Hi Everyone,

The children have been busy, fluttering around the classroom, learning about butterflies.  They have learned that butterflies are insects, therefor they have a head, thorax, abdomen and six legs.  They also learned that butterflies have four wings, which are symmetrical, antennae and a proboscis, which they use to “sip” nectar from flowers.  They designed their own butterflies using cray-pas on black paper.  They also created their own insects using geometric shapes.  Once they selected the shapes for the three body parts and six legs, the children decided if their insects would have stingers, wings or other interesting features. They have been posted in the Berkshire Room for your enjoyment.  We have also discussed the fact that many insects have “compound eyes.”  You may have seen our compound eye glasses in the Science Corner.  Next week, we will talk about spiders, or arachnids, which are not insects. 

 

To add to our “living” Science Corner, Max brought in an aquarium of tadpoles from a pond for us to observe.  He also brought in a salamander he found for a day.  When finding a salamander, if you wish to borrow it to observe for a day, be sure to provide it with some water or moister and fresh leaves to hide under.  They do not like light.  Also, be sure, to return it to the same spot you found it, as it will return to the body of water where it was born as it searches for a mate.  Thank you for sharing your discoveries with us, Max. 

 

 

On Thursday, we celebrated our last Star Day.  Lyle’s mom and dad, Emily and Don, joined us for Morning Meeting.  Recently, Lyle has been attending Karate lessons, so he chose to wear his Gui throughout his special meeting.  He also demonstrated how the students bow to their teacher and call him or her “Sensei” upon entering the Dojo and as a sign of respect at the end of the class.  He also demonstrated some of the poses and how to fall in a safe manner.  We learned that when he was a baby, Lyle liked to wear his daddy’s shoes and sit on his dog, “Rosie.”  Now that he is five, he likes to do Karate and play on his swing set.  Lyle also enjoys riding his pony and playing sports.  His Photo Board was decorated with lots and lots of pictures of Lyle when he was just a brand new baby; his family;Lyle driving the boat;Lyle driving the tractor, Lyle skiing, Lyle building sandcastles at the beach and Lyle in a real hot air balloon, just to name a few!  He did a fine job of telling his classmates a little bit about each of the photos.  Emily read us “Ten Timid Ghosts,” by Jennifer O’Connel and “Down on the Farm,” by Merrily Kutner and Will Hillenbrand.   Later in the morning we also read another of Lyle’s favorites “Do Your Ears Hang Low,” illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church.  For snack, Emily and Lyle got up in the wee hours of the morning to collect the eggs from their chicken to make brownies, chocolate chip cookies and pancakes.  To go along with the pancakes, we also had whipped cream, syrup, strawberries and blueberries.  This might be why it looked as though some children hadn’t eaten a thing all day long!  Lyle also brought in a star sticker for each of his friends and shared his bouncy pony, “Rody.”  Happy Star Day and Happy Birthday, Lyle!  Thanks for a great day.

 

 

As many of our students are not here on Friday afternoon, we decided to take our “Hike for Juvenile Diabetes” on Friday morning.  Thank you to those of you who sent in donations for this very worthy cause.  FYI, there is no due date for contributions.  Donations, no matter how large or small, are always accepted.  The Preschool students hiked on a little stretch of Mike’s Trail, located behind the Science Lab.  It was a beautiful morning and a great time for a hike!

 

 

On Wednesday, the children decorated bookmarks to say “Thank-you” to their Peer Readers.  We gathered in Second Grade on Friday for our final Peer Reading session.  We watched a slide-show projected on the wall, which included photos of some of the Second Grade students when they were 3, 4 and 5 years old, as well as photos of the teams reading together throughout the year.  After, we all enjoyed frozen fruit pops and strawberries on the playground.  What a great year of reading!

During the next two weeks of school, we will be taking time to reflect on the school-year and all that we have accomplished.  We will also review our “Pre-K Hopes and Dreams,” that were posted back in September.  In addition, we will take the time to thank various members of our community for all that they did for us throughout the year.  “Move-Up Lunch” will take place next Thursday. We choose to call it “Lunch with Mrs. Patel” and “Lunch with Mrs. Atwater and Miss Guerette.”  The children will bring their lunches to either the Kindergarten or The Berkshire Room.   This is a good time to talk with your child about plans you may have for them for the Summer and for the Fall.  We will talk about these plans during Morning Meeting next Thursday.

This Wednesday,June 1st, Preschool through Third Grade will celebrate Fun Day.  Please arrive to school before 8:30am.  Children should dress for playing games outdoors in the morning.  Sneakers are best for running games.  Children may also wear their bathing suits under their clothes.  After lunch we will have the opportunity to play in the water and, possibly, slide on a water slide.  You should also pack a towel, flip flops and a change of clothes.  Please apply sunscreen in the morning and pack some in his or her backpack for us to re-apply later in the day.  The PA will provide fruit for snack and there will also be a cook-out at 11:30am.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and watermelon will be served.  Please feel free to send a regular lunch for your child, but do not include anything that requires heating up.  The Rain Date for this event is Thursday, June 2nd. 

Important Reminders:

  • As the temperature has changed, please check your bag of extra clothes for your child to be sure everything fits and that there is a complete change of clothes
  • On sunny days, please apply sunscreen before school.  Send sunscreen in your child’s backpack if you would like it reapplied later in the day.  Please label sunscreen with your name.
  • Bring Library books back on Friday!  Please keep your eyes out for BCD Library books in your home collections.
  • If lunch items need to be heated up, please be sure the container can be too
  • Please be sure to include a spoon or fork when needed
  • The Preschool classrooms open at 7:55a.m.
  • Remember to have your child wash his or her hands before entering the classroom each morning
  • Please be sure your child has sneakers and socks for the playground. Sandals, crocs, cowboy boots, etc. are not safe on the climber.
  • It is good idea for children wearing dresses to also wear shorts or leggings.

Important Dates:

  • Monday, May 30, No School, Memorial Day
  • Wednesday, June 1, Field and Fun Day, details listed above.
  • Thursday, June 2nd, “Lunch with Mrs. Patel” and “Lunch with Mrs. Atwater and Miss Guerette,” details listed above.   
  • Wednesday, June 8, Last Day of School, Closing Ceremonies, ~ 11:30a.m.   Children will be dismissed to their families at the conclusion of this event.  All School Year End Picnic, ~ 12 noon, Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch and lay a blanket out on the BCD lawns, just like at Tanglewood!  Well…almost!
  • Please remember to return Library books
  • Please replenish extra clothing

Enjoy the Weekend!

Ellie and Joni