Room 211 September 25, 2015

Picture Day: Monday September 28 at 9:20. Several students have already turned in the form. If you plan to purchase pictures we must have the form when the pictures are taken. There will be a retake day in November.

Visit from Jonas: Last week we read the book The Principal from the Black Lagoon. It made us wonder if Jonas was perhaps like that principal…scary and mean behind closed doors. We decided to invite him to our morning meeting. We prepared for our get to know you session by writing questions we were interested in having him answer. A couple of kids then wrote him a note with options of when he could visit us. He took us up on the invitation and came on Monday morning. Ask your child what he or she now knows about Jonas.

Garden Lessons: This week’s lesson with Emily focused on garden salads. Each table group was able to make a tasty salad with familiar and unfamiliar items from the garden. Emily’s “homework” assignment was for the children to go home and make a salad for their family. We talked as a group that we would do that assignment and bring the salad recipe to school. Our thought is that we will make a class salad recipe book. To my delight, and eating pleasure, several children not only made salads for their family, they have also ben bringing in a small salad for me to try! I have had several tasty lunches this week. There is still time to make the salad and bring the recipe in. (I’m thinking the next request should maybe be….mmmm brownies??)

Wednesday Wonderings: This might be one of the most exciting and productive half hours of the week. Kids have such amazing things that they wonder about. Much research is going on and we have had several presentations already. We have a bulletin board set up in the hall for those who choose to formally (all grammar, punctuation and sentence structure correct) write up their findings. One of our first presentations was about candy corn, complete with a nibble or two of candy corn! Check out the board when you are in the building. Mystery Boxes: This week we began our scientific work with mystery boxes. We are learning to use our senses to explore six different mystery boxes. We then are making a claim about what is in the box based on our evidence. All important skills that we will build upon throughout the entire year.

Stamp Club: Excitement is mounting! Three boys, Graeme, Charlie and Nat taught a lesson about how to mount stamps. The stamp collectors then set out to mount some of the stamps in their binders. We are still anxiously waiting for our catalogs to arrive from Mystic Stamp Company. The dues collected for stamp club will then allow the children to be able to order to stamps of their choosing. If you have not sent in the dues, $3.00 new members, $1.50 returning members do so as you are able. Thanks.

Left, Right, Center: We wrapped up the week playing Left, Right, Center. Lauren’s class taught us the game. It is fun to watch kids get to know one another in a “formal” game setting. The skills of playing fair, getting along, learning to deal with joy (winning) and disappointment (losing) gracefully and grappling (still) with the concept of right and left are just some of the learning that happens.

Classroom Web Page: Abby Poplawski is doing a great job uploading forms that are sent home. Check it for current information.

Volunteers needed: Still need this one!! Art Adventures—6 pieces of art are studied by the students and then off to the museum we go to see the pieces in person. I need at least one more person who is willing to get some training and come to school in November to teach the kids.

Classroom Needs: Quart size freezer zip lock bags

Peanut Butter and Jelly are always looking for a trip to someone’s home, especially over the long breaks. Oct 13-19 is our first extended break. Let me know if you are interested in having a visitor.

Contact Information: I am always available for questions and concerns. Best way to reach me is email: [email protected] (school) [email protected] (home) It does not matter which address you use, both are checked daily.