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
***Middle school teachers are feeling all 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 – May 14 GRP 5th grade
- May 11 – May 13 Camp Jekyll 6th grade
- May 11 – May 14 ERB 7th & 8th
- May 15 – May 18 DC 7th & 8th
- Graduation 5/28 5 pm
ELA: This week in ELA, 7th grade completed Watership Down and their nature journaling. We began gathering our thoughts and evidence to do a Harkness circle discussion about the novel next week after ERB testing. 7th grade also took part in major vocab and grammar review for the end of the year, which will serve them well for next week’s testing!
Next week, 7th grade has ERB testing all week. Be sure to encourage your kids to get great rest and eat full breakfasts each morning!
Science: This week in Science, 7th graders completed and presented their Science Fair projects! Students showcased the culmination of weeks of hard work—designing investigations, collecting and analyzing data, writing detailed reports, crafting thoughtful presentations, and creating polished display boards.
I am incredibly proud of the dedication, perseverance, and creativity students demonstrated throughout this process. It was wonderful to see them take ownership of their learning and confidently share their work with others.
Next week I know they are going to crush their ERB tests!
Social Studies: Seventh grade has finished the Civil War and took their final test on it this Friday. We also put a lot of effort into working on our research papers! I am proud of their work and its great to see how much they have developed as writers from last year to now. Next week is ERB testing so make sure they get plenty of rest and come ready Monday!
Math: This week in math, 7th graders pushed on through unit 8 to practice and apply the Pythagorean Theorem, and also 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, I know they’re going to crush their ERB tests while 5th and 6th graders are on their class trips!
