Greetings Lower Elementary West Families!
We hope this letter finds you all in good health. Big thanks to all of you that had conversations about peacemaking with your children. The students were willing to accept redirection from topics of war and have found other avenues to explore their interests. It takes a village :)
We have multiple events coming up that we wanted to make sure that you could mark in your calendars. We're coming in on our last weeks of school, which completely baffles me, and the end of the year typically brings lots of celebrations and trips that you should all be aware of. First, let's start with what we did this last week:
What we've been working on...
All of the students in lower elementary had the chance to work with the adolescents in planting different seeds in the milk jugs all of you donated. They work as a type of miniature green house for the seedling. You'll notice the jugs are "planted" near the pickup area. Big thanks to Tami Limberg, one of the adolescent science teachers, for bringing our 2 communities together!
This week, first years were introduced to the history of measurement and used the length of their feet to measure different distances in the classroom. Some really want to measure the entire perimeter of the school! We have also been working on math facts, long division with the stamp game and they began a science experiment with Erik to study and observe the process from seed to plant.
Second years learned to build and classify the 7 triangles of reality, using the geometry sticks material. They also worked on their math facts and got the chance to teach stamp game division to one another and the first graders. They are also continuing their work with the Timeline of Life and excited to compile all of their cards and booklets and make shrinky dinks (ask them to explain what these are).
Third years finished writing riddles about different place values in the hierarchical material. They also worked on their math facts. Erik created an engaging lesson on how to write a paragraph (he's that good, folks) that the kids absolutely enjoyed. The third years are also wrapping up their study of the Mississippi River study in preparation for their field trip to the Mississippi River Exhibit at the Science Museum in 2 weeks. Their history projects are taking shape and we're hoping to see the fruits of all their labor very soon - ask your child what more they to need to accomplish this big work.
Important Dates and Volunteer Opportunities
Friday, May 13th - Third Grade Field Trip to the Science Museum
This is the capstone to all of the studies that the third years have done on the Mississippi River. We still need two chaperones for this event to come join us for this trip. We will need you from about 8:45 to 12:30.
Friday, May 20th - Lower Elementary Field Trip to Buttermilk Farms
This will be our second trip to this farm this year and we're looking forward to seeing the differences between the farm in fall versus spring. Thanks to all of you that volunteered to chaperone! We will send you details soon.
Friday, May 27th - First Grade Field Trip to Como Zoo
This will be a culminating project for the first years and all of the animal studies they've done over the course of the year. Erik will need 4-5 chaperones for this trip. Please let us know if you're interested.
Friday, June 3rd - Lower Elementary Museum Project 1:30 - 3:00
This will be our 3rd annual Museum Project in lower elementary. Students from LEE and LEW will mix into small groups of 5-6 and develop a little museum exhibit based on the group's interests. In the past, groups have developed displays based on dinosaurs, medieval times, greek mythology, inventions, and more. This will be the last big project of the year and it's a very fun and busy event. Be sure to come and check it out!
Monday, June 6th - All Elementary Field Trip to Como Pool
On June 6th, all elementary students will trek over to Como Pool from 10:00-1:30 to celebrate and have a good old time. I've attached the permission slip to this trip since we will be needed some contributions to cover the cost of this trip. We will also send the form in next week's Thursday just in case. We still need at least 1 more chaperone for this trip.
Wednesday, June 8th - Parent Appreciation Day 1:30-3:00
This is a day to celebrate and appreciate... YOU! We are incredibly grateful for all of the love and support you've provided this year. Please come and let the children pamper you with love and gifts. We truly enjoy this day.
Flowers for May and June
We've grown used to having fresh flowers in the room. If you're interested in bringing in flowers once a week or once every two weeks until the end of the year, please let me know.
Wish List Items
With many big projects approaching, expect some odd requests for crafty materials. Currently we need:
- Modge podge
- Ticonderoga pencils
- Shoe boxes
- Stay tuned...
Looks like it's truly time to celebrate the closing of this school year. Hope many you will get the chance to join us!
Happy May Day everyone!
-- Jessy Eaton Fabel
Lower Elementary Guide"Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." ~ Maria Montessori
