November 12, 2018

Good Afternoon,

Video conferencing with our Florida friends

  I want to start by thanking all of you who were able to contribute (in some form) to the success of the Ski and Skate sale.  It always amazes me how many community members pitch in to create one of the most remarkable fundraisers I have ever seen.  The vibe is always good and the benefits for the students are amazing.

  My students, your children, have been on fire as of late. They have been publishing stories left and right and really getting into writing with detail.  We have started to have final illustrated books finished and they have been put in our classroom library for all to share and enjoy.

Kai's note for a veteran

  On Friday, we talked with our 1st grade friends in Florida.  They shared with us all about their fall festival and the HUGE Veterans' Day celebration that their whole school had.  We talked about our Ski and Skate sale tradition and shared some other facts too.  On Friday afternoon, I talked with the class about Veterans' Day and why we have it.  The kids then wrote letters to Veterans and I posted them on Facebook to be shared with veterans using social media.  At the end of this post are the rest of the letters.

This Thursday is our Thanksgiving luncheon.  If you wish to be part of it, please RSVP to Kathy.  She needs to turn in a count to Cheryl so that we have enough food.  If you are able to attend that is wonderful and I have a favor to ask.  If you see a kid whose family can't step away from work, I ask that you ask them to join your family for the luncheon.  I know it will go a long way in making sure no one feels sad.  I appreciate your efforts with this and in helping our school family celebrate as a whole.

A note from Ms. Fornaby:

Ms. Fornaby leading science

I have been so impressed watching the 1st and 2nd graders work as engineers and scientists during our unit on light and sound! Last week's lesson left us with a problem: a group of kids got lost on a hike. They will have to find a way to communicate with the other group they came with, using only the supplies in their backpacks. While we haven't come up with any solutions yet, the class has a feeling that light and/or sound will be involved (they're right!).
The focus of our 2nd lesson was on sound. We talked about the process of hearing sound, which travels in waves through the air. Students learned that our ears catch sounds and then send a message to our brain, which then recognizes the sound. The rest of the lesson was spend at sound stations. Students explored ways to make sound with materials like plastic cups, rubber bands, and metal water bottles. Students also met with me (Ms. Fornaby) for one station, to discover tuning forks. They learned that when struck against another surface, the fork will vibrate and make a dinging noise. We also put the forks in contact with water and observed the water rippling and spraying inside the cups. This was definitely a highlight of the lesson! Next week will learn about light.

Judy working with some young writers

You may have heard your child talking about Judy.  Judy is a community member who use to work for the state in accrediting preschool programs.  She comes in during writing times and helps kids edit their work.  She also does a read a loud while she is hear on Mondays.  The kids really seem to enjoy her presence and the work she is doing with them.  

That is all for now.  Have a wonderful week!

Peace,

Tommy