted to send a special message to all of our students, whom we miss VERY MUCH! As Mr. Brennan says at the end, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! The JMS teachers wanted to send a special message to all of our students, whom we miss VERY MUCH! As Mr. Brennan says at the end, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=368904 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=368904 Fri, 10 May 2024 08:02:16 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:32 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231178 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231178 Sat, 22 Feb 2020 03:11:30 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:21 Students were engaged in a game called "Salute" for the first meeting of MathCLUB. MathCLUB participates in many Math Competitions throughout the school year. Students were engaged in a game called "Salute" for the first meeting of MathCLUB. MathCLUB participates in many Math Competitions throughout the school year. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226826 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226826 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 03:10:12 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:49 This week, students have begun to develop presentations that they will be sharing with in class. Most groups in 3rd-6th grade are choosing to use Google Slides - allowing them to collaborate with all members in their groups. For students in K-2, we'll be reviewing iPad expectations and begin experimenting with presenting using a web-based program called Padlet: a digital pin board that allows students to post their responses (written, photos and even audio recordings) without logging in. This week, students have begun to develop presentations that they will be sharing with in class. Most groups in 3rd-6th grade are choosing to use Google Slides - allowing them to collaborate with all members in their groups. For students in K-2, we'll be reviewing iPad expectations and begin experimenting with presenting using a web-based program called Padlet: a digital pin board that allows students to post their responses (written, photos and even audio recordings) without logging in. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326275 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326275 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:09:17 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:20 This post slide show shows: pictures of the amazing turnout at the Decatur Family Picnic last weekend with students and families meeting my son's service dog and our family pet, Dosido; up close looks at how the students were introduced to our various inquiry units' Driving Questions Board; how each class came up with their own working definition of Science; and how students learned about Science Lab Safety Guidelines.  Thank you for checking in!  This post slide show shows: pictures of the amazing turnout at the Decatur Family Picnic last weekend with students and families meeting my son's service dog and our family pet, Dosido; up close looks at how the students were introduced to our various inquiry units' Driving Questions Board; how each class came up with their own working definition of Science; and how students learned about Science Lab Safety Guidelines.  Thank you for checking in!  //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236862 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236862 Thu, 14 May 2020 04:02:20 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:05 We've been busy in Makerspace! 6th graders in Rm. 109 have been creating unique circuits. Shoutout to Roy who designed a basketball hoop to light-up when a basket was made! 4th graders were designing wind turbines to see firsthand how motion energy can be converted into electrical energy. 6th Graders in Rm. 109 have continued to finalize timed trials on their Vex robots - trying to collect as many "hazardous" (lego) blocks they can collect in under 2 min. The pressure is on! 3rd graders also got a chance to see balanced and unbalanced forces in action by creating their own teeter totter made up rulers, binder clips and paper clips. 5th graders began their coding unit by beginning to assemble Jimu robots. Once built, students will be able to develop a project that will highlight their Jimu. Stay tuned for progress updates! We've been busy in Makerspace! 6th graders in Rm. 109 have been creating unique circuits. Shoutout to Roy who designed a basketball hoop to light-up when a basket was made! 4th graders were designing wind turbines to see firsthand how motion energy can be converted into electrical energy. 6th Graders in Rm. 109 have continued to finalize timed trials on their Vex robots - trying to collect as many "hazardous" (lego) blocks they can collect in under 2 min. The pressure is on! 3rd graders also got a chance to see balanced and unbalanced forces in action by creating their own teeter totter made up rulers, binder clips and paper clips. 5th graders began their coding unit by beginning to assemble Jimu robots. Once built, students will be able to develop a project that will highlight their Jimu. Stay tuned for progress updates! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=307515 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=307515 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:01:29 PDT Sheryl Slechta Sheryl Slechta 00:13 Kindergarten had fun exploring our Chapter 2 Question How do we make a pinball move as far as we want? Kindergarten had fun exploring our Chapter 2 Question How do we make a pinball move as far as we want? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=304005 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=304005 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:12:17 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:29 Students in 6th and 7th grade were tasked with tracking "Data" for a set amount of time, and then creating a UNIQUE visualization representing that data in a non-standard way. This was based on the work we studied in the "Dear Data Project" Students in 6th and 7th grade were tasked with tracking "Data" for a set amount of time, and then creating a UNIQUE visualization representing that data in a non-standard way. This was based on the work we studied in the "Dear Data Project" //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353894 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353894 Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:04:20 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:14 Students cut out and sorted through sentences to decide which is the claim and which are the reasons. Then students wrote out their examples to support the reasons. Students cut out and sorted through sentences to decide which is the claim and which are the reasons. Then students wrote out their examples to support the reasons. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350387 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350387 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:02:02 PDT Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:25 Check out the students dancing to "We Can Work It Out" for the first time on stage. They did an AMAZING job in the Winter Show this week! Check out the students dancing to "We Can Work It Out" for the first time on stage. They did an AMAZING job in the Winter Show this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336073 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336073 Fri, 03 Jun 2022 06:03:11 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:06 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261833 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261833 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:05:01 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:45 In our second integrated unit, JMS students tried to tackle problems about water scarcity and some of the world's sewage problems. Students designed and presented their ideas in multiple media, utilizing context, research, and subject related content to inform the decisions on their innovative solutions. In our second integrated unit, JMS students tried to tackle problems about water scarcity and some of the world's sewage problems. Students designed and presented their ideas in multiple media, utilizing context, research, and subject related content to inform the decisions on their innovative solutions. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261830 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261830 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:05:01 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:02 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340344 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340344 Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:05:26 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:15 Today students were given a data chart to organize into a line plot or line graph. With their groups, they discussed and displayed their data into a graph. Today students were given a data chart to organize into a line plot or line graph. With their groups, they discussed and displayed their data into a graph. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366952 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=366952 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 08:01:12 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:08 6th Graders worked on measuring the circumference and diameter of various circular object around the classroom. They input their measurements into a graph to examine the shape of our points and see if the relationship between the measurements is proportional or not (it is!). There is a proportional relationship between circumference and diameter, and the constant is Pi. 6th Graders worked on measuring the circumference and diameter of various circular object around the classroom. They input their measurements into a graph to examine the shape of our points and see if the relationship between the measurements is proportional or not (it is!). There is a proportional relationship between circumference and diameter, and the constant is Pi. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362592 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362592 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 07:10:06 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:05 7th and 8th graders helped fill our new raised flower beds in the playground with fresh soil during Math and Science class. 7th and 8th graders helped fill our new raised flower beds in the playground with fresh soil during Math and Science class. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326286 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326286 Sat, 11 Dec 2021 05:09:18 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:11 5th and 6th grade students have been drumming and learning the history behind some of the instruments in the music room. Here you can see them playing tubano drums, a djembe, a gonkogui, and shekeres. Ask your child to tell you about these instruments at home. What are they made of? Where are they from? What are they used for in the cultures that they come from? 5th and 6th grade students have been drumming and learning the history behind some of the instruments in the music room. Here you can see them playing tubano drums, a djembe, a gonkogui, and shekeres. Ask your child to tell you about these instruments at home. What are they made of? Where are they from? What are they used for in the cultures that they come from? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320989 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320989 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 05:06:18 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:06 Amazing field day to end the day with a dance party!! Amazing field day to end the day with a dance party!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362107 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362107 Sat, 23 Dec 2023 07:09:30 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:02 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362106 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362106 Sat, 23 Dec 2023 07:09:30 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:08 4th-grader success! 4th-grader success! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340795 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340795 Sat, 27 Aug 2022 06:06:04 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:16 In this week's slideshow there are pics of: 6th grade working in cooperative groups to prepare their projects for the upcoming Energy Fair on June 6th, where they will present to students and staff from other grades to teach all about renewable energy such as wind, solar, hydropower, maglev, etc., as well as energy consumption and efficiency; 6th grade also got a special visit to our classroom from freshman and sophomore college students who are part of Northwestern University's Engineers Without Borders Program (EWB), where they presented to our students how they apply the same STEM skills they are learning now to pursue their own STEM pathways in areas such as surgical medicine, neurology, chemistry, and engineering; 7th grade worked in cooperative teams exploring the anatomy of bullfrogs though our bullfrog dissection project, which is a culmination of NGSS standards that they explored this year from cells to organisms through our SEPUP Biological Science Units of study; 8th grade will also get to explore the dissection project next week once graduation practices are complete. Thank you for checking in with us this week! In this week's slideshow there are pics of: 6th grade working in cooperative groups to prepare their projects for the upcoming Energy Fair on June 6th, where they will present to students and staff from other grades to teach all about renewable energy such as wind, solar, hydropower, maglev, etc., as well as energy consumption and efficiency; 6th grade also got a special visit to our classroom from freshman and sophomore college students who are part of Northwestern University's Engineers Without Borders Program (EWB), where they presented to our students how they apply the same STEM skills they are learning now to pursue their own STEM pathways in areas such as surgical medicine, neurology, chemistry, and engineering; 7th grade worked in cooperative teams exploring the anatomy of bullfrogs though our bullfrog dissection project, which is a culmination of NGSS standards that they explored this year from cells to organisms through our SEPUP Biological Science Units of study; 8th grade will also get to explore the dissection project next week once graduation practices are complete. Thank you for checking in with us this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327101 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327101 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 05:09:30 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:58 Students discussed and analyzed texts centered around identity and belonging. Our discussions helped us transition into formulating and creating working definitions for the phrase "universe of obligation". Our studies in Social Studies will aim to help students make further connections with their novel study on "Refugee". Students discussed and analyzed texts centered around identity and belonging. Our discussions helped us transition into formulating and creating working definitions for the phrase "universe of obligation". Our studies in Social Studies will aim to help students make further connections with their novel study on "Refugee". //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330514 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330514 Wed, 16 Feb 2022 05:11:24 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:11 This past week, students learned about puppeteer Anthony Frederick Sarg who first created the balloons for the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York. Afterwards, students had their chance to design a balloon to go down the parade route. A few even had the chance to see their parade be displayed in the parade, using a 'green screen' background. Make sure to check out the read-aloud 'Balloons Over Broadway' this holiday weekend and stay tuned for a video being edited by students! Happy Thanksgiving! This past week, students learned about puppeteer Anthony Frederick Sarg who first created the balloons for the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York. Afterwards, students had their chance to design a balloon to go down the parade route. A few even had the chance to see their parade be displayed in the parade, using a 'green screen' background. Make sure to check out the read-aloud 'Balloons Over Broadway' this holiday weekend and stay tuned for a video being edited by students! Happy Thanksgiving! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382397 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382397 Fri, 02 May 2025 09:02:07 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:30 This week we partnered with the Illinois Bowlers Education Program who provided us equipment and resources to help teach students about bowling. Students got to practice their form in a variety of ways then use bowling carpet lanes to bowl with their classmates. Thanks to Ms B, a bowling specialist with the program who came out and helped support our students. This week we partnered with the Illinois Bowlers Education Program who provided us equipment and resources to help teach students about bowling. Students got to practice their form in a variety of ways then use bowling carpet lanes to bowl with their classmates. Thanks to Ms B, a bowling specialist with the program who came out and helped support our students. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=319751 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=319751 Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:06:01 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:12 We have been working hard for the last 4 weeks getting these ready! We have started to present our presentations and will continue all this week!!! We have been working hard for the last 4 weeks getting these ready! We have started to present our presentations and will continue all this week!!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353639 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353639 Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:04:14 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:13 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353637 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353637 Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:04:14 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:13 Students did a scoot this week Monday as we started our final reading unit. Students did a scoot this week Monday as we started our final reading unit. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350128 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350128 Sat, 22 Apr 2023 07:01:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:26 Students participated in a jigsaw activity where they started in a base group and chose an animal they wanted to research how its eyes functioned. Each person in the group chose a different animal so later when they reported back everyone could share about a different animal. They researched with another partner how these organisms see and shared with their group what they learned. Students participated in a jigsaw activity where they started in a base group and chose an animal they wanted to research how its eyes functioned. Each person in the group chose a different animal so later when they reported back everyone could share about a different animal. They researched with another partner how these organisms see and shared with their group what they learned. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350121 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350121 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:01:27 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 6:21 This week's slideshow highlights: 5th grade class investigating Earth's ocean surface temperature distribution patterns to see if there is a relationship with latitude; 6th grade conducted a cooperative group lab experiment to test how "Green Roof" garden designs can lower indoor air temperature to combat the phenomenon of "The Urban Heat Island Effect", as well as how green roofs can reduce urban runoff that often leads to flooding; both 6th and 7th grade classes received a special visit from Northwestern University students who presented to them on their work as part of NU's chapter of "Engineers Without Borders/EWB"; the NU EWB members also led a cooperative group engineering and design STEM challenge where both 7th grade classes got together to see which team of 3 students could design the most effective water filter; 7th grade also wrapped up their Cell Biology SEPUP unit by taking their unit final exam and they began their next SEPUP Inquiry Unit on "Reproduction" by digging into how genes are passed from parents to offspring and sometimes contribute to genetic disorders such as Marfan Syndrome; and 8th grade class worked in cooperative research teams to collect evidence as they participated in a mock Chicago City Council debate on whether plastic, glass, or aluminum should be the material of choice for drink containers within the city as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Inquiry Unit. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 5th grade class investigating Earth's ocean surface temperature distribution patterns to see if there is a relationship with latitude; 6th grade conducted a cooperative group lab experiment to test how "Green Roof" garden designs can lower indoor air temperature to combat the phenomenon of "The Urban Heat Island Effect", as well as how green roofs can reduce urban runoff that often leads to flooding; both 6th and 7th grade classes received a special visit from Northwestern University students who presented to them on their work as part of NU's chapter of "Engineers Without Borders/EWB"; the NU EWB members also led a cooperative group engineering and design STEM challenge where both 7th grade classes got together to see which team of 3 students could design the most effective water filter; 7th grade also wrapped up their Cell Biology SEPUP unit by taking their unit final exam and they began their next SEPUP Inquiry Unit on "Reproduction" by digging into how genes are passed from parents to offspring and sometimes contribute to genetic disorders such as Marfan Syndrome; and 8th grade class worked in cooperative research teams to collect evidence as they participated in a mock Chicago City Council debate on whether plastic, glass, or aluminum should be the material of choice for drink containers within the city as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Inquiry Unit. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339561 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339561 Sun, 07 Aug 2022 06:05:15 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:17 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331852 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331852 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:12:17 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:31 6th, 7th, and 8th graders collected dry goods and reusable water bottles to fill care packages. Students filled the materials they collected into packages that students experiencing homelessness could take home over break. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders collected dry goods and reusable water bottles to fill care packages. Students filled the materials they collected into packages that students experiencing homelessness could take home over break. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346092 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346092 Fri, 13 Jan 2023 06:10:21 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:14 In the last several weeks student have learned to the setting, problem, solution and character changes in a fiction text.This week students spent time with their reading buddy, reviewing the skills they've learned.Students responded to the anchor read aloud called Princess Penelope's Parrot. In the last several weeks student have learned to the setting, problem, solution and character changes in a fiction text.This week students spent time with their reading buddy, reviewing the skills they've learned.Students responded to the anchor read aloud called Princess Penelope's Parrot. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330522 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330522 Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:11:26 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:29 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261815 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=261815 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:05:01 PDT Jennifer Mitten Jennifer Mitten 1:41 Latin is a natural language like any other and the 3rd graders are breathing life into it by using Latin sentences to communicate about mythological creatures. This is the first task where they have really started to produce sentences and they did a heroic job meeting the challenge! Latin is a natural language like any other and the 3rd graders are breathing life into it by using Latin sentences to communicate about mythological creatures. This is the first task where they have really started to produce sentences and they did a heroic job meeting the challenge! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330523 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330523 Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:11:26 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:57 This shortened week's slideshow includes: 8th grade made models to show how DNA sequences code for protein structures; 7th grade explored cooperatively and shared their understanding of how carbohydrates and proteins are broken down in the stomach and small intestines so that cells can undergo cellular respiration, as well as compared the cellular structures of various plants; 6th graders cooperatively explored as partners and then shared their understanding of the world's prevailing wind patterns to help understand the role of the Coriolis Effect. This shortened week's slideshow includes: 8th grade made models to show how DNA sequences code for protein structures; 7th grade explored cooperatively and shared their understanding of how carbohydrates and proteins are broken down in the stomach and small intestines so that cells can undergo cellular respiration, as well as compared the cellular structures of various plants; 6th graders cooperatively explored as partners and then shared their understanding of the world's prevailing wind patterns to help understand the role of the Coriolis Effect. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348276 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348276 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:12:09 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:10 This week students used their rulers to find objects that were about 1ft long in our classroom space. This week students used their rulers to find objects that were about 1ft long in our classroom space. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348277 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348277 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 06:12:09 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:19 Students used their materials to model how a plant or animal's structure can be a defense against predators. They used: clay, a comb, toothpicks, tissue paper, pencil eraser tops and a cup. So fun to see the creativity and inspiration students drew from our science text, Spikes, Spines and Shells: A Handbook of Defenses. Students used their materials to model how a plant or animal's structure can be a defense against predators. They used: clay, a comb, toothpicks, tissue paper, pencil eraser tops and a cup. So fun to see the creativity and inspiration students drew from our science text, Spikes, Spines and Shells: A Handbook of Defenses. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355801 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355801 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:05:26 PDT Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:11 We had a lot of fun at the Decatur Field Day 2023! Thanks to all the parents that volunteered and helped make the day a success! We had a lot of fun at the Decatur Field Day 2023! Thanks to all the parents that volunteered and helped make the day a success! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350110 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350110 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:01:27 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:23 Thank you to Charlie's mom and family for teaching us about Lunar New Year! Student's learned that this year is year of the rabbit, and they made their own dragon puppets! Thank you to Charlie's mom and family for teaching us about Lunar New Year! Student's learned that this year is year of the rabbit, and they made their own dragon puppets! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320727 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320727 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 05:06:15 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:15 4th Grade had such a great time! 4th Grade had such a great time! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337403 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337403 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 06:04:01 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:36 We had an amazing week with some amazing read aloud‘s! We had an amazing week with some amazing read aloud‘s! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360428 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360428 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 07:09:02 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:04 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360427 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360427 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 07:09:02 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:05 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360426 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360426 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 07:09:02 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:04 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235734 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235734 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:02:06 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:15 On February 5, Decatur celebrated "Global School Play Day" in grades K-3; a day where students take a break from traditional classwork to use their imagination and creativity. Students in 2nd grade, were inspired to build the tallest cup tower they could. The amount of energy in the room and teamwork that was used to create the tower was amazing and inspiring to see. Students didn't quite make it to the April 2019 Guinness World record for the largest plastic cup pyramid set in Mexico City, which used 73, 810 cups but they did a fantastic job! How tall of a pyramid can you build? On February 5, Decatur celebrated "Global School Play Day" in grades K-3; a day where students take a break from traditional classwork to use their imagination and creativity. Students in 2nd grade, were inspired to build the tallest cup tower they could. The amount of energy in the room and teamwork that was used to create the tower was amazing and inspiring to see. Students didn't quite make it to the April 2019 Guinness World record for the largest plastic cup pyramid set in Mexico City, which used 73, 810 cups but they did a fantastic job! How tall of a pyramid can you build? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233555 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233555 Sun, 05 Apr 2020 04:01:12 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 00:25 The third graders are designing art papers to incorporate into their set designs. The third graders are designing art papers to incorporate into their set designs. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231131 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231131 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 03:11:27 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:23 Students created a chain reaction with examples of gravity, touching force, and magnetic force. Students created a chain reaction with examples of gravity, touching force, and magnetic force. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231132 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231132 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 03:11:27 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:16 Students created a chain reaction with examples of gravity, touching force, and magnetic force. These partners were still in the planning process and working on revising their investigation. Students created a chain reaction with examples of gravity, touching force, and magnetic force. These partners were still in the planning process and working on revising their investigation. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231133 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231133 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 03:11:27 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:05 Students created a chain reaction with examples of gravity, touching force, and magnetic force. Students created a chain reaction with examples of gravity, touching force, and magnetic force. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367295 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367295 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 08:01:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:56 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade class beginning the first stage of the integrated and collaborative unit with 5th grade class that encompasses learning experiences in both Science and Music class with Ms. Schmittle as part of this year's Chicago Symphony Orchestra partnership; 7th grade class began exploring how to measure velocity of moving motor vehicles as part of their SEPUP Physics Unit: Forces & Motion; 6th grade class explored microscopic organisms under our microscopes as part of their SEPUP Inquiry Unit: From Cells to Organisms; and there are a few pics of our Decatur Lego Robotics Team members celebrating this year's successes of a new Decatur Classical school record of 285 points at the robot table by our Pedal to the Plastic team members and a return to IL State Competition by our Brainstorms team members! Thank you for checkin in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade class beginning the first stage of the integrated and collaborative unit with 5th grade class that encompasses learning experiences in both Science and Music class with Ms. Schmittle as part of this year's Chicago Symphony Orchestra partnership; 7th grade class began exploring how to measure velocity of moving motor vehicles as part of their SEPUP Physics Unit: Forces & Motion; 6th grade class explored microscopic organisms under our microscopes as part of their SEPUP Inquiry Unit: From Cells to Organisms; and there are a few pics of our Decatur Lego Robotics Team members celebrating this year's successes of a new Decatur Classical school record of 285 points at the robot table by our Pedal to the Plastic team members and a return to IL State Competition by our Brainstorms team members! Thank you for checkin in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326756 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326756 Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:09:24 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:42 It's been a thrilling week in Makerspace! Students in K-2 finalized their first Makerspace challenge: 'Index Card Towers'. Students in 5th grade held a talking circle about how to work in groups. Students in 3rd-8th also began working in groups to engineer a bucket tower to hold as much weight as they could. Some students' buckets held up to 100 grams of weight! Wow! It's been a thrilling week in Makerspace! Students in K-2 finalized their first Makerspace challenge: 'Index Card Towers'. Students in 5th grade held a talking circle about how to work in groups. Students in 3rd-8th also began working in groups to engineer a bucket tower to hold as much weight as they could. Some students' buckets held up to 100 grams of weight! Wow! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=267574 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=267574 Sat, 08 Aug 2020 04:05:16 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 2:12 Students completed a unit where they designed a Food Truck that solved a problem with school lunches, and presented a business plan to their small groups explaining their idea. Students completed a unit where they designed a Food Truck that solved a problem with school lunches, and presented a business plan to their small groups explaining their idea. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=267573 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=267573 Sat, 08 Aug 2020 04:05:16 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 2:12 JMS students in 4th-6th dared to reimagine school lunches through the creation of their own food truck businesses. Students created their food truck brand while integrating lessons from Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies to establish a full menu that met the nutritional needs and tastes of all students. Here is a glimpse of their drive to serve up new solutions! JMS students in 4th-6th dared to reimagine school lunches through the creation of their own food truck businesses. Students created their food truck brand while integrating lessons from Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies to establish a full menu that met the nutritional needs and tastes of all students. Here is a glimpse of their drive to serve up new solutions! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363927 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363927 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:10:29 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:43 Students played a variation of a game we learned earlier in the year called Fire and Ice but this time utilized our underhand throwing skills to unfreeze students who had been frozen. Students played a variation of a game we learned earlier in the year called Fire and Ice but this time utilized our underhand throwing skills to unfreeze students who had been frozen. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372651 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372651 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 08:04:28 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:47 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade class went outside to test out their solar racers; and it was a really nice turnout for our 2nd annual Decatur Family STEM Night!; our older 5th-8th grade students volunteered to lead some cool STEM activities for the younger students and families and to show off the work that they have been doing in Math and Science classes this year; students and families got to learn all about extra-curricular STEM programs from several community vendors such as Chicago Public Library, Chicago Center for the Industrial Arts, the Field Museum, Northwestern Center for Talent Development, and more; students and families learned how STEM professionals apply these same skills in their careers such as from an architect who designs more environmentally sustainable green buildings (thank you to Decatur parent Megan Zack) or an architect who guides young kids in designing outdoor nature play spaces around Chicago's parks (thank you Sean Schaffer); and a special highlight was a replica of a dinosaur head, Norm the T-Rex (Thank you Ms. Mendoza and The Field Museum); and thank you to all other parents and staff who volunteered to help make this a FUN and memorable event for our community! :) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade class went outside to test out their solar racers; and it was a really nice turnout for our 2nd annual Decatur Family STEM Night!; our older 5th-8th grade students volunteered to lead some cool STEM activities for the younger students and families and to show off the work that they have been doing in Math and Science classes this year; students and families got to learn all about extra-curricular STEM programs from several community vendors such as Chicago Public Library, Chicago Center for the Industrial Arts, the Field Museum, Northwestern Center for Talent Development, and more; students and families learned how STEM professionals apply these same skills in their careers such as from an architect who designs more environmentally sustainable green buildings (thank you to Decatur parent Megan Zack) or an architect who guides young kids in designing outdoor nature play spaces around Chicago's parks (thank you Sean Schaffer); and a special highlight was a replica of a dinosaur head, Norm the T-Rex (Thank you Ms. Mendoza and The Field Museum); and thank you to all other parents and staff who volunteered to help make this a FUN and memorable event for our community! :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363928 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363928 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:10:29 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:28 Jr. High students wrapped up the week playing a game called Hula Hut Throw Down where students get hula hoops for throwing dodgeballs into a target and then work to build as many hula huts as possible in the time frame given while the other team tries to knock down their hula huts. Jr. High students wrapped up the week playing a game called Hula Hut Throw Down where students get hula hoops for throwing dodgeballs into a target and then work to build as many hula huts as possible in the time frame given while the other team tries to knock down their hula huts. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363929 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363929 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:10:29 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:23 They practiced throwing skills in a great game called Cleanest Yard where students need to throw dodgeballs that represent “trash” in their yard over an imaginary wall in the center of the gym using their underhand and overhand throwing skills. Whatever side is the cleanest at the end of 5 minutes is crowned the Cleanest Yard. They practiced throwing skills in a great game called Cleanest Yard where students need to throw dodgeballs that represent “trash” in their yard over an imaginary wall in the center of the gym using their underhand and overhand throwing skills. Whatever side is the cleanest at the end of 5 minutes is crowned the Cleanest Yard. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372650 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372650 Sun, 21 Jul 2024 08:04:28 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:06 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade worked with their 5th grade buddies on their Chicago Symphony Orchestra project by constructing and testing their DIY musical instruments and shared out with the other groups in our gym; 6th grade class worked on constructing their solar cars; and 7th grade began exploring a new SEPUP Unit on Evolution with a lab activity where they learned about how bacteria evolves much faster when patients do not take their antibiotics as prescribed by physicians; and our Decatur JHS Green Team began planting seeds of various sensory flowering plants in our raised garden beds on the school playground. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade worked with their 5th grade buddies on their Chicago Symphony Orchestra project by constructing and testing their DIY musical instruments and shared out with the other groups in our gym; 6th grade class worked on constructing their solar cars; and 7th grade began exploring a new SEPUP Unit on Evolution with a lab activity where they learned about how bacteria evolves much faster when patients do not take their antibiotics as prescribed by physicians; and our Decatur JHS Green Team began planting seeds of various sensory flowering plants in our raised garden beds on the school playground. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333058 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333058 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 06:01:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381132 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381132 Sat, 15 Mar 2025 08:12:21 PDT Rebeca Viquez Rebeca Viquez 00:18 This week, our students had the wonderful opportunity to learn about Las Posadas, a cherished tradition celebrated in many parts of Latin America during this season. Las Posadas is a festive nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas that brings families and communities together with songs, food, and joyful gatherings. As part of our learning, we explored the cultural significance of piñatas, a vibrant and essential part of Posadas celebrations. Students discovered the history behind the piñatas and how it symbolizes fun, unity, and cultural tradition. And of course, we got hands-on by creating our very own piñatas! These activities are a beautiful way for our students to connect with the rich traditions of Latino culture, fostering curiosity, appreciation, and joy. Thank you for supporting your children in this cultural journey ¡Felices Posadas! This week, our students had the wonderful opportunity to learn about Las Posadas, a cherished tradition celebrated in many parts of Latin America during this season. Las Posadas is a festive nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas that brings families and communities together with songs, food, and joyful gatherings. As part of our learning, we explored the cultural significance of piñatas, a vibrant and essential part of Posadas celebrations. Students discovered the history behind the piñatas and how it symbolizes fun, unity, and cultural tradition. And of course, we got hands-on by creating our very own piñatas! These activities are a beautiful way for our students to connect with the rich traditions of Latino culture, fostering curiosity, appreciation, and joy. Thank you for supporting your children in this cultural journey ¡Felices Posadas! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333059 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333059 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 06:01:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 Students created simple electrical systems with outputs of sound, light and motion energy. Students created simple electrical systems with outputs of sound, light and motion energy. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333056 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333056 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 06:01:22 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:46 This week's slideshow highlights: students enjoying some independent reading of Science texts during our calm transition time at the beginning of class thanks to the generous donations of engaging STEM books and magazines from Decatur families; 6th graders cooperatively analyzing and interpreting graphs to identify correlation and causation of variables related to global warming; 7th graders engaging in a collaborative coin toss activity to simulate the randomness of organisms passing their alleles of their genes onto their offspring during sexual reproduction; 6th graders reviewing unit vocabulary terms with quizlet, a fun online learning software platform; and a spattering of pics of our students interacting with our class pet lizard, Curtiss, and investigating aquatic microorganisms from our classroom aquatic ecosystem. This week's slideshow highlights: students enjoying some independent reading of Science texts during our calm transition time at the beginning of class thanks to the generous donations of engaging STEM books and magazines from Decatur families; 6th graders cooperatively analyzing and interpreting graphs to identify correlation and causation of variables related to global warming; 7th graders engaging in a collaborative coin toss activity to simulate the randomness of organisms passing their alleles of their genes onto their offspring during sexual reproduction; 6th graders reviewing unit vocabulary terms with quizlet, a fun online learning software platform; and a spattering of pics of our students interacting with our class pet lizard, Curtiss, and investigating aquatic microorganisms from our classroom aquatic ecosystem. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382226 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382226 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:02:04 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:16 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382227 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382227 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:02:04 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:02 This week's slideshow highlights JHS Students presenting their chosen inquiry/action research projects to volunteer judges at our annual Decatur Classical JHS STEM Fair. Students' topics represented on all domains of Science & Engineering as they used NGSS Science & Engineering Practices to work towards solutions to real world problems. 7 total 7th-8th grade projects and 6 total 6th grade projects advanced to CPS Network 2 Regional STEM Fair Competition. Congratulations to all of our students who chose to present their projects! This week's slideshow highlights JHS Students presenting their chosen inquiry/action research projects to volunteer judges at our annual Decatur Classical JHS STEM Fair. Students' topics represented on all domains of Science & Engineering as they used NGSS Science & Engineering Practices to work towards solutions to real world problems. 7 total 7th-8th grade projects and 6 total 6th grade projects advanced to CPS Network 2 Regional STEM Fair Competition. Congratulations to all of our students who chose to present their projects! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231149 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231149 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 03:11:27 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:10 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382228 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382228 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:02:04 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:48 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237924 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237924 Mon, 25 May 2020 04:03:02 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 Students were working with solar panels, wires, a generator and fan and needed to make a failing system to better understand how a system functions as a network on individual parts. Students were working with solar panels, wires, a generator and fan and needed to make a failing system to better understand how a system functions as a network on individual parts. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326763 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326763 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 05:09:25 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:15 Working hard with our illustrations and craftsmanship! Working hard with our illustrations and craftsmanship! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338509 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338509 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 06:04:26 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:56 We are showing our knowledge of simile, metaphors, onomatopoeias, personification, and hyperboles! We are showing our knowledge of simile, metaphors, onomatopoeias, personification, and hyperboles! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369226 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369226 Fri, 17 May 2024 08:02:23 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:06 Students in the after-school Math program at Decatur, Math Circles, were involved in problem-solving with the "Last Man Standing" problem, where students stand in a row and have to work around constraints in order to accomplish the goal of getting the last person to stand. Students in the after-school Math program at Decatur, Math Circles, were involved in problem-solving with the "Last Man Standing" problem, where students stand in a row and have to work around constraints in order to accomplish the goal of getting the last person to stand. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367286 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367286 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 08:01:20 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:19 At the end of the week 2nd graders started their new basketball unit by watching a short clip from the Harlem Globetrotters and then practicing various dribbling skills through following the leader’s actions. At the end of the week 2nd graders started their new basketball unit by watching a short clip from the Harlem Globetrotters and then practicing various dribbling skills through following the leader’s actions. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346114 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346114 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 06:10:23 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 4:06 This week's slideshow highlights photos of an experiment that each class performed to test to see where more microbes would be found on surfaces within our Junior High School Annex Wing. The experiment sets the stage for a review of Experimental Design as our 8th and 7th grade classes are in the midst of their STEM Fair Projects having just completed the research phase, and 6th and 5th grade classes are being introduced to Experimental Design. There are also pics of students showing love to Curtiss, our class Bearded Dragon Lizard; several pics of students leading the class in our experiment's data analysis and interpretation; 7th & 8th graders worked on peer reviewing each other's STEM Fair Project Rough Draft Research Literature Reviews; and students also strengthening classroom community by spending their 25 minutes of class "Earned Game Time" points by playing board games or card together. Thank you for checking in with us this week! :) This week's slideshow highlights photos of an experiment that each class performed to test to see where more microbes would be found on surfaces within our Junior High School Annex Wing. The experiment sets the stage for a review of Experimental Design as our 8th and 7th grade classes are in the midst of their STEM Fair Projects having just completed the research phase, and 6th and 5th grade classes are being introduced to Experimental Design. There are also pics of students showing love to Curtiss, our class Bearded Dragon Lizard; several pics of students leading the class in our experiment's data analysis and interpretation; 7th & 8th graders worked on peer reviewing each other's STEM Fair Project Rough Draft Research Literature Reviews; and students also strengthening classroom community by spending their 25 minutes of class "Earned Game Time" points by playing board games or card together. Thank you for checking in with us this week! :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347446 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347446 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 06:11:18 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:12 This wee kickstarted our new measurement math unit. Students found items in our classroom that were roughly 1 inch long. This wee kickstarted our new measurement math unit. Students found items in our classroom that were roughly 1 inch long. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289357 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289357 Sat, 28 Nov 2020 04:09:05 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 1:36 Hello students and families! I am so excited to see many of you on Tuesday and start the year. Even through google meet we are going to laugh, sing, and play music together! Enjoy my contribution to the vast array of Hamilton parody videos flooding the internet. Hello students and families! I am so excited to see many of you on Tuesday and start the year. Even through google meet we are going to laugh, sing, and play music together! Enjoy my contribution to the vast array of Hamilton parody videos flooding the internet. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367285 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367285 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 08:01:20 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:19 Students in Jr. High participated in a round robin volleyball tournament focusing on communicating, and applying their bumping, setting and serving skills. Students in Jr. High participated in a round robin volleyball tournament focusing on communicating, and applying their bumping, setting and serving skills. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346115 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346115 Sun, 15 Jan 2023 06:10:23 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:06 This week's slideshow highlights: All classes participating in an experiment to test to see where in our JHS Annex are there more microbes growing on surfaces as this experiment was a review of Experimental Design for 8th & 7th grade students, and an introduction for 6th & 5th grade students; 8th & 7th grade students worked on peer review of each others' STEM Fair Project Research Literature Review, as they are in the midst of their STEM Fair Inquiry Projects having also written their projects' Purpose Statements; students also spent 25 minutes this week spending their class' "Earned Game Time Points", thus continuing to strengthen classroom community by playing board games, chess, or card games during that time; and last but not least, Mr. K showing off a large-mouthed bass he caught this weekend as a way of encouraging students to spend more time outdoors in this Autumn season enjoying nature. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: All classes participating in an experiment to test to see where in our JHS Annex are there more microbes growing on surfaces as this experiment was a review of Experimental Design for 8th & 7th grade students, and an introduction for 6th & 5th grade students; 8th & 7th grade students worked on peer review of each others' STEM Fair Project Research Literature Review, as they are in the midst of their STEM Fair Inquiry Projects having also written their projects' Purpose Statements; students also spent 25 minutes this week spending their class' "Earned Game Time Points", thus continuing to strengthen classroom community by playing board games, chess, or card games during that time; and last but not least, Mr. K showing off a large-mouthed bass he caught this weekend as a way of encouraging students to spend more time outdoors in this Autumn season enjoying nature. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350852 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350852 Mon, 08 May 2023 07:02:13 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:29 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders exploring how atoms combine for from molecules and compounds as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP unit; 7th grade investigating how simple inherited traits are passed from parents to offspring, and then to a 3rd generation via genes; 6th graders began exploring how convection in the Earth's mantle causes tectonic plate movement in the Earth's lithosphere; and 5th grade investigated how thermal energy fluctuations lead to differences in water density, as well as differences in density of salt and fresh water via melting sea ice. They then connected this back to the Earth's conveyor belt of warm and cold ocean currents and how that can impact a location's climate. Lastly, there are some pics of 7th grade students surprising Mr. Murray with cards they made to celebrate and honor all that he does for Decatur as part of National School Counselors Week! There is even a pick of Mr. Murray stopping by to explore chemistry with our 8th grade class:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders exploring how atoms combine for from molecules and compounds as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP unit; 7th grade investigating how simple inherited traits are passed from parents to offspring, and then to a 3rd generation via genes; 6th graders began exploring how convection in the Earth's mantle causes tectonic plate movement in the Earth's lithosphere; and 5th grade investigated how thermal energy fluctuations lead to differences in water density, as well as differences in density of salt and fresh water via melting sea ice. They then connected this back to the Earth's conveyor belt of warm and cold ocean currents and how that can impact a location's climate. Lastly, there are some pics of 7th grade students surprising Mr. Murray with cards they made to celebrate and honor all that he does for Decatur as part of National School Counselors Week! There is even a pick of Mr. Murray stopping by to explore chemistry with our 8th grade class:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326765 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326765 Sat, 18 Dec 2021 05:09:25 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:60 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333054 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333054 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 06:01:22 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:09 To ease back as we begin 2022, each class worked as small teams to practice their creative engineering and design skills by trying to be the team to create the tallest spaghetti tower. A 6th grade team from Room 103 created the tallest at just over 30". This activity is a perfect way to reestablish classroom collaboration and strengthen our community after the long winter break! To ease back as we begin 2022, each class worked as small teams to practice their creative engineering and design skills by trying to be the team to create the tallest spaghetti tower. A 6th grade team from Room 103 created the tallest at just over 30". This activity is a perfect way to reestablish classroom collaboration and strengthen our community after the long winter break! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333055 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333055 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 06:01:22 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:44 Congratulations to our Decatur First Lego League Team! The 2 x 4's represented Decatur with such grace at the Illinois State First Lego League Robotics competition at Elgin Community College. The team won a special award known as "The Breakthrough Award" and more than quadrupled their Robotics score from where they started out 2 years ago! The future looks bright for Decatur First Lego League! Congratulations to our Decatur First Lego League Team! The 2 x 4's represented Decatur with such grace at the Illinois State First Lego League Robotics competition at Elgin Community College. The team won a special award known as "The Breakthrough Award" and more than quadrupled their Robotics score from where they started out 2 years ago! The future looks bright for Decatur First Lego League! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335232 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335232 Sat, 21 May 2022 06:02:26 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:04 This weeks slideshow highlights: 6th graders learning about ground water formation through cooperative group experimental investigations as part of their SEPUP geology unit "Earth's Resources"; a couple of 6th graders eager to share their reasoning in front of the class; 8th graders began a cooperative group project creating their own I-Movies to culminate their SEPUP biology unit exploring "Evolution"; a couple of appearances of our class Bearded Dragon, Curtiss, who speaking of Evolution she seems to be a glimpse back millions of years ago to the age of dinosaurs; 7th grade culminated their biology unit on "Reproduction" by taking their comprehensive final exam this week--I will make sure to highlight them more next week! Thank you for checking in with our JHS Science classes:) This weeks slideshow highlights: 6th graders learning about ground water formation through cooperative group experimental investigations as part of their SEPUP geology unit "Earth's Resources"; a couple of 6th graders eager to share their reasoning in front of the class; 8th graders began a cooperative group project creating their own I-Movies to culminate their SEPUP biology unit exploring "Evolution"; a couple of appearances of our class Bearded Dragon, Curtiss, who speaking of Evolution she seems to be a glimpse back millions of years ago to the age of dinosaurs; 7th grade culminated their biology unit on "Reproduction" by taking their comprehensive final exam this week--I will make sure to highlight them more next week! Thank you for checking in with our JHS Science classes:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333028 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333028 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 06:01:21 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:10 Students participated in a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors..Math' during a movement break this week. Students participated in a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors..Math' during a movement break this week. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=300384 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=300384 Fri, 05 Feb 2021 04:11:13 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 00:18 Want to know more about how seeds travel? Check out this student's flip book! Want to know more about how seeds travel? Check out this student's flip book! