In Grade 3, we have been learning all about physical science. We have learned that everything in the world is made of matter – even us. This was a new and exciting topic for us and there were some surprising results.

Properties of Matter / Chanthen

In this term I learned about the properties of matter. Every kind of matter has atoms in it. Atoms are the tiniest pieces of matter - you can hardly see them with the most powerful microscope on Earth. All together there are three states of matter; solid, liquid, and gas. Atoms in solids are very tight together. In liquid, the atoms are a little bit far apart. In the air the atoms are very far apart and make it move quickly.

Combining Substances / Sophutt

When you combine something, we can get a solution. A mixture is when we combine substances together and the things keep their same properties. Cooking oil and water is an example of a mixture. When there is a chemical change, it makes something new. We can combine elements to make compounds. When we add sodium and chlorine together, we get table salt.

Energy / Rayu

People use energy every day. Even when you sleep your body is using energy. One example of energy is heat. Heat makes atoms move very quickly from warm places to colder places. Heat can make water become gas and it can make ice become water. We can burn fuel to get energy too. Some examples of fuel are gas, coal, oil, wood, and gasoline.

Observing a Chemical Change / Phalla

We did an activity to observe a chemical change. We made a balloon blow up in another way than using air. We poured 20ml of vinegar in a graduated cylinder. We put a spoonful of baking soda in a balloon. Then we placed the balloon on the graduated cylinder and poured the baking soda in the vinegar. The vinegar made bubbles that blew up the balloon. This is a chemical change that changed a solid and a liquid into a gas.

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At the end of Term Two, the students in Grade Six learned to write directions from a specific location of their choice, to their home. I used these directions to find my students’ houses.

The students had clearly thought very carefully about how to explain the location of their houses. Many students also drew a map with important landmarks to help me find my way.

Their instructions were full of important details and explained where and when to make turns.

For example, one student had written that her house had a welcome sign with a vase and two red flowers underneath. These precise details made it easy to find the students’ houses.

Thanks to my students, whose instructional writing guided me through green fields, over bridges and into their villages. I had a bumpy, but exciting experience that I will treasure for years to come.

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Before scientists thought that dinosaurs became extinct by a huge asteroid in Mexico, but now, scientists from the United States have found a clue about why those animals have disappeared from the planet Earth.

Scientists from the Texas Tech University said that dinosaurs became extinct when a space asteroid from the asteroid belt landed in India that had a diameter of 40 km. It is probably four times bigger than the one at Mexico that made an enormous crater and it is 498 km wide. This crater was deep, deep in the earth, 4.8 km! During that time, a volcano called Deccan Traps erupted in West India.

Mr. Sankar Chatterjee who led this discovery said that, if their discovery is true, there would have been disaster in India and it would have been the strongest disaster in the world.

Sovung
Grade Four

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Many of our students have read the story Teammates by Peter Golenbock. The story is about the great friendship between Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson, American baseball players in the 1940’s. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. He faced many hardships, discrimination, and just plain meanness merely because of the color of his skin. Pee Wee Reese stood by his friend and stood up to those who were unkind to him. The two men helped each other through difficult times and ultimately their friendship and strength changed the attitudes of an entire country.

This year, I have been impressed by how much JPA students support each other. Everyday, I see older students helping the KG students by doing small things like zipping up their backpacks or reminding them not to forget their cups. In the mornings and after school, I see students working together, not copying, but working together to understand the homework and do it correctly. Before the chess tournament, I saw students who already knew the game teach it to students who did not. Most recently, I learned that students with bicycles have been helping students without bicycles by giving them a ride to school or their bus stop. The amazing thing is JPA students did this all on their own, they were not told by teachers, but rather saw that another student needed some help and support and they gave it.

Everyone needs a hand sometimes and we all have something we can give, it could be giving someone a ride or helping them with math. JPA students didn’t learn helpfulness from Teammates, they already know that and practice it everyday.

Rather, the story reminded us that supporting others and assisting those in need not only helps that person, but also has the potential to make things better for everyone.

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In the Reading Buddies program, older students read with younger students every week. It is a wonderful example of JPA students working together to help each other improve.

Here’s what our students say about Reading Buddies:

Sothea (Grade Three) "My reading buddy’s name is Bunthorng. He can read a small book. When he reads with me, I teach him how to read a word that he can’t read. When he doesn’t understand a word, I explain to him in English and if he still doesn’t understand, I explain to him in Khmer to make sure that he understands the word."

Bunthorng (Grade One) "My reading buddy’s name is Sothea. I like Reading Buddies because it’s fun to read with my reading buddy. When I have Reading Buddies I read many different books."

Srey Nit (Grade Three) "I like Reading Buddies time because I can help my reading buddy to pronounce the words that she doesn’t know. I also like it because I can teach her some strategies to read well to be a good reader and because I want her to improve at reading. I also explain the words that she doesn’t know."

