Panther Press
From the Desk of Dr. Cady:
Dear Panther Families,
As we continue our Tradition of Excellence, we embrace and celebrate the partnership that exists between our VCS teachers and families. The close partnership between home and school is just one of the exceptional strengths at Viera Charter School. It is because of this partnership that our students thrive and succeed both academically and socially. Throughout the school year, you will have many opportunities to develop the partnership in a variety of ways. If you haven’t done so already, please take time to volunteer in your child’s classroom, join the PTSO, help at the various school events, and attend our Governing Board meetings. These are just a few of the many ways that you can show your student that their education is important. Working together, our Professional Learning Community will provide a stimulating and nurturing learning environment that fosters and maximizes student achievement.
Warmest Regards,
Dr. Julie Cady
From the Desk of Ms. Herbert
THE 4/4 TIMES - NOVEMBER
Hello Panther Musicians! November was an amazing month and a very busy time!
We started with our incredible 4th graders giving a touching salute to our Veterans on November 15th. We sang songs about our 50 Nifty United States and thanking our heroes. We read letters written by our students and had a video presentation honoring our VCS family Veterans.
- Our 1st and 2nd grade musicians learned echo songs about giving thanks and played turkey games.
- Our 4th and 5th graders performed an Indigenous American Raccoon Dance and made 6 part songs about their favorite meals.
- Our Kindergarteners and 3rd Graders worked incredibly hard preparing for their holiday performances.
We let all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders know that we will be doing a whole recorder unit starting in January and have provided the MySchoolbucks link for each student to purchase a recorder for $3. Each student needs the same recorder. If they have other recorders, they can be used for practice at home, and keep she school recorder in their backpack!
Panther Pulse Chorus excitedly prepared for our show at The Avenues December 1st, and Cookies and Cocoa on the 15th.
I really could not be more proud of these amazing performers and musicians!
“Sing”cerely,
Ms. Herbert
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS:
Middle School Digital Arts
In Middle School Digital Arts, students use traditional techniques and apply the same concepts to digital art on the computer. They use a free downloadable software called, Krita, along with Wacom tablets and stylus pens, to create their beautiful art.
Students learn about various famous artists and Holidays which help to inspire them. They use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in all Middle School classes in 6th, 7th,and 8th grades.
Mrs. Mumme said, "We are also working on class videos in 7th and 8th Grade Digital Arts 2 & 3: Creating interviews and research on various topics." Students learn video-editing using the free downloadable software, Clip-champ, and working collaboratively with a small group.
Third Grade Author Visit
On November 1st, 3rd grade had a very special virtual visit from children's author Shannon Olsen, who has written Our Class Is a Family, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School, and A Letter From Your Teacher on the last Day of School. During the interactive visit, Mrs. Olsen spoke to students about how she became a writer, the writing process, and how she comes up with BIG ideas. Our students played a game, asked questions, sang songs, and even did some dancing during this very informative presentation.
Inside Middle School:
The "Inside Middle School" segment is new to our Panther Press Newsletter this year. As a part of the Yearbook Club, our very own Middle School students brainstorm ideas for articles each month, they come up with interview questions, interview teachers, students and staff then write and edit the articles. We are very proud of all their hard work and dedication.
The Thanksgiving Basket Brigade
The Basket Brigade was a food drive at VCS. The National Junior Honor Society collected 25 big boxes of food for families so they could have Thanksgiving meals. The people that helped with the Basket Brigade included the Student Council and the National Elementary Honor Society. The school was the only place you could donate, and the drive is now over. The meals have been sent to families in need. This drive happens every year and will be open for donations next year.
Interview and article written by Middle School students:
Wilson Brown (7th Grade)
Lily Wetherington (7th Grade)
Lucille Wong (6th Grade)
The 8th Grade Washington D.C Trip
After 6 months of planning, a group of 8th grade students finally made the journey to Washington D.C. The students met at the airport before the sun rose on the morning of November 2nd. After a long flight, they were excited to feel the colder weather of D.C. Once they landed, they went straight to lunch, eating pizza, hamburgers, and drinking soda. Some of the highlights were touring Mount Vernon, Memorials (Lincoln, MLK, FDR), Arlington Cemetery, National Archives (Declaration of Independence, Constitution) and touring the Capitol Building. The experience was fun overall, but the students certainly won’t miss all that walking.
Interview and article written by Middle School students:
Aston Davis (6th Grade)
Maeve McDermott (6th Grade)
Micaela Piedra (8th Grade)
Zac Elhewan (8th Grade)
Hockey Game Fun: 8th Grade Field Study
Viera Charter School’s 8th grade recently went to the Solar Bears hockey game, held at Orlando Amway Center. The Solar Bears played the Florida Everblades, with an end score of 2–1 in favor of the Solar Bears. The students had lunch, provided by the sponsors, while watching the game. Many teachers, like Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Dalton, Mrs. Langer, Coach Casey and 19 more chaperons accompanied the students. Most kids liked the “Florida Everblades” just because the name sounds “cool” but half and or more students liked the Solar Bears because of their great scores. Coach Casey commented, “I really enjoyed the trip; the 8th graders enjoyed it and the food!” At the stadium, the kids were able to go downstairs to the arcade, which felt like walking into a wonderland of awesome. There were games, food, prizes, and more. The Solar Bears field trip was a real hit and the 8th graders had a blast!
Interview and article written by Middle School students:
Daniella Alexander (6th Grade)
Priscilla Berry (6th Grade)
Lexi Oliver (6th Grade)
Let it Snow Fun!
The Middle School Winter Gala, which took place on December 2, was put together by the Middle School Student Council and the National Elementary Honor Society. There were around 360 students at the dance, packed into the cafeteria along with the courtyard. The activities were dancing, taking photos at a photo booth, and hanging out with friends. At the dance, students enjoyed pizza, cookies and soda. For most of the 6th graders, this was their first dance and overall a fun night for students.
Interview and article written by Middle School students:
Wilson Brown (7th Grade)
Lily Wetherington (7th Grade)
Lucille Wong (6th Grade)
PTSO
Visit the Viera Charter School PTSO website where you can sign up for their monthly newsletter, shop for spirit gear, find their calendar of events, volunteer information and much more.