Gio with metal inset

This week the children are noticing a change in the weather and we are learning about the characteristics of fall. Both classes have really enjoyed making and tasting their homemade applesauce; it was warm, yummy, and delicious! 

The children are also very busy working on their presentations for Parent Day this Sunday. We appreciate the great response to this event.

Ms. Katrina's class has begun learning about ancient India. We have been exploring the map of Asia and discussing Indian symbols, gods, clothing, and architecture.

Ms. Denise's class is learning about the many inventions of ancient Greece. Did you know that the ancient Greeks invented the alarm clock, thermometer, water pump, and vending machines? As we continue our cultural studies the children will have many hands-on experiences and a lot of fun learning about history.

Thanks to Mallory's mom for reading "The Child of Gruffalo" to the class.  We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Lower Elementary goes to the Mahaffey Theater

We have had another fabulous week here in the Lower Elementary!  We started out the week with an engaging and fascinating field trip to the Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg.  We saw a shadow puppet show entitles Greek Myths.  It was amazing.  It was in the ballroom and it was quite an intimate affair.  The children were very close to the puppets and the storyteller was really engaging. 

To prepare for our visit we read the book, "The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus" by Aliki.  We read all about Poseidon, Ares, Hermes, Apollo and more.  This really got the children excited about Greek Myths.

Don't worry, we did not forget about Ancient Rome!  This week we discussed all the things that the Romans "gave" us.  The list is long!  The Romans pioneered the use of aqueducts, making it possible for water to get to the cities.  We also learned that the Romans were responsible for capital letters.  The Romans were even responsible for measurements that we use today.  This includes libra from which we get the abbreviation "lb" for pound.  Of course, Miss Patti's personal favorite is that the malls that we visit today originated from the Romans!

We finished the week with a very special book titled "Zen Shorts" by Jon J. Muth.  Maya Tahiri brought this book in to share with the class.  It is the story of a wise old panda named Stillwater.  It has several short tales that have very deep meanings behind them.  One such tale is about letting go.  We discussed how sometimes we need to just let things go such as anger.  I highly recommend this book for all ages!

We've continued our work on Ancient Egypt. We've learned more about the history, the importance of the Nile River and daily life for those living during that period. Next we'll learn more about the gods and goddesses of Egypt and about the practices of mummification and burial. In art at the park, students have made clay pyramids and a sphinx.

This is the last newsletter before Conference Day, so I would like to remind you to please take time to sign up for a conference if you wish. Please contact the office for a conference time.

2013 BPS grad Isabella came to visit

This week, the Middle School class continued many of our day to day activities, including our Chinese Dynasty Project and our weekly bowling unit.

We also had our first field trip to the Pinellas County Solid Waste and Recycling Facility. Our yearbook meeting went smoothly and the Middle School is on track to creating the best yearbook we've ever had. We also had another art class at Hubert Park and made clay plates in the shape of fish.

On Friday, Professor Alisa Smith from University of Tampa and mom of Alec in Upper Elementary came in for Justice Teaching.  Our class has been invited to watch Dr. Smith's UT students conduct a moot court on October 12th.

We did many activities this week, and we hope to have another wonderful time next week.

by Andrew Falkowitz

LOWER ELEMENTARY: This week found us working on opposites. We acted out some adjectives and nouns. We also read a book about the big elephant and the small bee, the long snake and the short earth worm, and the black bear and the white bird to name a few.  We also reviewed classroom vocabulary, days of the week, and aquatic animals.  It was a diverse and fun week.
 
UPPER ELEMENTARY: We read a book about the maple leaf. And the functions it has to do every season.  We also discussed the many uses of plants including industrial issues, medicine, and even art! We completed this unit with a short dictation, and a list of edible leaves; using the latter as our conversational topic for the week.
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL: "All About Oranges", was the title of our class assignments, conversational theme, and composition exercises. Each student wrote at least one fact about oranges and together, we formed a very well informed and instructive paragraph. These delicious, tropical, citrus fruits have countless uses in cooking, medicines, folklore, and even in the cosmetic industry!
 
TRIVIA FACT: Brazil produces the most oranges in the world and they grow more than 700 hundred species, some of them grafted with limes and/or lemons.

Parents of Primary students have appointments scheduled for Parent Day this Sunday. Students have selected 2 or 3 of their current lessons, practiced them and will demonstrate these lessons for their parents while they watch in the classroom. 

On Sunday, October 13th, parents of children in Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary are invited for Parent Day. Please contact the office to set an appointment time.

To make the experience the best for you and your child, the number of people in the classroom at any one time is limited.  Experience has shown that overcrowding in the classroom during this event makes it difficult for the child concentrate and we want the children to feel their best! 

Primary parents will find observation guidelines in their children's folder coming home on Friday. Elementary parents will receive similar guidelines next week.