District Marks 100 Days of School

On February 14, Amsterdam Elementary School (AMS) students and staff celebrated the 100th day of school for the 2012-2013 school year.

All grades participated in different activities to honor this special occasion. The 100th day activities helped emphasize number sense and place values which are emphasized in Hillsborough Township Public Schools and a focus of instruction outlined in the Common Core Standards. The day offered a great opportunity for students to develop understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones. Students extended their understanding of the base-ten system. Ideas of counting by tens and hundreds were demonstrated with visuals and games.

On February 14, students were greeted as they entered the AMS gym hallway with a large banner announcing the 100th day of school. The students walked through the center of the banner to enter the hall. Posters depicting the number 100 also decorated each classroom. Even the students themselves were dressed for the occasion with 100 day eyeglasses that they wore during the day. The zeros of the glasses were heart shaped to celebrate the other holiday celebrated on February 14.

During morning announcements, staff members sang a rousing rendition of “Don’t Stop Learning”, to the tune of Journey’s song, “Don’t Stop Believing”. Precisely at the 100th minute of the school day, 100 pre-selected hula hooping students dropped everything and hulaed for 100 seconds throughout the hallways of Amsterdam School as their classmates watched and cheered.

During the day, classes also decorated paper hearts with a description of an act of kindness. The school will display 100 of these hearts for visitors to see.

The day culminated with a kindergarten through 4th grade assembly where students watched a video created by Amsterdam staff and participated in a relay race to 100. The amusing video included AMS staff dancing and singing “Don’t Stop Learning”.

The relay race matched teachers against students. Participants had to build the number 100 by tossing pieces of foam into a basketball hoop. With each ten baskets, the team earned a pool noodle representing the number 10. The winning team was the first to trade in all 10 noodles for 100! Teacher of Mathematics, Dianne Leoni, officiated the race.

“I wanted an activity where children could actually see how and why our base 10 number system works the way it does. The relay race seemed like a great way to drive home that concept,” said Leoni.

“The 100th day celebration was an exciting school-wide effort to bring numbers to life,” said Dr. Mary Ann Mullady, principal of AMS. “It was a day filled with learning and fun. One that our students will remember for a hundred days and more.”

Here's what you need to know today:

1. You Need to Know Math Matters: A program for children ages two to six introduces the kids to basic math skills. The 10 a.m. program requires registration, so be sure to call 908-369-2200, extension 14 to snag a spot.
2. You Need to Know About Elections: Those interested in running for school board should pick up election petitions at the offices or download the necessary filing documents from the district website.
3. You Need to Know Where to Volunteer: The has a volunteer opportunity working as Lego Buddies from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There are only a few slots available, and you’ll need to apply by calling 903-369-2200, extension 14.
4. You Need to Know About Anime: Anime fans in grades eight through 12 can come to the to discuss at 5 p.m. to watch the Japanese animation and discuss manga. They’ll need to register though, which can be done by calling 908-369-2200, extension 14.
5. You Need to Know Where to Jump Through the Hoops: The  takes another twist on fitness, offering a  at 7 p.m. tonight. The class is $15, and experience isn’t necessary.