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=272901 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=272901 Tue, 01 Sep 2020 04:06:09 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:59 Dance is communication. It can sometimes be healing, an outburst of emotion, and connection. Sixth graders took the time to choose three words about their time at home during the current pandemic and used dance to communicate their lives at that moment. Please take a minute to watch Grace B.'s choreography to her three words: lonely, hopeful, stressful. I know we can all connect to Grace's words and movement in some way during this time! Dance is communication. It can sometimes be healing, an outburst of emotion, and connection. Sixth graders took the time to choose three words about their time at home during the current pandemic and used dance to communicate their lives at that moment. Please take a minute to watch Grace B.'s choreography to her three words: lonely, hopeful, stressful. I know we can all connect to Grace's words and movement in some way during this time! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344164 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344164 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:09:12 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:22 Students in second grade work together to play a passing game from Ghana. This game has no winner - it only works when each person works together to pass at the same time to the steady beat. I know these students were so proud that they could do this without a pile up. Way to go 2nd grade students! Students in second grade work together to play a passing game from Ghana. This game has no winner - it only works when each person works together to pass at the same time to the steady beat. I know these students were so proud that they could do this without a pile up. Way to go 2nd grade students! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369698 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369698 Sun, 26 May 2024 08:03:03 PDT Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:02 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=253180 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=253180 Tue, 07 Jul 2020 04:04:14 PDT Jennifer Mitten Jennifer Mitten 00:05 A wonderful Decatur student is speaking Latin at-home! Mirabile visu! (Amazing to see!) . A wonderful Decatur student is speaking Latin at-home! Mirabile visu! (Amazing to see!) . //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346104 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346104 Fri, 13 Jan 2023 06:10:21 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:09 8th graders participate in the Stock Market Game, where they invest virtual money in real stocks. The video shows students discussing stock prices. 8th graders participate in the Stock Market Game, where they invest virtual money in real stocks. The video shows students discussing stock prices. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=325642 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=325642 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:09:09 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:54 In Makerspace, students are digging into the design process by designing index card towers. Students are choosing either to create the tallest tower they can or recreating a famous structure. Enjoy! In Makerspace, students are digging into the design process by designing index card towers. Students are choosing either to create the tallest tower they can or recreating a famous structure. Enjoy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=394469 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=394469 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:04:02 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:39 Students were broken into 4 separate teams to practice team communication and sportsmanship. Each team was given a card suit like spades or diamonds and a shuffled deck of cards on the other end of the gym. Each player ran down to the deck of cards and grabbed one card and if it was their suit they ran it back and if not it was discarded and the player ran back and tagged the next player. The first team to get all 13 cards back to their starting spot was the winner of that round. Students were broken into 4 separate teams to practice team communication and sportsmanship. Each team was given a card suit like spades or diamonds and a shuffled deck of cards on the other end of the gym. Each player ran down to the deck of cards and grabbed one card and if it was their suit they ran it back and if not it was discarded and the player ran back and tagged the next player. The first team to get all 13 cards back to their starting spot was the winner of that round. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=394468 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=394468 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:04:02 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:25 Students played on collaborative teams to try and knock down the bowling pins of the 3 other teams while playing different roles to help their team be more successful. Students played on collaborative teams to try and knock down the bowling pins of the 3 other teams while playing different roles to help their team be more successful. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=394466 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=394466 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:04:02 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 Our girls team wrapped up their season with a tournament at Senn High School with McPherson, Stone, and Albany Park Campus. The Dolphins were able to play some of their best ball of the season and push the prior year City Champs, APC, for 7/8th grade into close matches. Shoutout to our amazing Coach Amrith! Our girls team wrapped up their season with a tournament at Senn High School with McPherson, Stone, and Albany Park Campus. The Dolphins were able to play some of their best ball of the season and push the prior year City Champs, APC, for 7/8th grade into close matches. Shoutout to our amazing Coach Amrith! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=356131 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=356131 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:06:02 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:09 This was our last publishing party for students' fable stories. This was our last publishing party for students' fable stories. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336544 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336544 Sat, 11 Jun 2022 06:03:19 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:42 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders exploring the history of Earth by setting up a human timeline of important geologic events and how they impacted the rise and fall of life on Earth going back to at least 3.5 billion years ago; 6th graders selecting from a drawing new class helper positions as Decatur JHS students like to help out and take more ownership in our Science classroom; 7th graders exploring natural selection and evolution (see video below); and 8th graders began inquiry investigations into "Energy Transformations" by rotating to various hands-on stations to explore how energy and matter interact and transform such as: solar energy to electric and then mechanical; chemical energy to thermal; chemical energy to electrical and then mechanical/kinetic; etc. Thank you for stopping in this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders exploring the history of Earth by setting up a human timeline of important geologic events and how they impacted the rise and fall of life on Earth going back to at least 3.5 billion years ago; 6th graders selecting from a drawing new class helper positions as Decatur JHS students like to help out and take more ownership in our Science classroom; 7th graders exploring natural selection and evolution (see video below); and 8th graders began inquiry investigations into "Energy Transformations" by rotating to various hands-on stations to explore how energy and matter interact and transform such as: solar energy to electric and then mechanical; chemical energy to thermal; chemical energy to electrical and then mechanical/kinetic; etc. Thank you for stopping in this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=356130 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=356130 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:06:02 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:11 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336543 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336543 Sat, 11 Jun 2022 06:03:19 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:30 As part of their new SEPUP Life Science Unit on Evolution, the 7th grade class was able to connect back to their previous unit on Reproduction by investigating the role of variation in how natural selection works over time. They conducted a hands-on simulation of birds with various beak traits feeding on "Wild Loops". The students learned how natural selection works to favor certain traits that are better suited to an organism's ability to acquire food in order to have a better chance of surviving long enough to reproduce offspring, thus showing the evolution of the various bird beak traits over many generations. As part of their new SEPUP Life Science Unit on Evolution, the 7th grade class was able to connect back to their previous unit on Reproduction by investigating the role of variation in how natural selection works over time. They conducted a hands-on simulation of birds with various beak traits feeding on "Wild Loops". The students learned how natural selection works to favor certain traits that are better suited to an organism's ability to acquire food in order to have a better chance of surviving long enough to reproduce offspring, thus showing the evolution of the various bird beak traits over many generations. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333038 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333038 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 06:01:21 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:33 We recently got a hamster who have named Krimpets as in Butterscotch Krimpets from our novel we read last year Maniac Magee. She is a Syrian long haired hamster and quite large as far as hamsters go. We are really excited about our new classmate! We recently got a hamster who have named Krimpets as in Butterscotch Krimpets from our novel we read last year Maniac Magee. She is a Syrian long haired hamster and quite large as far as hamsters go. We are really excited about our new classmate! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333039 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333039 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 06:01:21 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:29 We created a Fan Model to help us understand how different types of molecules move up chromatography paper. We created a Fan Model to help us understand how different types of molecules move up chromatography paper. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231167 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231167 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 03:11:28 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:56 Students created models of the flow of energy in a given ecosystem and explained how energy cycled through the system. Students created models of the flow of energy in a given ecosystem and explained how energy cycled through the system. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326740 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326740 Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:09:24 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:10 We are starting our soccer unit in PE, and our first skill we are working on in dribbling. The thirds graders practiced dribbling down and back, weaving in-between the cones and ended the day with a a relay race! We are starting our soccer unit in PE, and our first skill we are working on in dribbling. The thirds graders practiced dribbling down and back, weaving in-between the cones and ended the day with a a relay race! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345480 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345480 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:10:07 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:44 This week's slideshow highlights: several pics of students practicing the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices of Analyzing & Interpreting Data as well as Engaging in Argument from Evidence while sharing their ideas in front of their classes; 7th grade continued exploring Cells with a lab on Cellular Respiration; 8th grade continued exploring Forces and Motion with lab investigations on the role of imbalanced vs balanced forces on an object's direction and speed; 6th grade continued investigating the question of "Where should we store nuclear wastes?" by analyzing geologic data patterns of global earthquakes and volcanoes; 5th grade continued digging deeper into their "Solar System & Beyond" astronomy unit with a simulation on how to explain the Earth's Moon's phases; several pics and a video of students enjoying time with our classroom pet Bearded Dragon, Curtiss, and our Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem; and each class strengthened their classroom community today with cashing-in their hard-earned incentive points for displaying Decatur's 3 Core Values of "Being Present-Enduring Challenges-Taking Care of Each Other" with some SEL game time! Thanks for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: several pics of students practicing the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices of Analyzing & Interpreting Data as well as Engaging in Argument from Evidence while sharing their ideas in front of their classes; 7th grade continued exploring Cells with a lab on Cellular Respiration; 8th grade continued exploring Forces and Motion with lab investigations on the role of imbalanced vs balanced forces on an object's direction and speed; 6th grade continued investigating the question of "Where should we store nuclear wastes?" by analyzing geologic data patterns of global earthquakes and volcanoes; 5th grade continued digging deeper into their "Solar System & Beyond" astronomy unit with a simulation on how to explain the Earth's Moon's phases; several pics and a video of students enjoying time with our classroom pet Bearded Dragon, Curtiss, and our Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem; and each class strengthened their classroom community today with cashing-in their hard-earned incentive points for displaying Decatur's 3 Core Values of "Being Present-Enduring Challenges-Taking Care of Each Other" with some SEL game time! Thanks for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369688 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369688 Sun, 26 May 2024 08:03:03 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:20 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders exploring light waves as part of their "Waves" SEPUP Unit; 8th graders from my SEL class enjoying a game of football together during Tuesday's abnormally warm end to February; a few 6th graders creatively making a moving car for our class pet bearded dragon lizard, Snickers; and JHS students who are part of Decatur's "Green Team" after school club with Mrs. Koreman and me brainstorming which types of sensory plants and native pollinators would be best to plant in our school's raised garden beds this spring. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders exploring light waves as part of their "Waves" SEPUP Unit; 8th graders from my SEL class enjoying a game of football together during Tuesday's abnormally warm end to February; a few 6th graders creatively making a moving car for our class pet bearded dragon lizard, Snickers; and JHS students who are part of Decatur's "Green Team" after school club with Mrs. Koreman and me brainstorming which types of sensory plants and native pollinators would be best to plant in our school's raised garden beds this spring. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231165 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231165 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 03:11:28 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:29 A series of pictures from our 6th grade remote sensing lab, 5th grade energy flow models and Lego League coding and robot constructing. A series of pictures from our 6th grade remote sensing lab, 5th grade energy flow models and Lego League coding and robot constructing. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289579 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289579 Mon, 30 Nov 2020 04:09:07 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:16 I can't wait to meet some of you all for the first, and to see some of you after summer break! Looking forward to seeing you all! I can't wait to meet some of you all for the first, and to see some of you after summer break! Looking forward to seeing you all! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=325659 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=325659 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:09:09 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:16 Junior High students spent the first couple of weeks reconnecting with each other in the classroom while reflecting on their individual values and identities through hand self-portraits. Junior High students spent the first couple of weeks reconnecting with each other in the classroom while reflecting on their individual values and identities through hand self-portraits. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326748 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326748 Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:09:24 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:38 In Science class this week, students in grades 6-8 began their SEPUP inquiry units by becoming familiar with their textbook structure and text features of informational Science textbooks. Each grade level then began the first lessons of their prospective units: Weather and Climate for grade 6; From Cells to Organisms for grade 7; and Reproduction for grade 8. The slide show depicts a few scenes of students working in small cooperative groups, our class pet Bearded Dragon lizards, and a pic of what one 7th grade microbiologists group observed under their light microscope, an amoeba shaped as a house cat :) Thank you for checkin in with us! In Science class this week, students in grades 6-8 began their SEPUP inquiry units by becoming familiar with their textbook structure and text features of informational Science textbooks. Each grade level then began the first lessons of their prospective units: Weather and Climate for grade 6; From Cells to Organisms for grade 7; and Reproduction for grade 8. The slide show depicts a few scenes of students working in small cooperative groups, our class pet Bearded Dragon lizards, and a pic of what one 7th grade microbiologists group observed under their light microscope, an amoeba shaped as a house cat :) Thank you for checkin in with us! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=371352 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=371352 Sat, 22 Jun 2024 08:03:30 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:35 This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade class' field trip to The Plant Chicago where they learned all about pollinators as our goal is to begin the foundation of establishing pollinator gardens on our school grounds this spring; 6th grade class spent time on engineering & design through exploring wind turbine designs that maximize electricity produced from transforming wind energy into electrical and mechanical energy. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade class' field trip to The Plant Chicago where they learned all about pollinators as our goal is to begin the foundation of establishing pollinator gardens on our school grounds this spring; 6th grade class spent time on engineering & design through exploring wind turbine designs that maximize electricity produced from transforming wind energy into electrical and mechanical energy. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=371354 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=371354 Sat, 22 Jun 2024 08:03:30 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:44 This week's slideshow highlights: two 7th grade and four 8th grade students have advanced onto the IL State STEM Fair! They presented their STEM inquiry projects to judges at the CPS Citywide STEM Fair on March 15th and learned of their advancement at the awards ceremony on March 16th at Illinois Institute of Technology. Several of them also earned monetary awards as well from various CPS STEM Fair corporate and philanthropic sponsors. These students will present at the IL State STEM Fair on May 3-4 at Milliken University in Decatur, IL. Six of our 6th graders also earned golden status, the highest award given out to 6th grade students! The STEM Fair project allows students the opportunity to choose their own topic of inquiry of a real-world based problem and combine their Science, Engineering, Social Studies, Math, and Language Arts skills into one research-based scientific investigation and presentation. We are so proud of our Decatur scientists and engineers! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: two 7th grade and four 8th grade students have advanced onto the IL State STEM Fair! They presented their STEM inquiry projects to judges at the CPS Citywide STEM Fair on March 15th and learned of their advancement at the awards ceremony on March 16th at Illinois Institute of Technology. Several of them also earned monetary awards as well from various CPS STEM Fair corporate and philanthropic sponsors. These students will present at the IL State STEM Fair on May 3-4 at Milliken University in Decatur, IL. Six of our 6th graders also earned golden status, the highest award given out to 6th grade students! The STEM Fair project allows students the opportunity to choose their own topic of inquiry of a real-world based problem and combine their Science, Engineering, Social Studies, Math, and Language Arts skills into one research-based scientific investigation and presentation. We are so proud of our Decatur scientists and engineers! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=247731 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=247731 Thu, 25 Jun 2020 04:04:02 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 00:32 While learning from home, a Decatur sixth grader's responses to the question: How can we create new patterns from objects we see every day? While learning from home, a Decatur sixth grader's responses to the question: How can we create new patterns from objects we see every day? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335028 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335028 Wed, 18 May 2022 06:02:23 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:43 We created our own Wind Turbine Designs in an attempt to solve the energy issues in Ergstown We created our own Wind Turbine Designs in an attempt to solve the energy issues in Ergstown //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231337 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231337 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 03:12:03 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:11 While 3rd-6th grade get to play soccer tournaments, this is one of the games that we play in K-2nd grade. In Sideline Soccer, each student gets a number. When their number is called they go out and play a mini game of soccer. While 3rd-6th grade get to play soccer tournaments, this is one of the games that we play in K-2nd grade. In Sideline Soccer, each student gets a number. When their number is called they go out and play a mini game of soccer. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327885 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327885 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:10:12 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:10 We are towards the end of our soccer unit. grades 4-8 got to participate in a double elimination tournament. The 7th graders are shown here during their final came and there were even some cheerleaders in attendance. We are towards the end of our soccer unit. grades 4-8 got to participate in a double elimination tournament. The 7th graders are shown here during their final came and there were even some cheerleaders in attendance. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233513 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233513 Fri, 03 Apr 2020 04:01:10 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:34 The second graders had different types of model seeds that they created. They then had to investigate the best way to drop the seed (the students were the trees) so that the seeds did not land in "the zone of darkness" where they would not grow. The second graders had different types of model seeds that they created. They then had to investigate the best way to drop the seed (the students were the trees) so that the seeds did not land in "the zone of darkness" where they would not grow. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348344 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348344 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 06:12:11 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:09 This week's slideshow highlights: Several pics of 7th and 8th graders conducting the last stages of their STEM Fair Projects--testing their hypothesis and collecting-analyzing-interpreting their data; Several pics of 7th and 8th graders participating in other students' STEM Fair Project experiments as test subjects; 7th graders conducting a lab to collect evidence of plants giving off oxygen during photosynthesis in high light conditions and using oxygen during cellular respiration in low light conditions; 8th grade debating the tradeoffs of human use of plastic, aluminum, and glass for single use drink containers as part of their new unit, Chemistry of Materials; 6th graders exploring a computer simulation to investigate the different types of lithospheric plate interactions and movement as part of their Geologic Process unit; and a pic of a rare sighting of our class catfish, Leroy, in our aquatic Lake Michigan ecosystem. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: Several pics of 7th and 8th graders conducting the last stages of their STEM Fair Projects--testing their hypothesis and collecting-analyzing-interpreting their data; Several pics of 7th and 8th graders participating in other students' STEM Fair Project experiments as test subjects; 7th graders conducting a lab to collect evidence of plants giving off oxygen during photosynthesis in high light conditions and using oxygen during cellular respiration in low light conditions; 8th grade debating the tradeoffs of human use of plastic, aluminum, and glass for single use drink containers as part of their new unit, Chemistry of Materials; 6th graders exploring a computer simulation to investigate the different types of lithospheric plate interactions and movement as part of their Geologic Process unit; and a pic of a rare sighting of our class catfish, Leroy, in our aquatic Lake Michigan ecosystem. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348345 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348345 Sun, 05 Mar 2023 06:12:11 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:12 Our Decatur Lego League students participated in their Regional Tournament this Saturday at Michele Clark High School. Ms. Mendoza and I are so proud of both of our teams, The Golden Bricks and The Mini-figures! We had 22 students in total who were comprised of a mix of energetic, creative, and determined 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students! Team members learned so many skills that they will build upon as lifelong learners such as: problem-solving under pressure; gracious professionalism while learning to work as a team to complete a shared mission; computer science and engineering design practices; planning and delivering a team research-based presentation to professional engineers; and the importance of maintaining a growth mindset amidst challenges and adversity! Thank you parents for all of your support this year and we look forward to our team members continued collaboration to improve their knowledge and skills to prepare for next year! Our Decatur Lego League students participated in their Regional Tournament this Saturday at Michele Clark High School. Ms. Mendoza and I are so proud of both of our teams, The Golden Bricks and The Mini-figures! We had 22 students in total who were comprised of a mix of energetic, creative, and determined 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students! Team members learned so many skills that they will build upon as lifelong learners such as: problem-solving under pressure; gracious professionalism while learning to work as a team to complete a shared mission; computer science and engineering design practices; planning and delivering a team research-based presentation to professional engineers; and the importance of maintaining a growth mindset amidst challenges and adversity! Thank you parents for all of your support this year and we look forward to our team members continued collaboration to improve their knowledge and skills to prepare for next year! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349436 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349436 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:01:13 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:14 All throughout the week we were discussing goal setting. So, we ended the week with this fun vision board project. Thank you to all the families who contributed magazines. All throughout the week we were discussing goal setting. So, we ended the week with this fun vision board project. Thank you to all the families who contributed magazines. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301015 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301015 Wed, 10 Feb 2021 04:11:18 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:22 This week, 5th-7th graders create the longest strip of paper they could using only a 6'' paper plate! They also designed roller coasters using paper plates and index cards. Meanwhile, 4th grade designed flipbooks. Check out their designs and be inspired to create a design of your own! This week, 5th-7th graders create the longest strip of paper they could using only a 6'' paper plate! They also designed roller coasters using paper plates and index cards. Meanwhile, 4th grade designed flipbooks. Check out their designs and be inspired to create a design of your own! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289322 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289322 Fri, 27 Nov 2020 04:09:04 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:05 I can’t wait to hear updates on how you are doing and learn about any fun creations you have been able to make during the summer! In the meantime, get pumped up for Makerspace by checking out this video! Looking forward to seeing you soon! I can’t wait to hear updates on how you are doing and learn about any fun creations you have been able to make during the summer! In the meantime, get pumped up for Makerspace by checking out this video! Looking forward to seeing you soon! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301014 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301014 Wed, 10 Feb 2021 04:11:18 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:22 This past week, students in 5th-7th worked on designing the longest strip possible using only a 6'' paper plate! They also designed roller coasters using paper plates and index cards. Meanwhile, 4th grade designed flipbooks. Check out their designs here and be inspired to create a design of your own! :) This past week, students in 5th-7th worked on designing the longest strip possible using only a 6'' paper plate! They also designed roller coasters using paper plates and index cards. Meanwhile, 4th grade designed flipbooks. Check out their designs here and be inspired to create a design of your own! :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382649 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382649 Fri, 09 May 2025 09:02:14 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 1:11 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382667 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382667 Mon, 12 May 2025 09:02:17 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:40 This weeks's slideshow highlights: JHS students enjoying their winter dance; 7th grade students making valentines with their 2nd grade buddies from Mrs. Khatoon's class; 8th grade students investigating molecular structures and functions, as well as making polymers in their "Chemistry of Materials SEPUP Unit; 6th grade classes conducting two hands-on experiments, one to show how yeasts cells are alive by undergoing cellular respiration as part of their "From Cells to Organisms" SEPUP Unit, and another to explore the pH levels of various at home products (kitchen science); thank you for checking in with us this week:) This weeks's slideshow highlights: JHS students enjoying their winter dance; 7th grade students making valentines with their 2nd grade buddies from Mrs. Khatoon's class; 8th grade students investigating molecular structures and functions, as well as making polymers in their "Chemistry of Materials SEPUP Unit; 6th grade classes conducting two hands-on experiments, one to show how yeasts cells are alive by undergoing cellular respiration as part of their "From Cells to Organisms" SEPUP Unit, and another to explore the pH levels of various at home products (kitchen science); thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299112 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299112 Tue, 26 Jan 2021 04:11:03 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:20 After experimenting with wrapping cardboard shapes & initials with yarn, students were challenged to create their own free choice design as long as the design contained yarn. This 6th grader designed a small box to carry a toy up and down the stairs. You won't want to miss this innovative design! She even included a seat belt! Enjoy! After experimenting with wrapping cardboard shapes & initials with yarn, students were challenged to create their own free choice design as long as the design contained yarn. This 6th grader designed a small box to carry a toy up and down the stairs. You won't want to miss this innovative design! She even included a seat belt! Enjoy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231101 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231101 Tue, 18 Feb 2020 03:11:26 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:27 The sixth graders have been working hard to refresh their tap dance skills this school year! It's been a lot of fun reviewing the tap vocabulary that students learned years ago and use it in a new way. We have also looked at tap dance history in the U.S. and how it evolved over time. Some tap dancers we connected with are The Nicolas Brothers, Savion Glover, and Syncopated Ladies. The sixth graders have been working hard to refresh their tap dance skills this school year! It's been a lot of fun reviewing the tap vocabulary that students learned years ago and use it in a new way. We have also looked at tap dance history in the U.S. and how it evolved over time. Some tap dancers we connected with are The Nicolas Brothers, Savion Glover, and Syncopated Ladies. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346395 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346395 Fri, 20 Jan 2023 06:10:28 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:13 With Oktoberfest right around the corner, the middle schoolers have been practicing their Crab Soccer skills before the big showdown next week! With Oktoberfest right around the corner, the middle schoolers have been practicing their Crab Soccer skills before the big showdown next week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349424 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349424 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:01:13 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:18 Students used science and social studies books from our classroom library to locate 5 text features in these nonfiction books such as: title, heading, map, index, glossary..etc Students used science and social studies books from our classroom library to locate 5 text features in these nonfiction books such as: title, heading, map, index, glossary..etc //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349425 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349425 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:01:13 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:20 We are talking with our partner about what happens when a product he comes scarce. We are talking with our partner about what happens when a product he comes scarce. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382419 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382419 Sat, 03 May 2025 09:02:08 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:13 This week's slideshow highlights: Dr. Chris Risley, an immunologist from the University of Alabama-Birmingham spoke virtually to our 6th grade classes as it relates to their current SEPUP Unit, "From Cells to Organisms". Dr. Risley is a brother-in-law of Mr. Goldner, Decatur 3rd grade teacher, and he shared his experiences of doing cutting-edge research in virology towards continually developing more current flu vaccines; Another guest speaker, Sage Rossman, an ecologist working for Urban Rivers in Chicago, presented to students in science class on the work Urban Rivers, as well as many volunteer citizen scientists, do to improve the water quality and ecosystems of and along the Chicago River--our 8th grade class is working with Urban Rivers to design, build, and then install their own aquatic and terrestrial animal habitats at "The Wild Mile" ecopark on the Chicago River; several shots of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students leading class discussions based upon the data they collected during cooperative group experiments, as well as students conducting said group experiments in biology, physics, and chemistry. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: Dr. Chris Risley, an immunologist from the University of Alabama-Birmingham spoke virtually to our 6th grade classes as it relates to their current SEPUP Unit, "From Cells to Organisms". Dr. Risley is a brother-in-law of Mr. Goldner, Decatur 3rd grade teacher, and he shared his experiences of doing cutting-edge research in virology towards continually developing more current flu vaccines; Another guest speaker, Sage Rossman, an ecologist working for Urban Rivers in Chicago, presented to students in science class on the work Urban Rivers, as well as many volunteer citizen scientists, do to improve the water quality and ecosystems of and along the Chicago River--our 8th grade class is working with Urban Rivers to design, build, and then install their own aquatic and terrestrial animal habitats at "The Wild Mile" ecopark on the Chicago River; several shots of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students leading class discussions based upon the data they collected during cooperative group experiments, as well as students conducting said group experiments in biology, physics, and chemistry. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299592 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299592 Sat, 30 Jan 2021 04:11:07 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 4:53 Want to make a multiplication properties flip book at home? Check out this video to get started! Want to make a multiplication properties flip book at home? Check out this video to get started! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=227089 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=227089 Tue, 07 Jan 2020 03:10:15 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:28 We had our first 30 minute recess rehearsal this week and began working on a new melody and 3 mallet harmony part! We had our first 30 minute recess rehearsal this week and began working on a new melody and 3 mallet harmony part! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379266 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379266 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:10:31 PST Sidra Khatoon Sidra Khatoon 1:27 Second Graders had an AMAZING day! Our wonderful room parents were able to obtain a personalize video from James Phelps who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter series, to pump up Second Graders! Thanks 104 Families! Second Graders had an AMAZING day! Our wonderful room parents were able to obtain a personalize video from James Phelps who played Fred Weasley in the Harry Potter series, to pump up Second Graders! Thanks 104 Families! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236807 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236807 Thu, 14 May 2020 04:02:20 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:25 The second grade students used cubes to help model different fraction problems. We had a lot of fun sharing the different models! The second grade students used cubes to help model different fraction problems. We had a lot of fun sharing the different models! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379265 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379265 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:10:31 PST Sidra Khatoon Sidra Khatoon 1:05 Second Graders had an AMAZING day! Our wonderful room parents were able to personalize a video from Bonnie Wright who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter series, to pump up Second Graders! Thanks 104 Families! Second Graders had an AMAZING day! Our wonderful room parents were able to personalize a video from Bonnie Wright who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter series, to pump up Second Graders! Thanks 104 Families! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234628 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234628 Sat, 18 Apr 2020 04:01:25 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:11 5th grade students constructing mini-museum exhibits to highlight the achievements and impact of female leaders in Ancient Egypt. 5th grade students constructing mini-museum exhibits to highlight the achievements and impact of female leaders in Ancient Egypt. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348560 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348560 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 06:12:15 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:19 I got to take a visit to the dance room and see this wonderful group of students working on their dance routine. I got to take a visit to the dance room and see this wonderful group of students working on their dance routine. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367077 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367077 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:01:16 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:31 This slideshow highlights 6th-8th grade students presenting their chosen individual or partner inquiry STEM Fair Projects to volunteer judges at our JHS STEM Fair last Thursday. The judges were so impressed with each presentation and while working in teams using the CPS STEM Fair Rubric they helped narrow down who are our 5 sixth grade finalists and 5 combined 7th-8th grade finalists who will now advance onto CPS Network 2 Regional STEM Fair. Our finalists this year are: Saliha & Sriya, Maja, Zoe, Raaga, Aaron & Johaan, Adrian, Maizie, Clare & Neil, Elliot, and Sienna! Congratulations and best of luck as you represent Decatur at CPS Regional STEM Fair! This slideshow highlights 6th-8th grade students presenting their chosen individual or partner inquiry STEM Fair Projects to volunteer judges at our JHS STEM Fair last Thursday. The judges were so impressed with each presentation and while working in teams using the CPS STEM Fair Rubric they helped narrow down who are our 5 sixth grade finalists and 5 combined 7th-8th grade finalists who will now advance onto CPS Network 2 Regional STEM Fair. Our finalists this year are: Saliha & Sriya, Maja, Zoe, Raaga, Aaron & Johaan, Adrian, Maizie, Clare & Neil, Elliot, and Sienna! Congratulations and best of luck as you represent Decatur at CPS Regional STEM Fair! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367078 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367078 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:01:16 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:02 Congratulations to both of our Decatur Classical First Robotics Lego League Teams, Pedal to the Plastic & Brainstorms, who competed at the Chicago McKinley Lego Sectional Tournament this past Sunday! Each team, made up of 16 total students from grades 5-8: shined at the tournament; both teams received special awards at our regional and sectional tournaments; and Brainstorms was one of only 5 teams out of 18 at the Sectional Tournament who advanced onto the IL State Tournament on February 17th at Elgin Community College. Ms. Petropoulos and I couldn't be prouder of all of our team members this year, who set Decatur school records that allowed both or our teams to compete in last Sunday's sectional tournament! Thank you to all of our team members' parents, Mr. Bashir, and you for checking out our slideshow:) Congratulations to both of our Decatur Classical First Robotics Lego League Teams, Pedal to the Plastic & Brainstorms, who competed at the Chicago McKinley Lego Sectional Tournament this past Sunday! Each team, made up of 16 total students from grades 5-8: shined at the tournament; both teams received special awards at our regional and sectional tournaments; and Brainstorms was one of only 5 teams out of 18 at the Sectional Tournament who advanced onto the IL State Tournament on February 17th at Elgin Community College. Ms. Petropoulos and I couldn't be prouder of all of our team members this year, who set Decatur school records that allowed both or our teams to compete in last Sunday's sectional tournament! Thank you to all of our team members' parents, Mr. Bashir, and you for checking out our slideshow:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=302368 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=302368 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 04:12:04 PST Eliza Kim Eliza Kim 00:12 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333060 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333060 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 06:01:22 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:46 We have a new tool in Makerspace! 7th & 8th graders have begun experimenting with our new 3D Laser Printer. What is a 3D laser printer? Checkout the video to see how it works and to see our keychain testing designs. Can't wait to experiment with more designs! Stay tuned! We have a new tool in Makerspace! 7th & 8th graders have begun experimenting with our new 3D Laser Printer. What is a 3D laser printer? Checkout the video to see how it works and to see our keychain testing designs. Can't wait to experiment with more designs! Stay tuned! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362856 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362856 Tue, 02 Jan 2024 07:10:10 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 3:57 5th grade students ended their drumming and percussion unit by creating complementary rhythm compositions in small groups. Check out one class's final performance here! 5th grade students ended their drumming and percussion unit by creating complementary rhythm compositions in small groups. Check out one class's final performance here! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381594 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381594 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:01:14 PDT Jess Park Jess Park 00:21 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381593 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381593 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:01:14 PDT Jess Park Jess Park 00:24 With the winter show right around the corner, JHS is busy cooking in the classroom! With the winter show right around the corner, JHS is busy cooking in the classroom! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337435 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337435 Sat, 25 Jun 2022 06:04:02 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:56 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders reviewing for their Earth's Resources SEPUP Unit final exam by playing classroom Jeopardy; I am so proud of our 7th grade class-there are a couple of pics showing them working together to sort food and hygiene items that they and their families donated for this year's annual Student Council Food Drive; 8th graders exploring electromagnetism by testing out their own electromagnets; a 6th grade student and I in a pic of "Reverse Day" as part of Decatur Spirit Week where teachers dressed like students and students like teachers; and last but not least, there are several pics showing our JHS students having so much FUN participating in several friendly competitive events as part of our "March Madness" community-builder! Thank you for checking in this week! This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders reviewing for their Earth's Resources SEPUP Unit final exam by playing classroom Jeopardy; I am so proud of our 7th grade class-there are a couple of pics showing them working together to sort food and hygiene items that they and their families donated for this year's annual Student Council Food Drive; 8th graders exploring electromagnetism by testing out their own electromagnets; a 6th grade student and I in a pic of "Reverse Day" as part of Decatur Spirit Week where teachers dressed like students and students like teachers; and last but not least, there are several pics showing our JHS students having so much FUN participating in several friendly competitive events as part of our "March Madness" community-builder! Thank you for checking in this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360439 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360439 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 07:09:04 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:25 This week's slideshow depicts: all classes participated in a new team challenged based on the vintage Atari video game , "Pitfall Harry", where teams had small stepping mats and hulahoops to mimic rafts that they they used to travel across alligator infested waters; 6th grade also got their chance with the PVC Pipe Challenge; there are a couple of pics of students getting our class ecosystems ready (my 7th grade homeroom class named our new baby bearded dragon, Snickers); and my 8th grade SEL/Advisory class, Ms. Sharping's homeroom 1013, established norms this week for conducting advisory period as they practiced "Turn and Talk to Your Partner vs Whole Group Sharing" on topics where they continued to build community by getting to know each other better. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow depicts: all classes participated in a new team challenged based on the vintage Atari video game , "Pitfall Harry", where teams had small stepping mats and hulahoops to mimic rafts that they they used to travel across alligator infested waters; 6th grade also got their chance with the PVC Pipe Challenge; there are a couple of pics of students getting our class ecosystems ready (my 7th grade homeroom class named our new baby bearded dragon, Snickers); and my 8th grade SEL/Advisory class, Ms. Sharping's homeroom 1013, established norms this week for conducting advisory period as they practiced "Turn and Talk to Your Partner vs Whole Group Sharing" on topics where they continued to build community by getting to know each other better. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232458 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232458 Mon, 09 Mar 2020 03:12:16 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:49 Students trying to send a binary code message across the room to their partners using different strategies Students trying to send a binary code message across the room to their partners using different strategies //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231129 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231129 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 03:11:27 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:27 1st grade students are playing and improvising on xylophones and they are exploring many instruments through seasonal games. Choir students help to organize music. 4th graders are practicing their aabc form compositions. 6th grade students are practicing their class-created arrangements of Liberian folk songs. 1st grade students are playing and improvising on xylophones and they are exploring many instruments through seasonal games. Choir students help to organize music. 4th graders are practicing their aabc form compositions. 6th grade students are practicing their class-created arrangements of Liberian folk songs. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362854 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362854 Tue, 02 Jan 2024 07:10:10 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:19 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=210205 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=210205 Sat, 25 May 2019 03:03:02 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:26 6th graders test their robots to remove hazardous materials (blocks) from a disaster site. 6th graders test their robots to remove hazardous materials (blocks) from a disaster site. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234633 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234633 Sat, 18 Apr 2020 04:01:25 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:23 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=324122 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=324122 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:08:25 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:30 If you are looking for something to do as only have a few days left to our summer break, try to get outside and explore science outdoors! Looking forward to seeing you all again next week as we resume school and meeting those of you who are new to Decatur! If you are looking for something to do as only have a few days left to our summer break, try to get outside and explore science outdoors! Looking forward to seeing you all again next week as we resume school and meeting those of you who are new to Decatur! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234634 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234634 Sat, 18 Apr 2020 04:01:25 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:15 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360430 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360430 Sat, 25 Nov 2023 07:09:02 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:09 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367065 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367065 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:01:16 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:58 The weeks before and right after winter break highlights: Grade 8 students exploring sound waves as part of their SEPUP Waves Inquiry Unit; 7th graders making greeting cards for the entire Decatur staff; 6th-8th graders conducting an experiment called "Can you taste the difference" where they collected class data on how much they could actually identify the difference in various types of bottled water vs tap water (the data revealed that overall people can not really taste the difference yet spend billions of $ on plastic bottles that often end up in our oceans, lakes, and rivers; and a sighting of our class pet bearded dragon, Snickers! Thank you for checkin in with us this week:) The weeks before and right after winter break highlights: Grade 8 students exploring sound waves as part of their SEPUP Waves Inquiry Unit; 7th graders making greeting cards for the entire Decatur staff; 6th-8th graders conducting an experiment called "Can you taste the difference" where they collected class data on how much they could actually identify the difference in various types of bottled water vs tap water (the data revealed that overall people can not really taste the difference yet spend billions of $ on plastic bottles that often end up in our oceans, lakes, and rivers; and a sighting of our class pet bearded dragon, Snickers! Thank you for checkin in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352810 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352810 Sun, 18 Jun 2023 07:03:26 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:16 This week's slideshow highlights: pics of our 5 Decatur JHS students who each made it to CPS Citywide STEM Fair (Congratulations to 8th graders Francesca and Lucy and 7th graders Clare, Elliot, and Sienna who represented Decatur with grace), and then Elliot, Sienna, and Francesca, who each are advancing onto IL State STEM Fair, which will be held at SIU Carbondale in late April); pics of 8th grade exploring their new SEPUP unit on Waves; 5th graders wrapped up their unit on "Weather & Climate" and will move into exploring "Energy"; and 7th graders continued exploring genetics as part of their SEPUP unit on "Reproduction" along with pics of them gearing up for next week's JHS March Madness by working together to create table top basketball hoops. This week's slideshow highlights: pics of our 5 Decatur JHS students who each made it to CPS Citywide STEM Fair (Congratulations to 8th graders Francesca and Lucy and 7th graders Clare, Elliot, and Sienna who represented Decatur with grace), and then Elliot, Sienna, and Francesca, who each are advancing onto IL State STEM Fair, which will be held at SIU Carbondale in late April); pics of 8th grade exploring their new SEPUP unit on Waves; 5th graders wrapped up their unit on "Weather & Climate" and will move into exploring "Energy"; and 7th graders continued exploring genetics as part of their SEPUP unit on "Reproduction" along with pics of them gearing up for next week's JHS March Madness by working together to create table top basketball hoops. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301026 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301026 Wed, 10 Feb 2021 04:11:18 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:49 Students in 6th and 7th grade were asked to research current or past election data, given some resources, and create a unique visual representation of that data. Feel free to pause and linger on some of the images, I was blown away by some of the students' work! Students in 6th and 7th grade were asked to research current or past election data, given some resources, and create a unique visual representation of that data. Feel free to pause and linger on some of the images, I was blown away by some of the students' work! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=267521 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=267521 Fri, 07 Aug 2020 04:05:15 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 3:22 In our unit on redesigning toilets, students learned about how siphons are used in toilets and created their own siphons. Check it out! In our unit on redesigning toilets, students learned about how siphons are used in toilets and created their own siphons. Check it out! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383941 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383941 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:03:24 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:16 On a rare occasion there are other events that need to use the PE space during our class. We talk about working together as a community and how in order to care for each other sometimes we make sacrifices for the good of others. Additionally, we get the opportunity to practice winning and losing playing a game called Lucky Duck. It is a series of mini competitions involving dice, coins, cards and rock paper scissors. Students compete and work to get rid of all their popsicle sticks (if you win you give up your stick). On a rare occasion there are other events that need to use the PE space during our class. We talk about working together as a community and how in order to care for each other sometimes we make sacrifices for the good of others. Additionally, we get the opportunity to practice winning and losing playing a game called Lucky Duck. It is a series of mini competitions involving dice, coins, cards and rock paper scissors. Students compete and work to get rid of all their popsicle sticks (if you win you give up your stick). //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383943 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383943 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:03:24 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:22 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359835 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359835 Sat, 18 Nov 2023 07:08:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:44 Students worked with collaborative teams to solve a series of challenges with hula hoops involving making hula huts. They practiced communication, problem solving and strategy. Students worked with collaborative teams to solve a series of challenges with hula hoops involving making hula huts. They practiced communication, problem solving and strategy. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320132 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320132 Sat, 28 Aug 2021 05:06:05 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:35 Students are working on creating their own personal narratives where they take a moment in their lives and bring it to life for their reader. Students are working on creating their own personal narratives where they take a moment in their lives and bring it to life for their reader. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388154 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388154 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:08:25 PST Martha Torres Martha Torres 00:21 1011 getting to know one another through their emoji gallery walk on the first week of school! (2025-2026 school year) 1011 getting to know one another through their emoji gallery walk on the first week of school! (2025-2026 school year) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330172 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330172 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:11:17 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 1:13 From body percussion, drumming, xylophones and more our students have been creating and performing music with each other this fall. We are composers, musicians, and performers and we can express ourselves through music. From body percussion, drumming, xylophones and more our students have been creating and performing music with each other this fall. We are composers, musicians, and performers and we can express ourselves through music. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231304 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231304 Mon, 24 Feb 2020 03:12:02 PST Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 00:35 Fourth-grade students are creating miniature clay figurines of their design after studying Pre-Columbian art. Fourth-grade students are creating miniature clay figurines of their design after studying Pre-Columbian art. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226194 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226194 Sat, 28 Dec 2019 03:10:05 PST Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:49 4th graders work hard in groups to respond to text dependent prompts and then help provide constructive criticism to their classmates to help improve their responses! 4th graders work hard in groups to respond to text dependent prompts and then help provide constructive criticism to their classmates to help improve their responses! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=391326 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=391326 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:12:10 PST Jennifer Liberman Jennifer Liberman 00:15 Thank you so much to Ivan's Mom, Miranda, for coming in and teaching our first graders all about traditions from Switzerland and reading this funny book in German! Thank you so much to Ivan's Mom, Miranda, for coming in and teaching our first graders all about traditions from Switzerland and reading this funny book in German! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313613 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313613 Wed, 16 Jun 2021 05:03:24 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 2:01 7th Graders participated in a mock trial this week to determine if Mr. Rainsford was guilty of murdering General Zaroff. Check out this short clip of a member of the defense team presenting her evidence and a member of the prosecution presenting his rebuttal to her argument! 7th Graders participated in a mock trial this week to determine if Mr. Rainsford was guilty of murdering General Zaroff. Check out this short clip of a member of the defense team presenting her evidence and a member of the prosecution presenting his rebuttal to her argument! