Important Message about Valentine's Day

The Manatees have democratically voted to change our Valentine’s Day activities this year. We will have a party with treats and a craft, but will not exchange cards and candy. Instead, students have chosen to donate any money they would have spent on Valentine’s cards or candy to purchase a goat through Heifer International, a  nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to relieving global hunger and poverty. 

We are trying to raise $120 to buy a goat to help families in need. Students are learning about goats and the ways a gift of livestock benefits families and communities by alleviating hunger and poverty. Thank you for your support in helping our students understand the meaning of philanthropy, a word we have introduced in class.

We have read the book Beatrice's Goat, by Page McBrier, the fictional account of how a goat impacts an impoverished girl's life in Uganda.  We will also read Give a Goat, by by Jan West Schrock, the true story of how a 5th Grade class worked together to make a difference by raising money to send a goat to a needy family through Heifer International. 

Readers Theater!

Our second annual Readers Theater presentation will be on Thursday, February 17th at 10:00.  This year our presentation includes an Author Study of Helen Lester and her collection of character development books.  Titles include Tacky the Penguin, Hooway for Wodney Wat, Me First, A Porcupine Named Fluffy, and It Wasn't My Fault. 
Readers Theater helps students improve reading fluency, speaking, projection and expression.   Please join us to celebrate our readers' presentations.

Snacks, Please!
Our snack cupboard is getting bare.  Please help us feed the Manatees by sending in any type of crackers, cookies, or other healthy snacks.  Thank you!