December 12, 2011
Happy Holidays Everyone!
As I go through my bundle of emails, I always learn about so much that I want to share. So, I am sending you a web site that will help everyone find the books that are right for themselves or to give as gifts. Please take some time to go to the site below publicized by the PBS Learning Media site for teachers. I thought it was great! Let me know what you think!
Fondly,
Mrs. Gluck
Remember, a book is a present
you can open again and again!!!!!
September 6, 2011
Welcome Back to School, Whiting Lane Friends!
We are up and running and going strong! The library schedule can be found on the Schedule Page of the Menu. Parents, please let me know if you are interested in coming in to volunteer. You may choose your child’s library slot or you may choose another – only you know how you best work with your child!
We are still collecting summer reading forms. We had a raffle for the children who remembered to bring their forms in on the first day (that was 157 children out of 459 kids. Not too bad! The winners of the raffle were:
Alice – $15 gift card to Ben and Jerry’s
Brandon – $15 gift card to Ben and Jerry’s
Sabria – Piggy Plush
Xavier – Penguin Plush
Matteo – Shark Swim Gear
Sam – Water Football
Jack – Diary of Wimpy Kid DVD
Luke – James and Giant Peach DVD
Logan – Shark Tales DVD
Cayden – Scrabble Scoop Game
Maeve – Skeleton Science Kit
Aidan – Science Experiment Kit
Elery – Peace Body Pillow
Juan – Cars Book and Activity Kit
Emma – Princess Book and Activity Kit
Sophia – Insect Book
David – Animal Book
Douglas – Dinosaur Book
20 items total were raffled. Items were purchased with money from the Spring Book Fair.
Children are still invited to bring in their Summer Reading forms which will be collected until this Friday. Smaller prizes will be given in the classroom by the teacher to those who return them. All children who return them will be invited to a Summer Reading celebration this month where Ms. Eva Sheets will be singing special songs with us while we enjoy a special treat. Remember, if you do not have an official summer reading form, you can create one of your own on a blank piece of paper. Please include your or your child’s name, teacher’s name and the list of books that were read this summer. Last year, we had over 70% of the children return their forms and we are looking to improve that!
Some photos of our raffle winners!
Brandon gets the Ben and Jerry gift card!
Juan won the Cars Activity Book!
Xavier, Luke, Matteo and Aidan show off their prizes!
Luke, Logan, Emma and Elery love their new stuff!
Douglas, Emily, Alice and Maeve are happy they read!
April 14 and 15, 2011
WOWEEEEEEE! Julie Phillipps filled our school with hope and dreams of becoming authors and illustrators ourselves one day! Our very own Author/Illustrator in-residence and Mother of second grade friend Cameron visited us for two days! She shared the process of creating a picture book, specifically her newest book, Wink, the Ninja who Needed a Nap, and then helped us to make our own Winks dreaming of whatever we wanted! Julie’s schedule was a busy one and sometimes it seemed that it just couldn’t be done but we are the little engines that could around here! 3 time today, Julie had 3 classes of Kindergarten and First grade students working on this project! It was zooey to say the least but everyone left with a project! A huge Thanks to Julie for donating her time, energy and expertise on a topic that she lives every day! We LOVE it!
April 13, 2011
Seated are the lucky pancake breakfast winners from the Fall into Funds Auction held this fall at Whiting Lane by the PTO. The O’Toole and Makari families won the breakfast and each child could bring 3 friends so Mrs. Thomas was flipping over 60 pancakes to keep up with the appetites of our young friend! We listened to a pancake song, we read pancake books and we even saw a video about where maple syrup comes from and how it is made! It was a fun morning!
April 1, 2011
Noah shares his Nicaragua knowledge with a Whole Foods customer!
