Students Have Heads In Stars Otis Orchards Class Puts Astronomy And Creative Writing Together

Gina Bourgeous’ travel brochure for the planet Mercury promises a good time.

“Be sure to bring your sunscreen,” the advertisement for the hottest planet demands. “The hot tubs will burn you to the bone.”

The creative writing exercise is part of Otis Orchards Elementary’s astronomy program, developed partly by two starry-eyed teachers.

Five years ago, Jan Thomas and Kathy Howell, who teach first and fifth grades, respectively, jumped at a chance to help develop an astronomy curriculum for elementary schools.

After a two-week session in Oklahoma City with other teachers, planetarium directors and NASA representatives, they came back to the Valley filled with plans for their classes.

East Valley School District bought a “star ball,” used in planetariums to shine the starry night into a darkened room, and the “Otis Under the Stars” program was born.

The school’s planetarium is housed inside a cardboard structure that ressembles an igloo. It’s big enough for about a dozen students.

Using a light pointer, students trace the outlines of the Big Dipper, Queen Cassiopeia, King Cepheus and other constellations.

“That big star is supposed to be his red eye,” one first grader said, pointing to the constellation of Taurus the Bull.

“Woah, cool,” they said as the stars moved across the sky.

Howell and Thomas have used astronomy as an umbrella subject to teach their students almost everything else.

Students learn math by comparing the diameter of the earth with that of other planets. They make necklaces with minature planets spaced proportionately apart.

Their artwork - posters of stars, colorful cutouts of the constellations, and projects on subjects such as Halley’s comet - decorates the room.

“It’s an exciting thing that gets their interest,” Thomas said.

“They don’t even know that they’re doing all this work,” chimed in Howell.

The teachers who developed the curriculum reunite every summer to share their experiences. The Valley teachers have helped others, around Spokane and across the country, learn the astronomy program.

“It’s been great,” Howell said. “It’s made a lot of difference in my teaching.”

CV announces hiring freeze

Fearing severe budget cuts in education, Central Valley School District began a hiring freeze Monday morning.

Positions affected by the freeze also will include any vacancies that arise from resignation or retirement, said Superintendent Dick Sovde.

“We are currently looking at all aspects of our budget and how possible reductions in funding might affect the delivery of services to students,” Sovde said in a prepared statement.

“The total reduction of dollars is unclear at this time; however, we anticipate that it will be substantial,” he said.

‘Family Fun Night’ on Friday

East Farms Elementary will be holding a “Family Fun Night” on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

The carnival, including a cake walk, bingo and pie throwing, will be held in gym at the school, 26203 E. Rowan.

Tickets will be sold for the booths, but admission is free.

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