Monday, October 18, 2010

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!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

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

Friday, October 8, 2010

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