Monday, December 12, 2011

Bubble math and the holidays

This video made me say, "wow, cool!"

Solving optimization problems with soapy water and Plexiglass:



(And speaking of math, I just had to use algebra to figure out what dimensions I should use on the code for this embedded video so it would fit on the page and stay the correct shape. See, you really do use it later!)

In other news, the school is wonderfully busy with holiday events this week -- wreath-making, cookie-baking, field trips to Longwood Gardens and the holiday panto at People's Light, and more! Look for a special post of pictures from all of these events, coming over the break!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Occupy Philly trip

On Monday, November 7, a group of high school students and staff traveled into downtown Philadelphia to participate in the Occupy Philly protests. It was an exciting and educational trip! You can see a set of pictures from the trip here.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Halloween fun

On the Friday before Halloween, we had a day of spooky fun -- costumes, games, candy, dancing, and the famous doughnut-on-a-string contest! You can view a set of photos from our day here.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

A+ School Rewards

Through March 31, 2012, Upattinas School will have the opportunity to earn cash through Giant A+ School Rewards Program! If you have a Giant BONUSCARD, you can log on to giantfoodstores.com/aplus to register online, or call 888-448-4642 to register your card over the phone. The code for Upattinas School is ID # 05976.

After you register your card, each shopping trip at Giant using your BONUSCARD earns cash for the school! Each month, the amount of cash awarded will be updated on the Giant website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program, and the money can be used for any of our educational needs.

Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Also, don't forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Coffee Break

Preschool playtime? Slate.

The trip ain't over 'til somebody sings...that's one of the links at MomsMinivan where you'll find a lot of printable, doable, singable, playable car games just in time for Spring Break. Printable battleship - brilliant.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Coffee Break

We saw Race to Nowhere last night at the Colonial Theatre and found it very well done. This interactive page, End the Race, has interesting links as well as action steps.

Nancy Collins came across this from our friend Isaac Graves; good read.

Finally, this is a mesmerizing process...


Enjoy your coffee, tea, or other break beverage of choice. Today's here is Good Earth's Sweet & Spicy Herbal.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Coffee Break!

We've been hearing about this book, A New Culture of Learning, and just ordered a copy to pass around.

Pie Day is coming, and in addition to eating delicious pies, we will be celebrating Pi Day. How can you argue with a day that combines math and pastry?

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Race to Nowhere

The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville will be showing an important new film, Race to Nowhere, on Thursday, March 10. From the producers:
A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the culture of hollow achievement and pressure to perform that has invaded Americaʼs schools. It is destroying our childrenʼs love of learning and feeding an epidemic of unprepared, disengaged, and unhealthy students.

This remarkable new film shines a light on the price our kids pay for this “race to nowhere.” Cheating is commonplace, stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and ironically, young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.
Let us know what you think of our latest on-screen ad at the Colonial!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Coffee Break

Here's some interesting surfing for your coffee break. You're welcome.

From The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Case for Play; How a handful of researchers are trying to save childhood.

This video, which will undoubtedly inspire some doodling.


This one's bookmarked and referred to frequently in the office: New AAP Report Stresses Play for Healthy Development.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Monday, February 14, 2011

Upattinas at the Mall

We've set up a kiosk in the Exton Mall and think it looks fabulous. Take a look!

The other side:

The kiosk is in a great spot, near the food court, and is a wonderful opportunity to share our message with the surrounding communities. The picture frame in the bottom right corner is a digital frame running a slide show of photos.

Our magnetic poetry sets are put to good use here. Designed with input from students, the words help convey what Upattinas means to everyone.
Stop by and take a look!


Sunday, February 6, 2011

Welcome Back Russell!


Russell Buckingham, former teacher, artist extraordinaire, Renaissance Man, and all around Great Guy is returning to teaching at Upattinas! He will spend two days a week working with students of all ages doing drawing and painting, and supporting portfolio development.

How excited are we? Well, click here to discover some of Russell's art, then come back.Finished? Good, because there's more.

Russell brings his love of art, collecting, history, and tango, (yes, tango classes are a possibility!) two days a week. A field trip to STEAMpunk at Penn State's Freyburger Gallery is already on the books as the first of many plans Russell has for field trips.

There is also a rumor that the Trading Post will be revived. Stay tuned...