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May 19, 2013
Greetings!
A lot of great stories to share from this week, so let's jump right to it (with Alumni news at the end) - click on the photo to take you to more from that gallery.
Can you say "BIG Opportunities"?
"Nature" is a recurring theme this week, as Swain students - young and old - enjoyed activities outdoors, and related to nature.
 Swain's Class of 2013 traveled to Virginia to spend four days at the Marine Science Consortium. They participated in a very hands-on learning program that studied various aspects of marine ecology. Highlights of the trip included trawling for fish and other bay creatures, using a "Godzilla Walk" to lure marine wildlife specimens into nets in a channel of the bay, diving into a mud pit after studying the details of a salt marsh, and having some good old fashioned fun and bonding on the beach -including a cookout and bonfire on their last evening there. (Friends forever: Jeff, Zach, Jenna, Ben)
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Highlights of the 8th Grade Class Trip
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More mud! This time from the  "Tough Mudder" obstacle course our 5th-8th grade Cross Fit participants undertook to wrap up their spring season. The course included different exercises, from push-ups to squat jumps, obstacles like tires and an army crawl, and of course, mud! (Showing their stuff: Addison, Claire, Noel, Mia, Raymond, Shyam, Reilly and Nelson.)
 Our 6th- and 7th graders also enjoyed several outdoor education experiences, including a trip together to Hawk Mountain. Mrs. Franzyshen shares these photos from the 6th graders' trip to Spring Mountain, for some geo-caching and zipline fun. (Rachel tries her hand at ziplining.)
 This time, more nature - of a cleaner variety! Mrs. Akers and Mrs. Johnson have set up a "Nature Observatory" in their Prekindergarten room, which is supplementing their study of insects. Make sure you check out the display of giant insects outside their classroom, inspired by artist Eric Carle! (Ava is on the lookout for bugs.)
A few weeks ago Mrs. O'Neill  delivered caterpillars to all the PS-2nd grade classrooms, and the students have been eagerly awaiting their metamorphosis into butterflies. Mrs. Stout and Mrs. Loar (Kindergarten), and Mrs. Pugh (third grade) shared their photos on SmugMug, our photo gallery.
We've also enjoyed a visit from 40 'peeps', an assortment of rare chicken varieties - and we were also happy to hear that the six eggs rescued from the mother duck we recently lost, have hatched and are doing well. Thanks to the Bardman family for providing a home for all the little ones!
Indoors fun
One of the highlights of Swain's annual  entertainment calendar is the Second Grade Talent Show, where the students share what they love. More than just a show, it gives the students a 'big opportunity' to learn about being in front of an appreci-ative audience. (The comedic stylings of Lucas and Charlie.)
 The Prekindergarten students and their families gathered for the popular "Alphabet Party", for all things A-B-C: games, activities, song and refreshments. These photos from Mrs. Takacs' and Mrs. Hollenbeck's classroom show some of the fun they had!
We are always eager to welcome  back our alumni, especially when they make presentations to our current students. Sabrina Kennedy '11 (pictured at far left), currently a sophomore at The Hill School, was on campus to share her love and expertise of glassblowing, with our sixth grade students. Sabrina credits a book she read in Mary Gruber's sixth grade English class, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village,
for inspiring her to learn archery, fencing, and glassblowing.
And calling all members of the Class of 2009 -
Before you head off to your next adventure, we'd like to help you celebrate the end of your secondary school career! Please join us on Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. at Louie's Restaurant for some fun, good food, and sharing of memories and plans.
So far we've heard that 13 of you are coming (yay!), so please let Mrs. Werner know if you will be there - send her an email at mwerner@swain.org. |
