It's January

Happy New Year!  We are all excited to be back in the classroom and eager to begin learning about this new season of winter.  All three classes will take a look at how the weather is changing and how animals adapt.  Of course, I'm sure the children are hoping for a little of the "white stuff" so it really feels like winter!

January will be busy!  Montessori I will be exploring the smallest continent, Australia, where it is summer now.  They will take a look at the land and especially all the unique marsupials living there.  Montessori II will be looking south as well.  They will be studying South America, and in particular, the largest rain forest in the world.  They will take a look at the fantastic animals--mammals, reptiles, birds, frogs and insects that call the Amazon their home.  Montessori III will travel north and south, first exploring the arctic region, home to polar bears, seals, and whales, and then comparing that biome to Antarctica, one of the coldest, windiest, dryest places on earth. They will meet many breeds of penguins and seals along the way. All classes will be doing some science experiments with water, an essential ingredient, in all these habitats.

Reminders:
* The Audubon Naturalist Society will be here to help the Lunchers explore "Wonderful Worms" on Jan. 10.
* Woods Open Houses are January 16, 23, and 30 from 9:00-10:30.  Invite friends and family to come visit our wonderful school.
* Father-Child Breakfast is Thursday, January 17 from 8:00-9:15.  Parking is on campus so please follow the directions of Coach and his staff.
* Founders Day is Friday, January 25.  Luncher will attend Mass.
* Next newsletter is Wednesday, January 23rd.
* Please send spare clothes for cubbies. Remember to check the snack calendars.
* Mark your calendars: Friday, March 1 is testing for first grade.  All Lunchers as well as all our applicants will take the Metropolitan Readiness Test from 8:30-11:30.  (It is a first Friday half day.)There is no school for morning children and Owls that day.  There is Extended Care for registered students.

Please welcome Isobel Coutanche and her family to The Woods.  Isobel arrived from the UK over the holiday and has joined the Owls/Green Team in M III. We are delighted to have her!

Mrs. Kornegay is back! We want to thank Mrs. Nancy Palmer for so ably stepping in for Christina Kornegay while she was out on maternity leave. We hope she will come back to sub again!

Lastly, we have "good news" times two!  Mr. and Mrs. Smith are expecting a new baby girl in May. (Mrs. Sheila Novokov, former long time assistant, will sub while Mrs. Smith is on maternity leave.)  And, Mrs. Mustard-Scott and her husband are expecting their new little one in July. Congratulations all around!