This past month, the Snow Leopards (fifth grade) took an exciting trip to Sterling Hill Mining Museum, a zinc mine from the 1900’s. This served as an extension on what the children learned in class. Students were first set out on a scavenger hunt to learn about rocks and minerals. Following this, the Snow Leopards were taken on an underground mine tour where they saw machinery equipment that was used in the mine to get an idea of what it was like to work in the mine. Afterwards, they explored fluorescent minerals under fluorescent lights! The students then had a hands on experience by participating in a frigid rock discovery activity. Overall, it was a fantastic trip and thank you to all those that helped!!

In January, the fifth grade class ran the morning meeting for the entire school. The students wanted to add something fresh to the meeting and came up with the concept of having an art gallery. The Snow Leopards came up with their own system that allowed two students each day to present their artwork in front of the whole entire school! The work was displayed for a week in the common room. The fifth grade should be proud of the idea and system that they created. Also, an additional thanks goes to the students who took on the initiative of taking on more work so that this idea would materialize. Job well done!

Valentine’s Day at Unity Charter School means a time to share kind thoughts through sustainable and unique expressions. This year the students shared a wide variety of eco-minded and crafty Valentines. From paint color cards and re-purposed calendar hearts, from hand crafted clay hearts to birdseed hearts for our feathered friends, Unity’s Valentines are one of a kind. Natures bounty let children state “You are the apple of my eye.” and “Orange you glad it’s Valentine’s Day?” along with the quick witted “Stick with me.” Enjoy looking through some of this year’s creations:

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Unity’s mission of sustainability has always incorporated a major commitment to social responsibility in our school, our homes, our lives and the greater community around us. As part of this mission, Unity is involved in a special effort to provide financial assistance to a very special school in Haiti that needs our help.

Unity students pride themselves on monthly service learning projects. Many of the fundraising ideas and community outreach come from the students themselves. The study body at Unity realize the great need in Haiti and would specifically like to raise funds for the School Cite of Soleil, since they realize how difficult it is to obtain the proper materials and supplies needed to have a great learning experience. The students also plan on setting up several skype sessions with the students of Cite of Soliel to connect on a more personal level.

In order to raise money for these students in Haiti, Unity students will be having bake sales, art shows and talent related fundraisers. Go Fund Me site is a simple way for us to connect virally to the world and help raise funds for the school in Haiti. Won’t you please join us in this effort and donate whatever you can afford towards this very worthwhile cause. All donations will go directly to the school and the children that attend it.