Happy Friday to you!

We are coming up on a long weekend. Which means great things to a fifth grade student, and a fifth grade teacher! Our family is trying to recover after spending one night in the hospital with this little pistol as he suffered through having the flu at only four months old. I think we are on the up and up by the looks of things...



You might not know it, but Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also the National Day of Service. Our class had some candid conversations this week about laws, rules, protesting, government, etc. in light of the Tuscon tragedy and in reference to our civics lessons. It is hard to persuade an 11 year old about the need for laws and rules, but even they could see that as Americans we allowed to civily disagree and have a voice as long as we don't hurt our neighbor. Why don't you spend the day helping a neighbor?




If you and your family are looking for a way to lend a hand on Monday or in the future, check out Serve.gov. This is an easy way to find volunteer opportunities in our area. Can't actually get out and volunteer on Monday, here are some quick and easy ways to help one another...

*head to a local park and pick up trash as you play
*donate used towels and blankets to the Leon County Animal Shelter
*round up your gently used books and take them to the library or Senior Center
*ask an elderly neighbor if you could rake their yard or sweep their driveway
*make thank you cards and drop them off at the Armory
*bake some cookies and take them to the fire station closest to your home
*drop off some coloring books and crayons to the pediatric floor at the hospital (2nd floor at TMH, we were just there)
*call a grandpa or family friend and thank them for volunteering to serve our country

Enjoy a day off, but more importantly enjoy serving others!

Ahhh...Chooo!

It's that time of year, and the ahhh...chooos are everywhere. Little man Mack had his first sickness this past week and he is pitiful. To learn more about the science behind colds check out this very interesting site about kids health!

Paying it forward in 2011!

Yes, our class purchased a flock of geese through the organization Heifer International. If you are not familiar with the great work that this worthy organization does each day, check them out here. In their own words this is how our flock of geese will help a family or village in need...

Geese make a great gift, and here's why: Since some geese can lay up to 75 eggs a year the benefits add up quickly for families in desperate need of protein and a means of income. Geese are easy to care for because they don't require much shelter and can adapt to hot, wet or cold weather. Geese can also find a good portion of their food by themselves, and they efficiently dispose of weed seeds and gobble up insects, slugs and snails.

Best of all, geese are highly efficient producers of animal protein. And they're vigilant "watchdogs," loudly warning when uninvited guests arrive at the homestead.

Heifer's model spreads throughout communities as recipients pass on the gifts of animals and offspring - creating a sustainable cycle of hope and change.

So the next time you are looking to buy a gift for that person (or yourself) that has everything, think about making a donation in their honor! The kids really enjoyed this concept. Of course that is after I explained to them that 20 geese would not be showing up at Gilchrist for us to deliver. Geesh!

Another way to help out with the click of your mouse and a little brain power is through the Free Rice website. WARNING: THIS CAN BE ADDICTIVE! The good news is that your lunch hour addition can help eliminate hunger through the UN Food Program.

Make it your new year's resolution to help out someone on your street, your community, or a stranger half a world away in need!

May the new year bring you and your family great health, great memories, and great compassion for those less fortunate! Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas from the Whitakers

O Mod Tannenbaum Christmas

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'Twas the day before Christmas vacation

If you have ever taught school or have children of your own, you are well aware that the day before any type of vacation (whether it be Veteran's Day or summer vacation) is the equivalent to putting Fun Dip powder through the air vents at a place like Fun Station. Needless to say the children are EXCITED! Heck, the teachers are excited too! We had a great last couple of days before the two week break. Here are some pictures to sum it up...

We did get some learning done! We've been busying study about elements, atoms, and the periodic table. Here is an element superhero.


Art work done by:


We used our math skills to construct snowmen that could be no heavier than 50 pounds, and not cost more than $25.


We stuffed stockings full of treats.



As our elf, Jerry (the kids choice), and his friends looked on.




We made sweet ornaments to take home.


We collected money to buy a flock of geese for a family or village in need through Heifer International. Not quite your typical six geese a laying!


Geese provide eggs and protein for people living in third world countries all around the globe.



Our class hopes that your holiday season is full of magic, love, peace!

Merry Christmas...

Beaming with pride!

I am so proud of Katie for being selected as our school's student volunteer of the year. Way to go Miss Katie!




By the way, what's really special is that her Papa (Mr. Armstrong) was selected as our school's senior volunteer of the year! (I don't have a picture of him, but you can catch him at the Killearn Publix being the friendliest bag "boy" around!).