Math – Grant and Jimmy
Over the past two months, the fifth and sixth graders have been working on pre algebra. They have studied multiplying fractions, the order of operations, and solving for exponents. Meanwhile, the fourth graders have been working on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. They have also worked on turning improper fractions into mixed numbers and vice versa. We have also recently finished our unit on geometry that consisted of relationships with lines, angles and measuring the area of a circle.
Language – Kiera & Grant
The past few months have been packed with language for the UE and we are diving right into it. We have just finished our unit on verbs and adverbs, and have started working on diagramming sentences from books and literature. We have just started introducing concepts for sentence analysis including: subjects, predicates, simple subjects, simple predicates, independent and dependent clauses, and simple sentences. We have continued our spelling and grammar and have just begun our new book clubs. The books we chose were The Magician’s Nephew and From The Mixed Up Files Of Mrs. Basile E. Frankweiler.
History, Science, and Geography – Lushen & Ella
This month in history we have been studying the Civil War and making projects about it. We have also been doing geographical pin maps in our class. the 5th & 6th graders have been studying, learning about the physical feature at the united states leavening about climates in the United States, learning about climates in the United States also, learning about latitude and longitude.
Special Events – Upper Elementary Class
WSMS SCHOOL SPELLING BEE- On Wednesday, February 18, WSMS hosted its annual school spelling bee. The winner was Grant Kaplan, 5th year Upper Elementary student. The winning word was ruminate. The runner up was Ben Cohen who later represented the school at the Regional Spelling Bee.
DEBORAH ZEMKE VISIT- On Thursday, February 19, Deborah Zemke, a local artist and children’s author, came to WSMS and taught Upper and Lower Elementary students fun and creative sketching and drawing techniques. We made and illustrated our own books and had a fantastic time! She also donated two signed copies of her books.
EMINTS CONFERENCE- On Thursday, February 26, we traveled to the Marriott Courtyard Hotel and presented information about how we use technology in our classroom to a huge group of teachers! We explained and taught the teachers about several different websites, apps, and techniques such as WordPress, our on-line keyboarding programs, digital storytelling apps, Prezi, AudioBoom, and app smashing. We presented all of this information in Prezi format. We have received feedback from the teachers and we made a great impression!
REGIONAL SPELLING BEE- On Tuesday, March 10, Benjamin Cohen represented WSMS at the Regional Spelling Bee. He made it all the way to the fourth round and exhibited remarkable poise and composure. We are all very proud of both Ben and Grant for their amazing spelling skills!
ENGINEERING SCHOOL E-LABS- On Thursday, March 12, the Upper Elementary and third year students traveled to the Engineering Building on the University of Missouri campus to participate in E-LABS created by university students. The labs were grouped into several areas including chemical engineering, industrial engineering, civil engineering, nuclear engineering. We saw so much and many of us are now inspired to become engineers ourselves! On the walk back to school we stopped at Sparky’s to enjoy a delicious scoop of ice cream.
MOVIE MORNING- Last weekend at the ragtag, WSMS held its annual movie morning, featuring the movie Ponyo, Hayao Mikazaki’s Animated film following the adventures of Sosuke on his quest to find his goldfish and restore the balance of nature. The following Short films were made by the students during music class, and were shown before intermission. They are commercials for two fictional companies. Virtual Technologies, a video game making corporation, and Sports Infinity, a sporting goods store.