Vacation Ideas

I've always been a fan of the I Spy books which combine language art skills with incredible visual images. Kids don't even realize they're learning because they're having so much fun. The rhyming texts were created by Jean Marzollo with Walter Wick responsible for the amazing photos. Walter Wick now makes his own series, Can You See What I See?, which follows a similar style.

Our 2nd grade students and teachers came back from a recent field trip, raving about the exhibit they saw on the creations of Walter Wick. The exhibit is currently in nearby New London, CT.

"Walter Wick: Games, Gizmos and Toys in the Attic"

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

New London, CT.

Exhibit runs until Jan. 26, 2009

The art museum is near the campus of Connecticut College which is across from the Coast Guard Academy - an easy trip from Charlestown. I believe adult admission is $8.00 with kids under 12 for free. What a great family trip this would be for a fun and creative vacation day. I know I plan to go before January 26th when this touring exhibit moves on to another site. If you want more information, go to the museum website at:

www.lymanallyn.org/exhibitions.html

If you cannot make it to the exhibit, your child can check out some of the many I Spy and Can You See What I See? books from our school library!

I hope you have a wonderful vacation and have a chance to share time with family and friends. If you still need gift ideas for your child, remember that giving a book means they can keep opening their present again and again!

Happy Holidays and Good Reading!

Welcome to your Library!

Mrs. Fitts has been giving a great lesson on setting up a blog for our school library. Here's the first blog entry! I hope to create frequent updates on the news from our library. Stay tuned!

Mrs. Reiser-Jones, Library Media Specialist

Breaking News!

At the Holiday Fair, I was selling "nearly new" books that had been collected for worthwhile projects. Many students, families, and teachers got some great deals on books and it was fun to see everyone who stopped to browse or shop. Best of all is that all proceeds are going to our school Gingerbread Express, a helping project for local families. I'm quite happy to say that we have donated $232.50 so far, and there will be a few more dollars coming this week. Mrs. Cafaro and Mrs. Connell are coordinating the Gingerbread Express and they are thrilled with the extra money to help families get through this holiday season.

Thank you to everyone who donated books and/or bought books. What a wonderful way to celebrate our community!

Charlestown Friday Focus - check out the weekly school updates from Mrs. Fitts.

Here's a photo of my dog, Suki, as she looks at a favorite book, How Smart Is Your Dog? This book was written by Caroline Coile and it's available in our library. Check it out!