First Graders help train Captain Chip to be a Therapy Dog

Ms. Birbil has recently rescued an amazing three-legged (tripawd) puppy and believes he has a great educational and therapeutic purpose in his life. She is starting him in on his training to be a Therapy Dog and through introducing this puppy (Captain Chip) as the 1st Grade mascot he will help to refocus, channel and connect positive energy and memories for this school year. The Goal is to have children, who, growing up in a society where animal neglect is prevalent, become empowered to make a difference and not turn a blind eye. This opportunity has the power to instill passion in what they do through compassion and to change the way they feel about themselves and others -building empathy and respect. She believes that our children are not too little to recognize a problem, voice an opinion and take action to improve a situation. Amongst all, Captain Chip also fosters a safe environment for children to take risks as readers and writers.

Filippos Simonetos, Denis Alkdal and          George Giannakis, Cielo Maria Chilani, Ms Birbil
Anna Kee with Captain Chip                       and Victor Vernicos-Jorgensen with Captain Chip.

Panagi Bitsakis' first impression of Captain Chip

First grader Panagis reflects on his first day with their new three-legged mascot Captain Chip!

First Graders Camouflage their Dinosaurs

Hark! Who goes there? Ah hah, it's those first grade dinosaurs! After discussing the importance of camouflage for both carnivores and herbivores, first graders creatively camouflaged some of their own extravagant dinosaurs!

                     Marissa Syrigos                                                         Mila Stojakovic

Maria Giannaki writes a letter to the Great Pumpkin

In October every year 1st graders write letters to the Great Pumpkin to let him know how much effort they have been putting into first grade and hoping that he would come visit them on Halloween ... which he did!

                                                                                   Maria Giannaki