Heart to Heart GalaGreene County Tech Elementary

February 2011Heart Health Month

Greene County Tech Elementary 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

800 studentsPhysical Education 2 times a week for

40 minutes eachAbout 50 students per class

The Gala was collaboration of Physical Education Health Music Art Literacy Parental Involvement

Heart to Heart Gala

Our goal was to inspire the students to express their feelings through their writing, art, music, and dance with a focus on encouraging emotional and physical heart-healthy lifestyles .

Our desire was to give the students a first-time elegant evening of fun while showcasing their achievements.

Where to start Get with collaborating teacher and

administration Form student committees of

Decorating Refreshments Publicity Auction

The kids were really excited about being on committees and getting to help plan the big night.

Parent Volunteers were used for Mounting/hanging artwork Decorations Setup Help with refreshments Clean up crew Help with after school activities and

practices

Parents and Student were asked to Donate ingredients for refreshments Donate gently used dress clothes for the

less fortunate students. Donate and collect items for auction

Physical Education Students learned ballroom dancing during

Physical Education classes. We choose to dance the Cha Cha because of its basic 1, 2 cha, cha, cha 1,2 cha, cha repetitive steps.

The Cha Cha can be preformed to a variety of songs that kids enjoy.

Cha, Cha, Cha is: 1 -2 Change, Your, Feet with a little hip action.

Night of Gala The students who signed up to dance

got to show off their moves the night of the gala in the gym that was transformed into an elegant dance floor.

Of course the boys were out numbered by a small margin so some had to dance twice.

Health Heart health was not only taught in

Physical Education, but also in the classrooms.

The night of the event five students read different ways to improve heart health.

Music Students prepared for several weeks

during music class. Students sang two songs for the gala.

More than a Muscle Put a Little Love in Your Heart

Art Art classes studied the artwork and

sculpture of Jim Dine and Robert Indiana.

We had an art and photography contest.

The subject matter of the photography and art work had to be something or someone that touched their heart.

Robert Indiana Jim Dine

Artwork at Gala There was an art and stroll upon

students arrival of gala. Artwork was displayed throughout the halls and cafeteria. At this time students got to show parents their work while enjoying refreshments.

Awards were given to top entries.

Literacy Students had a writing project over

what was special in their life. Students also completed the Writing

from the Heart writing prompt. (located on next slides)

Parental Involvement Parents helped with the event in may

ways. There were approximately 750 parents,

students, teachers, and business leaders in attendance for gala.

Refreshments and Decorations

We had chocolate fountains, a punch fountain, and fruit and vegetable trays. Students also got to decorate their own individual cheesecakes.

Auction Parents, teachers, and students

collected items from area business. Students helped showcase items during

gala. An area auctioneer, with some help

from an elementary student, auctioned the items.

Student Escorts Learned Etiquette

The gentlemen escorted the ladies to their assigned seats, pulled their chairs out, and went to get them their drinks.

Believe it or not they were very happy to do this gesture.

All proceeds of the night went to The local Mission Outreach The children’s floor of Arkansas

Methodist Medical Center, our Partner in Education

Dance 2 weeks on Dance unit Point of emphasis

Re-teach and review was common occurrence A little hesitation from dancing co-ed

After school practice was offered for students who were interested

400-500 kids attended the Gala Teacher Aide served as a consultant for the

ballroom dancing technique Easier moves for 3rd grade and a gradual

difficulty progression for 4th and 5th

Contact Information Mindy Tritch

office 870-215-4400 ext. 3018or email me at mindy.tritch@gctsd.k12.ar.us