Our Geometry explorations continue this week in Lower El.  Naming triangles by length of sides, becoming acquainted with the various parts of a circle, and reviewing the characteristics of a point, a line, and a surface ( the elements of a solid ) have been part of our work this week.  

Our continent study of Africa also began this week.  We will be exploring the peoples, the biomes, and the flora and fauna of this continent through our books and materials in the classroom, as well as in Art class.

Extra Clothes:  There are still many children without extra clothes in their boxes, and children who have come to school without snow or rain pants.  It is important to us that everyone get outside at recess, and not having the appropriate clothing makes this difficult.  We are entering Mud Season, and we want everyone to be comfortable and dry when they return from P.E. and recess!  

Uke/Recorder Parents: Please note that Uke and Recorder classes are now happening on Thursdays again and that children will need their instruments.

Enjoy your weekend!

Kerstin and Patrick

Students began to prepare for their upcoming parent conferences by thinking about their progress in our areas of study and by choosing a work from each area representing their accomplishments. They were also asked to think about a goal or challenge in each area for the remainder of the year.

Fifth grade students have begun their Journey North work, in which they are tracking sunlight in various mystery locations around the globe.  They are also studying the photoperiod for Brattleboro, and are graphing or charting all of this information.

The sixths are winding up the seminar book, Across Five Aprils, which has given us a close-up glimpse into one family's experiences during the Civil War.  We have created maps and timelines to help connect the reading with their current history study.   Students have been personally moved by the remarkable mix of family events described in this book - all based on true stories and letters from one southern Illinois family.

In Art, the class continues to work with various types of geometric design in connection with the Silk Road study.  Ask your student how to circumscribe an equilateral triangle, a square (fifths), or even a regular pentagon (a few of them!) using only a compass and straight edge.

One of the major highlights of the week was the trip to the Latchis Theater to hear the Windham Orchestra perform. The program included a piece written by a local composer, Dan Seiden, and featured our own Owen James on guitar solo! Owen shared the stage with two small student ensembles as well as the orchestra. He was fabulous!

Although Spring has technically arrived, students do need outdoor boots, jackets, hats, etc. for recess and P.E.  Snow pants can still be appropriate for many of their current recess activities, and separate indoor and outdoor shoes are a must during mud season.

We look forward to seeing you at conferences next week, and at our April 10 play performance at 1:00 and 5:00.

Middle School Clump

Atman - The self, one's own nature; the individual soul.

Brahman - The absolute, the world soul, the unifying principle of the universe.

In Hinduism the goal is to merge the Atman into the Brahman, to find the unity of Dharma, the universal law that holds all life together. The individual, through practice and wisdom, moves beyond the attachments of self to the realms of compassion and love. This can take many lifetimes but presents the soul many opportunities to practice truth in every step of their life.

"Shree Krishna sharanam mamah" (I surrender to you Krishna).

Chanting with Sheetal

Youth Services will host their Annual Summer Camp Fair on Friday, April 4, on Gallery Walk Night from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden in downtown Brattleboro. Including our own Hilltop Montessori SummerFun!

Parents will be able to pick up information about and register their children for nearly two dozen summer camp programs at the Camp Fair. There will be activities and entertainment provided for the children by many of the staff from the camps. Youth Services will hold two free drawings for $100 credit toward a camp of the winner's choice. For more information, call Youth Services at 257-0361.

Food Connects wants to hear from you about food! Join us and other parents for dinner and a conversation about accessing healthy & local food in our community. Your input is valuable and will help to inform our work!

WHEN: Monday, March 24th from 6-8 pm

WHERE: The Root Social Justice Center 28 Williams St, Brattleboro, VT (ground floor)

Dinner and childcare will be provided. Participants will be entered into a raffle for a local food basket and other exciting prizes!

If you can attend, or can help us spread the word, please RSVP to Helen (helen@FoodConnects.org) or (703) 835-7224