Hearts for Newtown

I read about an initiative called "Hearts for Newtown" here.

I thought the idea of sending paper hearts to the families and community of Newtown was a great way to say "Our Hearts are With You".

 The organizers encouraged younger children to 'make a heart to bring love and cheer to others', and to "leave the discussion of the tragedy in Newtown to parental discretion."

 How appropriate that children the same age as so many victims could send their well wishes without having to get into a length discussion of the tragedy.

  Jacob's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sumens, was very supportive.
 I cut out the hearts for the classes, and she added the coloring activity to her Friday "centers" learning program. Most of the students followed her example and drew beautiful rainbows on their paper hearts.

 Afterwards, I collected them all... 

 ...and then Jacob and Conner helped me put them in the mail.
They will be mailed to a nearby city in Connecticut for distribution, so as to not overwhelmed already strained resources in Newtown. 

The organizers want the hearts by January 7th.  Those interested in a similar initiative can read here about a group trying to collect 18,965,000 paper hearts, enough to measure from Montana to Connecticut. 

The Kindergarten Polar Express

Friday, December 21st

 The kindergarteners got a real treat with Kathryn and Jocey brought their barrel trains to school to give the students a real Polar Express experience. 

The students really enjoyed riding around the walking track, and the drivers enjoyed driving, too.

Above, Rachel, left, and Jocey. 

Below, Kathryn, right.

(All the kindergarteners were asked to wear their PJs so Kathryn and I decided to wear our's, too)

There is no question that David is the favorite in our home.  When he came to the school to take Oliver home for a nap Oliver flapped his had with such excitement that I thought the entire stroller would float into the air.  All the mommies ohhed and ahhed and how much this little guy was excited to see his Dad.  Then, seconds later, Nataleigh's class was dismissed for recess and when she saw her favorite Dad she literally jumped into his arms.  I can't blame them.  I think he's pretty neat, too.

The class had their snack. Yes, I signed up to bring the healthy option of a treat.  Carrots don't quite compete with a chocolate donut and chocolate milk, but I was impressed with how many students ate their veggies. 

Afterwards, Mrs Sumens invited me read the Polar Express.  It's a long book for kindergarteners, but we all managed.  The students really look forward to the fun experiences that come with the holidays.  I am grateful for this season of my life when I can participate in Jacob's classroom more than I have been able to before.

Montessori Christmas party

December 20th

I was asked to come help with the Montessori Christmas party.  

It was another great opportunity to see Jacob is a school setting.

The two Jacobs

They had a lot of fun activities including sliding down a gymnastics wedge as if it were a sledding hill.  They also blew up balloons and invited the students to play with the balloons like snowballs.  Jacob loves balloons.