Finally, the storm has "Fay"ded away!

It's certainly nice to be back at school. We were intrigued by everyone's storm stories and ever so thankful that we all weathered the storm alright. Today we had the opportunity to continue our introduction to South America. During science, we tested different foods from the Amazon (bananas, chocolate, and pineapple) to see if we would enjoy them or not. We used all of our five senses throughout the experiment, saving taste for last. Many of us were shocked to find that we did not enjoy the chocolate as much as we thought we would. Perhaps one young scientist described it best when she said, "I should have known it would taste like throw up, when it smelled like throw up." :) We then revealed our little secret: it was 100% cocao (a.k.a. unsweetened baking chocolate). We learned to trust our senses and abilities to observe, rather than getting too wrapped up in things we assume. We also learned how to make a hypothesis and that because it's just a guess or prediction, it's okay to be wrong.
Later in the day, we finally got our student planners. The students were very excited to be using "big people" planners, rather than the folders they were accustomed to in first grade. They learned that they should copy messages and notes carefully into their planners because it is an essential communication tool between school and home. We practiced writing a message today in our very best handwriting. Please look for it and sign (Parents are asked to read and sign the planner each night!).
In closing, some thanks are in order. First, we would like to thank you for entrusting us with your most treasured possessions: your children. As we get to know them better each day, we are absolutely amazed at their gifts and delighted by their kindness and generosity to one another. They are a wonderful group. Secondly, we would like to thank all the parents who have donated items on our wish list. The outpouring of support (glue sticks, notebooks, labels, a pencil sharpener, etc.) has been much appreciated.