S.O.A.R. NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 6, 2009
November 05, 2009
S.O.A.R. Program
Putnam Co. R-I School District
Newsletter – Volume 3, November 6, 2009
“LIGHTS ON AMERICA”
FAMILY NIGHT HELD ON OCTOBER 22ND
The Putnam Co. R-I S.O.A.R. Program hosted a great Family Night
activity in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of “LIGHTS
ON AMERICA.” The students of Putnam County’s S.O.A.R. Before and
Afterschool Program, and their families, joined the 1 million
Americans across the country to call attention to the afterschool
programs that keep children safe, inspire children to learn and
help working families.
The PC S.O.A.R. Program participants presented a Talent Show in the
high school commons and the evening was topped off with cake, punch
and a visit from “Sonny” and “Bob,” clowns who created special
balloon creations for the students.
Several of the students shared their talent at the elementary Fall
Fun Day which included jugglers, singing and dancing.
RECENT HAPPENINGS…
Members of the Highway Patrol visited recently to discuss healthy
activities for students to be involved in. They also discussed
drugs and the negative effects that they have to our bodies and
families. The visit was in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week.
Jeannie Johnson, Putnam County Health Department, visited the
program to discuss Halloween safety. Students were encouraged to
dress up in provided costumes and then they were led in a
discussion of safe costume choices and unsafe costume choices.
This week the students discussed various aspects of conflict
resolution, the qualities needed to be a good leader and worked on
team building exercises.
Several organized games were introduced to the students on the
early out Wednesday which included “Freeze Tag,” “Pacman,” “Steal
the Bacon,” and “Ships and Icebergs.”
The gorgeous fall leaves has provided an excellent learning
opportunity for the students to learn about trees, and the
scientific changes that take place in them at this time of year.
Students collected leaves and made leaf imprints.
The students also were involved in earthquake, tornado and fire
drills this week. Mrs. Fischgrabe discussed what the students
should do if any of these disasters were to occur during their time
in the larger school building. Students practiced so they would be
prepared and educated on the proper procedures.
Because of the rain that we received last week the students spent
time this week planting red tulips in honor of Red Ribbon Week. The
students planted their tulip bulbs around the recently planted
trees in front of the S.O.A.R. Building. I’m sure the blanket of
red will be quite enjoyable next Spring.
Miss Nellie and Miss Elladean introduced art activities which
included the preparation of a new bulletin board and completion of
necklaces.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Arrangements are in the works to take the students on a field trip
to the University of Missouri-Columbia for a basketball game. The
date for this field trip is Saturday, January 23rd. We will provide
more information in the near future when specific details become
available.
Next Friday, November 15th the students will have a “Freaky Friday
Art Fest” which will be sponsored by the high school Art Club. The
Art Club members will lead our students in ten different “hands-on”
projects using and encouraging the use of recycled items. Our
students have recently learned a great deal about recycling and the
importance of it. This activity should prove to be loads of fun for
all!!
FAMILY FUN NIGHT SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 30TH
With the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays in the not-too-distant future, I wanted to be sure to remind everyone to save November 30th for an evening guaranteed to delight the young and old alike. Once again this year, Mrs. Shannon Stanley, owner of Take the Cake, has asked our students to create gingerbread houses for her storefront for the Unionville Downtown Winter Festival which will take place on Saturday, December 5th, around the Unionville City Square. This S.O.A.R. family night event will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the middle school commons. Supper will be served beginning at 6:00 p.m. and then all families will be able to work together on their creations. This was a much-enjoyed activity last year and I’m sure this year’s creations will be even better!!!! Hope to see you all there!!!
VERY
INTERESTING…
Famous author, Henry David Thoreau, tells us, "I would rather sit
on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet
cushion."
Between Halloween and Thanksgiving, the pumpkin is a common sight on the American landscape. This week’s issues of School Age Notes shared the following pumpkin facts:
• The top pumpkin production states are Illinois, Ohio,
Pennsylvania and California.
• Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
• The name pumpkin originated from the Greek word pepon, which
means large melon.
• The largest pumpkin pie ever made was more than five feet in
diameter and weighed more than 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of
cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six
hours to bake.
• Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
• Pumpkins are fruit.
• Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is
available in October.
• In colonial times, Native Americans roasted long strips of
pumpkin in an open fire.
• Colonists sliced off pumpkin tops; removed seeds and filled the
insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes
and is the origin of pumpkin pie.
• Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and
made mats.
• Native Americans called pumpkins "isqoutm squash."
They also shared the following recipe for Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dip
which I thought you might enjoy making with your children.
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dip
You will need ¾ cup canned pumpkin; ¾ cup peanut butter; 1 cup
brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to make 40 tablespoon
servings.
Mix the peanut butter and brown sugar. Add the vanilla and stir.
Add the pumpkin and stir until well blended. Serve with graham
crackers, bread, apple slices or celery sticks. Store any leftovers
in the refrigerator.
JUST A REMINDER
If your S.O.A.R. student is in need of a winter coat, gloves,
shoes, boots, etc., please call Mrs. Fischgrabe at 947-3361, ext.
392 to let her know. She will assist you in getting this need taken
care of. Have a great weekend!!
Ms. Debbie, Ms. Amanda, Mr. Michael, Ms. Nellie, Ms. Elladean and
Miss Mary
