Greetings Turtle Families!

We have been busy getting our supplies ready for the handwork we will do this year. This week each student collected leaves, pine straw and other natural elements to use for decoration on their handwork bags. They each arranged the treasures they collected on top of canvas bags and then we sprayed solar dye onto the bags. As the sun shined, the dye turned blue. The children were amazed to see the final results. We will keep our handwork projects in these bags throughout the year. This allows the students to keep up with their own supplies and work on projects over time. They will bring their creations home as they complete them. Also, this week, each student was given a wooden loom to keep in their bag. They spent time early in the week sanding their looms and then rubbing beeswax on them to make them smooth for their future weaving projects. Some students began their first weaving project and it was exciting to see the concentration and learning. While some picked up the under-over-under-over motions quickly and soon had the beginnings of a beautiful weaving on their boards, others struggled. We talked about how new skills require practice and may not be easy when you first begin. A couple of children who had begun their own weaving were eager to help their classmates. Watching them teach each other was so sweet.

The weather this week was beautiful, but hot and buggy! Please make sure you are packing plenty of water and insect repellant. We encourage the children to take water breaks throughout the day and we help them reapply bug spray. We had some heavy rains in the evening on Tuesday, so we visited the farm on Wednesday and Thursday, instead of the creek. We enjoyed feeding the donkeys and goats. Then we got to spend some time on the big playground; the children called it “The Park”. They had fun spinning, and spinning each other, on the tire swing. They also enjoyed the challenge of the larger climbing dome. We did enjoy some time at the creek on Friday. It is a pleasure to watch our class grow and learn together. Thank you again for sharing your children with us.

Important Reminders:

Our school’s next work day is Saturday, September 17th. There are always many tasks to do to keep our amazing school running at its best; we are grateful for your support. And of course, it counts toward your volunteer hours.
Friday, 9/23 is a half day. 12:15-12:30 dismissal for all students.
September 26-30 is fall break, there is no school that week.

Grace and Peace,

Ki Kim