It was wonderful to have a full week of school again. We packed in all sorts of exciting learning into the five days we were given. From eating sticky rice with chopsticks while being introduced to Asia, to celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday with a visit from Mr. Brandsen, we've been fully engaged this week. 

Using our wind vanes, we were able to determine the wind was coming from the north. It was chilly!

Using God's ingredients (water vapor, dust particles and air) we made a cloud in a bottle.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Taryn Slenk

An introduction of Asia gave us the opportunity to practice eating rice with chopsticks. 

It was a bit of a balancing act with two chopsticks to maneuver and a rice hat to keep in place.

It took a lot of practice...

...and some found success! :)

...even with two hands <3

 Our SPARK project for this month gave us the opportunity to visit two of South Side's neighbors. These two precious women are sisters with a wonderful story to tell. God has blessed them with longevity and an obvious positive spirit. What a blessing they were to us and no doubt the children were to the women. We recited our Bible memory work, sang a few songs and left them with 23 pictures to look over and muffins to eat. It's hard to imagine how life in the winter, with slippery walkways and streets, affects the elderly. What an opportunity to brighten another's day by sharing together in God's love.

 Below you can see the fun we had with two special story readers. Mrs. Snyder shared poems and activities by Eloise Greenfield.

So interesting to compare and contrast these poems with those written by Dr. Seuss and read by Mr. Brandsen.

Thank you to both of our special story readers. In your child's Friday folder, you will find the final record sheet for reading minutes. The first quarter-page is due on Monday, March 11. You'll also find a reading incentive form from the Whitecaps baseball organization. Record your child's minutes to receive tickets to a ballgame this spring. On Monday, March 27th we'll be celebrating our growth in reading with an all-school reading carnival. If you are willing and able to volunteer at this event, please return the green form that you will also find in the Friday folder, or you are welcome to email me. Thank you!

A few important dates:
Tuesday, March 5--Dutch Costume Sale Day (See the South Side Newsletter for further details)
Monday, March 11th--reading incentive form due
March 11-15--Discovery Assessments will be held
March 15--Family Fun Night
March 19--Rescheduled Skating Party
March 20--Special Visiting Author
March 22--Report Cards home