Turtle Times

Our students have been studying trees. They have been observing and comparing trees to learn

about what lives in them, what they’re made from, and who cares for them. We hope

that this study will help children explore and appreciate nature. As we study trees, we

will use literacy, math, the arts, and technology to explore the topic in depth. We will

learn important social studies and scientific concepts through firsthand investigations.

What You Can Do at Home

You can help your child explore and appreciate nature by learning about trees. Invite

your child to talk about trees. Share stories about your favorite childhood memories

involving trees and games you might have played around them. Wonder aloud with your

child to encourage his or her thinking about trees.

• “I wonder why leaves fall from trees.”
• “I wonder what makes some trees grow so big.”

At home, collect parts of trees, and encourage your child to sort them. Your child might

also enjoy making a collage by arranging and gluing tree items on paper.

This week our students had the opportunity to participate in a virtual field trip hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserve and learned what makes a bird a bird. Through the use of natural artifacts, study skins and a visit with a live bird, the students were introduced to the unique characteristics and adaptations of birds with a focus on local birds of prey. The students also met an owl.

Click on the links below to explore more resources to learn about birds.

Bird Sleuth Lessons & Activities

https://www.birds.cornell.edu/k12/get-started/

LIVE FEEDER WATCH

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/cornell-lab-feederwatch/

Citizen Science Project

https://feederwatch.org/

Our adaptive pause is extended until at least Monday, November 30. In studying the data very closely, it just does not appear that the metrics we have committed to use in making our decisions will indicate any possible return until after Thanksgiving Break, at the earliest. If the data described below does not support a recommendation by the Lake County Health Department for hybrid learning at Thanksgiving, the adaptive pause would likely be extended through Winter Break. The data is not currently tracking in a way that would allow us to transition back in the next couple of weeks and we want to be transparent, forthcoming, and proactive in giving families and our staff time to plan.

We continue to prepare for an eventual reignition of our return to in-person learning process and the schedule, logistics, and communication that would come along with that. Unfortunately, the pandemic and localized data suggests that we continue to implement and focus on remote learning for the time being. We continue to hear feedback regarding remote learning and regularly meet to discuss changes, adaptations, and alterations to that plan. We know this is not ideal for all of our learners, but we will continue to evaluate and adjust as necessary.

At the same time, we will continue to work to identify and provide resources and supports to our students and families. Through the lens of academic, social emotional, and supervision needs, we are working to problem-solve and mitigate concerns as they arise. We thank you for your partnership in this.

November 12th 8:00am-4:00PM

Please come to the ELC on November 12th between 8am-4:00pm to pick up materials for your child to utilize at home during remote learning. Please return the library books that were provided at our October material pick-up and new library books will be provided for your child to read at home.

November 17th and 19th 2:45pm-7:45pm

Your child's teacher will be contacting you to schedule a time to meet.

If you and your family are interested in participating in our Frosty Friends Program, please complete the survey below. Frost Friends Program provides donated gifts for children in need in our school community.

Email: mbarkley@antioch34.com
Website: https://www.antioch34.com/MKMELC
Location: 817 Main St, Antioch, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 838-8901