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=230227 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=230227 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 03:11:16 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:37 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330153 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330153 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:11:17 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 3:45 We've been hitting our stride in Makerspace these past few weeks. Students have been persevering in class regardless of the design challenge coming their way. Design a pencil box? No problem. Present your work to the class? Sure thing! Design a monster by staying under budget with materials used? Piece of cake. It's been amazing to see students' curiosity even when exploring Makerspace stations. Rarely are two projects ever alike. Enjoy! We've been hitting our stride in Makerspace these past few weeks. Students have been persevering in class regardless of the design challenge coming their way. Design a pencil box? No problem. Present your work to the class? Sure thing! Design a monster by staying under budget with materials used? Piece of cake. It's been amazing to see students' curiosity even when exploring Makerspace stations. Rarely are two projects ever alike. Enjoy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232403 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232403 Mon, 09 Mar 2020 03:12:16 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:53 4th graders created an obstacle course and wrote a code to get a classmate from a start point to an end point around the room. One 4th grader, shown here, is being given directions to get from the rug to the pickup an iPad and back to his seat. Lookout for the 'bugs' in the code that students corrected towards the end of the course. Great job guys! 4th graders created an obstacle course and wrote a code to get a classmate from a start point to an end point around the room. One 4th grader, shown here, is being given directions to get from the rug to the pickup an iPad and back to his seat. Lookout for the 'bugs' in the code that students corrected towards the end of the course. Great job guys! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=230220 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=230220 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 03:11:15 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:22 Students created their own straw reeds in order to explore how sounds can be different from each other. We noticed that the shorter the straw the higher the pitch of the reed. Students created their own straw reeds in order to explore how sounds can be different from each other. We noticed that the shorter the straw the higher the pitch of the reed. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232883 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232883 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:12:20 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:20 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232885 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232885 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:12:20 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:23 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367675 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367675 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:01:26 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:08 7th Graders worked with their buddies on a goal-setting activity for the New Year, as this was their first experience together after winter break. So much fun! 7th Graders worked with their buddies on a goal-setting activity for the New Year, as this was their first experience together after winter break. So much fun! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232881 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232881 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:12:20 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313859 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313859 Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:03:26 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:34 7th graders created I Am Poems from the perspective of the main character, Rainsford, from our short story, "The Most Dangerous Game" 7th graders created I Am Poems from the perspective of the main character, Rainsford, from our short story, "The Most Dangerous Game" //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389260 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389260 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:09:30 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:19 Students following the leader video while I can go around to give feedback and encouragement Students following the leader video while I can go around to give feedback and encouragement //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346746 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346746 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:11:04 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:17 The students did a scoot around the room to build words with word families: -at,-ay, -all, -ake, -eat and -ad. The students did a scoot around the room to build words with word families: -at,-ay, -all, -ake, -eat and -ad. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264684 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264684 Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:05:08 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:39 Students created nonstandard measuring units using items around the house, let's see what they came up with... Students created nonstandard measuring units using items around the house, let's see what they came up with... //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352171 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352171 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:03:12 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:50 Students created their own simple systems using solar panels, alligator clips, a motor and fan and a light source to make the fan turn. Students created their own simple systems using solar panels, alligator clips, a motor and fan and a light source to make the fan turn. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=274012 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=274012 Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:06:16 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 1:27 Decatur's 4th and 5th grade students participated in a found drumset challenge! Click on the video to see a few of their creative ideas of how to recreate each sound on the instrument. Decatur's 4th and 5th grade students participated in a found drumset challenge! Click on the video to see a few of their creative ideas of how to recreate each sound on the instrument. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352173 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352173 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:03:12 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 1:04 A few of the pinball machines students made by collaborating with their tablemates! A few of the pinball machines students made by collaborating with their tablemates! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352172 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352172 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:03:12 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 Students were given a series of materials and came up with creative ways to make wood blocks move to help them begin to think about force and motion that will be the focus of our new unit Students were given a series of materials and came up with creative ways to make wood blocks move to help them begin to think about force and motion that will be the focus of our new unit //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264690 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264690 Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:05:08 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:39 This week students created a nonstandard unit of measurement using items around the house, let's see what they came up with... This week students created a nonstandard unit of measurement using items around the house, let's see what they came up with... //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231321 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231321 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 03:12:03 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:20 Last week we started our Soccer Tournament. The students get broken up into 6 teams, and play a double elimination tournament. Grades 3-6 get to participate in the tournaments, while K-2 play smaller lead up games. Last week we started our Soccer Tournament. The students get broken up into 6 teams, and play a double elimination tournament. Grades 3-6 get to participate in the tournaments, while K-2 play smaller lead up games. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341059 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341059 Sat, 03 Sep 2022 06:06:11 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:52 A special thank you to Decatur parent, Ms. Karen Bucher, who visited our 7th grade Science class to present on her exciting STEAM career, which happens to coincide with our 7th grade class' exploration of biological sciences this year, and recent Bullfrog Dissection Project. Ms. Bucher shared with our class her passion and background for both Art and STEM, which led her to her career as a medical illustrator for the Journal of The American Medical Association, as well as Professor of surgical illustration at UIC's Biomedical Visualization Graduate Program! A special thank you to Decatur parent, Ms. Karen Bucher, who visited our 7th grade Science class to present on her exciting STEAM career, which happens to coincide with our 7th grade class' exploration of biological sciences this year, and recent Bullfrog Dissection Project. Ms. Bucher shared with our class her passion and background for both Art and STEM, which led her to her career as a medical illustrator for the Journal of The American Medical Association, as well as Professor of surgical illustration at UIC's Biomedical Visualization Graduate Program! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341058 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341058 Sat, 03 Sep 2022 06:06:11 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:53 This slideshow highlights our 6th grade class from Room 103 presenting their Energy Fair Projects at our First Ever Decatur Classical Energy Fair! Students worked in cooperative groups to showcase their research and models on various forms of energy and how we can use renewable energy sources to meet all of our energy needs and make our world more sustainable for the future! A special thank you to Decatur Parent, Ms. Megan Zack, Associate Partner and Director of Sustainability for Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, which specializes in innovative green building technologies, and also Ms. Liz Wimmer, Program Manager for Illinois Green Alliance, who took time out of their days to also present at our Decatur Energy Fair! This slideshow highlights our 6th grade class from Room 103 presenting their Energy Fair Projects at our First Ever Decatur Classical Energy Fair! Students worked in cooperative groups to showcase their research and models on various forms of energy and how we can use renewable energy sources to meet all of our energy needs and make our world more sustainable for the future! A special thank you to Decatur Parent, Ms. Megan Zack, Associate Partner and Director of Sustainability for Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, which specializes in innovative green building technologies, and also Ms. Liz Wimmer, Program Manager for Illinois Green Alliance, who took time out of their days to also present at our Decatur Energy Fair! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389277 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389277 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:09:30 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:31 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341057 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=341057 Sat, 03 Sep 2022 06:06:11 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:48 This slideshow highlights our 6th grade class from Room 114 presenting their Energy Fair Projects at our First Ever Decatur Classical Energy Fair! Students worked in cooperative groups to showcase their research and models on various forms of energy and how we can use renewable energy sources to meet all of our energy needs and make our world more sustainable for the future! A special thank you to Decatur Parent, Ms. Megan Zack, Associate Partner and Director of Sustainability for Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, which specializes in innovative green building technologies, and also Ms. Liz Wimmer, Program Manager for Illinois Green Alliance, who took time out of their days to also present at our Decatur Energy Fair! This slideshow highlights our 6th grade class from Room 114 presenting their Energy Fair Projects at our First Ever Decatur Classical Energy Fair! Students worked in cooperative groups to showcase their research and models on various forms of energy and how we can use renewable energy sources to meet all of our energy needs and make our world more sustainable for the future! A special thank you to Decatur Parent, Ms. Megan Zack, Associate Partner and Director of Sustainability for Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, which specializes in innovative green building technologies, and also Ms. Liz Wimmer, Program Manager for Illinois Green Alliance, who took time out of their days to also present at our Decatur Energy Fair! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232890 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232890 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:12:20 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:31 Students in Jr. Middle School were able to participate in this month's incentive, Winterfest. Students participated in several events, showcasing their sportsmanship and excitement for fun! Go Team Red! Students in Jr. Middle School were able to participate in this month's incentive, Winterfest. Students participated in several events, showcasing their sportsmanship and excitement for fun! Go Team Red! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=298207 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=298207 Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:10:27 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:25 As part of their assessment for our unit on Rigid Transformations, students in 7th grade created Tessellations using paper and markers from their supply bins. As part of their assessment for our unit on Rigid Transformations, students in 7th grade created Tessellations using paper and markers from their supply bins. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328088 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328088 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:10:15 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:37 Students had fun designing pencil cases this week in Makerspace. Agreeing on a group plan was tricky at first, but it was great to see how students combined their ideas together to make their design. One group even managed to create one pencil case with three different ways to close it! Students in 1st grade were even able to explore Makerspace stations this week, figuring out how to manipulate their manipulatives to create the design they wanted. What an exciting week! Students had fun designing pencil cases this week in Makerspace. Agreeing on a group plan was tricky at first, but it was great to see how students combined their ideas together to make their design. One group even managed to create one pencil case with three different ways to close it! Students in 1st grade were even able to explore Makerspace stations this week, figuring out how to manipulate their manipulatives to create the design they wanted. What an exciting week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=298208 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=298208 Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:10:27 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:25 As part of their assessment for a unit on Rigid Transformations, 7th graders created Tessellations by hand and submitted pictures of their work. As part of their assessment for a unit on Rigid Transformations, 7th graders created Tessellations by hand and submitted pictures of their work. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345645 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345645 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 06:10:12 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 This week students learned more about animal traits and used this to compare different birds. After looking at several birds we also listened to their singing and calls to decide whether they were songbirds or not. In the activity students stood up if they thought it was a songbird after hearing the sound of each bird. This week students learned more about animal traits and used this to compare different birds. After looking at several birds we also listened to their singing and calls to decide whether they were songbirds or not. In the activity students stood up if they thought it was a songbird after hearing the sound of each bird. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389276 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389276 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:09:30 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:11 Each week students work on different fitness activities to help expose them to different ways they can be moving their body for the rest of their lives. Students jogged laps and then learned some new exercises through FitDeck cards. Each week students work on different fitness activities to help expose them to different ways they can be moving their body for the rest of their lives. Students jogged laps and then learned some new exercises through FitDeck cards. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345644 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345644 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 06:10:12 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:19 Students have been learning about order of operations in math and as a way for students to demonstrate their understanding they work with their group to create an anchor chart poster that explains what the order of operations are, how to use and and example of the steps being used in a problem of their choice. Students have been learning about order of operations in math and as a way for students to demonstrate their understanding they work with their group to create an anchor chart poster that explains what the order of operations are, how to use and and example of the steps being used in a problem of their choice. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389274 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389274 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:09:30 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:28 Students dribbled their ball around and tried to avoid getting their ball stolen by the "sharks." If the ball was stolen, the player becomes a shark and keeps going. Students dribbled their ball around and tried to avoid getting their ball stolen by the "sharks." If the ball was stolen, the player becomes a shark and keeps going. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389273 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389273 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:09:30 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:16 Students worked in groups to dribble down to the cone and back Students worked in groups to dribble down to the cone and back //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346738 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346738 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:11:03 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:35 Students engaged in an investigation with a Mystery Box where they considered what animals need to find their food and imagined that what was in the box was their food. They looked inside of the box to see that it was not possible to see if there is no light and then talked with their groups to decide what changes could be made to allow someone to see inside the box and came to the conclusion that light is needed to see inside the box. Students engaged in an investigation with a Mystery Box where they considered what animals need to find their food and imagined that what was in the box was their food. They looked inside of the box to see that it was not possible to see if there is no light and then talked with their groups to decide what changes could be made to allow someone to see inside the box and came to the conclusion that light is needed to see inside the box. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346737 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346737 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:11:03 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:08 Students went around the room and responded for themselves on nine different traits including things like eye color, hair color, hair texture, dimples, etc. From their responses the class created bar graphs to analyze the data within our classroom and show the variations within a trait. Students went around the room and responded for themselves on nine different traits including things like eye color, hair color, hair texture, dimples, etc. From their responses the class created bar graphs to analyze the data within our classroom and show the variations within a trait. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318290 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318290 Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:05:17 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 9:57 Decatur partnered with the CSO this year to create an arts integrated unit based on music, art, and emotion. Ms. Koreman and Ms. Schmittle worked with 2nd and 6th grade students to create this project. COMING SOON will be a page on our website dedicated to ALL the incredible projects. 6th grade students are currently working to curate this page. Way to go Decatur students! Decatur partnered with the CSO this year to create an arts integrated unit based on music, art, and emotion. Ms. Koreman and Ms. Schmittle worked with 2nd and 6th grade students to create this project. COMING SOON will be a page on our website dedicated to ALL the incredible projects. 6th grade students are currently working to curate this page. Way to go Decatur students! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264692 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=264692 Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:05:08 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:39 This week students created nonstandard units of measurement using items located around the house, let's see what they came up with... This week students created nonstandard units of measurement using items located around the house, let's see what they came up with... //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354598 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354598 Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:05:06 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:20 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=312303 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=312303 Thu, 03 Jun 2021 05:03:11 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:05 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232827 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232827 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:12:20 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:40 Second graders start almost every math class with a target number of the day. They have different activity mats in which they practice decomposing the number. They are now building a portfolio of all of their work on the app, Doceri. They are doing an amazing job thinking about numbers! Second graders start almost every math class with a target number of the day. They have different activity mats in which they practice decomposing the number. They are now building a portfolio of all of their work on the app, Doceri. They are doing an amazing job thinking about numbers! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334574 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334574 Tue, 10 May 2022 06:02:15 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:01 6th and 7th grade classes used our Gallery Walk activity to review primary resources for each of our units of study. 6th looked at various resources from maps and first hand accounts bearing witness to the tragedies of the Holocaust. 7th graders looked at resources analyzing slavery as an institution of power. 6th and 7th grade classes used our Gallery Walk activity to review primary resources for each of our units of study. 6th looked at various resources from maps and first hand accounts bearing witness to the tragedies of the Holocaust. 7th graders looked at resources analyzing slavery as an institution of power. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334575 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334575 Tue, 10 May 2022 06:02:15 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:46 8th graders simulated Supreme Court proceedings for the 1968 case of Tinker v. Des Moines. Students played the roles of the justices, as well as the attorneys arguing each side of the case. Students developed questions for each set of attorneys, while attorneys crafted arguments based on precedent and their understanding of first amendment rights in schools. 8th graders simulated Supreme Court proceedings for the 1968 case of Tinker v. Des Moines. Students played the roles of the justices, as well as the attorneys arguing each side of the case. Students developed questions for each set of attorneys, while attorneys crafted arguments based on precedent and their understanding of first amendment rights in schools. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=312300 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=312300 Thu, 03 Jun 2021 05:03:11 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:05 This week in PE we did Team Tabata workouts. Tabata is a HIIT or a High Intensity Interval Training workout where the students complete an exercise for a short period of time, then rest. Here the 4th Graders were working on their synchronized squat routine. This week in PE we did Team Tabata workouts. Tabata is a HIIT or a High Intensity Interval Training workout where the students complete an exercise for a short period of time, then rest. Here the 4th Graders were working on their synchronized squat routine. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344381 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344381 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:09:16 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:12 Students in 102 spent time this week revisitng their writing from last week. This time, they added sensory details and used their Editor's markings to gave 3 suggestions to a buddy. They have a good thing going! Students in 102 spent time this week revisitng their writing from last week. This time, they added sensory details and used their Editor's markings to gave 3 suggestions to a buddy. They have a good thing going! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388359 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388359 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:09:01 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:41 Students got back into the PE routine working through a series of team building activities including Fire and Ice Tag where 4 students have blue pool noodles to "freeze" their peers. There are also 3 players with "fireballs" (red yarn balls) who can unfreeze peers by throwing and catching. Next week, students will continue with different team building activities. Students got back into the PE routine working through a series of team building activities including Fire and Ice Tag where 4 students have blue pool noodles to "freeze" their peers. There are also 3 players with "fireballs" (red yarn balls) who can unfreeze peers by throwing and catching. Next week, students will continue with different team building activities. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388357 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388357 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:09:01 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:52 This slideshow shows: pics of some community-building activities that all students in grades 6-8 participated in both inside our science lab and outside our building as well; some pics of students setting up our science classroom by taking care of our class pet fish and bearded dragon lizard, Tobias, as well as setting up our "Class Helper Positions" chart so that each student can have more ownership in our daily classroom management routines; and a couple of pics of students enjoying the harvest of last school year's Decatur Green Team plants they planted in our raised garden beds. Thank you for checking in with us:) This slideshow shows: pics of some community-building activities that all students in grades 6-8 participated in both inside our science lab and outside our building as well; some pics of students setting up our science classroom by taking care of our class pet fish and bearded dragon lizard, Tobias, as well as setting up our "Class Helper Positions" chart so that each student can have more ownership in our daily classroom management routines; and a couple of pics of students enjoying the harvest of last school year's Decatur Green Team plants they planted in our raised garden beds. Thank you for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320171 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320171 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:06:07 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:51 Here are some of the amazing presentations from last week! The kids worked so very hard to create posters, books, games, and computer programs! Here are some of the amazing presentations from last week! The kids worked so very hard to create posters, books, games, and computer programs! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388116 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388116 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:08:22 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:43 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320172 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320172 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:06:07 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:32 Take a look at some of the presentations from this past week! They worked so hard on these amazing posters, games, books, and coding projects! Take a look at some of the presentations from this past week! They worked so hard on these amazing posters, games, books, and coding projects! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344386 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344386 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:09:16 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:33 Today we took story excerpts and put them into groups of fiction and nonfiction, and then put them into their sub groups. We are doing it with RSEL partners and crushing it! Today we took story excerpts and put them into groups of fiction and nonfiction, and then put them into their sub groups. We are doing it with RSEL partners and crushing it! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367253 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367253 Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:01:19 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:11 8th graders collaborated on a review activity for Functions in the form of "2 Truths and a Lie." 8th graders collaborated on a review activity for Functions in the form of "2 Truths and a Lie." //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347417 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347417 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:11:17 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:38 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347418 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347418 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:11:17 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:38 Today we met with our eighth grade buddy, to create a pumpkin that describes all the things that we are thankful for. Today we met with our eighth grade buddy, to create a pumpkin that describes all the things that we are thankful for. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231729 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231729 Sat, 29 Feb 2020 03:12:07 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:51 We've been busy this week in Makerspace! K-2 are making great progress on communicating their reflections on their Index Card Tower using Padlet. Not only are they working on responding to reflection questions but also making sure to add details to strengthen their writing. Some students are even working on creating audio or video reflections as well. We're looking forward to be showing our final product soon! 3rd graders are finishing up with their presentations on Google Slides. 4th graders have begun their coding unit, inspired from our field trip to the Lyric Opera's collaboration with Codeverse - the world's first fully interactive coding studio for kids. To prepare to code with Kidscript -- Codeverse's language for coding -- 4th graders have begun to write out code for an obstacle course they will create within the class. 5th graders and 6th graders (Rm. 109) having been working hard on their "How To" videos showing K-2 how to use iPads and 3-5 how to use Google Classroom. 6th graders (Rm. 107) are completing their robot testbeds and testing out how 'inputs' and 'outputs' work by operating the robot brains with their controllers. We've been busy this week in Makerspace! K-2 are making great progress on communicating their reflections on their Index Card Tower using Padlet. Not only are they working on responding to reflection questions but also making sure to add details to strengthen their writing. Some students are even working on creating audio or video reflections as well. We're looking forward to be showing our final product soon! 3rd graders are finishing up with their presentations on Google Slides. 4th graders have begun their coding unit, inspired from our field trip to the Lyric Opera's collaboration with Codeverse - the world's first fully interactive coding studio for kids. To prepare to code with Kidscript -- Codeverse's language for coding -- 4th graders have begun to write out code for an obstacle course they will create within the class. 5th graders and 6th graders (Rm. 109) having been working hard on their "How To" videos showing K-2 how to use iPads and 3-5 how to use Google Classroom. 6th graders (Rm. 107) are completing their robot testbeds and testing out how 'inputs' and 'outputs' work by operating the robot brains with their controllers. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=375048 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=375048 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:07:11 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:18 Today the students: did a quick getting to know you activity to learn more about each other and build community; They then were introduced to the crime scene, where the cookies were stolen and the culprit left a coded note cut out of newspaper clippings. The note was in Spanish so the students had to translate the note first which they learned that the cookies are being held ransom by the cookie bandit. They later learned who the 5 primary suspects are: Ms. Mirna and Ms. Marta, out amazing Decatur custodians, as well as Ms. Negron and Ms. Martino, our super administrative team, and last but not least, Ms. Degand! They read together biographies of each of the 5 suspects to look for possible clues. They ended the day conducting thorough documentation of the overall crime scene, which also contained envelopes, with lipstick on them, as well as a white powdery substance. The slideshow also includes a couple of nice group photos of our campers all wearing their camp T-shirts. Thank you for checking in with us:) Today the students: did a quick getting to know you activity to learn more about each other and build community; They then were introduced to the crime scene, where the cookies were stolen and the culprit left a coded note cut out of newspaper clippings. The note was in Spanish so the students had to translate the note first which they learned that the cookies are being held ransom by the cookie bandit. They later learned who the 5 primary suspects are: Ms. Mirna and Ms. Marta, out amazing Decatur custodians, as well as Ms. Negron and Ms. Martino, our super administrative team, and last but not least, Ms. Degand! They read together biographies of each of the 5 suspects to look for possible clues. They ended the day conducting thorough documentation of the overall crime scene, which also contained envelopes, with lipstick on them, as well as a white powdery substance. The slideshow also includes a couple of nice group photos of our campers all wearing their camp T-shirts. Thank you for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333482 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333482 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 06:01:28 PDT Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:06 The third graders had a lot of fun, movement, and good skill practice using context clues to figure out unknown words during this fun SCOOT activity. The third graders had a lot of fun, movement, and good skill practice using context clues to figure out unknown words during this fun SCOOT activity. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299511 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299511 Fri, 29 Jan 2021 04:11:06 PST Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper Students in 5th-7th grade read a debate between a teenage student and the Mayor about whether the voting age should be lowered. Students used what we discussed this week to answer the question for themselves! Here is just a little sample of their work. Students in 5th-7th grade read a debate between a teenage student and the Mayor about whether the voting age should be lowered. Students used what we discussed this week to answer the question for themselves! Here is just a little sample of their work. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=375052 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=375052 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:07:11 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:18 Today the campers: Started with a fun getting to know you community builder exercise at breakfast; were introduced to the crime scene. They did a thorough documentation of the crime scene, which included a note that was made using newspaper cutouts. The note was in Spanish so the students worked together on translating it to English. By doing so, they discovered that the cookie bandit is keeping the cookies as ransom and expects payment. The crime scene also included traces of a white powder substance, and envelopes with lipstick on them. Afterwards, the students began looking into the 5 primary suspects, who are Ms. Martha and Ms. Mirna, Decatur custodians, along with Ms. Negron and Ms. Martino, and last but not least, Ms. Degand. They worked with their groups to begin analyzing the written biographies of each suspect and looking for possible clues connected to the mystery powder, ransom note, and envelopes with lipstick. Thank you for checking in with us:) Today the campers: Started with a fun getting to know you community builder exercise at breakfast; were introduced to the crime scene. They did a thorough documentation of the crime scene, which included a note that was made using newspaper cutouts. The note was in Spanish so the students worked together on translating it to English. By doing so, they discovered that the cookie bandit is keeping the cookies as ransom and expects payment. The crime scene also included traces of a white powder substance, and envelopes with lipstick on them. Afterwards, the students began looking into the 5 primary suspects, who are Ms. Martha and Ms. Mirna, Decatur custodians, along with Ms. Negron and Ms. Martino, and last but not least, Ms. Degand. They worked with their groups to begin analyzing the written biographies of each suspect and looking for possible clues connected to the mystery powder, ransom note, and envelopes with lipstick. Thank you for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232833 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232833 Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:12:20 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:51 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=375051 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=375051 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:07:11 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:46 Today the students: conducted a fun STEM Challenge called, "Save Fred". They had to work with a partner to save Fred, a gummy worm, who was trapped on top of his upside down capsized boat and his lifejacket, a gummy lifesaver, stuck under the boat. Each partner had to figure out how to get Fred's lifejacket on him, and place him safely in the boat right side up, while only using one hand and a paperclip. It was fun watching our scientists struggle through but persevere through this challenge. The bulk of today's forensic investigating was a chemistry lab where the students worked in cooperative groups to figure out what the mystery powder substance was that was left at the crime scene. Please ask your child all about it and how they are gathering their evidence to make their decisions about the 5 suspects. Thank you for checking in with us:) Today the students: conducted a fun STEM Challenge called, "Save Fred". They had to work with a partner to save Fred, a gummy worm, who was trapped on top of his upside down capsized boat and his lifejacket, a gummy lifesaver, stuck under the boat. Each partner had to figure out how to get Fred's lifejacket on him, and place him safely in the boat right side up, while only using one hand and a paperclip. It was fun watching our scientists struggle through but persevere through this challenge. The bulk of today's forensic investigating was a chemistry lab where the students worked in cooperative groups to figure out what the mystery powder substance was that was left at the crime scene. Please ask your child all about it and how they are gathering their evidence to make their decisions about the 5 suspects. Thank you for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389453 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389453 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:10:06 PST Decatur Junior High Decatur Junior High 00:51 Students in Jr. High enjoyed the annual bowling trip. The bowling trip is a great way to build community across all grade levels in Jr. High. Students in Jr. High enjoyed the annual bowling trip. The bowling trip is a great way to build community across all grade levels in Jr. High. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346791 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346791 Fri, 27 Jan 2023 06:11:04 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:12 The Decatur Jr High participates in an annual competition where homerooms dress as a particular color and play games and solve puzzles with and against one another. The Decatur Jr High participates in an annual competition where homerooms dress as a particular color and play games and solve puzzles with and against one another. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388360 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388360 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:09:01 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:37 Students continued with their team building unit working through different challenges. They engaged in the leveled game called Hula Hut Relays where students have to work as a team to build a hula hut out of hula hoops and get it to stay up after which they need to complete a series of challenges connected to their hula hut. Next week students will start their soccer and handball units. Students continued with their team building unit working through different challenges. They engaged in the leveled game called Hula Hut Relays where students have to work as a team to build a hula hut out of hula hoops and get it to stay up after which they need to complete a series of challenges connected to their hula hut. Next week students will start their soccer and handball units. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377475 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377475 Sat, 14 Dec 2024 08:09:21 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:27 This week's slideshow features: 7th grade class exploring scientific models that help them explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring for sexually reproducing organisms; 6th grade class taking a break from our energy unit on Tuesday to use our compound light and digital microscopes to investigate live microorganisms that they found from our class aquatic ecosystem or premade slides such as chick embryos as part of "International Microbes Day"; 8th grade students conducted a "transect" data collection activity in the prairie just to the south of our school building as part of their Ecology unit; 5th-8th grade students meeting for the first time this Monday and Thursday to assemble the game missions to prepare for their First Lego Robotics League upcoming team tournaments; and a couple of pics of our 6th grade "This Day in Science" history presentations presented by our science historians. Thank you for checking in with us this week! :) This week's slideshow features: 7th grade class exploring scientific models that help them explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring for sexually reproducing organisms; 6th grade class taking a break from our energy unit on Tuesday to use our compound light and digital microscopes to investigate live microorganisms that they found from our class aquatic ecosystem or premade slides such as chick embryos as part of "International Microbes Day"; 8th grade students conducted a "transect" data collection activity in the prairie just to the south of our school building as part of their Ecology unit; 5th-8th grade students meeting for the first time this Monday and Thursday to assemble the game missions to prepare for their First Lego Robotics League upcoming team tournaments; and a couple of pics of our 6th grade "This Day in Science" history presentations presented by our science historians. Thank you for checking in with us this week! :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359853 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359853 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 07:08:27 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:53 This week in Science, students participated in four different community-building team challenges that offered them opportunities to also display their potential and skills to uphold our 3 Decatur Core Values of: Be Present; Endure Challenges; and Take Care of Each Other". Please ask you child all about these challenges and the lessons they took away from them! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week in Science, students participated in four different community-building team challenges that offered them opportunities to also display their potential and skills to uphold our 3 Decatur Core Values of: Be Present; Endure Challenges; and Take Care of Each Other". Please ask you child all about these challenges and the lessons they took away from them! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359852 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359852 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 07:08:27 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:53 This week in Science, students participated in four different community-building team challenges that offered them opportunities to also display their potential and skills to uphold our 3 Decatur Core Values of: Be Present; Endure Challenges; and Take Care of Each Other". Please ask you child all about these challenges and the lessons they took away from them! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week in Science, students participated in four different community-building team challenges that offered them opportunities to also display their potential and skills to uphold our 3 Decatur Core Values of: Be Present; Endure Challenges; and Take Care of Each Other". Please ask you child all about these challenges and the lessons they took away from them! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359854 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359854 Sun, 19 Nov 2023 07:08:27 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:11 This week in Science, students participated in four different community-building team challenges that offered them opportunities to also display their potential and skills to uphold our 3 Decatur Core Values of: Be Present; Endure Challenges; and Take Care of Each Other". Please ask you child all about these challenges and the lessons they took away from them! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week in Science, students participated in four different community-building team challenges that offered them opportunities to also display their potential and skills to uphold our 3 Decatur Core Values of: Be Present; Endure Challenges; and Take Care of Each Other". Please ask you child all about these challenges and the lessons they took away from them! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355250 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355250 Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:05:19 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:15 No, really... students are working in their Time unit. Here we see a menu choice board of appetizers, entrees and desserts that students got to choose from as we wrapped up our time unit. Each choice consisted of telling time, elapsed time, creating a schedule for a day..etc. No, really... students are working in their Time unit. Here we see a menu choice board of appetizers, entrees and desserts that students got to choose from as we wrapped up our time unit. Each choice consisted of telling time, elapsed time, creating a schedule for a day..etc. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331289 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331289 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:12:10 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:09 We started our basketball unit this week and started practicing our dribbling. One of the drills we did was called Slaps, Taps & Wraps. This drill helps with our hand and wrist strength along with out ball handing skills. We started our basketball unit this week and started practicing our dribbling. One of the drills we did was called Slaps, Taps & Wraps. This drill helps with our hand and wrist strength along with out ball handing skills. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=296475 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=296475 Sat, 09 Jan 2021 04:10:17 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:35 Students worked this week on identifying different parts of plot in the book Under the Quilt of Night. Students worked this week on identifying different parts of plot in the book Under the Quilt of Night. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345211 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345211 Sat, 24 Dec 2022 06:10:01 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:45 This week's slideshow highlights: Several pics of students displaying the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices of "Carrying out investigations", "Analyzing-Interpreting-Collecting data", "Obtaining, evaluating, & communicating information", and "Engaging in argument from evidence" as they like to share their ideas in front of the class; 8th grade continued investigating their SEPUP Forces & Motion Inquiry Unit by exploring the variable of mass on kinetic energy of an object and what causes an object to change direction; 7th grade dug deeper into their Inquiry Unit on "From Cells to Organisms" by investigating past scientific discoveries that led to the development of "Cell Theory of Disease" and they also began a lab exploring "how can we find evidence that cells are alive?"; 6th Grade continued their exploration of "Geologic Processes" by learning about the role of volcanoes in forming various types of igneous rocks as they continue to develop ideas on "Where to store nuclear wastes?"; 5th Grade explored the "Moon Phases" with an interactive/cooperative investigation trying to figure out the correct cycle of Earth's moon's phases. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: Several pics of students displaying the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices of "Carrying out investigations", "Analyzing-Interpreting-Collecting data", "Obtaining, evaluating, & communicating information", and "Engaging in argument from evidence" as they like to share their ideas in front of the class; 8th grade continued investigating their SEPUP Forces & Motion Inquiry Unit by exploring the variable of mass on kinetic energy of an object and what causes an object to change direction; 7th grade dug deeper into their Inquiry Unit on "From Cells to Organisms" by investigating past scientific discoveries that led to the development of "Cell Theory of Disease" and they also began a lab exploring "how can we find evidence that cells are alive?"; 6th Grade continued their exploration of "Geologic Processes" by learning about the role of volcanoes in forming various types of igneous rocks as they continue to develop ideas on "Where to store nuclear wastes?"; 5th Grade explored the "Moon Phases" with an interactive/cooperative investigation trying to figure out the correct cycle of Earth's moon's phases. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349810 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349810 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 07:01:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:27 5th grade class made some personal cards for Ms. Mendoza to celebrate her time at Decatur and wish her the BEST in her new journey at Chicago's Field Museum! Thank you Ms. Mendoza, we will miss you and wish you all the best, and we look forward to seeing you again at future trips to The Field Museum! 5th grade class made some personal cards for Ms. Mendoza to celebrate her time at Decatur and wish her the BEST in her new journey at Chicago's Field Museum! Thank you Ms. Mendoza, we will miss you and wish you all the best, and we look forward to seeing you again at future trips to The Field Museum! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345214 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345214 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 06:10:02 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:23 Students worked with partners to explore different animals senses as they read the trade book Investigating Animals Senses and came up with questions related to the topic to help them read the informational text more closely. Students worked with partners to explore different animals senses as they read the trade book Investigating Animals Senses and came up with questions related to the topic to help them read the informational text more closely. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345213 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345213 Sun, 25 Dec 2022 06:10:02 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:16 Students explored a series of animal cards (think baseball card like) and analyzed the similarities and differences between traits of different organisms. Students explored a series of animal cards (think baseball card like) and analyzed the similarities and differences between traits of different organisms. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349816 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349816 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 07:01:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:37 This week's slideshow highlights: 5th grade investigating the ratio of water to land on Earth, as well as how water and land absorb and lose thermal energy at different rates as part of their SEPUP Weather & Climate Unit; 6th grade investigated the scientific theory of "Continental Drift" as part of their SEPUP Unit Geologic Processes; 7th grade wrapped up their SEPUP Unit From Cells to Organisms with an interactive activity called "Disease Detectives", where they worked as epidemiologists to argue from evidence the cause of a disease outbreak, and 7th grade also played team Jeopardy to review for the unit's culminating final exam; 8th graders continue digging deeper into their SEPUP Unit Chemistry of Materials, with a cooperative group lab that investigated chemical vs physical properties, and they also began exploring the property of density through an online Phet Simulation. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 5th grade investigating the ratio of water to land on Earth, as well as how water and land absorb and lose thermal energy at different rates as part of their SEPUP Weather & Climate Unit; 6th grade investigated the scientific theory of "Continental Drift" as part of their SEPUP Unit Geologic Processes; 7th grade wrapped up their SEPUP Unit From Cells to Organisms with an interactive activity called "Disease Detectives", where they worked as epidemiologists to argue from evidence the cause of a disease outbreak, and 7th grade also played team Jeopardy to review for the unit's culminating final exam; 8th graders continue digging deeper into their SEPUP Unit Chemistry of Materials, with a cooperative group lab that investigated chemical vs physical properties, and they also began exploring the property of density through an online Phet Simulation. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331296 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331296 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:12:10 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:50 Our Makerspace has been busy this week as Decatur's FIRST Lego League prepared for a city qualifier on Sunday, December 12. FIRST Lego League were not the only ones coding this week, as 7th and 8th graders explored using Sphero Bolt robots to get through a maze. Students will explore using both the 'joystick' feature as well as block coding to get through the maze. Meanwhile, inspired by the story "Tacky the Penguins" students in K-4 have been designing disguises to save a penguin. Check back next week for our final disguises and updates from our city qualifier on Sunday! Our Makerspace has been busy this week as Decatur's FIRST Lego League prepared for a city qualifier on Sunday, December 12. FIRST Lego League were not the only ones coding this week, as 7th and 8th graders explored using Sphero Bolt robots to get through a maze. Students will explore using both the 'joystick' feature as well as block coding to get through the maze. Meanwhile, inspired by the story "Tacky the Penguins" students in K-4 have been designing disguises to save a penguin. Check back next week for our final disguises and updates from our city qualifier on Sunday! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313883 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313883 Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:03:26 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:20 5th-7th students worked on creating origami designs this week! Once students created two to three designs, they  chose a way they wanted to present their work. Shoutout to this 5th grade student who created a stop-motion animation, including several origami designs and backgrounds. Enjoy!  5th-7th students worked on creating origami designs this week! Once students created two to three designs, they  chose a way they wanted to present their work. Shoutout to this 5th grade student who created a stop-motion animation, including several origami designs and backgrounds. Enjoy!  //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=256800 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=256800 Tue, 14 Jul 2020 04:04:21 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 1:05 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345443 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345443 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:10:07 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:11 5th Graders reflected on their end-of-unit project on Surface Area by looking at each others' work and discussing what everyone did well, in order to improve our own process and communication of thinking for a project. 5th Graders reflected on their end-of-unit project on Surface Area by looking at each others' work and discussing what everyone did well, in order to improve our own process and communication of thinking for a project. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238399 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238399 Fri, 29 May 2020 04:03:06 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:57 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326705 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326705 Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:09:24 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:36 8th graders worked in small groups to analyze social identity narratives to reflect on the stories we want to tell about who we are and why identity matters. 8th graders worked in small groups to analyze social identity narratives to reflect on the stories we want to tell about who we are and why identity matters. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349804 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349804 Sat, 15 Apr 2023 07:01:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:19 All 7th & 8th grade students recently presented their STEM Fair Projects to their classmates and last week several students chose to present their projects to volunteer judges at our Decatur JHS STEM Fair. 5 students, two 8th graders and three 7th graders have advanced to represent Decatur at CPS Regional STEM Fair Competition! A special thank you to all of the volunteer STEM Fair Judges, who also share a passion for STEM learning, and included some professional engineers, Northwestern University STEM students, CPS Dept. of STEM leaders, and our very own Decatur LSC members: Megan Redfern; Dan Xu; and Norman Gelfand. All 7th & 8th grade students recently presented their STEM Fair Projects to their classmates and last week several students chose to present their projects to volunteer judges at our Decatur JHS STEM Fair. 5 students, two 8th graders and three 7th graders have advanced to represent Decatur at CPS Regional STEM Fair Competition! A special thank you to all of the volunteer STEM Fair Judges, who also share a passion for STEM learning, and included some professional engineers, Northwestern University STEM students, CPS Dept. of STEM leaders, and our very own Decatur LSC members: Megan Redfern; Dan Xu; and Norman Gelfand. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382837 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382837 Sat, 17 May 2025 09:02:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:29 It was great to see the smiles and fun the primary students had while they participated in our bowling unit. There were amazing dance celebrations, students cheering each other on and learning new skills! It was great to see the smiles and fun the primary students had while they participated in our bowling unit. There were amazing dance celebrations, students cheering each other on and learning new skills! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355249 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355249 Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:05:19 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:18 This morning the students published their fairytale stories. They got a chance to move through the space and read each other's work. They even left their classmates a book review! Check them out. This morning the students published their fairytale stories. They got a chance to move through the space and read each other's work. They even left their classmates a book review! Check them out. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382838 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382838 Sat, 17 May 2025 09:02:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:37 We were privileged to host the first basketball game at Decatur this week. It was a memorable experience for our students to play in their own gym in front of fans. Thanks to Coach Kyle Stork, Coach Brandon Belissimo and our great administrators Principal Marisol Negron and AP Lizzie Martino. We were privileged to host the first basketball game at Decatur this week. It was a memorable experience for our students to play in their own gym in front of fans. Thanks to Coach Kyle Stork, Coach Brandon Belissimo and our great administrators Principal Marisol Negron and AP Lizzie Martino. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382839 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382839 Sat, 17 May 2025 09:02:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:36 Students in the intermediate grades learned and played a new game called Newcomb where students apply the spacing and placement concepts of volleyball to a throwing and catching game. Students throw the ball over the net and the opposing team needs to catch the ball before it hits the ground then pass to a teammate or throw the ball back over the net. Students in the intermediate grades learned and played a new game called Newcomb where students apply the spacing and placement concepts of volleyball to a throwing and catching game. Students throw the ball over the net and the opposing team needs to catch the ball before it hits the ground then pass to a teammate or throw the ball back over the net. