ELMORE School News

Dear Elmore School Families,

And just like that, It is the beginning of May. With only 6 more weeks of the school year, we are in the final stretch of the school year. This week was sprinkled with all things spring: baby animals, sunshine, rain showers, ball games, spring ephemerals, and greening up!

On Wednesday we visited Meg Witherbee's sheep farm where students learned about sheep and lambs. Sheep are used to produce wool, meat, milk (for cheese), and their horns can be used to make buttons. They also help plants grow by creating compost, and sowing seeds as they they walk about the pasture. Each student was able to pick a lamb to name. Thank you Meg, for the wonderful experience.

On Friday, during our ECO outing, we were surprised by a mother fox and her four kits who appeared across the field as we were just beginning our day. We quietly watched her interact with your kits from a safe distance for several minutes. Eventually, she disappeared behind the bathhouse, leaving her kits behind, who quickly retreated into a culvert for shelter. What a special moment for us to be able to experience in our outdoor classroom! Later we embarked on a hunt for spring ephemerals. Students recorded notes about the plants they found by making a sketches and writing some descriptions about the plants they found. Then they used some ephemeral field guides to identify the plants. On our way back to the school, students worked together to "green up" around the state park parking lot and roadways.

Back in the classroom students began working on their final presentations for their Nature Name Research. Each students has chosen to share their learning by: writing a report or book; or by creating a brochure, poster, or sign. They are also making an art project to go with their. We will be hosting a Nature Name Museum in a few weeks when projects are completed. Stayed tuned for more information about when that will be.

We are in our final push of the school year in math as well. First graders are learning about different ways to represent two digit numbers (base ten diagrams, equations, written numbers). Second graders are representing three digit numbers using base ten blocks, and expanded notation, and third graders are solving problems involving addition and subtractions within 1,000. At the same time, students are also working with Mrs. Belavance with a focus on telling time.

Our annual Grandparents Breakfast is quickly approaching. Next week we will be planning the menu and I will asking parents for contributions of items we will need to prepare the meal. I will share a document with you to sign up contribute items. Please return your RSVP's by next Wednesday.

We will have Tacos for family Hot Lunch on Monday provided by Lisa Leopold. School Hot Lunch will be Tuesday and Thursday. Please submit your lunch orders by 6 pm on Sunday. Please use the green "School Lunch Orders" button below to submit an email, rather than replying to this post.

Have a wonderful week!

In gratitude,

Diane Nicholls

Announcements:

Monday - Library

Tuesday - 3rd grade recorder lessons (recorder lessons will continue though the end of the year)

Tuesday - School Banking - bring your deposits!

Thursday - PE - Bring sneakers!

Annual Grandparents Breakfast - Wednesday, May 13th @ 9:00 am at the Elmore Town Hall

Friday, May 22nd - Memorial Day Observance @ Peoples Academy

Wednesday, May 27th - Field trip to the ECHO Center in Burlington.

Friday, May 29th - 3rd Grade MES transition visit

Friday, June 5th - "Weather at Your School" - News Channel 5 - 4:30 am - 8:00 am

Tuesday June 16th (Early release) - Last Day of School

Tuesday, June 16th 5:30 - 7:00 pm - 3rd Grade Graduation and Elmore School Family Picnic (for ALL families)