Waters Elementary
4540 N. Campbell Ave. Chicago, IL 60625  (773)534-5090 
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Riverbank to Baked Potatoes

10/22/2017

 
PictureFourth graders study plant communities and collect seeds on a Sauganash field trip, Oct. 18, 2017.
Ecology Updates: Week of October 22-28
Dear Friends,
 
Hoping Sunday's rains will wash clean the rocks and plants by the river that were coated with gooey mud from the rains. 

On Monday, October 23 at 9:30, 6th Grade Room 308's twice postponed river trip to River Park, takes off to do water testing. I am still looking for a volunteer to wade in the water to collect organisms from the bottom rocks and muds. Let me know if you are up for it. The actual work goes from about 10:00 until 12:00.

Before that trip takes off, I will be offering a workshop for new Mighty Acorns parents to learn about their critical, crucial role in our field adventures in the wilds of Sauganash Prairie Grove. The structure of Mighty Acorns perfectly fits the methodological and philosophical goals of Waters' educational mission. Please join me after drop off in the conference room for this 45-minute gathering. Any and all are welcome.

On Tuesday, October 24, between 8:30 and 11:30 (I'll post the exact schedule tomorrow), our 1st graders who planted potatoes last spring, will go hunting for and harvesting these beautiful "apples of the earth", "purple, pink and white, delicious when you bite." They will sit outside for a day, and then will be washed. The kids will also be drawing large colored renderings of our magnificent Bur Oak trees as a cover for their field guides. On Friday, the potatoes will be wrapped in foil and cooked over coals as part of Harvest Day for K, 1st and 2nd grades. More on this later ...

Same day, Tuesday, October 24 at 1:00, 2nd Grade Room 205 will travel to the riverbank, Montrose to Berteau, to learn about the natural community there. Many volunteers are appreciated to get our work done, and keep the kids safe. We'll be back by 3:00. Join us at the fish tank at 12:45.

On Wednesday, October 25 at 9:30, 3rd Grade Room 202 makes its first sojourn to the wilds of Sauganash to be introduced to the sights and sounds, the trees and animals, the claws and teeth, and barbs and spines, and poisons with which the wild protects itself. It is the beginning of a love affair between these children and this place. Please join us at the fish tank at 9:00 for a briefing. Bus leaves at 9:30, picnic lunch at 12:15, back to school by 1:10.

On Thursday, October 26, 3rd Grade Room 201 repeats the adventure described above. Please join us. 

Friday, October 27 is Harvest Day, and besides all the other activities, K, 1st and 2nd will be visiting the fire pit and log circle to eat the roasted potatoes they planted and harvest, slathered with butter and salt, and sip hot spiced cider, while listening to stories of this beautiful, melancholy and mysterious season. This activity requires lots of volunteers to keep the fires going, the potatoes cooking, the cider warm and poured, etc., etc. Schedule is attached, though prep will begin Thursday and early Friday.

A full week. Hope for clear skies during the trips. Many thanks to all who have already volunteered gluing, folding, wading, walking, protecting and teaching our kids. 

Mr. Leki


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    Ecology Program & Calendar
    PictureMr. Pete Leki, Waters Ecology Program Founder and Director
    Visit the Waters Ecology Program Website for current/historical writings, films, photos, and interviews.

     Email: 
    petelekisan@gmail.com

    Links
    Water Ecology Program Website
    Riverbank Neighbors
    Friends of the Chicago River
    Forest Preserves of Cook County
    Openlands
    North Park Village Nature Center

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