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333471 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333471 Fri, 22 Apr 2022 06:01:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:37 Our little buddy Krimpets exploring part of her new habitat! Was impressed at her curiosity and climbing skills! Look for her in the next blockbuster action movie doing her own stunts! Our little buddy Krimpets exploring part of her new habitat! Was impressed at her curiosity and climbing skills! Look for her in the next blockbuster action movie doing her own stunts! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327280 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327280 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 05:10:03 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:57 This slideshow shows: 8th grade students exploring Genetics through a coin toss model to better understand how traits are inherited from parents to offspring; 7th grade students learning how to use our compound light and digital microscopes to view unicellular specimens at various magnifications; and one of our class herpetologist helping take care of our 2 Bearded Dragon lizards' ecosystem along with a student holding one of our lizards with a hat on designed by a classmate :) Thanks for checking in with us! This slideshow shows: 8th grade students exploring Genetics through a coin toss model to better understand how traits are inherited from parents to offspring; 7th grade students learning how to use our compound light and digital microscopes to view unicellular specimens at various magnifications; and one of our class herpetologist helping take care of our 2 Bearded Dragon lizards' ecosystem along with a student holding one of our lizards with a hat on designed by a classmate :) Thanks for checking in with us! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=295360 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=295360 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 04:10:09 PST Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:53 This week we focused on writing our justifications for our body paragarphs of our essays. Students in grades 5th-7th made their own anchor charts to help remember the important elements of their justifications. This week we focused on writing our justifications for our body paragarphs of our essays. Students in grades 5th-7th made their own anchor charts to help remember the important elements of their justifications. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331788 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331788 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:12:17 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:31 Jr. High worked together to pack over 200 care packages. These packages will help support homeless students who do not have the safety net of school lunches during the winter break. We thank our families for contributing to such a fulfilling opportunity for our students serve others. We are so proud of how our students came together to complete this project. Jr. High worked together to pack over 200 care packages. These packages will help support homeless students who do not have the safety net of school lunches during the winter break. We thank our families for contributing to such a fulfilling opportunity for our students serve others. We are so proud of how our students came together to complete this project. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331304 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331304 Sat, 05 Mar 2022 05:12:11 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:44 Students have been learning about how investigations need to have only 1 variable in them in order for their results to be valid and helpful in coming to new understandings. Here is a video of the student tests involved in their investigations. Students have been learning about how investigations need to have only 1 variable in them in order for their results to be valid and helpful in coming to new understandings. Here is a video of the student tests involved in their investigations. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331309 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331309 Sun, 06 Mar 2022 05:12:12 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:49 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders working as teams of meteorologists forecasting the weather across the U.S. and also teams of engineers designing and testing tools meteorologists use such as wind veins and anemometers; 7th graders wrapped up their unit "From Cells to Organisms" by working as epidemiologists to collect data to diagnose the source of an infectious disease outbreak, and they also explored the first lesson in our next unit, Reproduction, by learning about genetic conditions such as one known as Marfan Syndrome; and our 8th graders dug into a unit exploring Evolution by investigating how evolution works in real time in terms of bacteria building up antibiotic resistance to overuse and patients not taking them as prescribed, and they also explored how environment impacts which traits nature will select for such as a worm color trait in populations of worm species and how easily birds would be able to find them as a food source. This week's slideshow highlights: 6th graders working as teams of meteorologists forecasting the weather across the U.S. and also teams of engineers designing and testing tools meteorologists use such as wind veins and anemometers; 7th graders wrapped up their unit "From Cells to Organisms" by working as epidemiologists to collect data to diagnose the source of an infectious disease outbreak, and they also explored the first lesson in our next unit, Reproduction, by learning about genetic conditions such as one known as Marfan Syndrome; and our 8th graders dug into a unit exploring Evolution by investigating how evolution works in real time in terms of bacteria building up antibiotic resistance to overuse and patients not taking them as prescribed, and they also explored how environment impacts which traits nature will select for such as a worm color trait in populations of worm species and how easily birds would be able to find them as a food source. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326197 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326197 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:09:16 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:27 This week students took on the challenge to try to save Fred- the gummy worm capsized at sea. Fred was stuck on top of his capsized boat with his life preserver underneath. Students worked together to plan and conduct saving Fred. In order to accomplish this, they needed to find a way to turn over his boat, put on Fred's life preserver (a gummy life saver), and put Fred back in his boat. The only tools that students could use were paper clips to move all the objects. This week students took on the challenge to try to save Fred- the gummy worm capsized at sea. Fred was stuck on top of his capsized boat with his life preserver underneath. Students worked together to plan and conduct saving Fred. In order to accomplish this, they needed to find a way to turn over his boat, put on Fred's life preserver (a gummy life saver), and put Fred back in his boat. The only tools that students could use were paper clips to move all the objects. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343770 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343770 Sat, 26 Nov 2022 06:09:03 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:40 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237234 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237234 Tue, 19 May 2020 04:02:25 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:26 In this video you can see: 4th grade students working on ukulele, 5th grade students working on guitar, 2nd grade students playing an improvisation game, 1st Grade Students playing instruments along with Duke Ellington's Giggling Rapids and primary students enjoying the day of play in early February.  In this video you can see: 4th grade students working on ukulele, 5th grade students working on guitar, 2nd grade students playing an improvisation game, 1st Grade Students playing instruments along with Duke Ellington's Giggling Rapids and primary students enjoying the day of play in early February.  //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343771 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343771 Sat, 26 Nov 2022 06:09:03 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:21 Students used their senses to make inferences about what was in each of the 5 bags before the reveal at the end of the lab. Students used their senses to make inferences about what was in each of the 5 bags before the reveal at the end of the lab. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343772 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343772 Sat, 26 Nov 2022 06:09:03 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:10 Snake Eyes Dice is a fun game we play from time to time that serves several purposes: take a quick break to celebrate great work by the whole class; builds community; teaches students how to compete in a friendly way while getting to know each other better; reinforces math computation skills which will be used in Science class often. Ask your child how to play it at home:) Snake Eyes Dice is a fun game we play from time to time that serves several purposes: take a quick break to celebrate great work by the whole class; builds community; teaches students how to compete in a friendly way while getting to know each other better; reinforces math computation skills which will be used in Science class often. Ask your child how to play it at home:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337084 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337084 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 06:03:29 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:17 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students once again always eager to share their critical thinking up in front of the class--they were sharing their thinking about how geologists and paleontologists use drill core samples taken from around the world and investigate the types of rock strata and fossils found within to try and better understand Earth's history as part of their SEPUP unit exploring "Earth's Resources"; special thank you to the 8th graders who created some amazing I-Movie films to share their comprehension, with a bit of outside research, on various topics from their recent SEPUP unit exploring Evolution--there are some shots of students enjoying watching their films. Thank you for checking in with us this week! This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students once again always eager to share their critical thinking up in front of the class--they were sharing their thinking about how geologists and paleontologists use drill core samples taken from around the world and investigate the types of rock strata and fossils found within to try and better understand Earth's history as part of their SEPUP unit exploring "Earth's Resources"; special thank you to the 8th graders who created some amazing I-Movie films to share their comprehension, with a bit of outside research, on various topics from their recent SEPUP unit exploring Evolution--there are some shots of students enjoying watching their films. Thank you for checking in with us this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343774 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343774 Sat, 26 Nov 2022 06:09:03 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:19 This week's slideshow highlights: all classes in 5th-8th Grade Science Class continuing to build community to set the stage for cooperative learning through a series of team building challenges; students observing up close our pet Bearded-Dragon Lizard, Curtiss, along with our 55 gallon Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem, which includes Rock Bass, Small-mouthed Bass, Bluegill Sunfish, and Crayfish caught from Belmont Harbor; all classes reviewed what a Scientist does and were reminded that "Everyone is born a scientist" and it is up to each of us to continue to tap into our own curiosity and wonder about the world; and 6th-8th grade students practiced some active reading strategies of science text and scientific writing through our latest issue of our class subscription of Scholastic Science World Magazine, in order to get ready for our first units of SEPUP/NGSS inquiry next week! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: all classes in 5th-8th Grade Science Class continuing to build community to set the stage for cooperative learning through a series of team building challenges; students observing up close our pet Bearded-Dragon Lizard, Curtiss, along with our 55 gallon Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem, which includes Rock Bass, Small-mouthed Bass, Bluegill Sunfish, and Crayfish caught from Belmont Harbor; all classes reviewed what a Scientist does and were reminded that "Everyone is born a scientist" and it is up to each of us to continue to tap into our own curiosity and wonder about the world; and 6th-8th grade students practiced some active reading strategies of science text and scientific writing through our latest issue of our class subscription of Scholastic Science World Magazine, in order to get ready for our first units of SEPUP/NGSS inquiry next week! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350062 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350062 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:01:27 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:18 In our new social studies unit, we are studying the past, the present and the future. One of the standards that first graders should be able to do is generate questions to further thinking. In this gallery walk, students left their open ended questions on a post it note as they moved quietly through the space. In our new social studies unit, we are studying the past, the present and the future. One of the standards that first graders should be able to do is generate questions to further thinking. In this gallery walk, students left their open ended questions on a post it note as they moved quietly through the space. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=225496 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=225496 Fri, 20 Dec 2019 03:09:27 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:35 This week you can see pictures of 5th graders improvising on the djembe, 6th graders creating arrangements, and 6th graders working on technology projects! This week you can see pictures of 5th graders improvising on the djembe, 6th graders creating arrangements, and 6th graders working on technology projects! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229624 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229624 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 03:11:09 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:15 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333971 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333971 Sun, 01 May 2022 06:02:06 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:56 The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located right across the street from The Lincoln Park Zoo and is a great place to go on a quick family trip for our students to extend their understanding of phenomena related to how the Earth is changing due to human-induced global warming and climate change. The museum includes live animals native to our region and numerous displays to show what we as individuals can do to help protect our local natural ecosystems. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located right across the street from The Lincoln Park Zoo and is a great place to go on a quick family trip for our students to extend their understanding of phenomena related to how the Earth is changing due to human-induced global warming and climate change. The museum includes live animals native to our region and numerous displays to show what we as individuals can do to help protect our local natural ecosystems. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229623 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229623 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 03:11:09 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333970 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333970 Sun, 01 May 2022 06:02:06 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:56 The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located right across the street from The Lincoln Park Zoo and is a great place to go on a quick family trip for our students to extend their understanding of phenomena related to how the Earth is changing due to human-induced global warming and climate change. The museum includes live animals native to our region and numerous displays to show what we as individuals can do to help protect our local natural ecosystems. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is located right across the street from The Lincoln Park Zoo and is a great place to go on a quick family trip for our students to extend their understanding of phenomena related to how the Earth is changing due to human-induced global warming and climate change. The museum includes live animals native to our region and numerous displays to show what we as individuals can do to help protect our local natural ecosystems. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333975 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333975 Sun, 01 May 2022 06:02:06 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:41 This week's slideshow highlights lots of cooperative learning in Science Class: 8th graders examining fossil evidence of whales and dinosaur footprints as part of their unit exploring "Evolution"; 7th graders presenting to their classmates their "Critter Pups", which they created as a way of modeling the passing of traits from parents to offspring through heredity as part of their unit exploring "Reproduction", 7th graders also conducted an investigation exploring the mutual interactions of plant and animal pollinators; 6th graders investigating a "mystery mineral" where they conducted numerous experiments to determine whether the mineral was calcite or quartz, and they also analyzed and interpreted data on global resource consumption and per capita consumption of copper, fresh water, and petroleum as part of their unit exploring "Earth's Resources", and one photo of students looking out the window during the snowstorm this past week that I titled, "Snowday???" :) This week's slideshow highlights lots of cooperative learning in Science Class: 8th graders examining fossil evidence of whales and dinosaur footprints as part of their unit exploring "Evolution"; 7th graders presenting to their classmates their "Critter Pups", which they created as a way of modeling the passing of traits from parents to offspring through heredity as part of their unit exploring "Reproduction", 7th graders also conducted an investigation exploring the mutual interactions of plant and animal pollinators; 6th graders investigating a "mystery mineral" where they conducted numerous experiments to determine whether the mineral was calcite or quartz, and they also analyzed and interpreted data on global resource consumption and per capita consumption of copper, fresh water, and petroleum as part of their unit exploring "Earth's Resources", and one photo of students looking out the window during the snowstorm this past week that I titled, "Snowday???" :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=296443 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=296443 Fri, 08 Jan 2021 04:10:16 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 5:51 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=296441 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=296441 Fri, 08 Jan 2021 04:10:16 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 00:58 Need to calm your body down! Try a calming breath created by a second grade student! Need to calm your body down! Try a calming breath created by a second grade student! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328146 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328146 Sat, 08 Jan 2022 05:10:16 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 Students engaged in a scavenger hunt to review the key concepts of our math unit on area and surface area. Students engaged in a scavenger hunt to review the key concepts of our math unit on area and surface area. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345702 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345702 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 06:10:14 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:20 This was an activity in Science this week. Students had to read the clues in each paper bag to decide which season the evidence supported. This was an activity in Science this week. Students had to read the clues in each paper bag to decide which season the evidence supported. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344855 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344855 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:09:23 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:46 As we try to answer how animals get information through their senses from their environment we explored our senses and how we collect information to be able to apply it to our unit on the declining Tokay Gecko population. As we try to answer how animals get information through their senses from their environment we explored our senses and how we collect information to be able to apply it to our unit on the declining Tokay Gecko population. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343766 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343766 Fri, 25 Nov 2022 06:09:02 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:41 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343767 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343767 Fri, 25 Nov 2022 06:09:02 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:51 We analyzed an emoji graph together so that we could understand how the creators of the graph placed the different emojis on the graph. Then students worked on creating their own graph with 2 axes that shared items under a specific topic like desserts or instruments. We analyzed an emoji graph together so that we could understand how the creators of the graph placed the different emojis on the graph. Then students worked on creating their own graph with 2 axes that shared items under a specific topic like desserts or instruments. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226367 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226367 Mon, 30 Dec 2019 03:10:07 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:21 Our second graders are learning the basic Jazz vocabulary skills in dance class. We have had a great time building onto the skills we already know from Ballet class and learning new skills like jazz drag, pirouettes, and grande jetes! Our second graders are learning the basic Jazz vocabulary skills in dance class. We have had a great time building onto the skills we already know from Ballet class and learning new skills like jazz drag, pirouettes, and grande jetes! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229634 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229634 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 03:11:09 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:15 Students working on Math word problems chapter 2. Students working on Math word problems chapter 2. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231717 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231717 Sat, 29 Feb 2020 03:12:07 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:03 Another step in the learning process sharing our thoughts and writing with peers. Another step in the learning process sharing our thoughts and writing with peers. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231711 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231711 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 03:12:06 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:18 Students demonstrate how a Chalta tree grows from a seed to a full grown tree. Students have been learning how a plant gets enough water and sunlight to grow. Students demonstrate how a Chalta tree grows from a seed to a full grown tree. Students have been learning how a plant gets enough water and sunlight to grow. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310628 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310628 Thu, 20 May 2021 05:02:25 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=293167 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=293167 Fri, 18 Dec 2020 04:09:25 PST Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:40 This week students began working on their introductory paragraph of their short story essays. We focused on writing and combining TAGs (title/author/genre) and summaries. Students were asked to share on Padlet with their classmates a TAG + Summary of a book that they've read recently. This week students began working on their introductory paragraph of their short story essays. We focused on writing and combining TAGs (title/author/genre) and summaries. Students were asked to share on Padlet with their classmates a TAG + Summary of a book that they've read recently. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330438 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330438 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:11:23 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:42 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329445 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329445 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:11:05 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:08 Students were working in groups this week to sort through evidence and make a claim. A claim is a proposed answer to a question. Students were working to answer the question, "Which island's weather is most like the weather where orangutans live?" Students were working in groups this week to sort through evidence and make a claim. A claim is a proposed answer to a question. Students were working to answer the question, "Which island's weather is most like the weather where orangutans live?" //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380724 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380724 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:12:12 PST Rebeca Viquez Rebeca Viquez 1:25 Dear Parents of Room 106, I wanted to share a fun update with you all! We've been enjoying a catchy song in class called "¿Puedo ir al baño?" and it has quickly become one of the students' favorites. I introduced it with the purpose of helping them learn how to say "Maestra, ¿puedo ir al baño?" in a fun and engaging way. Not only have they picked up the lyrics, but they now sing it with so much enthusiasm every time they finish their work! It’s amazing to see how much they love it. In fact, if we have just a few minutes left of class, the first thing they ask is, "Did we earn the baño song? Can we listen to it?" And I always say yes, because they truly enjoy singing it together! If you listen to the video, you’ll hear how well they sing the lyrics—they’ve really mastered it! It’s wonderful to see them connecting with the language in such a playful and positive way. Thank you for your continued support, and I’m excited to see them continue to learn and have fun with Spanish! Dear Parents of Room 106, I wanted to share a fun update with you all! We've been enjoying a catchy song in class called "¿Puedo ir al baño?" and it has quickly become one of the students' favorites. I introduced it with the purpose of helping them learn how to say "Maestra, ¿puedo ir al baño?" in a fun and engaging way. Not only have they picked up the lyrics, but they now sing it with so much enthusiasm every time they finish their work! It’s amazing to see how much they love it. In fact, if we have just a few minutes left of class, the first thing they ask is, "Did we earn the baño song? Can we listen to it?" And I always say yes, because they truly enjoy singing it together! If you listen to the video, you’ll hear how well they sing the lyrics—they’ve really mastered it! It’s wonderful to see them connecting with the language in such a playful and positive way. Thank you for your continued support, and I’m excited to see them continue to learn and have fun with Spanish! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229633 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229633 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 03:11:09 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:19 Students reading their personal narrative to a patner Students reading their personal narrative to a patner //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=224192 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=224192 Sat, 07 Dec 2019 03:09:14 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:45 During these past two weeks of school, we focused on building our community in Makerspace and getting comfortable with brainstorming new ideas. Students had an opportunity to tinker with material including gems, cork, cups, rocks, pom poms and foam pieces. They chose to work independently, with a partner or their entire whole table. This activity also served as a refresher on how to work/treat materials, how to respect each other at our tables and cleaning procedures. The creativity with materials was quite impressive. Very few projects were ever truly alike. Students imagined pom poms representing different types of food and creating a sandwich, using the foam pieces as the bun. Others used gems as garden paths, mazes and even water drops in a cup. Even towers made of cups were varied, both in size, shape and decor. Some students stayed limited to table and others chose build from the ground up! During these past two weeks of school, we focused on building our community in Makerspace and getting comfortable with brainstorming new ideas. Students had an opportunity to tinker with material including gems, cork, cups, rocks, pom poms and foam pieces. They chose to work independently, with a partner or their entire whole table. This activity also served as a refresher on how to work/treat materials, how to respect each other at our tables and cleaning procedures. The creativity with materials was quite impressive. Very few projects were ever truly alike. Students imagined pom poms representing different types of food and creating a sandwich, using the foam pieces as the bun. Others used gems as garden paths, mazes and even water drops in a cup. Even towers made of cups were varied, both in size, shape and decor. Some students stayed limited to table and others chose build from the ground up! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=224191 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=224191 Sat, 07 Dec 2019 03:09:14 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:45 During these past two weeks of school, we focused on building our community in Makerspace and getting comfortable with brainstorming new ideas. Students had an opportunity to tinker with material including gems, cork, cups, rocks, pom poms and foam pieces. They chose to work independently, with a partner or their entire whole table. This activity also served as a refresher on how to work/treat materials, how to respect each other at our tables and cleaning procedures. The creativity with materials was quite impressive. Very few projects were ever truly alike. Students imagined pom poms representing different types of food and creating a sandwich, using the foam pieces as the bun. Others used gems as garden paths, mazes and even water drops in a cup. Even towers made of cups were varied, both in size, shape and decor. Some students stayed limited to table and others chose build from the ground up! During these past two weeks of school, we focused on building our community in Makerspace and getting comfortable with brainstorming new ideas. Students had an opportunity to tinker with material including gems, cork, cups, rocks, pom poms and foam pieces. They chose to work independently, with a partner or their entire whole table. This activity also served as a refresher on how to work/treat materials, how to respect each other at our tables and cleaning procedures. The creativity with materials was quite impressive. Very few projects were ever truly alike. Students imagined pom poms representing different types of food and creating a sandwich, using the foam pieces as the bun. Others used gems as garden paths, mazes and even water drops in a cup. Even towers made of cups were varied, both in size, shape and decor. Some students stayed limited to table and others chose build from the ground up! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367701 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=367701 Sun, 21 Apr 2024 08:01:28 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:43 This week's slideshow highlights: both 7th and 8th grade classes exploring Physics, 8th investigated sound and light as part of their Waves SEPUP Unit, and 7th investigated how to measure energy transformations between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy through their Forces & Motion SEPUP inquiry unit; 6th grade explored the "History of Cell Theory and Germ Theory of Disease", and while doing so, they noticed that our class textbook only highlighted important contributions to both theories from men, and no women. So, they decided to draft emails to our SEPUP textbook editors asking why? We look forward to hearing back from them (Mr. K personally knows some of the editors!). There are also some shots of 6th grade enjoying some earned class "Game Time", a Snickers class bearded dragon siting, and our Decatur Classical Lego Team members gearing up for the IL State Tournament Competition, which will be held at Elgin Community College on Saturday, February 17th! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: both 7th and 8th grade classes exploring Physics, 8th investigated sound and light as part of their Waves SEPUP Unit, and 7th investigated how to measure energy transformations between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy through their Forces & Motion SEPUP inquiry unit; 6th grade explored the "History of Cell Theory and Germ Theory of Disease", and while doing so, they noticed that our class textbook only highlighted important contributions to both theories from men, and no women. So, they decided to draft emails to our SEPUP textbook editors asking why? We look forward to hearing back from them (Mr. K personally knows some of the editors!). There are also some shots of 6th grade enjoying some earned class "Game Time", a Snickers class bearded dragon siting, and our Decatur Classical Lego Team members gearing up for the IL State Tournament Competition, which will be held at Elgin Community College on Saturday, February 17th! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333957 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333957 Sat, 30 Apr 2022 06:02:05 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:24 This week we learned about how the molecules in NaCl and H2O interact with each other in order to cause ice to melt. We conducted 2 different experiments to see how Salt and Ice interact and then discussed what happens on a molecular level building on our understanding of molecules attracting to one another. This week we learned about how the molecules in NaCl and H2O interact with each other in order to cause ice to melt. We conducted 2 different experiments to see how Salt and Ice interact and then discussed what happens on a molecular level building on our understanding of molecules attracting to one another. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=332625 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=332625 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:01:13 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:13 Decatur students are SO READY to get started on our 2022 musical, "The Wizard of Oz." Cast and crew lists have been posted to Google Classrooms. With 74 students in the Auditioned Cast, 42 Crew Members, and 120 in our chorus, it is sure to be an energetic show! Mark your calendars for April 6th at 1:00pm and April 7th at 9:30am and 1:00pm to witness the magic as an audience member! Decatur students are SO READY to get started on our 2022 musical, "The Wizard of Oz." Cast and crew lists have been posted to Google Classrooms. With 74 students in the Auditioned Cast, 42 Crew Members, and 120 in our chorus, it is sure to be an energetic show! Mark your calendars for April 6th at 1:00pm and April 7th at 9:30am and 1:00pm to witness the magic as an audience member! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331777 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331777 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:12:17 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:23 Students are creating a city made up of tall buildings with windows. The windows on each building will represent an array. Students are creating a city made up of tall buildings with windows. The windows on each building will represent an array. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333956 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333956 Sat, 30 Apr 2022 06:02:05 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:54 Students researched information about the state of their choice from the Southwest Region and created some great presentations. Check out the video above to see some highlights! Students researched information about the state of their choice from the Southwest Region and created some great presentations. Check out the video above to see some highlights! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328123 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328123 Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:10:15 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:15 This week's slide show has pics of: 5th - 7th Graders who are part of our Decatur First Lego League Team having their first team meetings this week; students surprising Ms. Negron with cards that they made for her to celebrate Principal Appreciation Month; a student presenting "This Day in Science History" to his class; 7th grade students working in cooperative groups exploring cell structures and functions; 8th graders digging deeper into Genetics; 6th graders analyzing Climate and Weather data together; and our 2 current herpetologists getting ready to feed our Bearded Dragon Lizards some live crickets! Thanks for checking in with our Science Classroom this week! This week's slide show has pics of: 5th - 7th Graders who are part of our Decatur First Lego League Team having their first team meetings this week; students surprising Ms. Negron with cards that they made for her to celebrate Principal Appreciation Month; a student presenting "This Day in Science History" to his class; 7th grade students working in cooperative groups exploring cell structures and functions; 8th graders digging deeper into Genetics; 6th graders analyzing Climate and Weather data together; and our 2 current herpetologists getting ready to feed our Bearded Dragon Lizards some live crickets! Thanks for checking in with our Science Classroom this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=241997 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=241997 Mon, 15 Jun 2020 04:03:23 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 6:50 Please watch this instructional video that goes along with the tasks for days 1 and 2. Please watch this instructional video that goes along with the tasks for days 1 and 2. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238591 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238591 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:03:09 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:21 Students have been learning about the human immune system and how it functions to help us fight off pathogens. Mucus is an important part of that system so students created a model of mucus and analyzed how accurate a model it was. Students have been learning about the human immune system and how it functions to help us fight off pathogens. Mucus is an important part of that system so students created a model of mucus and analyzed how accurate a model it was. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238590 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=238590 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:03:09 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:05 Students used pipe insulation to create rollercoasters to help them better understand kinetic and potential energy. Students used pipe insulation to create rollercoasters to help them better understand kinetic and potential energy. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352456 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352456 Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:03:18 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:29 Students created projects from posters to comics to slide decks about different important women in STEM such as Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper or Sylvia Earle. Then students had a chance to display their work for their classmates and their classmates moved around the room and gave them constructive feedback in the terms of Glow (somethings they did well) and Grow (some things they can improve. Students created projects from posters to comics to slide decks about different important women in STEM such as Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper or Sylvia Earle. Then students had a chance to display their work for their classmates and their classmates moved around the room and gave them constructive feedback in the terms of Glow (somethings they did well) and Grow (some things they can improve. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376489 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376489 Fri, 22 Nov 2024 08:08:30 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:27 Jr. High students worked on creating classroom agreements to help build community based on our Decatur Pillars: Be Present, Endure Challenges, and Take Care of Each Other. Jr. High students worked on creating classroom agreements to help build community based on our Decatur Pillars: Be Present, Endure Challenges, and Take Care of Each Other. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226376 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226376 Mon, 30 Dec 2019 03:10:07 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:19 Students were given an unknown mineral and they designed and conducted an investigation that looked into 5 different mineral properties including testing the reaction with acid. Students were given an unknown mineral and they designed and conducted an investigation that looked into 5 different mineral properties including testing the reaction with acid. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372291 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372291 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:04:19 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:45 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335702 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335702 Fri, 27 May 2022 06:03:04 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:20 Our first few lessons this week have been about Forces All Around us. Here, your students are sorting through images and placing them in categories according to the forces being exerted on or from each object. Our first few lessons this week have been about Forces All Around us. Here, your students are sorting through images and placing them in categories according to the forces being exerted on or from each object. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364267 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364267 Sun, 28 Jan 2024 07:11:05 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:22 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade working on data analysis and interpretation of abiotic and biotic interactions within food webs; 7th graders exploring genetics; 6th grade investigating a lab on the role of underground gasses in volcanic eruptions; some scenes of JHS students at the experimental design and data collection stages of their STEM Fair Projects; and several pics and a short video of our JHS students having a BLAST at Oktoberfest this past Tuesday! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade working on data analysis and interpretation of abiotic and biotic interactions within food webs; 7th graders exploring genetics; 6th grade investigating a lab on the role of underground gasses in volcanic eruptions; some scenes of JHS students at the experimental design and data collection stages of their STEM Fair Projects; and several pics and a short video of our JHS students having a BLAST at Oktoberfest this past Tuesday! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329266 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329266 Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:11:03 PST Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:49 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340052 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340052 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 06:05:24 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:36 We are working hard annotating our new chapter book with our partners!! We are working hard annotating our new chapter book with our partners!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345750 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345750 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 06:10:15 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:45 This week's slideshow highlights: one of our 8th graders sharing his dancing skills, thus bringing some humor to our Science class as he renditions for Decatur's Got Talent; several pics of students showing leadership by sharing their Science Notebooks as all classes spent time this week analyzing and interpreting data, as well as arguing from evidence, which are both important NGSS Science & Engineering Practices; 7th grade did a lab exploring the function of the cell membrane and there a a few photos of 7th graders getting right down to exploring with some new compound light and digital microscopes; 6th grade analyzed Geologic data sets from global GPS stations to investigate how the Earth's surface changes slowly but steadily in various locations around the globe, and how that information can impact the decision of the best locations to store nuclear wastes; 5th grade went from investigating the phenomena of Earth's Moon's phases, to exploring data sets of how Earth's amount of daylight changes throughout the year, as well as the angle of the sun, which sets the stage for further investigations as to why the seasons change in places like Chicago but not everywhere on Earth; as the Autumn season sets in, winter will be not far behind so 8th grade spent some Science class time outside this week learning about Newton's Laws of Motion as they continued exploring Forces and Motion; and last but not least, the presentation ends with some photos of 5th grade observing the live feedings of our fish from our Lake Michigan ecosystem, and the smiles on our students' faces are priceless! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: one of our 8th graders sharing his dancing skills, thus bringing some humor to our Science class as he renditions for Decatur's Got Talent; several pics of students showing leadership by sharing their Science Notebooks as all classes spent time this week analyzing and interpreting data, as well as arguing from evidence, which are both important NGSS Science & Engineering Practices; 7th grade did a lab exploring the function of the cell membrane and there a a few photos of 7th graders getting right down to exploring with some new compound light and digital microscopes; 6th grade analyzed Geologic data sets from global GPS stations to investigate how the Earth's surface changes slowly but steadily in various locations around the globe, and how that information can impact the decision of the best locations to store nuclear wastes; 5th grade went from investigating the phenomena of Earth's Moon's phases, to exploring data sets of how Earth's amount of daylight changes throughout the year, as well as the angle of the sun, which sets the stage for further investigations as to why the seasons change in places like Chicago but not everywhere on Earth; as the Autumn season sets in, winter will be not far behind so 8th grade spent some Science class time outside this week learning about Newton's Laws of Motion as they continued exploring Forces and Motion; and last but not least, the presentation ends with some photos of 5th grade observing the live feedings of our fish from our Lake Michigan ecosystem, and the smiles on our students' faces are priceless! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372059 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372059 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:25 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380905 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380905 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:12:17 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 Students used bean bags to practice underhand throws along the ground to hit the opposing players' feet. If they get out they come to the sideline and do 10 of an exercise and re enter the game. Students used bean bags to practice underhand throws along the ground to hit the opposing players' feet. If they get out they come to the sideline and do 10 of an exercise and re enter the game. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=319458 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=319458 Thu, 19 Aug 2021 05:05:27 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 1:31 Students practiced being storytellers, composers, sound engineers, and animators using Soundtrap and an online game called "linerider." They learned to work through frustrations as matching music to linerider is a difficult task - just learning the physics of the game can be a challenge. Here is one project that features a really great connection between the visual and musical elements of this project. Bella, a Decatur 5th grade student created this music and linerider animation for her story. Can you hear how it connects? Students practiced being storytellers, composers, sound engineers, and animators using Soundtrap and an online game called "linerider." They learned to work through frustrations as matching music to linerider is a difficult task - just learning the physics of the game can be a challenge. Here is one project that features a really great connection between the visual and musical elements of this project. Bella, a Decatur 5th grade student created this music and linerider animation for her story. Can you hear how it connects? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372054 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372054 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:31 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320216 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320216 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 05:06:07 PDT Sheryl Slechta Sheryl Slechta 00:19 1st Grade project - As Earth spins, we face different directions, so the sky looks different to us 1st Grade project - As Earth spins, we face different directions, so the sky looks different to us //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372053 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372053 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:11 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372056 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372056 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:03 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372055 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372055 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:54 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372058 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372058 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:40 On Thursday primary students had the amazing opportunity to watch in the gym a live Chinese New Year Performance complete with twirling dragon flags. The kids loved trying out these flags after the presentation. On Thursday primary students had the amazing opportunity to watch in the gym a live Chinese New Year Performance complete with twirling dragon flags. The kids loved trying out these flags after the presentation. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=228961 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=228961 Sat, 25 Jan 2020 03:11:02 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:22 4th Graders had a great time at our 2019 Walkathon, held on October 16. There is still time to donate! Decatur's Walkathon goal for this year is $35,000. In addition to supporting collaboration and innovation at Decatur, the funds will support Decatur’s purchase and installation of a new turf area. Decatur will work with the Public Building Commission and CPS to finalize the design of a new turf area, but our goal based on preliminary estimates is $100,000.00. Please help our efforts by contributing to our Walkathon! If you have any questions, please email our WALKATHON chairs at decaturwalkathon7030@gmail.com. 4th Graders had a great time at our 2019 Walkathon, held on October 16. There is still time to donate! Decatur's Walkathon goal for this year is $35,000. In addition to supporting collaboration and innovation at Decatur, the funds will support Decatur’s purchase and installation of a new turf area. Decatur will work with the Public Building Commission and CPS to finalize the design of a new turf area, but our goal based on preliminary estimates is $100,000.00. Please help our efforts by contributing to our Walkathon! If you have any questions, please email our WALKATHON chairs at decaturwalkathon7030@gmail.com. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372057 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372057 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:37 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334863 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334863 Fri, 13 May 2022 06:02:18 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:03 4th graders had a great time passing out Valentine's to their classmates on Monday! 4th graders had a great time passing out Valentine's to their classmates on Monday! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389979 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389979 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:10:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:29 3rd graders competed against their classmates in a series of soccer matches to practice their skills. 3rd graders competed against their classmates in a series of soccer matches to practice their skills. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334860 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334860 Fri, 13 May 2022 06:02:18 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:15 Today, students build structures to withstand the wind and rain of a hurricane. Today, students build structures to withstand the wind and rain of a hurricane. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334861 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334861 Fri, 13 May 2022 06:02:18 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:15 Students worked together using limited materials to build a structure that had to stand on it's own. Students worked together using limited materials to build a structure that had to stand on it's own. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389978 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389978 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:10:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 Jr. High students broke into 5 teams to compete in a soccer round robin tournament. Jr. High students broke into 5 teams to compete in a soccer round robin tournament. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=297731 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=297731 Sat, 16 Jan 2021 04:10:24 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 3:57 What strategies can you use to solve area problems? What strategies can you use to solve area problems? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372061 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372061 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:32 Students engaged in several team building games called Cross the River and Reverse Centipede. In Cross the River teams had to use 2 fewer poly spots than people on their team to get across the gym from one side to the other. In Reverse centipede students had to hold up a mat with their feet and move the mat across the gym without letting it touch the ground. Groups were timed to see who could make it across in the least amount of time. Students engaged in several team building games called Cross the River and Reverse Centipede. In Cross the River teams had to use 2 fewer poly spots than people on their team to get across the gym from one side to the other. In Reverse centipede students had to hold up a mat with their feet and move the mat across the gym without letting it touch the ground. Groups were timed to see who could make it across in the least amount of time. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372060 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372060 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:58 Students started the unit with jumping over a stationary rope to practice the footwork in some of the basic tricks to help ease students into jumping rope. Students started the unit with jumping over a stationary rope to practice the footwork in some of the basic tricks to help ease students into jumping rope. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380921 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380921 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:12:18 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:36 The Dance Technique class was so lucky to have Denita Inez with us as our first guest choreographer! Come see her choreography, "Blaze," in the winter show on January 30th! The Dance Technique class was so lucky to have Denita Inez with us as our first guest choreographer! Come see her choreography, "Blaze," in the winter show on January 30th! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=297733 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=297733 Sat, 16 Jan 2021 04:10:24 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 3:10 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329037 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329037 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 05:10:31 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:05 Pics of Decatur JHS having so much friendly competition & FUN at this year's Oktoberfest this past Friday! Pics of Decatur JHS having so much friendly competition & FUN at this year's Oktoberfest this past Friday! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329038 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329038 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 05:10:31 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:09 This week's slideshow has pics of: 6th grade class collaboratively exploring global water surface temperature distribution data in order to further their inquiry of weather and climate; 8th grade class setting up an experiment to investigate the role of environmental factors in affecting the traits that will be observed in nicotiana plant offspring as part of their inquiry unit on Reproduction and Genetics; and 7th grade continuing to sharpen their microscopy skills by observing various multicellular organisms' cells up close as part of their inquiry unit, "From Cells to Organisms". This week's slideshow has pics of: 6th grade class collaboratively exploring global water surface temperature distribution data in order to further their inquiry of weather and climate; 8th grade class setting up an experiment to investigate the role of environmental factors in affecting the traits that will be observed in nicotiana plant offspring as part of their inquiry unit on Reproduction and Genetics; and 7th grade continuing to sharpen their microscopy skills by observing various multicellular organisms' cells up close as part of their inquiry unit, "From Cells to Organisms". //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389977 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389977 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:10:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:47 In this awesome fitness game, students are broke into 6 teams and took turns running around the "track" and when they finished they high fived the next person in line or passed them a track baton and went to grab a popsicle stick to add to their teams bucket. The team with the most popsicle sticks at the end of 5 minutes is the winner for that round. In this awesome fitness game, students are broke into 6 teams and took turns running around the "track" and when they finished they high fived the next person in line or passed them a track baton and went to grab a popsicle stick to add to their teams bucket. The team with the most popsicle sticks at the end of 5 minutes is the winner for that round. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389976 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389976 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:10:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:19 Students in 3rd-5th grade sharpened their soccer skills through a series of matches against other teams in their class. Students in 3rd-5th grade sharpened their soccer skills through a series of matches against other teams in their class. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364253 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364253 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:11:03 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:11 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236355 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236355 Thu, 07 May 2020 04:02:13 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:27 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237686 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237686 Fri, 22 May 2020 04:02:28 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:21 This week, 1st graders explored a several stations in their "Light and Sound" unit: Ss rotated between using a stethoscope to hear their heart beat and experimenting with both metal water bottles and plastic bins with rubber bands to determine how different ways that they could make sound. 2nd graders have begun their new unit on "Properties of Matter". Students have begun to analyze 'color' and 'texture' and will be spending time analyzing these in monster trucks in class! 6th Graders in Rm. 107 did extremely well in their concluding their robot unit. Shoutout to Group A who respectfully debated about the fairness of the constraints and penalties while their robots were going through the collection zone! It was a bittersweet moment for Rm. 107 to say goodbye to their robot chassis'! JMS students also celebrated their February incentive with creating stop-motion videos This week, 1st graders explored a several stations in their "Light and Sound" unit: Ss rotated between using a stethoscope to hear their heart beat and experimenting with both metal water bottles and plastic bins with rubber bands to determine how different ways that they could make sound. 2nd graders have begun their new unit on "Properties of Matter". Students have begun to analyze 'color' and 'texture' and will be spending time analyzing these in monster trucks in class! 6th Graders in Rm. 107 did extremely well in their concluding their robot unit. Shoutout to Group A who respectfully debated about the fairness of the constraints and penalties while their robots were going through the collection zone! It was a bittersweet moment for Rm. 107 to say goodbye to their robot chassis'! JMS students also celebrated their February incentive with creating stop-motion videos //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234176 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234176 Sun, 12 Apr 2020 04:01:19 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 00:20 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362070 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362070 Fri, 22 Dec 2023 07:09:29 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:28 Students working together to make 10 using unifix cubes! Students working together to make 10 using unifix cubes! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372063 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372063 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:38 Jr High students continued their rugby unit by playing a series of rugby build up games and learning about the line out part of the game. Students played games like monkey in the middle, partner score, and rugby tag. Students are using flags instead of being tackled. They learned about different plays to run out of a line out and how to throw a line out pass. Jr High students continued their rugby unit by playing a series of rugby build up games and learning about the line out part of the game. Students played games like monkey in the middle, partner score, and rugby tag. Students are using flags instead of being tackled. They learned about different plays to run out of a line out and how to throw a line out pass. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372062 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372062 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:41 Students celebrated Pi Day with races around finding the first 7 digits of Pi using uno cards and a relay format. Students celebrated Pi Day with races around finding the first 7 digits of Pi using uno cards and a relay format. