Mirror Lake garden wins awards, provides learning opportunities

September 17, 2021

SDES STEM getting in-depth with technology

Careers in STEM fields are among the fastest growing in the world, and at South Douglas Elementary School (SDES), Natalie Benton’s STEM specials class is helping introduce students to the basics of the field.

On Sept. 7, third, fourth and fifth grade students in the class took apart a computer tower and laptop during class to identify and explore the major parts that they’d learned in class.

“It’s very important for students to do this type of thing, because the computer field needs a lot of folks to work there, so it’s important that they understand how they work,” said Benton. “We kept it very simple, but they were able to know every part and tell what it does and how it helps the computer run.”

Benton says looking at and understanding the basic parts of a computer and how they function has always been a part of her class. But last year, many of her students were unable to do this, as several were learning from home.

Because of this, Benton’s students built paper models of computers to identify the parts, but it still didn’t provide the same value that examining the actual parts brings.

“This year, we reviewed the parts that they did with their paper laptops, and then we went straight to looking at the real ones,” said Benton. “We had two towers donated to us, and I had one, and we also got two laptops to look at and find the parts there.”

Benton added that for the students, the most entertaining part of the computer was the fan because they could spin it. But despite the fun the activity brought, Benton also said seeing the parts in person really helped her students understand them and their functions.

“Students love to know how things work. They’re very interested in that,” said Benton. “So being able to pull the parts out and examine them and see how they work was great for their understanding of the computer.”

MLES garden wins awards, creates learning opportunities

Natalie Murray named Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom TOTY award

Mirror Lake Middle School's Natalie Murray applied for the Ag in the Classroom TOTY award a few years ago, but knew the competition would be fierce since there are "so many amazing teachers in the state of Georgia that incorporate Ag In The Class." After not winning with her first application, she received much encouragement from local, regional, and state Farm Bureau officials to go through the rigorous application process again.

This time, Ms. Murray won it all! She will now go on to compete for the national title, which includes a trip to Jekyll Island in December for the Georgia Farm Bureau State Convention and a trip to the National AITC Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY, next summer as well as $500 cash.

Although Ms. Murray is a music teacher, she is able to incorporate the garden into her curriculum, as do other teachers at MLES.

"I absolutely love educating my students through our school garden program. I feel like this provides a unique opportunity for our students to learn about where their food and fiber come from (agriculture), how pollinators affect our lives and how we can take care of them, as well as environmental stewardship- such as recycling!"

Ms. Murray is pictured above at a surprise celebration at her school with Superintendent North, Principal Sheffield, representatives from Farm Bureau and others. While masks are required in DCSS buildings and on buses, masks are optional outside.

Students learn about holiday, honeybees and caterpillars!

Students in Ms. Murray's class had a busy day in the garden on September 10!

The students learned about the Jewish New Year, “Rosh Hashanah,” and how apples and honey are something that Jewish people eat to celebrate.

"We discussed the common factor for both apples and honey is….the HONEYBEE!!!!" said Ms. Murray.

Students learned how the honeybee uses the nectar from apple flowers and many other types of flowers to make honey. "We ended the lesson by tasting an apple chip dipped in honey," said Ms. Murray. "MOST of the students enjoyed it!"

Students were mesmerized watching the caterpillars eating the milkweed. They also saw a sweet little Monarch butterfly laying an egg. There will be more caterpillars soon!

Ms. Murray and her students also added soil and compost to some of the beds and planted fall vegetables. "Thanks so much to Turner's Feed & Seed for the donation of compost and veggie plants!" said Ms. Murray. "Also, a special thank you to Mike and Holly Hortman Camp for getting cement stepping stones donated to create a floor for the Greenhouse."

September 10: A special day at ASES

Students honor their grandparents

On September 10, students at Arbor Station celebrated their grandparents with a drive-through event. Students gave their grandparents a goodie bag along with lots of smiles and hugs!

Grandparents Day is a national holiday established to honor grandparents for the love and support they provide to their grandchildren. It is celebrated each September on the first Sunday following Labor Day. It was established in 1978 with a presidential proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Kindergarten students at Arbor Station Elementary School ended their community helpers unit on September 10 with a special dress up day to answer this important question. During the three-week unit, students learned about community helpers, goods and services, working to earn income, and using money to purchase goods and services. It’s clear from all of the amazing jobs represented, our future looks bright!

MAES remembers 9/11

Mason Creek Elementary School recognized the 20th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, September 10.

Ten years ago, under the guidance of former principal Kathleen French, two trees were planted in honor of the lives lost on that day. The two trees represented the Twin Towers. On the 20th anniversary, MAES donated a bench to sit between the trees, and two flags were placed to honor all first responders and military personnel.

Members of the Douglas County School System Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office drove through the campus, where students stood waving flags. Deputy John Regan from the SCORPION Unit of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office donated stickers, rulers, arm bands, pencils and badges to the school.

During the bench dedication ceremony, MAES's Ms. Camilla White led the pledge. She is a veteran who also participated in the rescue unit at the Pentagon on 9/11. The MAES chorus sang patriotic songs, and first responders and military personnel were recognized by Principal Kristin Martin.

This week’s Student Spotlight is Gregory Dunson, an eighth-grade student at Factory Shoals Middle School. Assistant Principal Reuben Pitts says Gregory Dunson is a model student-athlete who exemplifies what it means to be a "Shining Knight." Gregory has a joyful spirit that creates smiles and positive energy among his peers and teachers. He is known for his athleticism on the court and is an excellent asset to the basketball team. Academically, he excels in each one of his subject areas and is a true “Shining Knight."