Hi everyone! Last night, 14 third grade Whiting Lane students were complimented on their excellent research done for the Whole Foods World Recipe Taste Night which took place from 4:30 – 6:30. Students completed their studies of more than 7 countries that the Whole Planet Foundation provides microloans to and from which Whole Foods resources like coffee, blueberries, mangoes and more are provided! Our research was used to educate people about the countries but also about the mission of the foundation which is “to alleviate poverty worldwide where Whole Foods Market Sources Products.” Their goal is to provide microcredit – small loans of $200 or less – to the poor in many of these countries in order to allow them to escape the vicious cycle of of poverty using their own energy and creativitiy. In this way, Whole Planet Foundation is able to empower poor women around the world.
Arden shares her knowledge of Kenya
Madeline and Katherine worked hard on their Kenya presentation!
John and Gillian share knowledge about India and taste a little Naan!
Bridget and Dasha studied Honduras.
More yummy hugs!
October6, 2010
November 7, 2010
Karla Rodriguez of SudorTaino.com
is a Big Hit at Whiting Lane School!
Instead of studying Columbus for Columbus Day this year, we used our time to learn more about the Taino tribe that welcomed the Spaniards to their island. This island, once called Boriquen by the Taino is presently Puerto Rico, “La Isla Encantada.”
Part of our work with Ms. Rodriguez is to learn to move without thinking about our differences and to appreciate these differences because they make us “authentic and yummy.”
Today the second, third and fourth grade classes had the opportunity to work with Ms. Rodriguez. Tomorrow, the Kindergarten, first and fifth grades will have their turn! Don’t forget the Family event on Thursday, October 7 from 3:30 – 6:30 in the Library Courtyard where we will have Taino Work Stations set up so that children and adults can learn how to create jewelry, clay pots, and maracas in the same way as the Taino. We will be tasting food from Puerto Rico prepared by Carmen Sanchez and Kevin Clewes from the California Pizza Kitchen! At 5:30, Ms. Rodriguez will be leading us all in the Taino tradition of an “aryeto” which is tribal dancing! We are praying for NO RAIN but the event will be held in the cafeteria and gym in the event of inclement weather.
A special thanks to Theodore and Barbara Shiffmanof the Amicus Foundation who made the funds possible for this event with the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools. Their donation was made in honor of Kristi Luetjen, West Hartford and Connecticut Teacher of the Year.
CHECK OUT SOME OF THE PICTURES BELOW TO FIND OUT HOW OUR DAY WENT!
Ms. Rodriguz captivates the second grade!
Fourth grade students practice saying Nameste.
Elery and Karla meditated about the same peaceful river!
Second Graders meditate as a way to feel more "YUMMY!"
Karla teaches about how melanin is what makes us all different shades.
Peaceful, yummy students listening after dancing and meditating with Ms. Rodriguez.
THANKS! THANKS! THANKS! THANKS! THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!
A huge thank you to all of those who helped to make the Whiting Lane Nature Festival a huge success. We made almost $1,200 toward the Whiting Lane Greenhouse and we had a lot of fun! We learned about Birds of Prey with a visit from Horizon Wings. http://www.horizonwings.org/Aboutus.html
We had a terrific presentation of the Whiting Lane Steel Drum Band – felt like we were in the Caribbean!
Eva Sheets did some terrific folk singing with some of the members of Mrs. Martin’s class!
The Brownies helped with personal seed planting while the Cub Scouts taught us all about Solar power with the construction of solar boats!
California Pizza Kitchen headed up by the Clewes family provided us with delicious food!
It was an exciting day and we now have $3,500 in our Greenhouse Fund!
Karla Rodriguez of Sudor Taino loved her Thank you photo album created by all o f the classes at Whiting Lane. She was really excited to read the letters that were written by each classroom and was looking forward to bringing the album home to snuggle up and read all of the yummy compliments. I KNOW that Whiting Lane students’ letters will fill Ms. Rodriguez’s bucket just like she filled ours at Sabor Taino! Thanks Karla!
