Author: Haley MCKENNA

The 5th-grade students at Morningside Elementary hosted their first Energy Carnival, showcasing their creativity and knowledge about different forms of energy. They built fun and educational games related to energy concepts, making learning exciting. Students from all grades in the school had the chance to attend the carnival, play the games, and learn about energy in an interactive way. The event was a great success, bringing the school community together for a fun day. The money raised from the carnival will help send selected 5th graders to Washington DC this summer, where they will accept an award from the NEED … Read More

Students at MSE enthusiastically participated in the exciting project of writing and illustrating their own books. Each student showcased their creativity and storytelling skills, transforming ideas into unique stories accompanied by colorful illustrations. To recognize outstanding work, one student from each grade was selected as the grade-level winner by a panel of judges using a detailed rubric. These talented students demonstrated exceptional effort, imagination, and artistic talent. The winners were honored to attend the district Young Authors Celebration, where they celebrated their achievements. This project not only encouraged reading and writing skills but also fostered confidence and creativity among students. … Read More

In their music resource class, 4th grade students at MSE eagerly learned to play the song “Rabbits” on the glockenspiel. Students began by reviewing both the instrument and how to read simple musical notes. The students practiced carefully, focusing on hitting the correct notes at the right times. They enjoyed the challenge of coordinating their hands and listening closely to the rhythm. As they practiced, they began to play the lively and fun melody of “Rabbits” more confidently. The class cheered each other on and celebrated their progress. By the end of the lesson, most students could play the song … Read More

Morningside Elementary was thrilled to be given the opportunity to represent the amazing work that St. Lucie Public Schools is doing with the UFLI Foundation and the University of Florida to improve phonics instruction and core reading skills. This collaboration is a testament to the dedication and innovation in education within the community. It was an honor to work with James Patterson and his team, whose involvement brought an extra layer of excitement and prestige to the initiative. James Patterson visited with 1st grade students in Mrs. Madonia’s room to discuss how the implementation of UFLI is helping her students … Read More

In collaboration with drama students from Port Saint Lucie High School, 5th-grade students at Morningside Elementary experienced the performance of a lifetime. Over six weeks, high school students visited during PE and music resource classes to work with our 5th graders. Together, they learned and practiced routines to various songs, fostering teamwork and creativity. The high school students mentored the younger students, helping them build confidence and stage presence. The culmination of their efforts was a special performance held in the MSE cafeteria, where students showcased their routines to classmates, teachers, and other staff members. This engaging project not only … Read More

Mrs. Bolton’s 5th-grade AMP classes compared theoretical and experimental probability using candy. The students first learned how to calculate the theoretical probability of an event and how it can be used to make predictions about the likelihood of the event occurring. Next, they learned how to determine the probability based on actual trials. This activity focused on the relationship between theoretical and experimental probabilities. As unpredictable as the real world is, the more repeated trials performed, the closer the experimental probability tends to get to the theoretical. Students used a random assortment of colored candy (either Skittles or SweeTarts) to … Read More

Fifth-grade students in Mrs. Williams’ homeroom at Morningside Elementary had an exciting opportunity to learn about force and motion through a hands-on science unit. The students built and launched their very own rockets, experiencing how different forces affect movement. This engaging activity helped students understand scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way. They were able to see firsthand how thrust, gravity, and air resistance work together during the rocket launches. Special thanks to Mr. Fil for his help and support in making this incredible learning experience possible. The students had a blast (literally!) exploring science through this exciting project, … Read More

In Mrs. Eibl’s 2nd-grade class at Morningside Elementary, a group of young authors gathered to share the fruits of their creativity. Each student took turns reading their original stories aloud, capturing the attention and imagination of their peers. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and encouragement as characters sprang to life through their words. As they listened intently, everyone enjoyed delicious cookies and refreshing lemonade, adding to the festive ambiance of the event. The combination of storytelling and treats created a warm, supportive environment, allowing each budding writer to shine. This special occasion fostered a love for reading and writing, … Read More

Morningside Elementary recently showcased their talents by sending three teams to the Odyssey of the Mind State Competition, demonstrating remarkable creativity and teamwork. The primary team performed admirably, gaining valuable experience throughout the event. Meanwhile, the problem 1 team displayed incredible perseverance, overcoming challenges with their vehicle and securing a spot in the top 10 in the state. The highlight of the competition came from the problem 3 team, which earned an impressive 3rd place and will advance to the WORLD FINALS at Michigan State University next month! This accomplishment reflects not only the hard work of the students but … Read More

Mrs. Saulnier’s 1st grade students are having a blast honing their graphing skills with an engaging jelly bean activity! The young mathematicians sort colorful jelly beans by type, then graph their findings using a bar graph. This hands-on experience not only reinforces their understanding of sorting and data representation but also cultivates critical thinking as they compare the different quantities. As they eagerly analyze the results, the excitement in the classroom grows, showcasing how math can be both educational and entertaining. At MSE, learning is infused with joy, making each lesson memorable. With activities like these, students develop a solid … Read More

