A perfect game is one of the rarest achievements in either baseball or softball. It means no opposing player reaches base at all—no hits, walks, hit batters, errors or dropped third strikes! A perfect game is often considered one of the sport's most difficult individual accomplishments.
We’re so proud to share that eighth-grader and Junior Varsity softball pitcher Melanie Ward threw a perfect game during the recent Minisink Valley/Port Jervis matchup, where Minisink Valley won 7-0!
She pitched seven full innings giving up 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and the field committed 0 errors. Melanie had 10 strikeouts and threw 74 pitches in the entire seven inning game. That is simply amazing! #MINISINKProud
“Mel stepped up as an eighth-grader this year to provide quality innings in the circle and she did just that pitching 54 out of our 119 innings played,” said Junior Varsity head Coach Michelle Worden. “She is a quiet kid who doesn't let anything faze her, which will contribute to her future success. Pitching a perfect game is not an easy feat. The amount of perfection that needs to happen to accomplish this, is impressive. It does not only fall on her, it falls on every single player on this team. Making the plays in the field can become stressful the further the game goes, but this team did not falter and made some great plays to stand behind Mel's strong performance. There is a reason why perfect games are so incredibly rare. We are so proud of Mel as a team and as an organization and look forward to watching her continued success with Minisink.”
We’re so proud to share that eighth-grader and Junior Varsity softball pitcher Melanie Ward threw a perfect game during the recent Minisink Valley/Port Jervis matchup, where Minisink Valley won 7-0!
She pitched seven full innings giving up 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and the field committed 0 errors. Melanie had 10 strikeouts and threw 74 pitches in the entire seven inning game. That is simply amazing! #MINISINKProud
“Mel stepped up as an eighth-grader this year to provide quality innings in the circle and she did just that pitching 54 out of our 119 innings played,” said Junior Varsity head Coach Michelle Worden. “She is a quiet kid who doesn't let anything faze her, which will contribute to her future success. Pitching a perfect game is not an easy feat. The amount of perfection that needs to happen to accomplish this, is impressive. It does not only fall on her, it falls on every single player on this team. Making the plays in the field can become stressful the further the game goes, but this team did not falter and made some great plays to stand behind Mel's strong performance. There is a reason why perfect games are so incredibly rare. We are so proud of Mel as a team and as an organization and look forward to watching her continued success with Minisink.”
Kudos to seniors Mulunga Kinzonzi and Ashlyn Burke, who recently attended a food insecurity training and turned their inspiration into immediate action!
Mulunga and Ashlyn teamed up with High School Career and Achievement students and High School Social Workers Erin Bradley and Julie Anne Sullivan to host a successful food drive to benefit the Minisink Cares Backpack Program.
Because the wonderful donations from the Minisink Valley community, the Backpack Program provides essential food to enrolled students over weekends and school breaks. THANK YOU to everyone who contributes and ensures students have the support they need!
Mulunga and Ashlyn teamed up with High School Career and Achievement students and High School Social Workers Erin Bradley and Julie Anne Sullivan to host a successful food drive to benefit the Minisink Cares Backpack Program.
Because the wonderful donations from the Minisink Valley community, the Backpack Program provides essential food to enrolled students over weekends and school breaks. THANK YOU to everyone who contributes and ensures students have the support they need!
Tiffany Guareno and Bridget Kelly’s ES kindergarteners had the sweetest surprise this past Friday: Two very special visitors named Nibbles and Butch!
These adorable Boer baby goats — called kids — are just a little over two weeks old, and they completely stole the show! The students were thrilled to bottle-feed them, share gentle moments and learn all about caring for these fluffy little farm friends.
Along the way, they also discovered some fun facts about Boer goats! Boer goats are a popular breed known for their calm, friendly personalities and fast growth. They were originally bred in South Africa and are especially well known for being strong, hardy animals that adapt well to different environments. Baby Boer goats are famously playful and curious — always hopping, climbing, and exploring everything around them, which made them extra fun for the kindergarteners to watch!
What started as a visit quickly turned into a sunny outdoor learning adventure filled with hands-on discovery and laugher! (And that includes the adults, too!)
We have a feeling more than a few students went home with one important question: “Can we get a baby goat?”
