Hi Everyone,

Once, again, we managed to fit an awful lot of learning and fun into a very short week.  The exploration of dinosaurs continued this week.  Upon our return to school on Wednesday, the children were excited to jump back into playing with the dinosaurs, digging at the dig site and working in the Paleontology Lab.  While playing, we are observing episodes of children working in cooperation and discovering that they can accomplish great things together.

On Thursday, the children made their own dinosaurs from paper geometric shapes.  They had to choose a shape for the body; if their dinosaur walked on two or four legs; if it had a tail, spikes, horns, teeth or armor; and what color all of these body parts were to be.  They assembled them by gluing them to black paper.  You can see them displayed in the Berkshire Room.  On Friday, the children had Library and Peer Reading with Second Grade. The children were very happy to see their partners, as it had been awhile since we have seen one another.

One of the silliest moments of the day on Friday, came when we brought Mrs. Patel her “Cow” Birthday Book.  She was very surprised.  One of the funnest surprises was when she realized that almost everyone wore her favorite colors, black, white and red.  We also “mooed” her the Happy Birthday song!  Happy Birthday, Mrs. Mootel!

This week, we met Oscar Orange, from Letterland.  Oscar works on the docks near the ocean.  Here, there are lots of crates and boxes that are filled with all sorts of things, such as olives, oranges, ostriches and otters.  Once in a while, the octopus shows up to help Oscar with the cargo.  In addition, Mr. O, who is the wisest and oldest man in Letterland also drops by for a visit.  Next week, we will meet Peter Puppy!

As a reminder, we will have Pajama Day on Tuesday, January 25th.The children (and teachers) are invited to wear their pajamas to school for the day.  Kindergarten and B3s will join us for some cozy night time activities and we will provide a special snack.  Children may also bring a special blanket, a cuddle toy and a flashlight.  Feel free to send in a set of regular clothes for your child to change into later in the day, should he or she choose to do so.

Important Reminders:

  • Please replenish your child’s supply of extra clothes. Everyone needs: long sleeve shirt, long pants, a pair or 2 of underwear and 2 pairs of socks.
  • Young children need a variety of foods and plenty of them! We want to ensure that everyone has a full and content tummy!
  • Water bottles are encouraged, as we can refill them when needed.
  • Library Books need to be returned on Fridays.
  • **Please remember to enter the classroom via the Coat room and everyone please remove wet shoes and boots before entering the classrooms. **This way our floors will stay dry, as we sit on them.  Thank you!
  • Please send items to be heated up in a container that can be microwaved.  If you do not have such a container, you may send a separate bowl or small plate with your child’s lunch.
  • Please remember that items that contain nuts, peanuts, pesto or sesame oil and need to be heated up, are labeled so that we can do so in an alternate microwave, as our Preschool/Kindergarten kitchen is nut-free.
  • Please be sure your child has a snowsuit or snow-pants, hat, boots, gloves or mittens, and a warm jacket, as we try to go out everyday to play in the snow.

Dates of Importance

  • Tuesday, January 25th, Pajama Day!
  • January 28th, Ski Friday, dismissal at 12:45 p.m.
  • Monday, February 14th, Pre K Valentine’s Day Party
  • February 21st and 22nd, Mid-Winter break, No School

Enjoy the Weekend!

Ellie and Joni