Track and Field Day

Our ES Track and Field Day right around the corner and scheduled for Tuesday, February 2. This is a very enjoyable day for students and lasting memories are always made. Also, just by way of reminder, our class color is GREEN. Kindly ensure that you have a plain green T-shirt for your child to wear on Feb. 2. 

I am looking for some volunteers to help with our girl team and boy team. Who's in?! 

What's involved? 

The volunteers will: 

• travel with each group, making sure students make it to each activity station 
• encourage all students to participate 
• facilitate bathroom breaks
• take part in the fun

If you would like to volunteer your time on Tuesday, Feb. 2 (from 8:00 ish - 1:30 ish), please let me know. It's preferable to have two parents traveling with each group, so that you will have some adult company and another person with you, in case of an emergency. (If I have enough volunteers, I am able to go back and forth between the boy and girl team to take pictures and cheer with each team.)

Please email me if you are interested in helping, even if it's just for a couple of hours. 

Thanks so much in advance! It's always a really great day of sports! 

Useful and Interesting Links

The students were thrilled to go on a virtual field trip as we explored this new filming projected called "View from Above," which was launched a couple of days ago by Emirates Airlines and Boeing. It's one of the largest branded aerial filming projects ever and extends across 18 global destinations.

Also, this is more for you parents, but students are welcome to watch/read this as well. My sister, Julie, sent this excellent article based on the work of Carol Dweck and growth mindset. I'd encourage you to read it as it's short, inspiring, and full of interesting research. I particularly liked the animated video at the bottom of the article.

Great Heights!

One of our earliest science investigations for Unit 2 explored the idea of plant growth, specifically, answering the question: Why do trees grow so tall? 

This is the largest tree in the world.  It's located in California and named Hyperion. The tree was discovered in 2006, and is 379.7 feet (115.7 m) tall.

Students learned that plants naturally gravitate towards the light because they need it to survive. After planting two identical seeds, one in the sunlight and one in a dark closet, students were surprised to see that the one in the dark closet did not grow leaves, turned slightly yellow, and grew the tallest, but then died shortly thereafter.

The one in the sunlight was shorter, however it grew wide, green leaves. Students could then deduct that the reason for this was because the plant in the darkness was groping (and hoping) to find sunlight, thus it kept reaching up, much like trees in a shaded forest do.

As an adaptation, when plants or trees become outgrown by other larger plants/trees around them, they shoot up to find the sunlight they desperately need to survive.

We also explored the idea that roots always seem to grown in a downward direction. Why is that? Are they looking for dirt, just as the top of the plant searches for sunlight? Would they know if we turned them a different direction? Would their roots actually move?

To find out the answer to these questions, we are conducting an experiment.

First, we planted radish seeds and placed them in the window. After only one day, the seed coat fell off and the seed began to grow a tiny root. Soon, root hairs were visible, then finally leaves grew. Now, the question is, what will happen to the roots when we turn our plant bags sideways?

Stay tuned!! 

PS. How does that tree compare Big Ben and other famous trees?

Fairy Tale Fun!

As we are currently writing fractured fairy tales, it was very apropos that we received an invitation to have some 9th grade drama class students present THEIR fractured fairy tales! (A special thank you to Padraig Downey, their teacher, for this special treat.) 

The children were animated as they watched a mash-up of Little Red Riding Hood, The Frog Prince, The Wizard of Oz, and Beauty of the Beast. They laughed, shrieked, were surprised, and even participated in the literary action! To view all of the pictures, please click here. 

Oh, no! We have a princess down! 

Almera's expressions were so cute!! 

Such drama!! 

Plant "Surgery"

As part of our investigation into our science unit, Life Cycles, Traits, and Adaptations, students explored another science mystery and were able to answer these questions:

• Why are flowers so colorful and how does their color impact their survival? 
• Why and how flowers are pollinated? 
• What happens to the eggs of a plant after they are pollinated? 
• What insects and animals help the pollination process and how? 
• How does pollination ensure a plants survival/reproduction? 

