Life at CPS: Publishing Parties, Petitions, & Pajamas!

The first week of March at Community Partnership School was an exciting and productive one, capping off today with a special annual tradition: Pajama Day!

Pajama Day was the result of a fun civic lesson for the kindergarten class. Last week, kindergarten teacher Mrs. Flores challenged the class to collect 100 signatures (in honor of the 100th day of school) from teachers, students, parents and staff who supported holding a Pajama Day at CPS. The class exceeded their goal, collecting 122 signatures on their petition! Students learned about how citizens can petition for fun things like Pajama Day and more important changes like new laws.

CPS students gather for Community Meeting on Pajama Day.

Aside from preparing for Pajama Day, students had a lot of of other work to do this week. For example, the first grade class was busy putting the finishing touches on their "All About" books, choosing topics like "All About School" or "All About Tigers" or "All About Christmas."

 
A first grader is hard at work designing his book cover.

A student colors the illustrations of her "All About Christmas" book.

To celebrate the completion of their books, the first grade invited their families, as well as students from other grades and their teachers, to a Publishing Party today. First graders practiced reading their books aloud to different groups, and then had book discussion groups where they gathered feedback and asked questions of their fellow authors.

A first grader shares his book, "All About Recess," at today's Publishing Party with a group of students and teachers.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the second grade class invited family and friends to an African-American History Celebration and Presentation in their classroom. Even though the event was delayed due to a snow day, the second graders had a great turn-out. Students shared facts about famous African-Americans they had researched, including notable figures like Michelle Obama, William Tucker (the first black child born in America), Little Richard, and Charles Follis (the first African-American professional football player). After hearing student reports, families also had a chance to stay for reading time with students.

Second graders read with family guests at their African-American History Presentation.