Osiyo, Chickadee Families,
Last week was filled with fun projects and new experiences for the Chickadee class. On Tuesday, students had the opportunity to see and touch a full-shed snake skin found on the school property. They were able to observe many details, including the different patterns and textures on the belly and the back, and even the places where the eyes and mouth had been! Wednesday was May 1st, celebrated in some cultures as May Day or Beltane. To recognize this special time, approximately halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice, the Chickadees enjoyed butterfly pea flower tea and also made a raggy tree. Each student received a cut strip of flower-patterned fabric. Teachers helped the children write a wish on their strip of cloth and tie it onto branches of the tree near the tree fort. While there were a variety of wishes, by far, the most popular wish was for playdates with their classmates. The students have developed such beautiful and meaningful connections and friendships this year! As they waited for their strips of cloth, the children watched as dried butterfly pea flowers were placed into a metal strainer inside a clear glass teapot. Warm water was added, and students observed the water change from clear to light blue, and then to deep purple as the tea steeped. Each child enjoyed a cup of the tea and learned that tea is made by pouring hot or warm water over certain dried flowers and herbs.
The final two weeks of school will be filled with excitement! Students will continue to visit the farm and creek as weather permits. This week, students will finish semester-long projects and take them home. Next week, the class will enjoy a variety of new and special experiences to finish the school year. Wednesday, May 15th is field day. Students will participate in activities such as bean bag toss, filling a bucket with water using sponges, and playing with a large parachute. They will also enjoy Outshine popsicles as a snack. This day is a half day (12:15-12:30 dismissal) for all kindergarten students. The rest of the week, we will revisit favorite activities from the year, enjoy special allergen-free, vegan snacks such as watermelon, homemade lemonade they will make as a class, sun tea made from the lemon balm the students grew in class, sea salt popcorn, and vegan french bread. Please pack your child a snack from home each day, as well. Some of these lighter snacks are not as filling as the grains we most often enjoy. Vegetables and apples will not need to be brought to school next week.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please send two full water bottles every day
Please continue to send rain gear every day, as the forest is still muddy for a few days after a rain. Check backpacks daily for wet or soiled rain gear and clothes and replace as needed.
Please send students with long pants over their shorts when the morning is under 65 degrees, as they often feel chilly in the shaded forest for the first part of the day.
Upcoming Events:
5/11 Community Work Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
5/14 Sixth Grade Class Play 5:30 p.m.
5/15 Field Day / Half Day for Kindergarten
5/17 Last Day of School - Full Day
Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being part of our community.
Gvyalieliga,
Ki Holly
