NRESC & The Phoenix
February 2024
February Fun
Black History Month
During Black History Month, students learn about black artists like Alma Thomas, known for her vibrant abstract art. Through Thomas's work, students explore:
Art Appreciation: They analyze her use of color, shape, and pattern to convey emotions and narratives.
Artistic Techniques: Students experiment with color mixing, brushstrokes, and composition inspired by Thomas's style.
Historical Context: Educators discuss Thomas's life, challenges faced as an African American artist, and her contributions to the art world.
Cross-Disciplinary Connections: Connections with history, literature, music, and social justice themes deepen students' understanding.
By integrating Thomas's abstract art into Black History Month lessons, students celebrate diversity, develop cultural awareness, and honor black artists' contributions.
Happy Valentine's Day
We use hearts to explore the math world around us - identifying shapes, colors, and patterns through arts and crafts.
This Valentine’s Day, we're spreading love with personalized heart crafts! Check out these heart puzzles that spell out each student's name when complete. 💕 #ValentinesDay #SpreadLove
Valentine's Science
Students observed how long it would take for a conversation heart to dissolve in oil, water, seltzer and vinegar and which happened first.
Mardi Gras
In February, we celebrated cultural richness by learning about Mardi Gras and Black History Month. We explored the vibrant traditions of Mardi Gras while honoring the profound contributions and legacies of Black individuals throughout history. 🎉✊ #MardiGras #BlackHistoryMonth
Science Lesson
Dive into buoyancy with the n2y article "Life Rolls On"! Inspired by Jesse Billauer, who defies limitations to help others surf, skate, and thrive in adaptive sports. Explore sink or float and discover the physics behind resilience!
Super Bowl Highlights
What a game! In our classrooms, events like the Super Bowl serve as invaluable platforms for integrating cross-curricular activities that engage students across various subjects. Beyond the excitement of the game itself, teachers can leverage the Super Bowl to explore mathematics, language arts, and science.
Post-Snow Day Fun
Students explored the snow through this creative sensory bin. Not only does it explore temperature, but also mimics the act of shoveling on a smaller scale- strengthening students fine motor skills.
Snowflakes inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock add to winter learning.
Sensory Math Work
Exploring math concepts through light and colors during small group instruction can be an engaging and effective way to help students grasp abstract mathematical ideas. Check out our work!
Language Arts with ETRAN
The Eye Transfer (ETRAN) Board is a special tool for people who can't move or speak well but can control their eye movements. The board has letters, numbers, and symbols on it. Users communicate by looking at these symbols with their eyes. For instance, if they look at the letter "A," it might mean they want to say something that starts with "A." In language arts, the ETRAN Board helps students join in language-related activities like storytelling or writing.
100th Day of School
The journey from the first day to this significant 100th has been filled with incredible moments of learning, growth, and fun. To honor this achievement, we had an array of exciting activities and celebrations lined up throughout the day.
"100 days of school: where curiosity meets achievement, and every day brings us closer to infinite possibilities."
Random Acts of Kindness
We are eternally grateful to the students of Wayne Valley High School and the clients of Second Home for creating these wonderful pieces for our students at the Phoenix! It surely brightened our day.
Get your NRESC and The Phoenix Gear!
- The NRESC has built its own online store to purchase Commission gear! Clothing is available for men, women, and children. In addition, you can purchase other accessories and even gift cards! Please give 7-14 days for processing/shipping. You can purchase whatever you like directly from the online store and they will ship items right to you! And to top it off, the Commission receives 12% of all purchases, which it will give back to our programs. Don't forget to snap a picture with your NRESC apparel in different locations!
- https://apparelnow.com/northern-region-esc-apparel.
📆Save the Date📅
Adventures of Homer The Gnome
In February, our cheerful mascot Homer the Gnome delighted in learning about Black History Month. With each discovery, he marveled at the resilience and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. Adding to his joy, Homer stumbled upon a new mushroom house in his gnome village, a cozy haven for creating cherished memories. As the month drew to a close, Homer felt enriched by knowledge and embraced by the warmth of his new home. 🏡✨
Northern Region Educational Services Commission
82 Totowa Road • Wayne, New Jersey 07470
P: 973-253-4057