June 3, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
Dear miss Gluck i think you should read Ivy and Bean and the ghost that had to go by Annie Barrows because the mysteries are good. im glad i can talk to you on the blog this summer.
from Emmy
June 7, 2010 @ 11:07 am
Hi Emmy! I have only heard great things about Ivy and Bean! I will have to get a set of those when my new budget is approved because everyone tells me about them! Are they all mysteries? I love their names! – so nature like. What are Ivy and Bean like? What Character traits do they possess? I will enjoy hearing from you this summer. Let me know what you are reading! Love, Mrs. Gluck
June 7, 2010 @ 7:37 pm
Dear Mrs.Gluck, I would recommend the book the Sisters Grimm because the fairy tale creatures they have in the book are way different than the ones we know for instance Snow White is a teacher or that Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming got divorced and many more it also has a big mystery but you’ll have to read to find out!
June 8, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Hi Addison!
Thanks for writing! I haven’t read the Sisters Grimm and with your great description, I am going to dive into one this summer! I can’t wait! Love, Mrs. Gluck
June 23, 2010 @ 7:49 am
Dear Mrs. Gluck i am so happy because I am going on the viedo team well bye and i am ready the lemaonde war bye
September 27, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
dear,miss gluck have you read the diary of the wimpy kid it is soo funny i want to read all of them
September 27, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
Dear Ms.Gluck,
I am so glad that you are my librarian!
I am reading The Sister’s Grimm. I think you should have some of the series in the library!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Arden
September 28, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
Hi ARDEN!!!
I have all of the Sister’s Grimm in the library! I am glad you like them! I know that so many kids love them! I am glad that you are my library patron!!!!! Keep on readin’ and writin’! Love, Mrs. Gluck
September 28, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
Hi Nicole! I have not read the Diary books! I know! I really should but I am into the Nutmegs right now. There are 10 of them and I want to read all of them! Maybe at Christmas vacation time, I will try to read some of them. Thanks for recommending! Love, Mrs. Gluck
October 14, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
Hi Mrs.Gluck. I am so happy today!! On Saterday my friend invited me to her brothers Birthday. I am also happy because at the end of the year my family and I are going to Disney World. I am sad though because I tryed out for travel Basket ball and I didnt make it.
Hope you can write back soon!!
Sincerly, Mia
October 15, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
Hi Mia,
I am thrilled that you are going to go the birthday party! I am always happy to go somewhere there is going to be CAKE! YUM Do you think you can hide me in a suitcase for the trip to Disney World? I will be real quiet! Well, until we get there. Who is going to take care of your dog? That is one beautiful dog you have! Don’t worry about basketball. Keep on practicing and enjoying the game and you may be surprised at how things turn out someday. Just don’t take one disappointment and have it keep you continuing to enjoy the sport! You can do it, I know! Have a great weekend, Mia! Love, Mrs. Gluck
October 15, 2010 @ 7:52 pm
Mrs. Gluck your right by the fact I shouldn’t give up basketball just because of one little disapointment. My old coach was sad that I didnt get in put she knows that the people that judged the whole thing didnt even know me like my old coach does. I am so exited to go to the party for cake but I still need to get him a present.
Sincerly, Mia
October 21, 2010 @ 7:38 pm
Dear Mrs. gluck, I have this book that i want you to get. Its called The Littlest Pumpkin. it’s about a pumpkin who wants a chid to bring her home and wants to be craved into a jack o lantern while the chidern sing a halloween song around her so plese get this book because its so good
January 13, 2011 @ 9:39 pm
Hi Mrs. Gluck, the best poetry book is An Unaussuing Owl I think it is a hit and you are a great singer.
February 8, 2011 @ 4:26 pm
Hi Olivia! Thanks for your suggesting for An Unassuming Owl. Who wrote that? My singing is a work in progress. I am trying to get better everyday! That is why I sing so much – Practice makes perfect! I don’t think I will ever achieve perfection but it is fun.! Love you, Olivia! Thanks for writing! Love, Mrs. Gluck
February 14, 2011 @ 8:48 pm
Dear Ms Gluck,
Winters almost over and Im now enjoying an awe so fabulous book called ‘Once Upon A Marigold’. I think you will love it as well as me. Books by Eva Ibbotson are great too. Im all into fantasy these days. Too bad the fantasy book report is far from today cause’ I may be into nonfiction when the time comes.Well anyways, see you soon.