Ask if your child can articulate these answers to you!  

Students then had a fantastic time dissecting a lily to locate the various parts (stamen, pistil, ovary, petals, and pollen). They were very excited to feel how sticky the pistil was and were amazed that the pollen was so concentrated (thick) that they could write with it! (I cautioned them to take care with their clothing, so, hopefully, there no stains!) 

I hope you'll enjoy the pictures of our fun... (and to view more of them, click here)

Emre took his role as a scientist very seriously. 

Finding the eggs wasn't easy, but we could see a few (we think). 

Smiles all around! 

Funny story: When I bought these lilies and I mentioned that I needed them to open by the next day because I was a teacher and we were going to use them for a science lesson, the florist surreptitiously grabbed this pink rose and handed it to me, saying, "Here, for you, teacher." It was so touching and a nice surprise! Unfortunately, most of them did not open by the next day, we were flexible and did another investigation about apples (inheritance, traits) instead. :) 

*News to Note*

There are a few exciting events occurring this week (and in the near future), which I've already spoken to the class about, but you'll also be able to read about them here, as well: 

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Our next DAAPA pizza lunch will be on Thursday, January 28th.  Order forms were sent home on Thursday.  All orders are due on Tuesday morning (Jan. 26th) with exact change please.  Unfortunately, NO orders will be accepted on Thursday. 

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DAAPA will be hosting a family movie night of the year on Thursday, January 28th. Gates open around 5:30 pm, with the movie starting at sunset. Admission and popcorn are free. Pizza, hotdogs/corn-dogs and drinks will be available for purchase.  

Bring  your mat or bean bag to get comfy.  If you are attending, kindly RSVP to stayintouchwithdaaes@gmail.com. 

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Lost and Found Items on Display:  Please note lost and found items will be on display in the foyer from February 8-15th. After that, unclaimed items will be donated to charity.  In order to assist us with getting your child's lost items returned, please ensure that any item your child brings from home is clearly marked with their name.  

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As a reminder, the playground is a nice option for families to meet and greet after school and after ASAs. In order to keep this a safe, fun and positive environment, your child may only play on the playground after school or after ASAs if they are supervised by a parent or care giver. Students who are waiting to be picked up after school must wait quietly in the foyer only. 

News from the Library

Mark your calendars! January 24-28 the PS/ES Library will be celebrating Love My Library Week.  Come and join us after school from 2:50-3:20 Sunday, Monday,Wednesday and Thursday for a range of fun activities including read alouds, a treasure hunt, a trivia contest, board games and more.  PARENTS please join us for a tour of the library on Wednesday, the 27th from 8:00-8:30.  The tour will include information on family library accounts, resources for parents, and an overview of the library curriculum and activities. Please join us!

A few items...

As this week begins, I wanted to take a moment to note a few items: 

• Thank you for your sweet get-well notes. After struggling with laryngitis and sinusitis at the end of last week and throughout the weekend, I'm feeling much better, thankfully. 

• Welcome back to those who are just returning back to school this week. We missed you and are very happy to see your smiling faces again! 

• As a reminder, this is the time to sign up for ASAs! (All of the important dates are included on the site. Be sure to check the tabs at the top.)

• Please remember to avail yourself of the weekly Assignment Sheet and News, which always includes a rough outline of all that we will be learning. This is also great way to connect with your child: "So, I read that you are learning all about getting to know the character in your book. What have you learned about his/her traits? (child replies, "He's very brave.") How can you tell that?" 

• As you may know, we will be hosting some special guests this week at school. Yes, it's our time to show KHDA all of the wonderful things that makes DAA so fantastic. To help make the week even better, please help us by remembering a few things: 

• Be on time, as any tardies this week will be noted by KHDA. 
• Dress in the proper DAA uniform (hoodies, sweaters, ties, shoes). 
• Be on your best behavior, as always! 

Thanks so much. We look forward to a terrific week! 

