Pine Grove School Grade 5 Event

What an Amazing Week!

2011-11-04T09:55:00.004-04:00

We are all packed! The students are on their final lesson called "Connections" that will bring together all they have learned throughout this amazing week. We will have an early lunch today at 11:30. Our buses are due to arrive at that time as well. After we eat lunch, we will load the buses and be on our way back to Rowley. Our scheduled departure time is 12:30 from Ferry Beach.

The weather this week has been outstanding, the kids have been great, and we had just an amazing week! See you soon Rowley!

Friday Morning - create a slideshow with music

Last Good Night From Ferry Beach

2011-11-03T21:27:00.002-04:00

We are mostly packed for our return tomorrow. The kids here are amazed at how quickly the week flew by. Some are mixed about tomorrow's departure...most can't wait to see their families again, but they also don't want to leave. They have had a good week.

The morning will be busy, rolling up sleeping bags and moving our luggage out before breakfast. But for now, some kids are quietly chatting, some reading in bed, and many are already asleep. Our last full day at Ferry Beach has come to a close. Good night for now. Stay tuned for at least one final post tomorrow.

Student Choice

2011-11-03T20:16:00.004-04:00

This afternoon the kids were able to choose a lesson. The choices were salt water painting, State Park nature hike, cooking, create a nature instrument, yoga on the beach, and art of change. The kids are still smiling!

Thursday afternoon - create a slideshow with music

Life's a Beach!

2011-11-03T12:09:00.002-04:00

After breakfast, the kids had their beach and dune lesson. Some groups created the White Mountains out of the sand, and learned how the Saco River carries water, sand, and minerals to Ferry Beach. Other groups created a "Sand Museum". Then the kids tried to act like a clam and dig into the sand so predators could not get at them. Later a walk along the shore for a scavenger hunt. Some found sand dollars, including Mrs. Osborne! We also had a visitor, Ms. Lacey, Assistant Principal, arrived at breakfast and joined the groups at the beach.

Life's a beach! - make slideshow

Another Beautiful Sunrise to begin Day 4

2011-11-03T07:46:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Anthony!

2011-11-03T07:39:00.002-04:00

Anthony was greeted by friends this morning for birthday wishes....and then again at breakfast!

Marine Life

2011-11-02T22:09:00.003-04:00

This evening the lesson was on marine life and how they have adapted to survive this ecosystem. They examined crabs, barnacles, lobster claws, baleen, periwinkles, just to name a few. After we walked down to the beach in search of dinoflagellates, marine plankton that light up at night when you dig in the sand. The kids had a great time and got to run around on the beach afterwards. It is now 10:14 and the dorm is silent. Your children have tired themselves out and are sound asleep.

Wednesday afternoon and evening - make slideshow

Can you recognize your child?

2011-11-02T16:46:00.001-04:00

Here is the slideshow that was re-created. See if you can recognize your child.

salt marsh - how to make a free slideshow

Salt Marsh Facials

2011-11-02T15:23:00.002-04:00

We trudged through the mud in the salt marsh after breakfast. The kids had a fabulous time learning about this ecosystem. I have been having internet and webpage difficulties since my morning posting, thus the reason for a later update on your children. I hope I can re-create a slide show I had completed before lunch which shows the faces of many of our 5th graders getting a "free facial". Stay tuned!

Morning Exercises!

2011-11-02T07:32:00.002-04:00

Before the sun was up, the kids were playing "keep away" from the approaching tide. Day 3 has begun with some energized children. After breakfast, we will walk to a nearby salt marsh to learn about that ecosystem. It looks to be another beautiful day at Ferry Beach.

Good Night

2011-11-01T22:13:00.002-04:00

It has been a busy day at Ferry Beach. The weather continues to cooperate and the kids are enjoying being kids! No TV, no video games, just some fresh air, and a whole lot of active play! Now, they are exhausted, tucked in their beds, and dreaming of what's to come tomorrow.

Dinner Time!

2011-11-01T21:58:00.001-04:00

Tonight most enjoyed the Chicken Pot Pie...there were just a few that were not brave enough to give it a try. Those that did said, "It was really good!" In the slideshow, you will see how your children are helping set up the tables, and enjoying their meal.

Dinner - slide show

Free Time

2011-11-01T21:26:00.000-04:00

Free Time - slide show

Abiotic Adventures

2011-11-01T16:35:00.002-04:00

This afternoon the kids ventured to the beach, the primary dune, the forest, and the Ferry Beach Gardens. The students took core samples and figured out how much "disturbance" was in the area. They also learned the productivity of the plants and learned the different species of the animals that live there.

