Please take a moment to read through the following math tips for parents.

• Encourage a positive attitude toward math. Celebrate small successes and efforts.

• Avoid phrases like “I’m not good at math,” as this can influence your child’s mindset.

• Use everyday situations to practice math, such as cooking (measuring ingredients) or shopping (calculating prices and change).

• Discuss time management by planning schedules and estimating how long tasks will take.

• Ask open-ended questions that promote critical thinking. For example, “How did you arrive at that answer?” or “Can you think of another way to solve this?”

• Let them explain their thought process, which reinforces their understanding

• Relate math to your child’s interests, whether it’s sports statistics, video game scores, or music patterns

The Leadership team had a challenge to find a problem in the school. After lots of research and thinking we found out the test scores were lower than 50% proficiency in grades 6th-8th. After discussion with peers and faculty we found that some students did not find school as a main priority. We conducted a survey to ask students what we could do to motivate them to perform better on tests and assignments. With the information we were given we found that students wanted outside time for social and emotional interaction, and more hands on group work for enhanced understanding.

Corn Field Soil Moisture Data

Students were asked to code the FINCH robot to complete the task of locating areas of varying levels of soil moisture for each row of corn. Using data collected, the information could be shared with a farmer to determine the need for irrigation in a drought.
The students demonstrated their skills in block based coding and a method for communicating the information collected. They group shared their challenge and ideas with a group of East Tennessee educators from the TSIN Rural Collaborative team. Using technology for real world solutions!

Exciting Times Ahead for the Robot Drone League Jr Team!

Our talented team of 15 innovative 3rd graders, guided by dedicated 4th-5th grade coaches, is gearing up for an exhilarating competition at Sulphur Springs School on November 9th! This is just the first step on the road to the championship at ETSU in January!

Every week after school, our young pilots practice their skills as they navigate drones and RVRs, performing stunts, stealing power pucks, conquering obstacle courses, and tackling STEM questions.

If you're interested in volunteering for the event on Saturday, November 9th, please reach out to Mrs. Yarber at yarbers@wcde.org. Let's support our future engineers and innovators!

K-2

Apple Testing in Kindergarten

Kindergarten students experimented with apples. They determined the best tasting apple from a variety of types. Another task was to place apples in different types of solutions to see which material would keep the apple from turning brown. The apples were also tested to determine if the fruit would sink or float. Inquiry based learning with observations and showing evidence...powerful engagement!

3-5

Irrigation Modeling in 5th Grade

After a unit of study about the importance of corn in society and technology used in farming during 5th grade ELA, students researched and designed informational posters of irrigation types using ELA skills and built models in the science classroom using engineering and math skills. Impressive solutions for irrigation during periods of drought. Using authentic problems in our area to develop possible solutions!

6-8

Monorail Rides

Monorail Rides were designed and created by the 7th & 8th grade students. Challenged to build for speed and safety, students had to make sure passengers could be returned to the starting point without the cart falling off the track. Models were designed and redesigned with amazing results and excellent use of the materials provided. Realist challenges to empower students with problem solving skills!

• October 3, 2024 9 Weeks Ends

• October 4, 2024 Teacher Inservice NO STUDENTS

• October 7-11, 2024 Fall Break

• October 14-16 Teacher Inservice NO STUDENTS

• November 9, 2024 Robot Drone League Jr. Competition at Sulphur Springs