Atascadero students study color, erosion, and costume design
District schools shared classroom updates in September newsletter
– Students across Atascadero Unified School District studied the color wheel, erosion, costume design, and friendship, according to the district’s September newsletter.
At Carrisa Plains Elementary School, Ms. Jani led an art lesson about the color wheel. Students learned that red, yellow, and blue are primary colors that cannot be made from other colors but can be mixed to make every other color. Students drew a circle divided into six slices, colored in the primary colors, and mixed them to create the secondary colors orange, green, and purple. They then painted a lion’s mane based on the color wheel. The lesson also covered warm colors, which are red, orange, and yellow, and cool colors, which are green, blue, and purple. During class, one student said, “That’s amazing! Mixing primary colors is like magic!”
At Atascadero Fine Arts Academy, students are rebuilding the school’s long-standing drums class by combining Leader in Me principles with project-based learning. Students research equipment needs, assess budget options, and prioritize resources to rebuild the program. They also play in ensembles and lead projects such as composing original percussion pieces and planning live performances. Sixth- through eighth-grade drama tech theater students are also designing and creating their own costumes.
At Atascadero Middle School, counselors and school psychologists visited seventh-grade science classes for a Counselor Chat focused on friendships and belonging. Students explored what makes a healthy friendship, the difference between fitting in and belonging, handling peer pressure and awkward social situations, and how small choices can help others feel respected, included, safe, and valued. Students also took part in role-play scenarios and Friendship Bingo to practice communication. Mrs. Dobberpuhl, Mr. Finley, and Ms. Alisa provided the seventh-grade presentation and activities.
At Creston Elementary School, all classes met with Ms. Amanda from the Cuesta Sustainability Resource Center for a hands-on erosion lesson, exploring how water and land interact. Mrs. Grinnell’s fourth- and fifth-grade class worked on Discovery Science presentations. The school also held picture day.
Monterey Road Elementary School hosted Retro Bill for a student assembly focused on respect, empathy, safety, and making positive choices. The school also held its first Mustang Morning, where parents connected, students shared their school environment, and attendees had free treats and coffee. The school’s Lighthouse Team provided the coffee.
Students at San Benito Elementary School learned about the harvest of the month, tomatoes. First graders in Ms. Unger’s class tasted fresh tomatoes and pan con tomate as a parent visitor shared information about tomatoes. Students and staff also dressed as twins for Twin Day.
At Santa Rosa Academic Academy, second- through fifth-grade students who hope to join student leadership completed an application and an interview, sharing their strengths, ideas, and hopes for the school. The school thanked Superintendent Dr. Bennett and Assistant Superintendent Renee Argain, as well as Student Leadership Advisor Jess Niles, who organized the interviews. Kindergarten students in Ms. Bell and Ms. Gowdy’s class practiced one-to-one counting with an apple pie math activity, using small apples and counting mats to match each object to one number.
