The Hometown Treasure January 2011 | Page 9

Westview Elementary One of the students gets ready to take a whack at it. Photo Submitted Page 9 Sixth grade students at Westview Elementar y School celebrated the completion of their piñata sculptures with a party in the gymnasium on Friday. Sixteen large scale piñatas were built by groups of students as part of an integrated Art and Social Studies unit focusing on Mexico. Students studied animal forms and decorative pattern to use in constructing the sculptures, as well as the culture and history of Mexico. Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure Mrs.Heerschop’s6thgrade class at Westview Elementary school put their math skills to good use this December by making no-sew fleece blankets for charity. The class decided in November they would perform a charitable service this holiday season rather than have a classroom Christmas exchange. The charity, Ronald McDonald House of South Bend, will be the recipient of 8 one-of-a-kind fleece blankets for their family room located at Memorial Hospital. The Ronald McDonald Family Room is an alternative for families of seriously ill children. Photo Submitted The kids began their The class posing with their completed and wrapped blankets. project at the beginning of December by first deciding who they would work with group was given and on a cold December morning, and getting into groups of three or four. The kids then the groups set to work! As Christmas music played in decided they design and colors of fabric they would the background, the kids happily measured and made like to use for their blanket. Yoder’s Department Store their cuts precisely to create a gift that will warm the of Shipshewana, Indiana contributed to the project by hearts of families for years to come. donating 5 yards of fabric. The students also chipped The week before Christmas break, the students in $3 toward the purchase of fabric. Mrs. Heerschop finally wrapped up their blankets and made Christmas then made the trek to Yoder’s on a snowy afternoon cards to go along with them. The week before Christmas, to make the purchase. Mrs. Heerschop will have the pleasure of delivering Yoder’s also provided a directions sheet that each these to the Ronald McDonald Family Room. January 2011 Westview Elementary