Happy Halloween!
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October 31, 2006
October 27, 2006
OOPS!
Sorry, I forgot to get some of the red folders to the students today. I will send them home on Monday! It was a busy week with our field trips. OOPS! 
Do you want to help in the classroom?
We will have a half hour meeting beginning at 3:00 on Wednesday, November 1st for anyone wishing to volunteer in the classroom. I will go over what opportunities are available and the common language we should all be using. You can give me your preference of days or times and we will try to schedule everyone in. There are many ways to help out whether it is at home with your child or in the classroom. Everything that you do will benefit your child. Thank you for all your assistance!
What a week!
We had two AWESOME field trips in a row. On Thursday, we went on a field trip starting at Kennebunk Pond and then continuing at various points along the river all the way to the ocean. The students noticed how the river changes from its small beginnings and how it meanders down and around, changes to have rapids and gets wider and wider until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way we also spoke about the history of the Kennebunk River and how it was used for sawmills, building boats and of course, recreational activities. We also talked about some Native American history as the Kennebunk river was the sight of many battles. It was a beautiful day and a good time was had by all. A special thank you to my chaperones - Mrs. Emmons, Mr. Lavallee, Mrs. Manning and Mr. Sullivan!
Today, we went on a walking field trip to look at a couple of businesses in Kennebunkport. We started at Kennebunkport Marina and watched a boat being pulled out of the water for winter. We saw the various slips and Adam showed us the crabs he had caught in his trap. We saw inside the marina and talked about what the marina does for Kennebunkport. Then we walked up the street to Bandaloop Restaurant and saw the inner workings of the restaurant and we talked more about what a producer and consumer is and how businesses operate. Max was very proud as he showed everyone around. A special thank you to the Martin's and the Lee's for giving us this opportunity.
Next week we will start our unit on inventions. Have a great weekend everybody!
October 20, 2006
No walking field trip today.
Due to inclement weather conditions, we will not be walking to Bandaloop and Kennebunkport Marina this morning. 
October 18, 2006
Watching the river run!
We are studying rivers with a primary focus on the Kennebunk River in school. We are talking about where the river begins (or its source) and how it flows and meanders until it meets the mouth (or the delta) of the river. We will also talk about the significance of the Kennebunk River to our town through the years.This study will culminate with a field trip starting at Kennebunk Pond (its source) and stopping at several points along the way to notice how the river widens and changes until it ends at the Atlantic Ocean.
I really look forward to this field trip. It is one of my favorites because it is something so familiar to us but something most people have not traveled in one day. It is really exciting for the children to notice the changes and to understand the importance of the Kennebunk River to our community.
October 14, 2006
Field trips
We will also go on a walking field trip on Friday, October 20th to see some businesses in our community. We will go to Kennebunkport Marina (Thank you to the Martin's) and Bandaloop Restaurant (Thank you to the Lee's). We will see what these businesses do in our community. You have already signed a walking field trip permission slip to allow us to do this.
During one of our library classes, we will be walking to Graves Library to see another important part of our community. I know most children are familiar with the library but I do like to go to Graves library a couple of times a year to remind children of this jewel!
On Wednesday, October 25th (pending verification) we will go on a field trip down the Kennebunk River. We will start at Kennebunk Pond and stop at various places along the river to see how the river changes and we will end at the beach as we see the river empty into the ocean. We will talk in class about the various uses of the Kennebunk River throughout history. Weather permitting, we will stop at picnic rock to have lunch. I will need chaperones for this field trip. The permission slip will go out this week and you can sign up then.
These field trips will end our study of the local community and we will start to look at Kennebunkport's place in the world.
October 05, 2006
Information on "Step Up to Writing"
On Thursday, October 12th from 6:30-8:00 at Kennebunk Elementary School, Pam Taylor will be doing an overview of the Step Up To Writing program for parents. This is sponsored by the Kennebunk PTA. We will be using this in the classroom along with the Six Traits of Writing. Please try to attend if you are interested.
Walking field Trip
We will be going on a walking field trip tomorrow to the Kennebunkport Town Hall and Ocean National Bank to learn more about local government and some of the services the town and a bank provides for our community. We are leaving about 9:15 and should be back by 10:30. It is supposed to be a cool morning, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately.
October 04, 2006
Our fish tank is ready!
Our fish tank is now ready for fish! The water and pH have stabilized making the water just perfect for fish! If anyone wants to donate fish, please send them in within the next couple of weeks. After that, I will go and get some at the fish store.
Anyone wishing to get books from the book order, please send the orders in by Friday. Thanks.
October 02, 2006
Living and Non-Living
We have had a great start to the year. The students are really settling into the everyday routine.
We have been studying the characteristics of living things in the classroom. All living things need air, they eat and drink. They also reproduce, respond to the environment and grow.
We also have been learning about different things in the community. We are talking about our town of Kennebunkport. We have looked at maps of Kennebunkport and the different parts of the port. We will be going on to a walking field trip to Ocean National Bank and the Kennebunkport Town Hall on Friday. Please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately to go on this walking field trip.
Next week, our theme will revolve around fire safety.