The House that Huckleberry Built


The old saying goes, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” and the answer is “practice”. However, the Linden Hill Elementary Odyssey of the Mind (OM) students know practice is just one part of the blueprint that leads to success. The design entails a heavy dose of hard work, creativity, patience, guidance, preparation, and time,… lots and lots of time. Still, a solid foundation comes from an innovative architect and pragmatic engineer. At Linden Hill, teacher, Janet Huckleberry is a master builder.

From early October, children file through the school halls after hours writing, building, painting, rehearsing, and learning. During furlough days, in-service days, and snow days, the children meet to develop their solution to the OM problems. During all of these practices, scheduled or impromptu, Huckleberry is somewhere in the school offering support and guidance.

To fourth grade teacher, Christine Lim, it is the commitment that Huckleberry models for her students that stands out. Lim notes that what she finds, “impressive is the five months of hard work that they put into prior to the competition.” Lim continues, “I witnessed students here night after night, for weeks, working together to create the final product – that effort deserves recognition, beyond medals or trophies.” This same sentiment is echoed by students, teachers, administrators, and alumni at Linden Hill and around the Red Clay school district.

OM coach and former Linden Hill parent, Beth Engler, remembers Huckleberry’s influence when she was a first year coach with her own children. “As a new coach, she [Huckleberry] held my hand, she gave me guidance,…she was a teacher like none other.” Engler comments that Huckleberry’s legacy transcends the elementary school experience to middle school and high school. “I moved up with my daughters to HB du Pont [middle school] where it was a different ballgame. There was no Janet Huckleberry there, but all the coaches at HB were once guided by Janet’s influence, we had many of the same kids from Linden Hill so the family continued.”

A sense of family has kept some Linden Hill OM teams for years. Former Linden Hill student, Elizabeth Dougherty found OM to be the beginning of friendships. “OM is all about teamwork.  If it wasn’t for OM, I might not be friends with the people in my group.  We’re all really different, but we’re all really tight,” explains Dougherty. To Elizabeth’s brother, Connor, the Linden Hill OM experience resonates with the same sense of family and closeness. Now fifth graders, five out of the seven members on Connor’s team were teammates as second graders. While the coaches may change, the students have learned and developed their craft as OM problem solvers.

The OM mission statement touts offering a lifelong skill set to participants. Linden Hill Principal, Mary Bradley sees OM as a way to teach children problem solving skills. “As educators our role is to help students identify the problem give them the tools to solve the problem and then give them the freedom to do just that,” explains Bradley. Giving students time is Huckleberry’s gift to Linden Hill’s success. Parent and third grade teacher, Carol Dougherty, recognizes how Huckleberry absorbs a great deal of the day-to-day minutia involved in the OM commitment. “Before my kids participated in OM, I had no idea what a huge deal it was and the level of commitment it required.  We’ve had a lot of success, but it hasn’t come easily,” remarks Dougherty. “Janet Huckleberry takes care of all the thankless administrative work–paperwork, fund-raising, spontaneous practices, skills workshops.  She stays late almost daily to accommodate the diverse schedules of 6 teams and is always willing to help alums on teams at Skyline, HB and Cab,” continues Dougherty.

Last Saturday, Linden Hill journeyed to the University of Delaware to test this blueprint for success again. True to her dedication through the season, Huckleberry hustled, crisscrossing the University of Delaware campus, to cheer on her students in different divisions. Teacher and Linden Hill parent, Maureen Murphy, points out how the students’ notice the arrival of their biggest fan. “The love the children have for her is evident in their reaction when they see Mrs. Huckleberry arrive to cheer them on come competition day,” remarks Murphy. She continues explaining that, “In 25 years of teaching, my recent experience as a coach for a Linden Hill Odyssey of the Mind Team has to top my long list of wonderful memories.”

And again, the program that Huckleberry has forged through years of effort and experience, held strong this Saturday. Linden Hill brought home first place honors in four of the five competitive divisions, one fourth place finish, as well as a strong showing in the non-competitive, primary division. For a couple weeks, the Linden Hill Omer’s can rest but Huckleberry will be planning how to get her team to the world tournament in Michigan. The architect’s work is never done.

Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum,…

Would you want to be named Chrysanthemum? The Linden Hill First Graders explored this question during their grade-wide bedtime story. On Thursday, February 18, accompanied by their parents, almost 138 first graders shuffled in the school in their slippers, pajamas, and bathrobes ready to enjoy the fantastic writing of Kevin Henkes, with his story, “Chrysanthemum.” Spreading blankets, pillows, and a favorite stuffed animal on the gym floor, the first graders left their parents to take took center stage.

