Last week, upper-grade students at Westside participated in the annual spelling bee. Two representatives from every fourth, fifth and sixth grades were chosen after having their own class spelling bee. The finalists for the Westside Spelling Bee were Autumn Olsen and Dylan Ammons.
Fifth-grade students at Westside participated in a service project on Valentine's Day. Parents and teachers provided fleece blankets which students tied. These blankets will be given to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake. The blankets are given to patients there.
Sixth-grade students at Westside Elementary recently celebrated Medieval style to finish their unit of study on the Middle Ages. Students, parents, and teachers all came to the school for an evening of entertainment involving food, jousting, jesters, and singing. Students and teachers even dressed in Medieval attire.
Sixth-grade students at Westside Elementary recently designed catapults for an experiment in science class. Each group of 3-4 students was given a set of materials such as plastic spoons, tape, rubberbands and cups to design the catapult that would shoot a small marshmallow at least five meters. After every group designed and modified their design, they had a contest to see which catapult would get a marshmallow the farthest. This study of catpapults coincided with a social studies unit on the Middle Ages.
On January 20th, sixth-grade students participated in a basketball game against the faculty. Westside 5fth and sixth-grade students have the opportunity to participate in intramural games during their lunch recess. At the end of each session the sixth-grade students have the chance to show what they have learned, and how they have improved, against the teachers.
Westside students were mesmerized during an assembly where Chinese acrobats performed. Throughout the assembly, students learned about Chinese culture, and were entertained by the amazing physical feats shown by the acrobats. A few students were able to attempt some of the tricks such as balancing a plate on a stick, and juggling. These same students quickly realized that is was not as easy as it looked.
Mrs. Holden, a first grade teacher at Westside, reads with a child one-on-one. At the beginning, middle, and end of the year, a benchmark reading assessment is administered to ensure that each student is progressing. This test also helps teachers determine what interventions, if necessary, should be applied. Benchmark assessments are given in all grades.
Westside students who participate in the spanish dual immersion program, recently celebrated the Dia de Reyes, or King's Day. Pictured are students from Mrs. Edman's second grade class.
Cheira Enriquez, a high school student with Latinos in Action, works one-on-one with a first grade student. Latinos In Action (LIA) is a class/program, both at the Jr. High and High school level, that inspires bilingual Latino students to utilize their language skills in supporting their school and district community and propels these students toward a career through education. Several members of this organization help students reinforce concepts they learn in school.
On Wednesday, December 21st, students at Westside joined to celebrate Christmas with a variety of performances. The 6th grade bell choir, lower grade choir, and 6th grade orchestra, performed numerous Christmas songs for the enjoyment of all.