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351188 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351188 Sun, 14 May 2023 07:02:19 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:44 Students have been working throughout this unit to understand how animal vision works and this week they started creating their models to show their understanding and explain the process through which animals see and light moves from a source to the brain. Students have been working throughout this unit to understand how animal vision works and this week they started creating their models to show their understanding and explain the process through which animals see and light moves from a source to the brain. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372065 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372065 Sun, 07 Jul 2024 08:04:14 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:47 This past week, 7th grade class went on the annual 7th Grade Right of Passage field trip to YMCA Camp Duncan, up in Volo, IL. It was a 2 day + one overnight experience. Students got to partake in several team-building activities and challenge courses, learned archery, rock wall climbing, walked a lot through the forested paths, ate meals and lots of snacks together, played at the camp playgrounds, played competitive Gaga Ball, and their experience culminated by creating their own Camp Duncan 2024 Tie-Dyed T-Shirts. We are looking forward to next year's trip with our current 6th grade class! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This past week, 7th grade class went on the annual 7th Grade Right of Passage field trip to YMCA Camp Duncan, up in Volo, IL. It was a 2 day + one overnight experience. Students got to partake in several team-building activities and challenge courses, learned archery, rock wall climbing, walked a lot through the forested paths, ate meals and lots of snacks together, played at the camp playgrounds, played competitive Gaga Ball, and their experience culminated by creating their own Camp Duncan 2024 Tie-Dyed T-Shirts. We are looking forward to next year's trip with our current 6th grade class! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345749 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345749 Sat, 07 Jan 2023 06:10:15 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:47 This week's slideshow highlights: one of our 8th graders sharing his dancing skills, thus bringing some humor to our Science class as he renditions for Decatur's Got Talent; several pics of students showing leadership by sharing their Science Notebooks as all classes spent time this week analyzing and interpreting data, as well as arguing from evidence, which are both important NGSS Science & Engineering Practices; 7th grade did a lab exploring the function of the cell membrane; 6th grade analyzed Geologic data sets from global GPS stations to investigate how the Earth's surface changes slowly but steadily in various locations around the globe, and how that information can impact the decision of the best locations to store nuclear wastes; 5th grade went from investigating the phenomena of Earth's Moon's phases, to exploring data sets of how Earth's amount of daylight changes throughout the year, as well as the angle of the sun, which sets the stage for further investigations as to why the seasons change in places like Chicago but not everywhere on Earth; as the Autumn season sets in, winter will be not far behind so 8th grade spent some Science class time outside this week learning about Newton's Laws of Motion as they continued exploring Forces and Motion; and last but not least, the presentation ends with some photos of 5th grade observing the live feedings of our fish from our Lake Michigan ecosystem, and the smiles on our students' faces are priceless! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: one of our 8th graders sharing his dancing skills, thus bringing some humor to our Science class as he renditions for Decatur's Got Talent; several pics of students showing leadership by sharing their Science Notebooks as all classes spent time this week analyzing and interpreting data, as well as arguing from evidence, which are both important NGSS Science & Engineering Practices; 7th grade did a lab exploring the function of the cell membrane; 6th grade analyzed Geologic data sets from global GPS stations to investigate how the Earth's surface changes slowly but steadily in various locations around the globe, and how that information can impact the decision of the best locations to store nuclear wastes; 5th grade went from investigating the phenomena of Earth's Moon's phases, to exploring data sets of how Earth's amount of daylight changes throughout the year, as well as the angle of the sun, which sets the stage for further investigations as to why the seasons change in places like Chicago but not everywhere on Earth; as the Autumn season sets in, winter will be not far behind so 8th grade spent some Science class time outside this week learning about Newton's Laws of Motion as they continued exploring Forces and Motion; and last but not least, the presentation ends with some photos of 5th grade observing the live feedings of our fish from our Lake Michigan ecosystem, and the smiles on our students' faces are priceless! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351187 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351187 Sun, 14 May 2023 07:02:19 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:13 Students created Valentine’s day placemats and they were delivered to a nearby senior center to bring some good cheer! Students created Valentine’s day placemats and they were delivered to a nearby senior center to bring some good cheer! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=307254 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=307254 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 05:01:27 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:44 One of the hardest parts about making and creating music online is lag. We have trouble playing together like we can in person. Despite this, we learn to be better listeners, kinder friends to our classmates, and we endure challenges! Decatur 4th graders created performances anyway with recorders and percussion. They are the owners of their music making - and that is way cool even the virtual space One of the hardest parts about making and creating music online is lag. We have trouble playing together like we can in person. Despite this, we learn to be better listeners, kinder friends to our classmates, and we endure challenges! Decatur 4th graders created performances anyway with recorders and percussion. They are the owners of their music making - and that is way cool even the virtual space //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330230 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330230 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:11:18 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:12 One of our units at Decatur is Throwing & Catching. Here 5th Grade is demonstrating their throwing and catching skills while playing in the Team Handball Tournament. One of our units at Decatur is Throwing & Catching. Here 5th Grade is demonstrating their throwing and catching skills while playing in the Team Handball Tournament. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351171 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351171 Sat, 13 May 2023 07:02:18 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:13 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders continuing to explore molecular structure as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Unit of inquiry; 7th graders practicing the strategy of reciprocal teaching to build anchor knowledge that will be used in subsequent lessons in their "Reproduction" SEPUP inquiry unit; 6th graders investigating the role of convection deep inside the Earth's mantle which led to short skits that they produced and shared with their class as part of their "Geologic Processes" SEPUP inquiry unit; and 5th grade worked in small cooperative groups to read through a skit that included 18th century scientist and statesman Ben Franklin traveling through time to interact with today's climatologists and hydrologists to help explain the role of Earth's warm and cold ocean currents in impacting climates in different regions around the world as part of their "Weather & Climate" SEPUP inquiry unit. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders continuing to explore molecular structure as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP Unit of inquiry; 7th graders practicing the strategy of reciprocal teaching to build anchor knowledge that will be used in subsequent lessons in their "Reproduction" SEPUP inquiry unit; 6th graders investigating the role of convection deep inside the Earth's mantle which led to short skits that they produced and shared with their class as part of their "Geologic Processes" SEPUP inquiry unit; and 5th grade worked in small cooperative groups to read through a skit that included 18th century scientist and statesman Ben Franklin traveling through time to interact with today's climatologists and hydrologists to help explain the role of Earth's warm and cold ocean currents in impacting climates in different regions around the world as part of their "Weather & Climate" SEPUP inquiry unit. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330232 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330232 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:11:18 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:08 The 6th Graders are currently in their soccer unit and the quarterfinal game came down to a shootout, with the winner moving onto the semifinals. The 6th Graders are currently in their soccer unit and the quarterfinal game came down to a shootout, with the winner moving onto the semifinals. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333507 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333507 Sat, 23 Apr 2022 06:01:29 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:35 This week highlights: 8th grade investigating with the skills of paleontologists and geologists examining fossils and stratigraphic drill core samples as part of their unit exploring Evolution; an 8th grade student hand feeding some meal worms to our class pet bearded dragon, "Curtiss"; 6th graders investigating examples of natural resources as they began their new inquiry unit into the impact of increasing human population on the Earth's natural resource deposits, as well as a couple of 6th graders doing some independent microscopy inquiry on their own time. This week highlights: 8th grade investigating with the skills of paleontologists and geologists examining fossils and stratigraphic drill core samples as part of their unit exploring Evolution; an 8th grade student hand feeding some meal worms to our class pet bearded dragon, "Curtiss"; 6th graders investigating examples of natural resources as they began their new inquiry unit into the impact of increasing human population on the Earth's natural resource deposits, as well as a couple of 6th graders doing some independent microscopy inquiry on their own time. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329488 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329488 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 05:11:06 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:08 This week's slideshow includes some images of: 6th graders exploring the phenomena of cold and warm water mixing, as well as fresh and salt water, to simulate the causes of ocean currents that drive climate; 7th graders presenting on their microscopy investigations comparing unicellular vs multicellular organisms' cells; and Decatur's JHS First Lego League after-school Robotics Teams assembling and coding their robots to get ready for competition in December. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow includes some images of: 6th graders exploring the phenomena of cold and warm water mixing, as well as fresh and salt water, to simulate the causes of ocean currents that drive climate; 7th graders presenting on their microscopy investigations comparing unicellular vs multicellular organisms' cells; and Decatur's JHS First Lego League after-school Robotics Teams assembling and coding their robots to get ready for competition in December. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389981 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389981 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:10:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:25 2nd graders had the choice of several different activities for game day. The goal is to move our bodies and have fun doing it! Students could hula hoop, jump rope, play bridge tag or climb on the traverse wall. 2nd graders had the choice of several different activities for game day. The goal is to move our bodies and have fun doing it! Students could hula hoop, jump rope, play bridge tag or climb on the traverse wall. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388412 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388412 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:09:02 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:12 Students in second grade learned a stone passing song from Ghana called Obwisana. They practiced many ways of passing and even created their own ways of passing in small groups. This group worked together to slide bean bags across the circle without crashes -- all while singing and passing to the beat. Students in second grade learned a stone passing song from Ghana called Obwisana. They practiced many ways of passing and even created their own ways of passing in small groups. This group worked together to slide bean bags across the circle without crashes -- all while singing and passing to the beat. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233096 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=233096 Wed, 25 Mar 2020 04:01:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:01 Students competed in the 2019 Decatur Science and Engineering Fair. We had an amazing team of judges from Argonne Lab, Northeastern Illinois University, and various science related companies from engineering to product design. Students competed in the 2019 Decatur Science and Engineering Fair. We had an amazing team of judges from Argonne Lab, Northeastern Illinois University, and various science related companies from engineering to product design. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389980 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389980 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:10:26 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:15 Students used their throwing and catching skills in the quick paced game called Boom City. In this game, the each of the two teams are broken into 3 roles- thrower, catcher and blocker. The catchers have to catch the ball on the mats and then run to grab a popsicle stick for their team. Teams try to make as many catches as they can in 5 minutes and prevent as many catches from the other team as they can. Students used their throwing and catching skills in the quick paced game called Boom City. In this game, the each of the two teams are broken into 3 roles- thrower, catcher and blocker. The catchers have to catch the ball on the mats and then run to grab a popsicle stick for their team. Teams try to make as many catches as they can in 5 minutes and prevent as many catches from the other team as they can. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346824 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346824 Sun, 29 Jan 2023 06:11:06 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:26 This week's slideshow highlights: Students having FUN working in their homeroom teams participating in our annual Oktoberfest community builder; 8th graders exploring Newton's Laws of Motion to explain their observations of observations of colliding objects and relating that to designing safer vehicles; 6th graders sharing their analysis of the Earth's interior; 5th graders explored patterns while analyzing data and interpreting data on how the angle of the sun impacts the amount of daylight at various times of the year; and a special visit to our Science classroom by Ms. Carrasco's first graders as our 7th graders loved showing them around the lab, including show and tell of our class lizard, Curtiss, our Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem and tadpole tank, and even viewing small aquatic Planaria under our digital microscope; lastly, Ms. Mendoza and I were so proud of our Decatur First Lego League Robotics Team as they participated in a Saturday scrimmage at Whitney Young High School to gear up for our Regional Tournament in December! Thanks for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: Students having FUN working in their homeroom teams participating in our annual Oktoberfest community builder; 8th graders exploring Newton's Laws of Motion to explain their observations of observations of colliding objects and relating that to designing safer vehicles; 6th graders sharing their analysis of the Earth's interior; 5th graders explored patterns while analyzing data and interpreting data on how the angle of the sun impacts the amount of daylight at various times of the year; and a special visit to our Science classroom by Ms. Carrasco's first graders as our 7th graders loved showing them around the lab, including show and tell of our class lizard, Curtiss, our Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem and tadpole tank, and even viewing small aquatic Planaria under our digital microscope; lastly, Ms. Mendoza and I were so proud of our Decatur First Lego League Robotics Team as they participated in a Saturday scrimmage at Whitney Young High School to gear up for our Regional Tournament in December! Thanks for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379942 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379942 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:11:19 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:20 The General Dance class studied dance photographers in Q1 and have been hard at work planning, directing, and dancing and shooting their own dance photography sessions. Now we head into editing the shots that we took in the studio and Lerner Park! We can't wait to unveil the photos at the winter show on January 30th. The General Dance class studied dance photographers in Q1 and have been hard at work planning, directing, and dancing and shooting their own dance photography sessions. Now we head into editing the shots that we took in the studio and Lerner Park! We can't wait to unveil the photos at the winter show on January 30th. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347914 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347914 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:12:02 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:11 Students worked in their reading groups this week to find the problem, solution, high point and series of events in a fiction text. Students worked in their reading groups this week to find the problem, solution, high point and series of events in a fiction text. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347915 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347915 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:12:02 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:15 Students had to find 5 objects outdoors to measure with their meter sticks. Students had to find 5 objects outdoors to measure with their meter sticks. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339043 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339043 Wed, 27 Jul 2022 06:05:04 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:16 Students listened to a set of musical selections then decided as a group which book (theme or message) they felt was most closely connected to one of the musical selections. Each group shared out and justified their decision by explaining the forces at work in both the musical piece and the read aloud books. Students applied what they learned in an article called' How Energy is Transferred.' Students listened to a set of musical selections then decided as a group which book (theme or message) they felt was most closely connected to one of the musical selections. Each group shared out and justified their decision by explaining the forces at work in both the musical piece and the read aloud books. Students applied what they learned in an article called' How Energy is Transferred.' //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351174 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351174 Sat, 13 May 2023 07:02:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:02 Students went on a field trip to the Chicago History Museum to be a part of their special City on Fire Enhanced Field Trip. Students heard from live actors about two famous Chicagoans, Joseph and Anna Elizabeth Hudlin, who both played pivotal roles in helping Chicago recover from the Chicago Fire. Students also got to meet Chicago comic Victor Dandridge, who showed them how the medium of a simple thing like folded paper can help add layers to a story. Students went on a field trip to the Chicago History Museum to be a part of their special City on Fire Enhanced Field Trip. Students heard from live actors about two famous Chicagoans, Joseph and Anna Elizabeth Hudlin, who both played pivotal roles in helping Chicago recover from the Chicago Fire. Students also got to meet Chicago comic Victor Dandridge, who showed them how the medium of a simple thing like folded paper can help add layers to a story. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351173 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351173 Sat, 13 May 2023 07:02:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:13 Students created an investigation using celery, food coloring and water to test how inherited traits can be impacted by the environment. In groups, students planned out different experiments to conduct that had only one variable to increase the validity of the results Students created an investigation using celery, food coloring and water to test how inherited traits can be impacted by the environment. In groups, students planned out different experiments to conduct that had only one variable to increase the validity of the results //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379941 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379941 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:11:19 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:23 In first grades we studied how flamingos traveled together and than had a ton of fun moving like them. Can you guess which animal we studied next based on the last video? In first grades we studied how flamingos traveled together and than had a ton of fun moving like them. Can you guess which animal we studied next based on the last video? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329010 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329010 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:10:29 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:52 As a celebration of the autumn season, students worked in class today on these amazing pumpkin creations! As a celebration of the autumn season, students worked in class today on these amazing pumpkin creations! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333992 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=333992 Sun, 01 May 2022 06:02:06 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:24 Students have been brainstorming & experimenting how to create a penguin hideout to keep penguins safe from predators. It's been great to see students persevere despite the challenges they've encountered along the way, especially when they encourage each other to not give up! Checkout their hideouts which include a lookout tower, slide and a rookery. Enjoy! Students have been brainstorming & experimenting how to create a penguin hideout to keep penguins safe from predators. It's been great to see students persevere despite the challenges they've encountered along the way, especially when they encourage each other to not give up! Checkout their hideouts which include a lookout tower, slide and a rookery. Enjoy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331339 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331339 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:12:13 PST Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:11 4th Graders used their persuasive techniques and knowledge from their novel, Tuck Everlasting, to create their own TV commercials! 4th Graders used their persuasive techniques and knowledge from their novel, Tuck Everlasting, to create their own TV commercials! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329016 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329016 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:10:29 PST Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:05 We had fun building a pyramid and knocking it down! Thanks to our room parent Sarah for all her work to make the third grade day AMAZING! We had fun building a pyramid and knocking it down! Thanks to our room parent Sarah for all her work to make the third grade day AMAZING! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386247 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386247 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:05:29 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 9:53 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237222 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237222 Tue, 19 May 2020 04:02:25 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:28 This is from the 4th graders building and testing their wind turbines. This is from the 4th graders building and testing their wind turbines. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344874 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344874 Sat, 17 Dec 2022 06:09:24 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:48 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade students continuing their SEPUP explorations of "Force & Motion" by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting their lab groups' experimental data on how gravitational potential energy affects the speed and kinetic energy transfer of a motor vehicle upon impact in a collision; 7th grade class continued their SEPUP investigations in their "From Cells to Organisms" biology unit through an interactive simulation of the spread of an infectious disease. The students used deductive reasoning to determine the source and action of the infectious disease by analyzing the class data sets; 6th grade continued their inquiry into their SEPUP unit "Geologic Processes" though their first lab investigation of how Earth's composition between sedimentary rock derived from sand vs clay interacts with ground water aquifers, thus helping them gather more evidence to support their claims around the issue of "Where is the safest place to story nuclear wastes?"; 5th grade moved into their first SEPUP unit "Solar System & Beyond"; and all classes spent some class time on Friday using their "Earned Game Time Points" to continue to strengthen classroom community by playing board games with their classmates. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th grade students continuing their SEPUP explorations of "Force & Motion" by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting their lab groups' experimental data on how gravitational potential energy affects the speed and kinetic energy transfer of a motor vehicle upon impact in a collision; 7th grade class continued their SEPUP investigations in their "From Cells to Organisms" biology unit through an interactive simulation of the spread of an infectious disease. The students used deductive reasoning to determine the source and action of the infectious disease by analyzing the class data sets; 6th grade continued their inquiry into their SEPUP unit "Geologic Processes" though their first lab investigation of how Earth's composition between sedimentary rock derived from sand vs clay interacts with ground water aquifers, thus helping them gather more evidence to support their claims around the issue of "Where is the safest place to story nuclear wastes?"; 5th grade moved into their first SEPUP unit "Solar System & Beyond"; and all classes spent some class time on Friday using their "Earned Game Time Points" to continue to strengthen classroom community by playing board games with their classmates. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344875 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344875 Sat, 17 Dec 2022 06:09:24 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:52 Dectatur's Lego League After School Program kicked off this past week with a fun community-builder activity where each member wrote a question on a note that would help all members get to know each other better and then placed it inside a balloon that they blew up. The team then went outside on the turf, threw them up in the air for a few minutes, caught a balloon made by another member, and read the notes to each other out back at our new mosaic benches. This helped ensure that each member was able to get to know the names of their teammates, and learn something new about each other. Once back inside in Ms. Mendoza's Maker-Space Room, the team began digging into and discussing some videos that we posted on our Lego League Google Classroom page so that the team members can become acquainted with the overall theme for this year's competition! Dectatur's Lego League After School Program kicked off this past week with a fun community-builder activity where each member wrote a question on a note that would help all members get to know each other better and then placed it inside a balloon that they blew up. The team then went outside on the turf, threw them up in the air for a few minutes, caught a balloon made by another member, and read the notes to each other out back at our new mosaic benches. This helped ensure that each member was able to get to know the names of their teammates, and learn something new about each other. Once back inside in Ms. Mendoza's Maker-Space Room, the team began digging into and discussing some videos that we posted on our Lego League Google Classroom page so that the team members can become acquainted with the overall theme for this year's competition! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=316199 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=316199 Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:04:23 PDT Sheryl Slechta Sheryl Slechta 1:42 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=316196 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=316196 Fri, 16 Jul 2021 05:04:23 PDT Sheryl Slechta Sheryl Slechta //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364867 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364867 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 07:11:17 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:47 7th Graders toured and analyzed the new Native Truths exhibit in the Field Museum. The new exhibition is a collaboration of museum curators with various Native advisors to integrate the voices of Native and Indigenous peoples into the redesign to provide them with the platform to shape and tell their own stories and histories. 7th Graders toured and analyzed the new Native Truths exhibit in the Field Museum. The new exhibition is a collaboration of museum curators with various Native advisors to integrate the voices of Native and Indigenous peoples into the redesign to provide them with the platform to shape and tell their own stories and histories. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328533 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328533 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:10:22 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:11 This video was from a week ago. Students were partnered off to read about how one kid in Colorado collected and organized weather data. Students were taking turns reading and looking at maps, charts and tables of various forms of weather. Students saw that scientist use photographs as well to compare weather in two places. This buddy activity prepared students for the work they completed this week in science time. This video was from a week ago. Students were partnered off to read about how one kid in Colorado collected and organized weather data. Students were taking turns reading and looking at maps, charts and tables of various forms of weather. Students saw that scientist use photographs as well to compare weather in two places. This buddy activity prepared students for the work they completed this week in science time. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318723 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318723 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:05:20 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:23 WOW Presentation, World of Wonder, is a project where middle school students pick a STEM topic of their own interests, then create a multimodal presentation to share with their classmates. WOW is another way of strengthening classroom community and providing student voice in their own learning! WOW Presentation, World of Wonder, is a project where middle school students pick a STEM topic of their own interests, then create a multimodal presentation to share with their classmates. WOW is another way of strengthening classroom community and providing student voice in their own learning! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393191 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393191 Sun, 17 May 2026 10:02:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:14 Students did a series of stations focusing on their overhand and underhand throwing skills including bean bag toss and hula hoop target Students did a series of stations focusing on their overhand and underhand throwing skills including bean bag toss and hula hoop target //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328534 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328534 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:10:22 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:18 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318724 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318724 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:05:20 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:36 Decatur Middle School students and families put their creative minds together constructing a variety of snow creations during the unforgettable snowy month of February 2021! Decatur Middle School students and families put their creative minds together constructing a variety of snow creations during the unforgettable snowy month of February 2021! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393192 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393192 Sun, 17 May 2026 10:02:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:23 Teams of 5 or 6 competed against each other in handball on our amazing turf field where they get a chance to practice their throwing and catching skills in a dynamic environment. Teams of 5 or 6 competed against each other in handball on our amazing turf field where they get a chance to practice their throwing and catching skills in a dynamic environment. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318726 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=318726 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 05:05:20 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:19 In celebration of Earth Day 2021, Decatur Middle School Students recently created informational and persuasive posters that are displayed in our hallway that promote ecological awareness and encourage positive change towards environmental stewardship. In celebration of Earth Day 2021, Decatur Middle School Students recently created informational and persuasive posters that are displayed in our hallway that promote ecological awareness and encourage positive change towards environmental stewardship. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362684 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362684 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:10:09 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:36 This week students wrapped up their soccer tournaments This week students wrapped up their soccer tournaments //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362683 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362683 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:10:09 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:26 Primary students were introduced to various locomotor skills and practiced them through different tag games. Intermediate and Jr. High students began their soccer tournaments. Primary students were introduced to various locomotor skills and practiced them through different tag games. Intermediate and Jr. High students began their soccer tournaments. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393193 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393193 Sun, 17 May 2026 10:02:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:26 Students work on collaborative teams to play Battle for the Black Pearl where students play different roles in the game in order to knock down the bowling pins of the other 3 teams playing while protecting their own pins. Students work on collaborative teams to play Battle for the Black Pearl where students play different roles in the game in order to knock down the bowling pins of the other 3 teams playing while protecting their own pins. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354822 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354822 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:05:11 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:30 Watch this timelapse video to see our sets, stage. and curtains get set up. We had so many families and students help. Thank you Decatur community! Want more information about the show? There is a show page on Ms. Schmittle's website. Watch this timelapse video to see our sets, stage. and curtains get set up. We had so many families and students help. Thank you Decatur community! Want more information about the show? There is a show page on Ms. Schmittle's website. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369073 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369073 Thu, 16 May 2024 08:02:22 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:33 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350469 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350469 Sat, 29 Apr 2023 07:02:04 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:13 This week in the midst of the show preparation we took some time to draw together as a class. Students were learning how to draw a penguin on an ice block. This week in the midst of the show preparation we took some time to draw together as a class. Students were learning how to draw a penguin on an ice block. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=263936 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=263936 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 04:05:06 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 2:16 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=268148 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=268148 Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:05:18 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 2:02 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=268147 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=268147 Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:05:18 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 2:12 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226510 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226510 Wed, 01 Jan 2020 03:10:09 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:39 Decatur's First Graders are learning how to use our communication tool for dance class: our bodies! Our first assignment was to create the alphabet with partners. Take a look at our video for a quick look at our group work assignment! Decatur's First Graders are learning how to use our communication tool for dance class: our bodies! Our first assignment was to create the alphabet with partners. Take a look at our video for a quick look at our group work assignment! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=304793 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=304793 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 05:01:04 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:25 Students were busy in December designing and redesigning towers. Check out their progress here! Students were busy in December designing and redesigning towers. Check out their progress here! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340668 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340668 Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:06:02 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:36 We are learning about how to draw and understand all of the different properties of quadrilaterals We are learning about how to draw and understand all of the different properties of quadrilaterals //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=292248 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=292248 Mon, 14 Dec 2020 04:09:21 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:43 In Makerspace, students read 'In My Heart', exploring various feelings we may experience at any one time. To help them overcome moments of frustration or periods of overwhelm, students recorded their own 'growth mindset' messages, on a cardboard heart before wrapping them, These hearts will serve as a reminder that even though we are physically apart, we are still connected as a Decatur community. The hearts will also serve as a 'talking piece' during talking circles in class. During this process, students explored new techniques with creating designs with yarn (learning how to wrap shapes & letters). Students used these techniques to brainstorm their own creation out of yarn following the 'Engineering Design Process'. Stay tuned to see these students' creations next week! In Makerspace, students read 'In My Heart', exploring various feelings we may experience at any one time. To help them overcome moments of frustration or periods of overwhelm, students recorded their own 'growth mindset' messages, on a cardboard heart before wrapping them, These hearts will serve as a reminder that even though we are physically apart, we are still connected as a Decatur community. The hearts will also serve as a 'talking piece' during talking circles in class. During this process, students explored new techniques with creating designs with yarn (learning how to wrap shapes & letters). Students used these techniques to brainstorm their own creation out of yarn following the 'Engineering Design Process'. Stay tuned to see these students' creations next week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393189 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393189 Sun, 17 May 2026 10:02:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 Intermediate grade students played a throwing themed game called Win the Pin where classes are split into 2 teams and they need to protect the pins on their half of the court while also try to knock down the pins of the opposing team. Once a player knocks down an opposing pin they can run across the center line, grab the pin and return it to their side and set it up. Intermediate grade students played a throwing themed game called Win the Pin where classes are split into 2 teams and they need to protect the pins on their half of the court while also try to knock down the pins of the opposing team. Once a player knocks down an opposing pin they can run across the center line, grab the pin and return it to their side and set it up. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234132 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234132 Fri, 10 Apr 2020 04:01:17 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:34 The second graders created different types of seed models. They pretended they were trees and had to figure out the best way to drop their seed so that it didn't land in "the zone of darkness". We had a great time learning more about how a seed coat can help a seed travel. The second graders created different types of seed models. They pretended they were trees and had to figure out the best way to drop their seed so that it didn't land in "the zone of darkness". We had a great time learning more about how a seed coat can help a seed travel. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328548 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328548 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:10:22 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:13 It's been a busy week in Makerspace! Students have been exploring the Engineering Design Process by designing pencil boxes, as well as free creations using Makerspace Bins. We had a first time experience in class, where students were given a budget for their materials. Students needed to design a monster for $5 or less. Can't wait to see what they come up with! It's been a busy week in Makerspace! Students have been exploring the Engineering Design Process by designing pencil boxes, as well as free creations using Makerspace Bins. We had a first time experience in class, where students were given a budget for their materials. Students needed to design a monster for $5 or less. Can't wait to see what they come up with! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369064 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369064 Wed, 15 May 2024 08:02:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:44 This slideshow contains some pics of our Decatur Lego Robotics Team members participating in the IL State First Lego League Championship Tournament this past weekend at Elgin Community College. Our team members from "The Brainstorms" competed along with 50 teams from across the state. Ms. Petropoulos and I are so proud of this accomplishment, along with other special awards Brainstorms and Pedal to the Plastic teams earned during this year's competitions! Thank you so much to all of the parents who supported us throughout this year as well! :) This slideshow contains some pics of our Decatur Lego Robotics Team members participating in the IL State First Lego League Championship Tournament this past weekend at Elgin Community College. Our team members from "The Brainstorms" competed along with 50 teams from across the state. Ms. Petropoulos and I are so proud of this accomplishment, along with other special awards Brainstorms and Pedal to the Plastic teams earned during this year's competitions! Thank you so much to all of the parents who supported us throughout this year as well! :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369063 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369063 Wed, 15 May 2024 08:02:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:49 This week's slideshow highlights: all classes took time out of their units to learn how to make their own microscope slides to view plant cells and various cellular organelles under our microscopes. To do so, they used tissue samples that they tore off of an onion. There are also some pics of our fish from our Lake Michigan ecosystem feeding on smaller minnows, 8th graders learning about how watersheds form such as the Chicago-Calumet River watershed, and JHS students meeting for the first time with Ms. Koreman and me last Friday to kick off our after school program, Decatur's Green Team. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: all classes took time out of their units to learn how to make their own microscope slides to view plant cells and various cellular organelles under our microscopes. To do so, they used tissue samples that they tore off of an onion. There are also some pics of our fish from our Lake Michigan ecosystem feeding on smaller minnows, 8th graders learning about how watersheds form such as the Chicago-Calumet River watershed, and JHS students meeting for the first time with Ms. Koreman and me last Friday to kick off our after school program, Decatur's Green Team. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338344 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338344 Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:04:21 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 Here are pictures of how the students' terrariums have changed after only a few weeks since we planted the grass and alfalfa. Here are pictures of how the students' terrariums have changed after only a few weeks since we planted the grass and alfalfa. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=228946 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=228946 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 03:11:01 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:04 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=317417 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=317417 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 05:05:06 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 2:54 5th grade worked on a "Dear Data Project" inspired data visualization. 5th grade worked on a "Dear Data Project" inspired data visualization. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364845 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364845 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 07:11:17 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 4:28 8th Graders took a field trip the Wild Mile to launch a multi-year project to design their own floating garden in a different section of the Chicago River and closer to our community. 8th Graders took a field trip the Wild Mile to launch a multi-year project to design their own floating garden in a different section of the Chicago River and closer to our community. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294412 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294412 Sat, 26 Dec 2020 04:10:03 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:33 Students learned about the legacy of Chadwick Boseman and then created their own tributes to someone who has impacted their life. Students learned about the legacy of Chadwick Boseman and then created their own tributes to someone who has impacted their life. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362660 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362660 Mon, 01 Jan 2024 07:10:09 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:40 This week's slideshow highlights: JHS students working together to decide on the best location to install our new raised garden beds; students also worked collaboratively to fill them with nutritious soil that was delivered; a 7th grade student working on their STEM Fair Project, where they are investigating the benefits of mushrooms growing alongside plants; a couple of pics of Decatur's Lego League Robotics teams gearing up for competition; a 7th grade student who was excited to bring some snail eggs from home to share with our science lab; and students taking the extra soil we had leftover and spreading it around our plants out in front of the school. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: JHS students working together to decide on the best location to install our new raised garden beds; students also worked collaboratively to fill them with nutritious soil that was delivered; a 7th grade student working on their STEM Fair Project, where they are investigating the benefits of mushrooms growing alongside plants; a couple of pics of Decatur's Lego League Robotics teams gearing up for competition; a 7th grade student who was excited to bring some snail eggs from home to share with our science lab; and students taking the extra soil we had leftover and spreading it around our plants out in front of the school. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=201427 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=201427 Fri, 22 Feb 2019 02:11:30 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 1:27 6th grade students spent music classes in the first marking period working on drums and percussion. Their learning spanned from a backbeat on drum set to learning all about West African drums and percussion like the djembe, dun duns, shekere, and gankogui. They culminated their learning with an in studio performance including a drum warm up, complimentary rhythmic ostinatos, and two songs the students arranged with their classmates. Both songs, Take Time in Life and Banuwa, originated in Liberia. Attached is a performance from one of the 6th grade classes! 6th grade students spent music classes in the first marking period working on drums and percussion. Their learning spanned from a backbeat on drum set to learning all about West African drums and percussion like the djembe, dun duns, shekere, and gankogui. They culminated their learning with an in studio performance including a drum warm up, complimentary rhythmic ostinatos, and two songs the students arranged with their classmates. Both songs, Take Time in Life and Banuwa, originated in Liberia. Attached is a performance from one of the 6th grade classes! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294414 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294414 Sat, 26 Dec 2020 04:10:03 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:24 Students collaborated on creating virtual graffiti walls about the different aspects of community that we have been exploring in class. Students collaborated on creating virtual graffiti walls about the different aspects of community that we have been exploring in class. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=213214 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=213214 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 03:03:29 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 1:06 6th grade students spent the 3rd marking period creating compositions. They began with improvisation, used a notation software, and then taught it to peers for a live performance. Here is one example of a student final performance. 6th grade students spent the 3rd marking period creating compositions. They began with improvisation, used a notation software, and then taught it to peers for a live performance. Here is one example of a student final performance. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349457 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349457 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 07:01:13 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:26 In their unit on Inheritance and traits focused around several wolfpacks, groups reviewed and discussed data from the Wolf Family Data Cards and the informational texts, The Code and The Handbook of Traits and recorded their information on a graphic organizer. In their unit on Inheritance and traits focused around several wolfpacks, groups reviewed and discussed data from the Wolf Family Data Cards and the informational texts, The Code and The Handbook of Traits and recorded their information on a graphic organizer. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=239845 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=239845 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:03:17 PDT Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 8:56 You can watch this video and complete the first two pages of your Math Work for the week of 3/17! You can watch this video and complete the first two pages of your Math Work for the week of 3/17! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377724 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377724 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:09:23 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:46 Intermediate students learned a collaborative tag game called Dead Ants where students work together to rescue any "dead ants" by jointly carrying them from the place they were frozen to a hula hoop. Intermediate students learned a collaborative tag game called Dead Ants where students work together to rescue any "dead ants" by jointly carrying them from the place they were frozen to a hula hoop. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377725 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377725 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:09:23 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:14 Students practiced a variety of dribbling moves to fine tune their dribbling skills in our soccer unit. Students practiced a variety of dribbling moves to fine tune their dribbling skills in our soccer unit. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377722 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377722 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:09:23 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:52 We started the school year doing a series of team building activities where students had to use hula hoops to complete a series of challenges around building hula huts out of the hoops. We started the school year doing a series of team building activities where students had to use hula hoops to complete a series of challenges around building hula huts out of the hoops. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337223 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337223 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 06:03:29 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 Students engaged in a scavenger hunt to help them practice various strategies for dividing a fraction by a fraction. Students engaged in a scavenger hunt to help them practice various strategies for dividing a fraction by a fraction. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337222 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337222 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 06:03:29 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:40 Students explored data about major employers in 6 different Illinois cities in this scoot activity. Students explored data about major employers in 6 different Illinois cities in this scoot activity. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=228940 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=228940 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 03:11:01 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:39 4th grade students braving cooler weather and walking their laps to support Decatur! 4th grade students braving cooler weather and walking their laps to support Decatur! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226774 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226774 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:10:11 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:26 This week 4th graders worked on seeing how particle collisions work using pennies and how sound waves work through homemade telephones. 5th graders created an energy pyramid to help them understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and continued creating an ecosystem in their terrariums. This week 4th graders worked on seeing how particle collisions work using pennies and how sound waves work through homemade telephones. 5th graders created an energy pyramid to help them understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and continued creating an ecosystem in their terrariums. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229801 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229801 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 03:11:12 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:29 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330842 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330842 Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:12:03 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:11 Students worked in pair to read a text called, Seeing the World Through Numbers. They were challenged to visualize each number from the book's illustrations. For example, the number 128 can be visualized as 128 ft, 128 centimeter 12 millimeters..etc Without these forms of measurements, scientist would have no context for understanding the world. Students worked in pair to read a text called, Seeing the World Through Numbers. They were challenged to visualize each number from the book's illustrations. For example, the number 128 can be visualized as 128 ft, 128 centimeter 12 millimeters..etc Without these forms of measurements, scientist would have no context for understanding the world. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294401 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294401 Fri, 25 Dec 2020 04:10:02 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 6:08 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340881 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340881 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 06:06:07 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:22 I can make observations and measurements of a object's motion to predict future motion. I can make observations and measurements of a object's motion to predict future motion. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340882 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340882 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 06:06:07 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:08 Students Students //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294400 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294400 Fri, 25 Dec 2020 04:10:02 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 3:54 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236571 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236571 Mon, 11 May 2020 04:02:17 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:41 Here are some of the designs 4th graders had for their wind turbines and some of the rock layering models that 6th graders created. Here are some of the designs 4th graders had for their wind turbines and some of the rock layering models that 6th graders created. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351764 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351764 Thu, 25 May 2023 07:03:02 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:08 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359482 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=359482 Sat, 11 Nov 2023 07:08:19 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:25 I am excited to see everyone back on Monday and it was nice meeting some of our new Decatur JHS students on Friday at orientation! This slideshow is a glimpse of how I spent my summer break, as you will see, it contains all things science and nature. There are shots of: me taking professional development courses in Breckenridge, CO and up in Milwaukee to learn how to continue growing as your science teacher and for my own continued learning and it was exciting as well as I got to meet and learn with other passionate science teachers from all across the U.S. from Hawaii to Puerto Rico; while in Milwaukee, I also got to reconnect with my nephew and his girlfriend, as he just graduated with his engineering degree from UW Milwaukee; I spent a good # of days doing my favorite hobby, fishing and even got to fish for beautiful brook trout while out in Colorado, as well as fish out of a boat for an afternoon with Mr. Cherry and Mr. Brennan; my family took our annual summer vacation to Maryland and Hank was excited to go on an old 19th century steam engine train ride with me; there is a shot of Dosido as she just retrieved a tennis ball from the in-ground pool while visiting some friends out in Hampshire; there are some cool shots of the Decatur Summer STEM Camp that I led along with Mr. Cheery and Ms. Bernard for our incoming 3rd - 5th grade students; and just this past week, it was fun to reconnect with all of the Decatur staff as we spent Monday at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum--if you have not been there yet go check it out with your family! :) I am excited to see everyone back on Monday and it was nice meeting some of our new Decatur JHS students on Friday at orientation! This slideshow is a glimpse of how I spent my summer break, as you will see, it contains all things science and nature. There are shots of: me taking professional development courses in Breckenridge, CO and up in Milwaukee to learn how to continue growing as your science teacher and for my own continued learning and it was exciting as well as I got to meet and learn with other passionate science teachers from all across the U.S. from Hawaii to Puerto Rico; while in Milwaukee, I also got to reconnect with my nephew and his girlfriend, as he just graduated with his engineering degree from UW Milwaukee; I spent a good # of days doing my favorite hobby, fishing and even got to fish for beautiful brook trout while out in Colorado, as well as fish out of a boat for an afternoon with Mr. Cherry and Mr. Brennan; my family took our annual summer vacation to Maryland and Hank was excited to go on an old 19th century steam engine train ride with me; there is a shot of Dosido as she just retrieved a tennis ball from the in-ground pool while visiting some friends out in Hampshire; there are some cool shots of the Decatur Summer STEM Camp that I led along with Mr. Cheery and Ms. Bernard for our incoming 3rd - 5th grade students; and just this past week, it was fun to reconnect with all of the Decatur staff as we spent Monday at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum--if you have not been there yet go check it out with your family! :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336142 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336142 Sat, 04 Jun 2022 06:03:12 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:17 This week's slideshow highlights: All JHS classes having fun exploring dry ice, thus making curricular connections to NGSS standards around "States of Matter" and the role of energy transfer in phase changes of matter; 6th graders investigating the age of Earth by learning how past geologic events impacted life on Earth and the development of fossil fuels as part of their SEPUP Unit on "Earth's Resources"; 7th graders began their next SEPUP Unit on "Evolution" with a couple of labs, including one where they collected data on a scientific model of how bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance when patients do not take antibiotics as prescribed, and another lab where they simulated a bird species that feeds on worms that have specific traits for color and the role of environment on natural selection; a photo of one of our students being surprised by his fire fighter dad during our most recent school-wide fire drill; and 8th graders began an inquiry unit on "Energy" through a series of cooperative group"Energy Stations" investigations where the emphasis is on learning all about "Energy Transformations" via physics and/or chemistry. Thank you for checking in with us this week! This week's slideshow highlights: All JHS classes having fun exploring dry ice, thus making curricular connections to NGSS standards around "States of Matter" and the role of energy transfer in phase changes of matter; 6th graders investigating the age of Earth by learning how past geologic events impacted life on Earth and the development of fossil fuels as part of their SEPUP Unit on "Earth's Resources"; 7th graders began their next SEPUP Unit on "Evolution" with a couple of labs, including one where they collected data on a scientific model of how bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance when patients do not take antibiotics as prescribed, and another lab where they simulated a bird species that feeds on worms that have specific traits for color and the role of environment on natural selection; a photo of one of our students being surprised by his fire fighter dad during our most recent school-wide fire drill; and 8th graders began an inquiry unit on "Energy" through a series of cooperative group"Energy Stations" investigations where the emphasis is on learning all about "Energy Transformations" via physics and/or chemistry. Thank you for checking in with us this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336141 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336141 Sat, 04 Jun 2022 06:03:12 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:29 This video shows our 7th Grade Class having fun cooperatively investigating dry ice as part of a recent review of "States of Matter". This video shows our 7th Grade Class having fun cooperatively investigating dry ice as part of a recent review of "States of Matter". //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372042 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=372042 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:04:12 PDT Kevin Roper Kevin Roper 00:11 We had a surprise reader this week. Our reader presented all about Pohela Boishakh, also known as the Bengali New Year. We learned how to create traditional decorations, and listened to our reader speak in Bengali! We had a great time learning all about Pohela Boishakh! We had a surprise reader this week. Our reader presented all about Pohela Boishakh, also known as the Bengali New Year. We learned how to create traditional decorations, and listened to our reader speak in Bengali! We had a great time learning all about Pohela Boishakh! