April 2025 IB Connection
The PYP Exhibition: A Inquiry-Based Learning Experience for 5th Graders
The PYP Exhibition is a major event for 5th-grade students in their final year of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). It is a project where students explore real-world issues, work together, research, and take action on topics that matter to them. This project is an opportunity for students to show what they have learned and apply important skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
During the Exhibition, students choose a topic, ask questions, research, and present their findings in creative ways. It is a meaningful experience that helps them become confident and independent learners. For the SY25, Locke 5th Graders will be doing exhibition projects that relate to the transdisciplinary theme "Sharing the Planet."
Families of younger students (PK-4) can support the spirit of the Exhibition at home by encouraging curiosity, asking open-ended questions, and helping children explore their interests. Even small actions, like discussing current events or finding ways to help in the community, build important skills.
For middle school students (MYP), the Exhibition serves as an early step toward the MYP Personal Project, completed in 10th grade. Like the Exhibition, the Personal Project is a student-led inquiry, where learners choose a topic, conduct research, and create a final product. Families can encourage MYP students to explore their interests deeply, set goals, and develop independent learning skills that will prepare them for the Personal Project and beyond.
5th grade families + all Locke school families - be on the lookout for information about Exhibition in the coming weeks, including details on the project showcase.
Reach out to Ms. McLeod (PYP Coordinator) at cjmcleod@cps.edu or in the IB office (773-534-4458). We look forward to sharing our student projects with our school community!
Locke Art Show: A Celebration of Student Creativity!
On April 1st, Locke’s MPR transformed into a gallery featuring 948 student artworks from Pre-K through 8th grade! This incredible showcase was more than just an art display—students took charge of the process, matting, labeling, and curating their own work, demonstrating the IB Learner Profile traits of thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers.
A huge shout out to Ms. King and Ms. Herzog for their dedication in making this incredible exhibition possible! Their leadership helped students engage in meaningful, hands-on learning that emphasized creativity, collaboration, and agency. Lastly, we are so proud of the amazing student volunteers who supported the extra preparation tasks!
Locke IB Student Advisory Committee (SAC) Highlights
We believe our most important stakeholders, our students, have a huge impact in shaping the IB programme and student experience here at Locke. The IB Student Advisory Committee is comprised of one student from each homeroom (1st-8th) to represent the experiences, voices, and opinions of their peers and, in response, make positive changes at Locke. These students submitted applications, were reviewed by teachers, and voted upon by their peers. The group meets in grade bands (1-2, 3-5, and 6-8) monthly.
So far this year, SAC students gathered feedback from peers, discussed school improvements, designed library bookmarks, analyzed Cultivate survey data, and brainstormed summer learning challenges. They also decorated the IB office door, engaged in icebreaker activities, and strengthened their roles as student representatives through reflection and discussions on school experiences.
Kindergarteners Honor Latin Women in History Through Art
In connection with Women’s History Month and the IB unit “How We Express Ourselves,” students in Ms. Tabares' class (Room 145) explored the stories of influential Latin women, including Gabriela Mistral, Andrea Gamarnik, and Marta. Using various art media, they creatively expressed their understanding of these historical figures’ impactful lives.
3rd and 4th Graders Interactive Art Installation
In honor of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama during Women’s History Month, Ms. Reese's 3rd & 4th grade students (Room 123) created an ‘Interactive Art Installation’. They invited the school community to add a dot to the framed space outside the classroom to create a school wide collaborative work of art!
Earth Day: Sharing the Planet and Taking Action
Every year on April 22, people around the world celebrate Earth Day to show support for protecting our planet. This day began in 1970 and has grown into a global movement for cleaner air, water, and land. In the IB program, we learn about Sharing the Planet and Fairness and Development, which means making sure everyone has access to a healthy environment. Conservation efforts—like recycling, saving energy, and protecting nature—help keep the Earth safe for future generations.
Families can support this work at home by:
🌱 Reducing waste—use reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
💡 Saving energy—turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
🚶♂️ Using less gas—walk, bike, or use public transportation when possible.
🌍 Learning together—talk about how small actions make a big difference!
Reach out to your Locke IB Coordinators if you have any questions or concerns!
Ms. Casey Mcleod (left) - IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator (PK-5) - cjmcleod@cps.edu
Ms. Anna Ziemniak (right) - IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator (6-8) - aziemniak@cps.edu
Direct Line: 773- 534-3358