Teakhakk (Grade One) "My reading buddy’s name is Srey Nit. I like Reading Buddies because Srey Nit knows how to speak English. I learn about science and English with my reading buddy."

Socheata (Grade Eight) "My reading buddy’s name is Lyhour. He is very small and thin, but he is an intelligent student. I feel very excited when I read him a story. He enjoys the stories very much. When I read him a story, I ask him some questions to help him to learn more. I ask him about his family, what he studies in KG class and also about the questions that are connected with the books. He usually answers my questions correctly and sometimes he tells jokes that make me laugh. I am proud because I can teach other students to learn more and I feel like I am a teacher."

Borey (Grade Eight) "My reading buddy’s name is Minea. He is a smart student because he studies a lot and he is not lazy. He enjoys the stories a lot because when I ask him, he says that the stories are very good and have beautiful pictures. I help him to read, to count numbers and to know the colors. I feel very happy because he is smart and cute. He can read and count the numbers better than before."

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Sixth Grade Learns About Rocks and Minerals

"When I do activities, it’s like I’m a scientist figuring out something." Channa. Did you know that some minerals are softer than others?

We experimented with two different minerals called quartz and rock salt to find out which was softer. Sixteen students predicted that rock salt would be softer and nine students thought that quartz would be softer. To discover the answer, we used a nail to scratch each of the minerals and looked for any changes. We made conclusions based on our observations. The rock salt was softer because we could see the scratch that was made by the nail.

"This activity was interesting because I found out which mineral is harder and which one is softer." Sokh

"If I don’t understand the ideas, doing a real activity helps me to understand." Sopheara

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I am studying in Grade Nine at JPA. I have a lot of extraordinary days. On Monday 5th October 2009, it was a very good day for me because when I rode a bicycle to school, I looked up in the sky and saw the colors of the rainbow. It looked very beautiful. When I arrived at school, I saw that my score in Khmer was very good. I was very satisfied. Later, when I went into the bathroom, I heard news from a cleaner. I asked her about the problems when we throw the paper or plastic into the toilet. I knew that if we threw the paper into the toilet, it would be broken. I was very astonished because many weeks ago, my friends combed their hair and put the hair into the toilet. I told the cleaner about that thing, but she was not angry with me, instead she said, "Good girl, you are a very polite girl!"

When I came into the classroom, I told that news to all of the students in my class. I went outside and I heard a voice "Good girl!" I did not see any person, but I saw a frog!

It said "Hello!" I was very confused and dazed. I did not know what to say, so I said "Who are you?" "I am a magic frog from Tachet. I know how to say a poem!" replied the frog. Then he climbed on top of the fence and started to say in a normal voice:

"My name is Dunk,
I have a trunk.
I like an ice-cream,
So, I live in a dream,
My mom makes a mat,
Teacher Tracey tries to teach the students."

When he (frog) finished his poem, he jumped into the pond and said "Goodbye! Good luck for your test! You will not be able to find me again!" I tried to stop him, but I was too late.

When I came into the classroom, it was time to go home. I told my friends about the frog, but they did not believe me. They told me that I was a foolish girl because a frog cannot say a poem! Finally, I knew what they wanted to say, but I didn’t agree with them because he is my friend.

I couldn’t forget about that interesting event in my life, so I decided to write a story about it. I hope you will enjoy reading about my extraordinary day!

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In the second term we have been learning about the Sun, the Earth and the weather. We have learned a lot of facts. We studied how to measure the temperature of the air with a thermometer. We discovered answers to questions like, "Where does the Sun go at night?" and "Why is there day and night?" Here are some things we have learned in this unit:

"The Sun is a star." Saksika
"The temperature is low when the weather is cold." Reun
"The Sun is bigger than the Earth." Marisa
"Earth goes around the Sun in one year." Sareth
"The Sun is massive." Makara
"The Sun warms land, water and air on Earth." Komin
"The Sun always shines." Chhieng
Grade Two

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I am reading a new book with my Reading Group. We are reading Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary. Ramona is up to her old tricks and in the chapter we just read she is trying to sew a pair of pants for her stuffed elephant named Ella Funt. She is having a difficult time and the pants just won’t come out right. Ramona gets upset and her mother suggests she make something easier like a skirt for Ella. Ramona gets angry and says she likes to try difficult things. Her mother replies that this is something she admires about Ramona. This reminded me of persistence.

JPA is a challenging school and students learn complicated things. JPA students study a lot and have homework everyday. Each of us has different strengths and weaknesses, but we all have things we find difficult. If you ask any of the students I taught in Let’s Go they will tell you I have difficulty with spelling. It is important for all of us to keep trying, even when things are difficult, especially when things are difficult.

