Friday Letter - 05.11.2012

5/11/12

Dear RiverRun Families,

Debbie has been out for the week and Nancy Adis (Courtney's mom) has been in all week to help out. Thank you Nancy.

The class has been busy using the materials to practice and master their work. Lessons centered around the children showing me all they know. The beauty of the Montessori classroom is being able to watch the children teach and help each other when needed.

Preparations for the class play continue. Gwen, Luke, Abigail, Liam, Kalia, Sean, Ben and Hamza all were sent home with a request for help with their costumes. If you are running into difficulties or just feel overwhelmed by the task, let us know and we can help.

During Writer's Workshop I have worked with the elders on patterns for poems which rhyme. The first and second years have continued to work on acrostic poems and Haiku. We also continue to work on punctuation and the rules for capitalization.

Recently we've been studying Africa and we are pleased to share that Hamza and Hasan's mother and grandmother (both from Africa) will be guiding us in cooking authentic African food on Tuesday, May 22nd. Please send $5 cash per student in to the classroom by Wednesday, May16th, as we will use these funds to purchase the cooking ingredients. The students will be cooking in the morning and then enjoying the meal at lunch time. While you do not need to send a packed lunch that day, your child should still bring a hearty snack which could be used to supplement the meal if some recipes are not to their liking.

Please ensure that your child has sneakers for PE and a full change of clothes at school. Our play area tends to hold water and the students end up with wet socks or muddy pants. Often socks and pants may need to be changed after recess. Also, if you are interested in having your child wear bug repellent, be sure to send some in and instruct them on your expectations for usage.

A mother's love determines how
We love ourselves and others.
There is no sky we'll ever see
Not lit by that first love.

Stripped of love, the universe
Would drive us mad with pain;
But we are born into a world
That greets our cries with joy.

How much I owe you for the kiss
That told me who I was!
The greatest gift--a love of life--
Lay laughing in your eyes.

Because of you my world still has
The soft grace of your smile;
And every wind of fortune bears
The scent of your caress.
BY: Nicholas Gordan

Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, May 16 School Photo Orders Due/$5 Cooking Fee Due
Monday, May 28 No School, Memorial Day
Friday, June 1-3 Taconic State Campground
Tuesday, June 5 Concert/Play (evening)
Wednesday, June 13 Portfolio Day (during school day)

Enjoy your weekend and Happy Mother's Day,
Amy & Nancy