April began with a 5k Family Fun Run that raised funds for Camp Cartwheel and also for our outdoor classroom! We are racing forward to our dream of a new, spectacular outdoor world of learning. Visions are created in the mind and transformed into reality. Thank you to all our FMS families who participated in the event. The design for the remodel of our classroom can be seen below.

The garden is growing, and the children are enjoying harvesting the fruits of their labor. Here you can see them digging up and washing carrots that we have grown from seeds. We are also looking forward to delicious strawberries that are almost ripe.

Education is not only the filling of a bucket but also the lighting of a fire in the mind. Hands-on learning works the best. “Involve me and I learn,” it is that simple! Now is the time to look at the happy faces of our children when learning becomes fun.

As you can see, learning takes on many faces: observing, identifying, discussing, and reading. This all strengthens the foundation that will support the house of higher learning. Look closely at the last picture of the new praying mantis babies hatching from their chrysalis in the garden! After weeks of waiting and learning about these helpful insects, we were able to see them emerge just before spring break. 

Summer camp is just around the corner! If you sign up by May 1, the application fee will be waived. We’re filling up fast, so please don’t be last!

Remember, learning is endless!

Love, Ms. Val, Ms. Marian & Ms. Kim

She comes in like a lion, and hopefully goes out like a lamb. Welcome to March!!

March has one foot in winter, one foot in spring. What will it be? Spring manages to bring out the artists in our chlidren, as you can see!

“Creativity and imagination are the keys to producing life-long learners,” according to Robert and Michelle Root-Bernstein, Sparks of Genius. Art allows the children to imagine what their minds can see and do. Our outdoor world is full of young talent, waiting to be discovered.

The children have been finding that worms and insects are ready for spring. They have been great detectives at finding these little creatures.

You will always find the building blocks of learning in our outdoor world.

There are many ways our children can improve their concentration, learn problem-solving skills, and piece together how things work.  In the garden we practice:

1. eye-hand coordination for improving motor skills

2. measuring, scooping and discovering

3. reading, discussing and observing

Our garden has been planted, and the children are waiting for the fruits of their labor. Praying mantis eggs were added this past week in the chrysalis you see pictured. The praying mantis is a beautiful insect with a voracious appetite which feeds on harmful insects that invade our garden. These hatchlings will help to control pests the organic way!

Knowledge is power and education is priceless!

Remember, learning is endless!

Love,

Ms. Val, Ms. Marian & Ms. Kim

The garden has finally received some needed love and care. The children are eagerly planting strawberries, tomatoes, banana peppers, bell peppers, Asian lettuce, eggplants, and ornamental red and white cabbage. All of the children will be planting one of the above, so kindly ask them what they have planted.

We have some great gardeners among us! Hopefully in the spring they will see the fruits of their work.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all our families! We have seen hearts full of love in their artwork this month!

The weather is turning, but jackets and sweaters are still needed in the mornings and late afternoons. Some activities have the children sitting while working with a chill in the air, so please remember to dress in layers.

The apricot tree in the garden is waking up from a long winter’s nap. Our artists are painting what they see, and their artwork is hanging in the tree! What a beautiful sight for moms and dads to see!

Remember, learning is endless!

Love,

Ms. Val, Ms. Kim and Ms. Marian

 Welcome back!

Our children started this new year with painting river rocks and making rock dominoes for some backyard fun and some math skills as well!

Future veterinarians at work!

Our children came back from winter break so excited to get back to their activities.  It is always fun and challenging to work with sand and water.

Please remember that dressing in layers is always important.  We are very lucky it has been so nice in the afternoons this past week, but it is still winter and weather conditions can change unexpectedly.  It is so important for our children to be comfortable in the outdoor environment.

It has been so nice to see the children enjoying each other’s company and the friendships that have developed from the beginning of this school year.  With this in mind, happy new year to all our FMS families.  Thanks so much for the gifts and holidays wishes, and most of all for the gift of being able to spend time with your children.

Remember, learning is endless!

Love,

Ms. Val, Ms. Kim & Ms. Marian

 December is here, what a wonderful time of year!!!

Now look out here at all of the cheer!!!

Please remember at this time of year, to dress your children in the right gear. It can be very Cold out here!!!!

To all of our FMS families, have a great holiday season and looking forward to the New Year!

Remember learning is endless!

Love Ms. Val, Ms. Marian & Ms. Kim