Upper Elementary News - Farm Updates, New Vehicle, Incubating Eggs, Drumming Workshop, Huntsville Trip, and More!

The Farm During Testing Week by Olivia (and Jodi)

During testing week everyone had a chance to go to the farm in the afternoon. I wasn't sure I wanted to go. It had it had been a long time, even before the barn was built. Back then, we were under a tent, and it was really hot.

The week at the farm was awesome! The big barn was built. We had animals there. I got to hold chickens and chased a sheep that wouldn't let me get close. Lily L. found an egg in the grass, and we brought it back to school and put it in the incubator. We moved the chickens up near the barn, and I held one of the roosters the whole way because the two roosters were fighting in the trailer. I carried him all the way to the barn. We also moved the sheep closer to the barn so they could have water and shade. Being closer to the barn makes it easier to take care of them. They got out of the pen after we left and David had to chase them down. He got them all back.

I slid down the slide and played in a rocking tube. It was a beautiful day. 

Ribbon Cutting

We have a new addition the Abintra vehicle family! On Monday, April 30 we cut the ceremonial ribbon on our new Ford Transit Van! One student, Hazel, helped bring this purchase to fruition. She researched vehicles, worked with her grandfather at Ford Detroit, and kept Sherry focused through the process. The next vehicle should arrive within two weeks. Hooray for the future! 

Incubating The Eggs by Lily L. (and Jonell)

It is really fun to incubate eggs because you get to know what stage the embryo is in. We candled the eggs to find out which eggs had chickens growing in them. We tested them by using a box with a hole in it to hold an egg and we shined a flashlight under the egg. If the egg was halfway shaded, that meant there was a developing embryo inside. Out of the 26 eggs we have in the incubator, only two did not have a chicken embryo growing in it. May 8th is the day that they will hatch. One student, Mallie, commented, “It was cool to see the shadow of the chicken in the egg.” 

Drumming by Lily S.

On the Friday before testing week, my class went to a drumming lesson arranged by Emi. Instead of starting by using our hands or drumsticks, we sang into the drum. Afterward, we did a big group song where one person started, and everybody joined in. We used different instruments like the singing bowl and the maraca. We talked about sounds that make us feel good and sounds that don't.

Field Trip to Huntsville, AL by Anabel and Maddie

Last week, we visited the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. We had the chance to see the movie Dream Big, Engineering Our World and ride on the simulators. We also got to see a model of Saturn V. We had a delicious lunch, too. Most of the students also enjoyed the bus ride.

Here are some quotes from the trip:

“The pizza was good.” Bob

“I liked all of it.” Ansel

“The bus ride was long.” Graham

“I can’t wait to go back!” Laura

“The bus was cool.” Lily L.

“The Space Shot was scary.” Veronica

The Abintra Ellas by Olive

The Ellas are a group of UE students who sing acapella. UE students Anabel and Stella started the group. They are working with UE guide Deanie and UE parent Jason LeVasseur to make a performance for Spring Fest on May 6th! They will be performing a mash-up of Flashlight / Price Tag / I Don't Like It, I Love It! We hope to see you there! The Ellas are: Anabel, Stella, Reina, Roxy, Mallie, Frances, Marissa, Olive, Olivia, Hazel, and Jojo. Lily L. and Alia are assisting in preparing for the performance.