Author: Heather Ricksecker

Students in Ms. Bowser’s fifth-grade class at Weatherbee Elementary School are becoming scientists as they explore the fascinating biomes found around the world! As part of their fifth-grade science learning, students researched different biomes to discover how environmental conditions influence the plants and animals that live there. Each student was assigned a biome and investigated its geographic location, weather and climate, plant life, and animal populations. Students examined how living organisms have unique characteristics and adaptations that help them survive in specific environments. Through research and discussion, students made connections between climate, available resources, habitats, and the organisms that call … Read More

This week, students in Mrs. Maxwell’s fifth-grade class at Weatherbee Elementary put their math skills into action with an engaging game of People Bingo—math style! Students began by solving a series of math problems involving important fifth-grade skills, including adding fractions, order of operations, and multiplication and division of whole numbers. Their solutions became clues on their individual bingo cards. Then the real fun began! Students moved around the classroom, collaborating and communicating with classmates to find peers who matched each clue. The goal was to complete four spaces in a row for Bingo! This activity was a great example of learning that is … Read More

Weatherbee Elementary was excited to welcome special guest readers from the Cora Stickney Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter to spend time with our kindergarten and first-grade students! Our guests shared their love of reading by visiting classrooms, reading engaging stories, and creating a memorable experience for some of our youngest learners. Having community members take time to read with our students reinforces an important message: reading matters! These special visits help build excitement around books, strengthen students’ love of literacy, and show our children that their entire community is invested in their success. We are incredibly grateful to … Read More

Ms. Bowser’s 5th-grade students at Weatherbee Elementary recently demonstrated their understanding of space science through an engaging, hands-on project focused on the Milky Way Galaxy. As part of their learning, students designed and constructed detailed models of the galaxy, applying what they had learned about its structure and components. Using a variety of materials, they creatively represented key features such as the galactic center, spiral arms, stars, gas, and dust. This interactive activity allowed students to deepen their understanding of astronomy while strengthening their critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Through inquiry, creativity, and scientific exploration, Ms. Bowser’s class brought … Read More

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Oms as Weatherbee Elementary’s Media Specialist! With her passion for reading and love for our students, Mrs. Oms is transforming our media center into a place where imagination and adventure come alive. Each book becomes a new journey—taking students to faraway places, introducing them to unforgettable characters, and helping them discover worlds beyond the classroom. Through engaging read-alouds and meaningful connections, she is inspiring our students to become curious, confident readers. We are excited to watch Mrs. Oms create a lifelong love of reading, one story, one student, and one adventure at a time!

Weatherbee Elementary School was excited to celebrate their Night of the Stars recipients at this year’s annual gala.  Michelle Baker, teacher of the year, Brooke Gagliano, first year teacher of the year, Saily Belfast, school-related employee of the year, and Yahaira Oms, distinguished minority educator of the year, were all honored.  Our representatives and the other stars of the night represent the best of the best of St. Lucie Public Schools Employees.  We all enjoyed our time celebrating the hard work and achievements of everyone.  It was a lovely evening, and we look forward to celebrating again next year.

Weatherbee Elementary Kindergarten students set sail on an exciting math adventure during Topic 9, Unit 6: Let’s Investigate – Boat Ride! While having tons of fun, students reviewed and practiced math standards NSO.1.1 and NSO.2.1. NSO.1.1: Students counted forward and backward within 120, practiced skip counting by 2s to 20, and by 5s to 100.  NSO.2.1: Students worked on recalling addition facts with sums to 10 and related subtraction facts with automaticity. Students rolled a die (1–6) and hopped aboard the boat! Once on board, they determined how many seats were filled, how many were empty, and how many more were … Read More

In Ms. Gagliano’s Kindergarten class at Weatherbee Elementary, math came to life through a fun game of musical chairs! Students are currently working on Unit 4 – Understanding Addition and Subtraction, with today’s focus on making connections to addition as “putting together” or “counting on” (NSO.3.1). As music played, students moved around the room, eagerly waiting for it to stop. When it did, they quickly sat down, grabbed a dry-erase board and marker, ready to write down the equation announced by their teacher. Using the counting on strategy, students solved each problem, proudly showing their work before erasing and jumping back into the next round. The classroom … Read More

