Mining for Chocolate???

In recent weeks we have been reminded of how dangerous the profession of mining can be. This week in language arts we are reading about the gold rush of the mid 1800s. Today, we did a little mining ourselves. Safer and definitely tastier! Students had the task of mining for chocolate chips from a cookie. They were challenged to extract the "gold" without causing major disruption to the earth around the mineral. Some succeeded! We extended the lesson to discuss the reclamation of land, an important subject especially with Earth Day right around the corner! To learn more about land reclamation after mining, click here.

Go Bermuda!

We represented Bermuda today in my students' final Gilchrist Olympics. The opening ceremonies went off without a hitch, but not without a rain drop or two. We didn't melt, and even got to watch all the children dance to some great music! Tomorrow we will head to the fields to compete!

Our Field Trip to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

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Oh the weather outside is DELIGHTFUL!

We've suffered through a long and drawn out winter (I realize this is no comparison to what most of the country has endured), but for Floridians we barely survived. I sometimes wish I could knock down the wall between my classroom and the outside.

***Disclaimer: I want it to stay between 72 and 84 degrees, sunny, and preferably low humidity (my father is laughing right now because I gave up on any hopes of playing golf past high school because of being too hot!).

See pictures below of us basking (Christian's favorite vocab word) in the sunshine...




We also just added a greenhouse to our science spot. Currently our class and our science buddies from Ms. McKnight's class are growing veggies!




But good things happen in our classroom too! Today we made Earth friendly spring baskets. Students stuffed their recycled Easter baskets with shredded paper from the office, and then started packing in all the energy saving treats! Thank you again to Mr. Byrne (Henry's Dad) and the City of Tallahassee for their donations!





What a great day it was! Our morning science discussion has us pondering if the Internet is the best thing to happen to society or the worst. What do you think? Let us warn you...there are A LOT of pros and cons. To cap off this wonderful Wednesday, I was the guest of Emilee at her church tonight for a Teacher Appreciation dinner. The food was delicious, but her manners were even more delightful!

Sleep tight and see you in the morning!

Hope you had a great spring break

We are finishing up our spring break, and what a much needed break it was! I hope that my students and their families enjoyed the time off and are ready to head back in the morning. My family had a great week and capped off with a joyous Easter. I am looking forward to the month ahead, because we have A LOT going on! Make sure to check back with us soon!

Here are some of the little rug rats that I got to play with over the break...

My nephews Kaden and Kole (one is dressed as a pirate and the other has been munching on strawberries!)



Miss Pearce at the Tallahassee Museum



And our newest niece addition Ellison "Ellie" Anne

Kick for a Cause

We've won one game, and we are fighting it out for another win today! If we are victorious, than we get to play in the championship game tomorrow during our Kick for a Cause event. The annual kickball game raises money for the Brenda Luca Family Endowment at TMH. The family endowment helps those in need of support while fighting cancer. Brenda lost her battle to cancer two years ago, but still shines on in the hearts of many around here! Brenda was a great mother, wife, friend, and Gilchrist volunteer. She was a spark of energy and I truly enjoyed not only knowing her, but having her as a parent to one of my students. Wil and Jarrod are her twins, and they along with their father Roger, will be here tomorrow to toss the first pitch!

A Trip to the Farm...Join Us!

We had a glorious day today as we relished in beautiful weather and science. Turkey Hill Farm is a great escape from the classroom to see science in action. We loaded up with our science buddies and headed out to the farm, and we learned a lot. A huge thank you to Miss Louise and Farmer Herman for sharing their time and talents with us. If you like what you see, visit them at Market Square on Tuesday afternoons or Saturday mornings, or at Lake Ella on Wednesday afternoons. You won't regret it!

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