5A Friday Weekly Blog

Primary, Immersed in Play

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:35:41 GMT

Play is How Children Learn

We have been busy immersed in play this spring. The children have been building more complex and involved structures. They are working together and sharing ideas. It is wonderful to witness. We have been having some great hikes, planted sunflower seeds, read many books, made so many creations with hot glue, paint, scissors, sewing, and perler beads. They have had fun playing instruments in a band, challenging themselves on obstacle courses, digging in the sandbox, and non-stop spinning on the tire swing. The days are racing by and before we know it summer will be here. We are enjoying every moment together.

✨ Community Happenings

Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Education Articles

Fun Reading and Learning for kids over School Break

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves, 8 Sessions

Tuesdays 3-4:30pm

Spring session dates:

April 7, 14, 21, 28

May 5, 12, 19, 26

Old Hands SoundWaves, 8 Sessions

Thursdays 3-4:45

Spring session dates:

April 9, 16, 23, 30

May 7, 14, 21, 28

Apr 22: 2-6 all day marine debris hike
Apr 29: Exp field trip
May 2: Irrigation Festival booth
May 2: Marimbas at Sequim Farmer’s Market
May 4-10: Screen Free Week
May 5: Kinder readiness meeting @ 3pm in Disco
May 6: Salt Creek 2-6
May 6: Primary Orientation meeting @ 6pm on Zoom
May 8: Teacher work day, No School
May 13: 2-6 field trip hike
May 20: Lighthouse hike 2-6
May 22: JFFA marimba concert in PA @ 5pm
May 25: NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day
June 3-5: Exp backpack trip
June 4-5: Adv overnight hike
June 9: Last day of school (Elem & 3 d Prim)
June 10: Last day of school (2&5d Prim)
June 10&11: K-6 student led conferences

Updates from Discovery Class and the Capital Campaign

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:53:48 GMT

Capital Campaign Update

We’re excited to share progress in our capital campaign and the meaningful steps we’re taking toward bringing our vision to life.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve reached a number of important milestones. We’ve successfully submitted three grant applications, expanding our opportunities for critical funding to support the growth of our programs and campus.

We’re also pleased to share that our Case for Support has been finalized. This foundational document clearly articulates our mission, vision, and the impact this campaign will have on our students, families, and broader community. Printed copies will be available after Spring Break.

In addition to campaign progress, our Bright Days Summer Programming is now open for registration to school families. We’re thrilled to welcome both new and returning students this summer. These programs will provide an imperative source of revenue, supporting our land acquisition journey and allowing us to serve the community in a new way during the Summer months.

We are actively moving forward with our property purchase, taking major steps toward securing our Home for Childhood. A more detailed update will be coming soon. We’re grateful for the continued support and enthusiasm from our community and look forward to working together to make this dream a reality for future generations of Five Acre families!

The Power of Imagination

This week, the Discovery class took a trip to the Renaissance.

We strapped into our time machines, dialed in the year 1500, pulled the lever [insert wheezing and whirring time machine vocalizations here], and stepped out onto the cobblestone streets of Renaissance Italy. We looked up at the tall, close together houses, admired the heavy, layered dresses and the lack of pockets of the people walking past, and listened to the “clippity clop” of horses carrying wagons down the car-less road. We took a stroll through the market, wandering the stalls and steering clear of manure piles. When we made a purchase, we wrapped it in a cloth. On our way home, we passed an artist and apprentice (who was the same age as the Discovery kids!) carving a sculpture, a blacksmith making armor in a hot fire (watch out for sparks!), and a stonecutter cutting marble [insert sneezes from dust, here]. At home, we sat down for dinner. There were no forks or plates—instead, we used flatbread as a plate to scoop up stew and then ate our plate with the stew! There was also no clean drinking water—we drank juice instead! After our scrumptious meal, we strapped back into our time machines and returned to the year 2026.

After our travels, the Discovery kids showed the power of their imaginations—they remembered dozens of details from the imaginary walk through an Italian Renaissance town and could describe what life was like 500 years ago and point out the differences between 1500 and 2026. Now, when learning about the Renaissance inventors and artists, they will have a framework for understanding the past in which these ideas and creations were occurring.

"Tricksters in Limbo"

✨ Community Happenings

Fri, Apr 10: Poem in your Pocket Day and Poetry Reading w/ Nellie at Five Acre School!
Sun, Apr 12: Cougar Celebration Day at Finn River
Mon, Apr 13: “Where I’m From” poetry workshop open to the public for teens and adults at Five Acre School w/ Nellie **(childcare not provided)**
Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Education Articles

Fun Reading and Learning for kids over School Break

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves, 8 Sessions

Tuesdays 3-4:30pm

Spring session dates:

April 7, 14, 21, 28

May 5, 12, 19, 26

Old Hands SoundWaves, 8 Sessions

Thursdays 3-4:45

Spring session dates:

April 9, 16, 23, 30

May 7,14, 21,28

Apr 22: 2-6 all day marine debris hike
Apr 29: Exp field trip
May 2: Irrigation Festival booth
May 2: Marimbas at Sequim Farmer’s Market
May 4-10: Screen Free Week
May 5: Kinder readiness meeting @ 3pm in Disco
May 6: Salt Creek 2-6
May 6: Primary Orientation meeting @ 6pm on Zoom
May 8: Teacher work day, No School
May 13: 2-6 field trip hike
May 20: Lighthouse hike 2-6
May 22: JFFA marimba concert in PA @ 5pm
May 25: NO SCHOOL, Memorial Day
June 3-5: Exp backpack trip
June 4-5: Adv overnight hike
June 9: Last day of school (Elem & 3 d Prim)
June 10: Last day of school (2&5d Prim)
June 10&11: K-6 student led conferences

The Play Is Just Around The Corner

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:08:21 GMT

"Tricksters in Limbo"

This year's annual Five Acre School play is called "Tricksters in Limbo". A trickster is an entertaining character who uses their wits, rather than their strength, to get the better of a larger, stronger person or animal. They delight in breaking rules, boasting, and playing tricks. When a grumpy jailer decides he has had enough of the tricky creatures of the world (in this case Raven, Brer Rabbit, Anansi the spider, and Leprechaun) he tracks them down and throws them in jail. As each animal in the play gets a chance to act out one of his stories for the other captives, we learn a bit about the culture their story comes from and get a chance to laugh at and appreciate their antics. See how they use their trickery to escape their predicament!

We are pleased to invite you to attend a this free, fun and lively performance, Friday March 27th at 1 pm or 6pm. It will take place at the Sequim Community Church. See flyer below for details.

Rosie brought two visitors in to be with our students this month in conjunction with our school play "Tricksters in Limbo" and "Tricksters of the World". Helen Masvikeni a Zimbabwean artist who danced and drummed with us, and Aaron Parker, who taught us about the Trickster Raven.

