By Tim Closson
Bluffton elementary principal
This column is from the spring Bluffton school newsletter.
In February we had a virtual assembly “Extreme Science.”  We had some amazing demonstrations from a 700,000 Volt Van de Graff generator, vortex cannons, and a Tesla coil. This was provided by our PTO. 

In March, the 4th and 5th-grade strings, 4th-grade recorders, and 5th-grade band students were involved with the music booster chicken barbecue dinner to raise money for the music program.  The students exhibited their skills through a video-taped concert.

In May, students are partaking in many outside experiences such as nature walks and exploration. Our special academic emphasis S.M.A.R.T. Week was during the week of May 6. 

The acronym letters stand for S-Social Studies, M-Math, A-Arts & Fitness, R- Reading, and T-Technology & Science.  Students participated in special activities each day. Field Day activities were at Harmon Field during that special week.

Kindergarten students learned about Earth Day and how to take care of the Earth. They have been writing “How To” stories with four steps to tell how to do something.  For example, they wrote four steps on how to make a pizza.  For social studies, the students learned different ways to stay safe. Students are busy learning how to add and subtract using objects and pictures. They will research different animals in May.  

First graders are reading and writing poems during their poetry weeks. At the end of the week, they will recite a memorized poem during a “poetry café” session. The students also have been working  to publish their own writing this year.  As the end of the year approaches, the first graders will explore different careers along with economics.  An camping week is planned to go along with SMART week.

Second graders will have a visit from Safety Pup with Bluffton police officer Hope Hannah. Jeremy Scoles from the Ohio EPA gave a presentation on landfills. Students made an edible candy landfill that was super yummy. The children will study arrays and make some with cereal. They also are studying geography and making landform maps using pantry items and salt dough. The last week they hope to visit the Buckeye Park for some fun, games, and a picnic lunch.

Third graders met their goals for six months of independent reading for the Book It program and celebrated with pizza from Luke's.

The students will study Bluffton history and part of this unit involves walks to note the historical buildings and landmarks in the community. Classes will attend a Little House on the Prairie program, presented by Judy Green, a Laura Ingalls Wilder expert. Students will also make models of the cabin from this book during May. To wrap up the year, third graders will investigate rocks and soil as part of an earth science unit.

Fourth graders learned about diversity this spring. Louise Matthews, at the Lion and Lamb Peace Center, provided several cultural opportunities. They participated in a series of programs titled, “What It’s Like to Be Me.” The students listened to the book A Chance to Shine and had a chance to discuss how to show empathy and understanding toward people who seem different. 

A Bluffton University student zoomed with them and shared his story of what it was like for his family to be homeless. The fourth graders participated in a SESA presentation on electricity. They enjoyed making and learning about circuits and even tested objects to determine if they were conductors or insulators. Students will participate in a Peace Art Tour scavenger hunt at Bluffton University at the end of the school year. 

Fifth graders will participate in a D.A.R.E. graduation party with a magician at the school. They also look forward to participating in Field Day. On the last day of school, the students will have a picnic at Mrs. Boblitt’s house and a movie at the Shannon Theater. For their final farewell to elementary school, students will make their own chalk artwork on the playground.

The 5th-grade quiz bowl team was able to participate in our county competition this past winter. They had a successful season and were led by Jaime Shaw.