January 2025 Newsletter

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❄️January 2025 Newsletter❄️

 

Pipe Creek Elementary

STEM
 
 
 
 
Budding engineers in Mrs. Dodd's K and 1 STEM classes are learning that triangles aren't just shapes – they're the building blocks of strong bridges! This week, students explored the structural integrity of triangles and basic bridge designs. They put their knowledge to the test, using rulers to measure and construct bridges that met specific height requirements. The lesson also incorporated a literacy connection, with students exploring the classic tale of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" and discussing how different bridge designs might affect the story.
 
 
 

Maconaquah Elementary

Spelling Bee
 
 
 
 
Twelve of our fiftth grade students competed in the Scrips Spelling Bee. After eight rounds, it was Christopher Lancaster who won spelling the word COUNCIL. Kaylee Beachy was the runner up. Christopher will represent Maconaquah Elementary School in the Miami County Spelling Bee.
 
 
Robotics
 
 
The Brave Bots robotics team has been working hard to build and code their robots to get ready for competition. The team competed in their first competition of the season on Wednesday night. This year, the VEX IQ game was tough but the team persevered and built a bot for competition that helped score points for their team. 

 

 

Maconaquah Middle School

Sports
 
Hello from Maconaquah Middle School! January often feels like the longest month—cold, dark, and sometimes snowy. To minimize rescheduling, we keep activities lighter this time of year, but that doesn’t mean it’s been quiet! Over the past month, our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders have been busy with basketball games, wrestling competitions are in full swing, and swim meets are just around the corner. A special congratulations to our 7th and 8th grade Boys Basketball Teams, who were crowned champions of the Maconaquah Invite on January 25!
 
From VR DNA to School News: 8th Grade Excels
 
 
Mrs. Christopher, our 8th-grade science teacher, is leading an exciting new communications class this semester, meeting one period a day. The class has hit the ground running—recording video announcements, delivering afternoon updates, designing posters for upcoming events, and brainstorming creative ways to celebrate students. The enthusiasm is contagious, and students are brimming with ideas for future activities! Meanwhile, in her 8th-grade science class, students recently explored DNA in a whole new way using the corporation’s new Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. This immersive experience allowed them to visualize DNA up close and interact with its structure in a fun, engaging way. They also learned about Rosalind Franklin, the pioneering scientist whose work was crucial in uncovering DNA’s double-helix structure. Stay warm, and here’s to a great February ahead!
 

Maconaquah High School

Maconaquah Agriculture Students Qualifies for the State FFA Welding Contest
 
 
 
 
Eight students from the Maconaquah FFA chapter participated in the District FFA Welding Contest, competing in both the Advanced and Novice divisions. The Advanced team included Eli Sinnamon, Garrett McManus, Camron Metcalf, and Jayden Wimmer, while the Novice team was made up of Isabel Fruth, Ruby Fruth, Jacob Bowman, and Bradley Mitchell. The welding contest required students to demonstrate their abilities in various tasks, including  reading blueprints, and performing different types of welds using stick and MIG welding techniques. In the Novice division, Bradley Mitchell placed 2nd overall, and his team finished 4th. In the Advanced division, Eli Sinnamon and Camron Metcalf placed 4th overall. The top four teams from each division advanced to the State FFA Welding Contest, which was held in Indianapolis on January 18th. Two teams from Maconaquah FFA qualified for the state contest: the Advanced team of Eli Sinnamon and Camron Metcalf, and the Novice team of Isabel Fruth and Jacob Bowman. At the State FFA welding contest, the Advanced team placed 17th out of 49 teams, and the Novice team placed 25th out of 46 teams.
 

 

Maconaquah High School Graduation/Pathway Informational Open House

πŸ“… Date: February 10, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM-7:15 PM
πŸ“ Location: Maconaquah High School

Maconaquah High School invites current eighth-grade students and their families to our Graduation/Pathway Informational Open House!

Enjoy hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks while exploring the exciting opportunities available through our Pathways program.

Why Are We Hosting This Event?

The State Legislature recently approved new diploma requirements that impact all high school students. To ensure a smooth transition, Maconaquah High School has been actively working to meet these new standards through Pathways.

What Are Pathways?

Pathways are structured course sequences that allow students to focus on a specific skill or career interest. These programs provide hands-on learning experiences and can lead to industry certifications, college credits, and more..

Available Pathways include:
βœ” Construction
βœ” Welding
βœ” Agricultural Plant & Soil Science
βœ” Animal Science
βœ” Culinary
βœ” Healthcare
βœ” Business Marketing
βœ” Radio & TV Broadcasting
βœ” Automotive
βœ” Early Childhood Education
βœ” Art, Theater, Band, & Choir

Another qualifying pathway can be three dual credit courses, giving students a head start on college! Currently, 475 students at Maconaquah High School are enrolled in pathway classes.

What to Expect at the Open House:

βœ… Learn about the Pathways program and how it aligns with career goals
βœ… Explore student projects, hands-on experiences, and certifications
βœ… Meet teachers and staff and get your questions answered

This is a great opportunity for families to see how these pathways can prepare students for success in high school and beyond!

Below are just a few snapshots of student activities in their pathway! We look forward to seeing you on February 10 at 5:30 pm at the high school!

Culinary Pathway
 
Construction Pathway
Welding Pathway