DAPHNE, Ala.—A 1940s unit provided a wonderful opportunity to explore the war pigeons used during World War II that were used to carry messages through dangerous territory.

Library classes this week read “Pigeon Hero,” a true story about a brave war pigeon named G.I. Joe who saved thousands of lives during WWII.

We are also watching “Valiant,” the Walt Disney movie about a young pigeon training to become a carrier pigeon.

Don’t forget, the Barnes and Noble Bookfair will be held in the DES library next week. Parent volunteers are always welcome.

Also, the Reading Round Up continues all this month. Please donate any gently used books, VHS tapes or DVDs to the DES library. 

This week Ms. Jackson’s kindergarten class learned about the 1940s.

The class learned to swing dance and listened to big-band music. They also took a look at the works of the composer Aaron Copland (“Rodeo” and “Billy the Kid”) and the artist Jackson Pollok (famous for his action-art style).

At the end of the week students made their own action art: drip paintings.

Second graders in Mrs. Stembridge’s class are talking about sharing—and when sharing makes sense. The class is studying about bats and spiders and comparing how these two living things are alike and different. Using the splatter-painting technique, the students will create art like Jackson Pollack as they learn about the 1940s. 

Third graders in Mrs. Dickson’s offer congratulations to the following students for making their first quarter Accelerated Reader goals: Morgan Bender, Ben Caver, Drew Clements, Mason Cody, Julia Harris, Erika Hobby, Desmond Lymon, Callie Macaluso, Serenity McMillan, Dayana Rivera, Taylor Smith, Trip Sprinkle and Kayla Spicer. 

Mrs. Megginson’s third-graders are enjoying learning about the 1940s. They have learned that the “Slinky” was invented in 1943.  Mrs. Megginson even gave the students their own Slinky to remember the 1940s. The class has also enjoyed listening to big-band music. 

The DES Design Stars are working on their self-portraits for the PTA’s Square One Art project. Each student is putting in their best effort to create their own likeness so their families will be able to remember them just the way they were during the first semester of the 2008-09 school year. 

In music at DES, the students will study the music of American composer, Aaron Copland.  The classes will hear music from “Appalachian Spring” and “Rodeo.”