Biddeford Tide Pools

2011-11-01T14:52:00.012-04:00

After breakfast, we boarded buses for a short trip to the Biddeford Tide Pools. The kids had a great time exploring under rocks and seaweed in search of intertidal life. They found crabs, muscles, and even a sea anemone! We all made it back safely, although some did get a little wet, but they were full of smiles as you can see in the slideshow.

tide pools 2 - slide show

We had a great lunch of turkey and cheese on focaccia bread, and some even tried the vegetarian sandwich on the same delicious bread. Currently, the kids are on their 2pm lesson learning about Abiotic Adventures.

Morning has broken!

2011-11-01T07:33:00.002-04:00

Good morning! A few early risers were treated to being the first on the east coast to greet the sunrise. Day 2 has begun, and it promises to be exciting with tide pools after breakfast, abiotic adventures in the afternoon, and astronomy tonight!

Good Night, Sleep Tight, and don't let the Vampires Bite!

2011-10-31T21:31:00.000-04:00

After a meal of pasta (which the kids at my table devoured 4 serving bowls....I think they like it!), sauce, homemade bread, and salad, the kids were treated to the Halloween Extravaganza. The trails in the forest were candlelit in metal canisters as the groups traveled to different stations learning about how animals have adapted to darkness. They learned about the owl with asymmetrical ears, the bat using echolocation, the difference between how a red and gray squirrel store food for winter (kids used Halloween candy to play this) and even a pirate story explaining how the patch helped them see at night. You will see some kids in the video improvising on costumes and I close with the campfire...and yes, gathered around the fire all 71 5th graders are there, you can't see them in the dark, nor can you hear them...they have been well behaved! It is now 9:51pm, the lights are out, kids are in bed, and no vampires in sight on this Halloween night! Day 1 has come to a close. Good night!

Lunch in the New Dining Hall

2011-10-31T15:43:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed lunch in the newly constructed dining hall at Ferry Beach. Some of the kids were trained today on how to be a meal server or clean up crew. Every student here helps out with serving meals and cleaning up after meals. The tables I visited today all enjoyed the Chicken Fajitas!

We have arrived safely!

2011-10-31T11:40:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Ferry Beach! The ride up was uneventful, and we arrived on time to a beautiful day! The kids have unpacked in their dorms, met their Naturalist (group teacher), and currently enjoying the nice weather before our lunch of Chicken Fajitas! At 2pm, they will head out for their first two-hour lesson titled the ABC's of Ecology. Tonight will be a Halloween extravaganza, complete with a campfire!

Ecology School is still on!

2011-10-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

This is no trick for Halloween, but a treat for our 5th Graders! We will still be leaving for Ferry Beach as scheduled despite that Triton has closed due to power outages. Our principal, Christine Kneeland, will be at Pine Grove to send us off for a great week! Please be there by 8:00am for check in. The long range forecast for Saco, Maine, looks fabulous!

Counting Down to Ecology School

2011-10-26T18:01:00.000-04:00

We are just days away before our big trip up to Saco, Maine! Can you feel the excitement (or possible anxiety) building at home? We can sure see it in school! Be sure to check this Blog throughout our week to see your children in action as they learn about the ecosystems.

We had an AWESOME Week!

2010-10-22T09:54:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-22T09:52:00.001-04:00

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

Getting ready for Breakfast

2010-10-22T09:46:00.000-04:00

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

Good Morning--Time to Pack up!

2010-10-22T09:35:00.000-04:00

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

Eco-Carnival Night

2010-10-21T21:09:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-21T16:14:00.000-04:00

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

Student Choice

2010-10-21T11:43:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-21T10:47:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-21T09:13:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-20T21:09:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-20T16:18:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-20T11:04:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-19T21:32:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-19T16:43:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-19T11:01:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-19T07:12:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-18T22:18:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-18T21:39:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-18T21:22:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-18T14:38:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-18T11:44:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-10-16T19:47:00.000-04:00

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!!

2010-10-08T08:52:00.000-04:00

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

Environmental Camp Slide Show 5/26

2010-05-19T11:10:00.000-04:00

Letters went home on Monday, 5/17 informing 4th grade parents that Drew Dumsch, Ferry Beach's director, will be coming to give a presentation on Wednesday, 5/26 from 6-8pm in the AP room. Following the presentation, he will be available to answer any questions.

Paul Lees, a parent in the community who has chaperoned for the last two years, will also be there to answer any questions and give a first-hand account of the children's camp experience.

Finally, forms were sent home that must be completed and returned by Friday, June 4th, in order to reserve your child's spot at camp.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach me by email at estephan@trsd.net or by phone at 978-948-2520 ext 3204.

Beth Stephan

May Cash Calendar Winners

2010-05-07T13:57:00.000-04:00

Congrats to all our Cash Calendar winners. And a special thanks to all our 4th graders for their hard work selling them.
All Cash Calendar winners will be contacted by phone or email. You will be given your winnings at the end of the month. Remember to check back often. All names are put back in the bag after each daily drawing, so you may win more than once!

