26. due to arrive 12/6/06, arrived 1/24/07
(traveled 427 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 7,687 miles)
Mrs. Jones-Laveau's kindergarten class
South Terrace Elementary School
Carlton, Minnesota

I arrived at South Terrace Elementary in Carlton, Minnesota in the afternoon. Mrs. Leppi, the school secretary, buzzed Mrs. Jones-Laveau as soon as I arrived, and Mrs. Jones-Laveau picked me up. I was sad to see Mrs. Jones-Laveaus classroom empty when I got out of my box. Her kindergarten class is only half day and the children were already at home. So Mrs. Jones-Laveau brought me to another classroom for the afternoon. I spent the afternoon with third graders, who worked on math and science. Mrs. Jones-Laveau took me home and I spent the evening with Mrs. Jones-Laveau, her husband, and their dog, Custer. It sure was nice to see another dog! Custer and I played outside in the snow (Thanks Mrs. Finnegans class for the mittens!) and then curled up by the fireplace for a bit.

I woke up in the morning, ready for a day at South Terrace, but Mrs. Jones-Laveau had a surprise for me! A field trip! The kindergarten class was going to a gymnastics school and so I only spent a little time in the classroom. The children came in from outside, and they took off all of their outside clothes. (Im glad I stayed inside!) We did calendar it was their 89th day of school, then it was time to get ready for the field trip. Everyone had to try to use the bathroom (even me!) and get their coats, mittens, boots, and hats on. Then they all signed my journal in their very best kindergarten handwriting. After they signed my book, Mrs. Jones-Laveau tucked me into her field trip bag, and we lined up for the bus. The gymnastics school was really fun their floors were even heated. I had a great spot on a stage to watch the children do somersaults, cartwheels, and even walk on a high balance beam. I wanted to try - but animals are not allowed on the gymnastics equipment. It looked very fun! After the field trip was over, we climbed back onto the bus, and headed back to South Terrace. We got there just in time for the children to put on their snow pants and pass out the classroom mail. I even helped pass out the mail! As the children were lining up I had a little time to explore the classroom. Mrs. Jones-Laveau took some pictures of me in different places.

Once the children were on the bus, Mrs. Jones-Laveau brought me to the office where Mr. Berg, the principal, gave me a Minnesota School of Excellence pin and a huge Carlton Bulldog Sticker. Mrs. Jones-Laveau put my sticker on the journal page her class signed. Then Mr. Berg found a new box for me, and told Mrs. Jones-Laveau to go and mail me off to Iowa!
 Ollie


(L and R) I relaxed in the Office and Reading Center!
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27. due to arrive 12/11/06, arrived 1/30/07
(traveled 411 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 8,098 miles)
Mrs. Pickhinke's transitional kindergarten class
Schaller-Crestland Community School
Schaller, Iowa

The kids and I enjoyed building ramps and watching the marbles and cars go down so fast. I also made some pictures in the art center with my new friends. The kids showed me how to do puzzles at playtime, too. I loved reading books in the fort. It is so cool that Transitional Kindergarten is studying my letter 'O' this week. My favorite part of the day was seeing all the animals the kids brought for their "winter animal" show and tell. It is great to meet new friends who are soft like me. Sophia's dad was the class' guest reader and read the Happy Feet book. I wish I could dance like that penguin!! It is very cold in Iowa this week - - the high temperature is lucky to get above zero degrees. BRRRR!! Well, I hear the weather is a little warmer in Missouri, so I think it is time for me to travel south!! Thanks for hosting me!! I'll write soon!
Love,
  Ollie


(L and R) Everything ZOOMED down the ramps the kids built!


(L) I found some great illustrators in the Art Center.
(R) The Reading Fort was so cool!


(L) Here I am with some master puzzle solvers!
(R) I loved listening to the Happy Feet book.


Can you find me with all the winter animals?
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28. due to arrive 12/15/06, arrived 2/5/07
(traveled 418 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 8,516 miles)
Mrs. Barkers 2nd grade class
Liberal R2 School
Liberal, Missouri

It was exciting getting out of my cramped box and it was a cold trip to Missouri from Iowa. Mrs. Barker told me that they missed 6 days of school in Jan. and they still have a lot of ice and snow on the ground. It was also 23 degrees when I got to Liberal. Mrs. Barker had three books about the real Owney and she shared those with the class. It was fun hearing about his adventures.