Fire Horse

Discovery class practice a lark head knot as they add hair to their Fire Horses in honor of this year’s Lunar New Year!

PSO needs Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers for our biggest PSO fundraiser for 2026

Shred event (old JC Penney parking lot)
2 hour shifts 8:30-10:30 or 10:30-12:30 March 21, Saturday
Reply with interest to 5acrepso@gmail.com

✨ Community Happenings

Sat, Mar 14: Nature Storytime w/ NOLS
Sun, Mar 22: “ Heart of a Lion ” documentary showing at Field Arts and Events Hall
Fri, Apr 10: Poem in your Pocket Day and Poetry Reading w/ Nellie
Mon, Apr 13: “ Where I’m From ” poetry workshop at Five Acre School w/ Nellie
Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Education Articles

Link between infant screen time and teenage anxiety

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves Spring Session Dates Coming Soon!

Old Hands SoundWaves Spring Session Dates Coming Soon!

Mar 23-25 & 27: Theatre week 2nd-6th Graders
Play Performance: Mar 27 only (matinée and evening)
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Apr 14 - PSO Meeting

Indoor Outdoor Play with Primary Class

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:54:11 GMT

Indoor Outdoor Play

We want to highlight some of the benefits of our open door play program. After our morning routine we open our classroom door to the playground allowing free choice between indoor and outdoor play throughout the day. This unstructured time enhances cognitive development, fine and gross motor skills, and social interactions. The children can follow their desire or need for action or quiet focused activities. The teachers observe and facilitate experiences rather than direct them. The children lead their own learning and have fun in the process.

PSO needs Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers for our biggest PSO fundraiser for 2026

Shred event (old JC Penney parking lot)
2 hour shifts 8:30-10:30 or 10:30-12:30 March 21, Saturday
Reply with interest to 5acrepso@gmail.com

✨ Community Happenings

Fri, Mar 6: Nature Boardgame Evening at Dungeness River Nature Center
Sat, Mar 7: Sequim Sunshine Festival
Sat, Mar 14: Nature Storytime w/ NOLS
Sun, Mar 22: “Heart of a Lion” documentary showing at Field Arts and Events Hall
Fri, Apr 10: Poem in your Pocket Day and Poetry Reading w/ Nellie
Mon, Apr 13: “Where I’m From” poetry workshop at Five Acre School w/ Nellie
Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Education Articles

The Case for Outdoor Learning in an Age of Digital Overload

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Winter session dates: March 10

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Winter session dates: March 12

Mar 10 - PSO Meeting
Mar 23-25 & 27: Theatre week 2nd-6th Graders
Play Performance: Mar 27 only (matinée and evening)
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Apr 14 - PSO Meeting

Discovery Class and Board Update

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:26:02 GMT

In Discovery Class...

This month the Discovery Class had our first publishing party of the year! Publishing parties give kids a chance to celebrate their learning and hard work with their peers and community after finishing a writing project—in this case, our science stories!

The morning of the Publishing Party, the Discovery Classroom blossomed with community. Families came to hear their child read their story, and then stayed to hear the stories of other kids, making their way around the room and diving into the unique imaginative worlds of each child with enthusiasm and encouragement. Later in the day, Adventure joined us to hear Discovery’s scientific tales, listening attentively and complimenting their younger peers' hard work. Finally, Discovery travelled over to the explorer classroom, where we shared our stories and got a sneak peak at the Explorer Class’s Zines in exchange.

It was an exciting and heartwarming day of community connection and the Discovery kids are already looking forward to future Publishing Parties!

Update from the Board

As Five Acre School looks toward an exciting new chapter as landowners, we are thoughtfully strengthening our leadership structure to support this transformational moment in our history.

Securing our permanent home is both a bold vision and a significant responsibility. To meet this opportunity with clarity and momentum, the school has created a new Development Director position dedicated to advancing fundraising, donor stewardship, grant writing, community events, and leading the overall capital campaign strategy. This role ensures that our campaign is not only successful in the short term, but that we build strong, sustainable systems to support Five Acre School for years to come.

We are pleased to share that Merissa Koller of Mission Consulting, LLC has joined Five Acre School as Interim Development Director. Merissa brings deep experience in nonprofit development strategy and leadership, and she will guide us through this critical phase. Her work will focus on building effective fundraising systems, launching the capital campaign, strengthening donor communications, and supporting the recruitment and training of a long-term Development Director.

This strategic restructuring reflects the school’s commitment to thoughtful growth. As we prepare to purchase our site, we recognize that strong development leadership is essential to achieving our campaign goal and stewarding the generosity of our community with excellence and transparency.

Our Board and administrative team remain dedicated to preserving the heart of Five Acre School while equipping the organization with the expertise needed for this next stage. We are grateful for the community members, families, alumni, and local businesses who are walking alongside us as we secure a permanent home for the children we serve.

PSO needs Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers for our biggest PSO fundraiser for 2026

Shred event (old JC Penney parking lot)
2 hour shifts 8:30-10:30 or 10:30-12:30 March 21, Saturday
Reply with interest to 5acrepso@gmail.com

✨ Community Happenings

Sat, Feb 28: Nest Box Building Class at DRNC
Sun, Mar 22: “ Heart of a Lion ” documentary showing at Field Arts and Events Hall
Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Winter session dates: March 3, 10

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Winter session dates: March 2(Monday), 12

There will be no SW on March 5th

Mar 4-6 - No School, Elem ONLY, Conferences
Mar 10 - PSO Meeting
Mar 23-25 & 27: Theatre week 2nd-6th Graders
Play Performance: Mar 27 only (matinée and evening)
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Apr 14 - PSO Meeting

Adventure Class and Art, Music & Drama with Rosie

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 03:12:31 GMT

Cow Eyes, Bats, Gandhi & Owl Pellets

Updates from our students...

Felicity Parrish
On Wednesday February 11th, we dissected cow eyes! It was really fun, gross, cool and goopy. You could see the goopiest parts fall out and the slimiest parts stick on your hands. My favorite part was cutting it open. The goop was extra fun. I loved it.

Parts of the eye

Outer eye: Eyelid, sclera, iris, pupil, caruncula
Inner eye: Iris, Lens, cornea, sclera, vitreous body, retina, optic nerve, ciliary body.

Darby Gipson
Malcolm’s dad - Jason came to see us. Us meaning adventure class. He came to talk about bats and because he talked about bats we got a book to look through. There were three books but the whole class got one. There are ghost bats, vampire bats, and more!

Jasmine’s Dad Ankur came to hike with us. He talked a lot about Gandhi’s great salt march. Once he hiked the exact same trail to the exact same beach and met some of the exact same people.

Caelyn Willy

On a Wednesday, we were doing owl pellets. We were dissecting them and finding bones! And it was awesome! And Cool! Bones and no hike! Yay! It was a regular day so we glued the bones to a paper and hung it on the wall. The End.

