April News

Second grade has embarked on a fantastic exploration of fossils and dinosaurs. Students will discover the various ways fossils are formed, the different appearances fossils take, how fossils are uncovered, and how paleontologists glean information about Earth and its life forms from the fossils. Children will be engaging in many fun and interesting activities including exploring poetry, enjoying books with fossil/dinosaur themes, and choosing a dinosaur to study and research.

Second Grade will spend April 16th-20th outdoors. We hope to integrate many of our regular school activities into our outdoor experience with nature, as well as focus on the beauty found in CA’s natural surroundings. This is a DRESS DOWN week for Second Grade!! Please help your child to choose clothing appropriate for outdoors - jeans or sweat pants, tee-shirts or sweatshirts, tennis shoes, and outerwear suitable for the weather. Shorts are acceptable, but please remember that we will be venturing into the woods of Academy. If there has been recent rain, the children need to wear boots. We will try to get outside for at least part of each day during Outdoor Week! We will focus on learning about the outdoors in Ohio - especially the trees, animals, and rocks found in our state.

* As part of Outdoor Week, we are asking that each student brings in his/her own disposable (preferably waterproof) camera. We will begin using the cameras on Monday, April 16th. The students will also be able to take his/her camera to Caesar Creek to capture some fossil pictures! Cameras will be sent home on Friday, April 20th for developing over the weekend.

On Thursday, April 19th, the Second Grade will be venturing to Caesar Creek in Waynesville, Ohio. There is a spillway carved out of rock that reveals many fossilized animals. The children will be allowed to take home some fossils that are lying on the ground. Every child should be able to walk away from this experience with a nice collection of Ohio fossils. Our plan is to leave the school by 8:15 in the morning. PLEASE have your child to school by 7:55, or 8:00 a.m. at the latest so that he or she will have time to unpack and review the instructions for the day. This is a dress down day. If the weather forecast calls for rain, please make sure that your child dresses appropriately. Dressing in layers might also be helpful, depending on the weather. The children will also need to bring a snack, a water bottle, and sack lunch with a drink. We also ask that each child bring a sturdy bag in which to collect fossils. We will arrive back at school between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. on this day.

*Important Dates:

Lower School Fair: Saturday, April 14, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Outdoor Week: April 16-20
Late Start Day: April 18
C.O.S.I. on Wheels: April 18
Caesar Creek Field Trip: Thursday, April 19
Ballet Met Field Trip “Sleeping Beauty”: April 27, 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Antique Show Preview Party: April 27
Antique Show: April 28 & 29