I found out that Liberal is a small farming community of only about 800 people. The school has grades preschool-12th with about 500 students total. There are two-second grades with a total of 36 students. There are 18 in Mrs. Barkers class. It was really sad today because I didnt get to meet everyone as the old flu bug has hit the class and 7 students were absent today. I sure missed them and Mrs. Barker told me that the students would be so disappointed when they find out that I finally made it to their school. But, she said they would understand since they knew that I was late and needed to get to my next school.

I got to take turns sitting with each of the students that were at school today. Since it was so cold and icy I got to have indoor recess with the class. That was fun building things with legos. I also got to go to PE class and ride on scooters. Now, talk about fun!! I met the principal, Mrs. Fry who gave me a band that said Bulldogs on it for their school. Bulldogs are their school mascot. Since I was in Missouri they tucked a Missouri quarter into one of my mittens. I sure hope it doesnt get lost on my journey so that I can buy something with it when I get back home. Maybe a doggy treat!

Everyone was so nice to me that I hated to leave but at the end of the day Mrs. Barker said that it was time to go and so she gave me a big hug and gently tucked me back in my mail box and away we went to the post office. So now Arkansas can be on the look out for me. Mrs. Barker wished that I could stay longer but since Im running behind schedule she thought I better get going. Sure hope it is warmer in Arkansas!
 Ollie


(L) Mrs. Barker shared these books with the class. It's always fun to read stories about Owney!
(R) Here I'm with one of the reading groups. They got new books the day I was there!


(L) Here I am with Mrs. Barker and Mrs. Meadows. Mrs. Meadows (the speech implementer and also Mrs. Barker's daughter) is holding me. This is her first year of teaching!
(R) Mrs. Barker's second graders were so much fun! Of course, I was disappointed that I missed
meeting a few students from her class!!


(L) These two girls were from the high school newspaper. I wonder if I'll be in the paper!?
(R) I played a Math game with my new friends too.


(L and R) I got to have my own scooter!! How exciting!


(L to R) I met lots of wonderful people at Liberal School including Mrs. Fry (the terrific
principal who gave me a bulldog bracelet), Mrs. Harvey (the school secretary), Mrs. Beasley (the
counselor), and even the school nurse!
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29. due to arrive 12/19/06, arrived 2/7/07
(traveled 339 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 8,855 miles)
Mrs. Thompsons 3rd grade class
Northside Elementary School
Cabot, Arkansas

Today I arrived in Cabot, Arkansas! I got to spend the day with Mrs. Thompson and her 3rd grade students. They were very excited to meet me and learn all about Owney. The class added their own special touch to the collection around my neck. Northside Elementary School is known as the "Top Dog School" and they have dog tags that are given for great behavior. They decided that I should leave with a Northside Dog Tag! I was so proud and excited!!

I was able to meet the other 3 third grade classes as well as their Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Miller, and their principal, Mrs. Finley. Today Mrs. Thompson's class was also writing to their pen pals in New Mexico. Everyone shared about me with these students too. I enjoyed my visit with the class today (I think they did too!)!
 Ollie


(L) I had a blast with my new friends in Arkansas!
(R) Check out my new dog tag from "Top Dog Elementary"! They have 2 golden retrievers as their mascots.
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30. due to arrive 1/8/07, arrived 3/13/07
(traveled 551 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 9,406 miles)
Mrs. Bradfords 1st grade class
Belle Chasse Primary School
Belle Chasse, Louisiana

Hello,
I finally reached Louisiana! That sure was a long trip!!! The weather is beautiful here. It's in the 70's, but cloudy. Belle Chasse Primary is a big school with about 1,200 kids from Pre-K through fourth grade. The fourth graders are gearing up for the LEAP test next week.

I spent the day in Mrs. Bradford's class. I read an interesting story in the basal reader called "Lost in the Museum". I could sure make "text to self connections" with that story. Getting lost is no fun!

