Homer Brink News

Homer Brink Student Council members have green thumbs! The students have planted the seeds which this summer will become the Spartan Garden.

The fourth and fifth grade classroom representatives met in April for a planting activity. The students planted the seeds in pots. Many classes in the school will take care of the new vegetables as they grow. Student Council will monitor and water the plants until they are germinated and ready for planting. In May the students will move the plants to the Spartan Garden located on Hooper Road.

The vegetables the students grow will be harvested in the summer. They will be given to district families during the summer M-EALS deliveries.

Students Grow the Spartan Garden

Homer Brink students presented their art work, all with a Latin American theme, during the school's annual art show held on March 4.

Hundreds of pieces of art in all forms were displayed during the event which also featured a Salsa band, crafts and Latin American cuisine. Students received a passport upon their arrival and used it to tour the show, making stops at several countries including Brazil, Mexico and Peru.

Art exhibits included: fifth grade Frieda Kahlo portraits (Mexico), first grade parrots from Brazil, fourth and second grade Peruvian weavings, third grade MOLAS, early kindergarten Latin American masks and kindergarten Chilian pig pots.

HB Latin American Art Show Photo Gallery

Homer Brink third graders had some special teachers during a recent science lesson. Instead of Mr. Norton at the helm, fifth graders in Mrs. Jenkins' class took the lead and conducted a science lab about the effects of the Earth's orbit around the sun.

The older students were well equipped with the knowledge to lead the lesson for the younger students because they had just wrapped up their own unit on the Earth and solar system.  

In small groups, the students used a flashlight and globe to determine how the Earth's rotation around the sun determines time and the seasons in different parts of the world. Older and younger students worked together to complete their assignment.

Student mentors or buddies have a great benefit for all students involved, said Norton.

"They connect with and admire the older students," he said. The older students bring a new perspective and a change of scenery, he added.

There are benefits for the older students as well. Leading the lesson was an opportunity for the older students to review what they had learned by repeating what they know about the subject.

Mrs. Jenkins' fifth graders are also buddies to Mrs. Ross' kindergarten students. Recently they met to write, illustrate and read pictures books together.  

"This collaboration has allowed my K and T-1 students to receive one on one time to work on reading and writing skills," said Ross. "The older students are also wonderful to have as role models for my students."

Third/Fifth Grade Science Lesson Photo Gallery

Varsity football players recently helped second graders in Tara Musa’s class at Homer Brink with their writing assignment.

The younger students practiced their letter writing skills by writing friendly letters to the team. They congratulated the players on winning the state championship, shared some information about themselves, asked some questions, and then thanked them for being positive role models.

The letters were sent to head coach Matt Gallagher who gave them to the players. Each player wrote back to the students.

Then the HB students got a special delivery surprise. The team visited Homer Brink to personally hand deliver the letters.

The players sat with their "buddy" to read the letters, talk about various topics (school, sports, music), read books, and draw pictures. Then the players signed a football for the class.

"It was definitely a highlight for all involved," said Musa. "My students were excited and engaged the whole time, laughing and telling stories! It was a very memorable moment for them and I know when they look back on second grade, this experience is going to be one that stands out."