We had a blast today. Daniel and Robby came to school to help us dissect a dogfish shark, ourselves! They are both Shorecrest grads, and they were in high school when they did this! They did the cutting, and we were able to do everything else. Enjoy the pictures and a special thank-you to Dr. Carina Rodriguez for donating our surgical gowns and gloves.

Dr. Luján donated his time this morning, to assist Mrs. Whitecage in a very delicate shark dissection. This was clearly beyond my expertise. The children will be able to poke, and investigate the dogfish shark on their own as well. What a treat Mrs. Peck has once again provided for us. The children will be invited to do this again in smaller groups on Monday. Ask them about it!

Here is the splash day information from P.E.


We will be hosting the Lower Division Splash Day on Friday May 14th, 2010. The event will take place during each grade’s normal PE period and will last approximately 30 min. Splash Day consists of a variety of safe and fun water games and toys. Activities are designed to soak, spray, and splash. Students will not be swimming or submerging themselves in water in any capacity. Participants will enjoy a new addition to Splash Day, the large inflatable water slide. We are asking that all parents sign the liability waiver prior to Friday, should they wish for their child to ride on the slide. A dry area, “The Beach,” will be available to any students not wishing to get wet or participate in Splash Day. Equipment, games, activities and supervision will be present for those students playing on the Beach.

What to bring/wear:

• Bring appropriate swimwear to school to change into or wear swimwear to school under their school uniform. Please keep in mind each child must wear their regular school uniform at all times except during their PE period.
• Sunscreen and or Hat
• Towel

We had another wonderful experience today with Mrs. Peck, visiting us from the upper division. Today she brought squids with her. We learned many things, watched her dissect them, and then we held them! We saw the many different body parts and learned what each function did. Real, life, human scientists study nature and wild life to learn how things work. A jet propelled engine was designed after the squid. Imagine that connection!

I hope all of you are as excited about the commotion going on in first grade, as I am. We are learning so many things about sharks and sea turtles, and look forward to the next two weeks learning about whales and dolphins. We had a special visitor today from the Upper Division. Mrs Peck came down and taught us all about sea stars and sea urchins. Did you know you could eat the uni meat from a sea urchin?????? We are painting our shirts and singing our songs. A special thank-you to Stephanie Counsman, and the rest of the moms who helped with decorate our hall. Do not forget to block off the morning of May 14th for the Greatest Show on Earth!!!!!!!

I wanted to share the pictures of our
exciting day.
We went on an art walk, and listened to Chamber Music performed by USF musicians. Also I
have one correction, the childrens' computer project is going home today and needs to be returned no later than Thurs. of next week.

Celebrate the Arts.........Friday, April 23, 2010
Please have your child wear a solid, pastel colored shirt with jean bottoms to school. Jean shorts, skirts or long jeans will be fine. The shirt can be any color with little or no graphics on it. Pastel is preferred but any bright color will do. Thank-you and have a great day!!!! Remember the performance begins at 11:00.....

P.S. Speaking parts, poems and computer project will be sent home next week!!!!!!!
Commotion in the Ocean is right around the corner.