Ferndale Upper Elementary School

Ferndale Upper Elementary 3rd and 4th grade students were treated to a variety of unique and interactive STEAM experiences in late November, thanks to the efforts of one outstanding teacher, Vaughn Davis. Mr. Davis earned this opportunity for our students through Code 313 and the STEAM Slam Tour.

In his application, Mr. Davis wrote “As S.T.E.A.M. is becoming more visible and important to our students and families, it is critical that we instill a lifelong love in any area that will allow our students to thrive as working and functioning adult citizens.” Mr Davis has been a teacher at FUEL for 7 years. “My goal each year is to find the hidden talents our students may possess. I have seen many artists, engineers, singers, and musicians come before me. When I see it, I make it my goal to bring it out in them however possible. S.T.E.A.M is important to the future success of our students because, I often ponder the following question: If people are not doing what they truly love, will they be able to lead a happy and productive life?”

Code 313 is a non-profit offering youth and families the foundational skills needed to create; using today’s technology through exciting hands-on coding, enrichment camps, in-school and after-school programming and workshops to foster a highly talented workforce that meets employer needs. The brand-new STEAM Slam Tour is an engaging day of entertainment and hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering fused with Art, Math, and Music brought directly to 10 Michigan schools.

Blessings in a Backpack Ferndale received an incredible donation this past week from Amy Wilds, owner of Wildly Fit. The Fitness Coaching company hosts a 5K fundraiser each year to support Blessings in a Backpack across several districts. This year, she has donated Blessings in a Backpack Ferndale with $10,000 following the Huffin' for the Stuffin' 5K event! Thank you so much to Amy and her family for this incredible donation and her support over the past few years!

On Thursday, November 30th, Mrs. Carp/Burgess 5th grade class visited Mrs. Tobin's Kindergarten class for more Buddy time. Together they listened to "The Snowy Day" be Ezra Jack Keats then worked with their buddy to create a self-portrait of their own snowy day. They ended with the visit with creating snowflakes that focused on what made them unique.

To our amazing girls on the run: Fantastic job on the 5k on Sunday, November 19th! It is not easy to wake up early and go run in the cold—especially a place as windy as Belle Isle—but that did not stop you girls this Sunday. You all used what we learned throughout the season: how to run at your own pace, how to set goals, and how to do your absolute best. You all truly showed us what it means to be UNSTOPPABLE! Congrats for finishing your 5k to Amelia C, Evelyn C, Alma, Tegan, Evelyn D, Louise, Josephine, London, Amelia J, Alona, Charlotte, Athena, Olive, Ilaria, Izabella, Evelyn T, Kylie, Brooklyn, Tyler, and Lucy! With much love from your coaches, Sophie, Rachel, and Autumn.