Goodbye Friends

Dear Fourth Grade Families,

Fourth grade sure was easy!

It's finally here-summer! This school year sure has been one for the record books. Today, I officially give you back the same child from the fall, a few inches taller, a few months wiser, and much more mature. Although this growth would have happened anyway, it has been my pleasure to watch and be a part of their year. I am overwhelmingly proud of each and every one of them.

One last thank you to all the students for their continuous hard work this school year. You rocked it and we had so many laughs along the way! Thank you also to the parents, grandparents, and relatives for all your support and encouragement from home, as well as, all our faithful blog followers.

Enjoy your days at the beach and nights by the BBQ. Don't forget to post your summer adventures on our summer padlet or send me an email jklipfel@middletonps.org with what you are up to. I love nothing more than getting notes and postcards too! This summer, don't forget to READ, READ, READ. Need a book recommendation or want to chat about a great read, just send me a message. You know I LOVE talking books.

We have truly lived, loved, laughed, and learned together this year. I wish it could continue but each and every one of you is ready for next year. Remember, I will always be interested in your future, wherever you go, whatever you do. Your joys and sorrows I will always be happy to share, so please make sure to keep me in the loop for many years to come. Until we meet again!

Love always,

Miss Klipfel

Comic-Con 2024

Deep in the halls of Howe-Manning, students have been showing their true superpowers. By day you know them as Howe-Manning 4th-grade students but when problems arise they turn into superheroes. Some are able to leap Howe-Manning in a single bound while others are able to stop a speeding monkey. They are all here to eliminate crime one diabolical villain at a time!

Over the last month, students have been preparing for Comic-Con. Students reviewed parts of plot and watched clips of past and present superheroes/villains to then create their very own. Check out all the published 4th grade comics here.

Dressed from head to toe students, families, and friends met to share all their SUPER work for our annual Comic-Con event.

 

Explorer Action Plans

Virtual Reality isn’t just about exploring breathtaking places—it’s about igniting curiosity and empowering students to make a difference. After our incredible Patagonia VR experience, 4th graders didn’t just stop at earning their Patagonia Explorer Badge. They turned their new knowledge into action, tackling real-world environmental challenges with creativity and determination. 

Explorer Action Plans Choice Board used for Inspiration 

Our journey through Patagonia introduced students to the stark realities of plastic pollution, glacial recession, sea level rise, and the importance of conservation efforts. These lessons didn’t just stay in the classroom—they became the foundation for action plans that students eagerly brought to life.

One group of students created "Howie’s Planet Protectors," named after our school comfort dog. This initiative focuses on promoting sustainability through peer education and community engagement. From creating posters about recycling to leading classroom presentations on reducing single-use plastics, Howie’s Planet Protectors has already begun making waves in our school. 

Check out the Howie's Planet Protector Campaign

Another group launched a campaign to reduce waste at the town's annual Turkey Trot. After noticing the use of single-use plastic bottles at the event, they designed a plan to replace them with reusable alternatives. The students created a presentation to share their ideas and support for alternatives. In addition, students worked to inform community members about bringing their own reusable cups and bags to local businesses. Update: Six months after their presentation the organizer of the Turkey Trot informed me they no longer were using single-use plastic bottles! They worked to secure a sponsor and were able to not only get decomposable cups and have water refill stations but also have sustainable porta potties. This was a great example of how the ripple effect works.  

One student, inspired by the VR experience, partnered with her mom to arrange a class trip to a local waste management recycling facility. During the visit, the students learned about the recycling process, what happens to materials after they’re collected, and the challenges of managing waste sustainably. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, and it inspired new ideas for improving waste management in our school.

Watching my students take ownership of these projects has been incredibly rewarding. They’ve not only embraced their roles as problem-solvers but also inspired our entire school community to think differently about our impact on the environment. The Patagonia VR experience didn’t just transport them to another world, it gave them the tools to change the one they live in.

Presenting about our impact at a School Committee Meeting

 These initiatives aren’t just about recycling or reducing waste; they’re about building a mindset of empathy, empowerment, and responsibility. My hope is that these projects are just the beginning of a lifetime of advocacy and environmental stewardship. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep protecting our planet! 🌍