"JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL"

Dear Families, Friends and Blog Followers,

Although it is still raining, it is relatively mild, and, I find it rather surreal to hear and see birds and other winged creatures confused by the warmth of the season -- just the other day, outdoors, at school, we heard the joyous sound and saw the splendid sight of a v-shaped flock of birds, flying overhead, and . . . to the north? Breathtaking.

Because the weather was crisp, yesterday, Mrs. Dolham decided that all would benefit from extended time outdoors -- and -- what a great decision it turned-out to be -- with long, thick strips of packing paper, Liz initiated the construction of a zig-zag obstacle course, adding hoops for jumping and a slide for added "mmpphh" -- then -- we rolled-up some of the paper, small and tight, and used said for "basketballs" of a sort -- great fun was had by all!!

During Activity Time, the children thoroughly enjoyed walking the curvy, bumpy and rounded balance beam, working -- very carefully -- at the wood-working bench -- with real wood, hammers, nails, and, of course, safety glasses -- (thank you, Miss Amy!!), utilizing scales and colored lenzes and painting, among a myriad of additional activities -- in addition to having a grand time, the children practiced their gross and fine-motor skills, as well as, experienced added hands-on sensory, art, language, math and science-based projects.

During said time, we listed to Judy Schachner tell her story of Skippy Jon's trip to Mars, via CD.

Olivia, one of our Lexington High School students, read "I Love Trains", to the kids, written by Philemon Sturgess and illustrated by Sharon Halpern, and, as hoped, I shared the story of "The Three Snow Bears", by Jan Brett.

And, our two Amaryllis plants are growing beyond the size of a standard ruler -- the first plant is almost 11 inches, its parts spread out like a fan, and the second plant is over 12 inches, its bud preparing to flower.

I do hope that all of you are enjoying some of the festivities offered in celebration of the holiday season -- this week-end, Mrs. Goell dances her heart out at the annual Holiday Show, and, Alana performed, with her choir members, this morning, in a fabulous show, at Fanueill Hall Marketplace!!

Happy Holidays, and -- please -- enjoy the rest of the week-end, with loved ones, in this marvelous season of giving!!

Love Miss Peacock XOXO