Art, Music & Drama with Rosie

Art, Music and Drama are happening in the Music Room!

PSO needs Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers for our biggest PSO fundraiser for 2026

Shred event (old JC Penney parking lot)
2 hour shifts 8:30-10:30 or 10:30-12:30 march 21 Saturday
Reply with interest to 5acrepso@gmail.com

✨ Community Happenings

Fri, Feb 20: The Flying Karamozov Brothers at Field Arts and Events Hall
Sat, Feb 22: NPBA Lego Building Block Challenge
Sat, Feb 28: Nest Box Building Class at DRNC
Sun, Mar 22: “Heart of a Lion” documentary showing at Field Arts and Events Hall
Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Education Articles

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Winter session dates: February 24. March 3,10

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Winter session dates: February 26. March 2(Monday), 12

There will be no SW on March 5th

Mar 4-6 - No School, Elem ONLY, Conferences
Mar 10 - PSO Meeting
Mar 23-25 & 27: Theatre week 2nd-6th Graders
Play Performance: Mar 27 only (matinée and evening)
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Apr 14 - PSO Meeting

A News from our Parent Service Organization (PSO)

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:24:18 GMT

Barn Dance Update

We have news that's bittersweet to share: this year's Barn Dance is postponed .

At the January PSO meeting, we faced a reality check about our volunteer capacity. With the capital campaign in full swing to secure our forever home, we simply can't give the Barn Dance the energy it deserves right now.

Event Chair Kia Armstrong had a great idea: let's hold the Barn Dance as a victory celebration after we've secured our site. Everyone agreed—what better reason to dance than celebrating that milestone?

We know this is disappointing. The Barn Dance is a beloved tradition. But this year demands focus, and our priority is building a foundation that will sustain the Five Acre School for decades to come.

We'll dance again. And when we do, we'll have something incredible to celebrate.

We hope you will join us at our next meeting Feb 10, 2025 @ 5:30PM in the Explorer classroom.

—The PSO Board

✨ Community Happenings

Fri, Feb 6: Nature Boardgame Evening at DRNC
Sat, Feb 14: Jr Naturalist : Valentine’s Day cards at DRNC
Fri, Feb 20: The Flying Karamozov Brothers at Field Arts and Events Hall
Sat, Feb 22: NPBA Lego Building Block Challenge
Sat, Feb 28: Nest Box Building Class at DRNC
Sun, Mar 22: “Heart of a Lion” documentary showing at Field Arts and Events Hall
Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Education Articles

Experts urge schools to embed critical thinking skills from early years

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Winter session dates: February 10, 17, 24. March 3,10

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Winter session dates: February 12, 19, 26. March 2(Monday), 12

There will be no SW on March 5th

Feb 10 - PSO Meeting, 5:30pm
Feb 13 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Feb 15 - Current family 26-27 School Year Registration Opens
Feb 16 - No School, President's Day
Mar 4-6 - No School, Elem ONLY, Conferences
Mar 10 - PSO Meeting
Mar 23-25 & 27: Theatre week 2nd-6th Graders
Play Performance: Mar 27 only (matinée and evening)
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Apr 14 - PSO Meeting

Fiber Arts, Primary Class and a Word From The Board

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:23:06 GMT

Students have been busy making!!!
Lots of weaving and hand sewing happening. The creativity of our students never ceases to amaze!

Primary Class

The children were happy to be back to school after winter break. They have been playing together happily. The mild winter weather has made for a lot outdoor fun.

January Board Update

We wanted to share a brief update on the ongoing work behind the scenes related to Five Acre School’s long-term sustainability and capital campaign planning.

In recent weeks, our board-led fundraising subcommittees have been laying important groundwork, including submitting grant Letters of Intent to launch several application processes, researching more grant options, and refining the framework for our official Case For Support and future donor Giving Levels. These last two pieces have taken a bit longer than anticipated, but are really coming together wonderfully thanks to the thoughtful collaboration of board members, staff and parent volunteers. We’re excited about what’s taking shape and look forward to sharing more when they’re ready to launch!

As always, this work is strengthened by the incredible community that surrounds Five Acre…ya’ll have SKILLS! Several parents have reached out to share support in invaluable ways. If you have professional expertise, business or community connections or simply feel called to help in a meaningful way—we’d love to hear from you, holler! We welcome you to reach out!

Steady progress is also happening on the property purchase side of things. We’re actively preparing for negotiations by completing important due diligence - things like completing a feasibility study, reviewing reports, lining up inspections, and conducting site reviews. You may notice board members or partners popping in and around the building or yard from time to time—things are moving forward positively!

Our hope is to navigate through this phase of negotiations before the end of the school year, though as all things of this scale and complexity, timelines may shift. We’ll keep our community informed along the way, and will continue to share updates as there is meaningful progress to report.

Board members will also be attending monthly PSO meetings, to collaborate and connect with parents on our shared initiatives. Mark your calendar for the next PSO meeting on Feb 10th, and plan to join in person for the taco potluck or from home via Zoom.

Thank you for your patience, your trust and for all the ways you show up for our school every day. We are so grateful to be walking this path together!

✨ Community Happenings

Sat, Jan 31: Jr Naturalist: Nature Insects at DRNC
Fri, Feb 6: Nature Boardgame Evening at DRNC
Fri, Feb 20: The Flying Karamozov Brothers at Field Arts and Events Hall
Fri, Mar 6: Poetry Reading and Open Mic w/ Nellie- Poet Laureate
Tue, Apr 21: Robotics afterschool program at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Education Articles

Screen Time Limits article by Dr. Tyler Beauchamp

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Winter session dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27. February 3, 10, 17, 24. March 3,10

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Winter session dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29. February 5, 12, 19, 26. March 2(Monday), 12

There will be no SW on March 5th

Feb 10 - PSO Meeting
Feb 13 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Feb 15 - Current family 26-27 School Year Registration Opens
Feb 16 - No School, President's Day
Mar 4-6 - No School, Elem ONLY, Conferences
Mar 10 - PSO Meeting
Mar 23-25 & 27: Theatre week 2nd-6th Graders
Play Performance: Mar 27 only (matinée and evening)
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Apr 14 - PSO Meeting

Science Month in Discovery Class

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:27:55 GMT

Science Month

January has been Science Month in Discovery! Each week, we have a different science subject that we learn about and experiment with. We are practicing a few of the important things scientists do when experimenting, such as drawing diagrams, changing only one variable each time, observing, and forming a hypothesis.

Week 1: Magnets! Magnets were a big hit! We tested out all kinds of magnets, did a compass experiment, and made magnet mazes.

Week 2: Simple Machines! We did inclined plane experiments, made pulleys, and tested out levers, wedges, wheels and axels, and screws around the classroom.

