This month we greeted Autumn with excitement and curiosity, the whirlwind of activities and celebrations have kept us on our toes but full with excitement. As the days get colder, we have bundled up more while still enjoying outside time and adventuring throughout campus. In the garden with Mark Antonio and Aisa we planted seeds in preparation for this spring.
Read MoreThis past month, our class has been fully immersed in our Fall Realm: Mythical Galaxy unit! Students began by exploring the universe as we understand it today, studying galaxies, constellations, and the fascinating myths that have been told about them throughout history. Building on this knowledge, students then created their own mythical creatures inspired by constellations and the night sky. They are now developing original myths that connect their creatures to our Fall Realm, weaving together creativity, storytelling, and imagination.
Read MoreOur mask project has gotten off to a stellar start! Inspired by masks from around the world, we are studying masks from countries throughout Africa, Indonesia, Java, the South Pacific Islands, the Pacific Northwest, Asia and Carnival masks from Rio de Janeiro, Venice, New Orleans and Trinidad and Tabago.
Read MoreThis month, our project work was anchored by two exciting field trips around our local community. Early in the month, we visited Mitchell Park in Greenport, where crisp fall weather set the perfect scene for a ferry ride and a few joyful spins on the carousel. The children observed the park’s layout from both the wide green lawn and through the park’s camera obscura.
Read MoreWe have been very busy this past month. Thank you to Casey Meyer, and The Church for an inspiring field trip, where we were able to see the art created by their Artists in Residence over the past three years.
Read MoreIn Jeff’s Kitchen, we are gearing up for the colder months of the year. For us, this looks like a season of preservation and roasted vegetables. We are preserving the last of the tomatoes from the garden in sauces, and other vegetables and herbs in stocks for many soups to come.
Read MoreThese past few weeks our young scientists have been exploring different marine science concepts both in the classroom as well as in the field. From manatee conservation to sampling biodiversity near Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays our students have been studying the effects that we as humans have on the environment.
Read MoreOctober has been a truly special month for us all! Embracing adventure, discovery, and learning amidst the beauty of fall has been such a lovely way to celebrate the season. We shared an exciting and joy-filled month together! The crisp autumn air and the colorful leaves made the perfect backdrop for singing and drumming with Music Mike. Surrounded by trees, we played an array of drums, feeling the rhythm of the season all around us.
Read MoreThe senior learners have apprenticed this fall with various mentors, including The South Fork Natural History Museum and Science Center, The Children’s Museum of the East End, John Jermain Memorial Library, and The Animal Rescue Fund, as well as with the Culinary Arts team of Scott and Phoebe, Scientist-in-Residence Ryan, and artists Sabra and Perry.
Read MoreThis week our students prepared for our first upcoming field trip where we will be looking at an oyster garden and managing two bags of oysters. We explored the use of some of the equipment we will be using which includes quadrats and our water quality testing kit which uses an optical refractometer to check salinity levels, pH testing strips, and a multi-use thermometer to check temperature and particulates in the water.
Read MoreThis week in Jeff’s Kitchen, we are enjoying the plentiful harvest of the Hayground gardens. Our lunch menus are overflowing with bright orange sungolds, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, greens of every kind, peppers, garlic, squashes, and herbs.
Read MoreThe first six weeks of school, more or less, are spent establishing guidelines, routines, and rituals, building a sense of community, forming friendships, and otherwise setting up a successful school year. These weeks are essential in making sure that all students feel safe, happy, and supported. From sharing their feelings at our morning meeting to creating our classroom rules, they are learning that they have important contributions to make and that their voices matter. These first weeks are also a time for teachers to get to know the academic, social, and emotional needs of their students. We have been busy assessing each individual child so that we can plan for the year ahead.
Read MoreWe had a great start to the school year! We began with ice breakers outside, introducing ourselves, sharing stories from our summer to a partner, and then to the entire class.
Read MoreThese first few weeks of school, have been spent forming our classroom and greater school community; setting norms and expectations, acquainting ourselves with routines and protocols, and having fun!
Read MoreThis year Hayground students will embark on a creative and cultural journey through the art of mask making. Inspired by traditional and contemporary masks from around the World, students will explore how masks are used in different cultures for ritual, storytelling, celebration and identity.
Read MoreWhat an amazing first few weeks of school we’ve had! Our class has spent lots of time building community, working together, and dreaming big.
Read MoreWe enjoyed an excellent first week. We visited Guild Hall to explore the “Mary Heilmann: Water Ways” exhibit and gained a deeper understanding of abstract art. During our time there, we participated in a guided tour of the exhibit and engaged in hands-on painting workshops led by the museum educator.
Read MoreRecently, Perry Burns, along with a group of other East End artists, was asked by the Leiber Collection to create a sculpture for their sculpture garden, so he, together with all the Hayground students decided to create a giant necklace—the beads representing everyone that together come to form the larger community of Hayground: inspired, creative and beautiful.
Read MoreThe mission of Hayground’s garden program is to highlight the importance of sustainable gardening and illustrate that growing food is accessible, even with limited space. We feel it is important for children to understand the impact they can have on our environment. Our goal is to offer experiences that will foster an environment of exploration and collaboration within the groups while nurturing each child’s strengths and interests.
Read MoreFor the last month we have been busy building our knowledge of whales and whaling through a series of local excursions and workshops with specialists in science and history. We have visited graveyards, museums, and historical sites and are ready to round out our understanding with some book research. In keeping with our tradition of students as mentors, our research teams have been responsible for the teaching and exchange of in-formation with their classmates.
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