Sixth grade science fair winners pose for a picture in the school's library in front of Gavin L.'s first place winning display.
The sixth grade class showcased their science fair projects in the school’s gym during the PTA open house held on Thursday, April 11th. Students incorporated the scientific method of learning and followed the sixth grade Standards of Learning to come up with creative ways to show their ideas and research. Students were required to keep logbooks of their day-to-day activities and observations. They then provided their logbooks with their display boards to be judged. Gavin L. took first place honors with his presentation, “Deep Water, High Pressure.” Rachel C. and Jackson B. tied for second. Both Dylan R. and Kate M. came in third and honorable mentions went to Megan B. and Josh H. Congratulations to these students.
AgriScience students pull weeds, rake soil, and set plants at a side entrance landscape garden.
Seventh grade AgriScience students took advantage of an unusually warm April week by weeding Wallace Middle School's Virginia Landscape Garden under the guidance of their teacher, Mr. Mark Hawkins. The garden, which features soils and plants from Virginia's four geographic terrains, was begun several years ago with a Science Learn & Serve grant that Mrs. Leonard received way back in 2007. Students removed dead plants from various types of soil, pulled networks of weeds, carefully removed dried debris to eliminate the reseeding of undesired plants, and nourished the soil and sustainable planters that are located at the school's side entrance. When students get on and off school buses, they notice the garden's facelift. Everyone at Wallace Middle School appreciates all the hard work that went into making the garden beautiful.
Abingdon Elementary School 4-H students receive banner in honor of Arbor Day.
The fifth grade 4-H students at Abingdon Elementary participated in the celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, April 12. Several distinguished guests attended including: Mr. Billy Brooks, chairman of the Washington County School Board, and Mrs. Elizabeth Lowe, member of the Washington County School Board, Mr. Ed Morgan, mayor of Abingdon, Mr. Monty Vernon from the Abingdon Tree Commission, Mr. Paul Revell from the Virginia Department of Forestry and finally, Mr. John Dew from the Town of Abingdon, and Mr. Kevin Sigmon, Abingdon Town Arborist. Mr. Sigmon facilitated a short discussion of the importance of trees, while Mr. Vernon presented us with several wonderful books for our school library. Mr. Revell presented a Tree City USA flag and declared Abingdon a “Tree City, USA” for the 12th year in a row! The students of Abingdon then had the opportunity to assist in the planting of a beautiful maple tree which will adorn our school yard for many years to come! Finally, everyone enjoyed cookies and lemonade and students were presented with a red oak tree to plant at home. We are honored and privileged to have hosted the celebration of Arbor Day at our school and we look forward to hosting again in years to come!
Tyler Reddick has his picture made with some sixth-graders who attended a Don't Do Drugs program at Wallace Middle School.
During the recent March race week, teen race car driving sensation Tyler Reddick visited sixth-graders at Wallace Middle School. He talked to them about setting goals, working hard in school, and not doing drugs. His dream of becoming a driving champion started fourteen years ago, so at age seventeen, he’s really achieving. He credits his success to hard work, staying out of trouble, respecting others, and not doing drugs or drinking alcohol. Students became instant fans of “The California Kid” as he debuted at Bristol in the March 16 NASCAR K&N Pro Series. They have also followed him as he debuted in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina on April 14. Students were inspired by his talk, and they hope he will drop by anytime he is traveling past Wallace Middle School.
Students from the E. B. Stanley Middle School Special Olympics Swim Team receive a team trophy from Superintendent Jim Sullivan.
On April 21st the first Special Olympic Swim Meet was held at the Coomes Recreation Center, in Abingdon, Virginia. Students from E. B. Stanley Middle School and Abingdon High School participated. The opening ceremony began with a former E. B. Stanley student, Jamie Hartsock, singing the National Anthem. The athletes competed both individually and as a team. They swam in a variety of events to include the 15 Yard Freestyle Assisted Swim, the 15 Yard Freestyle Walk-Run, the 15 Yard Freestyle Flotation, the 25 Yard Freestyle Kick Board, the 25 Yard Backstroke, and the100 Yard Freestyle Relay. The meet ended with the most popular event, the “Biggest Splash.”
An awards ceremony was held at the conclusion of the meet with Special Education teacher Mrs. Kate Jacobs holding the Olympic flame. Mr. Kevin Worley of the Coomes Recreation Center announced the winners and Washington County Schools Superintendent Jim Sullivan congratulated and handed out medals. Many E. B. Stanley Middle School students attended to cheer and offer words of encouragement to the athletes. The Special Olympic Swim Team coaches, Mrs. Jenny Mitchell, Mrs. Tonya Farmer, Mrs. Lora Kiser, Mrs. Sandra Harless, Mrs. Kristi Propst, and Mrs. Barbara Necessary, would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support from all of the volunteers and especially the faculty, staff, and students from E. B. Stanley Middle School.
Thanks to Melisha Wynne and Kevin Worley who ran the meet, the Abingdon Civitans who cheered on each athlete, and to members of the Abingdon Police Department for congratulating each athlete with “high-fives” after each race. Snacks were donated by Food City. The team will compete at regions on April 30 at 6:30, in Blacksburg, Virginia and at the state summer Special Olympic games the second week in June in Richmond, Virginia.