We had an AWESOME Week!

We had a great week with the weather and with your children. They are now more knowledgeable, more together as a 5th grade...and more independent! Be proud of your kids! See you soon Pine Grove!

Justin Time!

After being out sick all week, we were happy to see Justin arrive for the final day!

Getting ready for Breakfast

Students prepare the tables for all meals at Ferry Beach. Today we had French Toast, sausage, and cereal.

Good Morning--Time to Pack up!

We were treated to another beautiful sunrise as we packed up for our final day here at Ferry Beach.

Eco-Carnival Night

Tonight was Eco-Carnival Night where the students played a variety of games that tested their knowledge of what was learned during our week here at Ferry Beach--kind of like a final exam!

Now, the kids are tucked safely into bed for their final night, dreaming of seeing their families again tomorrow.

Beach and Dunes

This afternoon the students learned about the beach and dune ecosystem. They learned about the primary dunes, secondary dunes and how they protect Ferry Beach. The kids then built mountains and the Saco River in the sand. One student was the "jetty" and they learned how the sand shifts and how erosion is affecting the beach. Most groups also did a scavenger hunt to find biotic and abiotic items on the beach.

Somewhere over the rainbow!

Wow, check this out! Minutes after returning from our Beach and Dune lesson, a thunderstorm rattled through Ferry Beach.

Student Choice

This morning the kids were able to choose from a variety of different lessons. One group took the Jetty Jaunt, a walk to Camp Ellis and onto the jetty next to the Saco River. Another group worked on improvisation, while some went to the beach and dug huge holes! The kids in wild, wild edibles enjoyed the carrots and wintergreen, and another group did Nature Photography. Some took their survival skills and built shelters in the woods. The weather is now a bit overcast, showers may move in, but the kids continue to be happy and active.

Progress Reports

Hi Parents!

A quick note. Tomorrow is Progress Report day for Pine Grove. Since 5th grade is at camp, we will hand our reports out next Friday.

Good Morning, I'm hungry!

The sun is up once again at Ferry Beach. We have just returned from breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, and cereal. This morning, the students will have different lessons to choose, our afternoon lesson will be beach and dunes, and this evening, we will have the Eco-Carnival. It looks to be another busy, exciting day!

Astronomy

This evening was packed full of activities to engage the students in learning about astronomy. One activity had the Naturalist throw a bunch of beans on a cement walkway. From there, the kids had to see if they could identify any patterns, such as the patterns in the sky forming constellations. In their field books, the students drew a "constellation" they saw in the beans and created a story to explain the importance of this pattern. Another activity had students playing "poker" using cards to create a planet that would be suitable for human life. Later, the kids had a chance to look at the moon through the telescope and observe the craters. Then, off to the beach to dig for "stars" in the sand! Actually, they were digging and finding dinoflagellates (marine plankton) that light up in the sand and look like stars! But now, your "little stars" are cozy in their beds as day 3 has come to a close.

Salt Marsh Madness!

The afternoon lesson was on the salt marsh ecosystem. The students took a core sample, learned how the marsh is like a sponge, used a trap to catch mummichogs, and much more! Once they gained all this salt marsh knowledge, they received a reward...and I will let the video do the rest, but you just might not recognize your child!

If I were King of the Forest

This morning the students learned about forest succession--which is the predictable series of changes in vegetation. Example: weedy growth will give way to shrubs and then to small trees, and eventually to larger trees. The kids saw an example of this, where an area of grass near the woods has been roped off for 11years. They saw how over time, the weeds and grass grow high, and a small oak tree has begun to grow. Students then predicted what it would look like in 5, 10, and 20 years from now.

Later they played a game where half the kids were gray squirrels and the other half were red squirrels. They were each given 8 beans to hide for the "winter". Gray squirrels hide their food in several different places, whereas the red squirrel puts all their food in one spot. The kids were sent out a few times during the "winter" to find their food. They came back to their group and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each squirrel's method of hiding their food. The kids are active, having fun...and learning!

Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun

Yes, Mr. Sun is shining upon us once again at Ferry Beach! The kids are up, dressed, smiling, and have eaten breakfast of cereal, French Toast, sausage, and fresh fruit. The first lesson we will venture into the woods to learn about the forest ecosystem.

Nature at Night

This evening students learned about nature at night. They played a bat and moth game, where a student is blindfolded in the forest (as the "blind bat"), and another student has a container with rocks. The child with the rock is the "moth" and it is simulating echolocation, the method of hunting used by bats. The bat tries to "locate" and grab his dinner just by the sound of the container with rocks. The kids had a great time with this game and each enjoyed being the bat or moth.

