What a wonderful way to begin our Winter Break at the end of the 2016 year!  Our third graders prepared for a month for their 3rd Grade Market on Thursday, Dec. 15th.  Third graders took a different learning approach towards their Economy Unit!  Our 3rd grade teachers bringing the “Real World” into their classrooms – students learned about the principles of an economy by creating a classroom economy that entailed class jobs & salaries, payroll, credits/debits, student wallets, pay day, class money & bank and a market place (producers & consumers) for everyone to buy and sell.  What a real-life experience!

Our Music, Art and Library teachers decided to collaborate together to take on a design project challenge of providing 4th and 5th graders an opportunity to create their own Winter Musical Program.  Students chose a piece of art as inspiration.  They wrote a story based on the artwork.  Students then worked in groups to compose a connecting song with supporting harmony on self-selected instruments.  Additionally, students created movement, props and instrumental sound effects to enhance their story.   The musical program was outstanding.  Here are a few parent commendations that sums the production up best:

“The program this evening was just marvelous!  What a creative and engaging way to blend instruction with creativity.  I honestly can not rave enough about it – a lovely job well done by each of you.” -4th grade parent

“This recent concert impressed us with the combination of art, history, culture, and music.  We appreciate how the program’s design encouraged students to invest in the production.  We also like the focus on art history, and the chance for children to expand their awareness of the global world.  As always, we applaud your creativity, energy, and professionalism.  You are true assets to Crozet Elementary.” -4th grade parent

The 4th/5th Grade Music Program was dedicated to Eric Betthauser, Henley & WAHS music teacher, who died in a car accident in November 2016.  Rest in Peace.