Oakdale Elementary School Tuscaloosa, Ala. May 2013 Growing Minds are in Bloom

The Oakdale Eagle

THREE IN A ROW? INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Students Sing In Honor Choir… pg. 3

Kindergarteners Share Ideas On Animals. Pg. 4

Book Club Café Features Oakdale Athletes…pg. 9 Raising Funds For Fish, Birds..pg. 12

Pep Rally Kicks off Effort to Make AYP Again This Year By Jamese Taylor Staff Reporter

Oakdale is buckling down for the ARMT+. Grades 3rd -5th will be taking the ARMT+. ARMT stands for Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test. Oakdale has made AYP for two years in a row and we’re going to make it three. The date of the ARMT is going to be May 6th -10th. The pep rally with the Central High School Cheerleaders, Dance Team and Band was on Friday, May 3rd. Stillman College Cheerleaders came too.

Student Council travels to City Hall, Fire, Police Station

Members of the Oakdale Student Council (and their teachers) had a photo op with Mayor Walt Maddox.

A M E E T I N G W I T H T H E M A Y O R

On April 30th, the Oakdale Student Council went to the fire station, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the Mayor’s Office and the Tuscaloosa Police Station. We ate at Mary Burke Hall on the University of Alabama campus. Lunch was arranged by the UA Student Government Association. Our first stop was at Fire Sta-tion #8. When we were inside the station it was just like a house. Sometimes they spend their time in the day room doing work, read-ing, and watching T.V. They also

See STUDENT COUNCIL pg. 2

Fifth Grade Reflections As Jordan Ivory Washington and Zykail Cheney demonstrated, Oakdale fifth graders said “playing on the play-ground” was their favorite thing to do during recess. You can read what else the fifth graders will miss about Oakdale as they graduate. See Fifth Grade Farewell on pages 10-11.

2 The Oakdale Eagle

STUDENT COUNCIL (continued from pg. 1)

study a lot. Our next stop was at City Hall. We went to City Hall and met the Mayor, Walt Maddox. He talked about different jobs like the fire department and the police department. He talked about how he needs help to keep the city running smoothly. There are many different jobs that people do to help the mayor. Hillary and Kaleb Howard’s grandfather is on the City Coun-cil for Council District 1. His name is Bobby Howard. He helps solve problems. We found out about the Municipal Court. We me the city clerk Mrs. Tracy Croom. She is Dr. Smith’s cousin.. Our next stop was at Krispy Kreme. At Krispy Kreme we saw how the dough comes out like circles, and our guide, Amos Cameron, showed us how to make doughnuts that were

chocolate with sprin-kles and it was fun. The students went to Mary Burke Dining Hall on the campus of The University of Ala-bama for lunch. There were different types of food like pizza, ham-burgers and fries. They also had desserts like cake, cookies and ice cream. Our last stop was at the police station. The police sta-tion was made to help people for emergencies. One of the police officers that showed us around was Mrs. Marshall. They showed us the dog named Chief . He helps them find things. They showed us a motorcycle that they ride.

Brasia Sparks, LaSontee Lawson, Dorian Pugh, Jamya Farley, Joshua Patton, Denijiah Williams all contributed to this article.

Oakdale Student Council Makes Stops at City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station and Doughnut Shop

These are some of the pictures taken at the stops during the Oakdale Student Council trip. Above, Katelyn Jennings, Kimora Haygood and Dorian Pugh took a photo near the Tuscaloosa City Council photos.

The Oakdale Eagle 3

By Adaiah Coleman and Ty’Shya Watts Staff Reporters Adaiah Coleman and Ty`shya Watts were picked for 5th grade Honor Choir. Every Tuesday the Honor Choir rehearsed. On Monday, April 8th the Honor Choir sang as part of the Tuscaloosa City Schools Celebrate the Arts concert. It was held at the First Wesleyan Church. The Honor Choir has students from the Tuscaloosa Magnet School, Westlawn Middle School, Central High School and Northridge High School. Participants earned med-als. The songs the Honor Choir performed were ‘’May Joyful Music Fill the Air’’ and ‘’Siyahumba’’. Ty`shya`s favorite two choirs were the Central High School Choir and the Northridge Jazz ensemble. What a wonderful night!

Two Oakdale Students Chosen For Honor Choir, Sing in Concert

As School Year Closes, the Start Is Closer Than It Appears making a difference in the lives of our students. According that old African proverb—It Takes a Village To Raise a Child. Thank you for being a part of the vil-lage.

