Good morning everyone!  I hope you have had a chance to view the special message Clinton staff sent to you.  The video was a sharing of our hearts to let you know that we miss you.  I have added the video to the resources link on the side bar of the blog.

You may have also noticed that I have a new special addition to my family.  It is our new puppy named Winnie, short for Winslow.  She arrived on Saturday and was 10 weeks old on Monday.  Her story is very similar to the chapter book story by E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web, that we were reading before Spring Break. 

Hannah, my daughter, is like the character Fern in Charlotte’s Web.  Our little Winnie is like Wilbur.  She was the “runt” of a litter of Cocker Spaniel puppies.  She almost didn’t survive.  She has had a few surgeries already in her short little life.  She is fiesty, smart and full of life despite still being about half the size she should be for her age. We love her soooo much!

This is why I chose a reading passage about a dog for our new reading program that I mentioned in a family email I sent out.  Some of you have already tried out Read Works.  Thank you.  By Friday, I am hoping that all of you will have at least signed in and tried a few questions so that I can see that you have access to the Reading Program.  On Tuesday, we will start with a story a day.  The weekly passages will all have the same theme for the week.

I know many of you have been getting outside for walks with your families.  We were to begin the Walk 30 Challenge at Clinton this month.  During our community walks, I would have asked you to look at all the different plants blooming and blossoming.  So keep your eyes peeled for tulips, daffodils and crocus.  Some plants that Clare, Selina and Cara may remember are peony, rhododendron and azalea.  Lilac will pop out in May and you may see hydrangea.  There are so many garden and wild flowers that you may come across. The Cherry Blossom Trees are beautiful at this time of year and I know Clinton Street usually has a canopy of blossoms.

So look, look and look again for these signs of Spring.  I may post some photos of plants that I come across but until then, if you are not sure of what you are looking for there are many images online.  And if you want to check out another science site that also supports your understanding of plants, copy and paste this link https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/pictures/plants.html   It is also another great resource for learning about our planet and nature.  Have a great day!