The kids also learned about rods and cones in their eyes. They had colored construction paper and they had to write what color they thought they had. Well, as you can figure, human eyes have a difficult time distinguishing colors at night. Ask you child about why pirates had a patch over one eye when they get home, because many groups looked at a lit candle during a story in the woods while covering one eye. After the story was over, the candle was blown out. The eye that was uncovered has difficulty seeing in the dark, however, the eye that was covered by your hand can easily see in the darkness! Fun activity!

No student video tonight because it was too dark to film. But I will leave you a video of a "prayer". And now, like the candle being blown out in the pirate activity, the lights are out here at Ferry Beach. A very busy Day 2 has come to a close.

Biddeford Tide Pools

We took a 20 minute bus ride through Historic Saco on our way to the Biddeford Tide Pools. The students explored under rocks, in the seaweed, and in the water to search for the marine life they learned about in last evening's lesson. The sea was calm, the sun was warm, and the kids had a great time!

Abiotic Adventure

This morning the lesson was on Abiotic Factors--non-living things such as sunlight, wind, temperature, rocks, etc. Students were at the beach, and the forest exploring these factors. It is a beautiful day and the abiotic factor of sunlight is fantastic!

Good Morning Sunshine!

We watched the sunrise over Saco Bay just before 7am. Most boys on the floor report they slept well. Your children are now brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. Day 2 at Ferry Beach has begun!

9:28 and all is well!

The kids had a great first day! Now, they are all in bed--your children are safe, fed, happy...and sleeping! Good night from Ferry Beach!

Marine Lab

The night lesson was Marine Lab, where students were indoors learning about the marine life they may encounter tomorrow when we go to the Biddeford Tide Pools. Students learned about Invaders, like the snail and sea star, Synthesizers, such as algae, Sweepers, example the barnacle, Scrapers, like the sea urchin, and my personal favorite, Snatchers, like the lobsters! Not only did they learn about how the marine life survives and eats, they also learned the location of where each species lives in the different tidal zones.

Children were also treated to a skit featuring "Little Suzie" who didn't listen well to her naturalist before visiting the tide pools. Moral of the story for the tide pools: Dress in layers, be careful on black rocks because they are slippery, use three points of contact when moving about the tide pools, and remember to use the restroom before going on our adventure.

The First Supper

This first supper featured Pasta, homemade bread, salad, and chocolate brownie dessert. Kids seemed to greatly enjoy dinner, keeping their servers busy going back to the kitchen for more food.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jared! After our delicious lunch of chicken fajitas, chili, rice, and salad, we sang a song to celebrate Jared's 11th birthday.

Hello Rowley, Ferry Beach here!

We have arrived! The bus ride up was comfortable and quiet. We unloaded the buses around 10:15. The students have put all their luggage in their bedrooms, had their dorm orientation, and a practice Fire Drill. Currently, they are outside with their naturalist where they are getting acquainted with their groups. Soon we will have lunch and I see chicken fajitas on the menu. The weather is beautiful and the kids are smiling!

Almost ready for departure!

We are just days away from departing to Saco, Maine on our amazing adventure! The excitement has been building in the 5th grade as we get closer to Monday's departure date. And while most kids are excited and will never experience any homesickness, we had fun on Friday creating a cure for this potential "illness". We viewed a short video clip from The Sound of Music, the song about favorite things. The kids had a great time creating their own song in case they needed some cheering up during camp week. Check out the videos for some samples.

The long range forecast for Saco, Maine, looks to be chilly, with potential showers on Thursday. Check out the link and pack appropriately for the week. www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USME0348

One Week To Go!!

The countdown has begun! With camp quickly arriving, I'd like to give you some last minute information.

If you'd like to take a look at the Ferry Beach website to see their lesson schedules, what they'll be learning, and view some pictures, their web address is http://www.fbes.org/. I encourage you to check it out as it has a lot of information. You can also scroll down this blog to take a look at last year's videos and pictures!

I will be giving out yet another packing list for any kids who have lost theirs and need another one. Please prepare your child for any type of weather. It's better to overpack than be unprepared. Typically, the weather is in the mid-50's in the afternoon and in the 40's at night. But keep in mind the kids are outside almost all day, so winter clothing is a must!

If you plan to send your child a letter, please send it next week (the week BEFORE we go). That way it will be waiting for your child when we arrive. Please address your letters in the following way:
Your Child's Name
c/o Pine Grove Elementary
Ferry Beach Ecology School
8 Morris Avenue, Building One
Saco, ME 04072

Finally, I still have two remaining checks from Cash Calendar winners. If you sold a calendar to Peter McCusker or Mary Hannon, please email me at estephan@trsd.net so I can get their contact information.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

Beth