I want to let you know that there has been a probable case of chicken pox this past Monday, April 5.  The incubation time is 15 to 21 days, so please keep an eye on your child for the classic bumps and lesions. Please keep your child out of school during the contagious period. It is usually acceptable to assume that it is not contagious once the lesions scab over. Fever, general malaise and loss of appetite can also accompany chicken pox adding to the discomfort. As always, check with your child's physician.

Now that snowsuit weather is (hopefully) over, we have started a new classroom maintenance/clean up routine.  The Kindergartners each get one of three "jobs" for a week, as well as choosing a daily "trainee" from the middle-age group of children.  The three jobs are:  Dish washing and snack area maintenance, tabletop maintenance, and classroom floor maintenance.  Within these seemingly simple three jobs there are many adjunct pieces that are assimilated; the children become more observant, conscientious, and mentoring.  There is a direct way for them to engage in the teaching/learning process with the younger child.  Each morning at the "Kindergarten Snack" time they will choose their trainee for the day and discuss ideas to work on time management, language to use for training and other interactive concepts. The main process will occur prior to going outside in the morning and the afternoon as well.  The first year students will be observing and internalizing this shared process in a particular way and so that they appreciate how important it is to remember to put their works away and keep things straightened as they go through the day.

As vacation approaches we are looking for a family to care for the turtles while we’re away. I will be out of town during vacation so if there is a family who lives near by and would be willing to check in and feed Rose and Fern that would be great! Please let me know if you’re interested…thanks!

Blessings, Mary Anna