After reading we went to lunch and then had "walk and talk" outside. When we came back in, we did math. After math, Mrs. Ferrar, the art teacher, came in for art. That was fun. I met Mrs. Ritz and Mrs. Haydel, the co-principals of the school. Tomorrow morning I will be on TV for the Belle Chasse Primary morning show. Then tomorrow afternoon, I will be on my way to the next state.
  Ollie


(L and R) I'm SO HAPPY that I found my way to Mrs. Bradford's 1st grade class!


(L and R) I enjoyed hearing the 1st graders read, "Lost in the Museum."


I had a great time in Louisiana!
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UPDATE from Mrs. Stamp!! Author / Illustrator Visits Marshall Elementary on 3/15/07!

We were thrilled that the PTO agreed to host author/illustrator Irene Kelly on March 15th! She provided 3 assemblies for our students during the morning. She also offered her four books at a discounted price (and autographed them too!).


During her talk, she read passages (and shared the beautiful illustrations) from her story about Owney, "Around the World with Owney."


We even learned a few interesting tidbits about Owney that Mrs. Kelly learned through her careful research.


Mrs. Kelly showed us her original art work from the book. She talked about making a variety of illustrations (ex. close-ups and wide views) in a picture book.


Do you see this roll of paper? This is the ENTIRE book printed on 2 sheets... which when cut apart will form the 32 page picture book!


Marshall 2nd graders had a special treat in the afternoon... Writer's Workshops with Irene Kelly! Our assignment was to write a story from a dog's perspective. Of course, the first step was brainstorming.


We looked at some samples and then got to work on our draft.


It was wonderful to have imput from a published author!!


Here are 2 samples of the finished product:
"A Dog in Paris"
I'm in Notre Dame in Paris. I liked going up and down the stairs. I peeked out the windows and try to catch a bird, but I didn't catch one. Then when I got out of the window, my legs were too tiny to fetch on the marble steps. I fell out then I started tumbling down the marble steps. Then a little girl caught me. She took me to her house and put me under her bed blanket. I was ready to go back!

"Faith the Dog at the Beach in New Mexico"
Hi, I am Faith the dog. I am in New Mexico and I met another dog. Her name is Ocean. Her name is Ocean because she loves the beach and we became friends. That day, a person walked to me and said, "Dog, do you want to come with me to the park?" So I went to the park, but when I got there the man tricked me and he put me in a cage. Then my friend Ocean came after me, She runs very fast. She bit the man so hard the man fell down. Then Ocean got the keys out of the man's hand and Ocean unlocked my cage and we ran back to the beach.

31. due to arrive 1/12/07, arrived 3/19/07
(traveled 537 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 9,943 miles)
**Mrs. Durnin's 1st grade class
Godwin Elementary School
Princeton, Texas

Hello from Texas! Mrs. Durnin picked me up at the post office after school and took me home with her for the evening. Her two kids really liked having me at their house. Mrs. Durnin has lots of animals - 2 cats, a dog, and a hamster.

When I got to school, the kids were excited to see me. I met Mrs. Durnin's class dog, Barkley. He gets to go home with a different student every weekend. They passed me around as part of their greeting for morning meeting. I got to sit at each table for part of the morning. We read a story about an owl and the moon, and went to the library. The library was fun! We read an Arthur book about jelly beans, then watched a video about how Jelly Bellies are made. That was very interesting. I also met the ladies in the office, and got to meet the dog that lives in the office.

After lunch, we had DEAR time and math. Mrs. Durnin's class is learning about time, and they are really good at telling time! Then we went to specials. The class went to computers today. Then we went back to class and watched a video about animal habitats.

I met a lot of nice people at Godwin Elementary. Mrs. Durnin gave me a Texas pin to put on my bandana. I will be sad to leave, but I have to move on to Oklahoma. I'll be leaving in a little while. Hope I get there fast!
 Ollie


(L and R) Here are my two newest dog pals... Barkley and the Dog that lives in the Office!


(L) It was fun meeting all the 1st graders during Morning Meeting.
(R) Mrs. Durnin's class has great readers!


