More Wonder and Awe

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” ~ W.B Yeats

Our teachers are constantly working to create wonder and awe in the classroom.  Sometimes this happens simply though words read or conversations that take place.  Other times events are a bit more dramatic and can be shared with others throughout the community.  Today was one of those times when a dramatic event occurred. 

Mrs. Grabanski’s class has been patiently incubating chicken eggs in their classroom.  They have watched them diligently seeing the life grow inside them over the past few weeks.  Their patience and good care was rewarded today with the hatching of the first chick from its egg.  The delight from the teacher and students could not be contained.  Thanks to Mrs. Grabanski for sharing this journey with the entire school.  Everyone has followed with rapt attention and gratefulness at being involved from the beginning.  Just another case of seeing beauty in a life event we usually just take for granted. 

Have a wonderful spring break!

Mrs. Baier

Growing Old

“The Little Boy and the Old Man by Shel Silverstein

Said the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."
Said the old man, "I do that too."
The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."
I do that too," laughed the little old man.
Said the little boy, "I often cry."
The old man nodded, "So do I."
But worst of all," said the boy, "it seems
Grown-ups don't pay attention to me."
And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
I know what you mean," said the little old man.” 

A few weeks ago we celebrated the 100^th day of school for the year.  Students in second grade took some time to think about what life would be like when they turned 100 years old.  They wrote stories, made bucket lists, and created pictures of themselves at that age.  When you are seven, twenty years old is a long way off (much less a 100).  Trying to understand life as a senior citizen is difficult at that age, but they did a nice job putting themselves in that place.

Teaching students empathy and respect for our elders is important at Eagle Ridge Academy.  It starts when kindergarten students visit assisted living facilities to sing songs and share cards.  Those visits are valued by young and old alike!  Perhaps your family could visit older family members or make a visit to a senior center.  It is certainly time well-spent!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Dream a Little...

“I have not always chosen the safest path. I've made my mistakes, plenty of them. I sometimes jump too soon and fail to appreciate the consequences. But I've learned something important along the way: I've learned to heed the call of my heart. I've learned that the safest path is not always the best path and I've learned that the voice of fear is not always to be trusted.” ~ Steve Goodier

Earlier this week you should have received communication from the school that this will be my last year at Eagle Ridge Academy.  It is never an easy choice to leave a place where you have invested so much of your time, your heart, and your soul.  The only real reason for me to leave Eagle Ridge Academy was to follow a long desired dream.  We all have dreams, but it takes fortitude, perseverance, and often creativity to make them happen.  Things come along the way that derail those dreams and new learning causes them to shift and change over time.  In my case, all of the above was true.  Last week some things I have dreamed about for many year finally came to fruition.  Achieving your dreams is always bittersweet because of some sacrifices that have to be made along the way.  In the end, knowing you have achieved something you have always wanted is indescribable. 

I write about following your dreams because I hope you are able to support your children in their dreams.  We often have a path we believe our children should follow.  Later, we may realize that is our dream for them, not their own dream.  Make sure to listen to your children as they develop their own dreams.  Let them make the mistakes they will along the way, but be there to support them.  Realization of a dream (no matter how large or small) is such a crowning moment in life.  I had a child last week tell me he had dreamed of winning the Pillar ticket drawing, the look on his face in that moment when he found out he did was priceless.  It was his dream and he achieved it!  Nothing is better than that!

Speaking of Pillar Ticket Winners…the January winners are listed below.  They will be having hot cocoa with Mrs. Baier in her office as a reward. 

Eleanor C. 1^st grade, Sam E. 2^nd grade, Soni G. 2^nd grade, Isla H. 1^st grade, Leah J. 2^nd grade, Bravin M. 3^rd grade

Have a wonderful week!

Melanie