Swallow Union Update
Week of January 23rd, 2023
Message from Mrs. Jarvis, Principal
Fun in Snow! It is so great to see so many students playing in the snow with their friends - building walls, fortes, and sledding. It doesn’t get any better than that in the winter! Except if you are a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grader and had PE class this week! Mrs. Pelletier has brought back this extremely popular snow-snowing unit for a second year. Last year, GDEF funded the acquisition of the snowshoes - one of the many ways GDEF supports our schools and learning spaces and we are very grateful!
Physical exercise, outdoor activities, and play are just what we need in our day to build healthy habits, fortify friendships, and get brain breaks to help us be ready to re-engage in our learning spaces. We are learning the importance of our physical and mental health as life-long healthy habits of mind. This is also embedded in our core values with healthy habits of mind.
Global School Play Day – February 1, 2023
On Wednesday, February 1st Swallow Union will be participating in Global School Play Day! This holiday prompts the importance of unstructured, regular play for children. The importance of ensuring there is time for children to learn through play is vital to their development as whole children. Our students in all grade levels will engage in various activities and team-building games in their classrooms at different times throughout the day. For some additional information about the motivators behind Global Play Day and why natural play is critical to child development tune into this TED Talk by Dr. Peter Grey.
Our 2H students were very excited to create their bird feeder prototypes for their favorite types of birds! They also wrote their opinion on why their bird feeder was best to attract bluejays, cardinals, finches, or woodpeckers! Mrs. Jarvis had the pleasure of learning from them about how and why they constructed their feeder the way they did.
Important Dates:
February 2nd - Grade 4 Concert at 7:00 pm
February 10th - Half Day - Dismissal at 12:15 pm
February 17th - Half Day - Dismissal at 12:15 pm
February 20th-24th - No School - February Break