Thanks for a GREAT year!

Thank you ALL for a fabulous year in third grade!

(And don't be a stranger when you pass by us in the hallway on your way to 4th grade!)

On the Road: Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages

We had the opportunity this spring to visit Rock of Ages in Graniteville, Vermont, to see geology in our own backyard!  While at the quarry, we watched a video of the history of granite quarrying in Vermont as well as the improvements over time in the granite carving/polishing processes.  We were taken on a guided tour of the quarry where we had the opportunity to ask questions and relate it back to our learning in geology.  We also had an opportunity to try out granite sandblasting to create our own keepsake AND saw granite workers in action in the factory.

Thanks to our chaperones for helping to make this trip possible.

Sailing Away on Lake Champlain!

On June 3rd & 4th, third graders had the opportunity to visit the Community Sailing Center on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, for a "Floating Classroom" program.  On shore, students were engaged in ecology lessons learning how humans impact the ecology of Lake Champlain through a variety of hands-on activities.  On the water, students boarded keelboats and learned the ropes of sailing on Lake Champlain, acting as crew to help tack the boat and even taking a turn as skipper.



Sailing 2014

Many thanks to Larry Thomson, RES guest teacher, for introducing our students to the geography of Lake Champlain, shared nautical maps, and even a crash course in sailing prior to our field trip experience!

A Day on the Green

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of visiting Cedar Knoll Country Club in Hinesburg to try out our newly learned golf skills.  Many thanks to the Vermont Golf Association who generously donated funds to help us bring The First Tee program to RES, to Mr. G. for teaching us the skills of the sport, to Cedar Knoll for welcoming us, and to all the families who contributed to our Walk-a-Thon!  We hope to continue this program in future years....

The First Tee Program at RES

Tomorrow our third graders will head to Cedar Knoll Country Club in Hinesburg.  This is the culmination of a new unit, test piloted by third graders, called the First Tee Program.  This is more than a curriculum to introduce the game of golf to students.  Its mission is "to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf." (http://www.thefirsttee.org)

Students are excited to be on a real course and practice their skills.  They will rotate through stations that involve putting, chipping, pitching, driving, and actually playing part of the 18th hole.  We want to thank the Vermont Golf Association for helping to cover 80% of the cost of the equipment, donations from families during the Walk-a-Thon and Cedar Country Club for hosting our students.  Brian Godfrey hopes to expand this program to more grades next year!  Check out the video and website for more information on this national program!

The First Tee Program


More Than a Game