Reversing the traditional parent-to-child bedtime story, first graders, treated their parents to a “reader’s theater” performance of Kenvin Henke’s story, “Chrysanthemum.” The tale chronicles the adventures of a young mouse, Chrysanthemum,  navigating a new world of school, friends, and teachers. Chrysanthemum had always been in love with her uinque name until she meets children with less flowery names.

The reader’s theater performance culminates the first grade’s celebration of, “I Love To Read” month in February. Leading up to the performance, students learned reading strategies.  The children explored these strategies using Kevin Henkes books as well as other favorite books.  The children are continuing to use what they learned during  ”I Love To Read Month” by taking home favorite classroom books to be read by parents. To remember the experience, the children also received a copy of a Kevin Henkes’ book as well as a t-shirt (proudly stating, “I am a Linden Hill Reader”), and a certificate.

You may ask, how did Chrysanthemum handle the Lilly’s and Roses of the world? You will need to read the book or come to next’s year performance to find out.

Celebrating our Heritage

Korea, Pakistan, Scotland, Jamaica, and Uganda are just a few of the countries represented at the first ever Linden Hill Heritage Day.  On Thursday, January 22, 2010 students and their families gathered in the halls of Linden Hill to enjoy food from around the world as well as to learn about the various and colorful backgrounds of those who attend here.

Linden Hill’s Third Grade students worked for several weeks interviewing family members near and far to learn about their family history.  They asked individuals to write memoirs about a special time they remembered or a family tradition.  After collecting information each student complied what they learned into a display that captured what makes their family great.  Some students embellished their presentations with artifacts such as flags, swords, traditional clothing and food.

As many who attended found out, Linden Hill is rich with beautiful cultures and beautiful people.  It’s a great place to be!

Michelle Aurand

Below is an example of a student’s project about her heritage. Enjoy!

Hats for Haiti

On Friday, January 21st, the children of Linden Hill donned hats to help the earthquake disaster victims in Haiti by raising $2,268.73.  The money will be sent to the Red Cross via the Red Clay School District. Over 400 students participated bringing donated money during a four day period.

The event was the brainchild of Brian Sarkissian (fifth grade) Maureen Murphy (music), Huckleberry (TAG) Laurie Phillips (art). Feeling completely helpless in the face of such a terrible disaster, these teachers needed to find a way to let the children of Linden Hill feel a connection to the people of Haiti. Sarkissian was the individual who coined the moniker, “Hats for Haiti.” The children took care of the rest.

“We [teachers] were talking about finding a way to help our students cope with the disaster,” comments Maureen Murphy. “We needed to give the children a way to feel empowered and to make them feel safe. Our students rallied to help children just like themselves in a different country, a country in crisis.”

Hats for Haiti day opened with hats, hats, and more hats. Students streamed into the school wearing their hats with pride. Principal, Dr. Mary Bradley, sported a golf beret complete with a flag and a ball. Assistant Principal. Debbie Brady, wore a Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty hat. A second grader was spotted with a cheesesteak hat. Even though some students forgot their hats, Art teacher, Laurie Phillips helped out by having them fashion their own paper hats. The hats were decorated with feathers and tape spelling out “Haiti” on one side and “LH” (for Linden Hill) on the other side.

Phillips even challenged a child help her fix her staplers for a donation to the cause. “I promised Nathaniel, $5.00 per stapler for Hats for Haiti if he could fix them, and he fixed all three of them,” reported Phillips.

Money trickled in each day and little by little the amount grew. “When we counted the money, I was blown away,” states school secretary, Lynne Gamgort. “When I announced the total on Friday, the whole school cheered.”

Hats off to Linden Hill students!

Winter Concert 2010

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2090 - 2010 Winter Concert

When the students at Linden Hill practiced the song, “Seven Feet of Snow,” little did they know they would get seventeen inches of snow – just enough to close schools December 20th and 21st and just enough snow to postpone the Winter Concert.

“In 25 years of teaching, I’ve never had a concert snowed out. It was a first,” stated Linden Hill music teacher, Maureen Murphy about the 2009-2020 winter concert. Originally scheduled for December 21, the December 19th’s snowstorm closed the school and pushed the concerting to January 14th.

Murphy took the delay in stride seeing performance and music as a means to teach about cultures and professionalism. “For the winter concert, I try to highlight the winter celebrations from around the world. I try to pick things that will entertain the audience, but will teach the children,” reflects Murphy. “I want the students to understand the meaning of performance, I want to teach them to know what it means to be professional,” continues Murphy.