Looking back through the rear view mirror is sometimes the best way to see where you’re going. The warning in the rear view mirror says, “Objects in the mirror are closer than they ap-pear.” When the year begins it seems like an eternity before the year is over, but now that the end is here, it’s hard to be-

lieve that it’s closer than it appears. It is, however, im-portant to stop and reflect on and celebrate the successes and learn from the setbacks. So as the year comes to a close, the start truly is closer than it appears. Some of my proudest mo-ments come when I read The Oakdale Eagle each quarter. The sponsors and student staff are to be commended for a job well done! I will do everything in my power to keep the newspaper up and running for the Oakdale com-munity. Lastly, I would like to wish our fifth graders the best of luck in middle school. I know they will represent Oakdale Elementary School very well no matter what school they attend in the fall. We will all miss their energy and spirit. Have a wonderful and safe summer!

PREWITT ‘S

Lucile Prewitt

Principal

POINTS

I really can’t believe this school year is almost over! It seemed like just yesterday we were celebrating a new school year with our Back to School Meet & Greet and welcoming our students back. We contin-ued to grow in numbers while also building upon our tradi-tions and creating a climate where every child is success-ful. The end of the school year always seems to arrive too quickly. The thoughts of end-of-the-year festivities, summer, and outside activities some-times can distract us from what’s most important. Please continue to encourage your child to finish the year strong by putting forth their best ef-fort every day. I believe the path to suc-cess can only be traveled when parents and educators work together. I feel honored to work at a school that exem-plifies doing “whatever it takes” for the students in our community. Together we are

“I feel honored to work at a school that exemplifies

doing ‘whatever it takes’ for the

students in our community.”

4 The Oakdale Eagle

KINDERGARTEN @ Birmingham Zoo

OUR ATTITUDES ABOUT ANIMALSThe Biggest Animal: Elephant

The Funniest Animal: Monkey

My Favorite Animal: Snake

- Haven G.

Produced by Lorenzo Hicks and Kimora Haygood The Biggest Animal: Giraffe

The Funniest Animal: Peacock

My Favorite Animal: Snake

- Jordyn B.

The Biggest Animal: Elephant

The Funniest Animal: Monkey

My Favorite Animal: Giraffe

- Kaleyah U.

The Biggest Animal: Giraffe

The Funniest Animal: Elephant

My Favorite Animal: Monkey

- Tarion S.

The Biggest Animal: Elephant

The Funniest Animal: Sheep

My Favorite Animal: Monkey

- Mahdi B.

The Biggest Animal: Giraffe

The Funniest Animal: Giraffe

My Favorite Animal: Snake

- D’Kinsely L.

The Biggest Animal: Elephant

The Funniest Animal: Peacock

My Favorite Animal: Monkey

- Carla G.

FUN AT THE ZOO The Oakdale Kindergarten class had a chance to do lots of things at the Birmingham Zoo.

(Bottom Left)Kazerian L., Ke'Mari H., Ane L., Jordan D., and Teon D. saw flamingos at the zoo. Also, riding the train were Brian D., Kei'Anthony T., and Mahdi B. (first row) and Paul J., Makayla W., and Tamiyra B. (second row).

The Biggest Animal: Tiger

The Funniest Animal: Giraffe

My Favorite Animal: Horse

- Nehemiah H.

The Oakdale Eagle 5

Third through Fifth graders Make Voyage to Vulcan

After spending time with the Birmingham Zoo animals, students in the Oakdale Kindergarten class paused for a group photo.

Oakdale third, fourth and fifth graders learned about a number of different subjects at the Vulcan Museum.

By Lorenzo Hicks Staff Reporter

On April 12th, Oakdale kindergar-ten went on a trip to the Birming-ham Zoo. This is an annual field trip that the kindergarteners take. Mrs. Har-

Oakdale teachers, students see favorite animals at Birmingham Zoo ris said the orangutan was fun-ny. The biggest animal was the elephant. Her favorite animal is the Prevost’s squirrel. Some of the kids thought the elephant and the giraffe were the biggest. Some of the

kids liked the turtles, snakes, monkeys, giraffes, and ele-phants. Mrs. Harris, Givens, and Steiner are the kindergarten teachers.

