February 2012 News

Jenn Bostic Concert

Internationally famous song writer and singer, Jenn Bostic recently entertained students at Washington Center. She was recently chosen as the Artist of the Month by songwriters live.  Ms. Bostic shared her love for music and inspirations as the students participated by playing instruments, moving, clapping and singing.  The concert ended with students sharing their own special music presentation with Jenn. The students prepared for the event by studying the musical artist and her work during Music Class with teacher Julie Dail. 

Greenville Zoomobile Visit

The Greenville Zoomobile recently visited students at Washington Center.  Presented by Krissy Hayes of the Greenville Zoo, the students had the hands-on opportunity to interact with a variety of zoo animals including a bird, snake, chinchilla and turtle. In preparation for the event, classes experienced virtual animal units, practiced appropriate handling and participated in animal related craft projects.   Teacher Sarah Ashworth coordinated the event.

January 2012 News

Spotlight on Physical Therapy

Spotlight on Miss Piper's Class

With the use of the Xbox Kinect, Miss Elizabeth Piper’s Washington Center students use their whole body as a remote to guide the character through virtual games.  Her students are actively engaged and channeling their energy into virtual games which improves their agility, coordination, sensory awareness, communication, social skills, and cognitive skills. Miss Piper’s students learn sportsmanship, taking turns, and patience while participating.  Using the Promethean board and the Kinect, her students are able to work on numerous individual goals and South Carolina Standards.

Around the World

Recently, Mrs. Nardia Lloyd’s Washington Center class went on a virtual trip around the world. Students were able to learn about different countries and how they celebrate the holidays and winter season using the Promethean Board and Scholastic virtual classroom sites. The Promethean Board and touch screen computers, increased students engagement and ability to navigate certain websites. Students also worked on fine motor skills by making crafts for each stop on their trip. Using adaptive scissors, paint brushes and markers, helps our students become more independent with their crafts and daily skills. Students created passports, plane tickets and different symbols that represent the holiday and winter seasons in each country.

Giving Back to Our Community

Washington Center students have been given many opportunities through the generosity of others in our community.  The school family wanted to do something to give back and help others who are less fortunate.  Before the holidays, non-perishable food items and money were collected for our local Loaves and Fishes Food Bank.   Students in Mrs. Sarah Ashworth’s class were responsible for organizing the drive and collecting the items donated.  Students assisted in organizing the donations and preparing for the agency pick up.  The joy of giving to others was experienced through the activity.

Daily Living Class

December in Diane Lopez’s Washington Center Daily Living classroom, found students engaged in many different learning activities. They prepared typical recipes used in the celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.  The students also made “Pumpkin Biscuits” in the shape of dog houses and dog bones as a thank you gift for the therapy dogs who visit the school each month.Their favorite activity involved a project which began in Daily Living and was completed in the Art classroom with Mr. Ted Mickens, art instructor.  Using the Promethean Board and voice output communication device, the students followed a recipe to create and bake a salt dough ornament of their choice. The following week,  the students personalized the ornaments by decorating them in art class.   The ornaments were taken home by the students to  share with family and friends for the holiday break.

December 2011 News

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thanks to many friends and community supporters, the holiday season was merry for the students attending Washington Center. The Klaver Klub (a sorority of Beck and Hughes Middle students) generously raised funds to purchase gifts for every child.  Refreshments for the annual Santa Arrival Party were graciously provided by the Daughters of Penelope, as a tradition for 32 years.  Additional gifts were supplied by the Furman Heller Service Corps. Students were accompanied by caring friends from Christ Church Episcopal School.  No celebration is complete without Santa, who arrived midst a festive round of carols lead by Music Teacher, Julie Dail.

Fun Family Feast

Washington Center recently welcomed parents to a holiday feast.  Phyllis Grubbs’ class wanted to make the special family oriented meal memorable for the students and their families. It was a nice time to sit down together, share memories, and be thankful. The students took seriously the task of decorating their table for their special guests.  Art instructor Ted Mickens began their big project assisting each student in making a placemat during art class. Using a huge turkey feather, each student painted the feather and pressed the feather on the placemat. Students continued the preparation by making napkin holders. Using a toilet paper roll, each student glued a face, waddle, feet and two wings to create turkeys. To complete the table, individual place cards were made using corn kernels pressed onto card stock.  The meal proved to be a fun family feast.

Holiday Decorating with Color, Patterns, and Texture

Tis' the season to learn about community and Christmas in Mrs. Anita Davis' class.  As part of an ELA and Social Studies unit, the Washington Center students learned about different jobs and responsibilities in their neighborhood and school communities.  As a way to give back this holiday season, the students made holiday greeting cards and delivered them throughout the school.  They also collaborated with Mrs. Sarah Ashworth's class to decorate the bulletin board in the school foyer.  Mrs. Davis' class also enjoyed incorporating math and science standards while working on many beautiful holiday decorations.  They identified shapes, painted simple patterns, and integrated sensory activities by incorporating texture using glue and glitter.  Decking the Halls can be fun and educational, as proven by the activities taking place in Mrs. Davis' classroom.

