February 23, 2010 – Each 1, Reach 1 Campaign Contributes 2 Enrichment Activities

Today was a busy day at Aaron Academy for curricular enrichment.  We had two “adjunct” teaching staff join us; Paul Biddelman, of Hanseatic Corp, a private equities firm to teach the Year 2 students about the stock market, and Dino Blanche, a Tai chi instructor, of Laughing River LLC to teach the students a lesson in Tai Chi.

Mr. Biddelman, father of one Aaron Academy teacher Sari Biddelman, related the material the students are learning about in math class to the real world of the stock market.  Mr. Biddelman used simple algebraic expressions to explain the basic workings of the stock market and why shares are bought and sold. This was particularly interesting to the math students who have been studying stocks while building their own stock portfolios. Mr. Biddelman explained how to convert fractions to decimals and why this skill is useful when considering investments in a publicly held company. Students enthusiastically asked Mr. Biddelman about his role in private equities and what advice he might have for them when developing mock stock portfolios in math class.

Mr. Blanche, an experienced Tai chi instructor gave both classes an introduction to the principles of Tai Chi, including balance, respect, and self awareness.  He led the students through a series of exercises and demonstrations.  This activity was particularly relevant to the Year 1 students who are currently wrapping up a curricular unit on Ancient China.  We are very grateful to Tracey Fisher, Aaron Academy Occupational Therapist, for arranging Mr. Blanche’s visit as part of our Each1, Reach 1 campaign.

February 12, 2010 – Watch out for US Luge at the Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies TONIGHT!!  

Mark Grimmette, five time Olympian and member of the 2010 US Olympic Luge Team who visited Aaron Academy in December, will earn one of the grandest honors an Olympian can achieve, voted by his fellow US athletes to carry the American flag into BC Place Stadium during tonight’s Opening Ceremonies.

So, don’t be surprised when your Aaron Academy student says, “Mom, Dad – I met that guy at Aaron Academy!”  

That’s Mark, on the left of the top row of athletes on a visit to Aaron Academy by the US Luge Team on December 18, 2009.

Mark's doubles partner, Brian Martin is on the left of the bottom row of athletes.

Here's his press picture:

Watch for Mark Grimmette at the Opening Ceremonies tonight at 7:30pm on NBC!!

February 9 - 11, 2010 – First Annual Aaron Academy Book Fair

We were thrilled with the success of our first Book Fair!  Jill Hodge, Curriculum Coordinator, organized this wonderful event and worked with the book vendor BookSmart to carefully choose quality selections for our students.  Parents, students, and staff were very pleased with the choice of books that were available for purchase.

The highlight of the Book Fair was an author reading by Aaron Academy Parent, Lorraine Merkl, who recently released her debut novel, Fat Chick.  Half the proceeds from the sale of her new book were donated to Aaron Academy.  We are grateful to Lorraine who exemplifies our value of Parents as Partners.  The money raised from the book fair will be used to develop our growing library collection.

February 9, 2010 – Student Organized Bake Sale and Supply Drive for Haiti

In conjunction with our global awareness curriculum, the students organized and conducted a Bake Sale and Supply Drive in support of Haiti.  Academy students learned about climate change, cultural differences, economic plight, and civic responsibility.  Laptops provided by the USOC were used to integrate accounting and spreadsheet procedures for tracking donations, expenses and revenue.  Students raised $224.00 and are tremendously proud of their accomplishments.