Weekly Update

Dear Families,
We have had such an amazing couple of weeks, filled with extra special events and learning activities.
Last week, we had a school-wide celebration because we filled the office bee-hive again.  We met in the gym and "jazzercized" together with Cooper's mom.  We had so much fun following her movement directions.  Here are some pictures:

Last week, Amy Huntington, a local author and illustrator, also visited our school.  She taught us about the writing process and how she makes children's books.  It was great to hear from a "real" author.  We realized that we are learning many of the same things in our writer's workshop!  For example, we meet with editors too and reflect on our own and our friends' writing pieces.  Furthermore, we also add detailed to our pictures and words.  Ms. Huntington showed us pictures from different stages of the book publishing process and she even read some of her books out loud to us.

Last week, Ms. Emilie, our visiting UVM student intern, also led Morning Meeting.  She taught us two new games and showed us a new "Spider Web Greeting."  We practiced team-work and kindness as we greeted each other.  Thank you Emilie for teaching us these fun and educational games.

Yesterday, we had our first Team harmony Iditarod Race.  It was a huge success.  Thank you parents for volunteering your time and assistance.  If you could not make it, I hope you have a chance to see the pictures below.  As you might recall from earlier blog-posts and emails, the students on Harmony participated in a series of workshops preparing for this race.  They were challenged to design a structure that would hold an egg (which symbolized the serum from the real Iditarod race) throughout the entire course on the fields behind our school.  The students were divided into small teams, with friends from all classes on Harmony.  The created a team flag and team name, assigned roles and mushers.  In the race, they had to go through 10 check-points, while working together to solve the various challenges.  For example, they answered trivia questions, participated in an egg toss, cared for their "dogs" and wrote a letter "home".  The children did an amazing job throughout this entire process and we had so much fun.  Thank you all for helping us out!

Lastly, we are scheduled to attend the WCS Play next Wednesday, April 8th in the afternoon.  We will dismiss from WCS.  If you need to pick up your child on Wednesday next week, please do so from WCS.  If your child attends Part 2, a bus will bring your child back to ABS.  All other children will follow regular dismissal instructions and board their respective buses at WCS.  Thank you!

Have a great day today and tomorrow.  Let's enjoy the warmer temperatures while we can. I heard it is getting cold again this weekend. 

Best,
Maria