Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On a warm spring day a few weeks ago, the Panama City Renaissance School Enrichment (after school) Program students learned about gardening. The kids had a great time digging, planting, and watering. What a beautiful addition to the front of the school. Now everyone that drives down Baker Court can see the vibrant colors of pansies. Thank you Mrs. Estes and Ms. Harwood for coordinating this wonderful project.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

Thanks to Lisa Tubridy and Alex Dense, the Panama City Renaissance School students were able to participate in National Lab Day at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division last Thursday. The kids learned about mines, robots, weapons design, computer-aided manufacturing and acoustics. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to spend the afternoon with science and engineering personnel and to experience “real world” science and engineering.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

Science was part of the preschool Spanish class last week. The kids mixed vinegar and water and then added baking soda very slowly. It bubbled. When the bubbles settled they added a little more baking soda. Finally they added some fruit, vegetables and bits of spaghetti. These items sank to the bottom, then rose to the top, then sank to the bottom again. It was an acid-base reaction that produced carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide attached to the objects and pushed them to the surface, releasing the carbon dioxide to the air, which allow the objects to sink again. What fun!

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On Saturday, students participated in Eastern Hemisphere Day. Each student chose one country (or island group) they studied in their Eastern Hemisphere history class, created a poster board for the country/island group and dressed in clothing typical for that country. Then as a group, the kids, parents and teacher prepared food for each area. The food was wonderful and the costumes were very creative – a Sari, a Luau skirt, New Zealand tribe attire, a soccer uniform…. Thank you Ms. Estes for coordinating such a wonderful event.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

What a fun day! On Friday, the preschool, kindergarten and first grade students participated in egg hunts. The kids loved collecting the brightly colored eggs and opening them to see what was inside. For the spectators, it was wonderful to watch the the array of colors as the students ran past with their colored baskets. Then it is was a treat to watch the older students race while they tried to balanced eggs on spoons.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On Monday, the Spanish classes helped the Panama City Renaissance School ring in spring with singing, dancing and an art show. The younger children had a great time looking at (and touching) the art pieces the older children had created. The masks and wreaths were some of the students’ favorites. And everyone loved the Spanish song about the mouse in the house and the special presentation the preschool children made. In addition to all the fun, it was a great opportunity for the students to practice making public presentations in Spanish.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On Wednesday, first graders from the Panama City Renaissance School visited the Panama City Junior Museum. It was a great opportunity for the students to reinforce what they had learned in class with different teaching aids.The kids explored exhibits on Florida flora and fauna, the body, water and music. And of course they had a great time spending an afternoon “off-campus”.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On Wednesday, preschool and elementary school students from the Panama City Renaissance School attended the National Tours version of Annie.  The fast paced musical was a hit with the kids and parent chaperones. The PCRS wants to give National Tours a special thank you for providing reduced price tickets for the school.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On Monday, the Panama City Renaissance School students celebrated Lantern Festival. Lantern Festival is a Chinese holiday celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Chinese calendar. During this festival, children go out at night carrying paper lanterns. This holiday officially ends the Chinese New Year celebrations. As part of the Panama City Renaissance School festivities, the students made colorful, paper lanterns.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On the Friday before Valentine’s Day, the school was filled with hearts and Valentine’s Day regalia. The kids colored pictures, decorated hearts, exchanged cards and gifts, hung hearts on their cubbies and had in-class parties.  It seemed like the school was covered in pink, red and white.  The students had a great time celebrating this holiday with their friends and teachers.