Springmill STEM Elementary

Dear Springmill STEM Parents and Families,

Another beautiful weather week! The kids had a lot of fun outside - especially the 2nd graders who have found a love of grassland insects. They are wild about the grasshoppers and crickets they've been finding at recess.

We had a special visit this week by Mayor Jodie Perry! This is the 2nd year she will be working with our 3rd graders. We are grateful to have her as a learning partner for our program!

We will be wrapping up our fall diagnostic testing (you may have heard it as iReady tests). All grade levels have taken their math tests, K-2 have also done their reading tests, and 3-6 will finish reading this week. You will see the results of the tests during Parent-Teacher conferences on Oct 2 and 16th. The fall diagnostic tells teachers students' areas of strengths and areas where there are learning gaps in their current grade level so that they can provide individual support.

As always, make reading a part of your daily routine. Let your kids see and hear you reading, as well.

We have fall pictures scheduled for October 9th. Order forms will go home the week before.

Have a great week!

Yours,

Principal Cara Will

Students have been CURIOUS about the insects they have been seeing hopping and flying around the grass field behind the school. At recess we saw them huddled along the edges looking at the ground and squealing with delight when one of them caught a grasshopper or cricket. So on Friday, I got some nets and insect houses for them to use to be "real" scientists. Our little group turned into quite a following. Soon we had a box full of insects and a whole class of kids wanting to run around to catch moths and butterflies. When you let them play, their natural curiosity turns into engaged learning! When recess was over, it was harder to get them to come in than when they play soccer.

Research and Planning!

Helping Hands

Community partners such as Richland County Soil and Water Conservation make projects like this possible.

Time to dig!

Mayor Perry challenged our 3rd graders to create proposals to help the city celebrate America's 250th Anniversary next year. We can't wait to see what they come up with!