The Florida Health Department offered a valuable program focused on bike safety for students at Morningside Elementary. Participants learned the importance of wearing helmets, bright clothing, and appropriate footwear to enhance visibility and protection while cycling. As part of the curriculum, kids practiced essential safety measures, including stopping at stop signs and dismounting their bikes to walk across crosswalks. A key lesson included the critical habit of looking left, right, and then left again before crossing any roadway, reinforcing awareness of their surroundings. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, this initiative aims to instill lifelong safe biking habits, ensuring that … Read More

Every Friday, Morningside Elementary celebrates our incredible students through Positive Office Referrals. Teachers nominate students who exemplify outstanding character traits such as kindness, teamwork, trustworthiness, and a positive attitude. This special recognition highlights the remarkable qualities of our students and reinforces the importance of good character within our school community. We truly enjoy reading the heartfelt nominations penned by teachers, showcasing their appreciation for these amazing individuals. To honor their achievements, each recognized student receives a Swag Bag filled with fun surprises. This initiative not only boosts student morale but also fosters a supportive environment where positive behavior is celebrated … Read More

Morningside Elementary’s Everglades Ambassadors took some time out of their spring break to meet up in the Everglades! Ranger Colby led them on a wet walk through a cypress dome habitat where they got muddy and saw an alligator in its hole. Can you imagine if they had visited in the wet season?!?! After a picnic lunch, Ranger Trent led them through a rock pineland habitat and a hardwood hammock habitat where they learned about why these habitats are in danger. Then, after a snack break, he led them through a sawgrass prairie where they conducted experiments with the Everglades … Read More

The Boosterthon has been an overwhelming success, and we are thrilled to announce that we surpassed our fundraising goal! The generous pledges received will significantly enhance the educational experience for all students. To celebrate our achievements, we had a vibrant Color Run and it was a fun-filled event that students will cherish forever! A huge shoutout to the Blue Jays and their families for their incredible support. Special thanks to Coach Sides and Coach McKenna for organizing this fantastic fundraiser and event, ensuring it was a memorable day filled with joy and laughter. Together, we are making a positive impact … Read More

Seven talented 5th grade students from Morningside Elementary were proudly selected to participate in this year’s district All County Chorus event, themed “A Brighter World.” Representing the Blue Jays with pride, these young voices joined fellow choristers from across the county to create a captivating performance that inspired hope and unity. Not only did they share their talents live, but the entire production was filmed and will be broadcasted, allowing family and friends to tune in from afar. The theme reflected a commitment to spreading positivity and uplifting spirits through song. These exceptional students embodied the power of music to … Read More

Students and families from Morningside Elementary recently enjoyed an exciting Math Night event at Publix, where they had the opportunity to put their math skills to the test. Armed with shopping lists, participants navigated the aisles of the store, calculating prices and totals as they selected various items. This engaging experience not only reinforced essential math concepts but also fostered a sense of community among families and staff. As they worked together to solve problems and make smart shopping choices, students discovered the practical applications of mathematics in everyday life. The event was a fun and educational way to celebrate … Read More

Morningside Elementary competed in the Odyssey of the Mind Regional Tournament. Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem solving competition where teams present a long-term problem they have worked on all year and solve a spontaneous problem during the tournament. The 4 Morningside teams each placed in the top 5 of their division with 3 of the teams advancing to the state competition. One of our teams earned the highest award in Odyssey of the Mind, the Renatra Fusca Creativity award, only awarded for exceptional creativity. The state competition will be held in Orlando on April 12th. We wish … Read More

What an amazing hands-on experience for five Morningside Elementary fifth-grade students! Each class sent one student to collaborate with a scientist at IRSC. The day commenced with an introduction to a robotic dog performing tricks, followed by a fascinating demonstration on how exhaled carbon dioxide increases water acidity. Throughout the rotations, students held real dinosaur fossils, extracted DNA from strawberries, explored robotics, and enjoyed a cosmic presentation in the planetarium. It was a fantastic morning for these budding scientists, accompanied by Mrs. Bolton and Mrs. W-J. A big shoutout to our Blue Jays for their enthusiasm and to IRSC for … Read More

Field Day at Morningside Elementary was another huge success, filled with excitement and teamwork. Students rotated through 13 different stations, enjoying a variety of activities such as water games, inflatable obstacle courses, and a lively home run derby. This fun-filled day allowed students to showcase the skills they learned in P.E. class while engaging in friendly competition. The highlight of the fifth graders’ Field Day was an epic tug-of-war battle between classes, which culminated in a thrilling showdown. Ultimately, Mrs. M’s class emerged as the overall winner, celebrating their hard-earned victory with cheers and enthusiasm. The day fostered camaraderie, sportsmanship, … Read More

First graders at MSE  had an amazing time at the Florida Oceanographic Society Center! They explored the fascinating world of marine life, learning about sea turtles, shark habitats, and the rich ecosystems of the ocean. The highlight of their visit was the touch tank, where students had the chance to interact with stingrays and other marine animals, creating unforgettable hands-on experiences. The behavior of the Blue Jays was commendable, as they received compliments for being respectful and attentive listeners throughout the trip. This educational adventure not only enriched their knowledge of marine biology but also fostered a deeper appreciation for … Read More