7.  As you know, we are now a S.T.E.M.  School!  You're probably wondering, "What exactly does this mean?"  Good question!  This year we  will be more project based as we delve more deeply into the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.  My thoughts on projects thus far include a year-long, cross curricular focus on....hamsters!  Our first project will be a research-based look at animals.  While we are learning about animals in our science book in the early part of the year, we will take an in-depth look at hamsters.  Each child will then be assigned a different animal to research (specific guidelines for their project will be sent home).  Each child will be required to compare/contrast their animal with what we will have learned about our hamsters.  Information on projects related to  the other S.T.E.M. elements will be available soon!