Raintree School

Every end is a new beginning. As we officially close our doors this spring, we want to celebrate the incredible journey we’ve shared. To our families and staff: thank you for your dedication and heart. We can’t wait to see the amazing things our students continue to do in the world. 🌟

As our school year is coming to a close, our classroom documentation boards are full of all the learning that has taken place this year. As a Reggio-Inspired school, documentation is an important part of our routine. These beautifully crafted boards not only make project work visible for our tiny humans, but also highlights the entirety of the learning, not just the finished outcome. Swipe to see the amazing work our Raintree students have accomplished this year!

The Dancing Skeletons Preschool class has been learning about how they can help prevent oil and trash from entering our waterways. They have found through their research that protesting can be an effective way to raise awareness and promote change.

After creating their own signs, the Skeletons and several members of our Raintree community gathered for a Children’s Mini March at the St. Louis Earth Day Festival this past weekend. We are so proud of our students for “caring out loud” about their Earth! 🌍

A big thanks to Andrea Winfrey who organized this lovely Mini March. We are so grateful to have families that collaborate in our learning and help our planet!

The Dancing Skeleton’s preschool class has been learning about sustainability and different ways people can “save the earth.” After learning about how litter can harm wildlife, the class became passionate about picking up trash. During their project research, they learned about “Peanut the Turtle”, a turtle whose shell was impacted by litter.

Today, students had the opportunity to meet Peanut at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center! The children listened to Peanut’s story and were able to ask questions about Peanut’s life.

Once upon a time our lovely Raintree staff were also little ones, just like your student! We are so thankful for our staff who allow their inner child to come out each day with our tiny humans. Comment below if you can identify a Raintree teacher from these photos!

The Flying Rainbow Crow’s Pre-K class has been learning about erosion. They first noticed erosion on Pre-K hill when the caterpillars could not make it up the hill. 

Poster One - how we got started:
Student - “We need to help the caterpillars on the hill.”
Lulu - “We should add more rocks.”
Student - “We use gentle hands with caterpillars.”

Poster Two - types of erosion:
Stella - “Water, wind, digging, and ice can make erosion.”
Avery - “Water can come down the hill and make mud slide down.”

Poster three - our plan:
Simon - “This is what we want Pre K hill to look like.”
Max - “We are helping the hill.”

They decided to share their findings and plan with Raintree staff and students! Way to go Crows!

Our February Cooking Class was a hit! Participants enjoyed discussing meal freezing strategies, prepared a huge batch of macaroni casseroles, and tried their hands at blanching and freezing fresh veggies. It was delivered on Monday, February 23rd to 314Oasis in the Fountain Park neighborhood. It was a great opportunity to connect with the wider St. Louis community and be a part of the ongoing tornado recovery efforts. Thank you to our very own Chef Katie for sharing all of your cooking wisdom and putting this special event together.

February at Raintree School is buzzing with the beginning stages of projects. As you walk through these magical halls, you can see children tinkering, designing, problem solving, and using their imaginations.

These pre-project weeks are spent sparking childrens’ interests and firing up student curiosities. The students pictured above are engaging with construction themed provocations.

To learn more, you can read our blog post “The Beginning of a Project.” You can view this in Raintree’s Spotted Dog Blog linked in our bio and available on our website.

A large component of Raintree’s peace process is giving children a toolbox of strategies to use when they are feeling disregulated.

Yoga offers kiddos a chance to move their body while reducing stress and anxiety, increasing flexibility and balance, and providing a feeling of peace. Our Preschool teacher, Ms. Melanie, hosted a mini yoga lesson one morning. Each student was able to choose a yoga card and work together as a group to replicate the pose, taking deep intentional breaths all the while.

Hurray! It’s launch party day!

The Sparkle Mushroom Cup Elementary class completed the first 6 episodes of their podcast: Raintree Forest Nature: Rainbows Above Us And Animals Playing Below Us. This podcast will highlight animals and plants in our school’s forest!

Today was the day these elementary schoolers got to reflect and celebrate their hard work this year. After researching podcasts, learning from guest experts, choosing their format, thinking about their audience, and recording their facts and stories, the students finally got to listen to their published podcast with their families and teachers at their side.

No launch party is complete without decorations, cake, and a little bit of music! The Mushroom Cups researched what goes into making a launch party and then planned their magical event.

This podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Podcast Addict. Check it out in the link in our bio!

A year ago, our very own Chef Katie released the Raintree Cookbook. It is full of wholesome, easy to make meals we know your family will enjoy - because they are favorites of the Raintree Family! Need an extra stocking stuffer for the holidays? Click the link in our bio to order your copy!