Trout That Teach

Mr. Barry and his students have once again been welcoming aquatic life into their classroom. As some of you already know Mr. Barry likes to fish. When he heard about a program through the Department of Fish and Game where teachers and students could raise trout and even salmon for local release he was hooked. Just click on the video below to hear Mr. Barry explain the program.

So, the Grizzly Peak Flyfishers of Kensington provides the tank, and the Department of Fish and Game provides the eggs and monitors teacher progress. Archway students provide enthusiasm, curiosity and care. They observe the trout’s growth and movements as topics for descriptive writing assignments. They are also responsible for recording water temperature.

On a Thursday, late in February, the children and their drivers including Mr. Barry went to Lake Temescal during lunch to release their trout. Each student was responsible for releasing one baby trout and had the option to send them off with a name. There was Sheila, Charzar, Something, lots of little Barrys and a few others. After lunch there was enough time for a hike around the lake and some raft building and rock climbing before heading back to Archway.

Thank you Mr. Barry for bringing this project to Archway and for inviting me to the release. I enjoyed watching the children wish their babies well.

Lunch at the Park

It was a gorgeous day today. I hope you were able to get out in the sunshine for a little while. Not only was I able to be out but I spent that time with the Upper Campus students.

When I got to upper campus, the eigth graders were selling pizza to earn money toward their Washington DC trip. Keep in mind that Archway School with the Warriors Night is fast approaching so reserve your tickets by February 15th to show your support for the 8th graders. I can't make the game so I made a small donation to the pizza crew. I know they would appreciate any other donations as well.

After the pizza, everyone headed to the park to soak up some sun and I just happen to have my camera with me. So..... enjoy some photos.

Chinese New Year Dragon Parade

Each year, in celebration of the Chinese New Year, Ms. Kym and her Early Birds (students in before care) build and decorate the Dragon's head. It is then attached to its body which is a long piece of red material with loop handles. This years' head was especially realistic utilizing faux reptile skin. This simple event is exciting for the children and reminds our friends down Piedmont Avenue that Archway School is still in the neighborhood. I always enjoy walking with the parade and getting a few photos to share.

Lower Campus Holds Mock Elections

Students at the lower campus spent some of their time today learning about the election process. They found out who the candidates are and were then given an opportunity to vote.

It seems almost everyone had an opinion. The polls closed promptly after snack time with 98% of the students present casting a vote. Here are the results:

• Barack Obama won 72% of the votes



• Hillary Clinton came in second with 22%



• John McCain, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney got 2% each



• The remaining candidates recieved 0%
  

If you are curious about what the children had to say on election day, check out these video clips: