| 2nd-3rd Grade Jan. 2012 MAP News |
Dear Families,
Happy New
Year! As we return from the holidays full of good food and good cheer we move
back into our "normal" routine. As Jan. 3rd hit, the morning rush began; trying
to get everyone ready for school and work and out the door without forgetting:
lunches, hats, and gloves. I have been waking up a half hour earlier to manage
this rushed feeling. As I look elsewhere I get the feeling that locally and
globally people are just feeling rushed! The schools have added on 5 minutes to
both sides of the day, and what about Samoa! They completely eliminated December
30th so they could catch up to Australia and New Zealand's time, moving that
nation a day ahead of us. I thought the craziness would slow down after the
holidays, but now it just seems to be speeding up, or at least people are just
trying to catch up! Does this rushed feeling ever slow down?
Personally, I think
I am adjusting to my new waking hour, and we have already started getting used
to our slightly new MAP schedule as we adapt to the MAPsters arriving 5 minutes
later, and to tell you the truth I have never gone to Samoa so it really doesn't
bother me what they chose to do with their days or time. Good for them for
trying to get caught up and if losing a day helps then so be it! Change happens
and people adjust. So as you move along in 2012 I hope you find
your right speed for the New Year.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
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December at MAP was filled with inspiration and Holiday
magic for all. We began the month with a
week that left the MAPsters awed with a look at some really
Inspirational people. Ana started it off with a group
about Elizabeth Van Lew. She was a Virginia native who made it her mission to
help abolish slavery. She even risked her life by becoming a spy for the Union
Army during the Civil War. Elizabeth was truly a woman ahead of her
times.
Colleen taught us about Milton Hershey, and his desire
to take a delicious treat to a whole other level. Through hard work and
dedication, Milton was able to build a brand and amusement park around a bar of
chocolate. We can regard him as a true culinary genius.
Adam presented us with a slideshow of truly gifted,
inspirational individuals, who have overcome adversity, hardships and physical
handicaps in order to achieved personal greatness in many different areas of
their lives. We learned what it would be like to fly a plane without having
arms, or paint masterpieces without the gift of sight. It made us cry, cheer,
and appreciate all there is to life.
The
week ended with us traveling to space with Jon's group on Astronaut Sunita
Williams. The MAPsters learned how to become an astronaut, and what it would be
like to travel through space. We were able to see what kinds of foods they eat,
and how they are able to sleep without gravity. Then we learned a very cool fact
about Astronaut Williams. She was inspired to become an astronaut by her 5th
grade Science Teacher Mrs. DiNapoli, who just happens to be Jon's Mom. How cool
is that!
From the inspirational we moved towards the delightful
with a week on Toys. Hillary kicked it off by hosting
a Name That Toy Game Show. The MAPsters were given clues about famous toys that
they were then asked to name. After the toy was identified we learned
fascinating facts about them, such as what year they were invented, and why they
were invented. Did you know Play Dough was first invented in 1956 to remove
wallpaper cleaner? Thank goodness it failed at that job, because imagine the
hours of creative fun children of all ages would have missed out on.
Bernadette then introduced us to the wonderful game of
Mancala. We learned the rich history of the game, and how we can make a game
board out of basically anything, which in turn inspired many of the MAPsters to
make Mancala Game Boards outside using pebbles, grass and dirt.To
end Toy Week, Kurt lead the teachers in a MAP Toy Production, where we paid
tribute to the many soldiers, who sacrifice their lives in order to keep us and
our country safe.
December
ended on a Magical note focusing on Holiday
Traditions. Ana discussed the history and folklore surrounding
the Poinsettia Plant, and how it made it's journey from Mexico as La Flor De
Noche Buena to a Christmas Holiday staple in the United States.
Adam
taught us about the Festival Of Lights, or Diwali in India. We learned about the
rich Hindu culture and traditions that are the meaning for the festival
celebrated every year.
In
Colleen's group, we learned about the traditions, superstitions, and resolutions
that come with celebrating the New Year.
It was
amazing how quickly December flew by, and there is a lot more fun in store for
the upcoming months!
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The half a day was a toy inventors dream. The
MAPsters were divided into groups, where they were given the challenge to invent
a toy, using recyclable materials. They then had to market their toy, by making
a commercial that would inspire others to buy their product. We had Ants In The
Pants, that would help transform you into a dancing pro. A Snowman Hockey
Bowling Set that would provide you with hours of fun, bowling down snowman pins
using a hockey puck. Tanks For The Flowers would help provide a lovely last
minute gift for a hard to buy loved one. Who doesn't love flowers that come to
your home delivered by a tank? As well as MAP Man's Greatest Adventure that will
amaze you with characters that come to life, so move the furniture in the room
before you insert the CD into the computer. You will need the space for all the
non-stop fun. If you still need one more present don't fear, we also have The
Amazing Robotic Maze. It is a robot, it is a maze the possibilities are
endless.
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 December ended with the Magical Experience of The Polar
Express. The children were whisked on a train that lead their imagination to the
North Pole, where they were able to meet the conductor, Santa's elves, the
reindeer, and of course Rudolph. We drank hot chocolate, sang songs, danced, and
were surprised by a visit from Mr. C himself. We didn't see the sneaky Santa
Clause, but we were excited to see that he had left candy canes and notes in all
of the MAPsters shoes!
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Dates
To Note:
Monday, Jan.
16:
No school and NO MAP
Friday, Jan.
27:
Parent's night out
Look for sign ups in your box and
on line. This is such a fun night filled with food, fun, and games. Money
raised goes towards
Wednesday, Feb.
8:
Early release day. If your child normally attends MAP you
do not need to sign your child up, we will expect that your child will come to
MAP that day. If you need coverage please speak with Stephanie. Remember to
pack your child a lunch and a toothbrush if necessary.
Mon. Feb. 20:
No
School and NO MAP
Tues. Feb 21- Thurs. Feb
23:
School vacation week, MAP is open from 8-6. This is a special sign up.
Look for sign ups on line or by the sign out sheet.
Friday, Feb.
24:
No School, No MAP. Closed for a MAP teacher Professional
day.
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THANK
YOU!
A very big thank you to
all of the families who contributed to our Holiday Gift and who sent in yummy
baked goods or chocolates. Your continued generosity is much appreciated! We
hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday break.
Sincerely,
Stephanie,
Kurt, Adam, Ana, Hillary, Jon, Bern, Colleen, & Val
On Friday, January 27th, MAP is
offering an after hour's Pajama Party for MAP children and a Parent's Night Out
for YOU! MAP Teachers stay after work and plan a fun and exciting evening for
your child at MAP to give you the opportunity to have a Friday night out for
shopping, dinner, or catch a movie. Now is the perfect time to take out your
favorite Valentine for an EARLY celebration! The Pajama Party is a Fundraiser
to help support MAP's Teacher Professional Development Fund!
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DRESSING FOR
THE WEATHER
With
the cold winter weather upon us, please be sure to send your child with
appropriate outside attire. It would be extremely helpful to make sure all
scarves, hats, jackets, etc are labeled. Every year we end up with a huge
mountain of Lost & Found items with no names on them.
On days when there is snow on the ground, MAPsters are allowed to play in
the snow only if they have boots and snowpants. If they do not, they are still
allowed to go outside, but are limited to the
blacktop.
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