Third-grade students in Mrs. Martinez’s math class from Weatherbee Elementary had math leap out of the pages of their book to centers posted up around the classroom.  Students are working on Unit Two in math, which focuses on attributes of two-dimensional figures, including points, lines, and quadrilaterals, and understanding the concepts of area and perimeter.  The students enjoyed taking math around the room as they moved from station to station, making area and perimeter come to life, often with real-world problems.  Students also enjoyed working in collaborative groups with their peers to figure out these problems and support each other. … Read More

Mrs. Maxwell’s 5th grade science class at Weatherbee Elementary tackled moon phases this week.  The students got hands-on to learn about moon phases, using models they created out of Oreos.  They represented each phase of the moon as they discussed the transitions as well as the Earth’s movement, including rotation and revolution.  From 1st quarter moon, to waxing and waning crescent moons, the student’s understood how the moon and sun’s positions affect us all. Then the students even enjoyed the lesson as they ate their phases of the moon at the conclusion of the task. The students are looking forward … Read More

Fairlawn Students put on the performance of a lifetime this past Friday night at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach.  Students from grades three to five practiced for months to present “Finding Nemo” to friends, families, and staff in the audience.  Under the direction of Mrs. Deborah Quillinan, Fairlawn’s music teacher, the students are able to experience this rare opportunity of partnering with the local theatre to bring their big dreams to life.   The students swam and sang their way into the hearts of all who were able to join us.  Congratulations on a job well done, and we look forward … Read More

Fairlawn Elementary celebrated student appreciation week April 7-11. The week was filled with opportunities for the students to share how they are shining stars, walk the red carpet, and feel the love they deserve each and every day. The week also found students getting pizza, treats, and a special ending to the week.  Students voted earlier in the year for who they would want to see run an inflatable race, and on Friday, their votes were heard.  Students came out and watched staff members in inflatable costumes from dinosaurs, to a dachshund, to flamingos, and even an alien try their … Read More

Fairlawn hosted student-led conferences last week for grades kindergarten to fifth grade. Parents, families and friends alike were invited to come in and be treated to students sharing their data and growth throughout the school year. Students were also able to share examples of math, reading, writing, and science work with their guests. Guests were amazed at how well students were able to explain what they have accomplished and how they set their goals throughout the year. Students revise these goals based on their performance over the course of the school year and the teachers work closely to align those … Read More

Fairlawn Elementary spent the last week of January celebrating Literacy Week! Students were able to wear “fashionable to read” attire one day. Students were also treated to guest readers from all around our community, including the Fort Pierce police department, St. Lucie Public School Board Members, and even the Mayor! All students were gifted finger lights to help track their reading in school and at home. The week wrapped up with our annual vocabulary parade where students displayed their newly learned words accompanied by a costume and marched around the school for everyone, including parents, to see! We love to … Read More

Fairlawn second-grade students in Mrs. Chowdhury’s class discovered the world of fractions.  The students sorted fractions based on whether they were partitioned equally and worked cooperatively to solve problems.  By the end of the lesson, students were able to identify academic vocabularies such as denominator, numerator, partitioned equal, halves, thirds, and fourths.  Our second-grade students are now confidently able to sort and identify fractions up to fourths and apply what they have learned in real-world situations, they may have even benefited from an equally partitioned giant Hershey chocolate bar to wrap up the lesson. What will they learn next?

Fairlawn paired their annual Title One meeting with a student success night for all families. Parents learned what a day in the life of their child is like in school and how they can support their student’s learning both in school and at home. Families had pizza and a great night of learning.

Last week, Fairlawn Elementary celebrated all of its grandparents by inviting them out to lunch with their grandchildren. Over 400 grandparents showed up to celebrate the special day! 

Fairlawn’s school counselor Heather Malone teaches kindergarten students about character education. Students were introduced to Buddy and learned about how every person is different and that is what makes us all special!

Fairlawn hosted their annual back-to-school luau Friday, August 23rd. Students, staff, and families had an amazing time dancing, playing games, and spending time together. Thank you to all those who came out for the fun!