Kenian on the fire truck

This week we have collected many different varieties of apples, including some that even the teachers have never seen! We continue to learn about how apples grow and the many different things that are made with them. Did you know that America's favorite fruit depend on bees for pollination? Thank you, bees!

 

On Tuesday we had a special visit from the fire department and learned about how fire fighters help and protect us in emergencies. The children enjoyed climbing on the fire truck until the firefighters got a call and had to leave.

 

Laura Curts, Mallory's mom, read "Firefighters to the Rescue" and "Easy Street" to the class. Thank you, Laura!

 

The children have enjoyed working in the outdoor environment on the patio that was recently set up with materials by Ms. Katrina and Ms. Denise. As the weather becomes more comfortable, working outside is an option the children may choose.  A teacher or assistant is on the patio during this work time. 

 

Reminder:  We are trying to keep the Primary classes peanut-free this year and appreciate your consideration in not sending in peanut butter and peanuts in your child's lunch box or school snacks.

This week we have been exploring the science experiments that go along with the theory of the Big Bang.  We started with the states of matter including solid, liquid and gas.  The children discovered that matter is everywhere.  We are surrounded by matter!

 

The next experiment was forces of cohesion.  We demonstrated with glitter and water that some particles are attracted to each other, while others are not! 

 

We then moved onto our next experiment called liquids roll over each other.  The children love this experiment as I start out with the question, "Can you put your hand through a rock?"  This is met with giggles and a resounding, "No!"  The children then observe a container filled with blue colored water and glass beads.   We discuss that some particles are so close and like each other so much that they are difficult to break apart.  The only way to break some matter apart is to use force. 

 

We worked on some other very special experiments, including making a volcano.  Yes, it's true.  The 3rd years made a model of a volcano and the today the whole class got to observe it erupt. (Photo at left)  After each experiment, we did what all good scientists do:  we jotted down our observations in our sketch pads.  Be sure to take a look.  They are awesome!

 

Reminder:  Purple homework folders go home on Mondays with new spelling words.  Please help encourage personal responsibility of your child by reminding them once about bringing it back to school on Fridays.  This coming Monday, we will be sending home a book report assignment.  It will be due at the end of October.  Be sure to look for it!

Ms. Ann's personal history

This week we began reading volume 1 of "The Story of the World" by Susan Wise Bauer. This series of four volumes is written in a manner which engages children. We read about how we know about history. Ms. Ann brought in her own history and the students created a timeline of her personal history from the documents and photographs. In this lesson, we learned how historians use primary documents to learn about what has happened in the past. After reading about the introduction to history, we read Chapters I and II. Chapter I is about nomadic life and the first farming communities. Chapter II tells about the very beginning of Egyptian history.

 

On Monday we enjoyed art class at Hubert Park. Students made pyramids and a sphinx from clay. The clay will be fired and students will paint their projects.

 

Photosynthesis lesson

On Thursday, Ms. Ann gave a lesson which was a review about plants and then we went on to learn about the "Leaf Factory" and photosynthesis. We also did an experiment showing how roots hold a plant upright. 

On Friday, we constructed gum drop molecules of water and carbon dioxide. We constructed an imaginary tree and some students brought the water up the xylem of the plant to the leaves. The leaves had collected the CO2 molecules. As the sun shines on the leaves, the process of photosynthesis takes place.  Students took the six water molecules and combined them with six CO2 molecules to make a glucose molecule which travels down the phloem of the stem to give food to the tree. There were 6 O2 left over which go into the air for us to breathe.  6H2O + 6CO2 Yields C6H12O6 (glucose) plus 6O2  !!! 

3rd Century Chinese Terracotta Warriors

This week in Middle School we had our first Hubert Park art class, where we made Terracotta soldiers inspired by the Chinese Terracotta Warriors from the 3rd century BC that were discovered buried near an ancient emperor in the 1970s.

 

We had a Morning Work Quiz on Monday and yearbook meeting on Wednesday, where we expanded on the theme. 

 

We finished our Ancient Chinese Garden presentations for our cultural unit on Friday.  We had lots of fun!

 

Administrative Mangers:  Julia Parrino and Berkeley Kittredge 

 

Parents are invited to come to school and see their child demonstrate lessons on one of two Parent Days in October.  On Sunday, October 6th, parents of children in Ms. Denise and Ms. Katrina's Primary classes are invited.  On Sunday, October 13th, parents of children in Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary are invited. Children will have pre-selected 2 or 3 of their current lessons and will demonstrate these lessons for their parents while they watch.

 

To make the experience the best for you and your child, the number of people in the classroom at any one time will be limited.  Experience has shown that overcrowding in the classroom during this event makes it difficult for the child concentrate. 

 

You will be able to make an appointment at either 1 pm, 2 pm or 3 pm to spend 45 minutes in the classroom with your child.  Only parents will be able observe.  Siblings and other family members will will be welcome to stay on the patio outside the classrooms.  

 

More information about Parent Day will be coming soon with guidance on how to get the most out of the observation experience for both you and your child.

 

We recognize that there are several families with children in both Primary and Elementary classes and that parents will need to attend both Sundays.  We hope this does not create an inconvenience.

 

It is our hope that children will feel confident and enjoy sharing their work with their parents and that you will gain greater insight and understanding about the work your child does daily at school.

 

Email or call the school for an appointment time.

 

The first Parent Teacher conference day of the school year is Friday, October 11th.  Please contact the school office to schedule your conference.  School will be closed that day.