Week 3: Rube Goldberg! We learned about Rube Goldberg’s comics and made our own Rube Goldberg machines with our simple machine knowledge!

Week 4: Next week we’ll learn about Chemistry and baking science!

✨ Community Happenings

Sat, Jan 24: PNW Herbalist workshop at DRNC
Wed, Jan 28: “Where I’m From” poetry workshop at The Hub 4-6pm w/ Nellie Bridge

�� Education Articles

Integrating Spontaneous Learning

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Winter session dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27. February 3, 10, 17, 24. March 3,10

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Winter session dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29. February 5, 12, 19, 26. March 2(Monday), 12

There will be no SW on March 5th

Jan 27 - 29 - No School Primary ONLY, Conferences
Feb 10 - PSO Meeting
Feb 13 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Feb 15 - Current family 26-27 School Year Registration Opens
Feb 16 - No School, President's Day
Mar 10 - PSO Meeting
Mar 23-25 & 27: Theatre week 2nd-6th Graders
Play Performance: Mar 27 only (matinée and evening)
Mar 30-Apr 3: Spring Break
Apr 6 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Apr 14 - PSO Meeting

Black History, Frost & Owls

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 05:09:42 GMT

News from Cultural Arts

In Cultural Arts we are learning about Black history through art, poetry and music. We are learning music connected to the civil rights movement, a jazz standard and a song set to Langston Hughes poem Dream Keeper. For our artist we are teaming up with fiber arts and studying Bisa Butler. Bisa Butler is an incredible quilter, while we’re not quilting we are using her work as inspiration for multi-media portraits. We can’t wait to share the finished product with you all!

Straight from Adventure Students

The Beauty of Frost

Frost is cold but it shimmers. My feet crunch with every step I take. Even though the frost is here, wisps of snow are coming. It's 32 degrees out there! FROST!

By: Felicity

The Owl!

On hike we saw a owl! We tried to call the owl but it did not work. But we tried and we tried but it never worked.

By: Caelyn

✨ Community Happenings

Sat, Jan 17: Build it! With LEGO at NOLS PA branch
Sat, Jan 24: PNW Herbalist workshop at DRNC
Wed, Jan 28: “Where I’m From” poetry workshop at The Hub 4-6pm w/ Nellie Bridge

�� Education Articles

Integrating Spontaneous Learning

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

First Winter session dates: January 6

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

First Winter session dates: January 8

Jan 19 - No School MLK Jr. Day
Jan 27 - 29 - No School Primary ONLY, Conferences
Feb 13 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Feb 16 - No School, President's Day

Adélie Penguins in Explorer Class

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:18:59 GMT

Learning about Adélie Penguins in the Five Acre Explorer classroom

On January 6th, 2026 we communicated with a researcher working on Ross island in Antarctica. We learned a lot about a type of penguin nesting there called the Adélie penguins. For example, they have blubber which is a thick fat layer of insulation which traps body heat. Their dark-colored backs absorb the sun's heat to stay warm. They also huddle together to survive in the cold winter. The researcher informed us that they had the white stomachs so that predators who looked up at them had a hard time telling them apart from the white sky. Overall it was an exciting and special opportunity.

-Blake

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

First Winter session dates: January 6

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

First Winter session dates: January 8

Jan 16 - No School Primary ONLY, Teacher Work Day
Jan 14 - Barn Dance Meeting
Jan 19 - No School MLK Jr. Day
Jan 27 - 29 - No School Primary ONLY, Conferences
Feb 11 - Barn Dance Meeting
Feb 13 - No School , Teacher Work Day
Feb 16 - No School , President's Day

✨ Community Happenings

Fri, Jan 9: Tidepool Magazine submissions deadline
Sat, Jan 10: Mindfulness Nature Journaling at DRNC
Sat, Jan 17: Build it! With LEGO at NOLS PA branch
Sat, Jan 24: PNW Herbalist workshop at DRNC
Wed, Jan 28: “Where I’m From” poetry workshop at The Hub 4-6pm

�� Education Articles

Wisdom begins with wonder

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:27:43 GMT

News from Primary Class

"Wisdom begins with wonder" Socrates

The children in the Primary class have been playing, building, creating, questioning, hiking, dancing, puddle jumping, and much more this month. They are filled with wonder and a lot of energy!

Endangered Species

Tomten Time

✨ Community Happenings

Sat, Dec 20: Sequim Farmers Market Winter Market
Wed, Dec 31: NOON Year’s Eve family party @ NOLS
Wed, Jan 28: “Where I’m From” poetry workshop at The Hub 4-6pm

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

First Winter session dates: January 6

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

First Winter session dates: January 8

Dec 22- Jan 2 - Winter Break
January 16 - No School Primary ONLY, Teacher Work Day
Jan 19 - No School MLK Jr. Day
Jan 27 - 29 - No School Primary ONLY, Conferences

Words from Explorer Class and Winter Activities

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:14:37 GMT

News from Explorer Class

On hike day, December 3, Explorer students worked with Amos Almy, the Visitor Services Manager for the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe's Refuge Management Program, to build habitat piles, which will provide shelted for a variety of species as well as potentially slow down wildfires. Read more about it in the forthcoming edition of Five Star News (story by Wolf, photo by Myka). You might notice the four habitat piles they built if you are on your way down to the spit!

Poetry Fest

Join us this Friday, December 19th at 12:30pm in the Explorer Classroom for our annual Poetry Festival, featuring the Adventure and Explorer classes. While the festival has been a beloved December tradition since 2013, Five Acre students have been reading and writing poetry for over 20 years. Poetry offers a joyful, creative outlet for students to explore voice, style, and word choice—and we are especially proud of the vibrant creative writing culture that continues to flourish in our school community. Come on out and experience our Poetry Festival!

Tomten Time

✨ Community Happenings

December Twinkling Lights and Holiday Delights at the Dungeness River Nature Center
Sat, Dec 13: Holiday Market @ Vern Burton Center
Sat, Dec 13: Wintertide @ Port Angeles Fine Arts Center
Wed, Dec 17, 2:15pm: Five Acre Parent meet up on the Horse Track, sponsored by the PSO
Sat, Dec 20: Sequim Farmers Market Winter Market

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

First Winter session dates: January 6

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

First Winter session dates: January 8

Dec 19 - Poetry Fest, Adventure and Explorer Classes
Dec 22- Jan 2 - Winter Break
January 16 - No School Primary ONLY, Teacher Work Day
Jan 19 - No School MLK Jr. Day
Jan 27 - 29 - No School Primary ONLY, Conferences

December Art & Music

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:34:46 GMT

Music & Art with Rosie

Cultural Arts with Audra

In Cultural Arts, we are studying arts and culture from around the world. Each month(ish) we spend time visiting different countries, and learning about the culture through music and art.

In September we learned about Zimbabwe.

