It was beautiful sunny weather for 2013′s Field Day. We had fierce competition, lots of laughter, good sportsmanship and fun! The day ended with a farewell ride around the field by Mr. Ted Willis, who is retiring at the end of the year after 43 years at Foote School. Field Day is a long standing tradition at Foote and we congratulate all of the children on their enthusiastic participation and generous good sportsmanship.
Today the sun was shining on our spectacular celebration of the children’s work during our study of Native American Indians.
The morning began with the recitation of two “coming of age” poems, and then moved into the classroom for the main event. The children were knowlegeable, enthusiastic docents for our “classroom museum.” They taught their guests all about the Eastern Woodland Indians and proudly shared the many projects they completed during this unit.
The children’s excitement, confidence, and pride in their work was a joy for all of us to experience. Being able to share this occasion with so many families and friends was a special treat. Today epitomizes Foote’s belief that all children are teachers, and all of us are life long learners. We are delighted that you were able to share this special day with us.
Reminder that this Friday, April 26th is our Native American Open House
The children should arrive at 8:00 to make last minute preparations. We will gather in the parking lot circle at 8:30 to greet our guests with a group poem. This will be followed by a tour of the classroom. Your child is eager to share with you the many exciting things they have learned and made over the last few months.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please remember to check your child’s orange home/school folder for information about our bird walk. There will also be a notice within the next day or two about the upcoming MAG trip to the Hartford Science Center.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call or send me an email.
Today we celebrated Earth Day at Foote. Our celebration focused on ways we can work to save our planet, as well as thinking about how an individual can make a positive difference in the world.
The day began with an all school assembly brought to us by Horizon Wings. This is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center that specializes in birds of prey. In addition to showing us some magnificent birds of prey, they spoke to the group about ways that we can reduce environmental hazards that adversely impact wildlife.
Several student representatives from the fifth grade came to visit us and talked about Foote School’s recycling program. We saw a short video they had prepared, and had the opportunity to ask questions. They were terrific ambassadors for their grade.
After the assembly, we returned to our classroom and played a game entitled, “Oh Deer.” We divided into 2 teams and using hand signs representing water, food and shelter we played a game of gradual elimination. It became clear to us that animals require water, food and shelter in order to survive in the wild. We observed that as these necessary elements disappeared, the population of animals decreased.
We met our middle school buddies for lunch and recess. As always, it was one of the day’s highlights and the pictures tell the story much more eloquently than I can.
After lunch, Mrs. Maoz came to read us The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. This book contains an enduring lesson of environmental action and responsibility. As the Lorax says, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” That story was the inspiration for our Sugar Maple tree planting. Your child is bringing home a Sugar Maple tree that they planted this afternoon as a remembrance of today’s celebration.
We finished the day with an art activity led by Heather and inspired by the book Change The World Before Bedtime. This story focuses on the small things we do that can make a large difference in the lives of others. One of the authors of this book, Josh Chalmers, was on campus today and visited with the Kindergarteners. We will be sending him the book that we have created based on his ideas in order to express our appreciation for his work.
It was a SPECTACULAR day! We were able to combine a powerful learning experience with a great deal of fun. It was certainly one of those “Gladly we learn and gladly we teach” days for all of us.
AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED
Dear Parents,
As a culmination of our study of Native American Indians we are planning an Open House on Friday, April 26th from 8:30 until about 9:15. Please have the children arrive at 8:10 to make last minute preparations. We will welcome the parents to our rooms with a poem at 8:30.
We hope you are able to join us for this joyous celebration of all of the children’s hard work. They are looking forward to sharing their expertise with you, teaching you about many of the exciting things we have studied, and showing off the projects they have made over the last few months.
Please mark your calendar. We look forward to having you join us.
Today we went to the art room for a special project. Using natural objects like pine cones, leaves, evergreen boughs, corn husks and potato stamps we decorated our Native American shirts. As the pictures below testify to, “a great time was had by all.” There was lots of paint, enthusiasm and smiles as each child designed their very own shirt.
Painting Shirts on PhotoPeach
Today we met with our buddies for a belated Valentines celebration. Our buddies brought cupcakes and all the fixings so we could decorate the treats. There was frosting, whipped cream and all sorts of toppings to choose from. It was difficult to tell which was more fun, decorating the cupcakes or eating them! Look at these pictures and you be the judge.
Everyone came to school full of anticipation for Valentine’s Day, and anxious to share Valentines greetings with their friends.
At snack we all enjoyed eating the beautiful sugar cookies that Allison decorated for us. They tasted just as good as they looked!
After lunch we exchanged our valentines with each other. Our beautifully decorated Valentines Bags were full to the brim with love, good cheer and tasty treats to enjoy.
We hope your day was as full of love and caring as ours has been.
Dear Parents,
We will celebrate Valentine’s Day next Thursday, February 14th. Children will have the opportunity to exchange valentines Thursday afternoon. If you wish to exchange valentines please send a valentine for each child in the class. Below are the names of the children in the class.
Thanks,
Sue and Allison
Abigail Alex Alexie
Andra Annika Azaad
Conor Ellie Justin
Leo Lucy Meghan
Mia Robert Sam T.
Sammy G Teddy
Today was Spirit Day at Foote School. The school colors, maroon and grey, were seen all over campus and the children proudly wore the Falco’s Pride bracelets that were sponsored by FSTAND.
Two upper school students came to read “Chrysanthemum” a book by Kevin Henkes to the class. This story served as a springboard for an interesting discussion about appreciating diversity and acceptance.
At lunch, we also had an exciting visit from the school mascot, Falco, who posed for pictures and stayed to sign some of the children’s t-shirts.
Our goal is to have the ideals that Falco’s Pride stands for guide our behavior throughout the year!