(L) I listened carefully to Mrs. Cofield when she was reading in the Library...
(R) and the 1st graders when they were reading during DEAR time!


(L) Of course, you KNOW how much I love computers!!
(R) What a fun group! Thanks Mrs. Durnin's class!
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32. due to arrive 1/17/07, arrived 3/26/07
(traveled 225 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 10,168 miles)
Mrs. Shiplett's 1st grade class
McLoud Elementary School
McLoud, Oklahoma

Dear Friends,
I arrived in Oklahoma while Mrs. Shiplett's class was on spring break. I was sure ready to get out of my box when they returned on Monday. The first graders were so excited to see me. My box was delivered while they were at lunch. We had a few minutes to get to meet each other and I got to show off all of the treasures that have been added to my collar and bandana. The students were really impressed and were eager to add something from Oklahoma. Mrs. Shiplett proudly put on a pin that was shaped like their state. Did you know that Oklahoma is celebrating their 100th year of being a state?

It was soon time to go to PE. I met Mrs. Thomas, the music teacher and Mrs. Cardin, one of the PE teachers. While the students were in the gym, Mrs. Shiplett took me on a tour of the school. First we went to the office, where I met Mrs. Phillips, the principal. She was so excited to hear about my story. She added a McLoud Pride lanyard and a Redskin keychain to my collection. I then met some of the other teachers and staff members.

When the students were finished with PE, it was time for pictures. My new friends and I stood in front of a beautiful tree. It was all covered with red blooms. Mrs. Shiplett said it was called a redbud tree and it is the state tree for Oklahoma! We then went back to the classroom and I sat on the students' tables and watched them work. WOW! They are really quick with their math facts! We read my online journal when they were finished.

Soon, we lined up for the library. We went to the Media Center with Mrs. Morgan's first grade class. After the students checked out a new book, Mrs. Hill, the librarian, read to us. You can see me sitting nicely and listening in my pictures. Then it was time for the students to go home. We were a little sad because I had to leave so soon, but we understand that I had to hurry to visit the other states before schools are out. I got a hug from everyone as they left for the day. Before I climbed back into my box, I had my picture taken with a Redskin mug and a postcard of the Oklahoma flag. Then off I went to the post office and I was on my way to Kansas.
 Ollie


(L) I told Mrs. Phillips, the principal, about my travels... she couldn't believe how far I'd gone (over 10,000 miles!!).
(R) Mrs. Shiplett's class showed me this beautiful redbud tree.


(L) These first graders were Math Wizards!
(R) Wait a second... I think I recognize that dog!!


(L) That Mrs. Hill is a wonderful reader!
(R) I took a closer look at the state of Oklahoma and McLoud Elementary's mascot before I left
for my next adventure.
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33. due to arrive 1/22/07, arrived 3/28/07
(traveled 265 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 10,433 miles)
Mrs. Scheve's 1st grade class
Riverside Elementary School
Emporia, Kansas

I arrived at Riverside Elementary school on March 28th right before the students were getting  ready to go home. Mrs. Scheves first graders were so excited to take me out of my box. Immediately, I received about 20 hugs. Mrs. Scheve took me home with her for the evening, where I received lots of attention from her children and her yorkie, Kali.

The next morning, it was raining really hard when we got to school. Mrs. Scheve and her intern, Miss Langley, carried me down to the gym where I greeted the class. The line leader proudly carried me down to the classroom. The students enjoyed looking at all the pins and special things hanging around my neck. They placed a small red apple lapel pin, from the Emporia School District on my little hat. Miss Langley let me sit on her lap while she read a story about me to the class. Later, I got to sit on their laps while I listened to them read from their book boxes. They sure are good readers. They even cheered their word wall words doing puppy cheers, such as doggy paws, doggie trot, and wagging tails.

During Writers Workshop, the students wrote letters to the class in Nebraska, where I will be going next to visit. They wrote about how much fun they were having with me. I will be carrying those letters with me to the next class. During the morning, I met and had my picture taken with Mr. Wyrick (the school principal), Mrs. Sheldon (our School Counselor), and many other students and teachers. Since it was an indoor recess day, I enjoyed lying on the classroom rug and watching the children build things with Lincoln Logs and Magnetix. I really enjoyed going to the lunchroom and watching them eat. I sure attracted lots of attention in the lunchroom.

