Shirley Rominger Intermediate School (SRIS) offers a unique learning experience for the fourth and fifth grade students of Winters, California.  Through class meetings, students and staff collaborate to create the best learning environment for all.  Mindful of the three school rules: be safe, be responsible and be respectful, students and staff use a variety of resources to maximize learning. As a visitor to SRIS, one might see students running around the track to meet  physical fitness standards, working on the computer to do research, take reading tests or improve typing skills, using manipulatives to better understand math concepts or working independently to finish a reading project.  Fifth grade students participate in Pioneer Days where they dress, eat and do school work as settlers in the 1800's did.  Fourth graders travel to Coloma and have the opportunity to pan for gold.  When possible, art is integrated into learning and examples of this can be seen on the walls of  the school.  Music is a major part of our program.  Students meet with a music teacher weekly to learn how to read and play music.  Every other week they meet as a grade level to sing and learn more about music. SRIS is an engaging place for students and students play an integral part in making it a great place to learn.

Art for All

by Victoria White and Esther Myers

With the help of artist in residence Rebecca Holmes, 4^th and 5^th grade classes are slowly making Shirley Rominger Intermediate a more beautiful school.

            Who:4^th and 5^th graders

What:They are creating ornate tiles bearing symbols of the USA states in general, California’s states specifically, but mostly relating to the subjects the students have studied and learned.

When:During the SRIS 2011-2012 school year

            Where:In the 4^th and 5^th grade classrooms

            Why:To make the SRIS cement planter box prettier

How:To create these gorgeous tiles, the students first engrave a picture of one of California’s state symbols onto a square of soft clay. Next, Mrs. Holmes takes the classes’ tiles and bakes them in a kiln. Then, the students are given their hard tiles and they are painted. Lastly, Mrs. Holmes again takes the now-painted tiles and glues them to the cement planter to (finally!) be admired.

As you can see, it’s hard work to make these tiles, and students at SRIS aren’t finished with making them. Even though it takes a while, we all know that this magnificent art is worth the waiting.