Middle
May 6, 2021
Sixth-grade Writing Workshop Re-writes Fairy Tales
Sixth-graders in Bill Waskowitz’s Writing Workshop recently applied their study of point of view to rewriting fairy tales from the perspective of another character, “think “Hansel and Gretel” as told from the Witch’s point of view,” Waskowitz said. Waskowitz said once the stories were re-written and illustrated, students shared their work with Lotspeich second-graders in Danielle Necessary and Cicely Knecht’s classes. “Following their readings, sixth-graders asked the younger students for suggestions and thoughts about their stories; what was enjoyable, what could be improved upon, etc.,” Waskowitz said. “This experience allowed both sixth-graders and second-graders the chance to interact and read with a purpose that benefited both age groups.”
Computer Science Students Study Robotics
This quarter, eighth-graders in Karen Glum’s exploring computer science class are working on robotics projects. “Using microbit microcontrollers, along with various sensors and outputs, students bring their own robotics concepts to life,” Glum said. “So far projects include a pinball machine, a garden with flowers that light up and move when it gets dark, and more.” For the projects, students are required to use a minimum of three outputs, including one motion output, and two inputs, such as light and temperature. “The computer programs must demonstrate students’ abilities to write efficient and adaptable code including use of loops, variables, functions, and conditionals,” Glum said.
Middle School Holds GLSEN Day of Silence
More than 70 Middle School students participated in GLSEN’s Day of Silence on April 23. According to GLSEN’s website, the event was “a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students around the country–and the world–take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools.” Allies also participate. Participating students wore a GLSEN button to indicate they would not be speaking during the day. The Middle School also had a building-wide moment of silence at the end of fourth block. In a recent Message from the Middle, Head of Middle School Bill Waskowitz said he was pleased the Middle School community was sponsoring the Day of Silence. “I am confident that when our students express the willingness to be courageous and vulnerable with events like the Day of Silence, they are helping to create a more loving, connected, and joyful Middle School community,” he wrote.
Middle Schoolers Participate in Walk-a-Thon
Over the course of three weeks, some Middle School students participated in a walk-a-thon to raise money for the Caring Place, which provides services and food, clothing, and furniture to members of the Golf Manor, Kennedy Heights, Pleasant Ridge, and Silverton communities. Twice a week during their advisory times, students walked laps on the track. Organizer Jennifer Licata said the walk-a-thon was open to all Middle School students and more than 170 students participated. Students will present a check to the Caring Place.
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Five Stingers Sign to Play in College
Five Stingers from the Class of 2024 signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college.
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