March 19, 2010
Dear Parents,
We kicked off our Healthy Dragon program today with a mini assembly for students in kindergarten through Grade 4 with Mrs. Thrasher-Rudd. The students learned about the importance of physical fitness and specifically discussed flexibility, muscles, and increasing our heart rates. She even gave the students paper plates and had them do an activity on the floor that quickly raised their heart rates. The students later designed the plates with pictures of their favorite type of physical activity. All students received a cutout of a foot that they will use to acquire punches for each ½ mile they walk or jog around the soccer field during recess. While it isn't a competition, some students walked two miles today! When students reach five miles, they will receive a miniature running shoe charm to tie on their shoelaces. At the end of April, I will place all students names who have walked 13.1 miles (the distance of a ½ marathon) in a raffle for some health related prizes. If you are interested in walking with us, please feel free to join us with 1st and 2nd grade at 10:55 and 3rd and 4th grade at 12:00. Please see the attached picture of two of our 1st grade joggers (Erik Wagner and Ethan Holder) doing push-ups after their workouts!
On Tuesday I had the opportunity to lead chapel, and we talked about March coming in like a lion and out like a lamb. I also talked to the students about having lamb and lion days with my favorite cheer me up book, The Blue Day Book. You might want to take a look at the powerpoint we viewed with pictures from the book (see attached slide show). It is sure to make anyone smile. At the end of chapel, I discussed the fact that Chef Robert from the Dragon Cafe is currently undergoing lung cancer treatment. Many of the classes decorated cards and banners for him this week. If your child ever has any downtime over the weekend, you might want to encourage him or her to design something to bring to him. Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.
St. Patrick's Day brought us much joy on Wednesday. We started our day hearing announcements from Patty O'Melt, a real leprechaun. First graders were busy searching for a pot of gold, and the leprechauns captured Mrs. Rushing again. We luckily found her tied up under Mrs. Fisher's desk. The 4th grade classes along with their teachers, Mrs. Fisher, Ms. Swenson and myself marched in the St. Patrick's Day parade with a float of the Five Pillars of Success. Please see the attached pictures from this beautiful day! It was a team effort to decorate the float, and I appreciate everyone's help with this project.
It is hard to believe that we have one more week before spring break. Our kindergarten students just left Africa today on their tour around the world. Please see the attached picture as they were on a safari this morning through our halls. Instead of simply going to South Africa as they have in the past, they now visit several continents and include a variety of experiences. Make sure you stop by their hallway to see the life-size penguins they created while they were in Antarctica.
Next Friday we will enjoy the Grade 4 Hoosier Puppets at 8:15 in the gymnasium. Finally, I would like to thank those of you who spent time providing feedback on the math textbooks. We look forward to meeting with you at 7:30 a.m. or 12:00-12:30 p.m. on Monday to review your findings.
Make it a great day!
Abby Williams
Lower Division Head
