First Grade Poetry Corner Presents...

"April Rain Song" by Langston Hughes

We're nightcrawling...

Did you know that Zoo Atlanta is one of the oldest zoos in America? It actually began in 1886 when the city was given a spotted fawn to start an animal collection. Here's the rest of the story...

"The Atlanta Zoo was first established in 1889, when a traveling circus broke down outside of Atlanta on its way to Marietta, Georgia. Workers abandoned the circus animals, including a jaguar, black bear, gazelle and several pumas. A local businessman bought the abandoned animals during a public auction and then donated them to the city of Atlanta, which housed them in Grant Park. Private donors provided more animal species for the zoo to display, and the city of Atlanta added additional exhibits in the 1950s and 1960s to accommodate the growing number of animal residents."

Read more: Atlanta Zoo Facts | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6113738_atlanta-zoo.html#ixzz1KdctxzBe

Ressurection

Every year, our prefirst and first grades have the opportunity to review the story of Jesus' death and resurrection in a very special way- through resurrection eggs. A few of the children our given eggs which contain within them a symbol to represent our Savior's journey the last week of his time spent on earth. From bread to symbolize the last supper with His disciples to the stone that covered His tomb, our students were able to participate in it.

Most

Sunday, I sat in service thinking about the wonderful sacrifice God made in sending His Son Jesus. Every year, it is my desire to have a fresh revelation of what this means. It's easy for me to mentally ascent to the great sacrifice God made for me. At least until our church showed a movie entitle "Most". In this short film, a polish man takes his son to work with him at a drawbridge. The movie switches scenes between the father and son, who clearly love each other very deeply, and a train full of people who are oblivious to what is going on around them. The father places the son in the grassy area just in front of a window where he is watching the bridge. As a boat comes, the father raises the bridge to allow it to pass through. After checking briefly on his son, he goes to check the machinery. Just then the train comes. The boy noticing the train, yells for his dad- but realizing he is unable to reach him, he runs to help the train himself.

As the father returns, he realizes the train is coming and then he notices his son is missing. He watches with horror as his son falls into the bridge pit and he is left with a anguishing decision-leave the bridge up while others may die, or lower the bridge and sacrifice his son.

This movie reminded me that the greatest expression of love is sacrifice. God loved us so much, that He was willing to give us His greatest and best...His only begotten Son. What an amazing sacrifice. I pray we will never be dulled to the beauty and depth of God's love.

Countdown to Nightcrawler Trip 2011

It's that time again. It's time for our first graders to take their first overnight field trip at the Heiskell School. Are they ready? Are YOU ready? Over the next few weeks you can check our blog for updates, tips for preparation and interesting facts that will aid you in preparing your child for the trip. The "Nightcrawlers" will arrive at school Thursday, May 12th at 5pm and return the following morning at 10:30am. You can begin now by helping your child learn to roll their sleeping bag and stow it away. We're looking forward to a wild animal adventure.

Hope for Haiti

Dear Parents,

Many of you have heard about the devastating earthquakes that have shaken the international community within the past year. The journey towards reconstruction is a long one, and is not easily trod without the help of those around you.

Some of our Junior High students have a wonderful opportunity to visit Reformation Hope in Haiti in just a few short weeks. Would you consider helping them by making a donation? For those of you parents who would like a special night out, there will be a parents night out fundraiser for the Junior High this Friday from 6pm-10pm. Please consider lending your support.

Counting Money in First Grade

Counting Money in First Grade, a set on Flickr.

We've been counting money in class this week. It's been lots of fun. We may even have a class store. How can you practice at home? 1. Create a store at home. Have your child make price tags for items around the house and count money to purchase those items. Don't have real coins to use? Why not make them! 2. When grocery shopping, have your child calculate the total of certain items, then help you to pay at the check out line. Happy Shopping!