Musical Minds

This past Thursday we got quite a loud treat at our school wide assembly put on by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. The VSO's percussionist came to Allen Brook School and brought with them many different types of percussion instruments . They took us on a musical trip around the world and back in time to learn about where percussion originated and how these instruments look and sound in different parts of the world. We heard music from China, Africa, and the Middle East to name a few. The students were inspired at just how easy it is to create a percussion instrument out of everyday items. So, you better get some earplugs if they decide to invent some of their own at home!

Since this time of year is a time for giving I wanted to let you know about two events that are happening at school that you can contribute to to make a difference for families in the local community. First, Synergy is heading up the annual Food Drive event. Please send your child to school next week with non-perishable canned goods to donate to the Williston Food Shelf. Students will be picking up the items from each house daily and we will deliver it to the food shelf at the end of the week. Also on Friday, December 17th at lunch time Horizon is hosting a bake sale to raise money for a local charity that provides winter clothing to those in need. Students can bring in $1.00 and buy themselves a tasty treat and feel good knowing that the money that they contribute will go to help those in need.

What's The Matter?

This past week Synergy house began a new theme unit on the properties and stages of matter. The students are mixing up into four groups and will be experimenting with solids, liquids and gases as they rotate through four different workshops over the next few weeks.

We are also beginning a new unit of study in Reader's and Writer's Workshop. In Reader's Workshop we will be practicing the art of discussing our thoughts and ideas from reading with our reading partners. In Writers Workshop we will be writing small moment pieces. These narrative stories zoom in on a small moment from a bigger event and stretch it across the pages with a beginning, middle and end. We will also practice the technique of "show don't tell." That is when authors show us in the details how they are feeling instead of just telling. For example, instead of telling "I was excited" showing, "I had butterflies racing in my stomach as the roller coaster went higher and higher into the sky."

We are going to be seeing lots of cold weather and snow over the next few weeks. Please remember to send your child to school with appropriate gear and a change of clothes for those days that get muddy. Soon they will not be allowed off of the blacktop unless they have boots and snow pants to wear.