Hello Families,

The advancement of spring has brought some wonderful learning opportunities to the co-op classroom. While investigating the play yard the children discovered many plants and had opportunities to learn about where, how and why plants grow. This investigating has led to planting of new vegetables in the garden. The children have planted peas, lettuce, green beans, radishes, carrots, cucumber and onions. We visit the garden often and look forward to harvesting and tasting these yummy vegetables. There has also been much discussion about the maturation of the peaches on the peach tree, the peaches seem to be getting larger and larger each day. We have also harvested and ate the bananas from the banana tree, they were delicious and the children also enjoyed learning about the giant flower attached to the bunch of bananas. While exploring the garden the children came upon another discovery, bugs and insects! We have studied snails, slugs, rolly pollies, worms, bees and other varieties. Our studies have included reading books, drawings and observations. Take time to read the documentation about snails posted in the classroom.

The classroom has also been busy with other interesting activities as well. We have been painting often and learning about mixing colors. It is always exciting to see how red and blue mixed together make purple! And the colors of the rainbow always seems to make its way into our color discoveries. Another source of interest for the children has been volcanoes. We have read the volcano book many times and closely observed and discussed the photos. Where lava comes from, why it is hot and if you can stand on lava rock once it has cooled off. We have made volcanoes in the sandbox. First the children built a volcano mountain or area, then added baking soda and then poured diluted vinegar on top, and presto you have a 'bubbling volcano'. Some of the children have posted their drawings of volcanoes, please come and view the drawings posted on the classroom wall.

Your Co-op teachers,
Jennie, Sara and Sara

Keep Bringing in Those Spring Festival/ Trike-A-Thon Pledges!

The Spring Festival and Trike-A-Thon was a great event. Thanks to all the parents who helped to plan, carry out and clean up the event. And thanks to those who donated cakes and lent tables and EZ ups. Your efforts helped make the event a most enjoyable family fun day for everyone (and special thanks to Lynette for her chef prowess with the grilled veggies. They were amazing!)

As fun as the event was, we still haven't made our fundraising goal for the event of $3,500. So we are hoping there are a lot more pledges that still need to be turned in! If you are still collecting pledges and/or donations, please try to turn them in to Shona's box as soon as possible. We will soon be starting the budget process for the next school year, and we need to finalize this years books as much as possible.

As a reminder, all pledges/donations are tax-deductible. If you need a donation receipt please let Shona or another Board member know so we can provide you or your sponsor with one.

Also, please note we have a couple more fun and fundraising events left this year. Both events take place on days that Hilltop is closed for parent/ teacher conferences:

• Wednesday, May 12 - Frogg's Bounce House, 10am to 4pm
• Friday, May 14 - Togo's Restaurant Night, all day