2nd Graders Connect with International Buddies
After connecting with our two U.S. buddy classes as part of the Global Read Aloud this past fall (written about in the October 2023 newsletter), the WE second graders took it a step farther in a related activity and connected with a buddy class all the way across the pond!
A 3rd grade class in Sweden reached out to us and invited us to become their pen pals. These students are in the process of learning the English language and thought it would be fun to practice their skills with some new friends in America. We didn't hesitate to accept their invitation!
Both groups of students read the book Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown as a beginning activity. This book is about a boy who is very flat after a bulletin board falls on him. He is so flat that he can be put in an envelope and sent through the mail to any destination in the world!
After finishing the book our Swedish friends sent us Flat Stanley pictures that they had colored and a long letter telling us more about them, their school, community, and country. In turn, we sent them a care package consisting of letters our students wrote to them introducing themselves; a letter that Mrs. Reinert wrote telling them more about our school, community, and state; fun-sized packages of M & M's (since we have a Mars factory in Topeka); a book about Kansas to add to their collection; and some pictures of our Flat Stanley bulletin board displaying our adventures with our new friends!
Ellie, 2nd grader, has this to say, "I like that we are teaching our Swedish friends some English words, and it's been really fun writing to them!"
We are excited about continuing our international relationship throughout the spring semester!
Bucks 4 Books Campaign
The WE Student Council will be sponsoring a Bucks 4 Books campaign for 2 weeks during February. It will run from Feb. 5-16. There will be incentives for students to donate to the fundraiser throughout those 2 weeks. Some of the incentives include: Cuddle Buddy Day, Penny Day, Nickel Day, Dime Day, Quarter Day, Dollar Day, and Digital Dining Day.
The classroom donating the most money will be treated to a free lunch, and the classroom with the highest total in each grade level will earn an extra recess.
This campaign is a fun way to help teach the youngest students their money concepts, and it also provides our students with a chance to help other libraries in need. The proceeds from this fundraiser are donated to the American Library Association to help rebuild libraries around the world that have been affected by natural disasters. Other monies from the Bucks 4 Books fundraiser are donated to local literacy efforts and also to our own library.
Made Especially For You
Student Council members make snowman ornaments to share with the Rolling Hills residents.
Thank you to our students and their families for the support of the Student Council's Boo Gram fundraiser held in October. Their generous contributions allowed WE to purchase holiday items for The Villages, Inc.
