Our 4th graders at Green wrote a book!

Last Tuesday Samuel J. Green Charter School held the Big Class Publishing event. The event was a release party for a book penned by our very own 4^th grade Green Charter scholars. During the event all our 4^th grade scholars read their favorite excerpt from different stories in the book.

The book, titled “This is How it All Began: Animal Origin Stories,” tells imaginative stories of how different animals came to existence. Our scholars were excited and animated while reading the different excerpts. All the wonderful parents and guardians in attendance were delighted to hear the creative stories their scholars wrote. Our 4^th graders were very happy with their work and beamed with pride following their readings.

FirstLine would like to give a big shout-out to Big Class for publishing the wonderful stories our Green Charter scholars wrote. We would like to give a shout-out to all our Green Charter scholars for writing such creative and fun stories. We would also like to give a shout-out to all the awesome parents and guardians that came out to show their support for their scholars. We always enjoy the opportunity to expose our scholars to new experiences and celebrate their successes. We look forward to the next batch of great stories!

To get a copy of “This is How it All Began: Animal Origin Stories” please visit: http://bigclass.org/our-publications/this-is-how-it-all-began

For more information about FirstLine Schools visit www.firstlineschools.org

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FirstLine classrooms incorporate Physical Activity Breaks into daily routines

Since 2011, School Health Connection has been working to train teachers throughout New Orleans to incorporate more physical activity in their classrooms. In spring of 2013, teachers and staff at Dibert, Ashe, Langston Hughes, and Green began incorporating physical activity breaks, known as “Instant Recesses,” into their daily routines.

One student shared, “Recess is short, so with Instant Recess, it gives us a chance to take a break and get our blood pumping.”

But what exactly is “Instant Recess?” These short breaks throughout the school day involve activities like yoga and dance and give students a chance to unwind and reset while engaging in healthy physical activity and bonding with their classmates. Students especially enjoy showing off their best dance moves to their classmates or singing along to the latest Calvin Harris and will.i.am tracks!

“Like all of us, children learn better and work better and their brains are more active when they are taking breaks occasionally,” said FirstLine CEO Jay Altman.

Besides numerous health benefits, these breaks can improve classroom behavior, memory, and concentration as well as re-engage and re-energize students, making for a healthier, more enjoyable school day. Check out School Health Connection’s video on Physical Activity Breaks highlighting some FirstLine students:

An Edible Evening 2014

It was a cloudy, drab afternoon. Rain threatened. The wind tossed damp napkins across the garden. We didn't know if the paint on our signs would dry in time, if the weather would scare our guests away, or where we'd put the Late Wave party.

But what we did know was that we were covered by a crew of talented, gracious, charming, hard-working, and conscientious individuals were dedicated to making this party work. This year's An Edible Evening, was our best one yet! The food was delicious, the music was jammin, and the wine was flowing. Our success is because of all of our staff, volunteers, sponsors and patrons, and most importantly our guests. So THANK YOU!

A special thanks goes to all of the vendors who provided this year's incredible food and drink selections:

Presqu'ile Wine
NOLA Brewing Company
Robert's Fresh Market

Capdeville
Tivoli & Lee

Atchafalaya
Bacchanal
Dicki Brennan's
Brigsten's
Bourbon House
Cafe Hope's Green Dot Cafe
Cowbell
French Truck Coffee
GW Fins
Good Eggs
Link Restaurant Group
High Hat
Jamba Juice
La Petite Grocery
Maurepas Foods
Meauxbar
Mimi's in the Marigny
NOLA Pie Guy
Nolavore
Palace Cafe
Pizza Delicious
Red Fish Grill
Southern Hospitality Catering
St. James Cheese Co.
Sukho Thai
Swiss Confectionery
Tableau
Three Muses
Whole Foods
Woody's Fish Tacos
Company Burger
Cure
Shortall's BBQ
12 Mile Limit
Dis Taco
Taceaux Loceaux

Samuel J. Green Charter School celebrates Science Night

Science Night at Green Charter is a time for the elementary scholars to get excited and for Middle School scholars to show what they know.

