May 18, 2014

Greetings -

Last Sunday we shared a photo of

our mama duck on her nest - the next day our PK kids were outside on the playground when the entire new family took leave of the Swain

campus, on their way to a new home - how exciting to witness nature in action!

More nature news

For several weeks the Preschool - 2nd graders have been monitoring the progress of the caterpillars that have been developing, in habitats created by each classroom.

The caterpillars are completing their metamorphoses into butterflies, and several classes have held a butterfly release, including the second graders (click on the image for more photos). It is always thrilling to watch the butterflies take flight for the first time!

The second grade classes also took an interesting trip to Jacobsburg State Park, enjoying hiking, a museum tour, and time to explore Bushkill Creek - up close! Swain students are very lucky to take numerous trips to area parks and nature areas, continuing our founder's emphasis on spending time outdoors and taking excursions to local attractions. (Click on picture for more photos.)

Our first graders enjoyed nature study

of a different sort - they have been learning about landforms in their science class, and on Wednesday shared their new-found knowledge at their Science Expo.

In addition to learning new things, participation in a Science Expo provides an opportunity to communicate that knowledge in writing and visually (by preparing a display), and orally, to the many interested visitors who attend these events. (Click on this photo for more pictures.)

And now they know their ABC's

It's very likely they already knew them, but it was fun for our Prekindergarten students to celebrate their knowledge of the alphabet at their recent Alphabet Party.

Ten activities, including alphabet stories, an alphabet themed-lunch, and an alphabet video helped them complete their study of the alphabet, in style! Check out Mrs. Akers and Mrs. Johnson's class photos and Mrs. Takacs and Mrs. Hollenbeck's class pictures.

This Week on Facebook...

If you're not a regular viewer of our Facebook posts, here is our top post of the week*:

From Friday:

At last night's Spring Concert, longtime band instructor Stanley Moyer presented a stirring narration to one of the band's numbers, and later in the evening announced his retirement after 51 years. He was presented with the traditional "Swain" chair, and here is joined by a fellow trumpet player!

Click on the photo for more pictures from the concert, which featured musicians in grades 3-8, under the direction of band director Caitlin Worrich and vocal music director Bonnie McClintock Cohen.

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www.swain.org