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.