After lunch, I watched my Riverside buddies count over 100 manipulatives during Math time and listened to them read a Scholastic News magazine. In P.E., I watched the students ride around on scooters. Our last activity of the day was spent in Art.

Mrs. Scheve took many pictures of me with the students throughout the day. I got my picture taken with each student. Mrs. Scheve had a photo made for each student to take home so they could remember me. It was a sad ending to the exciting day when I had to tell them all good-bye. Everyone gave me a hug and told me how much they would miss me, but they knew there was a class of 2nd graders in Lincoln, Nebraska who are anxiously awaiting my visit.
 Ollie


(L) It was great to get so many excited hugs when I arrived at Riverside Elementary!
(R) The kids wrote their names so neatly in my journal.


(L and R) I loved listening with Miss Langley and Mrs. Scheve's 1st graders.


(L) During indoor recess, I watched the children play games on the rug.
(R) I made lots of new friends in the lunchroom too.


(L) Look at all those manipulatives!!
(R) Thanks for all the fun, Mrs. Scheve's class!

UPDATE from Mrs. Stamp, 4/12/07
Ollie made Emporia Public Schools news... click here to read a nice article from Mrs. Scheve's school division!
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34. due to arrive 1/26/07, arrived 4/3/07
(traveled 228 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 10,661 miles)
Mrs. Moller's 2nd grade class
Prescott Elementary School
Lincoln, Nebraska
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35. due to arrive 1/31/07, arrived 4/12/07
(traveled 254 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 10,915 miles)
**Mrs. Shade's 1st grade class
West Central Elementary School
Hartford, South Dakota

I arrived in South Dakota in a spring blizzard! It was snowing and we ended up with 8 inches of snow. The kids were so excited when I was brought into the classroom and I joined in doing centers with the students. I even took a ride with Pete, the janitor, on the "zamboni" that cleans the floors. I took turns reading with everyone and visited the principal's office for April's birthday bash. I ate lunch with Samantha, the birthday girl, too. Everyone loved reading about the history of Owney and reading about my travels. They were sad to see me go and I'll really miss them too!
 Ollie


(L) It felt so nice to get out of my box and take a look around Mrs. Shade's room.
(R) We had fun in the Computer Center!


(L and R) These 1st graders are GREAT readers. I enjoyed listening to them read in reading
groups, the Listening Center,...


(L and R) and with reading buddies!


(L) I had a blast cruising around West Central Elementary on the zamboni.
(R) Thanks for letting me visit, Mrs. Shade!


(L) These first graders know how to have FUN in the snow!!
(R) Can you believe they made me an honorary Substitute Teacher!?

UPDATE! Postcard received 4/24/07
"Ollie enjoyed the April snow. He did centers with us. Your friend, Lee 1st grade"
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36. due to arrive 2/5/07, arrived 4/17/07
(traveled 243 miles, TOTAL distance traveled: 11,158 miles)
Mrs. Wacha's 5th grade class
Bennett Elementary School
Fargo, North Dakota



Unfortunately, Ollie did not complete his journey during the 2006-2007 school year... so sorry to the following states that did not get to meet Ollie: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, and Virginia.

I hope, however, that you feel as I do--the experience itself makes up for the few speed bumps we have hit in the inaugural year of our project!!!

We're gearing up now to have a new Ollie accomplish this AMAZING journey! SIGN UP NOW for Ollie's Travels for 2007-2008!!
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37. due to arrive 2/9/07
Mrs. Lair's 2nd grade class
Corvallis Primary School
Covallis, Montana
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38. due to arrive 2/14/07
Mrs. Aldinger and Mrs. Grants 2nd grade class
Seven Oaks Elementary School
Eagle, Idaho
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39. due to arrive 2/19/07
**Mrs. Smith's K-5 Media/Technology class
Eastside School
Cody, Wyoming
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40. due to arrive 2/23/07
Mrs. Shehan's kindergarten class
Green Gables Elementary School
Lakewood, Colorado
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