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Reston Students Tour the White House
Elementary students from the Reston Campus had an opportunity to visit the White House in late October, Living in such close proximity to our Nation’s capital allows for wonderful opportunities that at time we take for granted.
Although President Obama was not home, the children explored the White House and learned about the various rooms. One student asked the tour guide, “Is there a secret tunnel?” The tour guide responded, “We don’t talk about secret and that’s why it’s a secret.” |
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AMontessoriMoment
Have you ever touched a Hummingbird?
The children in the Aldie Toddler Class had the once in a lifetime opportunity to do just that one morning in September. When we opened the door to go outside one toddler’s eyes instantly saw the shiny green object. He walked to it and quietly knelt down to study it. I watched for a few moments to see what he would do. Slowly I moved closer not quite sure what the object was and worried as we know the first instinct of most toddlers is to smash any creature on the ground that is smaller than them. As I came closer I realized that it was a bird…and actual hummingbird. Soon the rest of the class joined him al crouching around the bird. A few carefully stroked the bird with their fingers. The bird quietly chirped, but did not fly away. Not sure what to do next, but wanting to help the wounded bird, we obtained a basket and the children gathered some grass to pad it. We carefully scooped it up and put it in the basket. I decided to take it to Mr. Donald (our staff naturalist) to see if he could help. As we walked in the building, the hummingbird took flight. It flew down the hall and I along with the children and the classroom assistant found ourselves laughing joyfully as we chased after the bird. He flew up to one of the clocks and hovered. I put my hand in the air and the bird flew down onto my hand. I was amazed to say the least. We then walked as a class and released the bird outdoors. We all stood waving “Good-bye” as he flew away.
I was amazed at the respect the children had for the bird and how long they sat quietly observing the bird uninterrupted taking in the bird’s every move and sound. I often ponder…What are they chances that something like that will ever happen again?
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The children at several campuses had the opportunity to meet some of the most important members of our community, firefighter and EMTs.
Captain Andy and his men along with Rescue truck 433, came to the Fairfax Campus and gave a great presentation to the children. Fire fighter Joe dressed up in his gear and explained to the children what the
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different articles were for and how they protected him from hazardous conditions. This gave the children an opportunity to see what a firefighter would look like should he show up some time at the child’s home.
The firefighters and EMTs from the Aldie-Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department No. 9 visited the Aldie Campus as part of Fire Prevention Week. The firefighters and EMTs reminded the classes of what to do if they find items such as matches as well as situation in which 911 should b called. They also practiced the “Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll” which brought lots of laughter.
The highlight of any visit from the fire company is the truck. The children were smiling ear to ear as they were invited to hop onboard.
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