December 2025
Peek Inside Lower Elementary
BLACK BEAR
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful months we’ve shared so far in the Black Bear community, and for your continued trust and support. As 2025 seems to be racing by and the world moves ever faster, our days with the children remind us of what truly matters: the love we cultivate and the sense of wonder they bring into each moment.
November closed with our beloved Stone Soup celebration, and December carried that joy forward by exploring with lessons and research projects, gardening with Ms. Laura, and a delightful play performed by a talented group of Black Bear children.
A special thank you to our parent volunteers for organizing such a fun-filled Winter Social! We loved partnering with the Coyotes class and sharing delicious food, games, and community spirit.
May your holidays be filled with moments that replenish your spirit and bring your family Peace and Joy. Wishing you a refreshed beginning to the New Year!
Warmly,
Ms. Rebeca and Ms. Carmen
COYOTE
Dear Coyote Parents and Families,
December flew by quickly as the children engaged in new lessons during our shortened month of school. Thank you to all the families who were able to meet for conferences. I truly appreciate your time and always enjoy sharing updates about your child, as well as learning more about them through our conversations. For those who were unable to attend, conference reports have been posted and sent to you via email.
This month, the children enjoyed learning about the different instruments in the orchestra. We also listened to music from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, which the students greatly enjoyed as part of this winter tradition.
As we will move into winter on the 21st of the month, we discussed seasonal science concepts such as the Earth’s tilt, rotation, and how the sun’s position helps create the changing seasons. This lesson was especially engaging, and the students were eager participants.
As you and your families close out 2025 and welcome 2026, we wish you health, happiness, and many new adventures. I am grateful for each of you and for the opportunity to spend my days with your wonderful children. We will see you next year!
Warmly,
Ms. Samantha and Ms. Maria
Peek Inside Upper Elementary
FALCON
Dear Falcon Families,
As we move forward in our learning, the students have been busy engaging in meaningful work across all subject areas. Here are some highlights from our classroom:
Math
We are reviewing key math standards by practicing daily problems that are directly tied to grade level standards. As a class, we are spending time discussing the language used in each problem, asking questions, and explaining different strategies for solving. Students are also working on measuring and identifying different types of lines and angles, as well as solving a variety of story problems that encourage clear thinking and problem-solving skills.
Language & Writing
Students are researching an animal of their choice and practicing each step of the writing process. This includes taking notes from informational texts, organizing ideas by creating an outline, writing a rough draft, editing with care, and producing a final draft. This work emphasizes both strong research habits and thoughtful writing.
History
We are concluding our study of explorers. Along with learning about their journeys, we have had important discussions about the impact of exploration on Native American people. Students are reflecting on what they have learned and considering multiple perspectives as we wrap up this unit.
Community & Upcoming Events
We have begun planning for our upcoming sleepover/campout in January. This is an exciting opportunity for students to practice responsibility, collaboration, and planning skills.
In addition, we are in the final stages of bake sale planning. Students have been involved in all aspects of the process, including the math behind budgeting and pricing, grocery shopping, baking, marketing, and selling. This real-world experience brings together math, practical life skills, and teamwork. Please join us in front of the main office before school Wednesday, December 17th to support the bake sale!
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the families who attended our Winter Social. It was wonderful to spend time together as a community. A special thank you goes to our parent coordinators for putting together such a successful and joyful event—we truly appreciate the time, care, and energy you shared.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Warmly,
Ms. Emily and Ms. Carla
ROADRUNNER
Dear Roadrunner Families,
December has been a busy and joyful month in our classroom, even though it is a shorter one. The children have been deeply engaged in a wide variety of meaningful work and collaborative projects.
The children completed their country research projects by creating a class cookbook that brings together recipes from countries all over the world. This work thoughtfully combined research, creativity, and practical application. We are collaborating with the Falcon classroom to create a digital version of the cookbook, which will be shared with families over winter break so children can try making some of the recipes they discovered at home.
The children also brought closure to their study of early Native American history and the explorers who first came to this land. To culminate this work, they collaborated to create and perform skits based on these events, thoughtfully exploring the different perspectives involved in these early interactions.
The children also began researching simple machines as we prepare to move further into physics-related topics. Their curiosity and enthusiasm have been evident as they ask thoughtful questions and make connections to the world around them.
We are also beginning the exploration of the work of Hans Christian Andersen. In art, they are experimenting with creating pieces using bilateral symmetry and negative space. Alongside this, they spent time developing handwork, crocheting, knitting, and weaving special projects for winter gifts, which requires patience, concentration, and fine motor coordination.
We love ending the month with Spirit Week and our potluck, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate togetherness and community before winter break.
Thank you for your continued support , we are grateful for our classroom community and wish you a restful and joyful winter break.
Warmly,
Ms. Lauren and Ms. Juany
