Play dough

Some students would like to make some play dough for their diorama. Here's a recipe you can make with your parents' permission.

Ingredients:
4 c. flour
2 c. salt
2 c. water
2 T oil
4 tsp. cream of tartar

Method:
1. Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
2. In a separate container, add food coloring and oil to water.
3. Add liquid to flour and salt mixture.
4. Cook over low heat until very stiff.
5. Knead on floured surface.

After using, play-dough may be stored in a plastic container in the refrigerator.
Bake to preserve.

First Quarter

First Quarter We made it through the first quarter. The children have settled nicely into the routines of the classroom, they've experienced the fun of three field trips, and they are starting to take responsibility for their assignments. That last one may take some all year (or two), but we're getting there, with at least some growth. Thanks for your help in this parents and grandparents. You're awesome! Richland Church Service On November 5, our class, along with others in the school, will participate in the church service at Richland SDA Church. Because they will be singing with their Kindergarten buddies, they will not need to be in their black and white uniform, but in their usual church attire. Moon Journals Starting in November, we will be creating Moon Journals. It'll be fun making observations each night and using our creativity to make related projects. Check your children's homework folders for details soon to follow. Parent-Teacher Conference Wednesday and Thursday will be half days due to the Parent-Teacher Conferences. I look forward to meeting with the parents to discuss each child's progress.

Winding Down

We're coming up to the bend in the road for the last leg of the race. Library books and classroom books need to be returned by this Wednesday, all missing assignments need to be turned in by Thursday morning, and the spider project and Math facts need to be accomplished by next Thursday.

Book Order Wish List

If you would like to contribute to adding some great books to the classroom, please see my wish list below.
#4 Animals Up Close $10.00
#5 Archaeology Detectives $8.00
#12 Body Science $9.00
#15 Car Science $10.00
#19 D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet $6.00
#36 How to Do Homework Without Throwing Up $3.00
#43 Incredible Insects Q & A $6.00
#45 It's Elementary! How Chemistry Rocks Our World $8.00
#63 Scholastic Encyclopedia of Animals $8.00
#66 Sea Horses $3.00
#77 Vet Emergencies 24/7 $5.00
#80 The World of Astronomy $6.00

Thank you for your generous contribution.

Important Dates

April
18 No School
22 Water Treatment Field Trip
26 Class Pictures

May
12 Whitman Mission/Fort Walla Walla Field Trip
18 Health and Safety Fair
30 No School

June
2 PK-6 Concert
1 Mac's Garden Field Trip (tentative)

Laughter and Joy

We are off to a great start for the last quarter of the year. Some are rejoicing because they have no homework and others are gleefully racing towards the swings to catch the air through their hair. I'm praising God for how accepting and welcoming the children have been towards our new student, Samantha.
I look forward to seeing each of you this Sabbath as the children provide the worship service.

Enjoy Your Break

Spring Break is finally here. The kids were counting down the days for the past week. No more missing assignments to worry about. This would be a good time, however, to replenish their supplies. Pencils are definitely needed! Some folders are looking shabby and some notebooks are almost used up. Check with your child to see if any of these items are needed, or perhaps they need glue sticks or red pens, too.

Enjoy your vacation and may it be a time of rejuvenation.

More Delicious Recipes

The children tried some more recipes today that work great for lunches. They even know how to make them themselves!
Hummus
4 cans (15 oz.) of chickpeas
1/2 cup tahini paste
1/8 cup olive oil
2 lemons
2 cloves crushed garlic
salt to taste
1/2 cup chopped parsley
pita bread cut into wedges (toasted in the oven is yummy)

Drain the chickpeas. Place in a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the remainng ingredients and mix well. Serve with pita bread.

Black Bean Dip
4 cans (15 oz.) black beans
2 diced tomatoes
1 small onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
salt to taste
juice of 1 lemon
1 large bag each baked corn chips (blue and yellow)

Drain and mash the beans. Place in a bowl and mash with a fork. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with baked corn chips.

Pet Day

This Friday, February 25, is the day that the kids wait for all year--PET DAY!!! Their pets must be able to stay in their carrier or cage all day (they may come out at recess time). If not, a parent may come and show the pet briefly at the beginning or end of the day. The students are to be prepared to tell the class what responsibilities they have in taking care of their pet and/or share some of their pets interesting characteristics or antics.

Yum! Yum!

The kids made an Egyptian Bulgur Salad today and they want the recipe. Enjoy!
3 cups bulgur
3 cups of hot water
1 cup chopped figs
Seeds of one fresh pomegranate
1 cup chopped apricots
1/2 cup pistachio seeds
2 Tablespoons oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup chopped dates
2 Tablespoons cinnamon

Soak the bulgur in hot water for 10 minutes. Chop and measure dates figs, apricots, & pistachios. Cut open the pomegranate and scrape seeds into the bulgur mixture using a spoon. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl containing the oil and cinnamon. Pour the liquid over the bulgur salad and mix well. Serve the salad in the shape of a pyramid.

Field Trip

Our class will be going to the Tri-City Herald for a field trip on Tuesday, February 8. I'll be sending a field trip form home in the next few days to see who will be able to drive.

Bake Bread Lately?

Our class, today, had fun pounding and squeezing and shaping the dough into oblong mounds of goodness. Some of the kids might want to bake some mini-loaves of bread for their families, so here is the recipe.
Dissolve: 1 package yeast in
1 1/4 c. warm water
Stir in: 1 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. oil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. whole wheat flour
Mix well. Add enough white flour to knead easily, about 2 1/2 c. Knead 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding flour if the dough becomes sticky. Form into an oblong loaf and place on a greased cookie sheet. Cover with a warm, wet towel and let rise 20 min. Bake 20 min. at 425 degrees.

Church Service at Kennewick
Our class will be performing on Saturday, January 22, at the Kennewick SDA Church. Sabbath School begins at 10:00 a.m. and we will perform for the church service after that. Please have your child dressed in the white and black uniform.