By Sean Smith, Tywaun Smith and Kaleb Nails Staff Reporter

On Tuesday, April 23, 2013, the third, fourth, and fifth graders went to Birmingham, Alabama to see the Vulcan Museum and learn about the myth of Vulcan. The Vulcan Museum was built on top of Red Mountain. We also learned about how Birmingham was built and symbols of the United States such as the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty and the American flag. The symbol for Birmingham is Vulcan. We talked about when Vulcan was made and how he was made. Vulcan was famous for making steel. It was educational for us to know how it was back in the day of the 40’s and the 50’s. See VOYAGE TO VULCAN pg. 6

6 The Oakdale Eagle

VOYAGE TO VULCAN continued from pg. 5

A man named Giuseppe Moretti built Vulcan. Vulcan weighed over 1,000 pounds. Also, we went into an elevator that took us up to the real statue of the Vulcan. We also got to see a ballet performed by five dancers and two musicians. The name of the ballet was Vulcanalia. It was performed by dancers from Alabama Ballet. It was all about a man named Vul-can. He was in love with a woman named Venus. But she was in love with a man named Mars. Vulcan chased Venus .Venus chased Mars. Sean Smith said: “My favorite part was the tower.” Denaijah Williams said “I had fun when I see the dance”. Trez’jour Cooper had fun in the tower.

State

THANV

Oakdale

Learning Atop Red Mountain

Vulcan Trip Provides Unique Experience for Lessons with Backdrop of Birmingham Skyline

The Oakdale Eagle 7

Rep. Chris England:

NK YOU FOR OUR Vulcan Field Trip

Elementary 3rd, 4th & 5th graders

8 The Oakdale Eagle

By Destiny Lewis Staff Reporter

Our second grade class went the McWane Science Center on Tuesday, April 30th. One of the things we did was see sharks and sting-rays . We were allowed to gently pat the shark and the stingrays as they swam by in their open aquarium. Another thing we did was play with bubbles. At the McWane Science Center one of the activities in the bubble area is a place where you can

Time to Share Memories of McWane Science Center

Oakdale’s Youngest Students Celebrate Spring, Learn About Seeds By Jailah Brown and Kimora Haygood Staff Reporter

Mrs. Ivy’s Pre-K class has been having fun celebrating spring. The students learned to identify appropriate clothing for spring. They have learned about insects and bugs. They know how to identify insects. They really enjoyed their Spring Goodie Hunt. The children got to stuff eggs with treats. They were excited when they dyed boiled eggs. The students also learned about plants. They studied the life cycle of plants. Identifying seeds was one activity they did. They invited Miss Spencer’s third grade class to help them plant tulip bulbs in cups. “I had fun putting the flower bulb in the dirt,” said Princess Jones. Kegis Merritt said, “I like digging the hole and putting water in the cup.”

Pre-Kindergarten

Second Grade

stand and someone can pull a bubble over your whole body. We also saw fossils and big dinosaur bones. We had to hurry and eat our lunch, so that we could make it to the Imax movie on time. We saw Flight of the Butterflies. It is a movie that tells all about the monarch butterfly and how it migrates to Mexico every fall. After that we went to the gift shop and some of us bought souvenirs. We all had a great time thanks to our teachers and parent volun-teers. Oakdale Second Grader Destiny Lewis prepared a drawing to represent

her recent trip to the McWane Science Center in Birmingham.

Pre-K students worked with third graders in planting tulip bulbs in cups.

The Oakdale Eagle 9

By Sean Smith Staff Reporter

On April 16, Ms. Kent hosted a Sports Book Talk Café. The students who attended the book talk café were from third through fifth grades. There were 20 students in all. We tried making up a sport that hasn’t been invented. We found that it was kind of difficult. Ms. Kent gave us some Cracker Jacks, apples, strawberries and a special dip she made and different kinds of Ga-torade.

Latest Book Club Café Showcases Oakdale’s award-winning athletes and their trophies

SPORTS

Students Treavon Long, Caleb Nalls, Ayanna Hicks and Rylan Lewis helped dec-orate by bringing their trophies. Treavon got the award for football. Caleb got the award for soccer. Rylan got the award for basketball. I asked fourth graders LaSontee Law-son, Ari Lee and Jaden Jenkins what their favorite part about the book club was. LaSontee’s favorite part was when we made up our own sport. Ari’s favorite part was when we showed the trophies. Jaden’s favorite part was when we gave speeches. I thought it was great.

Twenty Oakdale students participated in the April 16 Book Club Café where Cracker Jacks, fruit and different kinds of Gatorade were served.

