Posts Tagged ‘back to school’

A New School Year

Sunday, September 4th, 2016

schoolThe first day of school was warm and sunny.

For those “Can Dos” who live close enough to school to walk, it was great fun walking with friends and talking about what school was going to be like in a new grade. Of course, the moms all walked to school with the “Can Dos” but they all walked together talking about the stuff that moms talk about.

Most of the “Can Dos” carried knapsacks, which were mostly empty, except for pencils, paper, and other school supplies. On the trip home the knapsacks were sure to be heavier because they would be full of new books for Social Studies, Language Arts, Math and Computer Skills.

As they got near the school, they saw the school bus pull up, stop, and let off those “Can Dos” who live too far away from school schoolto walk. They ran up to meet their friends and then they all walked into school together.

The principal was just inside the school door; she was meeting and greeting each of the “Can Dos” and directing them to the auditorium. Once the “Can Dos” were in the auditorium, Coach Campbell gave them a big hello and led them to their seats.

The “Can Dos” listened carefully as each class was called to stand, meet their home room teacher, and walk to their new classroom. Soon it was their turn.

They were so happy to hear that Miss Pat would be their home room teacher and their computer instructor even though they would have different teachers for their other subjects.

The “Can Dos” followed Miss Pat to a sun-filled classroom with tables and chairs that were just the right size for them. There were rows of computers in the back of the room and coat closets with lots of room for boots and rain and snow gear come winter.

Then came the fun part. Miss Pat said,”When I call your name, please take the seat I assign you.” The “Can Dos” all hoped to sit next to their best friends, but Miss Pat knew better than that. Sitting next to your best friend would be too much of a temptation to talk.

Soon, everyone had his or her seat. Miss Pat welcomed everyone back to school, took attendance and gave the “Can Dos” their daily schedule of classes and the teachers who would teach them in each class. The class did not have to change rooms for each class, the teachers would come to them.

The day went by fast and soon they were on their way home talking a mile a minute about their new teachers and all the new things they would be learning.

The “Can Dos all agreed that the school year was off to a very good start!

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It’s That Time Again…School Time

Thursday, August 11th, 2016

Can Do SchoolIt’s time to go shopping with your parents and grandparents  for new shoes, and clothes, and backpacks and school supplies.

The “Can Do” Kids were all sitting around the table in the community center recreation room talking about going back to school.

Kathy shared that she had gone to the doctor for a check up before going back to school. Willie asked, “Did you get a needle? Did it hurt? All the “Can Dos” looked at Kathy waiting for her to answer. “My doctor is really good at giving shots. Before I knew it, the needle was in and out and I hardly felt it,” said Kathy.

Bobby shared about his trip to the dentist. Eulyn looked scared and said, “I have to go to the dentist before school starts. What did he do to you? Bobby answered, “He checked out my teeth for cavities and then cleaned and polished them.”

The “Can Dos” were quiet for a few seconds then Eulyn asked,” Did it hurt? Did you have any cavities? Bobby looked all sorts of proud and answered, ” Nope, no cavities and it didn’t hurt a bit to get my teeth cleaned.”

Annie noticed that Hector, who always has something to say, hadn’t said anything at all.  Annie said,” Hector, you’re very quiet and you look nervous. Is something wrong?”

“Yeah, there’s something wrong alright. I’m in trouble already and school hasn’t even started,” said Hector. The “Can Dos” just stared at him. Then Annie said, “What kind of trouble could you be in before school even starts?”

Hector answered, “I only read one of the books on the summer reading list for school. I didn’t attend the weekly summer book club at day camp to discuss the books on the reading list. I don’t know what any of the other books are about.”

“Uh,oh,” said Orrie.” You are going to be in trouble when Miss Pat finds out you didn’t do your book assignment before school.” The other “Can Dos” nodded.

Hector thought for a moment and said, “Well I won’t get in trouble if you all tell me what each book was about.” The other “Can Dos” shook their heads no and Jay said,”Why should we help you? We did the work and you didn’t. Plus that would be cheating.”

Hector answered, “Ah, come on guys. I thought you were my friends. If you don’t help me out, I will have to stay in all next week and just read to get ready for school!”

The “Can Dos all answered at once, “We are your friends. Friend don’t help friends cheat. Do what we all did…read the books and be ready for school!”

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The First Day Back…Counting Exercises

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Miss Pat and counting gamesThe first day back to school after the holiday break was hard for the “Can Dos” and Teacher Pat was having a hard time getting and holding their attention.

Kathy fell asleep and Annie had to nudge her with her elbow to wake up. Bobby was doodling in his notebook. Hector looked bored and Nellie and Maria kept whispering to each other.

“Class,” said Miss Pat,”I can see you are all having a hard time getting back into a listening and learning while sitting in your seats.