Keeping such high standards might leave a conductor nervous about how the performance might unfold, but not Murphy. “The kids are so enthusiastic that I don’t get nervous any more,” remarks Murphy. This does not mean that Murphy has not had her share of concert mishaps. “I’ve had kids pass out and get physically ill. There’s even been fighting over seats in the audience,” Murphy explains.

Even when a problem might arise, students have been taught how to cope and learn. Concert jitters may have been the reason for this winter’s  performance snafu. As with any well-trained acts, no one noticed.

“During our first concert of the year, we messed up the solo, comments fifth grade student, Katie.”  We did not come to the microphone in time, but we fixed it for the second evening concert so it [the performance] was much better. I don’t think anyone noticed, but we did,” notes Katie.

Murphy’s advice to aspiring choral and band directors is, “Be organized, be prepared, be disciplined, have high expectations, and teaching professionalism.” Her consummate attention to detail is evident as her students walk on stage. Neatly dressed, smiling, well prepared, and their concentration riveted on their conductor, Linden Hill students delivered a stellar singing and instrumental performance. Snow or no snow, the show must go on. Bravo!

The featured the following music:

  1. Sprit of the Season by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse
  2. Light the Candles by Lois Bronsey and Sally K. Albrecht
  3. Someone in the Chimney by Teresa Jennings
  4. Kwanzaa Celebration by Roger Emerson
  5. Seven Feet of Snow by Sally K. Albrecht

Grammy Nominated Singer Rocks the Hill

JONATHANSPROUT
Jonathan Sprout

On December 4th, Linden Hill welcomed back singer-song writer, Jonathan Sprout for a rocking concert. Mr. Sprout has visited Linden Hill four times in as many years and each time he has never failed to put on an awesome show. The Linden Hill PTA first brought Sprout to Linden Hill and the school has been hooked ever since.

Sprout uses music to teach children about some of history’s more important figures. From Milton Hershey to Pocahontas and all the heroes in between, Linden Hill students sang and danced while learning.

In preparation for Sprout’s visit, Linden Hill Music Teacher, Maureen Murphy, teaches the children the songs as well as the history behind the heroes. Murphy explains, “The songs are about great American heroes that every child should know about. The tunes are catchy with great melodies and harmonies.”

This year’s visit was even more remarkable because Sprout had been nominated for a Grammy. To wish him luck at the Grammy’s, Linden Hill’s students wrote him letters. These letters thank Sprout for opening the children’s minds to exceptional people who never gave up.

Murphy comments that, “The kids make connections about their own life. Like never give up. Keep trying. Don’t let anything stand in your way.”  The children’s letters read like a history text book recalling facts and figures about the people featured in Sprout’s songs.

Fourth grader, Landyn Krapf wrote that she found inspiration in Jonas Salk’s story. “He never gave up. He knew he could stop polio,” writes Krapf. Fifth Grade, Sam Goff enjoyed learning about Jackie Robinson. Goff learned that Robinson, “…changed baseball forever.” Sprout, himself, even served as inspiration for fifth grader, Donovan Hill. “You inspired me to sing. Thank you for that.”

“In 25 years of teaching I have never seen an assembly as wonderful as his,” states Murphy. We look forward to welcoming Jonathan Sprout back next year.

Linden Hill’s Lego League

At the 2009-1010 Competition

At the 2009-1010 Competition

On Saturday, January 9th, Linden Hill Elementary School students will compete in the First State Lego League competition. Since the fall, students have been designing and building ways to move more efficiently using Legos to make “Smart Moves” – the title of this year’s challenge.

Each year’s competition asks students to use Legos to solve a real-world issue. In the past, children explored how issues surrounding climate change affect our planet. They have also investigated the technological and scientific potential of nano-technology as well as alternate forms of energy. Children from kindergarten through college explore the annual theme all over the world. This is the third year Linden Hill has entered the competition representing the First Lego (ages 9 – 14) and First Lego Junior (ages 6 – 9) division. The First Lego division uses Lego’s Mindstorm robotics where the Junior First Lego use Legos with a few moving parts. As the children get older the “toys” they use to solve the challenge requirements become more complex. The Lego League ideals hope to promote a love of learning through inquiry and exploration

In 2006, Linden Hill parent, Pam Stazesky, wanted to have her son participate in the program and proposed the idea to Principal, Dr. Mary Bradley. After careful planning and tireless work, Stazesky secured corporate sponsorship as well as an army of Lego building fans. Since then, the Stazesky family has moved on to Boston but their love of Legos is firmly rooted at Linden Hill. Now, the direction and administration of the teams falls to three parents: Mark Drezja, Linda Brinker, and Ellen England. Linden Hill fields 5 teams with 34 students participating.

