Each year, we welcome student choice by holding an election in which the kindergartners can vote for the community helper they want to learn about most. This year, the top-three community helpers were veterinarians, architects, and professional dancers. After learning a lot about vets, students are now beginning to explore what an architect does. We started our study of architects by reading the book Iggy Peck, Architect, and watching a video interview with real-life architect Katherine Williams. Students noticed the similarities between the fictional portrayal of Iggy, the architect, and the information shared by the real-life architect to make some inferences about what is true about being an architect. They determined that all architects design buildings, including schools, skyscrapers, and homes. Kindergartners also learned that all architects use tools to help them in their work. Stay tuned to see how we continue to learn about this important community helper!

– Missy Hartvigsen, kindergarten teacher

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and as a way to connect our learning in the classroom to the MLK display currently in the Gallery, first graders have engaged in a ‘Big Words’ project. First graders read the book Martin’s Big Word by Doreen Rappaport and then discussed some related big words—words we think of when we think about Dr. King. Students brainstormed words and phrases about Dr. King, his work, and his legacy. For inspiration, they examined a word portrait and shared their notices. They recognized the portrait was of Dr. King and was filled with meaningful and kind words. First graders joyfully wrote big words and phrases to be used in our own class word portrait of Dr. King. Together, first graders constructed the word portrait by gluing their words and phrases onto paper in the shape of Dr. King. 

– Geoffrey Fox, first grade teacher, and Cate Ruland, associate teacher

With 33 athletes on the roster, the volleyball program needed to reinvent itself this winter. Space was limited, experience varied, and interscholastic competition didn’t exist. Coaches Brittany Ryan, Anderson Santos, Jen James, and Nathalie Pellenq embraced the challenges and found solutions. The result was a competitive four-team intramural schedule, which utilized multiple athletics blocks two days a week to fit games in. The program focused on whole-group instruction and skill building on Monday and Tuesday and then pivoted to competitive play on Wednesday and Thursday. The consistent structure and natural flow to the week brought out the best in the athletes, allowing each player to improve their skills over the season. Team captains Aria Goodpaster, Natalie Jean, Alden Largay, and Kamila Ruiz were instrumental to the success of the program and shined on and off the court this winter. This group of volleyball veterans helped foster a true sense of belonging on each of their respective squads and made every player feel valued and appreciated on the court. In addition to the eighth grade leadership, the program also received solid contributions from Aleta Sandoski, Sophie Jean, Grace Sullivan, and Owen Huang. Coaches noted the consistent effort, steady performance, and marked improvement of this group of athletes, who were all reliable contributors to their respective squads. The program will wrap up its season next week with a two-hour, double-elimination tournament in the Downing Gym. Come check out the action!

– John O’Neill, director of athletics