Lower School STEAM fair

The Lower School STEAM Fair was a resounding success! Lower School students immersed themselves in various STEAM activities and games at stations throughout the Middle School. Seventh and eighth graders played a crucial role in leading each station and explaining its mechanics to the eager STEAM explorers. Thank you to all of our volunteers for ensuring this event was a success.

Seventh Grade reads to Doherty First Graders

Seventh graders in science teacher Kristin Suer’s class traveled to the Doherty Campus to read books they wrote and designed about the solar system to Unit I students. The seventh graders rotated around the science classroom so the students could read as many stories as possible. The Unit I students have also been learning about the solar system and their maps of it are decorating the walls of Jones Hall.

Seventh Graders build earthquake-resistant architecture

Seventh graders in Kristin Suer’s science class undertook the challenge of constructing earthquake-resistant towers and subjecting them to rigorous testing. Following an in-depth engineering lesson and studying seismic waves, students were tasked with a real-world scenario: designing a new building situated along the San Andreas Fault. Utilizing materials such as straws and dowel rods as beams and cardboard for flooring, students meticulously constructed their towers. Adding to the complexity, students were required to manage costs within a designated budget, with each material carrying its own purchase price. This hands-on project not only reinforced engineering principles but also fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an engaging and practical manner.

“After strapping the live loads (represented by beanbag animals) to their two-story towers, their towers experienced all the waves of an earthquake on the shake table. Students ultimately had to decide whether a cheaper tower with less weight would be more successful than a more expensive tower with heavier reinforcements,” Suer said.

Lunar New Year

The Middle School has been abuzz with festive activities in preparation for Lunar New Year. Middle School students and parent volunteers enjoyed learning how to prepare two different types of fillings, a pork and green onion filling and a vegetarian tofu and glass noodle filling. Middle and Upper World Language teacher Mia Wu led her Chinese class step by step through the dumpling-making process. The dumplings smelled and looked delicious! Students also had the option to purchase bubble tea from BobaCha during lunch in early February as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Happy Lunar New Year!

Delay the Phone!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Delay the Phone! informational meeting in early February! During the meeting, Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz introduced the Wait Until 8th parent program that will help reduce the pressure felt by both students and parents over kids having smartphones. Waskowitz is making the presentation available as both a PDF and a video. Please email Waskowitz if you would like either of these versions to the event.

“It is so important that we all understand and work together to alleviate the inherent risks that are ever-present for kids in the world(s) that exist online,” Waskowitz said.