 This year all grade levels were represented, along with a special guest from Loyola, US wildlife and fisheries, and Birds of Prey!

Students and parents circulated tables to learn about air pressure,  systems of the body through frog dissection, chemical changes, making slime and butter, physical changes by making ice cream and a host of other activities! Green's art program and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans put together a special presentation for students and the 5th grade ELA's literature table was an amazing addition,  making the event cross curricular! 

Meet Felix and the Green Flag Football Team

Green Flag Football Team

The Green Flag Football team has dominated the Charter School Athletic Association (NOCSAA) flag football league, as the undefeated champions for the last four years! The team's success can be attributed to the inclusive, supportive environment both the coach and teammates have created.

Meet Felix!

Felix and Coach T going over goals

Felix has been on the Green flag football team for two years. Felix is in the 6th grade, and lives with his mom, dad, older brother and two sisters. In addition to training for flag football, Felix loves to go camping, take trips with his family, and play laser tag. Felix has been working with Coach Tamara Schuit since the second grade. Hard work along with the support of family and teammates, has enabled Felix to excel on the flag football team. 

We asked Felix a few questions:

Q: What motivated you to be on the team?

A: Peyton Manning on the Denver Broncos because he finished college, he's an awsome player and he worked hard for what he wanted.

Felix and Coach T practicing

Q: What steps has he taken to get where he is now? (football?)

A: Lots of running so I play longer, push-ups, sit-ups and working with Coach T for 5 years (she helps me to do my best and work hard).

Q: What are your future goals?

A: Go to high school, then college for 2 years and then work with my brother Lewis.

A big shout out to the Green Flag Football team! Good luck on your next game.

Watermelon Day!!

 A first grader teaches Farmer Ben the Spanish word for
watermelon: sandia!

Where did the seeds in watermelons go?
Do watermelons grow on a tree, a bush, or a vine?
Are watermelons good for you?

For students at three FirstLine Schools - Green, Arthur Ashe, and Langston Hughes Academy - these questions have been a part of their regular garden and cooking classes. Friday, September 13, was Watermelon Day, an annual celebration of all things watermelon organized by Edible Schoolyard New Orleans as part of their Farm-to-Table program. With a truckload of at least 100 jubilee watermelons, Farmer Ben Burkett and others arrived from Mississippi. Farmer Ben has become a fixture of Watermelon Day over the past few years, but what many may not know is that he’s an inspirational leader of the Indian Springs Farmer Cooperative, and has been building community, empowering farmers, and acting as a force of radical change for over 30 years.

Students roll watermelons in the Watermelon Relay Race

During their recess and garden classes, students visited with Farmer Ben, learned about watermelons, and played games like the watermelon relay race, in which they rolled watermelons, answered trivia questions about watermelons, and cheered each other on. And, of course, everybody got a slice of watermelon, a refreshing treat on such a hot afternoon.

Watermelon Day is not only fun for the students, teachers, and farmers who participate. It's yet another way that ESYNOLA collaborates with FirstLine teachers to get kids moving in healthy ways, teaches integrated core academics, and connects kids to fresh foods that grow locally and to farmers like Ben Burkett and their stories. But because Watermelon Day is so fun, kids may not realize that they're forging relationships and learning things that will influence the choices they make for years to come.

 ESYNOLA garden teacher Mr. Jahmal poses a
watermelon trivia question: "Name a cousin of the watermelon."
 It takes her a second... "Squash!

First Week of School!

All five of our schools welcomed scholars for the 2013-14 school year starting yesterday.  Many of our schools have a staggered start, with some grades arriving on different days.  There are a variety of exciting things that happen in these first few days of school.

Dibert's 8th graders arrived back at school yesterday and were introduced to "Instant Recess".  The below video shows the enthusiasm and excitement about this new addition to their school day.  Green scholars experienced "Instant Recess" last year - and we're excited to see this fun and easy activity take hold at more FirstLine schools this year.

