SOAR NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 29, 2010
by Debbie Fischgrabe
January 29, 2010
S.O.A.R. Program
Putnam Co. R-I School District
Newsletter – Volume 3, January 29, 2010
S.O.AR. CELL PHONE – 660-626-8163
S.O.A.R. PHONE – 660-947-3361, ext. 237 or 241
UPCOMING EVENTS
STUDENT FIELD TRIP TO UNIVERSITY OF MO FOR BASKETBALL GAME
The S.O.A.R. students traveled to Columbia last Saturday on a field trip to view a Mizzou basketball game. The weather was quite warm for this time of year (much different than the low digit weather that we have had this week) and made the outing much more enjoyable. The Mizzou Lady Tigers beat the Baylor Bears 70-62. The students were impressed with the big score board, the triple-tiered pyramids that were performed by the cheerleaders and the dance team routines. They also enjoyed watching the team mascot, Truman the Tiger, moving throughout the arena during the game and breaks. It was a great experience and I believe it is one that many of the students would like to do again next year!
FAMILY READING NIGHT WAS A SUCCESS!!
Tuesday evening several of you joined in the Family Reading Night activity which was sponsored by the S.O.A.R. program in the elementary gym. Supper included Taco Soup and fruit and later in the evening the Putnam County Health Department provided a healthy dessert which consisted of Yogurt Fruit Parfaits.
The activity was held to promote families spending time together to read and encouraging them to help their children achieve their Gold Reading Certificates by the end of the school year. The children that achieve the “gold” will be taken on a special field trip at the end of the year. Last year the “gold” recipients were treated to a trip to Honey Creek Water Park in Moulten, Iowa. This year’s trip location has not been announced as of this time, but it is guaranteed to top the trip to Honey Creek.
Several completed book reports that evening and those children and the others that complete book reports from January 26th through February 26th will be placed in a special drawing for prizes. This extra incentive may help to spur some of the children to “get busy.” Supper included Taco Soup and fruit and later in the evening the Putnam County Health Department provided a healthy dessert which consisted of Yogurt Fruit Parfaits.
TACO SOUP
1 ½ to 2 lbs. of cooked, diced chicken
1 can of light red kidney beans (do not drain)
2 cans of black beans (do not drain)
1 can of corn (do not drain)
1 can of Rotel tomatoes, mild or spicy-your choice (do not drain)
1 package of dry taco seasoning
1 package of dry Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 can of tomato sauce
Put all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on medium to high until heated through. Turn down temperature until serving time. If the soup is too thick you may add water in ¼ cup increments until the desired thickness is achieved. At serving time add a dollop of sour cream, crushed corn chips and grated cheese on top. Enjoy!!
***Note: You may also make this soup using 2 pounds of cooked and drained hamburger to replace the chicken. If using hamburger, add an onion to the skillet during the browning process. This recipe also called for a can of hominy but I did not use it. I added an additional can of black beans.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Many of you have heard the saying, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” The eyes of the S.O.A.R. students have learned about primary, secondary and tertiary colors this week. They also learned about Pointillism (dot art) and used this method to create their own art. But, probably most enjoyed of all of their “art” activities this week, they viewed several famous artists and their artwork--Picasso made quite an impression. There are plans to study sculpture next week and continue some other “hands-on” creations.
FAMILY STRENGTHS WORKSHOP
The Putnam Co. R-I School District held its third of three family workshops last evening in the Elementary Library. The topic of the workshop was “General Guidelines For Parenting, Dealing With Anger & ‘I Love You’ Rituals.” Thanks to everyone that took part in the workshops.
NOTES ARE IMPORTANT…
Parents: it is extremely important for you to write notes to the Elementary/Middle School office if your child is to change from their regular schedule. A signed note to the elementary/middle school office is needed EVERY time there is: a change in where your child is going after school; if your child is or is not being picked up at the end of S.O.A.R.by a parent or other person that has been previously authorized by the parent; or if your child is or is not riding the S.O.A.R. bus home; and if someone else. Mrs. White and/or Mrs. Cullum will forward the information to the S.O.A.R. Program prior to the end of the school day. Thanks for your help with this. It will save time and confusion for us all and better serve the needs of your children and family.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education children who are physically active are more likely to be academically motivated and alert in school. The Kids Health website tells us that being active is a key component to good health. Physical activity strengthens muscles and bones to ensure their bodies are capable of doing normal kid stuff, like lifting books and their backpack or running in a race on the playground. The increased physical activity also helps control weight and decrease the risk of chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
HISTORY OF FEBRUARY 2ND
According to popular legend, the groundhog -- or woodchuck -- emerges from his winter hibernation on Groundhogs Day, traditionally celebrated on February 2. If the day is sunny, the Groundhog will sees his shadow and -- for some reason frightened by it -- he will return to his hole to sleep for 6 more weeks as we endure an extended winter. If it's cloudy, however, he won't receive the sleep-inducing fright and we are due for an early spring. European folklore attributes this weather-forecasting ability to not only the groundhog, but the bear and the badger, too. And a similar tradition -- where snow and overcast skies signal an early end to winter – for some February 2 marks the beginning of spring planting.
Ms. Debbie, Ms. Amanda, Mr. Michael, Ms. Nellie, and Ms. Elladean
