Heart to Heart Gala Greene County Tech Elementary February 2011 Heart Health Month

Greene County Tech Elementary 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th grade 800 students Physical Education 2 times a week for 40 minutes each About 50 students per class

The Gala was collaboration of  Physical Education  Health  Music  Art  Literacy  Parental Involvement

Heart to Heart Gala  Our goal was to inspire the students to express their feelings through their writing, art, music, and dance with a focus on encouraging emotional and physical heart-healthy lifestyles.  Our desire was to give the students a first- time elegant evening of fun while showcasing their achievements.

Where to start  Get with collaborating teacher and administration  Form student committees of  Decorating  Refreshments  Publicity  Auction  The kids were really excited about being on committees and getting to help plan the big night.

Parent Volunteers were used for  Mounting/hanging artwork  Decorations  Setup  Help with refreshments  Clean up crew  Help with after school activities and practices

Parents and Student were asked to  Donate ingredients for refreshments  Donate gently used dress clothes for the less fortunate students.  Donate and collect items for auction

Physical Education  Students learned ballroom dancing during Physical Education classes. We choose to dance the Cha Cha because of its basic 1, 2 cha, cha, cha 1,2 cha, cha repetitive steps.  The Cha Cha can be preformed to a variety of songs that kids enjoy.  Cha, Cha, Cha is: 1 -2 Change, Your, Feet with a little hip action.

Night of Gala  The students who signed up to dance got to show off their moves the night of the gala in the gym that was transformed into an elegant dance floor.  Of course the boys were out numbered by a small margin so some had to dance twice.

Health  Heart health was not only taught in Physical Education, but also in the classrooms.  The night of the event five students read different ways to improve heart health.

Music  Students prepared for several weeks during music class.  Students sang two songs for the gala.  More than a Muscle  Put a Little Love in Your Heart

Art  Art classes studied the artwork and sculpture of Jim Dine and Robert Indiana.  We had an art and photography contest.  The subject matter of the photography and art work had to be something or someone that touched their heart.

Robert Indiana Jim Dine

Artwork at Gala  There was an art and stroll upon students arrival of gala. Artwork was displayed throughout the halls and cafeteria. At this time students got to show parents their work while enjoying refreshments.  Awards were given to top entries.

Literacy  Students had a writing project over what was special in their life.  Students also completed the Writing from the Heart writing prompt.  (located on next slides)

Parental Involvement  Parents helped with the event in may ways.  There were approximately 750 parents, students, teachers, and business leaders in attendance for gala.

Refreshments and Decorations  We had chocolate fountains, a punch fountain, and fruit and vegetable trays. Students also got to decorate their own individual cheesecakes.

Auction  Parents, teachers, and students collected items from area business.  Students helped showcase items during gala.  An area auctioneer, with some help from an elementary student, auctioned the items.

Student Escorts Learned Etiquette  The gentlemen escorted the ladies to their assigned seats, pulled their chairs out, and went to get them their drinks.  Believe it or not they were very happy to do this gesture.

All proceeds of the night went to  The local Mission Outreach  The children’s floor of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, our Partner in Education

Dance  2 weeks on Dance unit  Point of emphasis  Re-teach and review was common occurrence  A little hesitation from dancing co-ed  After school practice was offered for students who were interested  kids attended the Gala  Teacher Aide served as a consultant for the ballroom dancing technique  Easier moves for 3 rd grade and a gradual difficulty progression for 4 th and 5 th

Contact Information  Mindy Tritch office ext or me at