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This week, the adults and families of our Ferndale Lower Elementary kindergartners were invited to participate in music class. Kindergarten music students— led by Mrs. Duncanson—hosted informal performances (AKA “informances”) for parents and families. Students showed how they sing hello, participate in story time, play glockenspiels, and move throughout their movement space. Families of our Kindergartners were able to see first hand how music education begins in our school.

Miss Grammatico and her 2nd graders put on their "Making the Band" concert on Tuesday night. The students sang songs such as "We Got the Beat," "Twist and Shout," "Footloose," "Stand by Me," and "Dancing in the Street." The students shined on stage, rocking out with their inflatable guitars! They even had the audience shining lights on them because they were all shining stars! It was an amazing night.

In an outdoor ceremony at the Ferndale Football Field, 105 new graduates were recognized and celebrated this Thursday. We are so proud of all these scholars on their achievement, and we cannot wait to see what lies ahead for them.

Ferndale Early Childhood Center students were invited to meet several community servants this week for Community Helpers Day! Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Public Works Staff, and Bus Drivers all rolled up in their big vehicles to bring aboard our littlest learners. Students explored, asked questions, and learned about these important programs within our neighborhoods.

VIDEO—Little Eagles Explore Public Safety Vehicle

VIDEO—Little Eagles Explore Construction Vehicle

Last summer, seven of Mr Blatt’s 6th grade students read the manuscript for Jack Cheng’s forthcoming YA novel, The Many Mask of Andy Zhou. The group read the book before meeting with Jack on a hot July day. The students gave him excellent feedback, which Jack wrote down and used in his following draft. On Tuesday of this week, Jack hand delivered seven copies of the book prior to its June 6th release date for our final FMS book club meeting. Each copy of the book was signed with a custom drawing from Jack. Mr. Blatt said, "This was so special to the kids and me. Jack is a true writing talent—an artist really. [This was] so great to be included, and then so thoughtfully acknowledged." The class contribution to the writing process was included the end of the book in the acknowledgment section.

The acknowledgement reads, "To the beta readers from Mr. Blatt's ELA classes at Ferndale Middle School, AKA the Hi-Chew Crew. (Let's do that again!)"

FMS parents and staff took 81 eight grade students to Washington D.C. last week (May 17th-20th) for an incredible annual learning experience to supplement classroom learning. The group of almost 90 took a long bus ride to the nation's capitol to tour architectural treasures, historical sites and memorials. Stops included the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, the African American Museum of History and Culture, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford’s Theatre, the National Mall and the Capitol Building. The group also saw monuments to Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr., President Abraham Lincoln, President Thomas Jefferson, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as well as war memorials for the fallen soldiers of the Vietnam and Korean Wars.

Mt. Vernon, the plantation estate of President George Washington, was also on the sights list, where students saw first hand the luxurious home of the Revolutionary War General and our nation's first President, as well as the living quarters of the 317 enslaved Africans who built and maintained the elaborate property.

Everyone got their steps, had some laughs together, and appreciated the journey through our national history. Thank you so much to the eight adult chaperones (5 parents and 3 teachers) who made this trip possible.