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“The Hour of Code is designed to demystify code and show that computer science is not rocket-science, anybody can learn the basics,” said Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org. “In one week last year, 15 million students tried an Hour of Code. Now we’re aiming for 100 million worldwide to prove that the demand for relevant 21st century computer science education crosses all borders and knows no boundaries.”

HOUR of CODE – Try a one-hour tutorial designed for all ages in over 45 languages. Join millions of students and teachers in over 180 countries starting with an Hour of Code. You can find all activities here or try one below.

This month we are “wild” about cranes. Our book of the month, The Paper Crane, reminds us of the magical powers generosity can have on others and ourselves. We learned that:

•  Generosity is the quality of being kind and giving.
•  Generosity is freely sharing what you have with others.
•  Generosity is being willing to offer money, help or time when it is needed.
•  To be generous means giving something that is valuable to you without expectation of reward or return.
•  Generosity doesn’t always cost money. Anyone can be more generous simply by sharing his/her spirit with others.

Our goal this month is to show generosity. Being generous does not have to cost money. You can be generous with your time, service and/or smile. In addition, you can be generous by donating a used coat to our Coat Drive, purchasing a new hat or mitten for the Winter Drive and/or making cranes for our school wide gift. Watch the video below or read these directions to make as many cranes as you can. Have fun!

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The goblins, ghouls, wizards, witches, zombie hunters, super heroes, cartoon characters, nerds, gorillas and the remaining cast of characters who entered room 407 on Halloween day, were subjected to the wrath of Professor Snape as “he” conducted Potions Class. We watched dancing raisins, made rainbow layers of liquids of different densities, experimented with powders and water, made slime and even made a concoction called that Hagrid, the giant in the Harry Potter series, might use as toothpaste. Professor Snape is hopeful that the experiments will continue at home.

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Despite the blustery, cold weather, we enjoyed our time together in our unique learning experience on the Circle Line Cruise around Manhattan.

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This month we are “wild” about gratitude. Gratitude is being aware of and being thankful for the good things that happen. Take time to express thanks.

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” ~John F. Kennedy

This month at Cottage Lane we will do the four week gratitude challenge. Studies show that when you express your gratitude you will feel happier!

Week 1 – Write a letter to a former teacher or someone you have not seen or talked to in a while.
Week 2 – Write a letter to a Veteran.
Week 3 – Donate to the Food Drive.
Week 4 – Write 5 things you like or are grateful for about yourself.

When you complete a challenge post to this blog and initial our poster.

It is time to get those creative juices going again! Mrs. McBride is offering another opportunity to put your skills to work. Find out more details for this month’s challenge here – The Election Challenge.

Each class will make a slide show of the bridges we may see on our Circle Line Cruise field trip. Each student is responsible for making a slide on his/her assigned bridge. You will need an image of your assigned bridge and will need to provide the required information on your bridge. You have been assigned a slide number. You should only work on your slide. Let’s see if your class can work together to create a quality, informative presentation. 

Ms. O’Brien’s Class Presentation

Mr. Krump’s Class Presentation