Wow, last week was jam-packed! Students should be extremely proud of all their efforts in a week that truly embodied the theme of community connection both within and beyond our school. The students really shined in one of the busiest weeks in recent memory (4 days of OAKS testing, 3 separate fundraisers, a poetry slam, and museum day all in addition to our regular work--wild!).
6th Grade Social Studies
I can't say enough how amazing the 6th grader's Inca, Aztec, Maya Museum Day exhibits were! The pride and ownership that the 6th graders took in their final products (not to mention the fantastic preparation work throughout the past two weeks) was really impressive. Throughout the week I've continued to hear accolades heaped onto 6th graders--the other teachers were impressed with the knowledge and passion of the 6th graders in their willingness to share what they've learned, multiple younger grade students have asked me if we're going to host the event again next year with exclamations of excitement, and the Scappoose School District superintendent spent at least 5 minutes at each booth asking students questions and handing out praise--very cool. It was especially neat to see students engaging the entire school, K-8, in their exhibits and to be able to impress and interact with the 8th graders just as well as the 1st graders, not to mention their comfort level interacting with adults from the community. The event was definitely a highlight of the year so far!
7th and 8th Grade Social Studies
Due to OAKS testing every morning last week, the 7th and 8th graders had minimal Social Studies time, but were able to continue refining study strategies and working together to understand the how process of synthesizing a trimester's worth of work into key overarching understandings to study. This week will see the students finish their study guides, participate in some review sessions, and be ready for a trimester assessment for early next week.
8th Grade Fundraiser
On Monday, the 8th graders hosted their Child Fun Night event to help raise funds for middle grades dances. The event was a student-generated idea and completely organized and run by the 8th graders. The evening was quite a success! Almost all 8th graders were able to host a mix of K-4 students for 3 hours of activities while parents spent a night out. It was neat to see the 8th grader's vision come to fruition and act as school leaders throughout the evening. The K-4 attendees had a great time bonding with the older kids; the 8th graders don't believe me, but those younger kids really look up to them and were so jazzed to be spending the evening with those "cool 8th graders". Great job 8th graders!
7th Grade Fundraiser
On Saturday, weeks worth of preparation and organization paid off with one of the most successful school plant sales at SIA--the student-run sale generated $2400 for the student enrichment fund!!! Although weekend obligations kept many students from being able to attend the sale itself, all students were instrumental in the success of the sale and 7th graders should be extremely proud of this achievement! Special recognition to Alana, Caitlyn, Haylee, Georgia, and Mikayla who were our all-star cashiers and carry-out assistants at the sale--they represented our school well! Additional thanks to everyone who came out to support the sale and huge thanks to Bailey's Nursery for their extremely generous donation as well as Sauvie Island Coffee, Portland Nursery, Skyline Nursery, Kruger Farms, Linnton Feed and Seed, Linnton Community Center, SICA, Krispy Kreme donuts, and the PTC for additional donations, advertising, and assistance. I have to say it again: $2400--wow, well done 7th graders!
Oceans
Our Trimester 2 enrichment course came to a close with some awesome lino cut prints assisted by our all-star substitute (and local artist), Ms. Gordon. On Friday, the students transferred their sketches to small linoleum blocks, carved out their designs, then practiced inking and printing methods ending up with some really cool prints. Some photos are up on the blog.
Best,
Mr. Radich
