Mrs. Anderson's fifth graders recently helped Mrs. Murdock's first graders with their mapping skills and programming robots! How cool is that? Great job first graders and a big thank you to our fifth graders!

Mrs. Olson's fourth grade students had a great character lesson about the power of our words. When we say unkind things, we can never fully take back our words just like we can't ever put toothpaste back in the tube after it is squeezed out. They talked about how they wanted to be remembered and what kind of example they can set just by choosing to always say kind things. 

Third graders in Mrs. Porter's class recently had the opportunity to use Ozobots (desk friendly coding robots). They are a unique way to learn about robotics, math, and programming and are fun and engaging! It's exciting to see students using technology skills during their school day!

One of our instructional technicians, Mrs. Mammen, was recognized as our Horace Mann Classified Outstanding Employee of the Year this year! Laura is such an asset at Maple Ridge. She helps supervise in the lunchroom and does reading tutoring for students who need extra support. Laura is reliable, has a positive attitude, and is always willing to help wherever she is needed. Thank you Mrs. Mammen! We love you!

Every Friday this month, 5th graders have welcomed students to school as they participated in Maple Ridge's Kindness Month. Our theme was "Kind is the New Cool." Students were encouraged to do kind things for others throughout the month. They also took around a refreshment cart to our teachers and staff to help them feel appreciated. Encouraging messages and posters of thanks for staff members were also hung around the school. This was an awesome month at Maple Ridge and we are grateful for Ms. Paynter and the 5th graders who helped plan and carryout all the activities!