Greetings Honeybee Families,
We had a lovely, brisk weather this week! There’s magic in and around the forest this time of year- ice crystals, colorful leaves, and the steady sound of our wind chimes. We heard the geese flying overhead each day and watched as they passed over us. On Thursday, we saw a massive flock flying in a straight line as we were walking in a straight line- it was truly a sight to behold.
The students enjoyed playing in the big playground this past week. They were able to test their climbing skills on the large climbing dome, climb on the monkey bars, and swing on the swings. The large open space also made for an exciting game of soccer. In the forest, the children were delighted to discover ice in the mud kitchen area. Pots and pans that had been filled with water froze over with leaves still inside them. The students were able to scoop the ice out and hold it up in the sun to see the beautiful effect it created. In handwork, we are adding a new “friend” to our class. The children have named our crocheted snake “Sissy,” and we are repurposing our scraps of wool and yarn for the filling. On Friday, we celebrated our beloved Tirzah’s sixth birthday, Happy Birthday Tirzah! It was heartwarming to hear stories from her birth and childhood. We also met with the Turtles class and helped prepare our candles for the Winter Spiral Festival. The children of both classes made a long line, and each dipped their candlestick into beeswax until it was the appropriate size to fit the candle holder.
We will be walking the Winter Spiral this Friday. This reverent festival of light occurs during the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The children quietly walk, one by one, to the center of the spiral, carrying a candle they will light from the candle in the center. Each child will find a star along the spiral where they place their candle. By the end, a beautiful lighted spiral forms. This is symbolic of each of us sharing our light with the world and how together we can help guide each other through the dark. Our walk will begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Families are welcome to watch their child’s class walk the spiral.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please continue to send water-resistant heavy coats, hats, gloves, snow pants or rain pants, and insulated boots daily. Please also continue to dress your child in layers. Wool socks are highly recommended on days under 45 degrees.
Winter Spiral is this week! Our class will participate on Friday, 12/8, at 9:15. Families are welcome to attend, and two-day families are invited to bring their children to participate with the class, as well. Please send your child with long hair pulled back and in clothing that is not loose fitting as protection from the candles.
Help us support Tweens and Teens this year for the MUST Ministries Toy Drive. Please see the Main Message in the Garden Messanger for more information.
Upcoming Events:
12/07 Grades 1st - 5th Winter Spiral
12/08 Kindergarten Winter Spiral
12/20 Grades Assembly - 12:00 p.m. & Last Day of Fall Semester - Half Day
12/21 Teacher In-Service (No School)
12/22 - 01/03 Winter Break (No School)
01/04 First day of Spring Semester
Thank you for all that you do and for sharing your precious children with us.
Peace & Light,
Ki Fatima
