First grade has been busy learning all about the American flag. We know that it has 13 stripes for the first 13 colonies. The 50 stars stand for each of the 50 states. We know that the color red is for courage, blue is for unity and white is for purity.

Aren't our Bald Eagles cute. They may look somewhat like owls but they are BALD EAGLES. We know that bald eagles symbolize strength, peace and freedom. We are very glad that Benjamin Franklin did not get to choose our symbol. He wanted to use a turkey! We would not like for the United States to be called a TURKEY!

Could you guess that we are all wearing a crown like the Statue of Liberty? The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from France. It was sent to celebrate our country's birthday. It is a symbol of the many people who have moved to the United States to find a better life.

First Grade has begun a study of Christopher Columbus. We will be learning more about maps. We will recognize the continent of Europe. We will learn about the life of Christopher Columbus and we will practice music and poetry to remember important facts about his life.