5/1 Alyssa Kent $100
5/2 Jon Lamkin $50
5/3 Matthew Blouin $50
5/4 Majja Dennis $50
5/5 Pam Toppi $50
5/6 Barbara Holstein $25
5/7 Beth Stephan $50
5/8 Jen Ross $25
5/9 Christine LaGrassa $50
5/10 Pam Toppi $50
5/11 Robert Detato $50
5/12 Ben Savage $50
5/13 Laura McBride $25
5/14 Greg Sperounis $50
5/15 Deb Reale $25
5/15 Andrew DePasquale $50
5/17 Peter McCusker $50
5/18 Kevin Scalley $50
5/19 Laura McBride $100
5/20 Diane Barrett $25
5/21 Angela Doucot $50
5/22 Greg Sperounis $25
5/23 Frances Soroka $50
5/24 Kathy DePasquale $50
5/25 Jenn Ross $50
5/26 Shirley Kimball $50
5/27 Richard Hazen $25
5/28 Bobbi Hemmerdinger $50
5/29 Tom Rasmussen $25
5/30 Laura Folsom $50
5/31 Mary Hannon $200

Camp Survivors!

2009-10-23T09:50:00.000-04:00

After a breakfast of cereal, French Toast, and sausages, we took the kids down to the beach for a group photo before their last lesson. Here are your camp survivors! I think they had a great week!

Our last day is under way

2009-10-23T07:25:00.000-04:00

Good morning! We are packing now before breakfast, then off to one more lesson, an early lunch, and departure around 12:30. We have had a fantastic week of weather and learning!

Eco-Carnival Night

2009-10-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

This evening the kids were tested about their knowledge of ecology throughout various active games. Below is a sample of the fun they had despite being pretty tired from their amazing week at Ferry Beach.

Jetty Jaunt

2009-10-22T17:08:00.000-04:00

This afternoon students had choices of lessons to sign up for. The group I joined took a jaunt to the Camp Ellis jetty. The kids learned about when the jetty was built, and the reasons for building it and extending the Saco River. We saw the effects of erosion due to the sea pounding off the jetty and taking away the sand from the beach. The impact upon the homes in the area is very evident: roads washed out, houses on stilts, rock walls are just a few things. So if the jetty is doing all these things, why is it there and who benefits from it? We learned about the textile mills and the ships coming in and out during the 1800's, as well as, the local fishermen who profit from this region.

The Kiwi Queen of Ferry Beach

2009-10-22T16:12:00.000-04:00

Your children have been enjoying the fresh fruit that is always available here at Ferry Beach. One of the more popular treats is the kiwi. Today at lunch we crowned a Queen of Kiwi.

Saltmarsh Sea Pickle

2009-10-22T11:47:00.000-04:00

This morning we explored the ecosystem of the saltmarsh. The kids had fun walking through the muddy marsh and sampling sea pickles. You can also view a music video about...something that begins with S and ends in T, it comes out you and comes out of me! I will let the kids sing the rest. We enjoyed the company of a visitor last evening and today. Long time 5th grade teacher and former camp coordinator, Lynda Kubik, just can't stay away! It was great to see her!

Check out this slide show

2009-10-21T23:38:00.000-04:00

Camp Pictures

2009-10-21T22:29:00.000-04:00

Recreation Time

2009-10-21T15:35:00.000-04:00

Besides all the fun they are having out on their lessons, the kids are enjoying being kids out on the play area during recreation time. Everyone loves the spinny cups! If spinning is not for you, then a game of volleyball or just hanging out can be a great way to spend some time with friends.

What a beautiful beach day!

2009-10-21T11:07:00.000-04:00

The weather was spectacular for the beach and dune lesson. In the videos you may see kids watching a skit, digging quickly as a clam needs to in order to avoid being eaten, sediment coming down the river from the White Mountains, a dance, the return of Jake, and even a 5 minute beach nap! The kids are having a great time, eating tons of fruit, helping serve the meals, and even cleaning up after mealtimes!

Happy Wednesday-Happy Birthday Chris

2009-10-21T07:37:00.000-04:00

We begin day three with a birthday celebration. Breakfast will be served soon and then we are off to our Beach and Dune lesson.

Stars in the sand or digging for dinos

2009-10-20T21:09:00.000-04:00

This evening the lesson was astronomy.The group I went with took a walk down to the beach to look up at the constellations. Their job was to create their own constellation and create a story about how it became famous. We had some creative ideas, fun and laughter along the shore. After viewing the constellations above, the naturalist said that some stars are in the sand, and instructed the students to dig for them. To their amazement, they were there! No, not really starts but dinoflagellates, tiny organisms that light up when stimulated. After, each student became an expert on a planet in our solar system and read some facts about their planet. Now your "little stars" are in bed dreaming of what will come on day three at Ferry Beach.

