No Class Tuesday, January 28th

Due to the extreme temperatures today, we have no class. Please stay warm and safe. I will see you Thursday!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On Monday, January 21st, schools are closed.  This is because of the national holiday celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King was a phenomenal public speaker.  He is famously known throughout the world for his "I Have a Dream" speech given on August 28, 1963 during the March on Washington.

Below is footage of the March on Washington and Dr. King's speech.  There is also a link to the text of his speech.  It will not be an easy read or simple to understand because of the language he uses, but it is nonetheless important to understand the emotions and need for equality felt in the 1960s in America.

He was a great man and worthy of respect and remembrance with his message of equality and nonviolence.




Text of the speech:  http://www.archives.gov/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf

No Class Tuesday, January 7, 2014

There are no morning or evening classes tomorrow.

Due to the extremely cold temperatures and snow expected overnight and tomorrow, Maryvale and Amherst schools have been closed.

Please limit the amount of time spent outside and do not allow children to play outside. The temperature is expected to be very low with wind chill reaching around -30 degrees Fahrenheit (about -34 degrees Celsius).

Stay safe and warm! I'll see you all Thursday!

Winter Activities

Are you bored spending all of your free time inside at home? Don't be!
Here's a list of some of the wintertime activities the Buffalo area has to offer. Always remember to dress for the weather and be prepared.

Sports and other physical activities

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Skiing: downhill and cross-country

Kissing Bridge in Glenwood, NY

Skiing, snowboarding and lessons for adults and children are all offered at the Kissing Bridge resort.

Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY

This ski resort offers activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing and lessons along side full resort features such as a spa and shopping.

Iceskating

The Northtown Center at Amherst  

Located right next to UB North Campus, this indoor skating rink fills up quickly during open skate (when anyone can come in to skate). Skate rentals are available.

The Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza

Skate in the open air of Downtown Buffalo! Getting there is easy: take the subway from UB South Campus straight to Fountain Plaza. They also have snacks and drinks available to warm you up!

Sledding

Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY

Possibly one of the best places in the area for sledding, Chestnut Ridge Park has chutes for tobogganing, trails for snow shoeing and more!

Ellicott Creek Park in North Tonawanda, NY

Sledding, cross-country and snow showing are all available from 7am until dusk (when the sun goes down). Don't forget that all state parks close when the sun goes down.

Festivals

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Winterfest 2014

A number of exciting activities will be available for the public at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, NY during Winterfest. This year it will be held on Sunday, January 26th from 11am to 4pm. Don't forget to dress for the weather!

Niagara Icewine Festival

From January 10th to the 26th, the Niagara area of Ontario, Canada celebrates the production of icewine. Adults may enjoy wine tasting, icewine grape picking, food and even an elegant gala! Check out the website for more details for specific events and locations.

Make sure that you have the proper documents to travel to Canada before doing so, and also keep in mind that the legal drinking age in Canada is 19. Please drink responsibly.

Weather Forecast

It looks like we have another very cold day coming on Tuesday. Be sure to watch the weather and be prepared!

Snow Day

We have no class tonight.

If you've looked or been outside, you've noticed that it is quite cold and snowy. The school district has just posted the closing for afternoon and evening activities. This includes our class.

If you have to leave home, please travel safely and wear warm clothing!

I'll see you all next week!

Brrrrrr!

Be sure to dress appropriately!

It's cold out there! According to the local weather forecast, we're in for some very cold and snowy weather over the next day or so.

Windermere is scheduled to open tomorrow (Thursday, January 2nd, 2014), however, if the weather is extremely cold or snowy, classes may be cancelled. 

As mentioned in an earlier post, there are a number of places to check for school closings. I suggest watching WGRZ (NBC/channel 2 on TV) for updates in the morning and before class tomorrow.

Schools may close if the weather is dangerous to travel or for children to be outside in due to snow, ice or cold. 

During frigid weather like this, there are places in the city for the homeless to seek shelter from the dangerous cold. It is often referred to as "Code Blue".


Also:  Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a happy and healthy break! I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!