March Madness took on a literary twist this year in Ms. Stefanie Baldante’s fifth grade classroom at W.S. Mount Elementary. As part of the #classroombookaday challenge, her students have been reading one picture book each day, diving into stories that are curriculum-based, culturally diverse, seasonally themed and just plain fun.

To celebrate their love of reading, the class hosted its own Picture Book March Madness tournament. Sixteen standout titles faced off in head-to-head matchups, with students voting for their favorites based on plot and theme. After several exciting rounds of literary battles, the ultimate winner was “Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando,” a powerful and inspiring story about the invention of instant ramen and the man behind it.

This creative classroom activity brought energy, engagement and a deeper appreciation for storytelling, showing just how powerful a good book – and a little friendly competition – can be.

Date Added: 4/10/2025

In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, W.S. Mount Elementary School hosted a thoughtful and engaging assembly led by third grade teacher Ms. Hourigan and fourth grade teacher Ms. Graham. The event aimed to educate students about autism, fostering a deeper understanding of its unique characteristics and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

Throughout the assembly, students learned about the different ways autism can affect individuals, as well as the importance of supporting and embracing their peers. Through interactive discussions and informative presentations, the students gained valuable insights into how they can show compassion, kindness and respect to those around them.

The assembly not only provided important education but also set a positive tone for the entire month. The kickoff event inspired students to reflect on the importance of inclusion and how they can create a welcoming and supportive environment within the school community. It was a wonderful start to a month dedicated to raising awareness and promoting kindness for all.

 

 

Date Added: 4/7/2025

Students in Ms. Baldante’s class at W.S. Mount Elementary recently experienced the rewards of hydroponic gardening as they harvested fresh spinach, lettuce and basil. The project was inspired by their reading of Module 5 in HMH, which focused on saving the Earth for future generations.

Planted at the beginning of February, the vegetables grew over the course of two months using a hydroponic system. Each week, student groups took turns caring for the plants by watering them and checking pH levels. On harvest day, the class not only gathered their crops but also tasted their freshly grown greens. Some students even tried vegetables for the first time.

This hands-on project helped students understand sustainable farming and how hydroponics can contribute to a healthier planet. Great job to Ms. Baldante’s class for bringing their learning to life in such a meaningful way!

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Date Added: 3/12/2025