Pakachoag Press
January, 2026
Technology
Happy New Year! Exciting developments are underway in our Technology classes this year. Over the past few weeks, we have been engaging in Science (STEAM) Units through the innovative program, Project Lead the Way, which is sparking creativity among our students!
We're wrapping up a unit across all grade levels focused on coding. The kindergarten students successfully coded animations for a character, while the first graders created animated stories with beginnings, middles, and ends. The second graders took on a more challenging project by designing games with controllers, allowing them to enjoy their creations with friends. This project is more complex due to the advanced coding required. However, students have been collaborating well, learning coding tips and how to send messages to characters using Scratch Jr.
In Technology classes, we're also diving into the world of STEAM. Thanks to a grant from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, we acquired various STEAM kits, which students have loved using to construct new projects. It's amazing to witness the creativity emerging from all grade levels.
With the start of the new year, we are looking forward to beginning lessons that aim to develop typing skills. Kindergarten students will be introduced to the keyboard, practicing to locate the keys. First and second graders will review their previous knowledge and dive deeper into proper finger placement and typing techniques to become proficient typists.
I wish everyone joyful and relaxing holidays and look forward to the new year ahead!
Kerry LeBreton 🙂
Music
Happy Winter, Bryn Mawr and Pak Students and Families!
The students at Bryn Mawr and Pak have been working hard to prepare their songs for our January Winter Concerts!
Although our concerts happen in the Winter season, our songs aren’t necessarily Winter-themed and feature many of the musical concepts our students are working on in their Music classes and focus on relatable topics, fun, or positive messages for all ages.
Kindergarten will present songs of snow and lessons of working hard and trying your best; First Grade will delight with a mix of songs about seasonal foods and tales of animals; and our fabulous Second Graders will present our third annual Pops Concert, featuring songs by artists of today and yesterday.
Below you will find links for your student(s) to practice their songs at home - or delight your family with a private concert!
Kindergarten Winter Concert Songs to Practice
First Grade Winter Concert Songs to Practice
Second Grade Winter Concert Songs to Practice
May you all have a great winter and a very happy season!
Ms. Garrow
Music Teacher
Pakachoag and Bryn Mawr
Art
Happy New Year!
Many exciting things are happening in art as students participate in hands-on projects that encourage creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Through playful exploration and guided instruction, students are learning to use a variety of materials and techniques while expressing their own ideas.
We are continuing our learning about the seven elements of art, which help students understand the building blocks of creating artwork. So far, students have explored line and shape, and we are now beginning to learn about color by mixing, observing, and experimenting. These lessons help students build important fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and confidence as young artists.
In Kindergarten, students explored geometric and organic shapes through a variety of engaging, hands-on projects. They created Model Magic pumpkins, designed organic shape monsters, and made their own abstract shape artwork using paint sticks. These projects incorporated both geometric and organic shapes and were inspired by artists Paul Klee, Piet Mondrian, Joan MirĂł, and Wassily Kandinsky, all of whom used shape as an important element in their artwork.
We finished the trimester with a focus on fine motor skill development. Students created winter collage snowmen by tearing and gluing paper, then adding scarves, hats, or earmuffs using scrapbook paper. They also designed winter backgrounds, learned how to create trees using paint sticks, added snowflakes, and some students even challenged themselves by creating paper snowflakes to include in their artwork. Each piece was incredibly unique and full of personality. Students were very proud of their hard work, and I was truly impressed by how much growth they demonstrated in their fine motor and art skills. We continue to reinforce the importance of perseverance—learning that it is okay to keep trying even when something feels challenging at first.
First graders began their shape unit by going on a leaf hunt, where they examined the beautiful organic shapes found in nature. Students created leaf journals with watercolor leaf print covers and used them to explore leaf rubbings, prints, and observational drawings of the natural environment around them. They even personalized their journals by choosing a ribbon for the binding.
Next, first graders put their cutting skills to the test by creating Henri Matisse–inspired organic collages using a variety of scrapbook papers. They concluded their shape exploration by creating castles using sponge shape prints and snowy owls using pastels.
Second graders learned how to use a ruler as a straight edge and created drawings of castles or cities using geometric shapes inspired by Paul Klee. I was so impressed by their focus and effort—it was wonderful to see how proud they were of themselves as they successfully created straight, intentional lines.
We explored organic shapes by discovering that even a shoe print can be considered organic. Working with a partner, they traced their footprints and transformed them into animals of their choice using oil pastels, adding creative backgrounds to complete their artwork.
To finish the trimester, students created beautiful snow globe drawings featuring winter scenes of their choice. Using pastels, they practiced shading and blending techniques. Students worked very hard on these pieces and were excited to bring them home to share with their families.
Mindfulness Mondays
During Mindfulness Monday, students learned about snowflakes and the work of Wilson Bentley, the first person to photograph a snowflake. We discussed how no two snowflakes are alike and how this reflects the idea that each of us is unique. Students created their own snowflakes using coffee filters by coloring with markers, learning how to fold and cut, and then adding water with droppers to observe how the colors spread.
We displayed our creations as a “Blizzard of Uniqueness” in the art room window to serve as a reminder that we are all unique—just like snowflakes—and that is something to celebrate.
Gym
Hi Parents/Guardians,
The students have been hard at work for our Marathon Mondays, scooter, and basketball skills units. The students were introduced to long distance running through Marathon Monday’s and played a variety of scooter games like Pac-Man and scooter hockey! Students worked hard on their manipulative skills through dribbling with their hands, passing, and shooting. The students did a great job continuing to follow classroom rules and expectations that align with being safe, responsible, respectful, and kind.
As we return, the students will be working on different manipulative skills through striking with an implement, striking with their body, and then moving onto jump rope. I look forward to continued progress as we enter the end of the year. As we returned to school, we have been working on cooperative games and then will be starting floor hockey. I look forward to everyone's continued progress and best effort.
I will be creating our “active at home“ bulletin board in the New Year! Please send in pictures of your child being active outside of school! You can send in a picture or email one to be printed out. A reminder as we enter the cold winter months, please send your child in with a pair of sneakers on PE day for safety. I would also appreciate paper towel donations to help clean up the occasional water spills. Thank you for your continued support!
In good health,
Miss. D
Important Dates
January 16 - Half day for students - afternoon Professional Development for teachers
January 19 - No School MLK Jr. Birthday
January 20 - Winter concerts:
K - 9:30, Grade 2 - 10:30, Grade 1 - 1:30
January 21 - Winter Concerts snow date
January 30 - Pakachoag Pride Day!
February 4 - Global Play Day
February 16 - 20 - February Break, No School
February 27 - Pakachoag Pride Day!
March 16 - Half-Day for students and Centennial Celebration of the Auburn rocket
March 20 - Professional Development Day - No school for students
March 25 - Report Cards Issued
March 27 - Pakachoag Pride Day!