Pay it Forward

The stores are full of “back to school” shoppers!  Last minute supply lists are looked over this weekend!  Let me share this true story with you.  At the start up of a new school year, a family provided the classroom with a backpack full of coveted school supplies!  It was such a thoughtful gesture; I will never forget.   This thoughtful act has inspired me to “give” what and when I can to help students.   As a teacher, I remember how appreciative I felt to receive “extra” supplies for any child in need.  I can assure you that the supplies always found a grateful “home” in the desk or bin of a child without the necessary “tools” for learning.  Even if you can spare an extra pencil, it is always appreciated.  Teachers can see to it that these supplies go “discretely” into the  right hands.  Such a simple way to encourage our children to “pay it forward,” and help someone get off to a great start to the new school year!  Enjoy the long weekend and here’s to an exciting school year of learning and laughter!

Keep Voting! We are now in 10th place! I can sense “Hedgie” sniffing toward the North!

“Hedgie” Heads North!

Parents and friends…exciting news!  We are presently in tenth place out of 13,000 schools!  Thank you for voting for “us” and please continue to support our quest to bring beloved Children’s Author/Illustrator, Jan Brett, to our school.  Let’s continue to  vote!  You are an amazing and supportive force and our children appreciate your efforts! Thank you!

To view Jan Brett’s site, please scroll below to access link- www.janbrett.com

Which Jan Brett book is your favourite?  (My favourite Jan Brett book is, The Three Little Dassies!  Last year’s Grade One classes donated, The Three Little Dassies, to Project South Africa.  Our donated book was placed in a school’s library.  We know that the children will enjoy the story as much as we did/ do!)

Sharing Friendship…

starts with a smile, reaching out to touch somebody’s hand, and is as simple as saying kind words when a classmate, friend, or family member is feeling sad.  Today, we shared our hearts, valentines, and delicious treats!  Thank you, Parents and children for your generosity and kindness today!  You are lovely!

Did you hug someone today?

PS Happy heart day, Little Owlet! 1 4 3 !

Remember our Quest– to bring Jan Brett– Renowned Children’s Author/Illustrator to our school!  Parents and “Friends,”Please read the post below and consider voting to support us.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

World Vision

World Vision

This Christmas season, the Grade Ones are raising money for the organization, World Vision.  This is a voluntary activity and any donation amount is appreciated.  We are growing our “global hearts” as we accept donations to purchase a dairy goat and chickens for a family in need somewhere in the world.  We have had several thought provoking conversations over “what” would be most beneficial to a family- soccer balls, blankets, or chickens and a rooster?  “If we “feed” the children, then they won’t need medicines, so we should give them food.” “They don’t use money; they trade.  We should give them an animal so that they can have something like food to trade.”  Wonderful evidence of problem solving and thinking!

We raised 100 dollars and purchased a dairy goat!  (Thanks to Mr. N, our SEA for “topping” up the money pot!)  The payment has been given to World Vision.  Thank you for supporting this worthy cause and helping to “grow” compassion in our children.  The world is a better place because of YOU!

You might enjoy reading the book,

The World Needs Your Kid- Raising Children Who Care and Contribute

Craig Kielburger, Marc Kielburger, Shelley Page

“Be kind whenever possible.  It is always possible.”

The Dalai Lama

 

The Golden Rule

The Golden RuleIlene Cooper, is a beautiful tale that encourages children to be socially responsible and, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  This thought provoking read aloud explores the conversation between a Grandfather and his Grandson as they discuss the meaning of The Golden Rule.  As a follow up literacy and art activity, the children created banners, cutting letters from magazines to form their personal “Golden Rule.”  We glued the banners onto traced paper doves.  The doves are “flying” throughout the room, reminding us to, “Smile,” “Be kind,” Be helpful,”…