What’s Happening
From September’s opening day to June’s closing ceremonies, we document and share events from all over our campus in an attempt to continuously communicate all the diverse goings-on at The Unquowa School. From school-wide events, assemblies, visiting presenters and other highlights from around campus, here’s a sample of what’s happening…
Building Bridges Through Language!
Posted by Thomas Iezin
We are thrilled to share a unique and heartwarming biweekly activity happening at Unquowa: our 8th-grade Spanish students are bringing language learning to life by reading children’s books in Spanish to our kindergarten students every other Tuesday.
This program not only allows our 8th graders to apply their language skills in a meaningful way, but it also introduces our youngest learners to Spanish in a fun and engaging environment.
These storytime sessions create opportunities for connection, language exposure, and community building across grade levels.
Let The Chips Fall Where They May
Posted by Sarah Raggio
As a teacher, my goal for each class is to engage all of the students, to have them learn about the topic presented and often, to have them produce a tangible end product so they are actively learning. I strive to make every class meaningful, productive and goal oriented according to my “plan.”
This week, during 5th grade Advisory, I let that all go and asked the students to play a simple game and I let the “chips fall where they may.” There was no end product, but they were busy and engaged. They were learning, or maybe re-learning because they had to recall their right from left, which was a long forgotten skill for some.
The game, Left Center, Right, took seconds to learn and is a game of luck so it’s an even playing field for everyone. It requires a few chips, dice and knowing your right from left. It’s simple, but fun and dramatically changes with each roll of the die – one roll you are winning and the next, you are losing!
The giggles, laughs and yes, the screams, could be heard all the way down the hall. It was a reminder to me that kids, just independently playing a simple game and having fun together, may not produce a tangible end product, but it is a meaningful end product.
PE Teachers For the Day!
Posted by Sarah Pollex
At Unquowa, PE students are the teachers! This week August, grade 3 and Salma, grade 6 were naturals as they took charge of class by organizing warm ups, choosing games, officiating, and best of all, participating!
When asked what they liked most about their experience, August said, “playing ultimate pinball with my class!” and Salma said, “making balanced teams!” A great day for all! Go Unquowa! Go Gators!
About US: Vol.28 – Issue1. Enjoy the latest edition here!
Posted by Jacqui Mudre
What A Blast!
Posted by Colleen Noyes
In our recent geology unit, 6th grade students had the exciting opportunity to build and erupt their own volcanoes in class. This hands-on activity served as a fantastic culmination of our study of Earth’s processes, allowing students to apply what they learned about volcanoes, tectonic plates, and eruptions. By creating their models, they not only grasped the scientific concepts but also experienced the thrill of seeing their volcanoes erupt, which brought the subject to life. This activity helped to reinforce their understanding of geology and also fostered teamwork and creativity among classmates.
A Gift for the Birds!
Posted by Ann Palm
After reading the book Night Tree by Eve Bunting, Kindergarten discovered the family in the story was going to the woods to decorate their favorite tree for the animals of the forest. Before break Kindergarten made bird feeders out of bagels, crisco and birdseed and hung it on one of Unquowa’s favorite trees, the Blue Spruce located near the Corral. When we returned from break we learned the birds, or animals enjoyed their treat. The only thing left was a few strings. Maybe the birds can use the string when making nests in the Spring!