November 2011 News

Spotlight on Mrs. Susan Fincher's Class

Mrs. Susan Fincher’s Washington Center class stays abreast of current events by reading the News-2-You online adapted newspaper every week.  A recent topic was the Leonid meteor shower that occurs on November 14 – 21.  This event led to the class studying the entire solar system.  Mrs. Fincher received a grant from the PTA to construct a science kit about the solar system.  The kit consists of a working model of the planets revolving around the sun, many books and pictures on the subject, along with a manipulative game in which students can place the planets in order.  Also included in the kit are stickers of items in the solar system for students to make a scene at home. Thanks to the PTA, the science kit can be used school-wide. Learning about the universe is an exciting adventure!

News from the Media Center

As always, it’s bustling in the Media Center at Washington Center.  One of Mr. McKenzie Riley’s students, Cleveland Davis is working in the Media Center as a Library helper.  Cleveland is doing a great job shelving the Everybody books and received a book of his choice from the Book Fair for his efforts.  This fall Amy McGreevy, a Furman University sophomore, is enrolled in the Students with Exceptionalities class.  She is completing her Field Experience in the Washington Center Library.  Amy has been a tremendous asset and will be sorely missed when she finishes her course work in November. The November Scholastic Book Fair was successful and the profits will be used to purchase books with CDs for the teachers to use in their classrooms. Check out all the new books, especially the ebooks, which are in the Media Center.  Happy Reading!

Fall is Here!

The students in Mrs. Lorelei Crutchfield’s Washington Center class have been busy learning about fall colors, apples, and pumpkins. Students participated in various activities like apple and pumpkin picking along with using the instructional Promethean Board for counting, sorting, and coloring. Circle time activities incorporated voice output devices for poems, songs, and stories. A “Fall Wreath Craft” proved to be lots of fall fun, Teachers and students made an Apple and Pumpkin Wreath to display and enjoy to celebrate the season.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest

Washington Center families and staff recently held their annual PTA Family Night by celebrating the family school connections with an Ice Cream Social.  Attendees enjoyed an array of ice cream toppings and visited the Media Center Book Fair for reading purchases. In addition, Bricks4Kids offered fun with Lego activities in the gym. Opportunities were announced for families and sponsors to participate in the annual community Walk & Roll fund raiser to be held on April 14, 2012 at the ICAR campus.  Currently orders for Honey Baked Ham Certificates are being promoted as a fund raiser.  In conjunction with Family Night, a Pumpkin Decorating contest was held with the theme of literacy characters.  Ms. Claire Blouir’s class was chosen as winner with their Rainbow Fish pumpkin.

October 2011 News

Adapted Music Class

There are always many activities to engage students in learning in Mrs. Julie Dail’s adapted music class at Washington Center. Students have opportunities for singing, moving, playing instruments, and listening to many kinds of music during each class period. During the first quarter, a special emphasis was placed on “singing.”  Students were encouraged to respond at their own physical/mental ability level to teacher-led singing. Students responded by singing, toning or vocalizing, humming, fine motor facial responses (such as smiling), eye gaze, and/or large motor movements such as swaying to the music. One of the fall themes students particularly enjoyed, was “Apple Picking.”  Students enjoyed singing along with songs that helped them learn to count and sort apples by color. A variety of sound sources and visuals were used to provide a multi-sensory approach which encouraged students to listen, see, and touch as they sang. Students examined real apples to note their smoothness, shape, and color. They helped harvest apples from a tree visual by picking them and putting them in the basket, as they sang the song, “Pick Some Apples.”  An important goal in the adapted music classroom is to present musical activities that are relevant, and easily understood by students. Many of the themes used in the adapted music class help to reinforce learning in other Washington Center classes. “Apple Picking” has been an enjoyable and engaging singing activity for fall.  

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Adopt a Planter! Mrs. Amy Garbe’s Washington Center class has assumed the role of planter caretakers.  They have adopted the two floral planters located at the school’s entrance.  Students selected plants and arranged the flowers and greenery in both containers.  The class will maintain the arrangements while studying plant needs.  Thanks to the dedication of these gardeners, Washington Center provides a lovely greeting.

Spotlight on Mr. Billy Chapman's Class

Mr. Billy Chapman’s Washington Center class is full of hands-on learners who enjoy interacting with their classmates and technology. The students use technology daily to interact with their environment. Promethean boards, switches and touch screen computers are used to increase engagement. The class began fall by learning about seasons, weather, apples, fall clothing and places they would need to wear fall clothing. Students enjoyed tasting different apples and making a chart of their favorites. Students also enjoyed using a map to locate places in the community they might visit during the fall. At Washington Center, students learn and have fun with technology.