The book we are reading made me think about JPA students. Each of you chose to come to JPA even though you knew it would be difficult at times and always challenging. I admire you for that. Time and time again I see students studying after school instead of playing games with their friends. I see students come to school early to review for exams. I see students ask questions when they don’t understand and ask again if they still don’t understand. I admire you for your hard work and persistence.

JPA students are a bit like Ramona because they like to try difficult things. I don’t know how things will turn out for Ramona because we haven’t finished the book yet, but I know for sure JPA students don’t give up when things are difficult. I hope Ramona is a little like you!

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The children celebrated the official opening of the JPA library. Principal Lisa Arthur said "It’s very exciting to be able to bring the world of books to our students! Reading exposes us all to new, inspiring ideas. JPA students love to read and learn."

The new library is an amazing environment with space and furniture appropriate for students. The students love the books in the library and the most popular books are the Goosebumps series and the Harry Potter books.

The library is open before and after school and during breaks. It has over 1000 books in both English and Khmer including fiction, non-fiction, newspapers and encyclopedias.

It is often said that reading is a skill. As with most skills, the more you practice it, the better you become. The less you use it, the more difficult it is. In order to develop this skill, JPA implemented a sustained silent reading program under the catchy slogan 'stop, drop, read'. At the start of each day, students bring a book of their own choice to their classrooms and read silently. The teachers encourage students to read for their own pleasure and to use the library resources. This improves reading comprehension, the pace of reading, vocabulary skills and spelling and provides a valuable gift: the joy of reading.

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The 2009-2010 school year got off to a great start. We welcomed fifty new kindergarteners and added Grade Nine (otherwise known as the Freshman Class) and new teachers have joined us from Canada and the USA. All in all it’s been exciting!

JPA students have once again proved themselves to be not only intelligent and hard working, but students with integrity. Many of our new kindergarteners take the bus to school each day. Beginning school when you are five years old is already a bit scary, but think about how much more intimidating it can be when you have to take a bus for the first time too. Some of our older students volunteered to be Bus Buddies with the new kindergarteners and they watch over them at the bus stop and on the bus. I am very proud of the leadership the older Bus Buddies have demonstrated. They remind us all that it is important to help others.

In fact, student leadership has really grown at JPA this term. Our elected prefects are doing a great job as our first Student Council. They developed the school rules and work with other students and teachers to make sure JPA is the best school it can be. They have a few surprises in store for the rest of the year, so be sure to check the Student Council bulletin board. This year, our fourth, has started so well I can’t imagine how we are going to make it better. Luckily JPA is a place full of amazing students and teachers and I have no doubt we will, together.

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JPA students elected their student council for the year 2009-2010. The Student Council consists of eight students representing Grades Three, Five, Seven and Nine. The Student Council’s elected representatives serve as liaison between the students and the administration. Representatives from across the grades consulted to produce a code of conduct reflecting the spirit of the school. The student council is a marvelous opportunity for learning leadership and practising democracy.

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It was incredibly difficult to choose a winner for the 'Name Your Newsletter' contest with many great names being suggested by students from all grades. However, after careful deliberation we decided that the winners were Bunnat and Sokly from Grade 9. They chose the winning name 'Reflections'. Congratulations to them. Download 'Reflections' as a PDF at the link below.

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Two students give their account of city wildlife

You Channarun, Grade Five
Wildlife is animals or birds that no one owns, and wildlife lives in the city too. Some wild animals migrated for food and habitat but some lived in the city from long ago before the city grew, when it was still wilderness. Some migrated from cold places to warmer places and while they migrated they used their camouflage to find food and protect themselves from enemies. Some wild animals migrated because their habitats had been destroyed and they had little food.

I thought this unit was fascinating because we can learn about why animals migrate, how they use their camouflage, where they live in the city and how people protect wild animals.

Kem Korb,Grade Five
In Unit two (City Wildlife) I studied six stories. Some were fiction and some were non-fiction. Some were boring and some were interesting. Some stories had good lessons, and some showed kids doing bad things.

The story that was very fascinating was the article that gave a lot of information about where birds live and how they find food, when they hunt and how they use camouflage to protect themselves against predators.

The most magnificent story was City Critters that showed wild animals live in cities too. It was a real story, and told about squirrels that live by the highway and there were exhaust fumes that came from cars and buses. When the fumes came out from cars and buses, squirrels had problems because they were breathing smoke and it made them sick and then dead, and it showed how humans can protect themselves from pollution and smoke.

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Grade Three talk about how they enjoy studying science
"One of our favorite science activities was observing ecosystems around JPA. We used string and sticks to make a one-meter space on the ground outside our classroom. After we measured our area, we used magnifying glasses to see what organisms and nonliving things were in the ecosystem. We found lots of interesting things such as baby snails, crickets, ants, flowers, rocks, and grass. This activity taught us about how animals and plants need each other to survive and what different kinds of organisms can live together."

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