THANK YOU to parent Samantha Knuth for visiting with her "kiddies!"
These adorable Boer baby goats — called kids — are just a little over two weeks old, and they completely stole the show! The students were thrilled to bottle-feed them, share gentle moments and learn all about caring for these fluffy little farm friends.
Along the way, they also discovered some fun facts about Boer goats! Boer goats are a popular breed known for their calm, friendly personalities and fast growth. They were originally bred in South Africa and are especially well known for being strong, hardy animals that adapt well to different environments. Baby Boer goats are famously playful and curious — always hopping, climbing, and exploring everything around them, which made them extra fun for the kindergarteners to watch!
What started as a visit quickly turned into a sunny outdoor learning adventure filled with hands-on discovery and laugher! (And that includes the adults, too!)
We have a feeling more than a few students went home with one important question: “Can we get a baby goat?”
THANK YOU to parent Samantha Knuth for visiting with her "kiddies!"
Erin Chase’s ES first-graders recently enjoyed a memorable visit from Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Livestock Educator Zoe Lockburner, who stopped by to check on the class’s incubating eggs, read a story, and answer students’ many thoughtful questions.
One of the most exciting moments of the visit was egg candling, a process that uses a bright light to illuminate the inside of an egg. By carefully candling the eggs, students were able to observe the remarkable changes taking place as the chicks continue to develop before hatching. Seeing life grow inside the eggs sparked curiosity, wonder and plenty of excitement throughout the classroom.
Incubating eggs is a popular hands-on learning experience in many elementary schools because it brings science to life. Students learn about animal life cycles, growth and development, observation skills, responsibility and patience as they care for the eggs and track daily changes. Watching chicks hatch helps children make real-world connections to lessons about living things, ecosystems and the natural world in a way that books alone can't provide.
Ms. Lockburner’s visit transformed these important science concepts into an engaging, interactive experience for students! From learning about chick development to witnessing the fascinating process of egg candling, it was a fun and educational day!
Otisville family members showcased their careers and talked to students about their jobs at last Friday’s Career Day. THANK YOU to organizers and every family member who participated!
Talking to K–5 students about careers and jobs is important because elementary school is a beginning critical time for developing interests, building self-awareness and expanding students' understanding of the world around them. At this age, career exploration is not about choosing a future occupation but about helping children discover the many possibilities available to them. Learning about different careers connects classroom subjects to real-world applications, helps students recognize the value of education and encourages them to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and responsibility. Exposure to a variety of professions also broadens students' aspirations and helps them see that people from many different backgrounds can achieve success in a wide range of careers.
What’s equally important is Otisville’s Career Day brought together the school, participating family members, businesses and community organizations to support student learning. By inviting local professionals to share their experiences, schools like Otisville create meaningful connections between students and the people who contribute to the community every day. These interactions help students better understand the roles that various careers play in society while allowing community members to engage directly in education. And, it’s another way Otisville prepares students for future success and creates stronger relationships between the school and the community!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02hXm1BFhaf4aR6JEj9vXYkGD1oidFSX7qVCydBDrcvanuHLvwunacn7WRhdoBbLa1l?__cft__[0]=AZb7N7UNKbRoco8zYChePEmBd3u8w0zGZkLTWkjq7dcm0jRwsRt1BOhvRC4QBNceMP4PEfuVrVI7T2B-2Obbg2DUXSwOeAq_Rni9haJLBiLOEM84U6TbrICezaDcIxnDTCwgUKxYM7_2Waczhu8Q3_B5W0FQF5VVfNBFhZjn7R297qDERcbkm5n8XQe_TV3_ABc&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Talking to K–5 students about careers and jobs is important because elementary school is a beginning critical time for developing interests, building self-awareness and expanding students' understanding of the world around them. At this age, career exploration is not about choosing a future occupation but about helping children discover the many possibilities available to them. Learning about different careers connects classroom subjects to real-world applications, helps students recognize the value of education and encourages them to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and responsibility. Exposure to a variety of professions also broadens students' aspirations and helps them see that people from many different backgrounds can achieve success in a wide range of careers.
