Bodhi & Meera making cinnamon applesauce ornaments

This week we are having fun with holiday activities as we learn about special traditions, stories and songs.  It is wonderful to see the sense of community that has developed among the children and how much fun they have working together.  They have been busy making beautiful crafts and can't wait to bring them home.

 

On Monday we had a treat from Mr. Steve Falkowitz, (Elana and Drew's dad) who came to share the story of Hanukkah, the menorah, and the dreidel game.  On Friday, Ms. Marissa told the children about Advent. We really enjoyed their presentations and invite families to come and share their family's traditions with us next week. Please let us know if you wish to come.

The Share Bear has been home with the first child from each class and they got to share their week's experience with their classmates. Both bears have been on some fun adventures! Can't wait to hear about this week's! 

 

 

Left: Steve Falkowitz shows a menorah as he tells the story of Hanukkah

Parker & Ava with grammar materials

Happy Peace Week!  Tis' the season for spreading love and joy, so here in the Lower Elementary we thought that it would be the perfect opportunity  to practice peace and love.  We have a very special Peace Tree in the classroom.  Our goal is to "see" random acts of kindness and then put a little ornament on our tree.  We love to see the tree full of ornaments by the end of the day!  When this happens, we know that lots of good things are happening in the Lower Elementary.

 

We also started something really special:  every Thursday is "Work with Someone New Day!"  How cool is that?  As you may know, we sometimes get used to and comfortable working with the same friend everyday.  Well, we want to expand our world a bit and reach out to other friends.  The children loved this idea and it was fun to see the different interactions.

 

We'll be having a lunch time party with the Upper Elementary on Friday, December 20th. Following is a list of what you should please bring in for the luncheon:

 

1st grade- 1 to 2 dozen cookies (no cupcakes or cake please)

2nd grade- 1 box of 12 Capri Sun

3rd grade- 1 dish or pan of Macaroni and Cheese

4th grade- 30 pieces of chicken nuggets

5th grade- 1 bag of chips and dip

6th grade- fruit tray or mixed fruit (already cut)

 

We will be having our annual book exchange on Friday, December 20th.  Please have your child bring a new, wrapped book that is appropriate for their grade level.  If you have any questions please ask Miss Patti.

This week we started listening to the audio book "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin. This Newberry Medal winning book is a mystery. In the story, sixteen people compete to become the heir of Sam Westing's millions. As we listen, each student is following along in their own copy of the book. We're also learning new vocabulary as we read along.

 

In Science we learned about specific traits we have as individuals. These particular traits are important in describing someone as it refers particularly to forensics. On Friday, we took our fingerprints and analyzed their patterns.

 

We've been enjoying listening to the book report presentations this week and we'll continue to do that next week.

 

In case you missed the email about Secret Snowflake and the Holiday Party, here is the information:

Secret Snowflake Week- Begins Monday, December 16th

Our tradition continues-this Friday your child will draw another name (student or teacher) from the box. They are to keep the name secret.

1. On Monday (16th) send in all five wrapped gifts for the week in one bag. We will sort and keep the gifts for distribution.

2.  Mark each gift with the recipient's name and a # 1 through #5 (1 being for Monday etc.)

3.  Gifts for Monday-Thursday should cost no more than $1.00- dollar store items, candy bars etc. are great. Friday's gift (#5) should cost no more than $5.00. This is the day and we guess our Secret Snowflake.

 

Holiday Party

We'll be having a lunch time party with the Lower Elementary on Friday. Following is a list of what you should please bring in for the luncheon:

1st grade- 1 to 2 dozen cookies (no cupcakes or cake please)

2nd grade- 1 box of 12 Capri Sun

3rd grade- 1 dish or pan of Macaroni and Cheese

4th grade- 30 pieces of chicken nuggets

5th grade- 1 bag of chips and dip

6th grade- fruit tray or mixed fruit (already cut)

This week has been a very fun week for the Middle School.  

 

On Monday, some of the Middle School students decorated the bin for the Joshua House toys. On Tuesday, we started the day with writing an essay about how disappointments can benefit you. On Wednesday, we had a yearbook meeting and started making the Christmas gifts for parents. 

 

On Thursday, we had a physical science test. In PE, Ms. Laura set up a circuit again where we did different things at each station.  On Friday, we made Christmas ornaments for the elderly at Westchester Gardens. 

 

This week has been a very exciting week for the Middle School

by Erin Melvin                           Right: Berkeley & Erin pass the basketball

LOWER ELEMENTARY: We had a joyful week singing songs like, "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Jingle Bells", "Little Christmas Tree", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and our version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" in Spanish. We enjoyed reading the real story behind Rudolph. The children were fascinated with the context of the reading and the whimsical drawings! We also reviewed means of transportation and greetings in Spanish.

 

UPPER ELEMENTARY: We continue expanding our vocabulary with words related to the December holidays. Students used part of the words in the form of a crossword puzzle, and others in sentences. Some children got creative and made their own booklet with beautiful drawings and labels in Spanish. It was a very festive week!

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL: Every student in this group is busy with their report and presentation about how December holidays are celebrated in Latin America. Some of the selected countries they wrote about were Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Venezuela. We are learning a lot about customs, traditions, and celebrations.

 

TRIVIA FACT: In Argentina, tuna flavored mayonnaise over sliced veal is a holiday staple. In Venezuela, residents roller skate to Midnight Mass. ( See photo at left) In El Salvador, children light small firecrackers called "volcancitos" (little volcanoes) and sparklers named "estrellitas" (little stars) to celebrate Christmas.

 

May you all have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Holiday Singing - Drivers

Just three more drivers are needed to transport the children for holiday singing at Westchester Gardens on McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater on Wednesday, December 18th.  

If you are be able to drive, please check your calendar and let us know if you can help out.  Just call the school office or send an email.

The cars will leave at 10 am and will return to school around 1 pm.  At Westchester Gardens, the children will sing for the residents and patients, present them with small gifts they have made and then have a tour of the facility.  They will be treated to a pizza lunch before returning to school.

Holiday Safety

Tampa Police Department has sent special holiday safety reminders to the school.  Please take a minute to review them.  The first is about general holiday safety and the second specifically addresses safety for pets during the holidays.  For a smile, check out the photo on the pet safety tips.

Found - Gold Chain

This morning a gold chain necklace was found on the ground just outside the front gate of the school. Please check in the office if you have lost a necklace.