Origami Cubes

The 2nd grade mathematicians created cubes from 6 pieces of paper folded just so. The language used while folding the paper parralelled the geometry unit we just completed. There were a lot of tongues hanging out, patience was tested, and they all agreed it was the most fun they had ever had while doing math!

BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.

Thank you note from the Humane Society

I can't think of a better way to learn about Election Day and the democratic process than through "Kids Vote" and the special ballot question posed at Allen Brook School and Central School in Williston..... It takes courage to make a choice and you did it! We, at the Humane Society of Chittenden County, are so honored that you made the decision in our favor.

As we move past Election Day and into the Vermont winter season, you can all feel good about the fact that homeless animals are safe, warm and fed because of your generosity and thoughtfulness.

You should all be very proud of yourselves. I know we're proud of you.

Warm Regards,
Ellen Goodman
Development Coordinator
Humane Society of Chittenden County

Food Drive

Allen Brook School is sponsoring a food drive for the Williston Food Shelf. In the past we have delivered food to the Burlington Food Shelf and have always had great community support. It feels really great to work for an organization a whole lot closer to home. For each item that a child brings into Vista they will trace their hand on various shades of green paper, cut it out, and then add it to a growing wreath in our kiva. We are in hopes of have a very full wreath!

Our holiday gingerbread house making party is well underway. The children are very excited and are beginning to draft designs of what they want their homestead to look like. Please visit the wiki and sign up for an item or two to donate to the party. Many thanks to the early birds who have already signed up.

Gingerbread House Party wiki sign up

2-D shapes

The 2nd grade mathematicians have been developing classification skills through the concepts of point and line segment, symmetry, and polygons. Today we used right triangles and rectangles to make a variety of other shapes. By simply rotating or fliping a triangle an entirly different shape would emerge. It was almost magic!

Sounds Abound

Here is a video of the children in small groups sharing their findings from the various sound activities they encountered. It was interesting to see who choose what role in the group and how well they planned their sharing.

May the force be with you!

Hi Trevor,
We have been experimenting with lots of different magnets and have been quite surprised by what we have found out.
1) Tinfoil is non magnetic. We thought for sure that because it looks like metal it would be
magnetic.
2) Coins are not magnetic. They look metal too.
3) Spoons are made out of different kinds of metal and not all of them are magnetic.
4) The wire we used bends like a paperclip, which is magnetic, but the wire is non magnetic.
5) Some magnets are stronger than others.
6) If you are very careful and hold a magnet close to a magnetic object you can feel the force!
Have you found anything magnetic at Disney? Do any of the rides in the parks use magnets?
See you soon Trevor,
Your friends at school

A post for our friend Trevor in Florida!

Hi Trevor,
We are beginning a study of magnets. We are wondering what do you think of when you hear the word MAGNET? Here is what we think of when we hear the word MAGNET.
Beckett - bar magnet
Camille & Sophie- The big whiteboard.
Riley - A bunny magnet.
Lily - A robot.
Tommy & Patrick- The word magnetic.
Eric - A compass.
Sam - It sticks on to the wall.
Zach - Batman magnet.
Evey - If I had a magnet I would be able to take nails out of a board.
Noah - Sticky
Chase - Magnets stick.
Adele - I think of my two magnets on my locker.
Lily - I think of a magnet stuck on a window.

We hope you're have a great time in Florida and we want you to find magnets all over Disney! We will be expecting a report.