So, all of you go to your computers and we will do some counting exercises.”

Willie shrugged and said, “Miss Pat, I know how to count. What do I need the computer to count”?

Miss Pat answered, “Willie, I knew everyone would be having a hard time paying attention their first day back, so I made up two counting games to play on the computer. In the games you will be counting by 3’s and by 4’s.”

Nellie, looked nervous. “That sounds hard, she said. “Oh, it will be fun,” said Orrie. “Okay for you to say, Orrie.You are good at math.” answered Nellie.

Once the class was settled in at their computers, Miss Pat directed them to go to the “Can Do’ Club House, then click on games and choose the counting game. First play counting by 3’s. Then play counting by 4’s.

The room grew quiet for the first time all day as the class got busy playing the counting game.

Why don’t you try the counting game boys and girls at home? Just follow Miss Pat’s instructions.

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The First Day Back to School After the Holidays

Thursday, January 3rd, 2013

The first day back to school after the holiday was cold and rainy. The “Can Dos” were having a hard time concentrating on school work.

Luckily, Miss Pat knew the “Can Dos”needed some help getting back in the school grove. So, she made two computer games to ease them back into their computer lessons.

She made two matching games about the toys the children got.

Why don’t you play along with the “Can Dos”? Go to the Club House on “Can Do” Street, click on it, then click on games. Look for the games called Show and Tell, click on them and play!

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A Hurricane Happening and Delmar’s First Halloween

Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

School is reopening after being closed for a week due to Hurricane Sandy. Coach Campbell is out front, taking big bags of garbage out to the dumpster as some of the “Can Do” Kids walk up and call out…

“Hey Coach! Whatch’ya doing?

“Hey guys,” answers Coach. “I am just about finished cleaning up the yard out back, lots of tree branches came down during the hurricane. The yard had to be cleared, and made safe, before we can go back there and play.

How are you guys? Did you make it through Hurricane Sandy OK?”

Hector answered first, saying, “Yeah, I’m OK. We lost electricity for a while, that was horrible. No computer, no TV. Ugh!

Arthur J. added, “My grandmother’s basement flooded, but she is OK.”

Then Katie chimed in, “The hurricane ruined our Halloween trick or treating!!”

Coach smiled and said, “Well now, I am glad you all made it through OK, and if missing Halloween trick or treating is the worst of it, then you were lucky. Lots of folks lost everything.”

HalloweenAnnie asked, “What about you Coach? WHAT ABOUT DELMAR?!? Was he OK?”

“Delmar was fine, said Coach. “He didn’t like the big winds too much, but once he was back inside, he settled down and was his normal self.

Orrie asked, “Did Delmar have Halloween?”

Coached chuckled and said, “As a matter of fact, he sort of did. No trick or treating, but he went to a local kids Halloween parade. He wore his special pumpkin sweater too.”

Bobby butted in asking, “Did he have fun? Did he get any treats?”

Coach answered, “Oh sure, tons of fun, but no treats. Candy is no good for puppies, and chocolate is a huge NO-NO. Dogs are allergic to chocolate, so no Halloween treats for Delmar.

But, that’s OK, I think he enjoyed sniffing all of the downed tree branches a lot more than the parade. I mean, when else can you sniff the top of a tree without having to climb the tree?”

“Ha, ha…good one Coach,” said Bobby. “Did you take any pictures?”

Coach nodded saying, “Oh boy, you bet I did.”

Bobby looked at Coach’s pictures and said, “Wow, that’s a lot of kids at the Halloween parade. Sure wish parts of my Halloween weren’t cancelled.”

Coach nodded and answered, “Well, that is tough. Halloween is a real fun holiday, but sometimes we don’t get to do what we want. Sometimes, we lose…and I don’t just mean losing as in playing a game.

You lost part of Halloween, but there will be next year, and many years after that of Halloween. Try to remember how lucky you are that you did not lose your home, your toys, or even you entire neighborhood.”

Hector nodded saying, “Yeah, I saw some pictures on TV. It looks real bad.”

Coach agreed, “It is, and in the coming months there will be lots of chances for you to help. Next week we are collecting clothes to send to those who lost their homes. Also, starting next week, you may see some new faces around here. Some kids that lost their schools will be coming to schools near here.”

The “Can Dos” all looked at each other and then seemed to all say at once, “Really, new kids?”

“Yup, and they will need new friends to help them out,” answered Coach.

Annie added, “Maybe we could have a Hurricane-Halloween Party?”

“You know, that might not be such a bad idea,” said Coach.

Coach left them with something to think about, asking, “What other ideas do you guys have about what we can do to help out the new kids coming to our school next week?”

 Story by: Ned Campbell

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