April 2017

Sixth graders at Maple Ridge learned about various ecosystems around the world on Thursday, April 27th.  Not only did they learn about ecosystems, but were able to interact with several different animals such as an African hedgehog, a python, a hissing cockroach, and an armadillo.  Students also played games to learn about how natural and unnatural causes can hurt various forms of wildlife.  Representatives from Loveland Living Planet Aquarium taught various concepts about wildlife through fun games involving the importance of bees, and the journey of the sea turtle.

Recently, the PTA recognized Melanie Adamson as Outstanding Educator for  Maple Ridge Elementary.  Mrs. Adamson works with the UEI students in the school.  She  does a great job with her group of students, and makes sure to give students throughout the school, the opportunity to come into her classroom, and help these students in whatever way they can.  Melanie has been credited with working behind the scenes to ensure the progress and development of her students.  Melanie is a pleasure to work with, and we feel fortunate to have her here at Maple Ridge!

On Thursday, April 20th, students from Maple Ridge performed an amazing adaptation of Treasure Island for the school.  Members of the cast come from all grade levels.  The play was directed by DeAnn Sanders, a fourth grade teacher here at Maple Ridge.  Stacey Hall, the librarian at the school, helped with costumes and props for the play.  

On Monday, April 17, Maple Ridge Choir members performed for the school.  Throughout the last couple of months, students have come early to practice under the direction of the school music teacher Denette Steen, and fourth grade teacher Deann Sanders.  

Several classes throughout the school have made arrangements to buddy read.  This program allows older, and more fluent students, to read with early readers.  Mrs. Andersen's sixth grade class and Mrs. Sandberg's class enjoy the opportunity to read together.  Mrs. Andersen's husband, also makes an occasional visit to read with students.

Recently, four Maple Ridge sixth grade students placed second at BYU at the K12 Student Innovator of the Year competition.  Logan Smith, Austin Willson, Joseph Heaton, and Lars Simpson came up with the idea for an app to provide notification of completion of various household appliance tasks.  For example, this notification system would text you when your load of laundry was finished drying. Way to innovate!

During the week of April 17th-21st, teachers at Maple Ridge were pampered by both PTA and students.  On Monday morning, teachers came into the school, and were overwhelmed with the elaborately decorated doors, and a delicious breakfast of crepes.  Throughout the week, teachers were given notes from their students and provided another delicious meal by the PTA.  Thanks to all of the PTA for their hard work to make the teachers feel important!

Join us in celebrating our awesome educators here at Maple Ridge!

Recently, second grade students from Maple Ridge were able to visit Harward Farms.  They had a fun day of walking and seeing a variety of farm animals.

Before Spring Break, students at Maple Ridge Elementary had the opportunity to participate in Kindness Week.  Kindness Week was sponsored by the student council.  Every day throughout the week, students focused on one way they could show kindness to others.  If students wanted to sign a pledge to be kind, they received a kindness button.