We learned about Shona Culture, sang welcome songs in the language Shona, read fables from Zimbabwe and drew illustrations for the story! Explorer learned about instruments from Zimbabwe and played the percussion parts to our welcome song Nika Ina Vene

In October we learned about Mexico!

We celebrated through music by learning the traditional dance to La Raspa, you may recognize the music and dance as the Mexican Hat Dance! We also sang the song De Colores in Spanish singing about all the beautiful colors in spring.

We learned about art culture in Mexico by focusing on Frida Kahlo. We learned about her life and her art! After studying her style we created our own self portraits in the style of Frida’s self portraits.

✨ Community Happenings

Dec 5: Holiday Tree Lighting in downtown Sequim 5-6:30pm
Dec 6: Make snowflakes at Dungeness River Nature Center
Dec 6: Mikey the Rad Scientist - Live Music and Science Fun for Kids
Dec 5-7: The Nutcracker Ballet at Field Arts and Events Hall
Dec 12: Candle making at Dungeness River Nature Center

�� Teacher Podcast Suggestions

The Hidden Brain - Parents: Keep Out
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tWUpO2lesLNnQ90MX0E8R?si=oESdDPshQCmSLSaHDkbt3g
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?i=1000738174177

�� Education Articles

Boosting Preschool Students’ Language Skills Through Art and Nature
https://www.edutopia.org/article/language-acquisition-art-nature-preschool
For young children, finger-counting helps develop more abstract skills, study finds
https://phys.org/news/2025-11-young-children-finger-abstract-skills.html

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Dec 9

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Dec 11

Dec 10 Wednesday- Winter Concert, 6:30pm @ Peninsula College Little Theater K-6
Dec 19 - Poetry Fest, Adventure and Explorer Classes
Dec 22- Jan 2 - Winter Break
January 16 - No School Primary ONLY, Teacher Work Day
Jan 19 - No School MLK Jr. Day
Jan 27 - 29 - No School Primary ONLY, Conferences

A Treasure Trove of Stories

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:30:37 GMT

Discovery Class

Many families tell us that getting kids to share about their school day can feel like solving a mystery. The good news? Small shifts in how we ask questions can open the door to richer conversations.

Kids respond best to open-ended, specific prompts—especially those tied to a moment, feeling, or activity. Routines like sharing a “rose, thorn, and bud” at dinner or bedtime can also help kids reflect more easily.

A few quick tips:

Skip “favorite.” It can feel like a test. Try “What was one thing…” instead.
Start with “what” or “how.” These invite more than a yes/no or “I don’t know.”
Ask one question at a time. Give space for them to think and share.
Be playful. Silly questions—like “If your day was a food, what would it be?”—can spark great conversations.

Not sure where to start? Ask about topics like friends, recess, math, reading, projects, feelings, something that made them laugh, or something they worked hard on.

With a little intention (and maybe a little silliness), you can help your child open up and share the stories of their day.

Thankful for our community! Together, we collected 300 pounds of food for the Sequim Food Bank. This is the type of ripple effect that is sincerely felt, especially during the holidays. We wish you all a wonderful break for Thanksgiving and hope that you are able to spend time with friends and family.

✨ Community Happenings

Nov 21: Olympic Peninsula Authors Open Mic KSQM Community Room
Nov 21: Nature Mart at Dungeness River Nature Center
Nov 28: Winter Tide Makers Market at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center
Nov 29: Tree Lighting Festival in downtown Port Angeles
Dec 5: Holiday Tree Lighting in downtown Sequim 5-6:30pm

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Nov 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Dec 4, 11

Nov 26 - No school, Teacher Work Day
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break
Dec 10 Wednesday- Winter Concert, 6:30pm @ Peninsula College Little Theater K-6
Dec 19 - Poetry Fest, Adventure and Explorer Classes
Dec 22- Jan 2 - Winter Break

Fostering Multi-Sensory Learning

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:09:40 GMT

In Fiber Arts, we often start each class with a story. Reading first thing not only sets the tone of class it helps to bring seasons, themes, or characters to life. Having the opportunity to transform what we read into a mixed media art project deepens understanding as we build skills. Students receive a different dimension to learning beyond just audio or visual senses by adding tactile sensory learning through creating art. Since art making is a tactile, and multi-sensory experience it helps expand cognitive processing and creative thinking.

"Leaves" By: David Ezra Stein

"Bigsby" By: Jake Gahr

�� Five Acre’s Parent Service Organization (PSO) Save the Dates!

Nov 19 (Wed) ~ 6 - 7:30 pm PSO Meeting
Dec 10 (Wed) ~ 3 - 4 pm PSOMeeting + Help w/ Teacher Appreciation

**Check out the PSO Board in the school hallway for more information**

✨ Community Happenings

Check out the Finn River calendar for events in November
Nov 20: Native Plants of the Peninsula - Peninsula College Studium General or Zoom
Nov 21: Winter Ice Skating opens in Port Angeles

�� Teacher Podcast Suggestions

Dr Becky, Good Inside

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Nov --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Nov 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Nov 26 - No school, Teacher Work Day
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break
Dec 10 Wednesday- Winter Concert, 6:30pm @ Peninsula College Little Theater K-6
Dec 19 - Poetry Fest, Adventure and Explorer Classes
Dec 22- Jan 2 - Winter Break

Rainy Hike and Chess!

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 20:07:12 GMT

Playing Hard in Explorer

Hike

Students made the best a rainy/sunny hike time at the meadow this past week, playing games together and enjoying the special weather.

Chess

Explorer students are enthusiastic about learning more about chess and playing more! They had a great session on a recent Tuesday with everyone involved. We plan on making chess a regular feature in class!

�� Five Acre’s Parent Service Organization (PSO) Save the Dates!

Nov 7 - Karaoke Night! @ Five Acre
Nov 19 (Wed) ~ 6 - 7:30 pm PSO Meeting
Dec 10 (Wed) ~ 3 - 4 pm PSOMeeting + Help w/ Teacher Appreciation

**Check out the PSO Board in the school hallway for more information**

✨ Community Happenings

Nov 3-17: Five Acre Food Drive for the Sequim Food Bank
Nov 11: National Parks Free Entrance Day
“Winnie The Pooh” Youth Theatrical Production 11/13 - 11/23, Port Townsend Youth Theater
River Center Film Series: The Spirit Who Swims, Nov 20 @ 2:00 pm. The Spirit Who Swims is a feature length documentary and love manifesto to Salmon

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Nov --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Nov 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Nov 11 Tuesday - No school, Veterans Day
Nov 26 - No school, Teacher Work Day
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break
Dec 10 Wednesday- Winter Concert, 6:30pm @ Peninsula College Little Theater K-6
Dec 19 - Poetry Fest, Adventure and Explorer Classes
Dec 22- Jan 2 - Winter Break

Friendships, Fall Art and Food Drive!

