Lake Champlain Watershed

We had Colleen Hickey come today from the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center. She taught us all about pollution and run off from the land that can pollute Lake Champlain.  Some of the major lake pollutants are:

• soil
• animal feces
• oil
• pesticides
• grass

She used an amazing model of the Lake Champlain Watershed and each student had a turn to "pollute" different areas of the map.  Then we had an amazing rain storm that showed how pollutants are washed into the Lake.

Lastly, we talked about all of the animals that rely on the lake just like we do! Everyone had so much fun with the presentation and our behavior was amazing!  This was a great presentation that really help us to understand how our actions can effect the lake!

Fire Safety Week

On Thursday, October 18th, the Colchester Fire Fighters came to UMS to talk about Fire Safety week!  We had a great discussion on the signs that we would see if there was a fire as well  as what to do if you are in a building that is on fire. We also talked about what to do if our clothes catch on fire.  It is a little different than what I learned in school years ago. Now the firefighters taught us to stop, drop, cover your face, and roll.  One of our students even demonstrated this for us.  One of the best parts of the presentation was watching a fire fighter get dressed up in all of his proctective fire gear.  When a fire fighter is fully dressed, they can look a little scary so it was good for the students to watch the process.  The fire fighter even showed how he would crawl around the room and call out to see if anyone was in the house. We ended the presentation by going outside to look at and sit in a real fire truck!  We received coloring book, pencils, and a notepad from the Colchester fire fighters! It was a very informative and important presentation.  Thank you Colchester Fire Fighters!

Lake Champlain

After we left Mazza's, we traveled to Bayside Park to talk about and observe Lake Champlain.  We have been busy learning all about Lake Champlain and how it helps our community of Colchester. We have talked about 6 ways that Lake Champlain helps our town.  They are:

• exercise (swimming, kayaking, triathalon, parasailing)
• food (fish, rice)
• transportation by boat or ferry or kayak to NY
• water (our water in Colchester comes from Lake Champlain)
• visitors/tourism (triathalon, boat races, ice hockey tournament, vacation)
• fun (swimming, boating, picnics, just looking at the lake)

After talking about the ways that Lake Champlain helps us, we talked a little bit about Samuel de Champlain, who discovered and named Lake Champlain. Lastly, everyone was given time to look at and sketch the Lake. We noticed boats, bouys, birds, sand, and the beautiful mountains of NY from across the lake! We had a great time and we had a wonderful discussion about our lake!  We were then lucky to have a few minutes to burn some energy at the playground!

Again, I will post these pictures when I figure out how to do that!

Mazza's Pumpkin Patch

Last Monday, October 15th, we traveled to Sam Mazza's farmstand to pick pumpkins and eat a cider donut with cider.  I forgot my camera at home (which has been the story of my life all week!) so I was able to capture some amazing pictures using my telephone! However, I have no idea how to pull the pictures from my phone and add them to my blog. My husband has promised to help me but we have been busy getting ready for a family wedding this weekend.  That being said, I decided to tell you about some amazing experiences we have had in room 9 and just add the pictures when I am able to!

When we arrived at Mazza's, two classes went  to pick pumpkins while we were invited to sample delicious cider donuts and cider.  We even all received a sticker!  The donuts were a BIG hit, and the cider was liked by most.  Once it was our turn to pick pumpkins, the hayride through the "spooky woods" was a definite highlight.  Everyone picked  great pumpkins and everyone was so respectful and kind to every adult at Mazza's.  I was so proud of everyone's behavior and everyone had a great time!!

Open House

This Thursday, October 4th is Open House at Union Memorial School!  It will start at 6:30 and run until 7:30.  It is very informal so you can come and go at your leisure.  The students have been very busy completing projects to share with you during Open House!  Each student will have a scavenger hunt full of items to show you!  I hope to see everyone there!

Open House 

Date: Thursday, October 4th

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Union Memorial Elementary School

Visit your child's classroom as well as other specials like library and art!

Book Fair

Mrs. Flangan will be hosting a book fair in the UMS library during the week of October 29th.  Each class will get an opportunity to "book browse" and look at all of the books in the book fair.  There are hundreds of books at many different levels that the students can purchase, if you are interested.  More information will be coming home soon!