MAPQUEST WALKING TOUR
The Memorial Park School second grade classes went on a Map Quest, walking tour of Rockland on Wednesday, June 2. This walking tour was designed as a fun way to teach the students about their community, allow practice of learned map skills, and introduce the concepts of goods and services.
The students followed a map and stopped at designated buildings where a clue was given and read by one of the students. This clue would direct the children to the next location.
This year’s trip was highlighted by the generosity of so many Rockland businesses. Mike’s pizza gave each student a certificate for a free small pizza, and a pizza party delivered to the school . All three local banks participated in the Map Quest and gave out pencils, change purses, coloring books, and one dollar commemorative coins donated from South Coastal Bank. The students stopped at Anita Marie’s coffee shop to purchase a snack. The Town Hall, The Rockland Youth Commission, Rockland Memorial Library, Superintendent of School’s Office, Rogers Middle Schoool, Rockland High School also participated.
This is an annual event for second grade and is one that the students and staff always look forward to. We greatly appreciate the help of our parent volunteers and all who assisted in making this year’s Map Quest such a success.
Second grade student, Gage Therrien reads and gets a little help from administrative assistant, Judy Cusick, as he reads a clue to his classmates at the Superintendent's Office. Mr. Retchless is listening carefully.
This photo was taken at the Rockland Trust Company with Manager, Sean
Students in the above photos are: Tyler Hanlon, Caroline Elie, Sean------, Joey Messier, Elizabeth McGaffigan, James Keefe, Kyle Totte and parent volunteer, Mrs. Elie with her daughter, Maggie.
DIGGING DINOSAURS
Second Grade students at Memorial Park School were "Digging Dinosaurs" on March 25th with Katie Slivensky from the Museum of Science. The program was made possible thanks to a grant from the Rockland Education Foundation. This in-school field trip allowed students to learn how paleontologists identify species of dinosaurs by looking at dinosaur footprints and fossils. They discovered how fossils were formed, what they are made of, and then had the opportunity to "dig" for fossils. The children were excited to don safety glasses and try out other tools paleontologists use during fossil excavations. The classes participated in a question and answer session to end the production along with being able to touch real fossilized plants and animals.
Katie Slivensky from the Museum of Science shows a dinosaur fossil to Gr. 2 students at Memorial Park
Erin Kearns shows how she thinks dinosaurs may have walked.
Katie Slivensky from the Museum of Science demonstrates how to use the brushes to uncover fossils.
Kayla Arbia, James Cirafice & Dominic Kenney uncover some fossils!
Christian Araujo & Kyle Stec look on as Eddie Holmes examines a fossil.
Lydia McWilliams, Sara Jo Williamson & Elizabeth McGaffigan donned safety glasses and use brushes to uncover fossils.
Gr. 2 students at their excavation sites.
Gr. 2 teacher Jean Mark discusses the fossils uncovered by Kyle Totte and James Keefe.