What’s equally important is Otisville’s Career Day brought together the school, participating family members, businesses and community organizations to support student learning. By inviting local professionals to share their experiences, schools like Otisville create meaningful connections between students and the people who contribute to the community every day. These interactions help students better understand the roles that various careers play in society while allowing community members to engage directly in education. And, it’s another way Otisville prepares students for future success and creates stronger relationships between the school and the community!
See more photos on the district's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinisinkValleyCSD/posts/pfbid02hXm1BFhaf4aR6JEj9vXYkGD1oidFSX7qVCydBDrcvanuHLvwunacn7WRhdoBbLa1l?__cft__[0]=AZb7N7UNKbRoco8zYChePEmBd3u8w0zGZkLTWkjq7dcm0jRwsRt1BOhvRC4QBNceMP4PEfuVrVI7T2B-2Obbg2DUXSwOeAq_Rni9haJLBiLOEM84U6TbrICezaDcIxnDTCwgUKxYM7_2Waczhu8Q3_B5W0FQF5VVfNBFhZjn7R297qDERcbkm5n8XQe_TV3_ABc&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
Even if you're not able to build a birdhouse, you can certainly draw one! That’s what Joan Giardina’s IS third-grade art students are doing! Take a peek at their preliminary pencil drawings, they’re doing a great, job!
A birdhouse is a small shelter people make or hang outside to give birds a safe place to nest, sleep, and raise their young. It usually has a small entrance hole and is designed to protect birds from weather and predators.
A birdhouse is a small shelter people make or hang outside to give birds a safe place to nest, sleep, and raise their young. It usually has a small entrance hole and is designed to protect birds from weather and predators.
State Sen. James Skoufis welcomed the valedictorians and salutatorians representing the New York’s 42nd Senate District at an annual gathering he hosted May 21 in Albany and that included valedictorian Conner Doane and salutatorian Colin Hansen and their families!
Students and family members met with Sen. Skoufis in the historic building, where photos were taken onto the Senate Chamber dais and the famous “Million Dollar Staircase.” After lunch and a Q&A session with the senator’s staff, students watched a Senate session from the balcony. During the session, they were recognized by the New York State Senate with a standing ovation after Sen. Skoufis read their names aloud.
“I’m always delighted to host Orange County’s valedictorians and salutatorians at the NYS Capitol,” Sen. Skoufis said. “This day continues to be one of the highlights of the legislative session every year. These students have worked tirelessly throughout their academic career, striving for and achieving excellence. It’s my pleasure to welcome and share this historic building with them and their families, and highlight their accomplishments before my colleagues --– Orange County’s future is definitely bright!”
Students and family members met with Sen. Skoufis in the historic building, where photos were taken onto the Senate Chamber dais and the famous “Million Dollar Staircase.” After lunch and a Q&A session with the senator’s staff, students watched a Senate session from the balcony. During the session, they were recognized by the New York State Senate with a standing ovation after Sen. Skoufis read their names aloud.
“I’m always delighted to host Orange County’s valedictorians and salutatorians at the NYS Capitol,” Sen. Skoufis said. “This day continues to be one of the highlights of the legislative session every year. These students have worked tirelessly throughout their academic career, striving for and achieving excellence. It’s my pleasure to welcome and share this historic building with them and their families, and highlight their accomplishments before my colleagues --– Orange County’s future is definitely bright!”
Otisville second-graders took a recent, wonderful field trip to the Orange County Arboretum, the 35-acre public garden and environmental education center in Montgomery, within Thomas Bull Memorial Park.
Students were able to plant tomatoes to bring home to their own garden, play with worms (now, who doesn’t love playing with squiggly worms?) while learning their importance to composting and learning all about bees as pollinators.
A class trip like this is an excellent learning experience for these young students because it brings classroom science lessons to life in a hands-on, memorable way. Visiting the Orange County Arboretum allowed students to explore nature directly instead of only reading about it in books.
By planting tomatoes, students learned about how plants grow and gained a sense of responsibility as they care for something living at home. Activities like exploring worms and composting helped them understand ecosystems and the important role even small creatures play in keeping soil healthy. Learning about bees as pollinators introduced students to the connection between insects, flowers, and food production in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
Field trips also encourage curiosity, teamwork, and observation skills. Outdoor learning supports social development, builds enthusiasm for science and helps children make lasting connections between their curriculum and the real world. Most importantly, experiences like this inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship while making learning fun and meaningful.
