Foreign Language
In the foreign language classes, Spanish students are learning how to say things that are in progress at the moment as well some things that have already been accomplished. We are currently exploring fruits and vegetables as well as learning about iconic dishes such as huevos rancheros, pollo en mole and chile relleno.
In German we are working with how to talk about the weather. They all know how to say “it’s raining!”
Students have also been working on a third iteration of the project where they use Spanish or German outside the school. As this project gives them choice in what to, we are seeing students ordering food in restaurants in the target language, translating song lyrics, cooking and reading children’s books.
They also enjoyed April Fool’s Day by having a chunk of the class hide behind my desk!
Choir
Our Spring Choir Concert was at the beautiful Lagerquist Hall on the campus of Pacific Lutheran University. Mrs. Elshire was proud of all the singers' performances.
Currently all the choir are starting to learn their new music for the final concert of the year on June 4th. We are continuing to sight read daily and are learning how to read Key Signatures with flats.
The Art Room
The art room continues to be a space for creativity, exploration, and growth, where students are encouraged to take risks and develop their artistic voice.
6th grade students have successfully wrapped up their units on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and have now rotated into their new elective classes.
Meanwhile, 7th and 8th grade students recently completed an engaging study of Henri Matisse, creating their own vibrant, Matisse-inspired artworks using paper cutting techniques. We are now transitioning into our graphite drawing unit, where students are beginning to explore the importance of careful observation in creating thoughtful and meaningful artwork.
PE Department
Mr. Haller’s PE students have wrapped up their basketball and pickleball units, showing great improvement in skill development, teamwork, and game understanding. It’s been fun to see their growth and competitiveness throughout both units. As we head into the final stretch of the school year and the weather begins to improve, we are looking forward to getting outside more and taking advantage of our outdoor spaces for upcoming activities.
Looking ahead, 6th grade students will begin a basketball unit, while 8th grade students will begin pickleball.
Medical Detectives
Students just finished the first Unit "Disease Detectives." In this unit students discover how healthcare professionals act as medical detectives to identify, treat, and prevent illness in their patients. Students collect and interpret vital signs to evaluate patient health, explore different infectious disease agents, and design and conduct experiments to test the effectiveness of antibiotics
on bacteria. In the end-of-lesson project, students collect and analyze medical data to diagnose a patient with a mystery illness.