Challenge Day at BJU

Washington Center students, families and staff celebrated the annual Challenge Day Friday, September 30, 2011 on the Bob Jones University campus.  Challenge Day is the Special Olympics Developmental Games designed specifically for Washington Center’s students.  The Greenville County Recreation Department helps to coordinate and sponsor the event along with community support.  Washington Center P.E. instructor, Cindy Brown, coordinates the program for the school.  The audience was inspired watching the Washington Center students and their dedicated Bob Jones volunteers celebrating accomplishments and friendships during the day’s festivities.  The rousing "Parade of Athletes" opened the event, followed by developmental athletic events and the carnival town game fun.  Washington Center students participated in the opening ceremonies: Gregory Morgan lead the Pledge of Allegiance, McKenna Gilbert repeated the Special Olympic Oath followed by the Lighting of the Flame of Hope by Tiara Moore, Justin Simmons, Samuel Frederick, Jonathan Howell, Cynthia McCurdy and Paul Barnette.  Closing the event, the Awarding of Olympic Medals Ceremony applauded each student’s abilities and accomplishments.

September 2011 News

Fall Fun

Now that autumn is upon us and the weather has finally cooled down, Claire Blouir’s class has been busy with a fall unit, learning about apples, squirrels and leaves. The students enjoyed many stories and counting activities on the Promethean Board. The class also had fun cooking an apple oatmeal crumb cake, using a switch adapted mixer and the Step by Step to communicate the recipe instructions. Paraprofessionals Rhonda Dreher, Kevin McCrary, Tracy Durham, and Joyce Ford helped the students complete several fall related art projects. Students were assisted in throwing a paper squirrel glider and distances were recorded on a chart in a lively and enthusiastic “flying squirrel glider contest”!

Mrs. Stansell's Class Studies Weather

Manipulatives are an important aspect to student learning at Washington Center. In Mrs. Samantha Stansell’s class, students use manipulatives during circle time to enhance their learning. While learning about Weather, students wear oversized sunglasses when it is sunny, an umbrella hat when it is rainy, hold a student-made cloud on a stick or a handheld fan when it is windy. Students enjoy looking at each other while wearing their different manipulatives, while enforcing what they are learning. Manipulatives can make learning fun!

All About Me

Sarah Ashworth’s Washington Center class is starting the year off with an “All About Me” unit.  Within this unit, the students will learn about the human body, the senses, feelings, and most importantly….what makes them who they are!  Students will be able to compare individual characteristics, identify different parts of the body, be exposed to a variety of situations where they will use each of their senses, and learn that daily experiences contribute to their feelings and how they should be expressed.  

Soaring in Mrs. Jean Ashmore's Class

School has started off with Mrs. Jean Ashmore’s Washington Center class soaring to new heights.  Students Marge, Faith, Jennifer, Ben, Pedro, and Logan are welcomed for a productive new school year. The theme of the year will be the alphabet beginning with the letter “A.”  Students watched a video of President Obama on Air Force One, and then constructed their own paper version. A contest was held to determine the farthest flying paper airplane. Although Pedro’s plane was the distance champion, all students were winners with their exciting learning activities.

August 2011 News

PTA Grants are Appreciated

Washington Center teachers began the new school year with the anticipation of exciting learning projects thanks to the generosity of the PTA.  Eight teacher grants were financed affording the special needs students creative educational activities.  Funding included purchases of science kits, exercise/coordination programs, Promethean Board lessons, cooking media, sensory resources and teaching materials. The annual spring Walk & Roll event provides the major source of income for the instructional enrichment activities provided by Washington Center’s PTA. 

Swinging Into A New School Year

Students and staff at Washington Center and Washington Center @ Hollis welcome the 2011-12 school year. The campus boasts unique teaching areas including a Multisensory suite, specialized classrooms, therapy rooms, kitchens and playgrounds. Principal Dr. Wanda Brownlee has continued her emphasis on state-of-the-art technology use for reaching each student. Every classroom utilizes visual displays through Promethean or Smart Boards and assistive technology for instruction. The school year promises to be exciting for all at Washington Center.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year!

Washington Center begins the 2011-12 school year with excitement for learning and progress.  Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Wanda Brownlee, the focus remains on student abilities supported by the dedicated staff and PTA supporters. The school year began with Meet Your Teacher Afternoon as teachers welcomed students and families.  The Washington Center PTA, headed by Carla Burkhardt greeted parents with the opportunity to join PTA and to learn of prospects for PTA involvement. Supporting PTA board members include are Karen Grindstaff, Vice President, Treasurer Sarah Jane Tollison, and Secretary Michelle Richey. Jennifer Frederick heads the Membership Committee and Gloria Stamps serves as Volunteer chair.  

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