March 9, 2011 @ 4:28 pm
Hi Wei!
I am so happy you wrote on the blog! I love to hear books that people love! It always gives me good ideas on what to purchase next! I love Fantasy, too! You know, the best part about getting older is that you don’t have to do book reports and you can read whatever you want! You are an awesome reader and I am so glad that you came to Whiting Lane School! I wish I could hide you in the closet and keep you here next year! You fifth graders – I always miss you before you even leave! Love, Mrs. Gluck
March 15, 2011 @ 7:48 pm
Hi Mrs.Gluck!
I’m reading a book called Kidnapped, Its a realy great book but the english is hard to under stand!
If u want I can bring it in for you and you could read it. Its by Robert Louis Stevenson
March 21, 2011 @ 10:52 pm
dear mrs gluck,
you rock for being a librarian i just read geronimo stilton books they so rock i read some to katey G and now she ubsest with his books so keep the books coming you rock =)=P
LOVE,
NICOLE
March 22, 2011 @ 8:28 am
HI Nicole!
What a fun post! I love that you shared the Geronimo Stilton books with Katey! Now you know how good it feels to be me! Sharing books is the best part of my job, in fact, it is one of the best parts of my whole life! Maybe you are destined to be a librarian! Keep on reading and posting! Love, Mrs. Gluck
March 22, 2011 @ 8:36 am
Hi Kevin!
I am glad that you chose a book that holds your interest level but challenges your reading skills. That is the way you grow! Please feel free to bring the book in when it is confusing you. I would love to help you figure it out. Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic author. It is awesome that you are trying him out! Love, Mrs. Gluck
April 27, 2011 @ 10:25 am
Hello Mrs Gluck! Long time no see. I miss you! Okay so I see that this discusion is mostly about recommending books so I’ll just reccommend one, Where the Red Fern Grows. Okay back to talking. I MISS YOU!!! Bye…for now…
April 28, 2011 @ 3:41 pm
Hi Wei!!!!!!
How is your new school? We so so miss you here at Whiting Lane. I especially miss the way you gobble up books. There really are not a lot of kids here who devour books the way that you do and I am sad to not be able to experience that! We are celebrating Earth Month here by having the Nature Festival tomorrow (Friday, APril 29, 2011 from 3:30 – 5:30) and I have lots of work to do! If you can, you are welcome to come! I love Where the Red Fern Grows, too. However, I always get so sad with animal books. Even more sad than with sad things happening to people! I guess it is because animals cannot speak for themselves and my heart breaks for them. See you soon! Love, Mrs. Gluck
May 3, 2011 @ 2:57 pm
Dear Mrs Gluck,
I would love to come but its almost impossible. Right now im in MS. It took me about 24 hrs to get here. Im doing fine here in my new school. I like it here. TTYL.
May 9, 2011 @ 9:14 am
OMG Wei!! MATHQuEST 5 misses you sooo much we ALL wish we could come visit YOU instead of you visiting US!!!!The library says “Hi, Wei!” and so does 5th grade!!!!! We all hope that you could visit ’cause MATHQuEST 5 is starting a card business!! That is right… WE ARE STARTING A CARD BUSINESS AND SUBMITING OUR CARDS TO HALLMARK CARD COMPANY!!!
Sincerely,
from MATHQuEST 5
Anastasia The Great
May 16, 2011 @ 9:36 am
HELLO people of the reading world!!!!! I am happy to be your aquaintance here tonight and help you find gooed books and 1 book many people I know are craving is… THE CIRQUE DU FREAK SERIES!!!! I know u might be going “What the heck does that mean?!?!” right now but, it means freak circus or freak show and it’s about a boy and his friend that love scary things like spiders and vampires. But, what they dont know is that one of them wants to be a vampire and the other is soon-to-be shocked. Also, one does end up being the vampire….. but, not the one you expect it to be. L ast but not least…. the two boys are Darrren and Shaun…. I think thats his name but Darren is one of the boys and the rest of the stories are about his adventures..ROMANCE,HORROR,DRAMA,COMEDY! It has it all!!