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351762 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351762 Thu, 25 May 2023 07:03:02 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:16 I cannot wait to look over your students' identity maps. In order to get along with others, they must first know themselves. They reflected and wrote about their interests, things they would change in society and more. I cannot wait to look over your students' identity maps. In order to get along with others, they must first know themselves. They reflected and wrote about their interests, things they would change in society and more. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226772 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226772 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:10:11 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch One of the challenges of learning Ballet is that so much of the vocabulary is in French because Ballet was created in France. In third grade, we are working on increasing our knowledge of the French Ballet Vocabulary and recognition of the dance skills through use of flash cards. We had a great time working in partners this week to learn the words that we will put into motion next week! One of the challenges of learning Ballet is that so much of the vocabulary is in French because Ballet was created in France. In third grade, we are working on increasing our knowledge of the French Ballet Vocabulary and recognition of the dance skills through use of flash cards. We had a great time working in partners this week to learn the words that we will put into motion next week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226773 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226773 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:10:11 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:28 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379088 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379088 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 08:10:27 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 2:54 Jr. High went on the annual bowling field trip to build community. What a blast!! Jr. High went on the annual bowling field trip to build community. What a blast!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235413 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235413 Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:02:04 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:28 6th graders worked in groups to develop four major themes from our novel, Flipped. 6th graders worked in groups to develop four major themes from our novel, Flipped. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362240 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=362240 Tue, 26 Dec 2023 07:10:03 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 5:02 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade exploring how underground aquifers form as part of their Geologic Processes SEPUP inquiry unit; 6th graders are also leading the way with individually brining in pictures to share with our class and add to our "Decatur JHS All About Us" board in the classroom (First class to have more than 1/2 the class on the board gets to be the class that can first handle our class pet bearded dragon, Snickers; a couple pics of some 6th graders who volunteered to help Mr. Brennan install new mobile garden planters that will be used by our kindergarten class; 7th grade investigated how simple inherited genetic traits are passed from parents to offspring as part of their Reproduction biology SEPUP inquiry unit; 8th grade went outside and conducted data transect biodiversity investigations as part of their Ecology SEPUP inquiry unit; some pics of Decatur Lego League assembling the various missions for their game board that will be used at tournament competition; and last but not least, several pics of our JHS students having fun at our Waveland Bowl community-builder trip! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade exploring how underground aquifers form as part of their Geologic Processes SEPUP inquiry unit; 6th graders are also leading the way with individually brining in pictures to share with our class and add to our "Decatur JHS All About Us" board in the classroom (First class to have more than 1/2 the class on the board gets to be the class that can first handle our class pet bearded dragon, Snickers; a couple pics of some 6th graders who volunteered to help Mr. Brennan install new mobile garden planters that will be used by our kindergarten class; 7th grade investigated how simple inherited genetic traits are passed from parents to offspring as part of their Reproduction biology SEPUP inquiry unit; 8th grade went outside and conducted data transect biodiversity investigations as part of their Ecology SEPUP inquiry unit; some pics of Decatur Lego League assembling the various missions for their game board that will be used at tournament competition; and last but not least, several pics of our JHS students having fun at our Waveland Bowl community-builder trip! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327246 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327246 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 05:10:01 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 Students used a mystery box this week to think about what an animal's eyes need to see. Students used a mystery box this week to think about what an animal's eyes need to see. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=319859 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=319859 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:06:02 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 4:35 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236980 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236980 Sat, 16 May 2020 04:02:22 PDT Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:19 Ms. Busch wrote the highly anticipated song for 3rd graders! We had fun singing along! Ms. Busch wrote the highly anticipated song for 3rd graders! We had fun singing along! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=373303 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=373303 Sun, 04 Aug 2024 08:05:12 PDT Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:10 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351113 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351113 Fri, 12 May 2023 07:02:17 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:29 We are partner, reading, chapter 3 of our novel. We are learning about how people have overcome obstacles and why it’s important to their story. We are partner, reading, chapter 3 of our novel. We are learning about how people have overcome obstacles and why it’s important to their story. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=206924 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=206924 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 03:02:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:10 Historically Cold Weather= great opportunity for science! Due to the special properties in water (it can exist as a solid, liquid and gas at the same time), boiling water can immediately crystallize into ice or snow when the outside temperature is cold enough. Historically Cold Weather= great opportunity for science! Due to the special properties in water (it can exist as a solid, liquid and gas at the same time), boiling water can immediately crystallize into ice or snow when the outside temperature is cold enough. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226712 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226712 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:10:11 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:20 This week in PE we started our soccer unit. We started off with practicing our dribbling skills. Along with going over some basic dribbling drills, we incorporate some games to help improve our dribbling skills as well. Here the 3rd Grade class is playing Bumper Ball. This week in PE we started our soccer unit. We started off with practicing our dribbling skills. Along with going over some basic dribbling drills, we incorporate some games to help improve our dribbling skills as well. Here the 3rd Grade class is playing Bumper Ball. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327256 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327256 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 05:10:02 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:07 This slideshow has some pics of this week's Science classes: 8th grade learning about genetics and using a coin tossing model to show how traits are passed from parents to offspring; 7th grade learning microscopy skills by viewing unicellular organisms such as bacteria and amoebas with our compound light and digital microscopes; and one of our classroom herpetologists helping to clean the lizard's home ecosystem and a student holding one of the lizards with a lizard hat made by another student :) Thank you for checking in this week! This slideshow has some pics of this week's Science classes: 8th grade learning about genetics and using a coin tossing model to show how traits are passed from parents to offspring; 7th grade learning microscopy skills by viewing unicellular organisms such as bacteria and amoebas with our compound light and digital microscopes; and one of our classroom herpetologists helping to clean the lizard's home ecosystem and a student holding one of the lizards with a lizard hat made by another student :) Thank you for checking in this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226716 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226716 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:10:11 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:04 Sometimes we have to get creative with the limited space that we have, especially when the weather doesn't allow us to be outside. Here two 6th graders are making efficient use of time and space by doing some sit-ups and push-ups at the same time! Sometimes we have to get creative with the limited space that we have, especially when the weather doesn't allow us to be outside. Here two 6th graders are making efficient use of time and space by doing some sit-ups and push-ups at the same time! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383592 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383592 Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:03:14 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:15 6th Grade students worked on Terms of an Expression and Equation, as well as solving Linear Equations through a PaperBall activity where they got to shoot paperballs, and then had to find one and un-crumple it in order to match up with their partner. 6th Grade students worked on Terms of an Expression and Equation, as well as solving Linear Equations through a PaperBall activity where they got to shoot paperballs, and then had to find one and un-crumple it in order to match up with their partner. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235424 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235424 Tue, 28 Apr 2020 04:02:04 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:43 It's been a busy time in Makerspace in January! 4th graders have presented their coding obstacle courses, created coding programs using Codeverse's Kidscript program and are now moving onto block coding in Scratch. 6th Grade (Rm. 109) are nearly done building their robot chassis and will be soon testing out how many hazardrous waste blocks their robot an remove in 2 min. 6th Grade (Rm. 107) and 5th Grade have finished their video projects - showing younger students how to use Google Classroom and how to use iPads respectfully. K-2 classes have presented their Padlet presentations on making their index card tower and are starting their new units from Project Lead the Way. Be on the lookout in February for more details on their units! It's been a busy time in Makerspace in January! 4th graders have presented their coding obstacle courses, created coding programs using Codeverse's Kidscript program and are now moving onto block coding in Scratch. 6th Grade (Rm. 109) are nearly done building their robot chassis and will be soon testing out how many hazardrous waste blocks their robot an remove in 2 min. 6th Grade (Rm. 107) and 5th Grade have finished their video projects - showing younger students how to use Google Classroom and how to use iPads respectfully. K-2 classes have presented their Padlet presentations on making their index card tower and are starting their new units from Project Lead the Way. Be on the lookout in February for more details on their units! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383595 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383595 Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:03:14 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:04 7th Graders did a Scavenger Hunt activity where they go around the room and answer questions to review our unit on Data Analysis and ScatterPlots. 7th Graders did a Scavenger Hunt activity where they go around the room and answer questions to review our unit on Data Analysis and ScatterPlots. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350015 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350015 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:01:26 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:28 We are learning about the many people that influenced the world around us. We are learning about the many people that influenced the world around us. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329437 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329437 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:11:05 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 2:26 Students capped of Fall Spirit Week with Oktoberfest, sporting their team colors and having a blast! Go Decatur! Students capped of Fall Spirit Week with Oktoberfest, sporting their team colors and having a blast! Go Decatur! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320861 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320861 Thu, 09 Sep 2021 05:06:17 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 1:26 There is a new interactive bulletin board up at school that features our final project from this school year. I am so glad that even during this pandemic we have found ways to express ourselves, to be creative, and to collaborate. Check out this great project that really shows the connections between storytelling, music, and art. Great work Amelia (5th Grade)! There is a new interactive bulletin board up at school that features our final project from this school year. I am so glad that even during this pandemic we have found ways to express ourselves, to be creative, and to collaborate. Check out this great project that really shows the connections between storytelling, music, and art. Great work Amelia (5th Grade)! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354611 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354611 Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:05:06 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:59 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354610 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354610 Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:05:06 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:22 This week's slideshow highlights: Decatur Track & Field student-athletes practicing for our upcoming regional meet and participating in our first open meet; 5th grader working in small engineering teams to design solar ovens to test; 6th graders doing a lab to investigate cellular respiration of yeast cells; 7th grade exploring a lab simulation to learn how bacteria evolve to become resistant to antibiotics; and last but not least, our 3 Decatur JHS IL State STEM Fair entrants competed with grace down at the State Fair held at Southern IL University, Carbondale! Congratulations to Francesca, Elliot, and Sienna! This week's slideshow highlights: Decatur Track & Field student-athletes practicing for our upcoming regional meet and participating in our first open meet; 5th grader working in small engineering teams to design solar ovens to test; 6th graders doing a lab to investigate cellular respiration of yeast cells; 7th grade exploring a lab simulation to learn how bacteria evolve to become resistant to antibiotics; and last but not least, our 3 Decatur JHS IL State STEM Fair entrants competed with grace down at the State Fair held at Southern IL University, Carbondale! Congratulations to Francesca, Elliot, and Sienna! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383368 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383368 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 09:03:09 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:30 This slideshow highlights: Decatur Classical Students presenting their Environmental Science STEM Fair Projects at The Chicago River Student Congress, which was held on Saturday, Feb. 22nd, at Northeastern IL University. Several JHS Students and family members showed up for the event, where students got to see exotic reptiles including a 10 foot long Python snake. Thank you for checkin in with our class:) This slideshow highlights: Decatur Classical Students presenting their Environmental Science STEM Fair Projects at The Chicago River Student Congress, which was held on Saturday, Feb. 22nd, at Northeastern IL University. Several JHS Students and family members showed up for the event, where students got to see exotic reptiles including a 10 foot long Python snake. Thank you for checkin in with our class:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=269650 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=269650 Fri, 14 Aug 2020 04:05:22 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 2:12 Decatur Jr. Middle School students recently created their own food trucks including cost analysis, menus, advertisement, business plan, messaging, etc. They did an amazing job! Check it out! Decatur Jr. Middle School students recently created their own food trucks including cost analysis, menus, advertisement, business plan, messaging, etc. They did an amazing job! Check it out! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339449 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339449 Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:05:12 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:36 After working so hard on our fractions, novel, and landmarks it’s time to cut loose and show off our sweet dance moves! After working so hard on our fractions, novel, and landmarks it’s time to cut loose and show off our sweet dance moves! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340432 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340432 Sat, 20 Aug 2022 06:05:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:28 Students created dances based upon their reading of the novel, Amal Unbound. Students created dances based upon their reading of the novel, Amal Unbound. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340433 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340433 Sat, 20 Aug 2022 06:05:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:59 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340431 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340431 Sat, 20 Aug 2022 06:05:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 Students measured and analyzed what has happened in their terrariums so far and why some are thriving and some are not. Students measured and analyzed what has happened in their terrariums so far and why some are thriving and some are not. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326135 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=326135 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:09:16 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:31 Students in 7th and 8th grade engaged in Big Paper Conversations to reflect and think critically about a series of etchings or poems highlighting the artist's perspective on differences and how they are viewed by the individual as well as society. Students in 7th and 8th grade engaged in Big Paper Conversations to reflect and think critically about a series of etchings or poems highlighting the artist's perspective on differences and how they are viewed by the individual as well as society. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330879 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330879 Sat, 26 Feb 2022 05:12:04 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:25 8th graders created Instagram posts to show how the First Amendment allows individual citizens to be civic actors in a democracy. 8th graders created Instagram posts to show how the First Amendment allows individual citizens to be civic actors in a democracy. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294613 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=294613 Mon, 28 Dec 2020 04:10:05 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:24 Remote learning can't stop 5th grade from engaging in their learning. We've adapted graffiti walls for remote learning to give students space to share their views and responses to questions about who we are as a 5th grade community! Remote learning can't stop 5th grade from engaging in their learning. We've adapted graffiti walls for remote learning to give students space to share their views and responses to questions about who we are as a 5th grade community! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=212320 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=212320 Sat, 15 Jun 2019 03:03:23 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:05 In this video students are combining the ingredients to make the salad dressing that meets the criteria of being flavorful, having a smooth consistency and texture. In this video students are combining the ingredients to make the salad dressing that meets the criteria of being flavorful, having a smooth consistency and texture. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328559 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328559 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:10:23 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:40 Check out the design this group came up with! Check out the design this group came up with! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328557 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328557 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:10:23 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:49 This week's slideshow has pics of: 6th grade class conducting an experiment outdoors which modeled how the Earth's water and land absorb and lose thermal energy and how that impacts regional weather and climate; a 6th grader who took his data analysis to another level presenting to his classmates; 8th grade class making "Critters" to show various traits that were inherited from parent to offspring--they were learning about how genotype of parents can affect the variation of phenotypes within siblings from the same parents; 8th graders presenting their "Critters" to their classmates; 7th graders conducting a cooperative lab experiment modeling the structure and function of cell membranes; and 7th graders on our field trip to Iron Oaks Outdoor Education Center--they did such an amazing job of upholding Decatur Expectations by taking care of each other while enduring some fun team challenges set up by the Iron Oaks education staff. Thanks for checking in and please ask your child more about their learning experiences from this week! This week's slideshow has pics of: 6th grade class conducting an experiment outdoors which modeled how the Earth's water and land absorb and lose thermal energy and how that impacts regional weather and climate; a 6th grader who took his data analysis to another level presenting to his classmates; 8th grade class making "Critters" to show various traits that were inherited from parent to offspring--they were learning about how genotype of parents can affect the variation of phenotypes within siblings from the same parents; 8th graders presenting their "Critters" to their classmates; 7th graders conducting a cooperative lab experiment modeling the structure and function of cell membranes; and 7th graders on our field trip to Iron Oaks Outdoor Education Center--they did such an amazing job of upholding Decatur Expectations by taking care of each other while enduring some fun team challenges set up by the Iron Oaks education staff. Thanks for checking in and please ask your child more about their learning experiences from this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354602 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354602 Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:05:06 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 Students investigated non-touching forces through exploring a series of materials from magnets to paper clips, balloons to clothespins. They analyzed what evidence they could find for a force that acted without objects touching. This helps them build evidence to answer the chapter question “Why might the train rise without anything touching it?” Students investigated non-touching forces through exploring a series of materials from magnets to paper clips, balloons to clothespins. They analyzed what evidence they could find for a force that acted without objects touching. This helps them build evidence to answer the chapter question “Why might the train rise without anything touching it?” //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344800 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344800 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:09:23 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:15 Students worked together to label on the globe, where it is daytime and nighttime in the world. Students worked together to label on the globe, where it is daytime and nighttime in the world. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328558 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328558 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:10:23 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:31 Students designed and created their own freshwater collection system using a set list of possible materials as they think through how to solve the water shortage problems of East Ferris in our science unit on the Earth System. Students designed and created their own freshwater collection system using a set list of possible materials as they think through how to solve the water shortage problems of East Ferris in our science unit on the Earth System. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353995 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353995 Sat, 15 Jul 2023 07:04:22 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:29 This week's slideshow highlights: pics of 8th graders exploring how analog and digital signals are sent as sound waves while simulating telephone systems as part of their SEPUP Unit investigating Waves; 8th graders also did a fun activity together that referenced back to an earlier unit, Chemistry of Materials as they made their own lava density bottles as a keepsake; some pics of 7th and 5th graders working on their class' Decatur Gala Auction Items; 6th graders teaching each other about past scientists and their discoveries that led to the development of both "Cell Theory" and "Germ Theory of Disease" in Biology; and 5th graders investigated energy transformations through a series of rotating "Energy Stations". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: pics of 8th graders exploring how analog and digital signals are sent as sound waves while simulating telephone systems as part of their SEPUP Unit investigating Waves; 8th graders also did a fun activity together that referenced back to an earlier unit, Chemistry of Materials as they made their own lava density bottles as a keepsake; some pics of 7th and 5th graders working on their class' Decatur Gala Auction Items; 6th graders teaching each other about past scientists and their discoveries that led to the development of both "Cell Theory" and "Germ Theory of Disease" in Biology; and 5th graders investigated energy transformations through a series of rotating "Energy Stations". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354601 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354601 Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:05:06 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:29 Students had the chance to go to the ComEd Smart Energy Hub where students got to see what is required to get electrical power from an energy source through the electrical grid to a home or business. Students considered different energy sources and ways to conserve energy. They also got to experiment with the materials electricians need to use in order to keep power lines working. Students had the chance to go to the ComEd Smart Energy Hub where students got to see what is required to get electrical power from an energy source through the electrical grid to a home or business. Students considered different energy sources and ways to conserve energy. They also got to experiment with the materials electricians need to use in order to keep power lines working. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353994 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353994 Sat, 15 Jul 2023 07:04:22 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:20 This week's slideshow highlights: some pics from our Decatur Family STEM Night where 5rh-8th grade students are seen presenting to parents and families their learning of STEM in Science, Math, and Lego League; several vendors such as Ms. Mendoza and The Field Museum, Friends of Chicago River, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, and Chicago Public Library/Northtown Brach, presented their outreach programs to our families--thank you to our vendors, parents and families, for coming out to support our students as they presented their learning of STEM!; 7th grade classes investigated various pollinators and flowers and argued from evidence as to which pollinators pollinated which flowers based upon their observations of each species unique adaptations/traits; 7th grade students also explored cell protein synthesis, structures, and functions; 5th grade class went outside during one of the unusual summer-like days to investigate solar water heaters, and there is a short video where they learned that they are conductors of electricity by making a class circuit around the room using a mysterious "Energy Ball" that lights up and makes a buzzing sound when the class connected together and two people touched the anode and cathode on the plastic ball. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: some pics from our Decatur Family STEM Night where 5rh-8th grade students are seen presenting to parents and families their learning of STEM in Science, Math, and Lego League; several vendors such as Ms. Mendoza and The Field Museum, Friends of Chicago River, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development, and Chicago Public Library/Northtown Brach, presented their outreach programs to our families--thank you to our vendors, parents and families, for coming out to support our students as they presented their learning of STEM!; 7th grade classes investigated various pollinators and flowers and argued from evidence as to which pollinators pollinated which flowers based upon their observations of each species unique adaptations/traits; 7th grade students also explored cell protein synthesis, structures, and functions; 5th grade class went outside during one of the unusual summer-like days to investigate solar water heaters, and there is a short video where they learned that they are conductors of electricity by making a class circuit around the room using a mysterious "Energy Ball" that lights up and makes a buzzing sound when the class connected together and two people touched the anode and cathode on the plastic ball. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=373562 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=373562 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 08:05:17 PDT Kevin Roper Kevin Roper 00:22 Students experiment with shadows. What made them larger/smaller? What happened with more or less light? Was the background helpful in creating shadows? Students experiment with shadows. What made them larger/smaller? What happened with more or less light? Was the background helpful in creating shadows? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353990 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353990 Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:04:21 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:17 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365728 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365728 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 07:12:10 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:36 I am so excited to announce that both of our Decatur First Lego Robotics Teams competed at our Regional Tournament this Saturday and each of our 2 teams, The Brainstorms & Pedal to the Plastic, have advanced onto Sectional Competition! Students in grades 5-8 make up both teams and they displayed Decatur Classical's 3 pillars of "Being Present, Enduring Challenges, & Taking Care of Each Other" in such a way that each team also received special awards and trophies for their professionalism and teamwork! Please check out this slideshow for some highlights and a special thank you to Mrs. Negron and Mr. Bashir for your support of Ms. Petropoulos and I getting our teams ready for their competition, and to all the parents who were able to make it Saturday to cheer our teams on! I am so excited to announce that both of our Decatur First Lego Robotics Teams competed at our Regional Tournament this Saturday and each of our 2 teams, The Brainstorms & Pedal to the Plastic, have advanced onto Sectional Competition! Students in grades 5-8 make up both teams and they displayed Decatur Classical's 3 pillars of "Being Present, Enduring Challenges, & Taking Care of Each Other" in such a way that each team also received special awards and trophies for their professionalism and teamwork! Please check out this slideshow for some highlights and a special thank you to Mrs. Negron and Mr. Bashir for your support of Ms. Petropoulos and I getting our teams ready for their competition, and to all the parents who were able to make it Saturday to cheer our teams on! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330882 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330882 Sat, 26 Feb 2022 05:12:04 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:25 Students are working on their culminating project of creating a model of animal vision in their unit on vision and light Students are working on their culminating project of creating a model of animal vision in their unit on vision and light //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226735 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=226735 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:10:11 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:41 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331971 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331971 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 05:12:21 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 In our unit on ratios, we calculated our own speed walking through the hallway and compared it to world records in other sports after calculating those speeds. In our unit on ratios, we calculated our own speed walking through the hallway and compared it to world records in other sports after calculating those speeds. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365726 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365726 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 07:12:10 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:10 This week's slideshow highlights: Students in 6th, 7th, & 8th grade classes presenting their STEM Fair Projects to their classmates. Each student chose to work alone or with a partner, where they practiced each of the 8 NGSS Science & Engineering Practices starting with "Asking Questions or Defining a Problem", to then "designing and carrying out an experiment or engineering design process", all the way to eventually "obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information". As scientists and engineers, going through the process of presenting to their classmates simulates the "peer review" process that all scientists experience in the real world. Presentations this week encompassed inquiry projects that explored all the disciplines of science and engineering: biology; earth science; environmental science; chemistry; and physics. I am so proud of our students as they showed enthusiasm for their chosen inquiry topics and displayed a high level of scientific inquiry, which they also combined with college-level research skills along the way. In a sense, students who presented were the teachers of our class for that 10-15 minute period of our class time. We still have a few more presentations this coming week! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: Students in 6th, 7th, & 8th grade classes presenting their STEM Fair Projects to their classmates. Each student chose to work alone or with a partner, where they practiced each of the 8 NGSS Science & Engineering Practices starting with "Asking Questions or Defining a Problem", to then "designing and carrying out an experiment or engineering design process", all the way to eventually "obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information". As scientists and engineers, going through the process of presenting to their classmates simulates the "peer review" process that all scientists experience in the real world. Presentations this week encompassed inquiry projects that explored all the disciplines of science and engineering: biology; earth science; environmental science; chemistry; and physics. I am so proud of our students as they showed enthusiasm for their chosen inquiry topics and displayed a high level of scientific inquiry, which they also combined with college-level research skills along the way. In a sense, students who presented were the teachers of our class for that 10-15 minute period of our class time. We still have a few more presentations this coming week! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331973 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=331973 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 05:12:21 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:21 Students traveled 10 meters down the hallway at a consistent pace and were timed by their classmates so that they could each calculate their speed and compare it to world records in other sports. Students traveled 10 meters down the hallway at a consistent pace and were timed by their classmates so that they could each calculate their speed and compare it to world records in other sports. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=309821 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=309821 Fri, 14 May 2021 05:02:19 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 2:29 7th graders wrote free verse poems to represent one of the main characters from our novel Refugee. 7th graders wrote free verse poems to represent one of the main characters from our novel Refugee. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383370 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383370 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 09:03:09 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:09 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327233 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327233 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 05:10:01 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:10 Here's a glimpse of 4th grade's math choice time. Here's a glimpse of 4th grade's math choice time. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328560 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328560 Sat, 15 Jan 2022 05:10:23 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:05 Check out this group's creative approach! Love the use of foil to try and reflect the sun's rays to speed up the evaporation process. Check out this group's creative approach! Love the use of foil to try and reflect the sun's rays to speed up the evaporation process. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352415 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352415 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 07:03:17 PDT Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:34 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327239 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327239 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 05:10:01 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:35 7th and 8th graders have been working hard this past month in Makerspace to get their Tinkercad designs printed on our new 3D45 3D Dremel Printer! We've learned a lot and overcome several challenges to send our Tinkercad designs to the 3D printer. This week, their work has finally paid off! Check out our first student designed key chains, as well as our class mascots: the Sharks and the Lions! More designs coming soon! 7th and 8th graders have been working hard this past month in Makerspace to get their Tinkercad designs printed on our new 3D45 3D Dremel Printer! We've learned a lot and overcome several challenges to send our Tinkercad designs to the 3D printer. This week, their work has finally paid off! Check out our first student designed key chains, as well as our class mascots: the Sharks and the Lions! More designs coming soon! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350473 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350473 Sat, 29 Apr 2023 07:02:04 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:22 This week students participated in the fabulous Winter Show based on Beatles numbers. It was fantastic to see our students hard work in action! This week students participated in the fabulous Winter Show based on Beatles numbers. It was fantastic to see our students hard work in action! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335096 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335096 Thu, 19 May 2022 06:02:24 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 7:45 Check out our fabulous student run band! They chose, arranged, practiced, and created these performances together. Great work Decatur students! We hope you enjoy our virtual performance! Check out our fabulous student run band! They chose, arranged, practiced, and created these performances together. Great work Decatur students! We hope you enjoy our virtual performance! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385843 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385843 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:28 As a part of the school's wellness week, students took part in a team building activity called cross the river where students needed to work together to use the equipment provided for them to cross an imaginary river. Students learned the power of communication and practiced making changes to an approach when it doesn't work. As a part of the school's wellness week, students took part in a team building activity called cross the river where students needed to work together to use the equipment provided for them to cross an imaginary river. Students learned the power of communication and practiced making changes to an approach when it doesn't work. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381243 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381243 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:01:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:12 Students put a bowling pin (the Snowman) in a hula hoop and underhand tossed a bean bag to try and knock down the snowman and earn points. Students put a bowling pin (the Snowman) in a hula hoop and underhand tossed a bean bag to try and knock down the snowman and earn points. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381242 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381242 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:01:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:24 Students played a throwing and catching game inspired by the popular pirate movie series Pirates of the Caribbean. Students worked in teams with their "ship" to cooperate to keep their ship from getting sunk by other teams "cannonballs." They used scooters to collect cannonballs and return them to their team's throwers. Students played a throwing and catching game inspired by the popular pirate movie series Pirates of the Caribbean. Students worked in teams with their "ship" to cooperate to keep their ship from getting sunk by other teams "cannonballs." They used scooters to collect cannonballs and return them to their team's throwers. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385842 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385842 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:19 Primary students had to work in teams of 8-10 kids where they needed to pass around a baton using a designated body part. The emphasis was on communication and working with others to be well. Primary students had to work in teams of 8-10 kids where they needed to pass around a baton using a designated body part. The emphasis was on communication and working with others to be well. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381241 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381241 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:01:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:30 Students used the climbing wall, agility ladders, fit deck cards with different exercises on each card to build their cardio endurance. Students used the climbing wall, agility ladders, fit deck cards with different exercises on each card to build their cardio endurance. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=302420 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=302420 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 04:12:05 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:57 As we started our unit learning about ancient civilizations, students played a game called "Guess the Artifact" where they played the role of archaeologists trying to decide what the artifact was and its function. As we started our unit learning about ancient civilizations, students played a game called "Guess the Artifact" where they played the role of archaeologists trying to decide what the artifact was and its function. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236944 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236944 Fri, 15 May 2020 04:02:21 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:07 In our new science unit, students are working as pinball engineers. In our new science unit, students are working as pinball engineers. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344060 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344060 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:09:09 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:22 This week's slideshow depicts: 7th grade students taking care of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon Lizard; 7th grade students cooperatively learning how to operate light microscopes while viewing specimens under various levels of magnification; 8th grade students observing a moth that just hatched from its chrysalis stage of life; and 6th graders working in teams conducting a scavenger hunt to learn how to use all of the text features in their SEPUP textbook for their first unit, "Geologic Processes". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow depicts: 7th grade students taking care of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon Lizard; 7th grade students cooperatively learning how to operate light microscopes while viewing specimens under various levels of magnification; 8th grade students observing a moth that just hatched from its chrysalis stage of life; and 6th graders working in teams conducting a scavenger hunt to learn how to use all of the text features in their SEPUP textbook for their first unit, "Geologic Processes". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236945 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236945 Fri, 15 May 2020 04:02:21 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:58 The 5th grade worked on a Formative Assessment Lesson, where they look at a problem, share their individual solutions, and critique the reasoning of each other's work; and then have a chance to improve their original answer to the problem. The 5th grade worked on a Formative Assessment Lesson, where they look at a problem, share their individual solutions, and critique the reasoning of each other's work; and then have a chance to improve their original answer to the problem. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344061 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344061 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:09:09 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:22 This week's slideshow depicts: 7th grade students taking care of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon Lizard; 7th grade students cooperatively learning how to operate light microscopes while viewing specimens under various levels of magnification; 8th grade students observing a moth that just hatched from its chrysalis stage of life; and 6th graders working in teams conducting a scavenger hunt to learn how to use all of the text features in their SEPUP textbook for their first unit, "Geologic Processes". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow depicts: 7th grade students taking care of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon Lizard; 7th grade students cooperatively learning how to operate light microscopes while viewing specimens under various levels of magnification; 8th grade students observing a moth that just hatched from its chrysalis stage of life; and 6th graders working in teams conducting a scavenger hunt to learn how to use all of the text features in their SEPUP textbook for their first unit, "Geologic Processes". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385841 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385841 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:10 Intermediate grades building up their skills in football through flag football games Intermediate grades building up their skills in football through flag football games //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381245 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381245 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:01:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:24 We contiinued the week with more holiday themed games. This one is called Pass the Candy cane where teams work to pass a pool noodle with their feet to the next person in a relay type activity, We contiinued the week with more holiday themed games. This one is called Pass the Candy cane where teams work to pass a pool noodle with their feet to the next person in a relay type activity, //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385840 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385840 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:07 Students worked on their striking skills through the 4 square build up game called 2 square where 2 partners hit the ball back and forth trying to get it bounce only 1 time in their square. Students worked on their striking skills through the 4 square build up game called 2 square where 2 partners hit the ball back and forth trying to get it bounce only 1 time in their square. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381244 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381244 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:01:01 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:40 Most of the students were the villagers of Whoville who wanted to get back their presents from the Grinches who stole them from their town. Several students were Grinches and used pool noodles to safely defend their loot. Teams with the most presents at the end won. Most of the students were the villagers of Whoville who wanted to get back their presents from the Grinches who stole them from their town. Several students were Grinches and used pool noodles to safely defend their loot. Teams with the most presents at the end won. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345399 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345399 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:10:06 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:24 Today we worked on how to share our feelings with classmates. Today we worked on how to share our feelings with classmates. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350745 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350745 Fri, 05 May 2023 07:02:10 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:11 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350746 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350746 Fri, 05 May 2023 07:02:10 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:20 On the 100th day of school this week, we had a visit from Mrs Negron. On the 100th day of school this week, we had a visit from Mrs Negron. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345159 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345159 Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:09:30 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:11 Students received a review mini lesson of capital letters. They learned that we capitalize: names of people or pets, names of places, stand alone I, days of the week, months of the year and beginning of a sentence. Then they put it to practice with this scoot! Students received a review mini lesson of capital letters. They learned that we capitalize: names of people or pets, names of places, stand alone I, days of the week, months of the year and beginning of a sentence. Then they put it to practice with this scoot! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289246 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289246 Fri, 27 Nov 2020 04:09:04 PST Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 00:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385839 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385839 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 Students worked on using their throwing and catching cues to improve their skills. Students worked on using their throwing and catching cues to improve their skills. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=269872 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=269872 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 04:05:25 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:24 The Jr Middle School created a business plan for a Food Truck idea, and had to incorporate elements of nutrition (science) and Volume (math) into their menu and meal tray designs. The Jr Middle School created a business plan for a Food Truck idea, and had to incorporate elements of nutrition (science) and Volume (math) into their menu and meal tray designs. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361629 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361629 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:09:22 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:25 Some of the family number bonds students made! Some of the family number bonds students made! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=244337 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=244337 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 04:03:27 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 3:08 In our new E-Learning format, students in Makerspace have been using a "Maker Mat" - a creative choice board designed to promote creativity and inventive thinking at home. Students may choose the activities they'd like to create using whatever materials they can find at home, such as paper goods, items from nature and crafting supplies. It has been *AMAZING* to see students' creativity in their project submissions, either via e-mail (K-2) or Google Classroom (3-6). Here is a *brief* snapshot of the work students have been creating at home. I hope they put a smile on your face, just like they did for me. Be on the lookout for more projects once we gain more media consent! Take care! :) In our new E-Learning format, students in Makerspace have been using a "Maker Mat" - a creative choice board designed to promote creativity and inventive thinking at home. Students may choose the activities they'd like to create using whatever materials they can find at home, such as paper goods, items from nature and crafting supplies. It has been *AMAZING* to see students' creativity in their project submissions, either via e-mail (K-2) or Google Classroom (3-6). Here is a *brief* snapshot of the work students have been creating at home. I hope they put a smile on your face, just like they did for me. Be on the lookout for more projects once we gain more media consent! Take care! :) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339953 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339953 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 06:05:21 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 Students have been learning about sound waves and how energy travels in all forms of waves. We created this model to help us understand how particles in a waves collide and as result transfer energy to the next particle and on and on. Students have been learning about sound waves and how energy travels in all forms of waves. We created this model to help us understand how particles in a waves collide and as result transfer energy to the next particle and on and on. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232114 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232114 Thu, 05 Mar 2020 03:12:12 PST Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 2:28 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344056 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344056 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:09:09 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:28 5th graders curated museums of people, objects, and other artifacts that they felt were valuable to them. It turned out that family was one of the most valuable artifacts they could have in their personal museums. 5th graders curated museums of people, objects, and other artifacts that they felt were valuable to them. It turned out that family was one of the most valuable artifacts they could have in their personal museums. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327737 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327737 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 05:10:08 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:21 While on our nature walk, we made nature bracelets, but only with items that were already on the ground 😊 While on our nature walk, we made nature bracelets, but only with items that were already on the ground 😊 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344059 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344059 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:09:09 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 2:22 This week's slideshow depicts: 7th grade students taking care of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon Lizard; 7th grade students cooperatively learning how to operate light microscopes while viewing specimens under various levels of magnification; 8th grade students observing a moth that just hatched from its chrysalis stage of life; and 6th graders working in teams conducting a scavenger hunt to learn how to use all of the text features in their SEPUP textbook for their first unit, "Geologic Processes". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow depicts: 7th grade students taking care of Curtiss, our class pet Bearded Dragon Lizard; 7th grade students cooperatively learning how to operate light microscopes while viewing specimens under various levels of magnification; 8th grade students observing a moth that just hatched from its chrysalis stage of life; and 6th graders working in teams conducting a scavenger hunt to learn how to use all of the text features in their SEPUP textbook for their first unit, "Geologic Processes". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327738 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327738 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 05:10:08 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:00 This week's slideshow has some images of: 8th graders learning microscopy skills so that they can better understand the microscopic scale of cells and cell nuclei as they continue exploring heredity and genetics in their Reproduction inquiry unit; 7th graders conducting a cooperative lab experiment on cellular respiration where they used Bromothymol Blue indicator solution to gather evidence of cellular respiration in yeast cells which were fed either glucose or starch; and our class aquatic zoologists taking good care of our classroom aquatic ecosystem. Thank you for checking in this week and please make sure to ask your child for more details of what they explored in class this week! This week's slideshow has some images of: 8th graders learning microscopy skills so that they can better understand the microscopic scale of cells and cell nuclei as they continue exploring heredity and genetics in their Reproduction inquiry unit; 7th graders conducting a cooperative lab experiment on cellular respiration where they used Bromothymol Blue indicator solution to gather evidence of cellular respiration in yeast cells which were fed either glucose or starch; and our class aquatic zoologists taking good care of our classroom aquatic ecosystem. Thank you for checking in this week and please make sure to ask your child for more details of what they explored in class this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351822 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351822 Fri, 26 May 2023 07:03:03 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:13 Yesterday students read All About Kites, a nonfiction book about kites. This afternoon, they designed and created kites of their own. Yesterday students read All About Kites, a nonfiction book about kites. This afternoon, they designed and created kites of their own. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=224737 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=224737 Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:09:19 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:33 This week, students reviewed the Engineering Design Process in class. The process includes the following stages: Ask, Explore, Model, Evaluate and Explain. 6th graders began applying this process to a design challenge to build the largest freestanding tower using only 100 index cards, 24 in. of tape and 20 min to build. Students in grades K-5 will also get an opportunity to build the tower; length of time for the project will vary by grade level. This week, students reviewed the Engineering Design Process in class. The process includes the following stages: Ask, Explore, Model, Evaluate and Explain. 6th graders began applying this process to a design challenge to build the largest freestanding tower using only 100 index cards, 24 in. of tape and 20 min to build. Students in grades K-5 will also get an opportunity to build the tower; length of time for the project will vary by grade level. