The Baker News is a peek inside our classrooms. Each edition of the Baker News features articles about our Early Childhood, Primary, Intermediate and Middle School divisions, as well as news from the Baker community. We hope you enjoy our stories!
Early Childhood News
Kindergarteners Dive into Shark Study
In kindergarten, students are diving into oceans, with a recent focus on sharks! In early April, students spent a week learning about sharks.
Kindergarten teacher Jennifer Cvetas said her students were excited to study the animal, and they already had “so much knowledge” about the subject.
“We learned that sharks are fish, they do not have bones, but cartilage instead, and they have rows and rows of teeth,” Cvetas said. “We learned the names of all the parts of a shark. Most importantly, we learned that they are superheroes of the ocean. We should focus on how to keep them from being overfished.”
Cvetas also read “Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist.”
“It is a story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire,” she said. “Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to!”
Primary School News
First-graders Enjoy Literacy Lessons through Wordle
First-graders look forward to their daily game of Wordle!
Teacher Melissa Makagon has incorporated the popular online word game into her classroom, creating an engaging, student-led literacy lesson. Wordle, as well as Wordle for Kids, gives players six chances to figure out a word of the day, providing clues when correct letters are used.
Makagon said Wordle builds vocabulary, teaches phonics and requires students to use problem-solving skills. In just one game of Wordle, first-graders sound or clap out syllables, count letters, search for patterns and segment sounds.
“It ties in with first-grade literacy,” Makagon said. “It also allows me to see their thinking and where students are as readers.”
Lessons organically grow from playing Wordle. One day, the word of the day was “rupee,”which is a South Asian currency. The new vocabulary word fit into students’ studies of money and Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi. Another game led to an in-depth discussion of homophones.
Makagon and students guess as a group, sharing their ideas about what the word could be and cheering when correct letters are guessed. Instead of being competitive, students are truly proud of their classmates and celebrate their accomplishments, strengthening the classroom community.
“First-graders are engaged and they’re so proud of each other when we play,” she said. “We’ve just had so much fun.”
Intermediate School News
Fourth- and Fifth-graders Selling Plantables for UNICEF
Fourth- and fifth-graders are selling Plantables 4 UNICEF as part of a service learning initiative.
During Friday carpool, the Baker community can purchase a hand-decorated pot, dirt, and seeds for $5 or make a donation. The money raised goes to UNICEF, an organization that works globally to aid children. Students chose to support UNICEF because its aid is so far reaching.
“Recently, Intermediate students have been learning about the labor movement as well as origins and outcomes of the Civil War,” said fifth-grade teacher Kerah Sandler. “They have been concerned to learn that child labor and enslavement continue in our modern world. Additionally, they are eager to support refugees currently displaced from Ukraine.”
The last day to purchase a plantable is Friday, April 22, during carpool.
Middle School News
Middle Schoolers Organize Schoolwide Day of Silence
On April 8, Baker participated in the GLSEN Day of Silence, a national, student-led event which aims to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. The event was sponsored by the Middle School GSA.
According to GLSEN, “students take a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior by illustrating the silencing effect of bullying and harassment on LGBT students and those perceived to be LGBT.”
All School News
Community Tailgate Party is May 20!
The Community Tailgate Party is Friday, May 20, from 6:30-9 p.m.! Save the date for this casual, outdoor event, which is an opportunity to gather with friends and meet new Baker parents. The tailgate will have a food truck and beer, wine, soft drinks and sparkling water for guests to enjoy. We hope to see you there!
