Futile Search for Amphibians

Futile Search for Amphibians

Third-grade students from Samuel Morey and Westshire traveled to Glen Falls in Fairlee on April 11 to search for salamanders and other amphibians, but found not a single one. The water was high and the soil temperature cold, which may have prevented the amphibians from venturing out of their winter hiding places. In addition, a side trip to O'Brien Pond in Orford had to be cancelled because the access road was too muddy for the bus. Nevertheless, the 70-degree temperature -- spring at last? -- and sunshine made it a nice day to be outside. After our unsuccessful search for amphibians and a leisurely picnic lunch, field trip coordinator Maggie Stoudnour led us on a short hike up the Rivendell Trail, not far from Glen Falls, before we returned to our schools.

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Felted Mural Makers

Felted Mural Makers

The third-grade students joined other classes at Westshire in making portions of a large felted mural that will be hung at the Westshire School. Students worked on three consecutive Thursdays with felting artist-in-residence Janet Cathey to create portions of the mural. Cathey, who teaches art three days a week at the Strafford School, was brought to the Rivendell as an artist in residence thanks to funds raised by the Friends of Rivendell through the Kids Creation Sale. In the photos below, students work on and display some of their creations.