Sylvan Park Paideia Elementary School

This year, lead science volunteers direct Friday science activities for each grade. With lead volunteers Kourtney Parks and Nyshauna Travers, fourth graders investigated potential and kinetic energy using materials loaned by the Vanderbilt Students Volunteering for Science program. Third graders, under parents Molly Smith and Jayme O’Neal, observed how the water cycle works works and how melting glaciers causes sea level rise. Last week, first graders discovered aspects of sound waves through ingenious activities developed by lead volunteer Tracy Smith with input from James Davis and Hector Segundo.  (Kindergarten and 2nd grade haven’t officially had Science Friday yet this month. Stay tuned!)

Thanks so much to all of the fantastic lead volunteers and parent participants!  Ask any 4th, 3rd, 2nd or 1st grader if they like science!!! 

All interested volunteers are invited to the first meeting of the Science Committee Monday October 14th at 8 am.  We will discuss how to best support, develop, and sustain the science program. The goal will be defining recommended focused efforts. Please come if you can. While the time prevents teachers from participating in this meeting, they will be included! If interested, but unavailable at that time, please contact Molly Miller at Molly.Miller@vanderbilt.edu.

Sylvan Park parents are invited to a morning gathering with administrators from West End Middle School Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8 am in the Sylvan Park Library. This event is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our zoned middle school and ask questions of leadership. Sylvan Park families who live out of the zone (lottery families) do get preference in admission to West End Middle. See you all there!

Your child will explore the field of robotics through a series of exciting and dynamic lessons. Students will learn about mechanical engineering as they construct and use robots to complete tasks and engage in competitions. A variety of topics will be covered including gear ratios, electricity, rotation, friction, force, transmitters and LEDs.

This course gives students the opportunity to experience the captivating world of robotics in an inviting and fun environment. No previous experience is necessary; both new and returning participants are welcome! Each participant will receive an award on the last day of the session and will have the opportunity to earn Energy Belts by demonstrating their learned skills.

The club will be held Mondays from Oct. 14 through Dec. 2. Register using course code SYL10.14.19 or view the flyer for more information.

Next week is FULL of special events your child will want you to know about. Here’s an overview but read on for additional details:

Starting Monday, students are invited to dress in a different theme each day for Spirit Week.
Tuesday is Spirit Night at ML Rose
Wednesday is Walk to School Day
Thursday is West End Parent Coffee
Friday is the Panther Pride Fun Run

See additional details for each event below.

Fall Picture Day – Tuesday, Sept. 24
Spirit Night – Tuesday, Oct. 1 at ML Rose
Walk to School Day – Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 am Sylvan Park Church
West End Coffee – Thursday, Oct. 3 at 8 am (library)
Panther Pride Fun Run – Friday, Oct. 4
Fall Break – Oct. 7 – Oct. 11
No School – Friday, Oct. 18 (professional development day)

The Girl Scouts of Middle TN will have a Family Interest Night meeting on Wednesday, 9/18, in the cafeteria starting at 6:00 pm.This recruitment/information meeting is for any interested scouts that are not currently registered (i.e., Kindergarten families, families new to Sylvan Park).

Box Tops for Education is going digital!

This year, there will be two ways to save money for Sylvan Park School:

1) Cut out and collect Box Tops located on many name brand product packaging such as General Mills cereal, Lysol cleaner, Hefty trash bags, and MANY more. Recycle the box, bring the Box Top in! Have your child put the Box Tops in the Ziplock Box Top Bag in their classroom.
Tip: ​ Please only bring Box Tops with expiration dates past ​11/01/19. ​ We cannot get any money for our school with expired tops.

2) Starting summer 2019, Box Tops is going digital and you will be able to scan your receipt using a mobile app. Download Apple app​ or Google play app. Visit boxtops4education.com to view eligible products and how to get credit from online stores.

Bring a picnic dinner, visit with other Panther families, and learn what’s happening at school. Our PTO meetings are open to ALL parents and caregivers! This event is a community gathering for both children and caregivers.