10 The Oakdale Eagle

MOVING ON

IMAGES OF OUR MOST MEMORABLE PEOPLE AND PLACES AT OAKDALE ELEMENTARY

Mrs. Robinson, a counselor at Westlawn Middle School, helped Oakdale fifth graders prepare for next year when they will start sixth grade.

By Xavier Chavers Staff Reporter

The Westlawn Middle School counselor, Mrs. Robinson came and spoke with the 5th graders of Oakdale Elementary School. We had orienta-tion. Orientation is an introduction, to guide one in adjusting to new surroundings, employment, or activity. We had orientation because the 5th graders are leaving elementary school and going to middle school. We will miss each and every one of you. Mrs. Robinson gave us tips on what Middle School will be like, and what we will have to do in order to be successful . She also gave us a registration course selection form which tells you if you will have honors classes or not, and you can choose your elective courses. I chose choir, band, and student aid. I also got chosen for honors classes. One thing I will miss the most is my teachers, Ms. Smith and Ms. Cook.

Orientation With Westlawn Guidance Counselor Begins 5th Graders’ Transition to Middle School

Favorite Teacher

Favorite Thing to Do At Recess

Bryeena R. says her favorite teacher is Mrs. Miller-Ivy.

Most of the fifth graders polled say playing on the playground is their favorite thing to do during recess. At left, Zykail C., Joe C., Austin M., and Jordyn W. played basketball.  

The Oakdale Eagle 11

FIFTH GRADE FAREWELL By D’Kia Dent, Gabreona Jones, D’Mia Dent Staff Reporters

The fifth graders at Oakdale Elementary School will be leaving. Where will we be going? We will be going to the “Big School” also known as Westlawn Middle School. Although we are excited and looking forward to going to Westlawn Middle, we have a lot of fond memories of Oakdale. Tamiyah McKinstry said her favorite memory from Oakdale will al-ways be eating collard greens in Ms. Hulsey’s kindergarten class. “Oakdale’s Got Talent was my favorite memory because it shows people’s hidden talent,” said Shermya Smith. Jasmine Childers said May Day was her favorite memory. We surveyed all of the fifth graders to get their opinions about Oakdale and the results are below:

12 The Oakdale Eagle

Growing Minds are in Bloom Miss Latrina Spencer and Mrs. Melissa Kent

Oakdale Eagle Advisers

Fund Drive Started to Feed Fish, Birds around Oakdale campus

By LaSontee’ Lawson and Indyia Scroggins Staff Reporters

Students at school are help-ing Mrs. Kent raise money to

feed the fish and birds around Oakdale because they need food just like we do. The bird feed costs about $25.00, and we have to get it once a month. The fish feed costs about $15.00 and we have to get it every couple months. The money is raised through donations and collecting box tops. Students from every grade feed the

Indyia Scroggins feeds some of Oakdale’s fish.

THE OAKDALE EAGLE Staff

Special thanks to Dr. Lucinda Coulter and the students of Stillman College as well Dr. George Daniels, the University of Alabama Society of Professional Journalists and the UA Department of Journalism for their assistance on this edition.

Joshua Patton, 3rd grade Tywaun Smith, 3rd grade Lorenzo Hicks, 3rd grade Kimora Haygood, 3rd grade Zamarria Tillman, 3rd grade Kaleb Howard, 3rd grade

Destiny Lewis, 2nd grade Daniia Wills, 3rd grade Joe’on Leatherwood, 3rd grade Jailah Brown, 3rd grade Sean Smith, 3rd grade Dorian Pugh, 3rd grade

birds year- around and the fish every season but winter. You can donate $3.00 per person, or you can collect box tops to help raise money for the bird and fish food. Kevin Rice, 1st grader said that the birds are fun to watch, feed and play with because they’re entertaining.

Indyia Scroggins, 4th grade Kevin Davis, 4th grade LaSontee Lawson, 4th grade Jamese Taylor, 4th grade Quedasia Herrod, 5th grade Xavier Chavers, 5th grade

Ty’Shya Watts, 5th grade Adaiah Coleman, 5th grade D’Mia Dent, 5th grade D’Kia Dent, 5th grade Bryena Reedy, 5th grade Gabreona Jones, 5th grade

At left, Students from Mrs. Miller-Ivy’s S.O.A.R. after-school kindergarten class participated in the SOAR Celebration program on April 29. At right, Oakdale Eagle staff members practiced photography during the visit of Robert Herron from The University of Alabama Exercise Science program.

SCENES FROM FOURTH NINE WEEKS