As many of you know, we are a small school with a small playground and a small number of students. And that smallness is a gift: our teachers notice. They notice when games are getting too competitive, when classroom dynamics have been affected by the last kickball match, when someone seems a little “off.”
Last week, our teachers noticed that recess was getting too intense. Balls were being thrown and kicked too hard, too carelessly, and some friendships were carrying new tension into the classrooms. So, we called a meeting.
Together with students, we talked about awareness. What does it mean to be conscious of your surroundings in the middle of a game? To look before you kick a ball into open space? To slow down and remember that no college scout is watching this kickball game. From that conversation, we made a decision: we would take the balls away for a week.
The intention behind this wasn’t just about physical awareness. We also hoped it would spark creativity (“what else can you do at recess when kickball, basketball, and ball tag are no longer options?”) and rebuild friendships that competition had quietly frayed.
What we witnessed exceeded our expectations. A school-wide capture the flag craze took over, still competitive, but in the best way. 8th graders passing the flag to 5th graders. 6th graders tagging 7th graders. All ages, one game. When the balls disappeared, there was no evident moping or groaning. They simply adjusted. The balls were reintroduced yesterday, and we’re hopeful that spirit carries forward.
Our students are resilient. When pushed, they don’t just cope, they find joy.
-Ms. Riley
Upcoming Dates:
- April 3 – 10: Spring Break (no school)
- April 16: 11:30 dismissal
- April 16: Spread the Word (MS poetry night) 4 – 6:30 pm
- April 22: Art Night Celebration 5:30 – 6:30 pm
ELA: 6th graders made some final touches and adjustments to poems this week, while also transitioning into our study of Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman. We considered the history that frames the period while also considering our connection to social norms and gender roles explored in this medieval narrative. Students also started a dictation unit where we practiced formatting, punctuation, handwriting, and spelling. We will work on these skills until break, and plan to test the Thursday after spring break 4/9.
Next week, 6th grade will begin a practice socratic seminar style discussions of the book’s themes while also beginning an illuminated manuscript project.
Science: This week in science, 6th graders put some finishing touches on their project portfolios. Students also created a plan for what they wanted to film for their project pitch and practiced the scripts they wrote. Next week we will wrap up filming and editing their video pitches and submit their projects.
Social Studies: Sixth grade worked on learning the similarities and differences between the Romans and the Greeks, and how their cultures still influence society today. They also began their next project which is on the gods of these two cultures and how they are similar. Next week we will finish women’s history month as well as starting the project which will be creating a large collage on their god.
Math: This week in math, the 6th grade started a new unit on data and distribution. We started with analyzing, interpreting, and creating line plots and histograms. We started learning about different measures of variability and center, which will continue into next week. We’ll look into what makes a good sample when collecting data and how to measure populations.
