Water Rocks!, an award-winning youth water education program based at Iowa State University, engages Iowa's youth in STEM and arts to cultivate knowledge, care, and active involvement in preserving the state's water resources. As part of their efforts, they conducted a presentation on wetlands, emphasizing that these unique ecosystems were once widespread in Iowa but have dwindled to ten percent of their original areas due to development. The program's interactive session with Lynnville-Sully 3rd-5th grade classes included engaging activities  and games, such as a game of hopscotch that illustrated the impact of construction and farming on wetlands.

For the second year in a row the fifth grade classes have been hard at work making fleece blankets for pediatric oncology patients at the University of Iowa Hospital. All the fleece used this year was donated by members of the community and parents who also donated their time and expertise to help the students pin, cut, and assemble the blankets. Enough material was donated that the fifth graders almost doubled the amount of blankets they made last year! The Inspirations Preschool class also came to join in on the blanket making fun. Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Hamre plan to make this rewarding experience a yearly tradition for fifth grade.  All the blankets will be delivered to the hospital on December 28th. 

Our elementary students will once again be encouraged to participate in a winter reading challenge during the holiday break.  Mrs. Bowlin has been kicking off the challenge by visiting each grade level to read a holiday book and talk about the importance of spending time with friends and family during this special time of the year.  

One way to spend time together is through reading a good book.  We are hopeful that families will take advantage of the ideas listed on the reading challenge sheet to find fun ways to make memories with their children that involve reading.  Anytime the students complete one of the challenges, they can color in the corresponding gingerbread man.  Students who return the sheet to school after break with at least one activity colored in will get to take part in a game of BINGO.  Those students who complete at least ten challenges will also get to take home a brand new book the day we play BINGO.  

Winter Reading Challenge sheets will be coming home in backpacks and also sent to families through email.  Happy reading!

This school year the fourth grade classes are partnering with care facilities in neighboring towns. This partnership will help to foster relationships and promote student growth. They are kicking off their year long collaboration by having the fourth graders make Christmas cards for the residents.

In addition to creating these cards, Ms. Karr and Mrs. Winegar arranged a special opportunity for the students to connect with the residents via FaceTime right before the Christmas break. This virtual interaction offers the students a chance to engage in meaningful conversations, learn from the older generation, and understand the importance of empathy and compassion.

Fostering relationships outside the traditional classroom setting is crucial for students' growth. It provides them with opportunities to develop empathy, understand different perspectives, and appreciate the impact of their actions on others. These experiences help them become well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of community and social responsibility. The fourth graders are very excited for this opportunity to share some fun experiences throughout this school year with our new friends in the care facilities!