Week of October 8th

    Hello Everyone,

            I hope this letter finds you all well and ready for the weekend!  

            This past Friday we traveled to Groton State Forest. This field trip’s purpose was to expand our knowledge of how Vermont’s landscape was shaped. We are also beginning to think about Vermont’s cultural history. To begin our discovery of Vermont culture, we explored the Heath family cemetery which dates back to the 1800s. Fourth graders took notes about the head stones and found an old stone wall. They also thought about what it would have been like to live over 200 years ago. We will be writing historical fiction pieces on the Heath family over the next few weeks. Students will use documents from the Peacham Town Office, and their imagination to write these pieces. 

           Fourth graders also hiked up Owls Head with Vermont State Naturalist, Brian Aust. We wanted to learn why the landscape looks the way it does today. Why are the mountains a certain shape? Why are there boulders in the lake? Why is the lake named Kettle Lake? What are the names of these mountains? Mr. Aust taught students about the deep history of the landscape. He also taught expert groups about  mountains, lakes, and lichen. These groups then taught the rest of the class. They did a great job! 

         This week we have been working on NECAP tests. These tests provide us one way to measure how our students are doing. Fourth graders have been doing very well on these tests. The class has been respectful, responsible, and prepared every day. I couldn’t be more proud of these hard workers! Thank you for everything you do at home to support our work at school.  

         Enjoy your weekend!