Pencils are Sharpened

... See you Monday!

Ocracoke Day 4

Long ago ponies roamed free on Ocracoke Island.  It is not clear where they came from, but we can try to figure it out.  They could have landed here after surviving a shipwreck.  Perhaps the pirates brought them here to help them with work, travel around the town, and carrying their things.

Because so many people visit the island they have had to pen the ponies so they can be safe from the cars.  The ponies are cared for by the National Park Service rangers.  

Aren't the ponies beautiful? 

Ocracoke Day 3

This morning we visited the Ocracoke Lighthouse built in 1823.  Do you know how many years ago it was built?  

What can you infer about the height of the lighthouse? Why do lighthouses need to be tall? 

The Ocracoke Lighthouse is 77.5 feet tall.

Ms. Ballard and I got to go inside the lighthouse.  This is what it looks like from the top looking straight up.  Estimate how many stairs you would need to climb to reach the top. Look closely at the bricks on the left side of the photograph, you'll notice mortar from the old wooden staircase that was used when the lighthouse was first built 189 years ago.

The lighthouse keeper lives here.  This is actually two houses in one.  One family lives on the left and another family lives on the right side of the house.

Sea Turtle Release

While on Ocracoke Island for the NCCAT professional development seminar I was able to witness the National Park Service rangers release hatched baby turtles into the Atlantic Ocean.  Fourteen loggerhead turtles were captured when they were caught attempting to head out to sea this morning.  Turtles have a better chance of survival if they make the voyage after the sun sets; so they were captured and released later in the evening after the sun had gone down.  Do you know what time the sun sets in the summertime? Do you think the time of sunset is different for the mountains and the beach?

We were invited to watch this release into the ocean.  I have included some photos and a video for you to enjoy.

Everyone got excited when the National Park Service rangers arrived with the turtles.  What can you infer about why they keep the turtles in a cooler?

The loggerhead turtles were very eager to track out to sea.  I am so glad I was able to see these turtles forge their way to sea.  I can't wait to share with you all I have learned about North Carolina's most predominant sea turtle.  Did you know that these turtles can grow to be upwards of 350 pounds and some can even measure four feet long? That's taller than most of you!

Ms. Ballard was in a great location for the release and took this video.  She gave me permission to share  it with you.  

Ocracoke Day 2 (PM)

This afternoon Ms. Ballard and I kayaked in the Pamlico Sound.  I had a great time... see how excited I was? Unfortunately, Ms. Ballard and I did not get to ride together.  Instead, we rode tandem with other North Carolina teacher friends.  

After we paddled for some time we beached our kayaks near the fishing canals.  

We got out to examine the wildlife that included crabs, fish and oysters.  Aren't the marshes beautiful?

Kayaking just might be my new favorite thing!  I'm so glad I tried something new on this trip.

Ocracoke Day 2 (AM)

I just can't get over how brilliant the green vegetation contrasts with the blue skies.  I'm loving it! 

Mile markers on the beach.  Did you know that you can drive out on the sand to fish and explore?  

It was nice to finish my coffee on the beach while learning the history of Lifeguard Beach.

Proof I was thinking about you!

Ocracoke: Day 1

We're here!

Ms. Ballard and I got up really early this morning and drove across the state of North Carolina to attend a teaching seminar at NCCAT.  After nearly eight hours in the car we finally arrived at Cedar Island to catch a ferry across the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Island.

Here is a map of our travel across the state.  Do you recognize any of the cities we traveled through to get to the ferry?

Did you know that a ferry is a large boat that transports cars from the mainland to the outer banks of North Carolina?  Ms. Ballard and I had to plan our trip carefully in order to catch the ferry on time so we didn't get left behind. 

Here's a picture of a ferry that we passed in the Pamlico Sound during our voyage.  Do you see the cars on board?  It felt very weird to drive a car onto a boat!  Once we were on board we were able to get out of the car and move around the ferry.  

It wasn't long before we spotted land.  Then we realized that our final destination, at the North Carolina Center for Advancement of Teachers, was just to the right of the ferry dock.  We were relieved to be so close!  We were finally here; I was really excited. 

NCCAT is now located in an old coast guard headquarters.  If you look closely you'll see the orange and black coast guard boat just behind me.  Ms. Ballard and I are ready for a week of exploring and learning about Ocracoke Island, and the opportunity to plan exciting things for you!

Check back often to see what adventures we get ourselves into this week!

First Grade Orientation

I want to invite you to school Tuesday, August 28, 2012 for First Grade Orientation at 5:30pm.  This will allow you the opportunity to meet all of the first grade teachers, ask questions, and learn a little bit about our curriculum and expectations this year.  Students will be able to share our classroom with you and some work they've completed in just the first couple days of school.  I look forward to meeting you and answering any questions or concerns you may have. 

In the meantime, please feel free to email me or comment on the blog. 

A New Year is ALMOST Here

I can't wait for a new school year, and I know you can't wait to be Dana's newest first graders!

School begins at 8:00 am on Monday, August 27, 2012. 

Headed East!

picture taken from TripAdvisor

I have been chosen, along with Ms. Ballard, to attend a professional development seminar in Ocracoke, North Carolina hosted by the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching.  Don't know where that is?  Check out a map... Ocracoke Island is located on the outer banks of North Carolina. We will be gone for a week long trip beginning Monday, August 13, 2012. We'll be involved in some coastal adventures and learning that I will be itching to share with you.  Check back on the blog for pictures of our trip to Ocracoke.