Mr. David Winship, as Benjamin Franklin, explains major events in his life.
On Friday, April 19, Watauga First Graders enjoyed a visit from a special famous American-Ben Franklin! Mr. Franklin began his talk by explaining how newspapers were once made by the print press when he was a young apprentice at his brother’s newspaper. He then spoke about some of the major events in his life, including his famous kite experiment, starting the first library and volunteer fire department in Philadelphia, and signing the Declaration of Independence. Students were very impressed when he showed how to work his “Magic Squares” math puzzles. Watauga first graders will certainly remember the day Ben Franklin came to school! Special thanks to Mr. David Winship for his excellent portrayal of Benjamin Franklin!
The members of the Jr. Trojans show off their awards and medals.
The Jr. Trojans travel basketball team, comprised of fourth and fifth grade students from High Point Elementary and Valley Institute Elementary Schools, finished their basketball season with a 16-10 overall record. These young men played in tournaments all across Southwest Virginia, meeting teams from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. They made it to five straight championship games and earned several trophies, plaques, and medals along the way. Team members are Reed S. #1, Zane P. #4, Major H. #10, Garett B. #12, Andrew C. #13, Bryson S. #14, Zack S. #20, and Jayden F. #25. Congratulations boys on a job well done!
Lucas R., Blake M., and Randy H. finish up spreading mulch around the new dogwood tree in front of Patrick Henry High School.
On Friday, April 26, members of the United Way of Washington County, United Way of Russell County, and a long-term recovery group visited Patrick Henry High School to plant a maple tree and a dogwood tree in front of the school. This project intends to aid in the restoration of damages from the 2011 tornadoes in the Glade Spring area. Students in Mr. Scypher’s Landscaping class assisted in the actual planting of the trees. On Arbor Day, April 27, these organizations will be planting trees at approximately 400 Glade Spring households affected by the tornadoes.
Sujean Bradley shares her experiences in China.
Second graders at Watauga Elementary were fortunate to welcome a guest speaker, Sujean Bradley, to discuss Ancient China. She teaches preschool at Rhea Valley Elementary. She has visited China twice. Her grandfather, John Wilson Bradley, was a Presbyterian medical missionary to China who helped raise money to build a new hospital in Suqian, China in 1905. In 2005, family members of those who had helped were invited to visit Suquian to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the hospital. As a result of her trip, she has many experiences to share. She showed a slideshow of photographs and discussed many interesting facts about life in China. Many of the photographs focused on ancient architecture, artifacts, and Chinese inventions which are studied in second grade. Pictures of Ms. Bradley and other people on the Great Wall of China really brought the history books to life! The attention of all 100 of the second graders was captivated by the presentation!
Kylie B., Miguel B., Kagan K., Dylan K., and Juli P. show off their scientific abilities!
High Point Elementary School students have been gathering all of their scientific skills to showcase in the First Annual School-wide Science Fair! Third-grade students in Mrs. Miller's class worked hard on their projects; Oil slicks, bread mold, plant growth, and dissolving substances were just a few of the topics studied. Students worked in groups of four or five, and followed the scientific method to create and carry out an investigation. They created boards to display their work and creativity, and practiced their typing skills in order to include information they learned while doing their projects. Students were also encouraged to create their own projects at home to be entered in the Science Fair. On Thursday, April 25, the students were able to showcase their talents for family and friends!