Wells Road Intermediate School

We have been studying the phenomena of a Super Blue Blood Moon in 5th grade science. To help learn the different phases of the Moon, students were challenged to practice at home using Oreos! - Mr. Janski, grade 5

Some students in Mrs. Jackson's groups have been learning how to increase their focus and attention in the classroom. They've been identifying what distracts them inside and outside of their brain, and learning strategies on how to block out distractions in the room, how to use a fidget to improve focus, and ways to keep their brain and body in the group.

Last week our class worked to build our group work and cooperation skills by completing tower building challenges. Between sessions we debriefed on what we learned about how to work together as a team. Students discovered that they were most successful working together when they focused their attention and listened to each other's ideas and then came up with a plan and executed it together. By working together, groups were able to build towers over 18 inches tall using only 10 sheets of paper, 2 rulers, 12 dixie cups, and 2 unopened containers of glue!

Reminder! The deadline to order food-to-go for Distance Learning is TODAY at 3:00.

Looking for a different way to engage your readers at home? Audio Books are a great option. - Kelly Hayden, Resource Teacher

Food-To-Go for Distance Learning - Dec. 21st to Dec. 23rd. See attached for details.

This is my favorite wall at Wells Road School. Not only are there so many handprints of former students and teachers in here, but the number of math questions that can be asked about this picture are tremendous! For example: How many fingers are here? Right hands? Thumbs? How many students does this represent? How would the spacing be different if the hands were closed? This is a reminder that math is all around us, all the time. We just need to see it! Kristin Rice - Math Coach

PJ Day at Wells Road tomorrow!

Wells Road progress reports can now be viewed through the parent portal. Happy Thanksgiving!

Students in Mr. Faber's fourth grade science class got to experience the effect of sand being blown against their hand to better understand wind erosion. They are currently learning about different types of weathering and erosion.

Mrs. Cloukey’s class enjoys some outside learning! We are doing Math on the Move to review for our test.

Tomorrow is Dobby Day at Wells Road. Students and staff should remember to wear their most unique socks!

In Ms. Di Nuzzo's, 4th graders enjoyed secretly writing a positive Smilegram to 3rd graders to cheer them up. Photo of our class waiting to surprise them.

Wear Granby clothing or colors tomorrow for Elementary Granby Spirit Day!!

Happy Halloween!

Learning from home? Here are some helpful tips! • Create a learning space just for you. Make sure it is quiet and clutter free. • Gather all the materials you will need for the day. A checklist might be helpful! • Set up a routine and stick to it! This is especially important in the morning! Get dressed, eat breakfast, and get ready for school just like you would do if you were attending in person. • Reduce distractions. Headphones are a great way to block out background noise. • Take brain breaks and screen breaks regularly. Go outside, stretch, exercise, read a book, or get some fresh air! • Participate in break out rooms. Get to know your peers and teachers. • Stay positive! Most importantly, ask questions! Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher. Communication is so important. We are all in this together!

Fifth grade students, from Mrs. Ferrando’s class, continue their work on Genius Hour projects during specials this week. Genius Hour provides students an opportunity to choose a topic, a passion, or an interest as their project. Then they spend time researching, learning by doing, collaborating with each other or experts, and designing a culminating project to share with their peers. - Katie Busbey, Enrichment Coach

İBienvidos a todos! Welcome to Everyone! La Clase de español (the Spanish class) is where students are building community by using Spanish language within the classroom. They are also building connections with communities outside the classroom. What’s the secret to all of these community connections? Questions! Keywords you are bound to hear in our virtual and on campus classroom are: • ¿Quién? Who?, • ¿Qué? What?, • ¿Cuándo? When?, • ¿Dónde? Where? • ,¿Por Qué? Why?, • ¿Cómo? How? Students are asking and answering questions to build our community within the Spanish classroom. Students are asking about each other’s experiences, interests and preferences. Students also ask and answer questions to become acquainted with people who have made significant contributions throughout the Spanish Speaking world. They are becoming more familiar with cultural practices and products around the world. As students practice Spanish language with routines, stories and games, they also show how to be kind (ser amable) while laughing and learning together! We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! During Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct.15) we take this opportunity to kick off a whole year of diverse cultural appreciation! Please consider exploring biographies and other rich children’s literature related to Hispanic Heritage Month: Cesar Chavez: https://video.link/w/NjdM Celia Cruz: https://video.link/w/raeM Sonia Sotomayor: https://video.link/w/PIEbb Sylvia Mendez: https://video.link/w/BdeM Mariachi: https://video.link/w/zbeM Cuba: https://video.link/w/pKEbb You may also be interested in resources available through the Smithsonian Institute’s Kids’ Corner: http://latino.si.edu/KidsCorner/index.html Doña Alicia Budney

Mrs. Balgach's class has been making the most of the beautiful fall weather! Here third graders are doing some of their math practice outdoors and taking a mask break!

Build your reading muscle with twenty minutes per day! - by Sarah Amara - Reading Interventionist