PhUn Week and Veteran's Day

Last week, DV had the opportunity to participate in PhUn week, sponsored by UAB. Each child was given an apron and latex gloves. They learned all about the digestive system. They got to use stethoscopes and listen to their "stomach sounds" as they drank water. They were given part of a real esophagus to explore with tools. The kids also got to see a rabbit's organs. They experimented to see if small intestines in jars were in a solution of water or glucose, and they learned about the food pyramid. It was lots of PHUN!

using string to show how long intestines are

listening to the sounds of digestion in the stomach

using magnifying glasses to look at part of an esophagus

exploring rabbit organs

Our friends in Mrs. Neuberger's class performed a play that they had been working very hard on. It was wonderful!

Here we are playing "Collect 50 Cents." This is a fun way to practice counting and trading coins! Have your child teach you to play at home. All you need is a variety of coins and a die.

You can tell that these guys are really thinking!

We had an amazing Veteran's Day celebration! Here we are after our morning ceremony. We were really excited about walking in the school-wide parade! BUT it was FREEZING outside!

We made torn paper flags and learned about each part of the Pledge of Allegiance. FUN FACT: the red on the flag stands for "courage." The white stands for "purity and innocence," and the blue stands for "loyalty and justice."

At the end of the day, we had another Veteran's Day ceremony. Each grade level performed patriotic songs. Mrs. Lindsey's class performed a special cheer...and then something we will never forget happened. Madison (in Mrs. Lindsey's class) received the surprise of her life. Her dad, who has been serving out of the country for 8 months, came home early and showed up at DV! There wasn't a dry eye in the room. It was a beautiful moment!

Thank you, Veterans, for your service to our country and for giving us the greatest gift...FREEDOM!

The egg, the election, and Cheetah Charge

As if today wasn't already exciting enough...we came in the room to find this...

Bella laid an egg!
She laid one this summer at my house but we didn't get it incubated in time. This egg looks really good! Sweet Mrs. Keeney plugged up her incubator and warmed it for us for the day. I will take it home and put it in another incubator. We'll see how it goes! It sure would be fun to have a baby gecko!

I was so proud of the kids who ran for student council. The class really enjoyed listening to their campaign speeches and voting. While it breaks my heart that they all couldn't be chosen as student council reps., it was nice to see the good sportmanship among candidates and the great attitudes. They are truly all "winners" in my book!

To finish out a great week, we had the Cheetah Charge and Fun Run. Here are our awesome Cheetah Charge runners!

They've definitely got speed! Our class is very proud of them for participating in the Cheetah Charge and giving it their all, despite the COLD, WINDY WEATHER!

And here we are ready for the Fun Run! Go Team Woolard!

It was a wonderful experience for everyone! The kids have worked so hard to raise money for our school. I still haven't heard if we are the winners of the school yet, but I do know that a good many pledges were brought in today. Thank you to all of the parents who gave pledges, took pledge sheets to work with them, helped take up pledges each morning and get the kids motivated, and who helped with the Fun Run! I feel so blessed to be part of such an amazing school and class!