Meadows Valley Celebrates Student Learning
Did you know there have been seven schools in Meadows Valley and that the current building was built 57 years ago? Third grader Olivia does thanks to her class’ meeting with the Adams County Historical Society this year. Did you know that queen carpenter ants can live 17-25 years? Remi in preschool knows because of a school project she did with her family. Meadows Valley School celebrated academic accomplishments this past week with a secondary awards assembly, the Spring Celebration of Learning and 8th grade graduation.
Academic awards included recognition of Honor Roll students, outstanding effort in specific classes and certificates for overall behavior and school spirit. School administration and teachers also recognized Senior Class Valedictorian Xaiya Solis and Salutatorian Jacklyn Steiner.
At the Celebration of Learning event on Thursday, May 21, Meadows Valley students shared projects they completed this semester. Students presented with their full classes, in pairs, and individually. First graders shared with video and photos about planting marigolds and lettuces. Each student spoke and shared information with the audience. Fourth grade displayed dioramas sharing their learnings on dams and each of their Idaho History binders from the school year. They also gave a presentation, sharing their favorite facts about Idaho and singing the song they wrote with the Idaho Songs Project.
Throughout the school from the parking lot to the library, the stage to the greenhouse, the gymnasium and cafeteria, students exhibited solid learning and work ethic. 11th graders Stephanie Top and Jannette Montemira-Flores shared about their efforts in cleaning up and restoring the garden and greenhouse. Students shared about fishing, painting, baking, raising rabbits, medical fields, hosting an UNO tournament, the history of man and agricultural machinery. Audiences learned from student knowledge about HTML coding, video game coding and basketball history over the decades and were treated to a short play written about Medusa.
During Thursday’s event, everyone got to celebrate 8th grade graduation. Class advisor and ELA and Math teacher Kelly Koch introduced each part of the commencement ceremonies. Graduate Anthony Ruth gave a speech honoring and recognizing teachers and shared many class memories. Each student wrote a memoir that they read to their attending family and friends, causing a few teary eyes. The students nominated their favorite elementary teacher, Mrs. Sally Carpenter who taught them in 5th grade, to give the commencement address. Carpenter closed out her speech reminding them “don’t ever forget you have a champion” in her when they need one. Koch highlighted each student’s standout characteristics and said she would be cheering them on as they moved into high school. Superintendent Dee Fredrickson passed each student their certificate as they shook hands after telling them she was proud of each of them. Congratulations to the 8th grade graduates!