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:24:59 GMT

Budding Friendships

We have seen such growth in the children in the past few weeks. Last month the children were adjusting to being at school and becoming comfortable with new routines, peers and teachers. The connections they have been making with each other have been blossoming into real friendships.

Childhood friendships are incredibly important for many reasons. They provide children with a sense of belonging, acceptance, and support. Having friends in childhood also helps to develop important social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. Childhood friendships can also create lifelong memories and bonds that can withstand the test of time.

Art and Music with Rosie

The Power of Giving: Our Food Drive and the Ripple Effect of Care

At Five Acre School, we believe deeply in the ripple effect that happens when we give. One small act of care one can, one box, one contribution creates waves of support that reach far beyond what we can see.

Right now, our wider community needs that ripple more than ever. As of November 1, 2025, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will cease. According to the Nonprofit Association of Washington, about a million Washington residents will lose benefits. The impacts will be devastating for individuals and families across the state, especially in rural areas like ours.

Starting Monday, November 3 , we’re joining together to collect food items for the Sequim Food Bank . Together, we can help ensure that Everyone is at the Table this holiday season.

Items most needed right now:

Canned fruit cocktail (low or no sugar)
Shelf-stable milk (oat, almond, or coconut)
Canned chicken
Cranberry sauce
Pre-made baking mixes

Other helpful pantry items:

Canned tuna
Pasta
Canned vegetables
Boxed broth

If each student and staff member brings just one item , we can provide over 100 items to the Food Bank—each one a small piece of hope, comfort, and care for someone in need.

This is what community looks like: people coming together, noticing a need, and choosing to help. When we give, we remind one another that we are connected that our shared compassion can make a real difference.

Let’s keep the ripple going. ��

�� Five Acre’s Parent Service Organization (PSO) Save the Dates!

Nov 7 - Karaoke Night! @ Five Acre
Dec 10 - PSO meeting 3-4pm

**Check out the PSO Board in the school hallway for more information**

✨ Community Happenings

Nov 1: Dia de los Muertos crafts - NOLS Port Angeles
Nov 3-17: Five Acre Food Drive for the Sequim Food Bank
Starts Monday, 11/3!
Nov 4: Build it with LEGO - NOLS Sequim

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Nov 4, --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Nov 6, 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Nov 7 - Karaoke Night @ Five Acre
Nov 11 - No school, Veterans Day
Nov 26 - No school, Teacher Work Day
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break
Dec 10- Winter Concert, 6:30pm @ Peninsula College Little Theater K-6
Dec 19 - Poetry Fest, Adventure and Explorer Classes
Dec 22- Jan 2 - Winter Break

Couch, Bats and Independence!

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:12:27 GMT

Couch!

There is a list. The only days that are not on the list is Wednesday, Sunday, Saturday. I am on Thursday. It is for silent reading and calming down. By: Jam p.s. Jasmine

Bats & Rabies in Adventure Class

Explorer students are practicing active listening and sharing their

ideas about our first read aloud book, The Wheel in the School by Meindert DeJong. Observing students track the conversation, and provide ideas afterwards about what we can work on as a group to continue to have good discussions. One discussion group excelled in using names, and another group excelled in making efficient decisions about which questions to explore. Because the plot of the story is driven by the wondering of students in the book, one question we discussed was "Why is it important to wonder?"

Discovery Class

This month the Discovery class took our first field trip of the year! (And the first field trip ever for our kindergarteners!) We explored the River Center and Dungeness River as part of our salmon study. The kids had a blast searching for the water bugs salmon eat, observing dead salmon on the river bank giving nutrients to the earth, playing a salmon journey game, and doing a scavenger hunt in the River Center exhibit. Please enjoy these photos from our exciting adventure!

The Discovery class is also practicing independence--an important kindergarten and first grade skill--by being in charge of our own backpacks. Every afternoon, we pack up our backpacks ourselves before our parents arrive, and then we carry them to the car ourselves at pick up time! The kids were so proud of themselves after our first day of this new challenge and they earned a scoop in our classroom bucket for working together to practice independence!

�� Five Acre’s Parent Service Organization (PSO) Save the Dates!

Nov 7 - Karaoke Night! @ Five Acre
Dec 10 - PSO meeting 3-4pm

**Check out the PSO Board in the school hallway for more information**

✨ Community Happenings

Oct 30: Olympic Cougar Project - Peninsula College Stadium General or Zoom
Oct 31: Downtown Trick or Treat - Sequim
Nov 3-17: Five Acre Food Drive for the Sequim Food Bank! - Look for an email soon with details

�� Teacher Podcast Suggestions

How our Brains Learn - Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam
The Importance of Play - Dr Pooky Knightsmith

�� Education Articles

Forbes
The Importance of Spatial Activities for Children’s Development
NYUST
The Power of Play

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Oct 28, Nov 4, --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Nov 6, 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Oct 29-31 - K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences, No school Elementary
Oct 31 - Primary Teacher Work Day, No school Primary
Nov 7 - Karaoke Night @ Five Acre
Nov 11 - No school , Veterans Day
Nov 26 - No schoo l, Teacher Work Day
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break

Why is it important to wonder?

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 22:29:05 GMT

Explorer Class

Explorer students are practicing active listening and sharing their

✨ Community Happenings

Oct 10-12: Dungeness Crab Festival - Port Angeles
Oct 13 - Indigenous People’s Day Poetry Reading at Peninsula College
Oct 18 - Celebration of Shadows Fall Festival at Port Angeles Fine Arts Center

�� Education Articles

National Wildli fe Federation
Health Benefits and Tips of Getting Kids Outside

�� Five Acre’s Parent Service Organization (PSO)

Save the Dates!

Friday, Oct 17 - Soup Social, 5-7pm @ Five Acre
Monday, Oct 20 - PSO Meeting 6:30-8:30pm @ Five Acre and on Zoom - All are welcome!
Friday, Nov 7 - Karaoke Night! @ Five Acre

�� Don't forget to snag your swag !! New styles and colors are available

Long and Short-sleeved Tshirts: bonfire.com/5ashirts
Hoodies: bonfire.com/5ahoodies

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Oct 16, 23, --, Nov 6, 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Oct 10 - Teacher Work Day, No school
Oct 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day, No school
Oct 17 - PSO Soup Social, All Five Acre Families are welcome
Oct 20 - PSO Meeting 6:30-8:30pm
Oct 29-31 - K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences, No school Elementary
Oct 31 - Primary Teacher Work Day, No school Primary
Nov 7 - Karaoke Night @ Five Acre
Nov 11 - No school , Veterans Day
Nov 26 - No schoo l, Teacher Work Day
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break

Checking in with Primary, Fiber Arts and the Board

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:22:06 GMT

Primary Class

The first month of school can be challenging, but it is especially so for many of our preschool students.

