Student Representative Report to the School Committee – February 15, 2017
FORESTDALE
Last week our kindergarten students finished a series of lessons with the team of naturalists from Green Briar. This PTA sponsored in school field trip brings a variety of ecosystems into our schools and students get to explore and learn about the interactions that exist in ecosystems right here on Cape Cod.
February 8th marked the 100th day of school, which was celebrated with much revelry at the Forestdale School. Students dressed up like they were 100 years old, counted objects to 100, make “100 Day Capes” and paraded around the school, collected items for the Sandwich Food Pantry and wrote about items the wished they could have 100 of. It was a great day of fun and learning.
Grade two students have been and will continue to participate in a Lego Robotics unit. In this unit they are learning the basics of computer coding and how that coding can then make simple machines do work. This unit will continue after the vacation as the students continue to learn and experiment.
Lastly, the Forestdale school will begin the process of welcoming next year’s kindergarten class starting next month. On March 9th from 6:30-7:30 at the Forestale School, we will be having a Kindergarten Information Night. This will be a chance for parents and incoming kindergarten students to learn about kindergarten at Forestdale, get information about the registration process, meet key members of the Forestdale staff and ask questions.
OAK RIDGE
This month we’d like to highlight the Specialists. Last week our Specialists teachers held their first Specialist Curriculum Night. It was a wonderful event where parents got the opportunity to experience these dynamic classes first hand. Parents got to try coding, 3-D modeling, using robotics, problem solving in teams and on their own, learn about how technology is supporting music and how the arts are alive and well at Oak Ridge. We hope this is the first of many Curriculum Nights.
The Wellness teachers have been raising money and awareness for heart health through our annual Jump Rope for Heart event.
Music students, coming off of the success of their Winter Concerts are already preparing for Spring concerts and music festival. Next week our string students will travel to Nauset Middle School to meet with violinists from across the cape.
STEM
The STEM Academy Science and Engineering Expo was a big success. The event was well-attended by students and parents and the students explained their projects to an enthusiastic group of visitors.
The next STEM dance is scheduled for March 17.
The Mardis Gras House of Cards Snack Shack was held this afternoon. There were many games and activities for the students and several local businesses donated prizes. Thank you to the STEM PTA for organizing this.
The STEM Journey is shaping up to be an important regional event. In addition to the many exhibitors there will also be a mini college fair for high school students. Several universities have agree to set up tables including Northeastern University, Suffolk University, the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechic Institute, and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
The Exploration & Discovery Day is scheduled for March 10. Students this week have been signing up for four hands-on workshops from the fields of the Arts, Health and Humanities, Math and Business, and Science and Engineering. There is a total of 41 workshops this year.
The STEM ski trip was also successful and the students had a great time on the slopes.
STEM students will also be participating in the Science on the Street program at the Cape Cod Community College on March 18.
SHS
Sandwich High School is in full gear! A group of students departs for the Dominican Republic with Mr. Childress in a few days. Students are excited and eager to engage in this important service opportunity. Our sophomore class continues to exhibit great energy as they are organizing a dodgeball tournament for March. Their sophomore to grade 7 transition program has received great reviews. The response from teachers and students is excellent. The sophomore applications for peer leadership are coming in strong. Deadline is Thursday 2-16-17. Interviews are after vacation and mediation training is in early April. Thank you to SHS faculty members for the outstanding recommendations and to the Class of 2019 for your thoughtful application essays. The Friday after vacation on March 3, Sandwich Soul will present an early spring concert in the evening. This is always a great night. Then, on March 11, SHS and STEM KTC hosts its first ever 50’s Sock Hop, a night of wonderful events focused on generating energy and interest for the spring musical Grease!!! The leads of Grease are to be interviewed by Jay McGrail this Thursday on his weekly pod cast at 3:00! Tune in. While there are barely a few signs of spring outdoors, the students at SHS are wrapping up winter activities and looking ahead to all the excitement and opportunities that define warmer and longer days!
SHS students are active in all aspects of welcoming grade 6 students to STEM and to playing an important role in the end of year events from grades 7 and 8. Best wishes from the castle for a safe and enjoyable vacation next week with lots of time with family and friends.
SHS students are active in all aspects of welcoming grade 6 students to STEM and to playing an important role in the end of year events from grades 7 and 8. Best wishes from the castle for a safe and enjoyable vacation next week with lots of time with family and friends.