Fall Field Trips...A Lincoln Tradition

Last Friday was an exciting day for Lincoln Students. Many of our students took field trips or had special events. I had the pleasure of joining our third grade on their walking field trip to Mike Festa’s house. Mr. Festa is our former State Representative and a former Lincoln parent. Mike and Sandra Festa welcomed our third graders for a complete tour of the gardens, chicken coups and Koi ponds. The gardens are an amazing hidden treasure within the neighborhoods of Melrose and Mike’s knowledge and ability to teach the children was impressive.  His enthusiasm was clearly evident as he showed us his “baby” which has taken over 30 years of care.

Mike Festa explaining how the Koi survive in the winter.

Mike showing off his prized Rhode Island Red Chickens

Along the slopping hills of the backyard, our students took copious notes about what they were seeing. Mike walked the students through each stage of the compost pile and the kids got to feel, see and smell all the stages. The array of plant species was remarkable. Did you know there is a northern species of kiwi?

And of course, if learning firsthand about gardening and different plant species was not enough, Mr. Festa won us all over by treating the entire third grade to pizza, and popsicles on his backyard patio. I am struck by Mr. and Mrs. Festa’s generosity but mostly by their continued devotion to Lincoln Elementary, even though their own children are grown adults.

 Our Kindergarten students had their annual visit from Johnny Appleseed. This special guest had all the students engaged during this Fabulous Friday event. Thanks to all the parents who joined us last Friday and helped the students with cutting the apples. Folktales are an important part of our literacy curriculum and Johnny Appleseed has so many local connections to the historical elements of the folktale. 

"Johnny" and Mrs. Breda spin the tale.

I'm not sure who had more fun, the students or the teachers. We are very lucky to be paid a visit from such a "character."

Clearly Fall was a theme on Friday and our First graders took a trip to Smolak Farms for some apple picking, hay rides and donuts & cider. We had many parents who also volunteered for this trip.

First Graders on the hayride

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