Students and staff are encouraged to wear colorful, patterned socks on Thursday, March 21, in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day!
Representatives from Bridgeway conducted Teen Mental Health First Aid again this semester with the sophomore Health class. This was a 6-session training course that began on March 4th and concluded this past Monday, March 11. Training was delivered on how to be a support for other teens who are in a mental crisis situation. The students were taught how to connect, how to respond, and how to deliver comfort when they find themselves in a situation of a mental health episode. Students learned that they can be the first line of getting help to those who are in need, because they are in close contact with other students throughout the day. Understanding warning signs, who to seek out for help for an individual, and how to respond to a mental health crisis were all part of the training.
Students in 8th grade ELA participated in peer editing stations this week to help their classmates become stronger writers. Students provided constructive feedback in the following areas: creating an engaging lead, using logical sequence throughout the narrative writing piece, incorporating strong vocabulary, proofreading for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc., and creating an effective ending. The students were receptive to receiving input and guidance from their peers.
Congratulations to second grader, Hadley Frank!
The third grade classes have finished up their book reviews for the novel Peter Pan. During their reading unit, they analyzed the novel, recalled chapters, determined character traits, and so much more. To end the unit, they had to create a four-paragraph book review about the novel! As a reward, they got to enjoy the original Peter Pan movie!
Congratulations to our $5 Friday Outstanding Goose winners Eljay Dickens and Charlotte Smith.
Thank you to the Ferrara Candy Company for donating candy and items to the Wethersfield Elementary Incentive Store! Students can earn Caught Doing Goods in the younger grades and Geese Bucks in the older grades to spend on items in Mr. Dennison's store. These items do not last long when they hit the shelves as students rave over their delicious taste and appeal! Student behavior has been outstanding as 3,160 Caught Doing Good's have been earned this year and over 2,000 Goose Bucks spent in the store! https://www.ferrara.com/brands
Kindergarten explored rainbows today! They made fizzy rainbows with colored vinegar and baking soda. They observed the reaction and how the colors mixed to make new colors. They also made rainbows using skittles.
Students in sixth grade are working on a Greek gods social studies project. Partners are researching one of the Greek gods and creating a visual aid to use during their presentation. 6th grade is reading The Lightning Thief in Language Arts. Both classes will use these projects to make connections to the novel.
Students worked on a golf lesson this week, which included an outdoor practice range for full shots, a medicine ball golf-related movement fitness workout, and a miniature golf course design. Students developed their own miniature golf course holes and implemented the designs today in class.
Check out this great article written by Addison Looney.
https://kewaneevoice.com/meet-obi-one-of-three-wethersfield-therapy-dogs/
K-Kids passed out wellness packages to the teachers today! They created these packages for our teachers to keep our students healthy during the cold/flu season. Thank you to everyone who donated!
Last night, the Peoria Zoo brought a few of their animals to visit the pre-K and taught us about their habitats, characteristics, and behaviors.
Last night, the junior high Gray Matters Collective went to Moline to listen to former NFL player Patrick Angerer speak about athletes' mental health and having grit. He shared some insightful experiences and advice for student athletes.
Congratulations to our BookBlast Medal winners: Weston Schmidt, Alayna Grier (absent), Mateo Gustaitis, Griffyn Rogers, Jay Crabtree, and Presleigh Currier. Each medal signifies a different level of book fundraising.
Thank you to all the students and families who participated in the WES Literacy Night on Monday. We are looking forward to hosting this event again next year! "Reading is a passport to countless adventures!" ~ Mary Pope Osborne
Our Kewanee Rotary Club Student of the Month for March is Elle Eastman. Congratulations!
3/8 Freeze Dried Friday!
BOOKBLAST! A shipment of 977 pounds was dropped off this morning at Wethersfield Elementary as part of the BookBlast Fundraiser Event by Books are Fun! A total of 1,045 books were distributed to students in Pre-K through 6th grades. Pictured are some photos of students receiving their new books. Thank you students, staff, and community members for your support!
WES Literacy Night will be taking place this evening from 6pm-7pm at the elementary school. Students in grades 4 through 6 will experience a "book tasting" in the Jr. High Gym while students in grades Pre-K through 3 will get to hear read alouds from teachers in up to 4 different classrooms. Participants must be with an adult to enter. See you tonight!