This year in Mrs. Baker’s 5th Grade ELA Class, the focus is on learning how to read and write like detectives. To bring this idea to life, the students participated in an activity where they dressed up as detectives and investigated two mock crime scenes. Acting as real investigators, the students carefully examined all the pieces of evidence, analyzed clues, and used their critical thinking skills to make logical deductions about who committed the crime. Through this engaging experience, they practiced important skills of observation, inference, and reasoning.

The SMS Goal Getter Award is presented to students at SMS who not only establish meaningful and purposeful goals but also demonstrate consistent effort and dedication in actively working toward achieving those goals. This award recognizes their commitment to personal growth, perseverance, and the proactive steps they take to reach their objectives.

The Driven Learner Award is presented to students who demonstrate a strong belief in their academic abilities and exhibit a high level of self-confidence. These students are not only committed to their personal growth but are also willing to step outside of their comfort zones by taking intellectual risks. They actively seek opportunities to challenge themselves, showing a genuine desire to expand their knowledge and enhance their overall learning experience.

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The SMS Growth Mindset Award is presented to students who consistently demonstrate a strong willingness to embrace challenges and view obstacles as opportunities for learning. These students show resilience by learning from their mistakes rather than being discouraged by them. They actively set meaningful goals for themselves and approach these goals with determination and a positive attitude. Their ability to stay motivated, adapt to setbacks, and maintain a growth-oriented perspective exemplifies the true spirit of this award.

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The second Puma Award recognized South Meadow School students who consistently honor our school norms and routines. Examples of these behaviors include showing up to class on time, not causing disruptions during class, walking single file in the hallways in a calm and respectful manner. Congratulations to our five students for demonstrating our core values of Caring, Cooperative, and Respectful.

Each week, our teachers come together on Tuesdays to celebrate the characteristics and actions that make our community strong. During these meetings, they nominate students who best demonstrate the week’s featured skills . On Fridays during Advisory, five students are honored with the Puma Award and receive a special certificate.

This week’s Puma Award focused on the theme of helping others feel welcome and supported during transitions. Congratulations to our five students who were recognized for their kindness, empathy, and leadership!

Next week, we’ll be looking for students who excel at honoring school norms and routines. We can’t wait to celebrate more of the incredible ways our Pumas contribute to our community each day.