Summer Fun

 One thing I love about my job in the summer is the wide scope for creativity.  This year's theme and my two co-workers with whom I collaborate the most have made this summer extremely fun and rewarding.  My two closest working co-workers (and now friends) are both named Emily. Emily Smith (remember the post, Snow on the beach) is the assistant director with whom I work to plan our school activities.  Emily Ludwig does a variety of support staff taskas nd works with me to make the ideas happen.  Emily L is extremely artistic and takes what I often dream up and brings it to life.  You would get bored if I shared it all, so I will show you two things.  The first thing is our entryway photo opportunities.  During the school year, we switch them out every 2 to 3 weeks, but in the summer, they change every Friday in anticipation of the next week's theme. This year, our theme was Around the World in 8 Weeks.  Here are our entryway photo ops.  And to clarify, if it is really artistically drawn or painted, Emily made it.  If it is over the top, it is likely a leftover VBS prop we found in the Mechanical room.

week 1 Adventure Awaits

Week 2 The Bahamas

Week 3 England

Week 4 Africa

                        

Week 5 Australia

Week 6 US Roadtrip

Week off - Gone Fishing

                                                        

Week 7 Mexico

Week 8 Disney

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So each week, the Emily's and I provided one or two craft activities, a food experience, and 2 or 3 special events that included movies with snacks, a special theme party, sensory room experience, or visitors. We also had worship on Wednesdays and the older kids who arrived early participated in morning stretch with theme-related yoga moves.  It is hard to choose my favorites, however,  I am going to pick one or two from each week so you know just how much fun we had. Unfortunately, I can't show you the kids enjoying these activities unless I have some good back shots!

During the first week Emily L and I set up a travel-themed play experience room.

For the Bahama's week, we had a Water Day on the front lawn with activities for babies to Pre-K

One of my favorites was the Tea party we hosted during England week.

During Africa week, we had an African Sensory/Experience room.  This was especially fun for me as we based places and activities on my experience in Uganda.

Australia had two highlights.  The Finding Nemo Sesnory room and a visit from the North Georgia Wildlife Zoo with animals akin to those in Australia.  Tom even brought a baby Kangaroo!

The fish tank  was made from shower curtains and had a gazillion bubbles
Outside it was the fish tank hose sensory play 

Emily's amazing artwork creating the EAC (East Australian Current) complete with sea turtles

The reef with a seaweed crawl

The highlight of forth of July week is always the all-school parade through and around the church and the snow cones that follow.

My favorite Mexico events were the paper Taco Bar and the Fiesta complete with dancing and a pinata made by our talented teacher, Vita.

This coming week we are excited about the annual Day School Dash on Thursday, where the kids run by classes around the gym floor with lap numbers determined by age.  At the end, everyone gets a medal.  This will be our 11th annual Dayschool Dash.  And on Friday, we will have a Disney Dance party with music and glow sticks to wrap up the summer.  This week is also staff meetings and open house, as our new school year will start July 28th.

I love my job!  Thanks for letting me share the highlights with you.