Author: Kristin Hsu

The students in Betty Mayberry’s fifth grade science class at Frances K. Sweet Elementary School performed an exciting inquiry lab to determine ways to separate mixtures by magnetic force, filtration, and boiling. Pictured are Allen Lin, left, and Taina Chery examining one of their mixtures.

Students in Cindy Langel’s and Dorian Newbern’s first grade classes have been learning about the different attributes of shapes. In one of their lessons, the students were able to make a shape caterpillar identifying  some of the defining and non-defining attributes of the shapes. Pictured, top row from left, are La Teya Weatters, Drew Sperber, and Jenna Franklin. Bottom row, from left, are Addison Kim, Omar Andrade, and Myron Pratt.

At Frances K. Sweet Elementary, media specialist Genie DuPell is sharing a variety of books by author Mo Willems with the kindergarten classes. Pictured, from left, Ireland Wagerer, Madison Paul, Jeremiah Hill, and Lennon Paquette are holding books and stuffed animals from two of his most popular books, “The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!” and “Knuffle Bunny”. In the school media center, there are 38 books by Mo Willems available to check out by students.

Students in Donald Logue’s fifth grade class have investigated chemical changes. They performed investigations using chemicals in test tubes to observe color changes, a release of thermal energy, and an absorption of thermal energy.  They discussed their observations and wrote down evidence from each investigation on their lab record sheet.  Pictured are Ni’Derria Cobb, left, and Bradyn Moxley.

During literacy centers, Kira Kim and Adrian Perez from Michelle O’Keefe’s kindergarten class at F.K. Sweet Elementary School had a great time cooperating in the puppet center. They worked hard developing a story with their puppets while friends watched and enjoyed the show. Pictured are Kira Kim, left, and Adrian Perez.

Pictured, from left, F. K. Sweet Elementary School fourth grade students Tanyia Chery, Emma Brosnihan, Calvin Bowens, and Quinlen Meservey have been working with the elements of art to create the cover of their sketchbooks. The elements include the study of line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space. The students used all the elements except value and form to create their designs. The students use their sketchbooks throughout the school year to practice their drawing skills, take notes, and for some writing assignments to enhance the academics.

Maliyah Montuna and Ruben Medina in Michelle O’Keefe’s kindergarten class, read to their reading buddies during literacy centers. They enjoyed picking out books and reading to their friend and their animals.

What is Science? Kindergartners in Melanie Francisco’s class can tell you! They loved using science tools to explore the world around them, including making milk rainbows. Jason Robinson and James Ashburn observed what happened when dish soap was placed in a plate of milk and food coloring. So cool!!!

John Howard “mustache” you a question. Do you know the sound that the letter M makes? He does of course. Kindergarteners in Mrs. Michelle O’Keefe’s class at Frances K Sweet had fun wearing their mustaches while learning about the letter M.

In honor of the anniversary of 9/11, students in all grade levels at Frances K. Sweet wrote letters and cards to their local police and firefighters thanking them for their service to the community. The letters will be delivered to the Fort Pierce Police Department and the St. Lucie County Fire Department on Wednesday, September 11th. Pictured is fourth grader Ava McGoorty.  

Frances K. Sweet’s fourth grade students in Mrs. Nardi Routten’s class became scientists as they explored “ice balloons”.  Students recorded their observation as they performed several tasks.  First they compared and contrasted the results of scraping the ice balloon with a toothpick versus a paperclip.  Students also observed what happened after salt was poured on the top of the ice balloon, and then food coloring.  Finally, students observed what happened when the ice balloon was placed in a tub of water.  During each activity students formed questions and wrote them on post-it notes.  Later, these questions were grouped according to … Read More

Students in Melanie Francisco’s class enjoyed roll playing Zero the Hero while learning about the value of the number zero. Sara Jones, Evan Shaw, Drayden McLaughlin, Addison Burgess, and Jeremiah Hill loved soaring throughout the classroom with their classmates to number songs and finger plays, wearing their super hero masks.

After a week of studying and comparing fairy tales, kindergartners at F. K. Sweet Elementary

Third and fourth grade students in gifted programs at F.K. Sweet Elementary School culminated a unit on the Middle Ages with a Medieval Feast. Students made surcoats, worn by knights, and baked trenchers (bread plates) to eat from. During the unit, students modeled castles, created a Coat of Arms, learned the art of illumination, and experimented with catapults. Pictured, from left, are D’Marvelous Reid, Joshua Caldwell, Quinlen Meservey, and Cameron Dodd.

Frances K. Sweet Elementary School third graders are busily working on math. They all participated a Math-a-thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The students happily completed their Funbooks knowing that they were doing the math for a good cause.

The students in Celeste Hartsfield’s second grade class at F.K. Sweet Magnet School are learning about different shapes and their attributes, as well as how to make patterns with the shapes. Students had a great time making their own hats by using shapes and making them into patterns. Pictured, from left, are Aamar Black and Alexander Ramos.

The kindergarten students at F.K. Sweet Elementary School were surprised with a visit from Kauff’s Towing while studying about Community Helpers. Teachers and students learned all of the responsibilities that the drivers have. Quiana Lundy, from left, Shanyla Osby, Jeffery Stephens, Josiah Fullwood, and Dennis Scott from Melanie Francisco’s class loved listening to kindergarten parent Dennis Scott explain the tools on the huge “wrecker” truck.

The kindergarten students at F.K. Sweet Elementary School have been studying plants and seeds during the season of Spring.  Trenton Hogan, pictured left, was so excited to gather the soil for his cup while Harmony Davis held the bag open to help him as each student prepared to plant sunflower seeds. The students have loved watching the cups each day and oh the excitement when some of them sprouted!  We can’t wait to see how they change into beautiful sunflowers.

It’s no wonder why brothers, fourth grade student Grayson, left, and second grade student Noah DiBernardo, have earned Star Reader shirts from the Media Center at Frances K. Sweet Elementary. They obviously practice reading as much as they can. Star Reader shirts are awarded to students who show academic growth on the SRI test or is already reading above grade level.

Second grade students at F. K. Sweet Elementary participated in a presentation by Captain Citrus hosted by the Florida Department of Citrus. Students were taught about the health benefits of Florida citrus, and had a question and answer session with a local citrus grower. Students learned how citrus fruit goes from the tree to the store and their juice glasses. All the children got to sample Florida citrus fruits and Florida orange juice. After the presentation, students had their picture taken with Captain Citrus.