The week was filled with revelation and adventure. It began with careful observation of decomposers in soil through microscopes. The children were able to sift through their soil samples and find all kinds of tiny critters: worms, ants, spiders, millipedes, worm eggs, grubs/larva and plant matter. The sand in the soil presented as individual rocks laced through the dirt. There were many spontaneous remarks of wonder. Neal said the shiny pieces of rock in the sand looked like “ice cubes”. The children recorded the properties of the soil. Mrs. Allentuck took children out onto Mike’s trail to find fungus, another organic helper in decomposition. Looking at anything closely is quite magical, as well as scientific.
Thanks to the families of Ellie and Jacob for a FANTASTIC Lunch Bunch! We had homemade macaroni and cheese, fresh vegetables, cookies and muffins for dessert. “It is the best macaroni and cheese I have ever had!” commented Gabi. Those hot meals make all the difference. We really love Lunch Bunch days.
We stepped back into Colonial Times on Wednesday and the children made tin lanterns in the shop with Mrs. Allentuck. First they made designs and then hammered nail holes into the tin cans for the light to shine through. Meanwhile children were making hand-dipped candles with Ms. Milani in the classroom. They had to dip each candle 20 times to get a whole candle. The process had a real impact on the children. They have a better sense of the time and care that it took for the Colonists to simply have light in their lives.
We travelled off campus and climbed a mountain in Kennedy Park on Thursday. It was windy and cold on the top but that didn’t’ stop the BCD Lower School’s adventure! The K-3 children did a nature scavenger hunt, created leaf rubbings, and made natural bookmarks and necklaces. We huddled together in the sun for our picnic lunch. We finished Mountain Day with a 45 minute hike through the park. The BCD Lower School students were resilient and strong. It was a great adventure!
And then it was Halloween. The children dressed and paraded around campus. We recited three poems at our all school assembly. Ask your child to recite them for you. Then we had our fantastic treats. Thanks to all the families who contributed to our Halloween party. It was festive and delicious.
Happy Birthday to Libby and Bronly!
Next week we travel to the Berkshire Botanical garden on Wednesday to learn more about soil.(Details will be emailed). Parent Teacher Conferences are Thursday after school and Friday morning. Please schedule a time online. No school for students on Friday.
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