Friday Letter - 02.10.2012

2/10/12

Dear RiverRun Families,

This week I have continued to give lessons on the composition of the Earth and the atmosphere. We learned about the troposphere (all life is supported here), stratosphere (ozone to protect us from the sun's rays), mesosphere (most meteors burn up in this layer), thermosphere (thick to reduce the warming power of the sun) and exosphere (it is very very cold).

We finished the book Because of Winn Dixie, which was a really emotional book. It was enjoyed by all. It was full of some good life lessons about loss, the importance of friendship, and finding the good around you. I had to hold back the tears.

On the topic of loss, Raspberry, our fish, died. The children wrote some lovely notes to her which they read as we buried her outside. I am planning on buying another beta fish for the class to enjoy.

The lunch swap requests have been sent home today. Have fun putting together the lunch. The children are very creative and love art as you will all see from the wonderful things they created for the Hearts To Help campaign. Check out the Gazette's education section; they have written an article on our efforts.

Carrie, our music teacher, has been teaching the children the Solfege Syllables. DO-SOL-ME have been practiced thus far! She is happy with the progress the children are making! We are singing an African song she taught us when we line up for recess and dismissal. You may hear your child singing Sansa kro -ma.........

We are looking forward to seeing families at the Schenectady Greenmarket this Sunday. The market hours are 10:00-2:00. We realize families are busy and have commitments. If your family cannot make it, don't worry. There will be other opportunities to participate.

On Wednesday we will be holding an Open House during school hours. We hope to have a good turn out as we try to add to our already wonderful program and extend to Upper Elementary.

Have a lovely weekend,
Amy and Debbie

Dates to remember:
2/12/12 Greenmarket 10:00-2:00
2/14/12 lunch swap
2/15/12 Open House 9:30-11:00
2/17/12-Parent/Teacher confrence
2/20/12-2/24/12 Winter Break