PreK-4/Third Grade Take Center Stage

Third Grade Variety Show Helps Make a Difference in the World

Episcopal third graders recently used their talents and skills to make a difference in the world.  After a project-based learning unit on entrepreneurship, the students organized the second annual “So, You Think You’ve Got Talent?” variety show.  All proceeds from the sale of show souvenirs were used to support the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund.  Students generated more than $500 to support a variety of livestock and emergency supplies for a village on the other side of the globe.  Third grade teacher Amy Arceneaux says it was great to see the students learn that they can make a difference in the world, even at a young age.

​“This unit has put an impact on me because now I want to start a business of my own.  Also it felt really good to know that we were able to help. We were able to let people know about our cause and then got them to help us.” Sophie

​“I learned that it takes a team to make a show.” Tiffany

Such a successful project leaned on the support of the entire Episcopal community.  Guest speakers were brought in to share their knowledge on topics such as creating an effective business plan, marketing a product or company and managing a budget.  A special thanks to all of this year’s experts: Craig Gehring, founder of ACT Mastery Prep; Mollie Hill and Glynes Hyde, owners of Red Beans and Alex Kathleen; marketing consultant Juan Simoneaux; Bailey Wax and her friends at Fagan Films; Leah Duval, owner of Salsbury Dodge City; Kellie Bruce, Sarah Foret and Katie Ebey from the Episcopal Business Office and Joey Roth, creator of Jars for Change.  In addition, teachers from across the Episcopal campus also helped make the project a meaningful experience for students by helping with performances and sharing expertise.

Students clearly took what they learned to heart.  They starred in a promotional video, created an event program, served as announcers and worked behind-the-scenes to keep everything running smoothly.  They also wrote the scripts, organized the event and then performed in front of the entire Lower School in the VPAC theater. On performance day, these eight and nine year olds were brave, confident and even witty.  Students played violin, piano, danced and showcased their art. One student even wrote and sang an original song. The acts elicited clapping, tapping and a few tears from proud families and friends.

The show ended on a powerful note.  All 40 third graders took to the stage to sing the timeless classic “Lean On Me”.  It was an appropriate ending for a project that exemplified such support and community, both locally and globally.

After the event ended there was no doubt that yes, Episcopal third graders do have talent!

Littlest Knights Celebrate Nursery Rhymes With Olympic Flair

Enthusiast shouts of “hi mom” and “hi dad” could be heard from the PreK-4 Nursery Rhyme Olympics medal ceremony this week.  Students proudly held their homemade Olympic torches aloft as the National Anthem rang out across the Episcopal softball field.  Not unlike their grown up Olympic counterparts, the four year olds were eager to wave and speak with their number one fans, who were proudly waiting in the bleachers.

Before competing in the athletic portion of the Nursery Rhyme Olympics, students recited lines from their favorite nursery rhyme.  The little Olympians were dressed as everything from Humpty Dumpty and Jack Be Nimble to Twinkle Little Star and the Itsy Bitsy Spider. They remembered their rhymes and delivered them well on the Greer Center stage.

Out on the softball field the students tackled obstacles including the Mother Goose Waddle, the Jack and Jill Bucket Toss and the Jack Be Nimble Jump. The students truly brought their nursery rhymes to life and had a great time learning.  

The Olympics never looked so cute!