Holiday Greetings!
From Mr. Vera's Desk
Dear Frances Drake Families,
From Mrs. Hess
Hess Express!
Just a quick reminder about snow clothing for recess. If your child wants to play in the snow, they must have snow boots, hats, mittens/gloves, snow pants, and a jacket. Suggestion: Grab a waterproof reusable bag (Marshalls & TJs have the best) for your child to transport these items… It will keep everything else dry in the backpack!
A BIG Thank you to our FD Chorus, Mrs. Souza, and the families for their performance at the School Committee meeting on Monday the 16th!
Health Corner from Nurse Dawn
Its hard to believe winter is around the corner, but our first snow has fallen, so it’s time to start preparing. There are a lot of fun things to do outside in winter. However, it is important to consider safety.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Ice skating, skiing and sledding are great ways to get exercise on a cold winter day. Remember, adults should supervise children during these activities.
Safety Tips:
It is safer to sled feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down headfirst.
Sled on slopes that are not too steep and are free of obstructions like trees or fences.
Skate only on approved surfaces.
Skate in one direction with the crowd.
Never skate alone.
Wear a helmet when skiing.
Hypothermia/Frostbite
When it is cold outside, remember to set a reasonable time limit on outdoor play and have children come inside periodically to warm up. Dressing in layers is best.
Reminder:
It is healthy and fun to play outside -Bundle Up!
**Layer-multiple thin layers are better than one bulky layer to keep warm and dry. For small children and babies, use one more layer than an adult would.
**Warm Coats-Please contact the school nurse if your child has no warm coat.
**Hats*Hats*Hats -Most body heat is lost through the head.
**Mittens are better than gloves for keeping hands warm -neck warmers better than scarves.
** Water proof/resistant boots and warm socks.
Reminder: All students in first and fourth grade need a current copy of an updated physical exam form on file in school. Please forward a copy as soon as possible.
Dawn Helenius MSN, BSN, RN
From the Speech Department
Beating the Winter Blahs: Boredom Busting Family Activities!
Winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation! Take advantage of the colder temperatures and shorter days
to enjoy family time and elicit conversation in these language building activities:
Bundle up and go outside...
❅ Get creative. Fill a spray bottle with colored water and create snow art!
This is also a great way for younger children to practice their letters.
❅ Take a nature walk in the woods, a local park, or around your neighborhood.
When you come home, have your child draw a picture of what they saw while on your adventure.
…. or stay in with some hot chocolate!
❅ Make a pinecone bird feeder using peanut butter and seeds. Hang it up outside a window so you can watch the birds enjoy their treat! Keep track of the different kinds of birds that visit.
❅ Science is fun for both children and adults. Science activities can be easy and most materials are found around the house. Try making slime or vinegar volcanoes.
❅ Get in the kitchen! Find a recipe that you can make together and set your child up as your favorite sous-chef. Try building your own pizzas or decorating some delicious sugar cookies!
No matter how you choose to bust the winter blahs, the time spent together will be priceless.
Happy Holidays! The Speech Team
From Mrs. Swicker's Class
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
By Karina Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home. (Summary from Amazon.com)
Mrs. Swicker says: This book is perfect for independent readers starting around 3rd grade but would be an excellent read-aloud title for the whole family. Taking place at Christmas time and populated with lovable, interesting characters, The Vanderbeekers is a book that will worm its way into your heart. Available on audio, with two more in the series and a fourth on the way.
From the Physical Education Department
From Miss Penning - Art
From Third Grade
From Mrs. Johanson's Class
Students in Mrs. Johanson's class are exploring to learn about our new topic of AREA.
They are using fun materials to learn how to count the square units and find the measurement inside of shapes.
From Fourth Grade
International NIght Memmories
Nutrition Lesson
On December 19, Registered Dietitian, Michelle Palladino, provided a health & wellness lesson to first, third and fifth-grade students about Herbs & Spices! The nutrition lesson focused on the difference between herbs and spices, identifying ways to flavor food without using salt, describing why a high sodium diet long term can be unhealthy and the numerous health benefits of herbs and spices. Students also had an opportunity at the end of the lesson to come up and smell the different spices.
Students then sampled pumpkin spice smoothies - which was a huge hit, especially with third grade! Students received the recipe to take home as well as a fun fact sheet about herbs and spices. Below are some pictures capturing this activity.