Pets in the Science Classroom

In March of 2022 the current 8th grade class, then 6th graders, came to Mrs. Beckwith and asked for the addition of a pet to our science classroom.

Mrs. Beckwith said maybe. And here we are a year and a half later with two pets!

Our first pet is our beloved Rex, a red crested gecko. While not the most lively pet during the day, Rex is a lovely addition to our science class. We have had the opportunity to watch Rex grow for the past year and a half. Each time she sheds her skin it’s an exciting day in the classroom.

Rex has been on quite a few adventures, including skateboarding across the lab tables.

With a life expectancy of 10+ years, many ASA students will be able to enjoy her antics!

This year, Mrs. Beckwith had the opportunity to snake sit for a friend for the 23-24 school year, which is how Stanley the corn snake came into our lives.

Stanley has been a great addition to our classroom. He is highly entertaining to watch move around his tank or hide when he’s had enough stimulation for the day.

The middle school students love to hold Stanley and watch him eat every other week.

Stanley has been a fun addition to the science room, and rumor has it that Mrs. Beckwith might be interested in a snake of her own once Stanley goes back home.

Through our classroom pets, students have the opportunity to explore, discover, and appreciate the wonders of God and the natural world around them every day.

St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day takes place on December 6th each year. It is an extra special day down our preschool hallway as we await a visit from St. Nicholas! The day starts by discussing who Saint Nicholas is and most kids are surprised to know he goes by another name - Santa Claus! Students also learn that St. Nick helped children who were sick or poor. This opens a much broader discussion about the importance of giving during the holiday season. We then prepare for him to stop by and leave a special treat inside every child’s stocking or shoe. Some classrooms decorate socks from home, some students create their own stocking out of paper, and some set aside one shoe in the hallway for their special treat. 

Students’ shoes with candy canes and prayer cards

In Mrs. Harmon’s classroom, they spent the morning with one shoe on as the other was in the hallway awaiting a visit from St. Nicholas. The kids love the silliness of wearing one shoe at school! This is a fond memory that Mrs. Harmon has of Kindergarten with Mrs. Anderson. She is thrilled to be able to carry on this fun memory with her students!

Students doing brain breaks with one shoe

Throughout the day, preschoolers anxiously await for their stocking/shoe to fill up with goodies! Each time checking creates more and more excitement. Eventually, the students find a candy cane and a St. Nicholas prayer card beside their shoe/stocking. Each year, students are over-the-moon that St. Nicholas stopped at ASA without anyone seeing him! The prayer cards are then read to the students and brought home to discuss with families. Classes also discuss how the candy cane symbolizes a shepherd's hook. Preschoolers are learning all about The Nativity Scene during Advent so they are excited to learn about the history of candy canes! St. Nicholas Day is a great way to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving to the less fortunate. 

Students finding their shoes filled with a candy cane and prayer card

Stockings awaiting a visit from St. Nicholas

Second Step in Preschool

 All Saints Academy is fortunate to have Mrs.Lynne McMahon share her talents in bringing our Preschool-2nd grade students social emotional learning content from a program called Second Step.  Each week Mrs. McMahon meets with groups of students, offering a focus on helping kids regulate, self-advocate, manage emotions and set goals.  This helps them to be their best not only in the classroom but on the playground, at home and just about anywhere they go! 

She teaches terms such as EYES WATCHING, EARS LISTENING, MOUTHS QUIET and BODY CALM.  Those terms transfer over to individual classrooms and the common language becomes the norm for all.  Teachers are very thankful for the valuable lessons offered and the students seem to engage an take in the messages offered. 

Mrs. McMahon is a blessing to us here at All Saints Academy and touches the lives and hearts of all learners.  We thank you Mrs. McMahon!!