As we move closer to the end of the school year, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to complete tasks with excellence. This week, 7th and 8th graders wrapped up their science fair projects which was no small feat. These projects required thoughtful planning, persistence, and a willingness to revisit and revise their work in order to truly do their best. It was inspiring to watch students push through challenges, make improvements, and take pride in creating something they felt confident sharing.
In our recent middle school meeting, Ms. Rives built on this idea by introducing SMART goals—encouraging students to think intentionally about how to set themselves up for success. We talked about how goal-setting doesn’t end with the school year, but can be a powerful tool for growth over the summer and beyond. Taking the time to set personal goals gives us direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose as we continue to learn and grow outside the classroom.
As I reflect alongside our students, I’ve been thinking about my own goals for the summer: finally completing a few house projects I’ve been putting off, reading five nonfiction books before the next school year begins, and making it to the beach at least once a week (I am ashamed at how few times I have actually gone to the beach since I moved here 4 years ago). Sharing these goals with students has been a reminder that growth is lifelong—and that striving for excellence can happen in both big and small ways.
As we finish out the year, I’m so proud of the dedication, resilience, and effort our students continue to show. They are learning that excellence isn’t about perfection, but about giving their best, reflecting, and continuing to grow.
—Ms. Amanda
***All of us in the middle school are feeling the love this week and wow, did you all show up! From sweet notes to treats and thoughtful surprises, Teacher Appreciation Week has made us feel celebrated, spoiled, and maybe just a little extra caffeinated;) Thank you to our amazing parents and students for making us feel so appreciated. We sure are grateful for this wild and wonderful community!***
Upcoming Dates:
- May 14th – Pass It On at 5:00PM (11:30am Dismissal)
- May 11 – 14 GRP 5th grade
- May 11 – 13 Camp Jekyll 6th grade
- May 11 – 14 ERB 7th & 8th
- May 15 – 18 DC 7th & 8th
- Graduation 5/28 5 pm
ELA: This week in ELA, 5th graders reflected on the power of land, memories, and story as we remember our reading of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. All settled on a special place to write about and propose a miniature historic marker for – trails, bedrooms, houses, treehouses, and more were represented! Having studied real historic markers and their contents in Charleston, we began drafting our markers, including important memories, people, and dates! 5th grade also took time to review grammar and vocabulary as we look forward to the year’s end.
Next week, 5th grade will be off to make some fabulous memories at GRP! Bon Voyage!
Science: This week in science, 5th graders explored saturation. Students created a saturated solution and then measured how much mass was added to the volume of liquid.
Social Studies: I am deeply impressed by the fifth grade class and the effort and commitment they have put into their first ever research paper! It is a difficult process to learn how to write this way but the questions they ask and their critical thinking have shown in this process! I hope they enjoy their class trip next week. When they return we will finish the papers, which are due on the 22nd.
Math: This week in math, 5th graders used their mastery of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimal numbers to plan and budget their dream summer vacation. They researched flights, activities, gas prices, car rental prices, and accommodations in their dream destinations to create a four day itinerary and added their total cost together. It was so fun to watch them use their mastered skills and research to plan their dream trips! Next week, 5th graders will take on GRP!
