ACADEMIC TOOLBOX NEWSLETTER March 2011
It is a late late newsletter this month. But, we have excuses, reasons, and beg your forgiveness! It all started on the 24th of February, a Thursday, as we prepared to set up displays at the Early Childhood Conference and the Family Expo. Mission accomplished, a sense of accomplishment as we drove through McDonalds just after 11PM. Up early Friday (early for retailers) at 6 and greeting people at the conference a little after 7. Left Sharon to be at the Expo by noon. Penny was in charge of the store. Late afternoon Sharon and Tammy (our summer help from Chelan last back to school) stopped by the Expo on their way to the store to relieve Penny. Next word I hear is that Sharon went home sick. Got home around 10 and found her with chills and definitely not going to work in the morning. Saturday tore down at conference early to be at Expo by opening and had a great but long day. Was helped by Cody with tear down and was still the last vendor to leave. Was impressive to watch the crew rushing to get ready for the ice show the next day. Anyway, it has taken me a week to catch up and try to be ahead so Sharon (who only missed 2 days) can go visit her sister and others in Arizona next week. That was a long excuse, sorry.
TIME CHANGE
Don't be late, time jumps forward an hour Saturday night the 12th. Daylight savings time one week before the first Day of Spring. Can't wait, except for the lawn growing and needing mowing part.
RAFFLE DRAWING
Laura Stellman was the winner of the raffle prize of the Deluxe Calico Critter Townhouse. Congratulations. The proceeds have been sent to Solomon's Porch so thank you to all those that purchased tickets.
STRANGE NEWS
Heard on Good Morning America that a school in Boston is giving classes to parents so they can help their children with homework. I leave the rest to your imagination.
ZIG ZIGLAR QUOTE
What comes out of your mouth is determined by what goes into your mind.
NEW PRODUCTS
Robots: Several new science kits in the robot category. A box robot that is constructed with the box the motor and parts come in. Others that use old CDs, one that doodles, one made from a pop can. Prices start at $10.99
Experiment with a catapult making kit. Measure and cut to build your wooden catapult while you learn about force, tension, and angles.
New games from Educational Insights: Buck, Buck, Moose! a fast action, color-matching game for 4 years old and up. Number Hunt a counting and adding game and a couple of others for the younger set.
Magnetic fun with two new products: Imagnets are different geometric shapes that you use to make different configurations right inside the wooden box it comes in. From Melissa and Doug is a magnetic picture maker that has lots of magnetic chips of different colors that you move into place with a magnetic wand to duplicate an inserted card or use without the cards to make pictures of your own design. Both of these make great travel toys.
Language Arts games: We have at least 12 new games in the language arts section. Most are either at reading levels 2.0-3.5 or 3.5-5.0.
DID YOU KNOW?
The first state to allow woman to vote was Wyoming.
REMINDERS
MSP testing is coming up and we have the materials for both the teacher and students to prepare for the tests.
Summer Bridge books will be available through some participating school PTAs/PTOs. Purchase from them and help your school. If your school is not part of the program you, of course, get your books here.
DRAWING WINNER
Our $25 winner this month is Heather Alexander. You are placed in our drawing jar when you redeem your Frequent Shopper card.
On the web www.academictoolbox.com
On Facebook www.facebook.com/academictoolbox
On the phone 667-8746 or toll free at 866-458-0239
e-mail atbox@nwi.net
Hours: 10-6 Weekdays, 10-5 Saturday, Closed Sunday