May 16, 2011 @ 9:39 am
From Anastasia The Great
hope your happy Sam,Gaelan,and I are saying “HEY,WEI!!” I dont think David’s saying “hi.”
June 3, 2011 @ 9:38 pm
Hi Mrs Gluck!
I’m so excited! It is almost the end of the school year. We have recognition, Camp Chase, and a field trip to our middle school! But I will miss Whiting Lane!
-Gaelen
July 17, 2011 @ 3:28 pm
dear ms. gluck,
i really miss you and going to school early in the morning. i think you should get animal storys for the library, they have alot of different authers. It has stories like how the elephent got his trunk, how the leopard get his spots, and how the whale got his throut. there are alot more stories in it those ar some example. i hope you are having a great vacation!
Sincerely,
Sophia
ps i am doing my reading log!
September 6, 2011 @ 12:08 pm
Hi Sophia,
I am glad that you were working on your summer reading log this summer! I love your suggestions for those books. I LOVE those stories, too! I will definitely get more! Thanks for your suggestions! Love, Mrs. Gluck
P.S. My vacation was great!
October 26, 2011 @ 7:06 pm
Hi Mrs. Gluck
It’s Olivia I am reading alot of Great books!!!
The book that am reading is Found. I forget the Authors name. But the library in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade is hudge i go their almost everytime to get a new book and it is amazing and i also read the Time Michine yo ushould get it for 4th and 5th graders its a awsome book and it is fantasy. My favorite part of the book is when the Time Traveler goes down a hole he sees a scary beast which is called a Morlock. But you should look at it and it is a movie also. GET IT IF YOU CAN SUPER AND FANTASTIC BOOK EVER!!!!!! BOO SCRAED YOU!!!! HAPPY HOLLWEEN
October 27, 2011 @ 3:34 pm
Hi Olivia! I am so glad that you shared what you are loving about school! I loved the book Found, too. There are sequels to it! Time Machine is awesome, I know. Don’t you wish we could really do that? I just started reading The Old Willis place and I am reading it because of the Deep and Dark and Dangerous Nutmeg book that we just love. If you like spooky, check them out! I hope you have an awesome time with your Halloween. What are you going to be? Love, Mrs. Gluck xo
November 29, 2011 @ 10:02 pm
Hi Miss Gluck,
Have you read The Wish by Gail Carson Levin? Anyway, I started reading The Gollywhopper Games. I think it`s an okay book, but I`m just not into it as much as The Wish.
From your student,
Michaela
November 30, 2011 @ 3:06 pm
Hi Michaela! I haven’t read The Wish yet. I will though because of your recommendation. I know what you mean about the Golly whopper Games. I thought it was fun and would love to be in a game like this. It reminded me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Mrs. G
January 25, 2012 @ 8:54 pm
I love books. It is a fun thing to always do but it is good to read in a quiet spot were none is. So like that you can read a lot trust me i do it all the time.
January 25, 2012 @ 8:56 pm
I LOVE LIBARY A LOT.
January 26, 2012 @ 1:53 pm
Hi David!
I love that you love Library! I just love to share books with everyone! It is so fun and I am glad that you love to come here! Keep on reading! Lee
February 5, 2012 @ 12:23 am
ok i will keep reading.
February 14, 2012 @ 8:03 pm
Mrs gluck
my mom is right she cant get me out of a book or my brother into one!!!
March 4, 2012 @ 10:02 pm
last libary i returned my books but i forgot to get new ones.
March 5, 2012 @ 12:44 am
Hi David!
I am glad to hear from you! Don’t worry! You can get new ones whenever you come in next! You need brain food so hurry up and come in and see me! Love, Mrs. Gluck
March 5, 2012 @ 12:46 am
You are only getting smarter with all of that reading. But, I think James is also a reader. He just likes certain kinds of books and as long as he is reading, I am happy! Love you two! And your mother, too! Mrs. Gluck