This is the first school experience for many of them and for some it is the first time away from their families. Saying good-bye in the morning can be hard for some children. We spend a lot of our time in these early weeks supporting the children in feeling safe and cared for. By the end of the month, the children are becoming settled in their new routines, forming friendships, and building confidence. It is a joy to witness, and we look forward to their continued growth.

One of our early activities was to cover the art tables with a big piece of paper and watch them work together to make their marks.

Fiber Arts with Emily

It has been a fantastic start to a new year!

I am pretty sure that I have the greatest job on Earth - I get to come to school and participate in creative exploration every day with the most amazing kids .

I am constantly in awe of students when I introduce new supplies or teach a new skill. I can never quite anticipate just how unique and different each child’s project will turn out.

I have listened to a fair amount of TED Talks or Podcasts discussing how core standards in art are teaching creativity and spontaneity out of our children; however, I think that we are doing the opposite here at Five Acre by allowing students as young as Primary age to use a hot glue gun or a real hammer and nails. We are developing makers! Makers are gonna make!!! ��

Students walk into my classroom and see all our supplies, and they can’t wait to be unleashed!

The most challenging task I face as a facilitator is to slow them down a bit, allowing them to learn, practice, and develop new skills , so they can continue to express themselves creatively.

This weekend, I will be attending the Fiber Arts Expo at the Vern Burton Center in Port Angeles.

You can find the link in our Community Happenings on this Blog. Saturday afternoon is when kids' fiber crafts will be happening if you are looking for something to do with your little makers! I hope to see some familiar faces there:)

Five Acre Board Hosts Coffee & Tea Social

This weekend, our school board members gathered for a social event over coffee and tea hosted at Little Shop of Hairdos™. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect outside of meetings, share stories of what brought them to Sequim, and strengthen the sense of community that supports our school. We look forward to more gatherings like this, where collaboration and conversation can grow in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Board members: Julie Novak, Serena Williams, Lindsay Hood, Kia Armstrong, Talia Landau, Susan Craig (not pictured).

✨ Community Happenings

Oct 3-5: PNW Fiber Arts Expo at the Vern Burton Comm. Center in Port Angeles - FREE
Oct 4: Fiber Arts Expo Fashion Show at Field Arts and Events Hall - FREE
Oct 3: First Friday Art Walk - downtown Sequim
Oct 10-12: Dungeness Crab Festival - Port Angeles
Oct 13 - Indigenous People’s Day Poetry Reading at Peninsula College

�� Education Articles

Forbes The Importance of Spatial Activities for Children’s Development
NYUST The Power of Play

�� Don't forget to snag your swag !! New styles and colors are available

Long and Short-sleeved Tshirts: bonfire.com/5ashirts
Hoodies: bonfire.com/5ahoodies

�� Five Acre’s Parent Service Organization (PSO)

Friday, Oct 17 - Soup Social, 5-7pm @ Five Acre
Monday, Oct 20 - PSO Meeting 6:30-8:30pm @ Five Acre and on Zoom - All are welcome!
Friday, Nov 7 - Karaoke Night! @ Five Acre

** The Five Acre Parent Service Organization (PSO) is focusing on creating monthly and weekly routines for building community and having open discussions. They are also working to create an online platform space for sharing and connecting. See a PSO Board member for any questions or ideas you have! (Theresa, Pierre, Hilary and Julia)

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Sept --, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, --, Nov 6, 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Oct 10 - Teacher Work Day, No school
Oct 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day, No school
Oct 17 - PSO Soup Social, All Five Acre Families are welcome
Oct 20 - PSO Meeting 6:30-8:30pm
Oct 29-31 - K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences, No school Elementary
Oct 31 - Primary Teacher Work Day, No school Primary
Nov 7 - Karaoke Night @ Five Acre
Nov 11 - No school , Veterans Day
Nov 26 - No schoo l, Teacher Work Day
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break

Discovery Class - working in community!

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:28:21 GMT

Discovery Class

Discovery started off the year by learning about how to work together as part of a community.

We studied the community of a nurse log – the ways creatures and plants help each other and how trees communicate through their roots. We worked together to make a classroom nurse log. On Hike, the kids found a real nurse log!

We also learned about how to fill buckets. We all have an invisible bucket—anytime we are kind to someone, or someone is kind to us, it adds a drop in our bucket! We are working together to fill up our classroom bucket through acts of kindness.

The kids had great ideas about all the ways we can be kind to each other and to our school:

“Helping someone on the monkey bars!”
“Using listening ears!”
“Getting an ice pack when someone gets hurt!”
“Cleaning trash off the floor!”
“Putting books away!”

We look forward to all the ways our Discovery community and school community will grow and strengthen over the school year!

✨ Community Happenings

Oct 3: First Friday Art Walk - downtown Sequim
Oct 10-12: Dungeness Crab Festival - Port Angeles

�� Teacher Podcast Suggestions

Parenting with Passion

�� Education Articles

This is why birth to 5 is a uniquely critical time for brain development in kids
https://www.chalkbeat.org/detroit/2025/09/19/early-childhood-birth-to-5-critical-time-for-brain-development-in-kids/

�� Don't forget to snag your swag! The first group order deadline is TODAY!

Long and Short-sleeved Tshirts: bonfire.com/5ashirts
Hoodies: bonfire.com/5ahoodies

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Sept --, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, --, Nov 6, 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Sept 26 - Dungeness River Fest
Oct 10 - Teacher Work Day, No school
Oct 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day, No school
Oct 17 - PSO Soup Social, All Five Acre Families are welcome
Oct 29-31 - K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences, No school Elementary
Oct 31 - Primary Teacher Work Day, No school Primary
Nov 11 - No school , Veterans Day
Nov 26 - No schoo l, Teacher Work Day (½ day)
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break

Adventure Class plus Music & Art with Rosie

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:53:33 GMT

Adventure Class

This week in Adventure class we went on a field trip to the Dungeness dyke area and looked at salmon with Keith Denton. We also finished up our "All About Me" posters this week. They are so excited to have completed their first project of the year.

Student Reports from the Adventure and Explore Classes Salmon Study Field Trip

We went a lot of places we saw a lot of salmon in the river. We got to look on the in body of some. By Darby Gipson

Adventure and Explorer went on a field trip to the river to study fish. We studied dead fish we got to see inside the dead fishes. By Malcolm

Music & Art with Rosie

We are off to a great start in the Music and Art Room! Our first weeks in Art finds us exploring lines, shapes and patterns.

Discovery found them in the shapes in the room, then made shapes with their bodies and found patterns on their clothes.

The elementary students first art pieces range from simple line drawings in Discovery , patterned initials in Adventure , to radially symmetric name-art in Explorer . Next comes color!

Primary music is a Joy. We jump and dance and sing, tell stories and play instruments.

Discovery Music includes finding our singing voices, simple songs, keeping time to the beat, playing instruments, fun musical games, dancing and doing movement.