Ashe's middle school had an ispiring morning meeting today, welcoming students back and setting the tone for the year.

Welcome back, scholars - we're thrilled to have you back with us and look forward to a successful and fulfilling school year.

Revenge of the Nerds

NERD Blvd!

Network-wide Professional Development is about collaborating to hone our skills as educators and administrators and prepare for the coming year, and FirstLine teachers and staff took it a step further this year when they came together for “Revenge of the Nerds”. Faculty from all five schools (and the central office) arrived at the Arthur Ashe campus bright and early this past Monday morning (August 5), full of enthusiasm. With some in goofy glasses, some in suspenders, and some with colorful socks, it was clear that they'd embraced the theme (“Revenge of the Nerds”), and the majority wore tee shirts that declared their pride for their respective schools.

Clark Prep's staff all nerded out and ready for 2013-14!

After exchanging greetings over a healthy breakfast buffet, the enthusiastic participants filtered into the gym, where a lively “pep rally” set the tone for the day. Kelly (ESYNOLA's Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator) kicked things off by applauding the days theme, and contemplating how we redefine and celebrate “nerdiness” in our schools. She made a point of recognizing the nerdiness of enthusiasm and engagement and passion: applicable to any subject, invaluable to any pursuit, and evident all around her. A trumpet sounded from the Green section. Two teachers in Clark led their colleagues in a Bulldog chant resurrected from the 1970’s, a rallying cry with which they tapped into the history and legacy of their school. (B-U-L-L-D-O-G-S!)

This abounding energy was then ignited with a relay race in which participants balanced books on their heads  and answered trivia questions while their colleagues cheered from the stands (LHA led the way, winning the relay race). An inspiring speech from CEO Jay Altman then channeled the energy of the athletic interlude, to unite the gym once more around the FirstLine mission.

Green's Staff - loving Pi and ready for a new year

Charged with the excitement of the rally and infused with a sense of purpose, the FirstLine “nerds” left the pep rally ready to make the most of the day. Teachers from all five schools met with others at their grade level (or by subject area), to collaborate around the launch of this year’s revamped curriculum (tied to our transition to the Common Core). Other sessions addressed a wide array of topics, ranging from Crisis prevention to Interventionalist and CY training, to Assistive Technology. With such abundant opportunities to “nerd out,” the day was a great success!

Marching Forward

Congratulations to our 2013 Graduates! FirstLine Schools would like to give a standing ovation to the 2013 Bulldogs who graduate from Joseph S. Clark Preparatory High School on May 22nd. We wish you the best of luck as you march forward.

A big congratulations also goes to 8th graders across our four K-8 schools; John Dibert Community School, Arthur Ashe Charter School, Langston Hughes Academy, and Samuel J. Green Charter School. All of our FirstLine Schools recently celebrated 8th Grade Promotions as our scholars transition to high school.

Mrs. Luke retires from Samuel J. Green Charter School after 15 years

At the age of 84, Mrs. Romona Luke retired from Samuel J. Charter School, a FirstLine School.  FirstLine staff said goodbye to Mrs. Luke last Friday by throwing a retirement party at the Green cafeteria.

Mrs. Luke first joined the FirstLine community at age 69 as a volunteer at New Orleans Charter Middle School.  It wasn’t long before she was offered a part-time position by co-founder Tony Recanser. Mrs. Luke continued with the organization for the next seven years, until 2005 when Katrina’s flood waters destroyed the school. When New Orleans Charter Middle School returned to the city the organization re-opened under the name FirstLine Schools, opening Samuel J. Green Charter School.

Mrs. Luke has been a part of Samuel J. Green Charter ever since. She is the familiar face and warm presence welcoming everyone. FirstLine Schools is lucky to have had Mrs. Luke as a member of our team and we are sad to say goodbye.


Watch Mrs. Luke dance the bus stop and check out the Times Picayune article about Mrs. Luke’s retirement here.