FC Jr/.Sr. High STRIVE News
Fall 2014 from Mrs. Newman
So Much to Share
By this time in the school year I typically would have already sent a newsletter out earlier in the fall. I apologize that time has gotten away from me. So, here it is, finally!
The STRIVErs have taken part in a lot of fantastic activities over the past 3 months. I hope you enjoy catching up with all of the stories below.
The STRIVErs have taken part in a lot of fantastic activities over the past 3 months. I hope you enjoy catching up with all of the stories below.
Math 24 Tournament
Math 24 Tournament
On Sept. 19, nine middle school STRIVErs competed at the annual tournament at Chartiers Houston High School. Gavin and Regis are seen here working hard to come up with the correct equation.
2nd Place Winning Team
Congratulations to our 7/8 grade STRIVErs for placing 2nd at the tournament.
2nd Place Individual Winner
You wouldn't know it by the look on her face, but Lindsay was the 2nd place winner, among approx. 35 8th graders, at the tournament. Congratulations Lindsay!
Model United Nations
Preparing for and taking part in the Model United Nations (MUN) simulation, at the University of Pittsburgh, was a new undertaking for the senior high STRIVE program this year. In order to learn about the program, and begin our preparations, we attended a workshop to at Washington High School on Sept. 11th. Representatives from the University of Pittsburgh's Center of International Studies presented the program specifics for the students.
Following the workshop, each of the 10 student participants were assigned to be a delegate for either Bolivia or Ethiopia, our assigned countries. The delegates spent several weeks researching and preparing to represent their countries in various committees at the MUN simulation on Nov. 10. Many topics were debated including international security, education, refugees and LGBT rights.
Following the workshop, each of the 10 student participants were assigned to be a delegate for either Bolivia or Ethiopia, our assigned countries. The delegates spent several weeks researching and preparing to represent their countries in various committees at the MUN simulation on Nov. 10. Many topics were debated including international security, education, refugees and LGBT rights.
MUN Workshop
Darien takes part in a debate with a student from Burgettstown at the MUN workshop at Washington High School.
MUN Team
Our FC Team at the University of Pittsburgh, MUN Simulation on Nov. 10.
FC Delegate for Ethiopia
Taylor speaks on behalf of Ethiopia at the African Union committee meeting.
Annual Eco Challenge
Two teams of Middle School STRIVErs traveled to beautiful Phipp's Conservatory on September 24 to take part in the Annual Eco Challenge, sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. The students had a great day learning about the importance of implementing "green" techniques and the importance of sustainability.
The students competed in a scavenger hunt throughout the conservatory where they learned about numerous plant species. They took part in a lesson that focused on how our food, the production, distribution and waste, has an impact on the environment and how that impact can be lessened. The teams concluded their day being able to work together to produce artwork from recycled materials.
The students competed in a scavenger hunt throughout the conservatory where they learned about numerous plant species. They took part in a lesson that focused on how our food, the production, distribution and waste, has an impact on the environment and how that impact can be lessened. The teams concluded their day being able to work together to produce artwork from recycled materials.
Recycled Art Project
Regis, Abby and Matthew working together.
Recycled Art Project
Chloe, Caleb and Jac working together.
Finished Art Work
Can you pick out what recycled pieces were used in this project?
History Bowl
The Annual History Bowl at the Heinz History Center was a great day for middle and elementary school STRIVErs. On October 30 the Allegheny Intermediate Unit sent the students on various challenges throughout the museum. A few of the activities included math calculations and problem solving at the Heinz Exhibit and identifying artifacts that had been invented in certain decades at the Special Collections exhibit.
Open Heart Surgery Observation
Not many students are willing to be at school at 6:30AM. However, when it means you are headed to Allegheny General Hospital to observe open heart surgery, it becomes very worthwhile. On the morning of Nov. 29 a small group of senior high STRIVERs, those with an interest in a possible future in the medical field, met up with an educational specialist at the hospital. She lead the students to an observation dome directly above an operating room where they were able to view, from beginning to end, a heart valve replacement. The students were able to ask questions throughout the procedure. They learned about each medical professional's job, including their required education, work duties, schedule and expected salary. This was truly an awesome educational experience!
Senior High Speaker Series, Part 1
On November 6 Fort Cherry STRIVE hosted the first of a three-part speaker series for senior high gifted students. Presenting to the students, educational and career information, were Vijay Nemani, Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Adminstration in Pittsburgh, and James Garrett, Federal Prosecutor with the Department of Justice in Pittsburgh.
A total of 40 students from neighboring schools including Trinity, Chartiers Houston, Burgettstown and McGuffey attended the event.
Part two of the series will take place at W&J College on January 20. This session will focus on various Science and Engineering fields. The Washington County Gifted Teachers are working together to finalize plans for the third part of the series in March. This last event will focus on writing, theater and technology.
Way to Go MS Quiz Bowl Team
Our Fort Cherry Middle School STRIVErs really showed what they are made of at the Annual Quiz Bowl Tournament at Trinity Middle School on Nov. 25. The team was undefeated! Other teams competing included Canon McMillan, Burgettstown, Chartiers Houston, Washington, Trinity and McGuffey.
1st Place Winners
Four team members all set to buzz in to answer questions.
Team at Work
The full team working on a combined problem.
Wishing you all a wonderful new year!
I look forward to including many more stories in the next newsletter, in February, including Academic League, National History Day, Mock Trial and Science Olympiad.
Striving To Reach Intellectual Vistas in Education
Email: jnewman@fortcherry.org
Website: www.fortcherry.org
Location: 110 Fort Cherry Road, McDonald, PA, United States
Phone: 724-796-1551
Twitter: @FCSTRIVE