It's a bird, it's a plane...it's a ?

2009-10-20T15:37:00.000-04:00

Abiotic Adventures

2009-10-20T15:17:00.000-04:00

This afternoon's lesson featured Abiotic Adventures. The students took soil samples and learned how to determine if it contains nutrients. They also learned about glaciers, plate tectonics and how soil is formed. The video below shows a group making "soil soup". Ask your child for the recipe when they get home, but I wouldn't order it at any restaurant.

Note for Parents

2009-10-20T13:29:00.000-04:00

Since the 5th grade is having a great time at Ferry Beach this week, you will be getting progress reports from 5th grade teachers next week. This is a change from the other grade levels that will be sending them home this week.

Biddeford Tide Pools

2009-10-20T11:58:00.000-04:00

The kids just returned from exploring the tide pools. We managed to have no injuries on those slippery rocks and found awesome things including a sea anemone!

Day 2 has begun

2009-10-20T07:07:00.000-04:00

Good morning from Ferry Beach! The sun rose just after 7:00am over the Atlantic Ocean and our day has begun. Looks like a super day ahead!

Well, we just got back from the tide pools and all the while I was trying to download an awesome 1:16 minute video of the kids watching the sunrise. I began the download at 7:15 and it is now 11:36. I will have to post shorter segments of video in order to let you see in a timely fashion.

Day 1 comes to an end

2009-10-19T21:24:00.000-04:00

The kids had a great afternoon learning about abiotic and biotic factors...make sure you quiz them when they get home as to what those terms mean. Dinner this evening featured pasta with or without sauce, delicious garlic bread, roasted squash, and garden salad. You can see video below of them gobbling down their dinner. After dinner, they had a crossword puzzle "dessert quiz" where they work together for dessert at their dining table to reinforce the lessons of the day.

Their evening lesson after dinner was Marine Lab which is a prelude to tomorrow's excursion to the Biddeford Tide Pools. They learned about the different tidal zones and what species live in each. The students were also prepared on how to walk on the rocks and stay away from the dreaded black rocks...those that have slippery algae growing on them! It is now 9:51pm and I am sitting in my room and all I can hear is the surf outside, all boys (I can't speak for the girls dorm) are sound asleep. Day 1 has come to a peaceful end.

We have arrived!!

2009-10-19T11:37:00.000-04:00

The bus ride up was comfortable and we made good time, arriving about 10:10am. The kids liked the idea of having a bathroom on the bus. Here at Ferry Beach the surf is pounding, students have had dorm orientation and a practice Fire Drill. As I write, the kids are outside having a great time. Soon they will come in for lunch which the menu is: Fruit salad, potato salad, tossed salad, and chicken or cheese focacia! After lunch, students will go on their first lesson The ABC's of Ecology. The weather is beautiful!

Counting Down to Camp!

2009-10-16T17:26:00.000-04:00

Wow, can you believe we leave for camp on Monday? Today in Literacy, we talked about camp and the excitement is building. While most kids never experience homesickness, there have been some cases in years passed. So today, we took steps to help in case they feel any symptoms of this dreaded illness. We watched a clip from the movie The Sound of Music, with Julie Andrews singing My Favorite Things. I had the kids write a list yesterday, and today we put it into song with a slightly different chorus: When I'm homesick, when I'm lonely, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad! Below you can view some of the video from the three classes as they shared what they wrote. We had a great time and talked after how we need to help each other out during our camp week if we notice anyone experiencing any symptoms. Have a great weekend, rest up! The long range forecast for Saco, Maine looks good so far! Check out the link: http://www.weatherforyou.com/weather/maine/saco.html

Getting Ready

2009-09-30T23:45:00.000-04:00

I hope your child is excited for 5th Grade Camp! This evening, Drew Dumsch, the executive director at Ferry Beach, gave an informative slide show to parents and students. After speaking with parents after the presentation, I got the sense that you are very comfortable with sending your children. It is a great experience for your child, learning about the ecosystems, as well as, gaining some independence away from home. I have been going to 5th grade camp for 17 years, and have seen children just shine during this week!

Welcome to our 5th Grade Blogger!

2009-09-30T20:45:00.000-04:00

This year we will update the daily events your children experience at Ferry Beach. I am excited to use this technology to bring pictures, videos, and descriptions to your home while your child is away. I currently have two videos I used as a test. I will delete these soon, but you can see how awesome this will be!

video test 2

2009-09-30T11:24:00.000-04:00

This is a video test

2009-09-30T10:15:00.000-04:00