Category Archives: MS Learning Opportunities

US Geography Championship – Sign up by Feb. 4th!

In the past, students in grades 4-8 at Westside Community Schools have participated in the National Geographic Geo Bee.   While this year’s experience won’t look the same as it has in the past, we are excited to offer students an opportunity to participate in another contest!

The US Geography Championship 2021 will be held the week of February 15.  The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and students will have 20 minutes to complete the exam.  In order to participate, sign up using the link below by February 4.
tinyurl.com/WCSGEO2021
You will be sent an email on Feb. 5th with your testing date, time, and location.

Frog Dissection Workshop January 27

Grab some gloves and participate in this unforgettable hands-on class to uniquely explore the anatomy found in a frog. Learn to use the equipment properly and discover animal needs and identify organs with step-by-step directions.

Who:  7th and 8th Graders (I have room for 24 students-in person and EC students welcome)

Where & When:  In person students will meet in Dr. Bruner’s room from 9-11 am on Jan. 27.  EC learners will need to pick up materials at WMS prior to the 27th and will participate via WebEx from 9-11 am on Jan. 27

Sign up now using this Google Form: https://forms.gle/gwyicBYruKQtBbGQ8

Signups will be accepted until Friday, January 15.

In the meantime, check out this website.  I didn’t check all the links nor am I sure that they are all open with your school laptop, but I wanted to give you this resource to explore.

Online Dissection Resources: https://www.navs.org/additional-information/bioleap-dissection-alternatives/free-online-dissection-resources/#.X_TehulKg0o

Storytelling Workshop – January 20

Image Source: http://clipart-library.com/clipart/53061.htm

In this half-day workshop, participants will explore the basics of acting, using the natural tools of voice and body, as well as integrating technology to engage in dynamic storytelling. Students will learn how to develop character through movement, sound, and visual composition. By using creativity, self-assessment, and constructive dialogue, students will discover their own unique theatrical narrative style. Contemporary text, improvisation, and personal writing will challenge each student to reach beyond their limits, in order to honestly and joyfully search for their character and story.

Sign up now!  https://forms.gle/dZ8fE8goDk2hWWgx7

2020-21 WMS Spelling Bee Information

Can you spell these 10 hard to spell words in the English language?

If so, you might be a contestant at the 2020-21 WMS Spelling Bee!

Due to COVID, this year’s spelling bee at WMS will look a little different.
All 7th graders will take the qualifying test during their Language Arts class.  If you are one of the top qualifiers, Dr. Spady will email you to verify whether or not you want to participate in the School Bee.
Any 8th grader interested in taking the qualifying spelling bee test needs to fill out this Google Form by Tuesday, Nov. 24.  You will then receive a link to a WebEx call that will be held on December 2.  During that call, you will take the test virtually.
In the meantime, feel free to practice spelling words from the lists linked below.
grade 7
grade 8

Thank You Notes

The other day I was thinking about ways my boys and I could serve our community and I continually found myself making excuses like…We’re too busy, we can’t all go to the same place, businesses are not allowing volunteers at this time, etc.  But then I was reminded by one act of service that we could all participate in…writing thank you notes!  Do you know a Veteran? Maybe another person that works in our community?  A first responder?  A teacher?  A custodian?  Writing a heart-felt note to someone thanking them for their service is a great way to display your leadership, character and citizenship.  If you end up writing some notes, I’d love to receive a picture from you letting me know how it went!
If you want some information on how to write a thank-you note, check out this post on the EY Website: https://ey.westside66.org/veterans-day-thank-you-writing/