First, an update on Sofi's class aquaponics project. The water leaked out of the tank over the first weekend and all the fish died. Luckily, the project was kept in the school greenhouse so it didn't damage anything. When Sofi got to school on Monday, several students helped rebuild the system using a new tank and a plastic bin for growing plants.
Becky went to school on Thursday to see the new set up. The system is working great. Tiny lettuce shoots are growing in the rocks. The plants don't need dirt because the fish waste in the water gives the plants all the nutrients they need.
The fish looked happy swimming in clean water.
Becky had never been to the school greenhouses before. They are impressive, obviously built before the current days of extreme budget cuts. One greenhouse is set up to support a large scale aquaponic system. Huge koi swim in a fishpond that extends outside the greenhouse. We have all loved learning about aquaponics from this school project.
Brandan's long term medical assistant, Susanne, has moved to a new job closer to her home. They have worked together for 8 years. Susanne has been a blessing to our family and is dedicated to Brandan's patients. Luckily, she's not so far away and we will still be able to see her.
Abe and Steve played a duet at the guitar society this week. Abe is still the youngest performer by a good 10 years. They played "Lord Inchiquin" by Turlough O'Carolan. Turlough was a famous Irish musician in the 1700s. He played the harp, but his music translates easily to guitar.
The elementary school had its end of the year awards assembly on Friday. Helen received a trophy for having 750 AR points, a big achievement for a 3rd grader.
Abe received a trophy for having 3000 AR points. This is many, many more points than any elementary student at their school has ever earned. A few students earn 1000 points. A handful of students have gone beyond 1000. No one besides Abe has ever crossed the 2000 point mark. Besides the trophy, his teacher printed out a list of all the books Abe has taken AR tests on since first grade. The list is 13 pages long and shows 486 books. Abe may be the first 3000 point student, but we're sure he's not the last. He's moved the goal post and other students will meet the challenge.
Abe also received the George Johns award. This award is given every year to two outstanding 5th graders. Their names are added to a special plaque. He got to bring the plaque home for photos and then it will hang in the school.
Brandan's parents spent the weekend with us. They were on their way to the coast. We went on the Hellgate jet boats Saturday night. It's a very fun (and wet!) way to see Oregon's beautiful outdoors.
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