It has been a busy term! From poetry, robotics, Tic-Tac-Toe speed racing, building bridges in science that are unbreakable! The students at Maple Lake Academy are working hard.

Here’s what we’re working on in school:

English – Students are currently working on Poetry Projects from writing their own to sharing them with others. Out of a list of 15 options, they get to choose if they write a poem about their families, share a poem with the community, stand on a chair and recite it to the house and many other challenges that pushes them out of their element. It’s proving to be both academically and personally challenging as they try to write their own voice into verse.

Math– Students are just buzzing away at their numeric calculations. Jeff is a wizard at using the smart boards and making the classes visually stimulating as they learn graphs, functions and breaking down algebraic equations. I sat in on a class last week and was blown away at how much I had forgotten but had a classroom of teens willing to “school” me on what I was missing.

Social Studies– This term we started World Civilizations and the students are creating 3D projects of what Mesopotamia looked like from agriculture, economy and language. When I visited their class, they all spouted off the different key elements of what makes a civilization. I was once again “schooled” but this time in unison!

Science– There are so many hands on activities that happen in science. Recently, the students had the opportunity to dissect a cow eye ball after learning the make up of it. In other classes, they are building indestructible bridges and working on their ECO challenge projects for Thanksgiving Point’s annual competition. The students are working on making clothing out of recyclable items, designing t-shirts about awareness of endangered species and writing songs about the earth. The ECO challenge is April 12! Wish them luck!

Student Government–  The students just had re-elections. Some won for their second term while new candidates filled their leadership positions. The class focuses on building attributes that make up a leader and then they practice those skills as they work as a group to bring about a term project that unifies both the classroom and community.

Robotics– The focus of this term’s class is working as a group to create different challenges. Last week they had to make a crane. It was fun to watch them congregate together and throw ideas out where they were then discussed to make their robot come to life.

PE– Physical Education! It has been revamped and restructured to incorporate a more rigorous workout as well as learning opportunities for applicable health. At first, there were a lot of complaints. “I’m so sore from all of the squats!” “I can’t stand the health portion! Why, MaryLynn, why?!” Our teachers and therapists have even joined in on some of the exercises!

Overall, great things are happening in school. We are seeing less students with missing assignments. They are working hard and trying their best to improve not only their work ethic but their overall skills when it comes to thinking deeply, managing anxiety specifically with assignments and deadlines and advocating for help.

We are impressed with our students and look forward to finishing off the term strong.