Middle School Student Newsletter, 2/14/20

February 14, 2020

Welcome back to the MS Newsletter!

On Monday, we officially began our first Humanities unit of 2020 (and our third of the school year), which is Civics and Government. So far, we have delved into the different branches of government, broken down the articles of the US Constitution, and witnessed firsthand how different government structures can affect cooperation and progress with the help of a fun simulation. With a going-out to the State House planned for early March, this unit is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating and engaging ones yet.

Leadership Work with URI

On Tuesday afternoon, the entire class filed into the Quest bus for an afternoon at the URI Center for Student Leadership. Once there, we were given markers and chart paper and told to jot down the strengths of a particular leader. The leaders the Middle School chose to focus on were Michelle Obama and Rosa Parks, and in groups students were able to hold active discussions about which strengths and traits helped to make these amazing women the influential leaders they are known as today. After a few more similar exercises, we left URI in high spirits and with a greater understanding of our own personal strengths, along with ways we can utilize them in our lives.

In honor of Black History Month, each of us has been assigned an Afro-Latino dance to research in Spanish class. Some examples are the marimba, bachata, and cumbia. It is fascinating to learn about the connections between the Latin and African cultures, as well as gain a deeper appreciation for each of these beautiful and unique art forms. You can read more about that in this week's Specialist Blog.

In other news, our Greenhouse Facility Managers have begun planting microgreens again! They estimate that they will be ready for sale in the coming weeks, so please keep your eyes out for them.

-Annabel R., one of your MS correspondents