The Orange County Arboretum features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, ponds, waterfalls, and extensive collections of trees, shrubs, and native plants designed to promote learning about horticulture, ecology, and conservation. Visitors can explore themed gardens, enjoy scenic views of the Shawangunk Mountains, and experience a peaceful outdoor setting that serves as both a recreational destination and a living classroom for students, gardeners, and nature lovers.
Students were able to plant tomatoes to bring home to their own garden, play with worms (now, who doesn’t love playing with squiggly worms?) while learning their importance to composting and learning all about bees as pollinators.
A class trip like this is an excellent learning experience for these young students because it brings classroom science lessons to life in a hands-on, memorable way. Visiting the Orange County Arboretum allowed students to explore nature directly instead of only reading about it in books.
By planting tomatoes, students learned about how plants grow and gained a sense of responsibility as they care for something living at home. Activities like exploring worms and composting helped them understand ecosystems and the important role even small creatures play in keeping soil healthy. Learning about bees as pollinators introduced students to the connection between insects, flowers, and food production in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
Field trips also encourage curiosity, teamwork, and observation skills. Outdoor learning supports social development, builds enthusiasm for science and helps children make lasting connections between their curriculum and the real world. Most importantly, experiences like this inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship while making learning fun and meaningful.
The Orange County Arboretum features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, ponds, waterfalls, and extensive collections of trees, shrubs, and native plants designed to promote learning about horticulture, ecology, and conservation. Visitors can explore themed gardens, enjoy scenic views of the Shawangunk Mountains, and experience a peaceful outdoor setting that serves as both a recreational destination and a living classroom for students, gardeners, and nature lovers.
Congratulations to Unified Basketball team members Jonathan Franco-Coelho and Kathleen Gutierrez, who were honored for their many contributions to the team’s success during the team’s recent Senior Game. That same day, the team hosted its “America Night” game against Valley Central. Thank you to members of American Legion Post 1607 for attending!
We’re always grateful for a community that supports our student-athletes with their time and skills!
Please join us in thanking trainer Jon Richardson and Crunch Fitness in Middletown for recently spending time with our Unified Basketball team and overseeing a special strength training session with them!
Mr. Richardson worked with team members in the high school’s new Weight Room and Cardio Fitness Center, bringing incredible energy and fun to their strength training session. These student-athletes worked hard while learning the awesome benefits of strength training:
• Injury Prevention: Builds stronger joints to keep players safe.
• Better Performance: Improves power, speed, and court skills.
• Confidence Boost: Proves to our athletes what they are capable of!
• Team Bonding: Nothing brings a team closer than crushing a workout together!
Please join us in thanking trainer Jon Richardson and Crunch Fitness in Middletown for recently spending time with our Unified Basketball team and overseeing a special strength training session with them!
Mr. Richardson worked with team members in the high school’s new Weight Room and Cardio Fitness Center, bringing incredible energy and fun to their strength training session. These student-athletes worked hard while learning the awesome benefits of strength training:
• Injury Prevention: Builds stronger joints to keep players safe.
• Better Performance: Improves power, speed, and court skills.
• Confidence Boost: Proves to our athletes what they are capable of!
• Team Bonding: Nothing brings a team closer than crushing a workout together!
The Varsity Baseball team honored its senior players for their many contributions to the team's success during its recent Senior Game! Congratulations and best wishes to:
#1 - Blake Kizer - 2 years on varsity - Catcher & Outfielder
#7 - Liam Barry - 2 years on varsity - Pitcher, 1st Baseman, Outfielder
#11 - Gavin Capper - 2 years on varsity - Outfielder & Pitcher
#13 - Gavin Brown - 2 years on varsity - Shortstop & Pitcher
#14 - Will Burretto - 2 years on varsity - Infielder & Pitcher
#22 - Chris McCauley - 3 years on varsity - Pitcher, Outfielder, 1st Baseman
#1 - Blake Kizer - 2 years on varsity - Catcher & Outfielder
#7 - Liam Barry - 2 years on varsity - Pitcher, 1st Baseman, Outfielder
#11 - Gavin Capper - 2 years on varsity - Outfielder & Pitcher
#13 - Gavin Brown - 2 years on varsity - Shortstop & Pitcher
#14 - Will Burretto - 2 years on varsity - Infielder & Pitcher
#22 - Chris McCauley - 3 years on varsity - Pitcher, Outfielder, 1st Baseman
Brendan McGann’s High School SUPA College Forensic Science students recently stepped into the role of forensic anthropologists as they analyzed skeletal remains to uncover the biological story hidden within the bones.
