A.J.-4th Grade Student

A Trip Through History by A.J.

On February 13th,  I went to the Capitol to get a private tour as a guest of State Representative Dr. John Zerwas. My outing was a fantastic gift from Ann Hodge, President of the Katy Chamber of Commerce. 

Dr. John Zerwas

I saw neat stuff like the Rotunda (that's the dome). I also saw trillions of offices. We got lost in the maze of offices! Did you know that the Texas State Capitol is the largest state capitol building in the country? Also, did you know that the Capitol is a historic site? In the Senate chamber there is a painting of the Battle of the Alamo.

Rotunda

Senate Chamber

After we left the Capitol, we went to the Texas State Cemetery. The Texas State Cemetery is AWESOME! I saw Chris Kyle's grave. The book and movie "American Sniper" are based on his life. There were also graves from lots of old historical people. There were tons of Confederate soldiers. I also saw Suzanna Dickinson's grave. I learned in my social studies class that she was a survivor of the Battle of the Alamo. There was the grave of someone from the Old 300 as well as Stephen F. Austin.

Texas State Cemetary

Chris Kyle Grave Site

Member of Austin 300

Stephen F. Austin

Susanna Dickinson

It was awesome to see all these things that I have been learning about in 4th grade.

3rd Grade Team

Future Botanists At Work

In 3^rd grade, students are using their observation skills to identify the structures (parts) of plants.  As they observe, they try to determine the function of each part.  We will be learning how the structures of plants and animals help them adapt and survive in specific environments.

“I noticed that the red part had spikes.  The spikes are to protect the plant from herbivores.”   -Braden

“We were observing how the green part of the plant was smooth.  We think that the green part helps the plant take in the sunlight and make its own food.”  -Leah

“Me and Julia were describing the plants.  We noticed that in the flowers there was a little bit of water.  We noticed that the stem had little hairs on it.”  -Vance

 “I think the leaves are for getting energy for the plant.  The flowers are bright to make the bees come.”  -Julia

1st Grade Team

What makes a Kite Fly?

In first grade we learned all about the weather and had an awesome visit from a meteorologist Britta Merwin from channel 2 come visit and speak to the kids about the weather. To explore one part of weather, air, we had an experiment. Kites were made and the kids went outside to test out the kite to find out what makes a kite fly? In the end the kids found out that air helps to keep the kite afloat. 

Sophia said, “Even though we cannot see air, it is all around us!” Jakob responded “This is so cool!” Our first graders loved it and had a blast experimenting and learning about the weather especially AIR!

Elizabeth Kratz, Counselor

No Place for Hate

As many of you know, we here at Cimarron Elementary, are members of The No Place for Hate organization. For our new family members, “The No Place for Hate® initiative provides educators and students with the resources to ensure that anti-bias and diversity education are an integral part of the school curriculum.  No Place for Hate® also helps to create and sustain inclusive school environments where all students feel valued and have the opportunity to succeed by promoting respect for individual difference while challenging bigotry and prejudice.”

This is the third year that Cimarron Elementary has participated in and continues the pledge to voice the anti-bias and diversity initiative. Here at CE were are promoting respect and differences for all students and staff members. This year our three goals are to have students change up who they play with at recess on Fridays. This helps remind children that when they meet new people, it is okay to be different. Different is the new black. In the fall we had a coloring contest to help promote against bullying and promote kindness in others. This spring, and going on right now, were are having another contest but using the words of our children to promote kindness and differences in the world. Our children have the opportunity to enter the contest with a poem, song or rap. The contest ends on Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

Here are a few words from our student committee members:

Kids are being positive towards and about others. T.B.

NPFH- It’s cool. Brings bullies to a stop. Brings everyone together as friends. K.F.

Everything is going great. People are taking part and coming up with great ideas. A.B.