Weekly Update

Dear Families,
This week, Team Harmony started the new science unit on the solar system.   For fours weeks, the students will rotate through a series of workshops, learning about different aspects of our solar system.  When the students are with me, they will learn about the sun and the planets.  They will also deepen their understanding of the seasons and why we have day and night.  We will do this through many different hands-on activities in small groups.  Ask your child to explain how we can use flash-lights and clementines to show our seasons and days and nights.
When the students are with Ms. Crowley, they will deepen their understanding of the moon and its phases.  Don't forget to ask your child to share about the first moon landing and what my personal connection to it is!
Mrs benoit is providing workshops on the stars and the constellations and Miss Caitlin will teach the students about astronauts and gravity (and lack thereof in space). Throughout this unit, the students will continue to think like scientists and ask questions and use their senses.  They will also be encouraged to draw conclusions from what they have learned.

We have a new favorite song on Team Harmony now.  It is already linked on our wiki (and on Mrs Benoit's blog).  It is calle3d "Shooting Stars" and it is by Owl City.  Click here to listen to it.

This week, we also visited the Flynn Theater.  We saw "Lily's purple plastic purse" by Kevin Henkes.  Kevin Henkes is one of our favorite authors.  It turned out that the show was a collection of his stories.  We loved it as we got to "meet" Chester, Wilson and Mr Slinger.  We also met cousin Garland and baby Julius.  Since we have talked about inside and outside character traits in our class, we loved the opportunity to share more about this colorful characters.

Below is a forwarded message from Carolyn Tatlock about a wonderful opportunity to help our community during this upcoming holiday time.  I will keep a special cardboard box outside my classroom for collections if your family wishes to participate.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Allen Brook School is seeking non-perishable food items for the Williston Community Food Shelf for December and through mid-January, 2015.  The Food Shelf has  a particular need right now for:

• Pasta Sauces
• Soups
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Fruits

However, all non-perishable foods are welcome!  Students and families can bring donations to the box located at the front office or to the designated box for their classroom or team.

• For more information about the Allen Brook School December/January Food Drive, please contact John Terko, Principal (871-6202) or Carolyn Tatlock, School Counselor (871-6207).  
• If you would like to donate time, money or food directly, you can contact the Williston Community Food Shelf at (802) 735-6303 or http://www.willistonfoodshelf.com.  They are located at 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 115, Williston, VT 05495.  
• If you would like to visit the Food Shelf for food assistance they are open:
• Tuesdays:    5:00pm - 6:30pm
• Thursdays:   9:00am - 11:00am
• Saturdays:    9:00am - 11:00am 

Lastly, we love our explore time in the mornings!  This is a time when students get the opportunity to play with each other, visit other classrooms on our teams and finish projects.  It is always so nice to start the day with big smiles and happy faces when we can work together. Here are some pictures:

Have a great rest of the week.
Regards,
Maria