Author: DANITA MCCLENDON-MORGAN

Students in Mr. McNab’s 8th Grade Early American History class were challenged to create visual representations of Alexander Hamilton’s and Thomas Jefferson’s opposing viewpoints and ideas for the new country.   Students used the course textbook as well as internet resources to illustrate and describe: The Constitution, National Bank, Structure of Government, Human Nature and Economic or French Revolution. Students were encouraged to use similes or metaphors in their drawings as they created a visual of the viewpoints that connected to the theme and title.      

In recognition of National History Day, students in Mr. Sherrer’s 6th Grade World History class, created projects from researching a topic that was historically important, related to the theme, and one the student had a genuine interest in. This year’s theme is Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. The theme challenged students to consider how individuals exchange information and interact with one another. Students had to explore how the methods and modes of communication have changed over time, and how they have shaped present-day communication mediums. The students took pride in their projects as they were put on display … Read More

Oak Hammock Kindergarten students and teachers were generously gifted books courtesy of MIDFLORIDA Credit Union as part of their annual Gift of Reading program. This year students were treated to a virtual read aloud of “I am a TIGER” by Karl Newson and Ross Collins. Students were truly entertained by the engaging read aloud and excited to receive a copy to enjoy endlessly! We appreciate this gift and opportunity to instill a love of literacy in our students. Many thanks to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union for this beloved gift!

The 2nd grade students from Ms. Forston, Ms. Blaszkiewicz, and Ms. Aristide’s class at Oak Hammock K-8 are retelling the story of the Polar Express. The students are bringing their excitement and love of reading by comparing the book to the movie. The classes (MySchool and Brick and Mortar) are excited about building their reading comprehension while enjoying their reading and learning together during this holiday season.

Oak Hammock K-8 seventh-grade students (Owls), under the direction of Ms. Garcia, created a bulletin board for the month of November, using the Social-Emotional Learning theme of Diversity and Inclusion. The students were asked to create a display of what diversity and inclusion meant to them. Each student created a unique fingerprint pattern to express their uniqueness and individuality. Throughout the month, the students are learning that being accepting of diversity teaches them how to respect and celebrate people’s differences and that they are all more alike than they are different.

Students in Ms. Jackson’s Kindergarten class at Oak Hammock K-8, are engaged with a Nearpod lesson with the book Lizzie Little, The Sky is Falling. After interacting with the book, students were able to test what they had learned by competing to win ‘Time to Climb’ while Ms. Jackson helped and checked their sequence questions. Students celebrated and cheered their success’s as they answered the questions while watching their character race to the finish line.

Ms. Quinn’s K-5 ESE class is learning about the life cycle of a pumpkin. The students conducted an experiment to see what conditions would be the best for growing pumpkin seeds. They created three environments for testing: a plastic bag, a cup and a pumpkin. The students were excited to see the results of their experiments with sprouts growing.    

Students, Teachers and Staff at Oak Hammock K-8 stands United as One during Bullying Prevention Month. Students demonstrated on campus they were Rising Above Bullying by working together in Grades 5-8 to create, throughout the school, “No Place for Hate” murals using feathers. Students, teachers and staff wore orange on Unity Day to show they were United as One. The 3rd Grade team displayed unity by reminding everyone, “You can sit with me #NOBULLYING”          

After a year of dormancy, Oak Hammock’s Butterfly Garden is sprouting back to life and is available for learning experiences. Ms. Campbell, 6th Grade ELA teacher, nurtured and cultivated a learning environment for students. The garden also provides a park-like atmosphere where students and staff alike can go to de-stress or meditate, and it is frequently used during SEL for students to have discussions and complete exploratory writing. The garden is a great place to practice scientific observations skills, practice mapping skills, read a book, or seek artistic inspiration! The butterfly garden is in the center of campus, not by … Read More

Oak Hammock K8 students participated in Anti-Bullying Month activities during October. Pictured are students displaying links from the Unity Chain assembled by Kindergarteners through Fourth graders. The chain represents their pledge to use kind words and UNITE as ONE to stomp out bullying.

Aligned with the Oak Hammock K-8 implementation of Love and Logic strategies and the Anti-Bullying campaign for October, four students from 5th – 8th Grade collaborated, to deliver a positive message displayed on the school fencing, visible to teachers, students and community members. The students were given a task to complete, they problem solved and demonstrated exemplary teamwork as they worked together to create a wonderful exhibit. In celebration of their efforts, drivers honked their horns as they passed by to demonstrate their support for the students’ act of kindness and unity. It was truly a proud moment for the … Read More

Oak Hammock K-8 middle school students in Ms. Savanello Mcquay’s Science class, were engaged in learning how water flows from state to state throughout the earth, known as the water cycle. Through kinesthetic learning, students learned about the water cycle by creating a model that emulated the water cycle process. For the duration of the unit, each day during science, students observed their model for changes and discuss the changes as a class. Being able to learn hands-on is especially important for the students because they were able to explore and experiment with the water cycle, by gaining a rewarding … Read More

Mrs. Aristide’s Second Grade MySchool students at Oak Hammock K-8, enhanced their understanding of Citizenship and Government through Project Based Learning (PBL) by honoring 9/11. Mrs. Aristide, encouraged the students to explore: What is the significance of American Symbols? Students researched, selected and gathered data about their American Symbol. This PBL assignment challenged students to ask, collect, visualize, and create independently. Students gained insight on the importance and historical significance of their American Symbol by creating and presenting a project board. Remembering 9/11: Iconic American Symbols

Angela Flynn, Oak Hammock K-8 STEAM teacher, received a $500 grant from Aldi Smart Kid Program to fund engineering design materials, circuity and technology resources for the new STEAM program. The fourth-grade students explore the engineering design process this week by creating and designing a standing boat using only one sheet of paper, tape and scissors. Students were engaged in experimental learning by inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking.