Learning from Children

Emma Tucker, 7th grade student at Weddington Middle School, has extended family from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They visited Charlotte while on holiday, and they came to school to spend the day with us and share their culture. The day began with Club Day, and her three cousins came to visit 8th grade Spanish students and play traditional games. They spoke no English, so students were able to practice their Spanish skills and interact with them. We played "Loteria" a Mexican bingo game and "El reloj" a card game using Spanish playing cards (called Naipes). The Argentine children, elementary aged, even taught us a new card game called "Chuncho Va." "It was hard at first to communicate because I couldn't ask any questions in English" said Jake Schmitz, 8th grader. "But then I ended up learning at lot of Spanish words, even some of the slang words they use in Argentina! Plus their accent was really cool."

A good start to the weekend

 On Friday, May 3, Caleigh Snowdon was sitting in math class, as usual.  Never did she expect to be surprised with a $100 check!  Earlier this year, Caleigh submitted an essay for the "Patriots' Pen" writing contest.  The contest, held annually, involves a 300-400 word essay expressing views based on a patriotic theme, chosen by the VFW Comnmander-in-Chief.  This year's topic was "What I would tell America's Founding Fathers". 

On Friday Jeff Friar, a member of the Charlotte branch of the VFW, and Mr. Wray awarded Caleigh with a check for her winning essay.  The essay was judged based on clarity of ideas and development of theme.  Mr. Wray said that he was "proud of Caleigh, not only for her writing skills, but her obvious knowledge of history and sense of patriotism."