Using techniques employed in real forensic investigations, students examined skeletal features to help determine biological sex, estimate age range, identify possible trauma, and interpret clues that could contribute to understanding cause and manner of death. Through careful observation and scientific reasoning, they learned how the human skeleton can provide remarkable insight long after soft tissue is gone.
Labs like this are important because they allow students to apply science in a hands-on, real-world way instead of only learning from textbooks. By analyzing skeletal remains, students practice critical thinking, observation and evidence-based reasoning while learning how forensic scientists use bones to determine information such as age, sex, trauma, and possible cause of death. These activities make biology and anatomy more engaging and meaningful.
This connects to real life because forensic anthropology is used in actual criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, archaeology, and medical research. Students also build skills that are valuable in many careers, including problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and scientific analysis. Labs like this help students see how science can be used to solve real problems and better understand the world around them.
Using techniques employed in real forensic investigations, students examined skeletal features to help determine biological sex, estimate age range, identify possible trauma, and interpret clues that could contribute to understanding cause and manner of death. Through careful observation and scientific reasoning, they learned how the human skeleton can provide remarkable insight long after soft tissue is gone.
Labs like this are important because they allow students to apply science in a hands-on, real-world way instead of only learning from textbooks. By analyzing skeletal remains, students practice critical thinking, observation and evidence-based reasoning while learning how forensic scientists use bones to determine information such as age, sex, trauma, and possible cause of death. These activities make biology and anatomy more engaging and meaningful.
This connects to real life because forensic anthropology is used in actual criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, archaeology, and medical research. Students also build skills that are valuable in many careers, including problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and scientific analysis. Labs like this help students see how science can be used to solve real problems and better understand the world around them.
The King Arthur Baking Co. helped make Pizza Day another recent success for Victoria Ingrassia’s sixth-grade FACS students, donating both flour and a homemade pizza recipe for the class’s latest hands-on cooking lesson.
Students mixed, shaped, and baked their own pizzas while learning fundamental kitchen skills and a few authentic pizza-making techniques along the way — from kneading dough to developing the right crust texture. They also discovered that pizza dough benefits from “proofing,” the resting process that helps create a lighter, airier crust.
The project offered students the chance to prepare one of the world’s most popular comfort foods completely from scratch, reinforcing practical life skills and teamwork in the kitchen. PLUS --- middle school faculty members were invited to stop by and enjoy a slice fresh from the oven.
“They were so thrilled to have us join them,” said teacher Joanna Dolan. “Moments like these are so appreciated and reminded me of how much students really can love learning and apply in real life what they are being taught.”
Beyond the fun of making pizza, students also gained experience reading recipes, measuring ingredients, and understanding how simple ingredients like flour, yeast, water, and time work together to create a classic homemade dough — a process bakers often refer to as the “science behind the crust.”
KUDOS to the members of the Middle School’s Pet Club and the High School’s Environmental Club, who recently teamed up to collect essential supplies for animals in need at the Middletown Humane Society.
Their donations were made possible through the generosity of those who supported their collection efforts. Donated items collected included kibble, litter, pet pads and dog beds --- which will definitely be put good use.
Club members send their thanks to all donors and wanted to share that Human Society staff was deeply appreciative of the generosity.
Founded in 1959, the Middletown Humane Society is a No-Kill, privately run animal shelter serving the City of Middletown as well as surrounding communities. The shelter is funded only through the generosity of supporters, so every donation matters. To learn more, visit: https://middletownhumanesociety.com/
Their donations were made possible through the generosity of those who supported their collection efforts. Donated items collected included kibble, litter, pet pads and dog beds --- which will definitely be put good use.
