What an exciting April we had with the many programs that visited our school.

Southwick's Zoo returned again this year with their Zoomobile to present their Animal Ecology program to the Hollis School first grade. This very unique outreach program showcased live animals to present an exciting program geared towards understanding animal ecology and environmental issues. The Zoomobile brought animals which included tortoises, lizards, snakes, a large parrot, bush baby, African porcupine, and a kangaroo to name a few.

The Museum of Science's Starlab arrived in April also. The Starlab inflatable dome provided an amazing view of the night sky for the 3^rd grade students. The students learned how to identify constellations such as the Big and Little Dipper, Orion, and the North Star. Judging by the amount of questions the students had, they really enjoyed this lesson. Ask them to show you some of the amazing constellations in the night sky.

The Museum of Science also presented their Dig into Dinosaurs program to the Hollis School second grade. This outreach program offers a hands-on lab program that teaches students all about dinosaurs, and also how they are discovered and dug up. By interacting with real and cast fossils, excavating a replica field site, and examining trace fossils such as footprints, students explored the world of dinosaurs and the scientists who study them.

The month of May brings us to our last cultural arts performance for the year. The New England Aquarium will be bringing their Tide Pool Exhibit right here to Hollis School to visit our 1^st graders. Using guided imagery, a child-sized costume and live animals, students explore and interact with local tide pool animals while learning basic biology and anatomy. This annual visit is always a favorite with the 1^st grade.

PENNY POWER PLUS UPDATE:

Mrs. Bowes' class has pulled away with the lead having a total of 74 pounds at the end of April. There are three classes battling for second place: Mr. Powers (52.25 lbs.), Mrs. Hurley (51.50 lbs.) and Mrs. Newton (51.25 lbs.) Let's keep the 'deposits' coming by participating in the May Penny Power Plus Challenge!! The classes are asked to bring in at least 3 pounds of coins each week for the 4 collection days in May to receive a FREE RECESS in June... these dates are May 5th, May 12th, May 20th and May 27th. Please note the last 2 dates are Thursdays due to MCAS testing.

Thank you.

Mrs. Laracy & Mrs. Bellotti