Music room time finds Adventure , Explorer , and Sound Waves busy with marimbas as we have our first concert just 3 1/2 weeks into the school year! Five Acre School has been performing at the Dungeness River Festival for around 20 years. It is a favorite (and hectic) way to start off our musical year! The concerts are next Friday the 26th at 10 am and 12 pm at the River Center.

✨ Community Happenings

Sept 26: River Festival at the Dungeness River Nature Center
Oct 3: First Friday Art Walk - downtown Sequim
Oct 10-12: Dungeness Crab Festival - Port Angeles

�� Teacher Podcast Suggestions

“Should I Praise My Kid?” - Dr. Becky, Good Inside
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CpH6oQkeCQRlyTZm1Nb5z?si=zX38y4FUTNaUKBmMyEG3lg

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, --, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9, --

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates: Sept --, 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, --, Nov 6, 13, 20, --, Dec 4, 11

Sept 26 - Dungeness River Fest
Oct 10 - Teacher Work Day, No school
Oct 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day, No school
Oct 17 - PSO Soup Social, All Five Acre Families are welcome
Oct 29-31 - K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences, No school Elementary
Oct 31 - Primary Teacher Work Day, No school Primary
Nov 11 - No school , Veterans Day
Nov 26 - No schoo l, Teacher Work Day (½ day)
Nov 27-28 - No school, Thanksgiving break

News from Explorer Class

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:23:51 GMT

First Week of School

We've had a fun first week in Explorer! Students chose individual mottos and also decided on our two class mottos for the year:

Dare to try
The times are changing and we change in them.

We glued and painted sturdy book boxes, and enjoyed a day on the Spit making ephemeral art inspired by Andrew Goldsworthy.

✨ Community Happenings

Check out Finn River’s Events Calendar for lots of family-friendly fun!
Something for all at the Field Arts and Events Hall
Fungi Walk at the Dungeness River Nature Center
Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival

Calendar

Yearlings SoundWaves every Tuesday 3-4:30pm

Fall session dates:

Sept 9, 16, 23, 30

Oct 7, 14, 21, 28

Nov 4, --, 18, 25

Dec 2, 9, --,

Old Hands SoundWaves every Thursday 3-4:45pm

Fall session dates:

Sept --, 11, 18, 25

Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, --

Nov 6, 13, 20, --

Dec 4, 11,

○ Sept 12 - Welcome BBQ and All School Family Sleepover

○ Sept 26 - Dungeness River Fest

○ Oct 10 - Teacher Work Day, No school

○ Oct 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day, No school

○ Oct 17 - PSO Soup Social, All are Welcome

○ Oct 29-31 - K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences, No school

○ Oct 31 - Primary Teacher Work Day, No school Primary

We are a community of Learners!

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:15:50 GMT

First Week of School

I am so excited for the 31st year of Five Acre School! The first week of school is always full of excitement, new beginnings, and a bit of nervous energy—for students, families, and teachers.

Once again our classrooms and playgrounds are filled with laughter, curiosity, and the buzz of young minds learning. Students engaged in community-building activities to help get to know each other and then they jumped into hands-on projects and activities.

Over the summer, teachers and staff spend time getting ready for the upcoming school year. The staff meet each year at the end of summer for a “Staff Retreat.” We spend time with each other, reflect on why we do what we do and dive deeper into big ideas within our Child Centered Curriculum. Check out our posters in the hallway for a quick look at this year’s conversations.

The first couple of weeks set a strong foundation for the year ahead—one that is full of inquiry, creativity, and connection —we can’t wait to see all the amazing things we will accomplish!

-Sarah Bones, Director

Resources for Back-to-School

��️Podcast suggestions

"Raising Good Humans" with Dr. Aliza
"Good Inside" with Dr. Becky
There are numerous Podcasts that have Peter Gray as a guest, just search “Peter Gray” and check them out! I highly recommend listening to his talks on “Play.”

�� Book Suggestions (check with the NOLS Library system for these titles!)

The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Free to Learn by Peter Gray

�� Website suggestions

Child Mind Institute – Back-to-School Guide
Offers practical tips on easing transitions, building routines, and supporting kids emotionally. https://childmind.org/resources/back-to-school/
PBS Parents – Back-to-School Resources
Activities and articles for supporting learning at home, managing big feelings, and family routines. https://www.pbs.org/parents

✨ Community Happenings

Check out the NOLS library page for fun events in September
Nature-themed classes and programs at the Dungeness Nature River Center

Calendar

○ Sept 12 - Welcome BBQ and All School Family Sleepover

○ Sept 26 - Dungeness River Fest

○ Oct 10 - Teacher Work Day, No school

○ Oct 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day, No school

○ Oct 17 - PSO Soup Social, All are Welcome

○ Oct 29-31 - K-6 Parent Teacher Conferences, No school

○ Oct 31 - Primary Teacher Work Day, No school Primary

5A Friday Weekly Blog

Primary, Immersed in Play

Play is How Children Learn

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Updates from Discovery Class and the Capital Campaign

Capital Campaign Update

The Power of Imagination

"Tricksters in Limbo"

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

The Play Is Just Around The Corner

"Tricksters in Limbo"

Fire Horse

PSO needs Volunteers

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Indoor Outdoor Play with Primary Class

Indoor Outdoor Play

PSO needs Volunteers

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Discovery Class and Board Update

In Discovery Class...

Update from the Board

PSO needs Volunteers

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Adventure Class and Art, Music & Drama with Rosie

Cow Eyes, Bats, Gandhi & Owl Pellets

Updates from our students...

Art, Music & Drama with Rosie

PSO needs Volunteers

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

A News from our Parent Service Organization (PSO)

Barn Dance Update

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Fiber Arts, Primary Class and a Word From The Board

Students have been busy making!!! Lots of weaving and hand sewing happening. The creativity of our students never ceases to amaze!

Primary Class

January Board Update

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Science Month in Discovery Class

Science Month

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Black History, Frost & Owls

News from Cultural Arts

Straight from Adventure Students

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Adélie Penguins in Explorer Class

Learning about Adélie Penguins in the Five Acre Explorer classroom

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Wisdom begins with wonder

News from Primary Class

Endangered Species

Tomten Time

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

Words from Explorer Class and Winter Activities

News from Explorer Class

Poetry Fest

Tomten Time

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

December Art & Music

Music & Art with Rosie

Cultural Arts with Audra

In Cultural Arts, we are studying arts and culture from around the world. Each month(ish) we spend time visiting different countries, and learning about the culture through music and art.

In September we learned about Zimbabwe.

In October we learned about Mexico!

Calendar

You can always check out our online calendar HERE

A Treasure Trove of Stories

Discovery Class

Students have been busy making!!!
Lots of weaving and hand sewing happening. The creativity of our students never ceases to amaze!

Five Acre Board Hosts Coffee & Tea Social