Westminster Weekly – October 11
School News
Kindergarten Scientists Investigate Farm Life
On Friday, October 2, our kindergartners headed to Green Meadows Farm for their annual science field trip! After spending the past few weeks learning about animals, their characteristics, and their habitats, students were excited to explore farm life firsthand. They had the chance to feed and pet the animals, meet the farmers, and pick their own pumpkins from the pumpkin patch. One of the day’s highlights was cheering on the piglets during a lively piglet race! The visit gave our young scientists an opportunity to connect what they had learned in the classroom with the world around them. It was a memorable day filled with discovery and excitement, and a wonderful way to bring their science studies to life. Thank you, Mrs. Bowab, for organizing this autumnal adventure!
Fourth Graders explore l’influence de l’architecture française à Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, October 6, the 4th graders enjoyed a beautiful day exploring the architecture and history of Washington, D.C. The tour began at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where students observed its distinctive architectural features, before continuing to the Renwick Gallery, sometimes called the “American Louvre.” There, they learned about the influence of Second Empire architecture, including its characteristic double columns and mansard roofs. The group then visited Freedom Plaza, where engravings of portions of Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s original plan for the capital offer a glimpse into the city’s early design. To round out the day, students enjoyed lunch outdoors at the Jefferson Memorial. The excursion offered a wonderful opportunity to experience the capital as a living classroom, connecting architectural details and historical planning with the cityscape around them. Un grand merci à Mme Peev pour avoir organisé cette belle sortie!
Seventh Grade Takes on Adventure at New Horizons
Our seventh graders headed to Camp Horizons in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for an overnight adventure filled with teamwork and outdoor exploration. On Friday, they took part in team-building activities before experiencing the thrill of the giant swing and zipline. After dinner, the group set out on a night hike, then gathered around the campfire for s’mores and spooky stories before lights out.
Saturday brought rainy weather, but the adventures continued! Students switched activities so everyone had a chance to try both the giant swing and zipline. At the nature center, they also met box turtles named after Greek gods and goddesses, along with a corn snake. The trip gave our seventh graders an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and discover more about the natural world. Thank you, Mr. Beasley and Ms. Mock, for supervising such a fun and educational experience for our students!
Money Talks in Renaissance Florence!
What was life like in Renaissance Florence if you weren’t wealthy or politically powerful? Our seventh graders found out firsthand during a history simulation on the economic and political inequalities of the Italian city-state. Students randomly drew professions, but only three landed guild-affiliated roles: merchant, apothecary, and vintner. These students received far more florins, the currency of Florence, and enjoyed a privilege denied to most of the population: a voice in the city’s government. When the class faced urgent challenges, including repairs to the bell tower and the threat of an Ottoman invasion, only the three guild members could decide how to respond and how to pay for it. The resulting taxes fell on the broader population, leaving ordinary workers with even less money for essentials such as food and winter clothing. Thanks to Ms. Shapter, the simulation ended without any classroom riots, but the students were still left with a vivid sense of the frustrations that fueled protests in Renaissance Florence. By stepping into the roles of Florentine citizens, our young historians explored how unequal access to wealth and political power could shape everyday life.
Food For Thought
Less Screen Time, More Green Time
What if technology encouraged children to spend more time exploring the world beyond their screens? This Nice News article introduces Freckle, a kid-friendly phone designed to inspire outdoor adventures through parent-guided quests, while keeping social media and open internet access off-limits. It raises an interesting question for families and educators: How can we use technology to spark curiosity about the world around us?