Club members send their thanks to all donors and wanted to share that Human Society staff was deeply appreciative of the generosity.
Founded in 1959, the Middletown Humane Society is a No-Kill, privately run animal shelter serving the City of Middletown as well as surrounding communities. The shelter is funded only through the generosity of supporters, so every donation matters. To learn more, visit: https://middletownhumanesociety.com/
Congratulations to the winners of the Otisville Fastest Runner race, a half-mile race, held May 22! Twenty-four students participated with a huge number of spectators cheering them on! Take a look!
Top 3 boys:
1. Pierson Ferrantello (3 minutes)
2. Miguel Fermin (3:02 minutes)
3. John Borello (3:04 minutes)
Top 3 girls:
1. Harper Lagarde (3:36 minutes)
2. Aria Basso (3:55 minutes)
3. Melody Johnson (4:22 minutes)
THANK YOU to JV/Varsity Coaches Nichole Gaucher and ED Sucich, Modified Cross Country Coach Vincent Napolitano, Junior JV/Varsity Cross Country runner Elijah Zittel and National Honor Society members Jerry Yang and R.J. Sosler for their efforts to make the race a success!
Top 3 boys:
1. Pierson Ferrantello (3 minutes)
2. Miguel Fermin (3:02 minutes)
3. John Borello (3:04 minutes)
Top 3 girls:
1. Harper Lagarde (3:36 minutes)
2. Aria Basso (3:55 minutes)
3. Melody Johnson (4:22 minutes)
THANK YOU to JV/Varsity Coaches Nichole Gaucher and ED Sucich, Modified Cross Country Coach Vincent Napolitano, Junior JV/Varsity Cross Country runner Elijah Zittel and National Honor Society members Jerry Yang and R.J. Sosler for their efforts to make the race a success!
The Eighth-Grade Band and Chorus ensembles recently traveled to Chicopee High School in Massachusetts to perform at the Trills and Thrills Music Festival, where they showcased some of their favorite selections from the school year. Both ensembles performed for adjudicators who evaluated the groups on a variety of musical elements, including technical accuracy, musicality, and artistic interpretation. Kudos to all of the students for their hard work, preparation and performances; and to the music faculty for ensuring their music festival success!
The band performed Alan Silvestri’s “Captain America March,” arranged by Paul Murtha; “Shenandoah,” arranged by Robert Sheldon; and “The Great Locomotive Chase” by Robert W. Smith.
The chorus performed “Found/Tonight” by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, arranged by Jacob Narverud; as well as “Count the Stars,” arranged by Andy Beck.
Following the festival, students enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon at Six Flags New England, making the trip both a musical and memorable experience.
The band performed Alan Silvestri’s “Captain America March,” arranged by Paul Murtha; “Shenandoah,” arranged by Robert Sheldon; and “The Great Locomotive Chase” by Robert W. Smith.
The chorus performed “Found/Tonight” by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, arranged by Jacob Narverud; as well as “Count the Stars,” arranged by Andy Beck.
Following the festival, students enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon at Six Flags New England, making the trip both a musical and memorable experience.
Joseph Ferara’s ES second-graders are inching, stretching and measuring their way through math and science! Like all district second-graders, students are learning about the important measurement concepts of inches, feet and yards. They first explored what each type of measurement means and discovered the different tools used to measure objects accurately, including rulers and yardsticks.
Then came the fun part — turning the classroom into a giant measurement lab! Students traveled around the room measuring just about everything they could find: Doors, windows, bookbags, whiteboards, pencils and more. If it could be measured, these curious learners were ready for the challenge!
Before measuring, students had to think like mathematicians and scientists by deciding whether a ruler or a yardstick would work best. They also practiced estimating how long or tall an object might be before checking the actual measurement. This hands-on activity not only strengthened their understanding of measurement skills and math vocabulary, but also introduced an important science concept: Forming hypotheses and testing predictions, which are key parts of the scientific method.
By combining math, science and teamwork, these young learners proved that learning can measure up to a lot of fun!
Then came the fun part — turning the classroom into a giant measurement lab! Students traveled around the room measuring just about everything they could find: Doors, windows, bookbags, whiteboards, pencils and more. If it could be measured, these curious learners were ready for the challenge!
