The End of a Great Semester!

I know you all enjoyed and were amazed by the depth of the children's knowledge and experience with their habitats and animals, as well as their clear understanding of what we need to do to protect not only the animals but all life on our planet. Thank you to all who helped with research and to everyone who took time from their busy day to attend.

Mr. McCormick shared his experiences on a South African safari with the children. He cleverly involved each of them in his presentation. Some found animals on maps or in guidebooks, some recorded the animals he talked about, others searched coins and paper money to find pictures of the animals, and we all enjoyed his excellent PowerPoint.Thank you, Mr. McCormick!

Because of weak stomach muscles and a lack of strong digestive juices, owls and many other raptors regurgitate what cannot be digested. A farmer in Washington state gathers these regurgitated owl pellets each morning and dries and sterilizes them. Some of the children were a little reluctant to touch their owl pellets at first, but soon everyone was carefully removing fur or feathers from the skulls and bones of birds and rodents including field mice, voles, shrews, and rats. Our parent helpers enjoyed the experience, too. Mahalo for all your help!!

The entire school came to our Bake Sale, and we sold almost everything. Thank you for taking time to prepare delicious goodies for the sale with your child. The children did an excellent job of advertising, setting up the sale, helping customers, making change, and cleaning up afterwards. They also had help from several parents, who managed the sale for us. Our efforts raised $339 for the Heifer Foundation. The children decided that money would go for several flocks of chickens, ducks, and geese, honeybees, rabbits, and shares of a heifer, a pig, a llama, a goat, and a sheep. What a wonderful way to end our Animal Inquiry and help others around the world. Mahalo, everyone, for your help and support!! 

A special "thank you" to Mrs. Ichinose, who planned our very fun Christmas party and prepared all the gift ornament materials and treats; to Mr. Ichinose, who read a very special Christmas story about the origins of St. Nick; and to all the parents who came in to help.

 

Mahalo nui loa to all the Magic Stone Families for your wonderful Christmas gift. I am touched by your generosity!

My thoughts are with you during this special holiday season. 

Be sure to check the photo gallery for some great pictures of your child's learning experience.