Camp KOK

Submitted by LAYLA YENGES AND ELLIA HART, 5TH GRADERS

Before we begin, we would like to thank all the teachers and staff that participated in making this a wonderful experience for the 5th grade students at HMS. We were able to enjoy the Camp Kon-O-Kwee experience with a few little changes this year. The teachers/staff put so much effort into everything from the headbands and t-shirts to the activities and classes. The activities were better than we could ever imagine with all the craziness that COVID-19 brought. We just can’t imagine it any better. We didn’t just learn survival skills, but we learned about teamwork, solving problems, and many helpful lessons for our journey ahead. Some classes had added activities to make them better, to make up for not going to Camp Kon-O-Kwee. Each activity contained many different skills like problem-solving, creativity, and physical skills. Some of our favorite activities were the Puzzle Run, Archery, and Camping 101.

Most of the classes contained multiple activities. For example, in Camping 101, we learned how to tie several knots and how to build a tent out of stick stakes, one tarp, two tall pipes, two wooden hammers, and lots of rope. When we were in the Puzzle Run, we focused on teamwork while we completed several challenges to earn our stripes. In Sweet-Sap-and-Tap we taste-tested pancakes and maple syrup, learned about maple syrup history, and we also had a competition on who could drill deeper into the log. In the Botanical Hike we went on a hike in the woods and learned about many of the plants that grow around us. In most classes we competed to win bragging rights and the feeling of bringing home a win. In our normal classes we did fun and educational hands-on activities. Camp at HMS was very fun but also educational. In each class we learned so much. Although we would have loved to go to Camp Kon-O-Kwee, this was still a great experience. The Blackhawk remake of Camp Kon-O-Kwee was better than we could have ever dreamed of. Thanks again to everyone who participated in making this such an amazing and educational time for all the 5th grade students at HMS! We would also like to thank The Hot Dog Shoppe for providing a delicious snack for all the 5th grade students and teachers.

K’NEX STEM Competition is Underway!

Submitted by MEREDITH OLIVER, ENRICHMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

Students in 5th and 6th grade who joined the K’NEX STEM Design Challenge have begun their projects for the annual competition. Students are working in partner groups to create and design a product or appliance in your home that could be safer or more environmentally friendly. Some creative minds are at work! Students submitted their projects virtually to be judged by local engineers and community members in May

Congratulations to Our Academic Games Competitors!

Submitted by MEREDITH OLIVER, ENRICHMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

Although the Beaver County Academic Games competitions looked a little different this year, it did not stop our students at Highland Middle School from achieving success! Our Academic Games Team competed virtually in the following events, along with 200 students from schools across Beaver County. Here are the results:

Propaganda

Adelaide McMahon, 2nd Place in the Middle Division- Qualifier Middle Division
Current Events
Libby Lindner, Qualifier Elementary Division
Joshua DeRose, Qualifier Elementary Division

Theme/ World Events, The 90’s Decade

Aithan Holiday, Qualifier Elementary Division • Jack Chevalier, Qualifier Elementary Division
Presidents
Gavin Hironimus, Qualifier Middle Division

Robotics Club Virtual Field Trip

Submitted by MEREDITH OLIVER, ENRICHMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

On Tuesday, February 23rd, 5th grade students in the robotics club attended a “virtual field trip” through the Carnegie Science Center of Pittsburgh. Students learned “How to Become an Engineer” and took a guided tour of some of the exhibits. Afterwards, students talked to Blackhawk Alum, V Wegman about her internship at NASA. It was an amazing day!

Forensics Competition

Submitted by MEREDITH OLIVER, ENRICHMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

On May 18, a group of 8th grade students from Highland Middle School competed in the Blackhawk High School Forensics Competition. They competed in 3 events. Here are the results:

Extemporaneous Speech:
1st Place- Dylan Papa
2nd Place – Tessa Lindner 3rd Place – Addison Marazzi

Inspirational Speech:
1st Place- Emily Cochran 2nd Place – Tessa Lindner 3rd Place – Grace Davis
The “Golden Microphone” Award was given to Tessa Lindner for her speeches presented.

Congratulations to all of those involved!

Highland Middle School 8th Grade Chorus

Submitted by JAYNE MCDONALD, MUSIC TEACHER

The Highland Middle School eighth grade chorus has shown incredible dedication, commitment and creativity during this school year. Singing with masks, virtual rehearsals, and with no concert performance scheduled, these eighth graders were presented challenges that could not have been anticipated when they signed up for chorus. This group of students has demonstrated flexibility and resilience as we navigated unchartered territory this past year together. They have demonstrated perseverance. They have continued to sing – masks and all.

Together we have learned a lot. We have prepared music to record – songs we would have used in our spring concert. We can expect good things from these students as they move to Blackhawk High School! Congratulations and thank you to Julianna Duke, Akeirah Edwards, Isabelle Fernandez, Caramia Gaydosh, Matthew Greene, Jack Hanlon, Mikayla Hill, Peyton Kimberlin, Alesa Lincheck, Tessa Lindner, Alexis Markun, Hannah Martin, Ellen McCowin, Abigail Pauletich, Calleigh Rimoldi, Abigail Tweed, and Arianna Verrico.