Before measuring, students had to think like mathematicians and scientists by deciding whether a ruler or a yardstick would work best. They also practiced estimating how long or tall an object might be before checking the actual measurement. This hands-on activity not only strengthened their understanding of measurement skills and math vocabulary, but also introduced an important science concept: Forming hypotheses and testing predictions, which are key parts of the scientific method.
By combining math, science and teamwork, these young learners proved that learning can measure up to a lot of fun!
Patriotism lessons continued in the Intermediate School yesterday, May 21, when members of the American Legion George Smith Post 1607 of Unionville visited all fifth-grade classes to talk about Memorial Day. We’re grateful for the interest of members of the Post in helping educate our students.
As part of their visit, members explained why Post 1607 was named after Sgt. George Smith, citing his bravery and sacrifice during World War II in the European Theater.
Visits like these help bring history to life, give students a deeper understanding of service and sacrifice, and encourage respect for the men and women who have served our country.
As part of their visit, members explained why Post 1607 was named after Sgt. George Smith, citing his bravery and sacrifice during World War II in the European Theater.
Visits like these help bring history to life, give students a deeper understanding of service and sacrifice, and encourage respect for the men and women who have served our country.
Like all district fifth-graders, Alexis Covais’ IS fifth-graders have been exploring the CKLA Ocean unit through the Core Knowledge Foundation curriculum, where they’ve been diving into the ocean as a massive, interconnected “blue world” that covers most of Earth and helps regulate global climate.
For example, students now know how oceans are divided into different zones—such as the sunlight, twilight, and deep ocean zones—each with unique conditions that affect the plants and animals living there.
Students also explored marine ecosystems and food chains, showing how energy flows from tiny organisms like plankton to larger predators such as fish and sharks. Additionally, they learned about ocean features, including currents, tides, and the ocean floor, and how these movements influence weather and climate around the world. Finally, the unit emphasizes human impacts on oceans, including pollution and overfishing, and highlights the importance of conservation to protect marine environments.
To wrap up this unit, students researched a marine animal of their choice and presented it in creative ways like slides or models, sharing details about adaptations, diet, and fun facts, while practicing growing research and presentation skills. Well-done, everyone!
THANK YOU to the members of the American Legion George Smith Post 1607 of Unionville, who visited Ashley Beairsto and Lauren Pullen’s sixth-grade social studies class earlier this week to speak with students about the true meaning of Memorial Day.
The visit gave students a meaningful opportunity to hear firsthand from local veterans who served our country with honor and dedication. Each veteran shared stories and experiences from their time in the military, while Becky Olah, Ladies Auxiliary Member, explained the history and importance of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by America’s service members.
Representing Post 1607 were: Art Olah, Air Force, Vietnam era; Nick Solimando, Navy Seabees, Cold War era; Paul Gale, Army, Vietnam era; and Erik Manzie, Army, Iraqi Freedom, along with Auxiliary members Becky Olah, Fran Solimando, Sue Manzie, and junior member Ella Manzie.
Visits like these help keep the spirit of patriotism, service, and remembrance alive for the next generation. By connecting students with veterans from their own community, we ensure that the sacrifices made for our freedoms are never forgotten.
Thank you all for your service, sacrifice, and continued commitment to educating our students and honoring our nation’s heroes.
The visit gave students a meaningful opportunity to hear firsthand from local veterans who served our country with honor and dedication. Each veteran shared stories and experiences from their time in the military, while Becky Olah, Ladies Auxiliary Member, explained the history and importance of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by America’s service members.
Representing Post 1607 were: Art Olah, Air Force, Vietnam era; Nick Solimando, Navy Seabees, Cold War era; Paul Gale, Army, Vietnam era; and Erik Manzie, Army, Iraqi Freedom, along with Auxiliary members Becky Olah, Fran Solimando, Sue Manzie, and junior member Ella Manzie.
Visits like these help keep the spirit of patriotism, service, and remembrance alive for the next generation. By connecting students with veterans from their own community, we ensure that the sacrifices made for our freedoms are never forgotten.
Thank you all for your service, sacrifice, and continued commitment to educating our students and honoring our nation’s heroes.
