Welcome to a typical school day for our 18 talented, gregarious, and curious 5th graders. For safe in-person instruction, the class has been split into two rosters taught in different classrooms by Anastasia Carroll and Keriann DeLine. Some students attend virtually via Zoom.
The day begins with Morning Meeting, which includes a discussion of the world today and how each child is experiencing it. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings during Chair and Share time. Those who feel inspired stand on their chair as they respond to a question.
Today, for example, the question is “how do you help yourself feel comfortable and safe.” Skylar stands on her chair to say, “I listen to opera and sing everywhere in our house.” Chyna adds from atop her chair that she will “snuggle under a warm blanket.” Mekhi, who is attending school virtually, shares via Zoom, “My baby sister makes me feel comfortable and safe.” DeSean says his multiple techniques include “dancing while listening to Meek Mill and playing with toys in bubble baths.” Many classmates concur that bubble baths are truly soothing!
Like Mekhi, Charley attends 5th grade virtually. She is used to Zoom "because I did it a lot last year when I was sick in the hospital and kicked cancer’s butt." During that time "the teachers came to help me do my work so that I wouldn’t fall behind,” she says. Charley shares that she plans to return in-person in a few weeks: "I would rather be in school because I love the food and miss my friends.”
Each 5th grade roster has its own personality and secrets. For instance, Ms. Carroll’s class has many inside jokes, which include a no-hands formal greeting and an invisible pet squirrel. Ms. DeLine’s class loves dancing, especially to "Be Pop Shuffle," and each student has a baby animal alter ego. One trait shared by both classes is kindness. Four new students were welcomed this September with open arms. According to Mariah, “We know that it isn’t easy to be the new kid, so we have been really nice to them.”
Currently, 5th graders are learning how to write a 5-paragraph essay with the help of instructions set to a fun rap song, courtesy of the “Flocabulary” online teaching tool. They are writing about the Nez Perce Native American tribe, covering topics such as their food and drink, clothing, teepees, and spirituality.
When asked one thing they would like people to know about our school, Journee says, “We do not tolerate bullying!” DeSean added, “We give our teachers respect because they work hard and they fill the school with happiness not sadness.”
