Dear Families,
 |
Tucker and Maeve cream the
butter and sugar for our butterfly cookies
which we will eat next week.
|
At the completion of our first 5 day week, we must say the children are doing well. It appears the transition to kindergarten has been very successful, with our students being both excited to come to school as well as having them work cooperatively and respectfully in the classroom. Attending kindergarten is a big step and next week we take another step toward that accomplishment with full days. Thank you for your support during these past two weeks with half day schedules. We know and understand it has been a juggling act for some families, but in the end, we are very pleased with the results. We hope you and your children are too!
This week we have continued our study of metamorphosis with the study of the lifecycle of butterflies and moths. Our discussions have led to many interesting conversations and insights. Your children have made chrysalis models with caterpillars and butterflies on popsicle sticks, lifecycle wheels showing the four primary steps in metamorphosis, studied symmetry of butterfly and moth patterns, and even put our math skills to work as the children measured and poured ingredients to make baked sugar butterfly cookies. We had discussions about migrations and had an introduction to geography introducing vocabulary terms: globe, map and migration. The children learned that the butterflies will soon begin their migration to Mexico for the winter. On Thursday, Ms. Spaulding brought in a video that she made a few years ago of a Monarch butterfly shedding its last layer of skin before it went into the chrysalis stage. The children were captivated as we were. Thank you Ms. Spaulding! We will post it on our websites shortly so you can see it too.
 |
| Keira uses the Monkey Bars! |
 |
| Maeve and Kaylah make Wikistix flowers. |
In explorations we have introduced a few new centers: Farm and animals, ink pads & stamps, and Wikistix art. We are learning how to work with the materials, take care of them and put them away.
We were able to get outside to the big recess playground for the afternoon kindergarten this week. The children have really enjoyed trying out the new equipment and learning how to use the corkscrew slide. Morning kindergarten also had “run-around” time in the field beside our classrooms. This is an important time for the children to develop new friendships, burn extra energy, and get fresh air! We certainly have been lucky with the gorgeous weather.
News Notes:
- Janet Cathey, the Art Teacher, has sent home in this week’s Friday Folder a permission slip for Artsonia. A web-based art site where she will post our class artwork and projects. If you would like your child to participate, please sign the permission slip and return to us next week.
- September “Scholastic” book orders are due on Monday too. If you are placing a book order, you can easily place an orders via their secure online server. Go to: https://orders.scholastic.com/H9K3R for Mrs. Bodnar’s class and https://orders.scholastic.com/HPX4L for Mrs. White. Mrs. White’s Scholastic Classroom Code is: HPX4L and Mrs. Bodnar’s Classroom Code is: H9K3R. You will need to create an online account before placing your order.
- Thank you to everyone who was able to support the “Genevieve” fundraiser which helps provide money for special craft projects, parties, and field trips. Please don’t be shy when promoting Hartland Elementary School to your family and friends!
- The Farm to School Program is funding our first field trip to Riverside Farm in Plainfield, NH later in the month. More details to follow. Please let us know if you would like to be a chaperone.
- Please send in a water bottle for your child to keep in their cubby during the week. It gets warm during the day and it helps keep them hydrated without having to stand in line at the water fountain.
Upcoming Important Dates: Calendar
- Monday, Sept. 17th Full Day Kindergarten
- Monday, Sept. 17 th Genevieve Fundraising Packets Due
- Wednesday, Sept. 19th 5pm: School-wide Community Annual Picnic
- Wednesday, Sept. 26 Early Dismissal (12:00 PM) If your child will have a different form of transportation for Early Dismissal Days, please send in a note.
- Friday, Sept. 29 School Picture Day (Order forms will be coming home)
Fondly,
Ginny White & Jennifer Bodnar
P.S. To access this newsletter online, simply go to the school website: www.hartland.k12.vt.us click on the (red) Home window across the top. Scroll down to Faculty and Staff Directory, find our names and click on the Webpage link.
