Westside Elementary has and is participating is several service projects.  This past weekend the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was held at the Baker County High School Track.  Team Jo was coordinated and participated in the Relay for Life in honor of Mrs. Mary Jo Thomas.  Mrs. Thomas was a first grade teacher at Westside for many years, which recently lost her battle with cancer.  Team Jo walked in her honor.  The goal of $2,500 was surpassed by raising $3,346.97 ( and money is still being collected.)  $660.59 was raised by Westside students.  All of the money raised goes to the American Cancer Soceity.  There were over 120 walkers and more than 20 were students and families from Westside.  Mrs. Callahan and everyone involved would like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who donated, bought a shirt or bracelet, or walked (especially those who walked in the wee hours of the night.)

Students are currently participating in St. Jude’s Math-a-thon project.  This is where students complete a math packet, in which they get people to sponsor them for the math problems that they complete.  All of the money collected goes to help fund research for childhood cancer. 

Next is “Cure Finders” or “Coins for a Cure”.  “Cure Finders” is an event where students collect coins to raise money to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.  Nancy Mason, a teacher in our School district, started this fundraiser because her son and many others were faced with this illness.   A few years ago, Mrs. Mason’s son lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis.

We all know someone who has been affected by these serious illnesses.  We would like to say thank you to all of the students who have or will be participating in these fundraising events.  We would also like to say thank you to the coordinators of these events/service Projects: Tammy Binn, Kristy Bailey, Nancy Mason, Annette Barton, Angela Callahan, and Cheryl Hart.

STEM is at Westside

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

In order to prepare students for the rigorous common core standards, STEM is implemented at Westside through SUMS (Students Using Math and Science).  Students participating in SUMS investigations are involved in science and math hands-on activities requiring higher order thinking, developing hypothesis, and problem solving.  These activities prepare students for the rigorous content that they will receive as they progress through grade levels.

Samples of classroom activities include: SUMS Investigation Balance and Weighing is being used to teach the Scientific Process (NGFS: SC2.N.1.1 – SC2.N.1.6).  Using the Investigations from this unit, steps of the Scientific Process have been applied to the activities.

The Scientific Process was implemented when students built mobiles.  Students discover that they can design a mobile with various fulcrums points that can change the balance of a mobile.  (SC2.P.13.3)

Balancing with Unifix Cubes is an Investigation that allows students to explore the Equal-Arm Balance.  Students discover that weighing is the process of balancing an object against a certain number of standard units.  Using a T-Chart, students were then able to discuss reasons for the varied results in the class, (SC2.P.13.3)

These are just a few activities Westside students have been doing to make sure they are being prepared for the rigors of the future with STEM.