TELEPHONE NUMBERS:   (Sylvester Elementary) 776-8605

                                EMAIL:  drobb@friendlycity.net     WEBSITE:  ddrobb.com

August  20, 2008  

      Welcome one and all to the 2008-2009 school year filled with applied learning experiences that develop an enthusiasm for learning and the academic and social skills necessary to prepare your child for a successful future.  

      The first few weeks will be a time of creating specific learning experiences designed to access student's academic needs and interests, channeling their energy constructively, introducing them to our hands-on-algebra program, and designing specific learning experiences to further refine cognitive and creative thinking skills.  We will also begin a unit on Applying the Scientific Method.  All units in the Life Lab  program are designed to teach concepts and integrate skills from all areas of the school curriculum. 

 Working together for your child,

 Donna Robb

       During the month of October we will be selling Smencils for the purpose of raising enough money to pay for our motel bill while at Discovery Cove and Sea World .  If we sell enough of the Smencils, we will not need another fundraiser this school year.

       2008-2009 Fourth and Fifth Grade Life Lab Field Trips

The Life Lab students will be accompanying their class on three field trips this year.  We will need parent chaperones to transport and accompany the class on these trips.  The dates of the trips and pertinent information concerning the trips are given below:  

  Monday, November 3: Field Trip to the Georgia Nature Center Eco-Camp   

The cost of the six hour day camp is $49 per student and $5 for each adult accompanying the class on this trip.  The $49 includes take home projects created by the students ranging from  $5 to $20.  While at the nature center, students will explore solar power and wind energy; view a next generation home and organic farming; and view  and touch hundreds of carnivorous plants and learn how to grow  them.  This experience will be followed up in the classroom with a unit on ALTERNATIVE ENERGY.

  The cost of the trip will be approximately $39 per student and $10 per adult chaperone. Your child will be participating with team mates in a life-like simulated space mission, “ Mission to Mars”.   Students must use communication, problem-solving, data analysis, and teamwork to accomplish the mission.  They are also scheduled for a planetarium show at the Omnisphere theater and will participate in  space science activities.  The trip to Columbus will culminate our unit on SPACE AND FLIGHT

          May 3-5, 2009 :   Field trip to Discovery  Cove and Sea World.   

 The cost for this field trip is approximately $289 per person for The dolphin swim package and $189 for the non-dolphin swim package.   Both packages are all- inclusive, but the non-dolphin swim does not include swimming with the dolphins.  The admission fee includes all snacks, drinks, suntan lotion, breakfast, and lunch.  Each package includes SeaWorld admission for the following  five days.

        I must  have the $150 deposit per person for this trip by November 1, 2008 .  Discovery Cove requires this deposit.  It is refundable until March 1, 2009.  On the following page , please list the family members that will be accompanying the class on this trip and return it to me on or before September  26, 2008 .

         While at Discovery Cove, you will be captivated by the coral reef as you snorkel amid thousands of rays and exotic fish; the fascination of swimming for miles down the lazy river surrounded by sparkling lagoons,  and waterfalls; and entering a series of free flight aviaries that tower above you. One day will be spent at Discovery Cove and another day at Sea World.   Sea World is an adventure that offers amazing animal shows; hands-on animal encounters; and the highest and fastest roller coaster in Orlando .