Aldo Leopold Nature Center

On Monday, students headed to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.  We learned about the glaciers that formed the landscape of Wisconsin and what formations they made along the way. Students hiked a glacial drumlin to see the work of glaciers and visited a linear mound that was built by the Mounmd Builders hundreds of years ago.  Students also took a trip back in time to see how Native Americans lived long ago. A hands-on timeline demonstrated what foods and tools they depended on and how these changed over time. 

Unlearning "Indian" Stereotypes
As a part of our exploration into Madison's history, we have been learning about The Mound Builders (thought to be ancestors of the Hochungra.)  We, in Dane County, are lucky because the Madison area has more mounds located here than anywhere else in the world.

We are planning a walking trip to visit some of these sacred mounds (on Lakeside Street.)

We are studying about the Ho-chunk people who have long called Madison home.  As we learn more about this nation of people, we decided to address issues of stereotyping and in particular "Indian" Stereotypes. The good people at Rethinking Schools (www.rethinkingschools.org) compiled this amazing DVD.  It is thought provoking and narrated by Native American children.

Narrated by Native American children, the DVD Unlearning "Indian" Stereotypes teaches about racial stereotypes and provides an introduction to Native American history through the eyes of children. 

After viewing parts of the Unlearning"Indian" Stereotypes DVD, students had a lively, passionate and spirited discussion regarding what they saw and where they have seen stereotypes of Native Americans.  We learned that stereotypes occur when a group of people is said to all possess certain qualities or characteristics simply because they are a part of that group. We talked about stereotypical behaviors associated with boys and girls.

Students completed a quiz prior to our discussion

Students were also given an informal assignment to identify stereotypes that they find on television (Yes, the teachers assigned watching TV as homework!), in print media and in movies.

More Testing

If it's November, it must mean more testing... Next week students will be participating in the WKCE test.  Third grade students have 6 different sessions, 3 testing math and 3 testing reading.  We will hold one session on Monday afternoon, one on Wednesday morning and two each on Thursday and Friday.

Fall Conferences

Just a reminder that fall conferences will be held on Wednesday evening, November 14 and Thursday morning, November 15.  If you have not signed up for a conference, please fill out the conference form and return it to school early next week.  If you have filled out the form, I will be sending your conference time early next week.  Also, if the conference times provided do not work for you please let me know and I will schedule a different time with you. 

Here are a few special events and activities happening at Marquette.

Please stop by, say hi to Ms. Heindel and tour the book fair!

Also, the student council is holding a food drive for the Goodman Community Food Pantry. This is to help supplement the Thanksgiving Food Baskets.

Some items they are really in need of are: canned vegetables, canned fruit, jars of gravy, pumpkin pie fixings and cranberry sauce.  These items will be collected through November 15.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and if you have not already done so, VOTE on Tuesday (and then visit the book fair!)