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327735 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=327735 Fri, 31 Dec 2021 05:10:08 PST Nina Placido Nina Placido 00:21 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349748 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=349748 Fri, 14 Apr 2023 07:01:20 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:09 A bit of organized chaos, but really it's how a first grade classroom should be at times. Some students were simply exploring the balancing scales with objects from the classroom. Other students were working on their Measurement Monsters and others were doing their Lesson 4 practice sheet, which is a Must Do before they can move on to stations. A bit of organized chaos, but really it's how a first grade classroom should be at times. Some students were simply exploring the balancing scales with objects from the classroom. Other students were working on their Measurement Monsters and others were doing their Lesson 4 practice sheet, which is a Must Do before they can move on to stations. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348659 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348659 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 06:12:16 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:59 We conducted a lab where students received a set of instructions for different traits from 2 parents to model what happens in real life. Then students used their set of instructions and the code that went along with the instructions to find out the traits to the offspring. Next, they created out of modeling clay an offspring that demonstrated the traits that it was supposed to have based on the genetic instructions. Students really loved getting active with their hands and seeing in action how traits and genetics can work. We conducted a lab where students received a set of instructions for different traits from 2 parents to model what happens in real life. Then students used their set of instructions and the code that went along with the instructions to find out the traits to the offspring. Next, they created out of modeling clay an offspring that demonstrated the traits that it was supposed to have based on the genetic instructions. Students really loved getting active with their hands and seeing in action how traits and genetics can work. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339950 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339950 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 06:05:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:10 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students collaboratively exploring Energy in their integrated Maker-Space + Science Inquiry Unit--this week they worked on and tested outside their redesigns of their solar cars and they also began investigating wind turbines' energy conversions by cooperatively assembling and collecting data on electrical energy output from their turbine models; 7th grade continued with their SEPUP Unit exploring Evolution with a couple of lab investigations where they learned about geologic drill cores, fossils, and trace fossils and inferences that can be drawn from those pieces of evidence; 8th grade students continued exploring their SEPUP Unit on "How can we make safer cars?" where they investigated how balanced and unbalanced forces impact a car's direction, speed, and acceleration; there are a couple of pics of 7th and 8th graders demonstrating the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices of "Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information", "Analyzing & Interpreting Data", and "Engaging in Argument from Evidence" by sharing their ideas from their Science Notebooks in front of their class; and lastly, there are a couple of pics of some students viewing microscopic soil mites collected from our class worm compost bin--if you look closely at the last pic you can even see an offspring mite on top of a parent mite. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students collaboratively exploring Energy in their integrated Maker-Space + Science Inquiry Unit--this week they worked on and tested outside their redesigns of their solar cars and they also began investigating wind turbines' energy conversions by cooperatively assembling and collecting data on electrical energy output from their turbine models; 7th grade continued with their SEPUP Unit exploring Evolution with a couple of lab investigations where they learned about geologic drill cores, fossils, and trace fossils and inferences that can be drawn from those pieces of evidence; 8th grade students continued exploring their SEPUP Unit on "How can we make safer cars?" where they investigated how balanced and unbalanced forces impact a car's direction, speed, and acceleration; there are a couple of pics of 7th and 8th graders demonstrating the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices of "Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information", "Analyzing & Interpreting Data", and "Engaging in Argument from Evidence" by sharing their ideas from their Science Notebooks in front of their class; and lastly, there are a couple of pics of some students viewing microscopic soil mites collected from our class worm compost bin--if you look closely at the last pic you can even see an offspring mite on top of a parent mite. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=265048 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=265048 Sun, 02 Aug 2020 04:05:10 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 3:36 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380176 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380176 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:11:24 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:08 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381264 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381264 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:01:02 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:13 This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade students out on our playground turf spelling "Happy New Year!" with their bodies for a photo to make staff greeting cards; 6th - 8th grade students presenting their STEM Fair projects to their classmates; some pics of students completing their final testing and data analysis before presenting; I am so proud of our JHS students' willingness to challenge themselves through exploring their chosen inquiry projects; students presented on a variety of topics and various domains of STEM, from investigating how bacteria promote plant root growth, how Planaria can be used to study how stem cells work, how air plane wing length impacts flight characteristics, and even a bridge design investigation where 2 of our 7th grade students struggled to break their super-strong truss bridge design and eventually needed the help of one of our school's largest in stature staff members to stand on their bridge in order for it to break:) Thank you for checking in with us! This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade students out on our playground turf spelling "Happy New Year!" with their bodies for a photo to make staff greeting cards; 6th - 8th grade students presenting their STEM Fair projects to their classmates; some pics of students completing their final testing and data analysis before presenting; I am so proud of our JHS students' willingness to challenge themselves through exploring their chosen inquiry projects; students presented on a variety of topics and various domains of STEM, from investigating how bacteria promote plant root growth, how Planaria can be used to study how stem cells work, how air plane wing length impacts flight characteristics, and even a bridge design investigation where 2 of our 7th grade students struggled to break their super-strong truss bridge design and eventually needed the help of one of our school's largest in stature staff members to stand on their bridge in order for it to break:) Thank you for checking in with us! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380175 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380175 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:11:24 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:06 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=315757 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=315757 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 05:04:19 PDT Margaret Koreman Margaret Koreman 00:01 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381263 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381263 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:01:02 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:27 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th - 8th grade students presenting their STEM Fair projects to their classmates; some pics of students completing their testing and data analysis before presenting; and 7th grade SEL class collaborating with their 2nd grade buddies from Ms. Khatoon's class on a holidays craft project. Thank you for checking in with us:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th - 8th grade students presenting their STEM Fair projects to their classmates; some pics of students completing their testing and data analysis before presenting; and 7th grade SEL class collaborating with their 2nd grade buddies from Ms. Khatoon's class on a holidays craft project. Thank you for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380174 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380174 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:11:24 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:05 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381262 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381262 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:01:02 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:08 This week's slideshow highlights: Decatur Classical Schools Two First Lego Robotics Teams, ThinkTank and Banana Boat, comprised of students from grades 5-8, competed at their regional tournament held at Taft High School. Both teams won special awards and will be advancing onto the Sectional Tournament on Sunday, January 12th, at Horizon Science Academy, 2245 W. Pershing Rd., Chicago, IL 60609. The event is open to the pubic from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm so please come and cheer on our teams:) This week's slideshow highlights: Decatur Classical Schools Two First Lego Robotics Teams, ThinkTank and Banana Boat, comprised of students from grades 5-8, competed at their regional tournament held at Taft High School. Both teams won special awards and will be advancing onto the Sectional Tournament on Sunday, January 12th, at Horizon Science Academy, 2245 W. Pershing Rd., Chicago, IL 60609. The event is open to the pubic from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm so please come and cheer on our teams:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380173 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380173 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 08:11:24 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:02 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337984 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337984 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:04:13 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:31 On Friday students had the chance to dress like teachers and teachers the chance to dress like students. We had a blast! On Friday students had the chance to dress like teachers and teachers the chance to dress like students. We had a blast! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381260 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381260 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:01:02 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:27 This week's slideshow highlights: Decatur Classical Schools Two First Lego Robotics Teams, ThinkTank and Banana Boat, comprised of students from grades 5-8, competed at their regional tournament held at Taft High School. Both teams won special awards and will be advancing onto the Sectional Tournament on Sunday, January 12th, at Horizon Science Academy, 2245 W. Pershing Rd., Chicago, IL 60609. The event is open to the pubic from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm so please come and cheer on our teams:) This week's slideshow highlights: Decatur Classical Schools Two First Lego Robotics Teams, ThinkTank and Banana Boat, comprised of students from grades 5-8, competed at their regional tournament held at Taft High School. Both teams won special awards and will be advancing onto the Sectional Tournament on Sunday, January 12th, at Horizon Science Academy, 2245 W. Pershing Rd., Chicago, IL 60609. The event is open to the pubic from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm so please come and cheer on our teams:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337985 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337985 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:04:13 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:21 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339922 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=339922 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:05:20 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:20 Here, the students are working in their music group to brainstorm ways they can compose their music for their final. Here, the students are working in their music group to brainstorm ways they can compose their music for their final. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289462 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289462 Sun, 29 Nov 2020 04:09:06 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:54 Makerspace is a very unique course for students to imagine, tinker, create, question, collaborate, experiment and invent in an encouraging environment. When we make mistakes in class, we recognize failure isn’t the end but an opportunity to take a new path towards our goals. We persevere to rethink and try our design and ideas again. Check this video out to get a glimpse of what students create in Makerspace! Makerspace is a very unique course for students to imagine, tinker, create, question, collaborate, experiment and invent in an encouraging environment. When we make mistakes in class, we recognize failure isn’t the end but an opportunity to take a new path towards our goals. We persevere to rethink and try our design and ideas again. Check this video out to get a glimpse of what students create in Makerspace! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350958 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350958 Tue, 09 May 2023 07:02:14 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 2:01 6th graders playtested one another’s ancient empire games to assess how well board games can be used as a learning tool. 6th graders playtested one another’s ancient empire games to assess how well board games can be used as a learning tool. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381026 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381026 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:12:19 PDT Rebeca Viquez Rebeca Viquez 00:08 Dear Families, This week, our students worked on a special project combining shapes with creativity! Each student created a mini book featuring shapes like triángulo, círculo, cuadrado, and rectángulo—but this time, each shape had the face of a reindeer (venado). The students brought their venado shape book home to practice and share what they’ve learned. Please encourage your child to tell you the names of the shapes in their book and how to pronounce them in Spanish. Wishing you and your family a joyful winter break! Dear Families, This week, our students worked on a special project combining shapes with creativity! Each student created a mini book featuring shapes like triángulo, círculo, cuadrado, and rectángulo—but this time, each shape had the face of a reindeer (venado). The students brought their venado shape book home to practice and share what they’ve learned. Please encourage your child to tell you the names of the shapes in their book and how to pronounce them in Spanish. Wishing you and your family a joyful winter break! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347551 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347551 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:11:22 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:18 This week's slideshow highlights: 7th graders exploring the role of carbohydrate and protein macromolecules and their subunits in metabolism both outside and inside cells; 6th graders worked in teams to research how "Green Roofs" can be engineered to reduce urban runoff as well as the "Urban Heat Island" phenomenon; 8th grade wrapped up their physics unit with a lab investigating the effects of mass and speed on a vehicle's breaking distance to avoid a collision; 7th graders strengthening their classroom community through spending their "Earned Points" on some cooperative game time; 6th graders watching energy cycle through our classroom Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem as the larger fish eat some feeder fish just added to the system; and this week's show ends with a JHS Community Building Incentive Trip to Waveland Bowl. 6th-8th Graders were split up into multigrade level teams and had so much FUN bowling together! This week's slideshow highlights: 7th graders exploring the role of carbohydrate and protein macromolecules and their subunits in metabolism both outside and inside cells; 6th graders worked in teams to research how "Green Roofs" can be engineered to reduce urban runoff as well as the "Urban Heat Island" phenomenon; 8th grade wrapped up their physics unit with a lab investigating the effects of mass and speed on a vehicle's breaking distance to avoid a collision; 7th graders strengthening their classroom community through spending their "Earned Points" on some cooperative game time; 6th graders watching energy cycle through our classroom Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem as the larger fish eat some feeder fish just added to the system; and this week's show ends with a JHS Community Building Incentive Trip to Waveland Bowl. 6th-8th Graders were split up into multigrade level teams and had so much FUN bowling together! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348887 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348887 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:12:23 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:59 This last week of 2022 slideshow highlights: 7th & 8th grade students presenting their STEM Fair Inquiry Projects to their classmates, topics presented included a study on permeable pavements to prevent urban flooding, the most accurate form for basketball players' free throw shooting performance, and the effect of forest fire smoke on plants' ability to produce oxygen through photosynthesis; 5th grade students investigating climate types through analysis of climatological weather averages; the 5th graders also got to interview one of our 8th grade students as she presented to their class on her family's experience of surviving a recent historically dangerous hurricane when they lived in the US Virgin Islands; 6th graders observing their newly germinated cover crops and setting up more seedlings to use in their green roof experiments project along with a pic of happy volunteer 6th graders cleaning up Mr. K's desk; a fun pic of 7th grade homeroom 1011 students taken out on our playground that they then used to make and then send Holiday cards to all of our Decatur staff members; and some pics of 6th and 8th grade classes enjoying some "earned game time" to close out the last day before winter break! Thank you for checking in with us this week and Happy Holidays and New Year to your family! See you again in 2023:) This last week of 2022 slideshow highlights: 7th & 8th grade students presenting their STEM Fair Inquiry Projects to their classmates, topics presented included a study on permeable pavements to prevent urban flooding, the most accurate form for basketball players' free throw shooting performance, and the effect of forest fire smoke on plants' ability to produce oxygen through photosynthesis; 5th grade students investigating climate types through analysis of climatological weather averages; the 5th graders also got to interview one of our 8th grade students as she presented to their class on her family's experience of surviving a recent historically dangerous hurricane when they lived in the US Virgin Islands; 6th graders observing their newly germinated cover crops and setting up more seedlings to use in their green roof experiments project along with a pic of happy volunteer 6th graders cleaning up Mr. K's desk; a fun pic of 7th grade homeroom 1011 students taken out on our playground that they then used to make and then send Holiday cards to all of our Decatur staff members; and some pics of 6th and 8th grade classes enjoying some "earned game time" to close out the last day before winter break! Thank you for checking in with us this week and Happy Holidays and New Year to your family! See you again in 2023:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=374979 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=374979 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:07:08 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:41 On day one of our CSI STEM Camp for Decatur Classical students who will be entering grades 3-5 this year, students: 1. Learned the parts and functions of our Science lab's compound light microscopes. 2. Worked in cooperative teams to learn the correct procedures for focusing images on their microscopes. 3. Each group was so excited when they successfully found several live aquatic macro and microorganisms such as: Daphnia, Cyclops, Aquatic worms, Amoeba, etc. These activities now set the foundation for teams being introduced to the crime scene, "Who took the cookies from Mrs. Negron's cookie jar?", on day 2 of our weeklong camp. Mrs. Degand and I were so impressed with our forensic scientists cooperation and supporting each other, as well as their overall enthusiasm while making their own discoveries in microscopy! Special thanks to Mrs. Degand for brining in the pond water samples for today's investigation! Thanks for checking in with us:) On day one of our CSI STEM Camp for Decatur Classical students who will be entering grades 3-5 this year, students: 1. Learned the parts and functions of our Science lab's compound light microscopes. 2. Worked in cooperative teams to learn the correct procedures for focusing images on their microscopes. 3. Each group was so excited when they successfully found several live aquatic macro and microorganisms such as: Daphnia, Cyclops, Aquatic worms, Amoeba, etc. These activities now set the foundation for teams being introduced to the crime scene, "Who took the cookies from Mrs. Negron's cookie jar?", on day 2 of our weeklong camp. Mrs. Degand and I were so impressed with our forensic scientists cooperation and supporting each other, as well as their overall enthusiasm while making their own discoveries in microscopy! Special thanks to Mrs. Degand for brining in the pond water samples for today's investigation! Thanks for checking in with us:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361848 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361848 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 07:09:27 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:53 Students begin the year exploring music through creation and performance. They have so many choices of how to perform and all their different personalities shine in their performances. This video is a few snippets of students practicing, working together, and performing their own musical creations. Students begin the year exploring music through creation and performance. They have so many choices of how to perform and all their different personalities shine in their performances. This video is a few snippets of students practicing, working together, and performing their own musical creations. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337983 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337983 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:04:13 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:35 As part of our unit on ecosystems, students planned and created their own terrariums. As part of our unit on ecosystems, students planned and created their own terrariums. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382126 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=382126 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:01:31 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:45 This week while working in a different space due to the winter show, students got to play a game called Hoop Hop Showdown where 2 teams needed to hop through the hula hoops path and when they meet a player from the opposing team the two players have a rock paper scissors showdown. The winner keeps going and the other player goes to the end of their line and a new player starts at the beginning of the path. This week while working in a different space due to the winter show, students got to play a game called Hoop Hop Showdown where 2 teams needed to hop through the hula hoops path and when they meet a player from the opposing team the two players have a rock paper scissors showdown. The winner keeps going and the other player goes to the end of their line and a new player starts at the beginning of the path. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237829 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237829 Mon, 25 May 2020 04:03:02 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:01 Students in 5th grade chose a scene from Amal Unbound to rewrite from a different point of view to help understand how the point of view of a story can greatly impact that the plot. After students rewrote their scene, students were able to walk around, read each other's writing and then leave feedback. Students in 5th grade chose a scene from Amal Unbound to rewrite from a different point of view to help understand how the point of view of a story can greatly impact that the plot. After students rewrote their scene, students were able to walk around, read each other's writing and then leave feedback. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=314898 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=314898 Fri, 02 Jul 2021 05:04:09 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:46 Students worked on making catapults this week! Students chose to make their designs using either a 'bottle cap' or 'spoon' as their launch pad. Checkout this student's catapult in action with an explanation of how she designed it! Students worked on making catapults this week! Students chose to make their designs using either a 'bottle cap' or 'spoon' as their launch pad. Checkout this student's catapult in action with an explanation of how she designed it! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338603 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338603 Wed, 20 Jul 2022 06:04:27 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:14 Task: Build a device or system that demonstrates chains reactions! 1. Ask questions 2. Write your predictions 3. Explain your predictions based on the changes you observe when objects collides Task: Build a device or system that demonstrates chains reactions! 1. Ask questions 2. Write your predictions 3. Explain your predictions based on the changes you observe when objects collides //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=290681 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=290681 Fri, 04 Dec 2020 04:09:11 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 4:42 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234558 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=234558 Fri, 17 Apr 2020 04:01:24 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:29 Students started the week out by participating in a Freak the Mighty Escape room. They were then given the challenge to create their own FTM escape room and have their classmates try and escape! Students started the week out by participating in a Freak the Mighty Escape room. They were then given the challenge to create their own FTM escape room and have their classmates try and escape! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231042 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231042 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 03:11:25 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:20 First graders are starting to learn how to use props during our dance class so that we can use props in our winter show. We started by passing a bean bag last week to practice moving a prop to the beat of the music. It was so much fun! First graders are starting to learn how to use props during our dance class so that we can use props in our winter show. We started by passing a bean bag last week to practice moving a prop to the beat of the music. It was so much fun! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=368475 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=368475 Sun, 05 May 2024 08:02:11 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:13 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students explored cellular respiration and the function of cell membranes with a couple of hands-on lab experiments from their SEPUP Unit, "From Cells to Organisms"; 7th grade dug deeper into energy transfer during vehicle collisions with interactive SEPUP lab investigations as part of their physics unit, "Forces and Motion"; 8th grade worked on their integrated Science + Music Chicago Symphony Orchestra project by making historic timelines of major geologic and societal events going back 20,000 years into the past of Chicago's geographic location and human-environment interaction with the Chicago River watershed and Lake Michigan; and their are a couple of pics of 8th grade Homeroom 1013 conducting SEL activities outside during the freakish warm weather last week, as well as a pic of Decatur Lego League gearing up for their IL State Championship Tournament next weekend at Elgin Community College! Thanks for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade students explored cellular respiration and the function of cell membranes with a couple of hands-on lab experiments from their SEPUP Unit, "From Cells to Organisms"; 7th grade dug deeper into energy transfer during vehicle collisions with interactive SEPUP lab investigations as part of their physics unit, "Forces and Motion"; 8th grade worked on their integrated Science + Music Chicago Symphony Orchestra project by making historic timelines of major geologic and societal events going back 20,000 years into the past of Chicago's geographic location and human-environment interaction with the Chicago River watershed and Lake Michigan; and their are a couple of pics of 8th grade Homeroom 1013 conducting SEL activities outside during the freakish warm weather last week, as well as a pic of Decatur Lego League gearing up for their IL State Championship Tournament next weekend at Elgin Community College! Thanks for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=270608 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=270608 Wed, 19 Aug 2020 04:05:27 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:31 JMS students were challenged in their Wk. 9 & 10 Maker Mats (a choice board with different options to design) to create an obstacle course. One 5th grader took on this challenge and designed an obstacle course (maze) for their pet gerbil! They even edited it with titles and background music. Make sure to check it out and wait for the surprise at the 0:50 second mark! Hope you enjoy! JMS students were challenged in their Wk. 9 & 10 Maker Mats (a choice board with different options to design) to create an obstacle course. One 5th grader took on this challenge and designed an obstacle course (maze) for their pet gerbil! They even edited it with titles and background music. Make sure to check it out and wait for the surprise at the 0:50 second mark! Hope you enjoy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=302437 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=302437 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 04:12:05 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:57 5th graders contributed artifacts to a game played in class. Students found artifacts both new, old, or ancient. Students used their observation skills to try to guess what the artifact is and what it was used for. 5th graders contributed artifacts to a game played in class. Students found artifacts both new, old, or ancient. Students used their observation skills to try to guess what the artifact is and what it was used for. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=370148 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=370148 Fri, 31 May 2024 08:03:08 PDT Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:07 6th Graders reflected on their Partner Poster Project in a Gallery Walk as a class. They reflected on two aspects of their classmates' posters (mathematical accuracy, and communication thereof). They then reflected on what they would change about their own posters afterwards. 6th Graders reflected on their Partner Poster Project in a Gallery Walk as a class. They reflected on two aspects of their classmates' posters (mathematical accuracy, and communication thereof). They then reflected on what they would change about their own posters afterwards. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363616 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363616 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 07:10:22 PST Renie Petropoulos Renie Petropoulos 00:04 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340735 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340735 Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:06:03 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:22 As we end the year, students spent time reflecting on their personal achievements and feelings. Then they took it step further and compared their responses to a classmate's responses. I love seeing how the students have grown to be good listeners. They demonstrate respect for others and genuine interest in their classmates. As we end the year, students spent time reflecting on their personal achievements and feelings. Then they took it step further and compared their responses to a classmate's responses. I love seeing how the students have grown to be good listeners. They demonstrate respect for others and genuine interest in their classmates. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381207 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381207 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:25 In this game, students run to get a soccer ball and then dribble it back to their hoop avoiding opponents on the way back. In this game, students run to get a soccer ball and then dribble it back to their hoop avoiding opponents on the way back. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381206 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381206 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:22 Each player gets a pin to protect and you use dodgeballs to throw and try to knock down the opposing team's pins. This game is a lot of fun and helps kids practice throwing skills in a non static manner. Each player gets a pin to protect and you use dodgeballs to throw and try to knock down the opposing team's pins. This game is a lot of fun and helps kids practice throwing skills in a non static manner. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231692 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231692 Fri, 28 Feb 2020 03:12:06 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:16 In this video you will see 5th grade students on a field trip to the Lyric Opera where they went on a backstage tour. You can also see 5th grade students playing ukulele in preparation for the winter show. You can also see the rock band rehearsing for the winter show. Some 6th grade students are playing violin during their recess time - the music room is a place where you can always learn and create - even during recess! In this video you will see 5th grade students on a field trip to the Lyric Opera where they went on a backstage tour. You can also see 5th grade students playing ukulele in preparation for the winter show. You can also see the rock band rehearsing for the winter show. Some 6th grade students are playing violin during their recess time - the music room is a place where you can always learn and create - even during recess! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350784 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350784 Fri, 05 May 2023 07:02:10 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:29 We started our fraction units and are looking at ways. We can use manipulatives to solve problems. We started our fraction units and are looking at ways. We can use manipulatives to solve problems. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363604 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=363604 Sat, 13 Jan 2024 07:10:21 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:48 This slideshow highlights: 8th graders continuing their exploration of their SEPUP Unit--Ecology; 8th graders are exploring food webs of wildlife within our region as well as seeing them in action in our classroom through feeding live minnows to our Lake Michigan fish (large-mouth bass, bluegill, rock bass, and invasive gobis), and 8th graders also fed live crickets to our pet bearded dragon, Snickers, along with our new live Venus Flytrap plant that was donated to our Science lab by a Decatur parent (Special Thank you to Mr. Greenwald!); there is a pic of an 8th grade student showing Snickers to a fellow Decatur primary grade student who visited our classroom; 7th grade continued exploring genetics by learning how geneticists use Punnett Squares as a way of predicting the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring given the cross of the parents' genotypes; and 6th grade dug deeper (no pun intended:)) into their SEPUP Unit--Geologic Processes by working in small cooperative research groups and teaching the rest of the class about recent significant natural disasters as they continue to gather evidence to support their claims as to where would be the best underground location to store hazardous nuclear waste; and lastly 5th-8th graders who make up Decatur's 2 Lego Robotics Teams are getting closer to regional competition as they began coding and testing their robot designs to complete various game board missions. Thank you for checking in with us this week! This slideshow highlights: 8th graders continuing their exploration of their SEPUP Unit--Ecology; 8th graders are exploring food webs of wildlife within our region as well as seeing them in action in our classroom through feeding live minnows to our Lake Michigan fish (large-mouth bass, bluegill, rock bass, and invasive gobis), and 8th graders also fed live crickets to our pet bearded dragon, Snickers, along with our new live Venus Flytrap plant that was donated to our Science lab by a Decatur parent (Special Thank you to Mr. Greenwald!); there is a pic of an 8th grade student showing Snickers to a fellow Decatur primary grade student who visited our classroom; 7th grade continued exploring genetics by learning how geneticists use Punnett Squares as a way of predicting the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring given the cross of the parents' genotypes; and 6th grade dug deeper (no pun intended:)) into their SEPUP Unit--Geologic Processes by working in small cooperative research groups and teaching the rest of the class about recent significant natural disasters as they continue to gather evidence to support their claims as to where would be the best underground location to store hazardous nuclear waste; and lastly 5th-8th graders who make up Decatur's 2 Lego Robotics Teams are getting closer to regional competition as they began coding and testing their robot designs to complete various game board missions. Thank you for checking in with us this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381210 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381210 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:29 Students created teams and competed with each other in a round robin tournament. Students created teams and competed with each other in a round robin tournament. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340987 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=340987 Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:06:09 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:46 Today we worked on trying to estimate the area of the turf field and the playground!!! We crushed it! Today we worked on trying to estimate the area of the turf field and the playground!!! We crushed it! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345182 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=345182 Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:09:30 PST Erin Cole Erin Cole 1:17 The 3rd and 4th graders did an amazing job on their murals to represent their community's resources, landforms, bodies of water, and climate. The 3rd and 4th graders did an amazing job on their murals to represent their community's resources, landforms, bodies of water, and climate. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380128 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380128 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:11:22 PST Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:29 4th grade students practiced new 16th note rhythms by creating their own body percussion rounds in ABAC form. Students came up with their own themes and words for each rhythm, decided how to arrange and perform their compositions, and performed for their peers. This video shows one group practicing their Star Wars themed composition during class. 4th grade students practiced new 16th note rhythms by creating their own body percussion rounds in ABAC form. Students came up with their own themes and words for each rhythm, decided how to arrange and perform their compositions, and performed for their peers. This video shows one group practicing their Star Wars themed composition during class. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381217 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381217 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:18 Students worked with their teams to collect as many "eggs" (dodgeballs) as they could in 3 minutes and deposit them in their teams' "Barn" (or bucket). Students worked with their teams to collect as many "eggs" (dodgeballs) as they could in 3 minutes and deposit them in their teams' "Barn" (or bucket). //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381216 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381216 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:11 To celebrate the fall season, students played a.game called pumpkin patch where each player is partnered up with one other classmate and they take turns rolling their ball into the center of the gym trying to get it to stop in the middle of a hula hoop. Any hoop their ball stops in is that team's to grab and return to their cone. To celebrate the fall season, students played a.game called pumpkin patch where each player is partnered up with one other classmate and they take turns rolling their ball into the center of the gym trying to get it to stop in the middle of a hula hoop. Any hoop their ball stops in is that team's to grab and return to their cone. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381215 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381215 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380126 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380126 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:11:22 PST Rebeca Viquez Rebeca Viquez 00:34 Dear Families, I’m thrilled to share that we have been continuing our journey of learning about family members, not only in Spanish but also in sign language! The students are excited and engaged as they explore these two beautiful languages simultaneously. One of the highlights has been a song they’ve been practicing, which helps them remember the names of family members in both Spanish and sign language. They’ve worked so hard, and their enthusiasm is contagious! During our Thanksgiving break, I encourage you to ask your child to show you how to say the names of family members in Spanish and sign language. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their learning and connect as a family. Attached is a video showcasing how well they can sing and represent each family member using sign language. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do in class! Thank you for your continued support, and I wish you all a safe and joyful Thanksgiving break. Dear Families, I’m thrilled to share that we have been continuing our journey of learning about family members, not only in Spanish but also in sign language! The students are excited and engaged as they explore these two beautiful languages simultaneously. One of the highlights has been a song they’ve been practicing, which helps them remember the names of family members in both Spanish and sign language. They’ve worked so hard, and their enthusiasm is contagious! During our Thanksgiving break, I encourage you to ask your child to show you how to say the names of family members in Spanish and sign language. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their learning and connect as a family. Attached is a video showcasing how well they can sing and represent each family member using sign language. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do in class! Thank you for your continued support, and I wish you all a safe and joyful Thanksgiving break. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381214 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381214 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:13 Students worked with their team to create plays to help create open space for their team in the upcoming handball tournament. Students worked with their team to create plays to help create open space for their team in the upcoming handball tournament. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381213 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381213 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:09 This game is where each side tries to throw all the balls on their side over to the opposing team's side to clean off their side of the "fence:" The team with the least amount of balls on their half of the gym wins the round. This game is where each side tries to throw all the balls on their side over to the opposing team's side to clean off their side of the "fence:" The team with the least amount of balls on their half of the gym wins the round. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381455 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381455 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:01:10 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:21 Students had fun practicing different locomotor movements like hop, leap, gallop, skip, etc. while playing Locomotor Noodle Tag where students get a card of a particular locomotor movement then they move in the playing area only in this manner. If they get tagged by one of the taggers with a pool noodle they go and switch cards for a new locomotor movement. Taggers were changed every few minutes. Lots of great moments! Students had fun practicing different locomotor movements like hop, leap, gallop, skip, etc. while playing Locomotor Noodle Tag where students get a card of a particular locomotor movement then they move in the playing area only in this manner. If they get tagged by one of the taggers with a pool noodle they go and switch cards for a new locomotor movement. Taggers were changed every few minutes. Lots of great moments! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381212 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381212 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:17 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381211 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381211 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:23 Students played the classic game Crab Soccer where they needed to move using the crab walk to get close to the ball and kick it for their team. Students played the classic game Crab Soccer where they needed to move using the crab walk to get close to the ball and kick it for their team. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383630 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=383630 Sun, 08 Jun 2025 09:03:16 PDT Rebeca Viquez Rebeca Viquez 00:59 This week, our fifth graders had the exciting opportunity to present a song of their choice, incorporating 14 Spanish interrogatives into the lyrics! They worked hard to select their favorite songs and creatively include these important language elements. We're thrilled to say that the students did an amazing job and created some awesome recordings! Check out the videos of their performances below — we're so proud of their creativity and effort! 🎤🌟 This week, our fifth graders had the exciting opportunity to present a song of their choice, incorporating 14 Spanish interrogatives into the lyrics! They worked hard to select their favorite songs and creatively include these important language elements. We're thrilled to say that the students did an amazing job and created some awesome recordings! Check out the videos of their performances below — we're so proud of their creativity and effort! 🎤🌟 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=265009 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=265009 Sat, 01 Aug 2020 04:05:09 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:37 We were learning about our brains and how they process fear and anger. Students created models or layered foldables to show their understanding of what is happening in the brain. We were learning about our brains and how they process fear and anger. Students created models or layered foldables to show their understanding of what is happening in the brain. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=269848 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=269848 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 04:05:24 PDT Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:24 Here's a taste of the various pieces, from all their core subjects: Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies, that students brought together in a final business plan for how they would reimagine school lunches with food trucks. Here's a taste of the various pieces, from all their core subjects: Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies, that students brought together in a final business plan for how they would reimagine school lunches with food trucks. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369385 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369385 Mon, 20 May 2024 08:02:26 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:52 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders learning about acids and bases and how that connects to the water quality of the Chicago River; 7th grade continued exploring physics by conducting a lab to learn about how imbalanced forces cause objects to change position; a pic of a nice 8th grade student who lives up to our Decatur Pillar of "Taking Care of Each Other" by holding the door as students return from recess and giving each student high fives!; and last but not least, there are some pics of students who presented or attended Saturday's Chicago River Student Congress convention at Northeastern IL University. Students were featured on WGN News and ABC 7 News (see the video links above). Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders learning about acids and bases and how that connects to the water quality of the Chicago River; 7th grade continued exploring physics by conducting a lab to learn about how imbalanced forces cause objects to change position; a pic of a nice 8th grade student who lives up to our Decatur Pillar of "Taking Care of Each Other" by holding the door as students return from recess and giving each student high fives!; and last but not least, there are some pics of students who presented or attended Saturday's Chicago River Student Congress convention at Northeastern IL University. Students were featured on WGN News and ABC 7 News (see the video links above). Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381209 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381209 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:14 Students worked together in teams to complete a series of challenges to get their bean bags to the bucket and back. Students worked together in teams to complete a series of challenges to get their bean bags to the bucket and back. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381208 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381208 Sat, 22 Mar 2025 08:12:28 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:11 Students had a fitness day where they did different exercises around the turf and they innovated in this way on the ladder course. Students had a fitness day where they did different exercises around the turf and they innovated in this way on the ladder course. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338422 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338422 Sun, 17 Jul 2022 06:04:24 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 This week's slideshow highlights: Students in each class from 6th - 8th grades celebrated Earth Day on Friday by picking from a variety of seeds to plant and take home, from all kinds of annual and perennial flowers to herbs and vegetables; students in 7th and 8th grade just watched the documentary film, Kiss the Ground, which teaches about success stories from around the world where famers and ordinary citizens are using plants to help sequester carbon from the atmosphere and promote healthy regeneration of soil; a few pics show some of our 7th & 8th grade students preparing our worm compost bin so our JHS scientists can compete with Mr. Cherry's Intermediate grades scientists to see who can get their worms to convert the most food wastes into compost--students will record data over the next several weeks of how much food wastes they are also reducing from instead going into landfills; 6th graders began their integrated Science and Maker Space Inquiry unit on the anchoring phenomena--How can we create a fully renewable energy society? by working together exploring various forms of energy and energy transformations via a series of 6 hands-on energy stations. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: Students in each class from 6th - 8th grades celebrated Earth Day on Friday by picking from a variety of seeds to plant and take home, from all kinds of annual and perennial flowers to herbs and vegetables; students in 7th and 8th grade just watched the documentary film, Kiss the Ground, which teaches about success stories from around the world where famers and ordinary citizens are using plants to help sequester carbon from the atmosphere and promote healthy regeneration of soil; a few pics show some of our 7th & 8th grade students preparing our worm compost bin so our JHS scientists can compete with Mr. Cherry's Intermediate grades scientists to see who can get their worms to convert the most food wastes into compost--students will record data over the next several weeks of how much food wastes they are also reducing from instead going into landfills; 6th graders began their integrated Science and Maker Space Inquiry unit on the anchoring phenomena--How can we create a fully renewable energy society? by working together exploring various forms of energy and energy transformations via a series of 6 hands-on energy stations. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378048 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378048 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:09:30 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:60 This week's slideshow highlights: a couple of 8th grade birthdays in the same week; 7th graders continuing to strengthen community through a dice game known as "Snake Eyes"; 6th graders exploring energy transformations and convection outdoors using a solar balloon; and our Decatur Lego League teams gearing up for competition by analyzing each of the 15 game missions in order to plan for their robot designs. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: a couple of 8th grade birthdays in the same week; 7th graders continuing to strengthen community through a dice game known as "Snake Eyes"; 6th graders exploring energy transformations and convection outdoors using a solar balloon; and our Decatur Lego League teams gearing up for competition by analyzing each of the 15 game missions in order to plan for their robot designs. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336485 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336485 Fri, 10 Jun 2022 06:03:18 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:04 Galileo dropped weights off of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, showing that gravity causes objects of different masses to fall with the same acceleration. This student dropped two bottles of different weight, and noticed they hit the ground at the same time. Galileo dropped weights off of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, showing that gravity causes objects of different masses to fall with the same acceleration. This student dropped two bottles of different weight, and noticed they hit the ground at the same time. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336456 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336456 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 06:03:17 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:28 Students tested different substances to see how well they could serve as emulsifiers and keep oil and water mixed. Lecithin (the yellow powder) served as the best emulsifier. Students tested different substances to see how well they could serve as emulsifiers and keep oil and water mixed. Lecithin (the yellow powder) served as the best emulsifier. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235833 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235833 Fri, 01 May 2020 04:02:07 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:17 In preparation for our next novel, Amal Unbound, 5th grade students read various nonfiction articles about Pakistan history & culture. Students then worked in partners to create informational posters for our class gallery walk to teach each other about what they learned. Students then were able to write down questions or comments that they had based on the posters. In preparation for our next novel, Amal Unbound, 5th grade students read various nonfiction articles about Pakistan history & culture. Students then worked in partners to create informational posters for our class gallery walk to teach each other about what they learned. Students then were able to write down questions or comments that they had based on the posters. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291983 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291983 Fri, 11 Dec 2020 04:09:18 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:48 We have been learning and thinking about identity this week and students created these poems about themselves and did a great job! We have been learning and thinking about identity this week and students created these poems about themselves and did a great job! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348683 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348683 Sat, 11 Mar 2023 06:12:17 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:33 This week's slideshow highlights: 5th grade students teaching the class their data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills as they investigated monthly average temperature and precipitation data for Chicago as part of their SEPUP Unit. Weather & Climate; 6th grade students setting up their cooperative group green roof experiments by planting cover crop seeds for their green roof designs; 7th and 8th grade researchers presenting their STEM Fair Projects to their fellow classmates while their classmates also supported them with "Glows & Grows" during the scientific peer review process that all scientists practice before they can publish their research and discoveries. Science & Engineering topics that students chose to explore included a variety of STEM disciplines such as: microbial fuel cells that use soil microbes to produce electricity; oil skimmer boat designs to cleanup oil spills; effect of temperature on maglev train performance; effect of LED lights on sleep; Midwest farming methods' impact on aquatic nitrates that can travel downstream through rivers such as the Mississippi and lead to ocean dead zones in distant locations like the Gulf of Mexico; rabbit manure as an alternative source of fertilizer; miracle berries impact on taste receptors as a form of dieting for people suffering from diabetes; and many more exciting and innovative ideas our students challenged themselves to investigate! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 5th grade students teaching the class their data collection, analysis, and interpretation skills as they investigated monthly average temperature and precipitation data for Chicago as part of their SEPUP Unit. Weather & Climate; 6th grade students setting up their cooperative group green roof experiments by planting cover crop seeds for their green roof designs; 7th and 8th grade researchers presenting their STEM Fair Projects to their fellow classmates while their classmates also supported them with "Glows & Grows" during the scientific peer review process that all scientists practice before they can publish their research and discoveries. Science & Engineering topics that students chose to explore included a variety of STEM disciplines such as: microbial fuel cells that use soil microbes to produce electricity; oil skimmer boat designs to cleanup oil spills; effect of temperature on maglev train performance; effect of LED lights on sleep; Midwest farming methods' impact on aquatic nitrates that can travel downstream through rivers such as the Mississippi and lead to ocean dead zones in distant locations like the Gulf of Mexico; rabbit manure as an alternative source of fertilizer; miracle berries impact on taste receptors as a form of dieting for people suffering from diabetes; and many more exciting and innovative ideas our students challenged themselves to investigate! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393450 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393450 Mon, 25 May 2026 10:03:02 PDT Decatur Junior High Decatur Junior High 2:45 During Curriculum Night, families received an inside look at our learning goals, classroom routines, and the experiences that shape students’ growth throughout the year. The slides highlighted our essential questions, key units of study, and the skills students are building as thinkers, collaborators, and civic actors. We also shared how we support students socially and academically, and how families can partner with us to make this a meaningful and successful school year. During Curriculum Night, families received an inside look at our learning goals, classroom routines, and the experiences that shape students’ growth throughout the year. The slides highlighted our essential questions, key units of study, and the skills students are building as thinkers, collaborators, and civic actors. We also shared how we support students socially and academically, and how families can partner with us to make this a meaningful and successful school year. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328837 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=328837 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:10:28 PST Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:01 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369372 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=369372 Mon, 20 May 2024 08:02:26 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:19 This video shows a very interactive activity being practiced by our 6th grade class. Talk-a-Mile-a-Minute allows the class practice unit specific academic science vocabulary terms where students use the terms such as chloroplast, nuclear membrane, and organelles in context (ask your child to tell you more!) in a fun and engaging game-like manner. This video shows a very interactive activity being practiced by our 6th grade class. Talk-a-Mile-a-Minute allows the class practice unit specific academic science vocabulary terms where students use the terms such as chloroplast, nuclear membrane, and organelles in context (ask your child to tell you more!) in a fun and engaging game-like manner. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313132 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313132 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:03:19 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:10 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313131 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313131 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:03:19 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:10 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351851 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=351851 Sun, 28 May 2023 07:03:05 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:36 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders conducting a taste test experiment to see if they can taste the difference between tap water, bottled purified water (taken from a tap at another municipal water supply somewhere), bottled distilled water, and bottled spring water as they have been exploring plastics as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP unit; 8th grade also investigated a lab where they crosslinked two polymers the same way chemists do who work to create various plastics as they made a plastic that resembled slime; 7th grade continued exploring genetics; 6th graders explored how natural resources are unevenly distributed around the world due to past geologic events and they performed some in-depth data collection-analysis-interpretation of how ground water aquifers are impacted as well by both natural events and human activity; and 5th grade continued their unit on "Weather & Climate" with a couple of cooperative investigations to learn more about prevailing winds and how they impact global and regional climates; and there is a pic of a rare sighting of the elusive "Leroy the catfish" in our classroom aquatic ecosystem. