Tuesday, November 22, 2011

December Reminders

We’d like to make you aware of a few reminders and clarifications.

• The amaryllis bulb project is a total cost of $10. There’s $5 for the bus/field trip and another $5 for the amaryllis bulb itself (a note was sent home asking that your child earn the $5 for the bulb).
• The bowling field trip is coming up on Dec. 19th and the cost for it is $9.
• Please visit our blog and sign up there to receive e-mail notifications by filling in your e-mail to the right where it says "Follow by email" www.lower-elementary.blogspot.com
• Early care begins at 7:00 am and ends at 8:00 am. If your child is dropped off at any time before 8:00 am, they will be asked to sign in for early care. Classes begin at 8:15 am and tardies begin to accumulate after 8:15am.
• Please send your child with an extra pair of socks to be kept in their backpack just in case they’re needed.
• Please update the office with any new and/or additional phone numbers and contact information including e-mail and emergency contacts.
• Photo Sharing for Lower El:
   Go to shutterfly.com
   Click on sign in (top, middle of page)
   Enter this e-mail: amy@jsbacademy.org
   Enter password: XXXXX (contact amy for password)
   Click sign in button
   Click on view all albums
   Click on Halloween to add pictures
• Calendar:
November
29 Shelby Ridge – Classroom III
30 Shelby Ridge – Classroom II

December
7 Children’s Theater – Classroom III
8 Children’s Theater – Classroom II
13 Christmas Program
14 Christmas Presentation
19 Holiday bowling – Classroom II and III
20 Dismiss at 1:00 – no aftercare

January
4 School resumes for children

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Resources for our parents

Dr. Ray Guarendi visited our school earlier this month and shared with us fabulous books he has written that will help you "raise great kids" and provide them the discipline they need. Visit his site for more: http://www.drray.com/ and here for his books: http://www.drray.com/order.htm

Books to help your child be successful in life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp3WeQonFfI&feature=youtube_gdata_player (from Ms. Amy) and visit his site for his books here: http://www.johnmaxwell.com/products-resources/books/

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Jones Valley Urban Farm

On November 8, 2011 the 3rd grade students as well as Ms. Heather and Ms. Catherine visited Jones Valley Urban Farm in downtown Birmingham. While there the students were given a tour of the farm as well as harvesting several different types of vegetables. After picking the fresh foods the children were invited to create some healthy snacks in the kitchen. During this time our students were given many different task which resulted in several delectable dishes. The children were also given a lesson on choosing healthy foods from a local nutritionist. Below are the recipes so you and your family may enjoy them as well.
Kale Chips
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch kale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • ½ cup of Parmigiano Reggiano chees
Directions
1.     Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2.     With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt. Then sprinkle with cheese.
3.     Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.

Healthy Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt, or 1/3 cup nonfat Greek style yogurt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
  • Salt
Directions
1.     If using plain yogurt, place it in a strainer lined with a paper towel and place the strainer over a bowl. Let the yogurt drain and thicken for 20 minutes.
2.     In a medium bowl, combine the strained or Greek-style yogurt and the rest of the ingredients. Add salt, to taste
Great with any fresh vegetables!
Key Lime Fruit Dip
Ingredients
  • 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 lime
Directions
1.     Zest the lime and combine with the yogurt in a medium sized bowl.
2.     Enjoy on apples, pears, and pineapple.