One of my Math Favorites

Khan Academy is one of my favorite Math websites. The lessons are easy to understand, the sample problems are challenging, and you can move from lesson to lesson easily. Go to www.khanacademy.org/arithmetic and login.

Fall Fundraiser Has Began

The Ducks are Back and they brought their friends the Penguins. Look for the fundraising forms today. 

2nd Grade Balloon Globes

Second graders are learning about the world of geography. 

School Pictures are Thursday, Sept. 26th

Get Ready to Look Good in Your School Pictures on Thursday! No matter what the background, we know you'll make them a work of art!

Why You Should Count to 10 When You're Angry

Thomas Jefferson gave the wise advice to "Count to 10 when you're angry and Count to 100 if you're very angry." This is a common practice with children, but researchers say it works for all of us if it's done properly. According to researchers, counting to 10 gives a part of the brain called the amygdla a chance to slow down and pass information on to the frontal lobe of the brain for reflection and response. The amygdla acts like a secretary with three basic decisions: Is this really good for me? Is this really bad for me? Do I need to send this to the Frontal Lobe of the brain for more thought and reflection. When you're angry, the amygdla loses the ability to perform this third decision and instead of sending things to the frontal lobe for more study it makes very impulsive snap decisions that usually get us into trouble. More perilous is the fact that amygdla always escalates problems turning mole hills into mountains. This decision making pathway is still developing in teens, which explains some of the impulsive things they tend to do and provides parents a conciliatory answer to the question, "What on earth were you thinking when you did that?" Doctors have three recommendations for dealing with anger. Count to 10 and breathe deeply to give your brain a chance to process the situation. Engage in a physical task such as walking briskly or exercising to increase blood flow. Finally, if you're having difficulty letting go of an angry thought, engage in a distracting activity to buy some time to engage your frontal lobe.

Great Day at The National Book Festival

A great day for books. Lot of great authors and speakers. 

Rainforest Animals

I think this Tarantula was just as creeped out by me as I was by him. We got to see some creepy critters from the Rainforest today. 

Millions and Millions of Minions

(Actually about 1000). Great weather, great food, and a great turnout. Colts love PTA Movie Night

Nice to go back!

It was nice to go back and see old coaches and players and recognize our 1993 State Champs. 

PTA Meeting Tuesday at 7 pm

Come and join us as we review our budget priorities, discuss the new playground, and focus fund raising efforts for the upcoming year. Don't worry if you haven't joined the PTA, you can join at the meeting. 

How to Make HUGE Bubbles AKA "Your Kids Will Love You If You Do This!"

Sound doesn't start till a few seconds in, but this works incredibly well. Trust me! I used to teach Chemistry and Physics.

Teacher Teams working on Planning Great Lessons

Shiny Pennies

Great 4th grade experiment using household acids like vinegar and lemon juice to clean a penny. 

Making Math Fun

Great teachers get their students involved in the lesson and as you can see, Ms. Thomas is a great teacher. 

Thanks for a Great Start!

Thanks to everyone who helped us get off to a great start!

Be careful. Be alert. Be safe.

School is in session. Drive carefully. 

Letter to My Sons Teacher

From our "Back to School Night" presentation.