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders conducting a taste test experiment to see if they can taste the difference between tap water, bottled purified water (taken from a tap at another municipal water supply somewhere), bottled distilled water, and bottled spring water as they have been exploring plastics as part of their "Chemistry of Materials" SEPUP unit; 8th grade also investigated a lab where they crosslinked two polymers the same way chemists do who work to create various plastics as they made a plastic that resembled slime; 7th grade continued exploring genetics; 6th graders explored how natural resources are unevenly distributed around the world due to past geologic events and they performed some in-depth data collection-analysis-interpretation of how ground water aquifers are impacted as well by both natural events and human activity; and 5th grade continued their unit on "Weather & Climate" with a couple of cooperative investigations to learn more about prevailing winds and how they impact global and regional climates; and there is a pic of a rare sighting of the elusive "Leroy the catfish" in our classroom aquatic ecosystem. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313130 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=313130 Fri, 11 Jun 2021 05:03:19 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:10 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385832 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385832 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:07 Students took turns using their shooting cues to practice their basketball shooting. Students took turns using their shooting cues to practice their basketball shooting. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379398 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379398 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:11:04 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 2:49 Students in Jr High participated in our annual friendly homeroom competition, Oktoberfest. Students in each homeroom dress up in their homeroom "colors" and compete in relays, games, puzzles, pumpkin decorating and an engineering challenge for a trophy that will reside in their homeroom for the remainder of the year. Students in Jr High participated in our annual friendly homeroom competition, Oktoberfest. Students in each homeroom dress up in their homeroom "colors" and compete in relays, games, puzzles, pumpkin decorating and an engineering challenge for a trophy that will reside in their homeroom for the remainder of the year. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385834 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385834 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:07 Students were split up into 2 teams. One team was the builders whose job was to dribble the ball while setting up any cones that were knocked over. The other team were the bulldozers and their job was to keep their dribble going while also turning over the cones with their hands. Then the 2 teams switched their roles. Students were split up into 2 teams. One team was the builders whose job was to dribble the ball while setting up any cones that were knocked over. The other team were the bulldozers and their job was to keep their dribble going while also turning over the cones with their hands. Then the 2 teams switched their roles. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338408 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=338408 Sat, 16 Jul 2022 06:04:23 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:15 Check out the progress students are making on their composting posters that educate other students about the Check out the progress students are making on their composting posters that educate other students about the //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385833 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385833 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:07 Students wrapped up the week playing one of their favorite invasion games- Yoshi Tag where there are 2 teams and both are trying to get all their players across the center line and into the rectangle opposite their starting side. Students wrapped up the week playing one of their favorite invasion games- Yoshi Tag where there are 2 teams and both are trying to get all their players across the center line and into the rectangle opposite their starting side. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385836 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385836 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:19 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385835 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385835 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:14 After working on building skills, students got to demonstrate their skills in small sided games with 3-4 players. After working on building skills, students got to demonstrate their skills in small sided games with 3-4 players. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235607 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235607 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:02:06 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 00:47 Our first graders enjoyed a day of play in dance class yesterday! We had a TON of creative fun using squishy balls, ribbons, stuffies, yoga mats, books, spot dots, rainsticks, mindfulness cards, and scarves! Our first graders enjoyed a day of play in dance class yesterday! We had a TON of creative fun using squishy balls, ribbons, stuffies, yoga mats, books, spot dots, rainsticks, mindfulness cards, and scarves! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385838 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385838 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:16 Students attempted a series of dribbling challenges and then shared them with the class during "Showtime". Be sure to ask your student about "Showtime" Students attempted a series of dribbling challenges and then shared them with the class during "Showtime". Be sure to ask your student about "Showtime" //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364912 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=364912 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 07:11:17 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 1:51 Students in Kindergarten and 8th grade buddied up to make thank your cards to Decatur teachers. 8th graders helped our Kindergarteners decorate and write thoughtful messages of gratitude. It was wonderful to see our youngest and oldest students bond! Students in Kindergarten and 8th grade buddied up to make thank your cards to Decatur teachers. 8th graders helped our Kindergarteners decorate and write thoughtful messages of gratitude. It was wonderful to see our youngest and oldest students bond! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385837 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=385837 Sun, 10 Aug 2025 09:05:18 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:09 Students took on a series of challenges to do while dribbling like hopping on one foot. Students took on a series of challenges to do while dribbling like hopping on one foot. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235844 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=235844 Fri, 01 May 2020 04:02:07 PDT Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:11 The 2nd and 3rd graders had so much fun participating in the morning of play! This is the 3rd grade class with the domino creation that all had fun watching. The 2nd and 3rd graders had so much fun participating in the morning of play! This is the 3rd grade class with the domino creation that all had fun watching. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360793 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360793 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 07:09:10 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:48 Jr. High students analyzed trays of artifacts from their Decatur teachers. Students were tasked with trying to figure out to whom the artifacts belonged to based on evidence they've collected throughout the years they've had us as teachers. Jr. High students analyzed trays of artifacts from their Decatur teachers. Students were tasked with trying to figure out to whom the artifacts belonged to based on evidence they've collected throughout the years they've had us as teachers. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360792 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360792 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 07:09:10 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:21 Jr. High students took a break to play a quick game to test their reaction time. Jr. High students took a break to play a quick game to test their reaction time. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232332 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=232332 Sun, 08 Mar 2020 03:12:15 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 1:58 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381233 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381233 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:12:30 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:36 Students practiced moving in different planes with their scarves Students practiced moving in different planes with their scarves //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360791 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=360791 Sun, 03 Dec 2023 07:09:10 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:25 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th and 7th graders having some fun spending their "Earned Game Time Points" midweek (the class earns points each day for exemplifying our Decatur 3 Pillars of Take Care of Each Other, Being Present, and Endure Challenges); 8th grade started digging into their first SEPUP inquiry unit of study, Ecology, with an investigation into the ecological impact of humans introducing Nile Perch into Lake Victoria in East Central Africa (this unit is setting the stage for our 8th graders partnering with professional ecologists to do work on important environmental restoration projects here in Chicago, Friends of Chicago River & Urban Rivers); thank you for checking in with us this week! This week's slideshow highlights: 6th and 7th graders having some fun spending their "Earned Game Time Points" midweek (the class earns points each day for exemplifying our Decatur 3 Pillars of Take Care of Each Other, Being Present, and Endure Challenges); 8th grade started digging into their first SEPUP inquiry unit of study, Ecology, with an investigation into the ecological impact of humans introducing Nile Perch into Lake Victoria in East Central Africa (this unit is setting the stage for our 8th graders partnering with professional ecologists to do work on important environmental restoration projects here in Chicago, Friends of Chicago River & Urban Rivers); thank you for checking in with us this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347106 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347106 Fri, 03 Feb 2023 06:11:11 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:09 1. Independent reading 2. Organizational Writing 3. Skill: Vocabulary 4. Teacher table 1. Independent reading 2. Organizational Writing 3. Skill: Vocabulary 4. Teacher table //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291968 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291968 Fri, 11 Dec 2020 04:09:18 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 2:55 Need a refresher on finding your schedule on Google Classroom? Check out this video! Need a refresher on finding your schedule on Google Classroom? Check out this video! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361639 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=361639 Fri, 15 Dec 2023 07:09:22 PST Kevin Roper Kevin Roper 00:14 This week students worked on setting. We ended our week doing rip art setting, creating a scene from Country Mouse and City Mouse. This week students worked on setting. We ended our week doing rip art setting, creating a scene from Country Mouse and City Mouse. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289418 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289418 Sat, 28 Nov 2020 04:09:05 PST Jennifer Mitten Jennifer Mitten 1:58 Magic Carpet You have a magic carpet That will whiz you through the air, To Spain or Maine or Africa If you just tell it where. So will you let it take you Where you've never been before, Or will you buy some drapes to match And use it On your Floor? Magic Carpet You have a magic carpet That will whiz you through the air, To Spain or Maine or Africa If you just tell it where. So will you let it take you Where you've never been before, Or will you buy some drapes to match And use it On your Floor? //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353173 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353173 Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:03:31 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:48 Students worked on building another simple system with the solar panel, wire clips, motor and buzzer. This lab helped them to understand that if one part of a system fails then the whole system fails to function as designed. Students worked on building another simple system with the solar panel, wire clips, motor and buzzer. This lab helped them to understand that if one part of a system fails then the whole system fails to function as designed. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353172 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=353172 Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:03:31 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:39 We learned about chain reactions and the transfer of force from one object to the next. They worked with partners to build a simple chain reaction to experience and analyze this phenomena. We learned about chain reactions and the transfer of force from one object to the next. They worked with partners to build a simple chain reaction to experience and analyze this phenomena. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386098 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386098 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:05:26 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:59 Our 8th grade class experienced Southern Florida on their 8th grade class trip which included a glass bottom boat tour of a coral reef off the coast of Key Largo, a trip to a Dolphin sanctuary, kayaking in the mangroves, and a tour of the Florida Everglades National Park. Our 8th grade class experienced Southern Florida on their 8th grade class trip which included a glass bottom boat tour of a coral reef off the coast of Key Largo, a trip to a Dolphin sanctuary, kayaking in the mangroves, and a tour of the Florida Everglades National Park. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381887 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381887 Sat, 19 Apr 2025 09:01:25 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:28 Students this week practiced their serving skills through the game Volleyball Battleships where both teams try to serve into one of the hula hoops set up by the other team. If a player hits the serve into the hoop then that "battleship" is sunk. Whatever team sinks the most ships in the time allocated is the winning team. Students this week practiced their serving skills through the game Volleyball Battleships where both teams try to serve into one of the hula hoops set up by the other team. If a player hits the serve into the hoop then that "battleship" is sunk. Whatever team sinks the most ships in the time allocated is the winning team. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381644 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=381644 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:01:16 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 1:17 Students practiced their bumping and setting skills in the context of a 4 square like game. One player started as the server and tossed the ball to a teammate who tried to either set or bump the ball to another teammate. The goal was to try to get an many consecutive hits in a row while using proper technique. If a mistake was made, students rotated and started again. Students practiced their bumping and setting skills in the context of a 4 square like game. One player started as the server and tossed the ball to a teammate who tried to either set or bump the ball to another teammate. The goal was to try to get an many consecutive hits in a row while using proper technique. If a mistake was made, students rotated and started again. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291964 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=291964 Fri, 11 Dec 2020 04:09:18 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 00:48 5th graders wrote bio-poems expressing who they are, what they love, and their hopes and dreams. It was a great way to get to know one another, celebrate each student's individuality, and build community. 5th graders wrote bio-poems expressing who they are, what they love, and their hopes and dreams. It was a great way to get to know one another, celebrate each student's individuality, and build community. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289401 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=289401 Sat, 28 Nov 2020 04:09:05 PST Matthew Echevarria Matthew Echevarria 3:08 Hello Everyone! Super glad to welcome you back to another school year at Decatur!! First let me introduce myself to you and tell you what is to come! Hello Everyone! Super glad to welcome you back to another school year at Decatur!! First let me introduce myself to you and tell you what is to come! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386094 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=386094 Sat, 16 Aug 2025 09:05:24 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:31 During Show week, Ms Schmittle graciously lets me use her space and one of fan favorites is to play Hoop Hop Showdown. This is a game where students are split into 2 teams and the first person in each line jumps 2 footed through the hula hoops until they meet a player from the opposing team. Then those 2 players play Rock Paper Scissors and the winner keeps going while the other player returns to the end of the line. During Show week, Ms Schmittle graciously lets me use her space and one of fan favorites is to play Hoop Hop Showdown. This is a game where students are split into 2 teams and the first person in each line jumps 2 footed through the hula hoops until they meet a player from the opposing team. Then those 2 players play Rock Paper Scissors and the winner keeps going while the other player returns to the end of the line. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=325700 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=325700 Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:09:10 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:31 We spent the first 2 weeks of Science Class establishing class agreements/norms and participated in community-building activities to set the stage for cooperative learning in Science class. We also got to see our class pet lizards again, and were introduced to our new baby slider turtle! Please check out the pics in the slideshow! We spent the first 2 weeks of Science Class establishing class agreements/norms and participated in community-building activities to set the stage for cooperative learning in Science class. We also got to see our class pet lizards again, and were introduced to our new baby slider turtle! Please check out the pics in the slideshow! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=391455 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=391455 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:12:15 PDT Decatur Junior High Decatur Junior High 00:34 Our Jr. High students spent the day at Feed My Starving Children working together to pack Manna Packs being sent to children in Ukraine. After learning that last year’s group packed 189 boxes, they set an ambitious goal of reaching 200—and through teamwork, focus, and a whole lot of heart, they surpassed it by packing 201 boxes! We’re incredibly proud of their dedication to service and their determination to make a meaningful impact beyond our school community. Our Jr. High students spent the day at Feed My Starving Children working together to pack Manna Packs being sent to children in Ukraine. After learning that last year’s group packed 189 boxes, they set an ambitious goal of reaching 200—and through teamwork, focus, and a whole lot of heart, they surpassed it by packing 201 boxes! We’re incredibly proud of their dedication to service and their determination to make a meaningful impact beyond our school community. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379332 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=379332 Fri, 24 Jan 2025 08:11:01 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 2:49 Classes across Jr. High had a blast competing in an assortment of games that tested their wit, creativity, and ability to work as a team! Classes across Jr. High had a blast competing in an assortment of games that tested their wit, creativity, and ability to work as a team! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335758 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=335758 Sun, 29 May 2022 06:03:06 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:25 Students applied their understanding of unit rate and percentages to buying a car of their choice and either finding the energy costs (gas or electric) for the year or various aspects of the financing involved in getting the car. Students applied their understanding of unit rate and percentages to buying a car of their choice and either finding the energy costs (gas or electric) for the year or various aspects of the financing involved in getting the car. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=210945 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=210945 Sat, 01 Jun 2019 03:03:09 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:07 5th graders are ending their coding unit and began exploring other challenges available in Swift Playground. Using the program "Dance Moves" (shown in the background) students coded the iPad to say "I be flossing". Of course, we needed to show off our own dance moves afterwards. Enjoy! 5th graders are ending their coding unit and began exploring other challenges available in Swift Playground. Using the program "Dance Moves" (shown in the background) students coded the iPad to say "I be flossing". Of course, we needed to show off our own dance moves afterwards. Enjoy! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365389 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365389 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 07:12:03 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:41 This slideshow highlights: students across grades 6-8 choosing to come in during their lunch periods to prep for next week's STEM Fair Project class presentations--students have been busy applying their understanding of the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices investigating problems of their choice; Decatur First Lego Robotics Team gearing up for regional tournament, which will be held Saturday, December 9th, at Taft High School. They will compete with 20 teams for a chance to move onto Citywide competition! This slideshow highlights: students across grades 6-8 choosing to come in during their lunch periods to prep for next week's STEM Fair Project class presentations--students have been busy applying their understanding of the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices investigating problems of their choice; Decatur First Lego Robotics Team gearing up for regional tournament, which will be held Saturday, December 9th, at Taft High School. They will compete with 20 teams for a chance to move onto Citywide competition! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365387 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=365387 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 07:12:03 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:55 This slideshow highlights: 6th grade wrapping up their earth science SEPUP unit by investigating the theory of continental drift and then diving right into a new biology SEPUP unit where they ran a fun real-world simulation where they worked as epidemiologists to determine the most likely cause of a bacterial diseases outbreak; 7th grade applied what they have been learning about the role of genetics in heredity through creating models of "critters" based on crossing of the known genotypes of the two critter parents; 8th grade conducted an owl pellet dissection to culminate their ecology SEPUP unit, and then dove right into a physics SEPUP unit where they began exploring sound energy and how it can impact human hearing. A special thank you to Decatur parent/Decatur Together rep Lisbeth Goble for helping the JHS Science lab secure the materials for the owl pellet dissection, as well as for the purchase of other materials for our science lab such as a new incubator for microbiology investigations! This slideshow highlights: 6th grade wrapping up their earth science SEPUP unit by investigating the theory of continental drift and then diving right into a new biology SEPUP unit where they ran a fun real-world simulation where they worked as epidemiologists to determine the most likely cause of a bacterial diseases outbreak; 7th grade applied what they have been learning about the role of genetics in heredity through creating models of "critters" based on crossing of the known genotypes of the two critter parents; 8th grade conducted an owl pellet dissection to culminate their ecology SEPUP unit, and then dove right into a physics SEPUP unit where they began exploring sound energy and how it can impact human hearing. A special thank you to Decatur parent/Decatur Together rep Lisbeth Goble for helping the JHS Science lab secure the materials for the owl pellet dissection, as well as for the purchase of other materials for our science lab such as a new incubator for microbiology investigations! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354257 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=354257 Fri, 21 Jul 2023 07:04:28 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:19 Students explored shining light on many objects to determine whether a little light would shine through, no light or some light. First students made hypothesis about which objects would observe the light then they actually experimented. The activity was called Transparent, Translucent or Opaque. Students explored shining light on many objects to determine whether a little light would shine through, no light or some light. First students made hypothesis about which objects would observe the light then they actually experimented. The activity was called Transparent, Translucent or Opaque. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352075 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=352075 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:03:09 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:13 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378247 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378247 Sat, 28 Dec 2024 08:10:05 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:40 This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade students finding a praying mantis right outside our school building (they viewed it for a day and then returned it to the wild); 7th grade students singing Happy Birthday to a classmate; 7th graders working on peer reviewing each other's STEM Fair Project Purpose Statements as part of the science peer review process; 6th graders exploring energy transformations both outside and inside; 8th graders working in cooperative groups to research a terrestrial or aquatic animal commonly found in our area and presenting on that animal's Food Web to show how energy flows through an entire ecosystem; and last but not least, 6th graders enjoying some SEL time while spending some of of their hard-earned class points on "Earned Game Time" this past Friday! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 7th grade students finding a praying mantis right outside our school building (they viewed it for a day and then returned it to the wild); 7th grade students singing Happy Birthday to a classmate; 7th graders working on peer reviewing each other's STEM Fair Project Purpose Statements as part of the science peer review process; 6th graders exploring energy transformations both outside and inside; 8th graders working in cooperative groups to research a terrestrial or aquatic animal commonly found in our area and presenting on that animal's Food Web to show how energy flows through an entire ecosystem; and last but not least, 6th graders enjoying some SEL time while spending some of of their hard-earned class points on "Earned Game Time" this past Friday! Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347952 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347952 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:12:02 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 00:09 5th Graders worked to assist 1st graders in a measurement activity involving standard and non-standard units to measure objects in the classroom. 5th grade is working on unit conversions and 1st grade is learning how to measure! 5th Graders worked to assist 1st graders in a measurement activity involving standard and non-standard units to measure objects in the classroom. 5th grade is working on unit conversions and 1st grade is learning how to measure! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393650 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393650 Fri, 29 May 2026 10:03:06 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:14 K students have been exploring steady beat, high and low melodies, and learning about our classroom percussion instruments. This week they performed theses concepts with: xylophones, glockenspiels, guiros, and triangles. K students have been exploring steady beat, high and low melodies, and learning about our classroom percussion instruments. This week they performed theses concepts with: xylophones, glockenspiels, guiros, and triangles. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344443 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344443 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 06:09:17 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:16 Students were beginning to learn about traits related to different organisms. Students were beginning to learn about traits related to different organisms. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344444 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344444 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 06:09:17 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:26 Another 4th grade class in Huntington Indiana and both Decatur 4th grade classes collaborated together to collect data about how 4th graders in different parts of the Midwest spend their time. Students shared their data between each school and analyzed the data before sharing it with our sister class in Indiana in a live Google Meet. Students got to hear about what it was like to live in Chicago compared to Huntington as well as ask each other questions about what we saw in the data. Another 4th grade class in Huntington Indiana and both Decatur 4th grade classes collaborated together to collect data about how 4th graders in different parts of the Midwest spend their time. Students shared their data between each school and analyzed the data before sharing it with our sister class in Indiana in a live Google Meet. Students got to hear about what it was like to live in Chicago compared to Huntington as well as ask each other questions about what we saw in the data. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=239155 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=239155 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 04:03:13 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:48 Students listened to me read two chapters aloud from Amal Unbound while they doodled images that came to their mind. This allowed students to process and analyze the text in a different way than our usual annotations. Students listened to me read two chapters aloud from Amal Unbound while they doodled images that came to their mind. This allowed students to process and analyze the text in a different way than our usual annotations. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393654 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=393654 Fri, 29 May 2026 10:03:06 PDT Cate Schmittle Cate Schmittle 00:21 One of our Decatur 5th grade students conducts musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago! We enjoyed a performance based around the elements of music that ties into our arts integrated unit in music and science classes this spring. One of our Decatur 5th grade students conducts musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago! We enjoyed a performance based around the elements of music that ties into our arts integrated unit in music and science classes this spring. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301517 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=301517 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 04:11:24 PST Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:50 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329055 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=329055 Sun, 23 Jan 2022 05:10:31 PST Erin Cole Erin Cole 5:06 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299417 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=299417 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 04:11:05 PST Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 1:25 Students in 7th grade created Tessellations as an assessment for their unit on Rigid Transformations. Students in 7th grade created Tessellations as an assessment for their unit on Rigid Transformations. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=300415 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=300415 Sat, 06 Feb 2021 04:11:14 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:40 Students learned about the process needed for them to become President! Students learned about the process needed for them to become President! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343588 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=343588 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:08:30 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:18 Today we learned to talk about what we are reading. Students work with a partner to read a book, discuss the book, and then write about what they discussed. They did great!!! Today we learned to talk about what we are reading. Students work with a partner to read a book, discuss the book, and then write about what they discussed. They did great!!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355327 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=355327 Sun, 13 Aug 2023 07:05:21 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:34 This week's slideshow highlights: 5th graders working in small cooperative teams to engineer solar ovens to eventually cook smores; 6th grade conducting a lab investigation of the structure and function of cellular membranes; 8th graders exploring how to measure and determine the pH of various substances using red cabbage juice as a pH color indicator. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 5th graders working in small cooperative teams to engineer solar ovens to eventually cook smores; 6th grade conducting a lab investigation of the structure and function of cellular membranes; 8th graders exploring how to measure and determine the pH of various substances using red cabbage juice as a pH color indicator. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344438 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344438 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:09:16 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 4:12 This week's slideshow highlights: a special visit from Decatur alumni who stopped by during last Saturday's Decatur Picnic to visit their old friend, our class pet bearded dragon, Curtiss; 5th grade students making observations and asking questions about those mysterious beads that turn colors when they went outside in sunlight; 5th and 6th grade students diving into their first SEPUP Inquiry Units by participating in a group textbook scavenger hunt to learn how to make use of all science textbook features/resources; 6th - 8th grade classes adding their initial inquiry questions to our class "Driving Questions Board"; 8th grade students volunteering to share their analysis responses in front of the class on a lesson on measuring speed; 7th grade students learning how to use compound light microscopes, a stereoscope, and digital microscopes to view microorganisms as part of their SEPUP inquiry unit "From Cells to Organisms; several pics of students hanging out with Curtiss; a few pics of our classroom Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem with our newly added catfish; and a couple of pics of a Katydid students discovered right outside our school building. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: a special visit from Decatur alumni who stopped by during last Saturday's Decatur Picnic to visit their old friend, our class pet bearded dragon, Curtiss; 5th grade students making observations and asking questions about those mysterious beads that turn colors when they went outside in sunlight; 5th and 6th grade students diving into their first SEPUP Inquiry Units by participating in a group textbook scavenger hunt to learn how to make use of all science textbook features/resources; 6th - 8th grade classes adding their initial inquiry questions to our class "Driving Questions Board"; 8th grade students volunteering to share their analysis responses in front of the class on a lesson on measuring speed; 7th grade students learning how to use compound light microscopes, a stereoscope, and digital microscopes to view microorganisms as part of their SEPUP inquiry unit "From Cells to Organisms; several pics of students hanging out with Curtiss; a few pics of our classroom Lake Michigan aquatic ecosystem with our newly added catfish; and a couple of pics of a Katydid students discovered right outside our school building. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=272192 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=272192 Thu, 27 Aug 2020 04:06:04 PDT Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 1:22 Fourth Graders have been studying the musical "Newsies" to learn how to use their voice to stand up for what's right. Recently, we have turned our attention to the number "Seize the Day" and the students created their own choreography. Check out these two students who decided to create their project together (remotely). Nice work!! Fourth Graders have been studying the musical "Newsies" to learn how to use their voice to stand up for what's right. Recently, we have turned our attention to the number "Seize the Day" and the students created their own choreography. Check out these two students who decided to create their project together (remotely). Nice work!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310245 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310245 Tue, 18 May 2021 05:02:23 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380511 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380511 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:12:06 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 3:30 We have an incredible group of Jr. High students! Together they packed 189 boxes of food that will help feed over 100 young children so that they may lead happy and HEALTHY lives for at least a year. Our students realized how much of a difference they can make by working together! We have an incredible group of Jr. High students! Together they packed 189 boxes of food that will help feed over 100 young children so that they may lead happy and HEALTHY lives for at least a year. Our students realized how much of a difference they can make by working together! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389563 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=389563 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:10:09 PST Sidra Khatoon Sidra Khatoon 00:02 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320050 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320050 Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:06:04 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:26 Our line rider project this marking period centered on the essential question "How does music affect storytelling?" We We discussed music in movies, video games, commercials, and in our daily lives. There is a new music bulletin board up at school! It describes our project process and allows you to interact with student work via QR codes! Here is another great example from a Decatur 5th grader, Amelia!  Our line rider project this marking period centered on the essential question "How does music affect storytelling?" We We discussed music in movies, video games, commercials, and in our daily lives. There is a new music bulletin board up at school! It describes our project process and allows you to interact with student work via QR codes! Here is another great example from a Decatur 5th grader, Amelia!  //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350946 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350946 Tue, 09 May 2023 07:02:14 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:10 A day of lots of kindness and love. A day of lots of kindness and love. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=217557 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=217557 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 03:05:14 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:16 The kindergarteners were working on their dodging and fleeing skills while playing Freeze Tag on a beautiful morning. The kindergarteners were working on their dodging and fleeing skills while playing Freeze Tag on a beautiful morning. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376497 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376497 Sat, 23 Nov 2024 08:08:31 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:33 This week students: participated in several team-building activities to renew the bonds that strengthen their classroom community; they welcomed in new students to Decatur Classical; conducted a getting to know you activity kind of like "speed dating"; worked in cooperative teams to complete the "Cup Stack Attack", "PVC Pipe and a Tennis Ball", and "Maze" challenges. Building strong learning communities is essential to science class as much of the learning that will take place is through cooperative learning lab activities. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week students: participated in several team-building activities to renew the bonds that strengthen their classroom community; they welcomed in new students to Decatur Classical; conducted a getting to know you activity kind of like "speed dating"; worked in cooperative teams to complete the "Cup Stack Attack", "PVC Pipe and a Tennis Ball", and "Maze" challenges. Building strong learning communities is essential to science class as much of the learning that will take place is through cooperative learning lab activities. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376495 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=376495 Sat, 23 Nov 2024 08:08:31 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 3:10 This week students: participated in several team-building activities to renew the bonds that strengthen their classroom community; conducted a getting to know you activity; worked in cooperative teams to complete the "Cup Stack Attack", "PVC Pipe and a Tennis Ball", and "Maze" challenges. Building strong learning communities is essential to science class as much of the learning that will take place is through cooperative learning lab activities. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week students: participated in several team-building activities to renew the bonds that strengthen their classroom community; conducted a getting to know you activity; worked in cooperative teams to complete the "Cup Stack Attack", "PVC Pipe and a Tennis Ball", and "Maze" challenges. Building strong learning communities is essential to science class as much of the learning that will take place is through cooperative learning lab activities. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310237 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310237 Tue, 18 May 2021 05:02:23 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=298781 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=298781 Fri, 22 Jan 2021 04:10:30 PST Katie Andorka Katie Andorka 1:25 A second grade student extended our lesson on frog calls and created his own video about the frogs in our neighborhood! A second grade student extended our lesson on frog calls and created his own video about the frogs in our neighborhood! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337735 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=337735 Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:04:08 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:07 In this task, students chose a notebook for themselves. Then each student wrote a positive comment about another student on an index card and glued it onto their page. After each comment, they added a sticker. We will finish this project the week after spring break! In this task, students chose a notebook for themselves. Then each student wrote a positive comment about another student on an index card and glued it onto their page. After each comment, they added a sticker. We will finish this project the week after spring break! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231863 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=231863 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 03:12:09 PST Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:46 This week students completed a soil sample analysis lab, extracted copper from malachite ore (the copper is what makes the blue/green solution that color) and worked on coding our robot for our Lego League Club This week students completed a soil sample analysis lab, extracted copper from malachite ore (the copper is what makes the blue/green solution that color) and worked on coding our robot for our Lego League Club //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380520 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=380520 Sun, 02 Mar 2025 08:12:08 PST Jess Park Jess Park 00:07 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344010 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=344010 Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:09:09 PST 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:14 As we begin our first math unit, students expressed double digit numbers through these bas ten manipulatives. Such a hands on way to learn place value! As we begin our first math unit, students expressed double digit numbers through these bas ten manipulatives. Such a hands on way to learn place value! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320062 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=320062 Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:06:04 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:26 There is a new bulletin board in the Decatur hallways that features some of our projects from the 4th marking period. Here is a great example from Decatur 5th grader, Amelia of what happens when you create stories, music, and animations to tell a story! Great work! There is a new bulletin board in the Decatur hallways that features some of our projects from the 4th marking period. Here is a great example from Decatur 5th grader, Amelia of what happens when you create stories, music, and animations to tell a story! Great work! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236071 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=236071 Mon, 04 May 2020 04:02:10 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:26 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377112 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377112 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 08:09:15 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:09 This week in Science Class students: participated in a few more team building challenges such as "The Mystery Maze" and Pitfall. These activities set the stage for community-building as each class is expected to work in small cooperative groups often during science lab investigations. Students also got to begin exploring their new Scholastic Science World Magazine articles, got introduced to our new class pet bearded dragon, and some classes earned their 30 points and decided to spend them on "Earned Game Time". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week in Science Class students: participated in a few more team building challenges such as "The Mystery Maze" and Pitfall. These activities set the stage for community-building as each class is expected to work in small cooperative groups often during science lab investigations. Students also got to begin exploring their new Scholastic Science World Magazine articles, got introduced to our new class pet bearded dragon, and some classes earned their 30 points and decided to spend them on "Earned Game Time". Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377113 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=377113 Sun, 08 Dec 2024 08:09:15 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 00:39 This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade class exploring science outdoors by investigating the phenomenon of energy transfer with UV Bead bracelets that each student got to make; 6th grade students are also featured leading the way as their perspective classes' "This Day in Science History" presenters modeled how to conduct brief research and slide presentations to their classmates. 7th graders also began showing their scientific models of how hereditary traits get passed from parents to offspring via genetics. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 6th grade class exploring science outdoors by investigating the phenomenon of energy transfer with UV Bead bracelets that each student got to make; 6th grade students are also featured leading the way as their perspective classes' "This Day in Science History" presenters modeled how to conduct brief research and slide presentations to their classmates. 7th graders also began showing their scientific models of how hereditary traits get passed from parents to offspring via genetics. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378210 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=378210 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:10:04 PST Chelsea Branch Chelsea Branch 1:20 Our students read the book "My Magic Breath" by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor. We enjoyed seeing the beautiful illustrations by Michelle Polizzi while learning about how deep breaths can help turn our day into a happy one! Enjoy our artwork based on our interpretations of our own Magic Breath! We will no doubt use this skills in both every day life and to prepare for our performances throughout the year. Our students read the book "My Magic Breath" by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor. We enjoyed seeing the beautiful illustrations by Michelle Polizzi while learning about how deep breaths can help turn our day into a happy one! Enjoy our artwork based on our interpretations of our own Magic Breath! We will no doubt use this skills in both every day life and to prepare for our performances throughout the year. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=311354 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=311354 Wed, 26 May 2021 05:03:03 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 Please check out this video which highlights ways we are continually working to strengthen our classroom community so that each student has multiple ways of sharing their own voice, ideas, and questions about science with the class despite the extra challenges of remote learning! I am so amazed by our Decatur students' resilience during these challenging times of this ongoing pandemic! We also continue to work on strengthening classroom community by celebrating at the end of each week with some fun trivia games such as Kahoot and Gimkit, both of which could easily be played at home for some added family fun! Please check out this video which highlights ways we are continually working to strengthen our classroom community so that each student has multiple ways of sharing their own voice, ideas, and questions about science with the class despite the extra challenges of remote learning! I am so amazed by our Decatur students' resilience during these challenging times of this ongoing pandemic! We also continue to work on strengthening classroom community by celebrating at the end of each week with some fun trivia games such as Kahoot and Gimkit, both of which could easily be played at home for some added family fun! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346422 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346422 Sat, 21 Jan 2023 06:10:29 PST Marianne Sharping Marianne Sharping 2:22 6th and 7th grade students put their hearts into running tons of laps and having some fun! 6th and 7th grade students put their hearts into running tons of laps and having some fun! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348841 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348841 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:12:22 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:19 Design a house using the materials you purchased. Your house must withstand the harsh winds of Candy Land. Design a house using the materials you purchased. Your house must withstand the harsh winds of Candy Land. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346424 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346424 Sat, 21 Jan 2023 06:10:29 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 1:33 I was able to make this awesome video. Thank you for making this such a special day!!! I was able to make this awesome video. Thank you for making this such a special day!!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346423 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346423 Sat, 21 Jan 2023 06:10:29 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:46 This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders taking a classroom movement break to a song they learned in 1st grade; 8th grade explored physics by further investigating Newton's Laws of Motion; all students spent time on Thursday & Friday of this week continuing to explore Experimental Design to get ready for STEM Fair (7th & 8th grades it is a review as they are already working on their chosen inquiry projects--and for 5th & 6th grades it is an introduction as they will conduct small cooperative group experiments with more guidance from Mr. K). The explorations involved using microscopy to collect and record observations of various aquatic organisms (Daphnia, Planaria, Paramecium, Amoeba, and Euglena). Students were really excited to see them interacting, responding to environmental stimuli such as light, and in some cases, giving birth and consuming other species. The next step is to take the students' own questions so that they can design experiments of their own, such as the amazing regenerative properties of Planaria, while they apply the "Elements of Scientific Experimental Design", which goes to the higher order thinking NGSS Science & Engineering Practices. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) This week's slideshow highlights: 8th graders taking a classroom movement break to a song they learned in 1st grade; 8th grade explored physics by further investigating Newton's Laws of Motion; all students spent time on Thursday & Friday of this week continuing to explore Experimental Design to get ready for STEM Fair (7th & 8th grades it is a review as they are already working on their chosen inquiry projects--and for 5th & 6th grades it is an introduction as they will conduct small cooperative group experiments with more guidance from Mr. K). The explorations involved using microscopy to collect and record observations of various aquatic organisms (Daphnia, Planaria, Paramecium, Amoeba, and Euglena). Students were really excited to see them interacting, responding to environmental stimuli such as light, and in some cases, giving birth and consuming other species. The next step is to take the students' own questions so that they can design experiments of their own, such as the amazing regenerative properties of Planaria, while they apply the "Elements of Scientific Experimental Design", which goes to the higher order thinking NGSS Science & Engineering Practices. Thank you for checking in with us this week:) //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348842 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=348842 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:12:22 PDT 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 1st Grade. LeiAnna Carrasco 00:10 This was not only a fun project but it was a STEM project. Students had to calculate the cost of building their Gingerbread house then work within their budget to make sure they were able to buy all the materials they needed. This was not only a fun project but it was a STEM project. Students had to calculate the cost of building their Gingerbread house then work within their budget to make sure they were able to buy all the materials they needed. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346425 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346425 Sat, 21 Jan 2023 06:10:29 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:28 These past couple weeks we have been writing our buddies and we finally got to meet them!!! These past couple weeks we have been writing our buddies and we finally got to meet them!!! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347999 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=347999 Sat, 25 Feb 2023 06:12:03 PST Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 1:34 This week's slideshow highlights: students observing the transfer of energy between organisms and predator prey relationships in our classroom Lake Michigan Aquatic Ecosystem during feeding times; 6th grade students have been busy working in cooperative groups of engineers to design experiments backed up by their team's research to test variables that impact the effectiveness of "green roofs", which they learned can help combat problems such as the "Urban Heat Island Effect" and urban runoff that often leads to increased flooding of cities like Chicago; an 8th grade scientists setting up their STEM Fair Project experiment that they devised to investigate natural substances that can be used to fight bacteria on surfaces; and 5th grade class enjoying some hard-earned game time as they played cooperative board games and card games at the end of class on Friday to continue to strengthen our classroom community! Thank you for checking in with us this week! This week's slideshow highlights: students observing the transfer of energy between organisms and predator prey relationships in our classroom Lake Michigan Aquatic Ecosystem during feeding times; 6th grade students have been busy working in cooperative groups of engineers to design experiments backed up by their team's research to test variables that impact the effectiveness of "green roofs", which they learned can help combat problems such as the "Urban Heat Island Effect" and urban runoff that often leads to increased flooding of cities like Chicago; an 8th grade scientists setting up their STEM Fair Project experiment that they devised to investigate natural substances that can be used to fight bacteria on surfaces; and 5th grade class enjoying some hard-earned game time as they played cooperative board games and card games at the end of class on Friday to continue to strengthen our classroom community! Thank you for checking in with us this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229795 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=229795 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 03:11:12 PST Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:19 When are inside the classroom for PE, we do a lot of team building activities. This game is called Pass the Penguin. Here the 3rd graders have to pass the penguin all the way around the circle without talking and only using their elbows. When are inside the classroom for PE, we do a lot of team building activities. This game is called Pass the Penguin. Here the 3rd graders have to pass the penguin all the way around the circle without talking and only using their elbows. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334444 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334444 Sat, 07 May 2022 06:02:12 PDT Ryan Cherry Ryan Cherry 00:34 In our pursuit to make a salad dressing that stays mixed together, we tested different ingredients to see if they would create sediment in water or if they would dissolve. In our pursuit to make a salad dressing that stays mixed together, we tested different ingredients to see if they would create sediment in water or if they would dissolve. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334443 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=334443 Sat, 07 May 2022 06:02:12 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:17 This week's photo montage includes: 8th graders working cooperatively to sort embryo cards of various stages of gestation for various vertebrates as part of their ongoing unit exploring "Evolution"; 6th grade students working in collaborative groups learning the skills of geologists using "remote sensing" skills to investigate "How are underground deposits of natural resources located" as part of their unit on "Earth's Resources; and another appearance of our class pet bearded dragon, Curtiss. Thank you for checking in with us this week! This week's photo montage includes: 8th graders working cooperatively to sort embryo cards of various stages of gestation for various vertebrates as part of their ongoing unit exploring "Evolution"; 6th grade students working in collaborative groups learning the skills of geologists using "remote sensing" skills to investigate "How are underground deposits of natural resources located" as part of their unit on "Earth's Resources; and another appearance of our class pet bearded dragon, Curtiss. Thank you for checking in with us this week! //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310254 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=310254 Tue, 18 May 2021 05:02:23 PDT Mr.. Gerard Kovach Mr.. Gerard Kovach 2:24 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336625 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336625 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:03:21 PDT Katherine Cooper Katherine Cooper 00:20 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336624 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=336624 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:03:21 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:31 This is 100% student choice. They picked their topic, created a poster to collect data, and then created graphs. This is 100% student choice. They picked their topic, created a poster to collect data, and then created graphs. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388029 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=388029 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:08:20 PST Kevin Roper Kevin Roper 00:13 5th grade students write paragraphs about their summer adventures. Students were challenged to expand on their writing abilities with 8-10 sentences including at least 6 words per sentence. 5th grade students write paragraphs about their summer adventures. Students were challenged to expand on their writing abilities with 8-10 sentences including at least 6 words per sentence. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237187 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=237187 Tue, 19 May 2020 04:02:25 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:21 Second Graders were on a scavenger hunt. On each card that they located they had to name the fractions and then figure out which was the greatest. Second Graders were on a scavenger hunt. On each card that they located they had to name the fractions and then figure out which was the greatest. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350912 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=350912 Tue, 09 May 2023 07:02:14 PDT Decatur Classical School Decatur Classical School 00:11 We are currently in our basketball unit and here our 5th graders are practicing their dribbling and passing skills. We have practiced dribbling, passing and shooting. This week we are playing small sided games in class. We are currently in our basketball unit and here our 5th graders are practicing their dribbling and passing skills. We have practiced dribbling, passing and shooting. This week we are playing small sided games in class. //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346419 //www.decaturclassical.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=346419 Fri, 20 Jan 2023 06:10:28 PST Erin Cole Erin Cole 00:45 It was a fun week! Check out this short video of the Jog-a-Thon and our Fall Craft. It was a fun week! Check out this short video of the Jog-a-Thon and our Fall Craft.