Blogs

 We have decided to help others while we help ourselves by participating in the Scholastic Book Clubs ClassroomsCare, a philanthropic-based literacy campaign designed to teach children about the joys and importance of reading and giving. From now through the end of May, we will try to read 100 books and, in turn, Scholastic Book Clubs will donate 100 books (for a total donation of up to 100,000 new books) to disadvantaged children countrywide.

We have raised more than $300 for our Water Challenge. We are so excited to be able to donate this money on behalf of Stacey and Heather G's classes. Thank you for your support.

The Canadian Safety Council has issued a warning. The Council states that the latest fad in children’s footwear – athletic shoes that feature a single wheel housed in the heel, allowing the immediate transition from walking and running to rolling - are unsafe if used improperly. They are also hard on floor surfaces. Please refrain from sending this type of shoes to school. Your cooperation with this matter is much appreciated.

With the increased media attention around the rising rates of childhood obesity, there is an awareness that children need to be more physically active. Walking to school gives children an excellent opportunity to incorporate physical activity into their daily schedule. It also helps to decrease the congestion of cars in the school drop off zone; therefore, increasing the safety of children as they make their way into the school grounds. Decreased car congestion also means less gas and fume emissions for the children to breathe in as they pass through this area.

Development and traffic are often topics of conversation around the schoolyard. Did you know that Westboro has a really great little community association? The WCA website (www.westborovillage.ca) is regularly updated with news and info about what's going on in our neighborhood, so check it out when you have a chance.

Multi-age Classrooms: An Age-Old Grouping Method Is Still Evolving

Despite mounting challenges, the multi-age classroom continues to be an attractive option for educators
By Nancy Walser

Seven years ago, when Connie Chene took over as principal of the Puesta Del Sol Elementary School in Rio Rancho, NM, she issued this challenge to her teachers: If they had any ideas about how to do things differently to benefit kids, all they had to do was talk to her.