SBS Weekly Update
October 10th, 2021
Principal's Notes
I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been that great. As we get into the cooler season please remember to send students to school with a jacket, we plan to have outdoor recess for as long as we can. Also, no more shorts for gym starting this week. Students should be wearing their school uniform sweatpants, with the school logo. Please remember that leggings are not part of the school uniform.
At the end of the month I will be chairing a NEASC Visiting Team in Rhode Island. As part of our accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), we are required to be active participants in the accreditation process for member schools. This will be the my third time chairing a team and my fifth overall team visit. I find the process both rewarding and educational. Reviewing the workings of another school often leads to new ideas and fresh perspectives. Next year SBS will conduct a self-study and prepare for our 10 year reaccreditation. We will be hosting a visiting team during the fall of our 2024/2025 school year.
PTO Boosterthon final update - Grand total of over $28,800...AMAZING! Thank you for your support!
All my best,
Matthew Collins
Principal
Teacher Spotlight - Ms. Whealan
In fourth grade, Ms. Whealan’s students have been engaged in a Design Build Test challenge. In their study of solids, liquids, and gases, they have been investigating water flow and how water flow can be changed. This Design Build and Test activity satisfies the MA Science Engineering Design Standard to “plan and carry out tests of one or more design features of a given model or prototype in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify which features need to be improved and to apply the results of tests to redesign a model or prototype.”
First, the fourth graders did some research about beavers and learned how beavers are able to change the flow of water by creating a dam with materials. Then, the students worked in groups to plan a model for their own dam. The students used blocks to build the dam to allow water to an “energy source” and used a checklist to make sure that their model was ready to be tested. When all agreed that the dam was ready to be tested, then the students tested the flow with real water! The students made observations and talked about improvements they could make to make the water flow to the “energy source” better.
STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) lessons like this allow for students to develop critical thinking skills. Ms. Whealan plans STEAM lessons to give students an opportunity to practice “collaborative conversations.” Rather than the teacher leading the group discussion, the students take charge of the talking and lead their own group discussions. Students led discussion increases students’ engagement, helps them take responsibility for their learning, prompts higher-level thinking, offers room for clarification, encourages children to build and share knowledge. In Ms. Whealans’ class there was lots of discussion about inclines, materials, water flow, energy sources, design ideas and of course beavers!
~ Mrs. Rousseau, Instructional Coordinator
The Week Ahead 10/11 - 10/15
- NO SCHOOL - Columbus Day
Tuesday, October 12th:
- Please pray for our school families!
Wednesday, October 13th:
- Karate After School Club
Thursday, October 14th:
- School Mass - Grade 8 Hosting
- Beginner Keyboard After School Club
Friday, October 15th:
- Term I Progress Reports will be sent out for Grades 3-8
Looking Ahead 10/18 - 10/22
- Please pray for our Clergy
Tuesday, October 19th:
- Please pray for out school Faculty and Staff
Wednesday, October 20th:
- Karate After School Club
Thursday, October 21st:
- Beginner Keyboard After School Club
Friday, October 22:
- Early Release Day - 11:10 am dismissal
- Free Dress Down Day
Saint Bridget School Contact Information
Email: sbsoffice@stbridgetschool.us
Website: www.stbridgetschool.us
Location: 455 Plymouth Street, Abington, MA 02351
Phone: (781)-878-8482
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaintBridgetSchoolAbington/?ref=bookmarks