Drejza feels, “that Lego League was one way young students start “building their future.”

Parent, Lorraine Horner, sees Lego League as, “a great way to have children collaborate to solve a real world problem.” Horner explains that, “Children are given a chance to build something together. They have to think, plan, and work together. These are invaluable skills for their future.”

Administrator, Debbie Brady, takes an organic and pragmatic approach to interacting through Legos. “We play with Legos since we are little. It is a great way to learn: bringing curriculum and inquiry into play.”

As far as the children, what could be more fun than playing with Lego while learning? Leksie Fetrow, learned that engineering sometimes takes planning. “We are building a monorail and we needed a piece. The piece has not come yet so we may need to add different pieces.” Team mate, Dru Montalvo states that the best part of Lego League, “Playing and building things.”

Washington D.C. National Book Festival

Kate DiCamillo and Linden Hill Students

Kate DiCamillo and Linden Hill Students

The rain did not deter Linden Hill families from braving the weather to get a peek at some of their favorite authors on September 26, 2009. Armed

with rain slickers and umbrellas, Linden Hill families boarded the bus early in the morning arriving at the National Mall on the steps of the Museum of Natural History. Former First Lady, Laura Bush, once a librarian, began this celebration of books in 2001 to share her love of reading to American families. Linden Hill Librarian, Debbie Marinelli, has organized this trip for families for many reasons. 

   “I see this as a way for children to have the opportunity to visit our Nation’s capital as well as being able to hear the authors,” Marinelli explains. “The authors are real people and it is great for the children to hear how authors come up with ideas.”

National Book Festival Poster

National Book Festival Poster

 Bibliophiles of all ages waited patiently in the rain to share a moment with authors such as Judy Blume, Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo, Jeff Kinney, Ken Burns, and Jon Scieszka. If Linden Hill families were not in line, they were huddled under tented areas to hear the authors speak about their inspiration and writing process. Although books and authors were the focus of the day, many families escaped the rain to enjoy some of out Nation’s incredible museums. This annual event is supported by The Library of Congress and funded by Target (as one of the largest supporters). All who attended received a poster created by Charles Santore, author and illustrator, as well as a tote bag. Overall, the trip was an amazing opportunity to share, books, authors, time and good company.

Kids Can Change the World

From: http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/news0910/0915lindenhill.shtml

As part of a technology class project called “I Can Change the World,” Linden Hill Elementary School fifth graders tackled such problems as global warming and regularly scheduling cleaning their rooms.Linden Hill 

On Monday, Sept. 14, school and district officials gathered with parents and students to “unveil” another project, a freshly painted shed on school property that had been the target of frequent vandalism.

“This project was started with the firm belief that children can change the world,” said Teacher Yanaka Bernal. “We challenged 4th and 5th graders to find a problem, find a solution and then make it happen.” 

The yearlong project began last school year with Linden Hill students, Maddie and Ellie researching the project and asking fellow students to submit artwork that would be considered for the shed. 

Two final designs were merged into one, and the girls, their families and other Linden Hill families and friends painted the shed over the summer, finishing just in time for school.

At the ceremony on Monday, the final touches were added when guests were asked to place their painted hand prints – part of the design – on the shed. 

“The girls had a real world problem they wanted to solve,” said Dr. Mary Bradley, principal of Linden Hill. “They solicited input from everyone in the school and came up with a solution…It was a full community effort and we are very pleased with their work and pleased with the final project.” 

Two other students selected global warming as their “problem,” said Ms. Bernal, who plans to assign the project again this year. 

Equipped with $10 from their parents, they collected Maple leaves, made 100 small plantings for the younger kids to plant and distributed them.  “Maybe 10 trees got planted,” she said. “That’s 10 new trees. That’s a direct impact.”

Yo-Jo Assembly

Yo-Jo at Linden Hill

Yo-Jo at Linden Hill

On September 12th, the Linden Hill students were treated to the antics of Yo-Jo. Yo-Jo talked about Being a good friend and ways to prevent bullying. Our students learned about the kind acts, the signs and symptoms of bullying in a relay game, and rapped up the program with an exciting aerobic dance. Teacher, Kristie Ridgley said, “It was a great show. The kids loved it!”