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PS. A big congratulations to our breeder dog at home, Oakley, who gave birth (on Saturday evening) to 8 adorable puppies. She is the proud mama of 5 females and 3 males, who will grow up to be service dogs for New Horizons. My sister, Julie, and mom were there for the birthing and even helped. I hope you'll enjoy these sweet pictures of all of the puppy fun! 

View this video below... 

Videos: 

• Waiting for Mama
• Rolling off as they feed 
• Mom rubbing them down 
• Feeding time while Mama sleeps 

Mom is rubbing them to make them cry, which causes their lungs to clear after birth.

Happy 2016!

A very Happy New Year to you each! I hope you had a lovely holiday, whether you were able to travel or have a "staycation" here in Dubai. 

I had a wonderful time at home with my family and friends in Florida and feel so grateful for my time there! My brother, Peter, and sister-in-law, Melissa, were able to come down from Pittsburgh for about 10 days, so we were all together as a family. 

We had fun swimming, shopping, diving, baking, playing board games, watching cheesy Hallmark movies (and Star Wars), playing mini-golf, resting, walking the dogs at sunrise and sunset, going to the beach, and so much more. Everything was just perfect and my cup of happiness is definitely full. 

On that note, it is my sincere hope that this next year of life will be one of your happiest and healthiest ones yet. I look forward to seeing you sometime soon!  


PS. Here are some pictures of my holiday, if you're interested. 

Our Christmas Eve candlelight service is a special and meaningful tradition. 

Being with family is the best gift of all. xoxo

I just couldn't resist adding some holiday flair to our Golden Retriever, Keebler. Isn't she regal? 

My mom taught me how to bake an apple and pecan pie on Christmas morning, all before opening presents! Yum. 

Star Wars with the family...VIP style. It was first time enjoying a luxury theater and I'm now spoiled! 

Mini-golf as a family is one of our favorite things to do. I actually got 2 hole-in-ones! :)

Holiday Party Fun and more

For those of you who were able to make it, thanks so much for coming to our holiday party on Dec. 15. It was truly a fun, festive, and happy occasion, which everyone seemed to enjoy.

I always love it when we can all get together and I know the children do, as well. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful class (that's including you, parents), one which has truly become a true school family.

I want to thank you for the thoughtful and generous gifts you gave me, both as a class, and individually. (Once my jet-lag subsides, I will be writing my thank you notes.) I felt so very loved and appreciated, so thank you!

Please be sure to enjoy these pictures, which Mikyung so lovingly took, edited, and shared. They so beautifully capture the love, joy, and fun of our time together.

And, here are some fun pictures of our Grade 3 Team. We always have such a great time together! 

Holiday Staff Party in the Marina

I couldn't do it without her! 

Boating fun in mid December! 

ASA Info. for Trimester 2

Dear Parents and Students,

DAA is looking forward to kicking off our Trimester 2 After School Activity Program. The ASA Program will be a combination of teacher lead (INTERNAL) and externally run activities related to sports, the arts, and academics.

Online Internal sign-ups will be open on January 7 from 3:30 PM and will be closed on January 12 at 3:30 PM. Please use the following website for Internal online registration. 

PS/ES After School Activities Website

External ASAs sign-ups will be available on Saturday, January 9th from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the ES Lobby.

You are invited to sign up for a wide variety of external after school activities including soccer, basketball, yoga, gymnastics, street jazz, tennis, karate, golf, horse riding, pottery, science, and swimming.  Additional information about program dates, times, costs, and contacts will be sent out electronically this week. All providing groups will be at the sign up session to provide you with information about their program.  

If you are unable to attend this weekend sign up session, the providers will also be available in the ES Lunch Room on Sunday, January10th from 7:30 am - 9:00 am for registration.

Thank you for supporting our ASA Program.

Session 2 Important dates:
Internal Online Sign-ups - Jan 7 (3:30) -12 (3:30)
External Sign-ups - Jan 9-10
Start Date - Jan 17
End Date - March 10