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Dear Middle School Families,
As the calendar turns to December and we enter the season of year-end “wrappeds” and reflection, I am perpetually reminded of just how special Wellington is. By design, each school year presents its own set of unique challenges (indeed, that’s how we learn and grow!), and 2024 has been no different. As we have navigated these circumstances, each step has underscored the strength and compassion of our community – students, teachers, families, and beyond. I want to express my most heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your partnership, support, and relentless commitment to our mission and values. And by the way, Taylor Swift was my top artist on Spotify Wrapped again…I hope the kids think that makes me cool.
Inside the classroom, our students continue to enjoy an engaging, challenging, and diverse academic program. 5th graders recently completed a new, interdisciplinary unit of study in French class centered around the impressionist movement. In their explorations of the birth and rise of impressionism, students studied French history, including the construction of the Eiffel Tower, analyzed paintings by various impressionist artists, read an authentic French story entitled “Où êtes-vous monsieur Degas?”, and analyzed the differences between classical and impressionist art. The unit culminated with students making their own impressionist pieces, which you can see in the picture above!
Meanwhile, 6th graders recently completed a documents-based question (DBQ) writing assignment in social studies, analyzing primary sources and honing their critical thinking skills. This week, 7th graders had a choice on how to demonstrate their learning of plate tectonics: a written exam or an annotated 3-D model. Next, they’ll immerse themselves in the world of volcano research! 8th graders are writing and revising descriptive essays, learning about Newton’s Laws through hands-on activities, starting research for their International Week projects, making Warhol-inspired blotted-ink print editions, and so much more!
This week also serves as a celebration of the performing arts in middle school. Last night’s 5th and 6th grade concert was a wonderful showcase of all the hard work that our youngest instrumentalists have put in this year. Tonight’s 7th and 8th grade winter concert promises a celebration of all things music – band, choir, and strings – and tomorrow evening’s 5th and 6th grade choir concert culminates three days of performances. I’d like to extend a special shoutout to James Becker, Emma Carson, and Carlie Platt for putting on these events!
Of course, learning at Wellington extends into the community. We are delighted to have several middle schoolers submit entries to the 2024 Youth Oratorical Contest through the city of Columbus. Our Changemakers Dive, led by Columbus everyday kindness hero Ms. Ford, has successfully led a donation drive benefitting Feed the Kids Columbus. They collected over 1,000 snacks and were able to pack over 250 snack bags that will go directly to food-insecure kids in the Columbus area.
December has also brought colder(!) temperatures and promises of winter. Students will enjoy a well-deserved break, with our last day of school on Thursday, December 19; school resumes on Monday, January 6, 2025. We are excited to kick off our Winter Ski Program at Mad River Mountain beginning on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (here's hoping that this morning's dusting of snow portends some fresh powder on the slopes). I wish you all a restful and restorative break full of joy and ease!
I’ll leave you with a warm-up thinking problem that I saw the other day in an 8th grade algebra class. I invite you to reply to this email with your solution; be sure to show your work to demonstrate your thinking! It takes Mrs. Magliery two hours to make a gingerbread house. It takes Ms. Ford three hours to make a gingerbread house. Working together, how long will it take them to make 10 gingerbread houses?
Eagerly awaiting your mathematical responses,
Louis
Louis Frank
Head of Middle School
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