Do you know the difference between the inner and outer planets? If not, ask one of the fifth grade students in Cindy Young’s class at FK Sweet Elementary. The students used a Double Bubble Map to compare and contrast the planets. Cindy Frio and Dan Darrisaw are doing a last minute review from their maps.
Five fifth graders from Frances K. Sweet had their Highwaymen-inspired art on display at the Highwaymen Heritage Festival. Alexis McEwen took the first place prize, winning a medal and money for art supplies for the school.
Fathers at Frances K. Sweet had the opportunity to come out for our Second Annual Father Daughter Ball. All of the girls and dads were dressed in their fanciest clothes and danced the night away. Pictured are many of the girls showing their dads how it should be done.
Frances K. Sweet Elementary School hosted its fifth annual Sunrise Stampede 5K recently to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Racers ranged in age from the youngest at four years old, to the eldest at 72. Families and the community came out and had a great time raising money for a cure. Pictured is a racing family, clockwise from top left, Robin Williams, Sarai Major (second in her age division), Ariel Major, and Elijah Major (first in his age division). Complete race results are available at www.itsperfecttiming.net
Students at F. K. Sweet Elementary School can take part in an after-school group that uses STEM lessons to increase their critical thinking skills. Pictured are fourth grade student Nestor Damian, left, and third grade student Briana Guerrier show off their space landers. For this activity, the students designed a space lander that would keep an egg safe when landing. They were both happy to report that their eggs survived the landing.
Students in Jody Horton’s fourth grade class at F.K. Sweet Elementary School have been learning about the native tribes of Florida. Students created dioramas on either the Calusa, Apalachee, Timucua, Tequesta, or Tocobaga tribes. They also wrote summaries about the tribe that included where they lived and their customs. Pictured, from left, are Owen Biglin, Halle Daube, Kyla Pata, and Dawson Holtman enjoying sharing their projects.
Fifth grade students in Donald Logue’s science class at F. K. Sweet Elementary School, pictured from left Ethan Yarberry, Taylor Roop, and Ciara Ackenbrack, can explain all about the various body systems, such as digestive, skeletal, resipiratory, and circulatory. Each student created a poster with original drawings and explained the work of that system on index cards.
Students Everett Braynen, Isabelle Storck, and Rita Ahmed from Jodie Steele’s fifth grade class at F.K. Sweet Elementary School are pointing out their completed poster projects on the Everglades. Students researched information of the past and present conditions of the Everglades, and offered suggestions that might lead to restoration in the future.
Third grade students in Barbara Whellams’ class at F.K. Sweet Elementary were highly entertained by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kevin Perry’s reading of “Follow the Drinking Gourd”, an actual song used by the Underground Railroad to help slaves escape north to Canada. Although February is Black History Month, students learn about the contributions of African Americans throughout the entire year.
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.
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.
Kindergarten and second grade students at F.K.Sweet Elementary School were excited to be a part of a ladybug release program conducted by the University of Florida’s agriculture department. Preston Zinter, left, and William Geraghty from Traci Lott’s second grade class are just getting ready to release hundreds of ladybugs onto neighboring plants. Students were able to learn about good and bad bugs for our environment and learned ways that ladybugs actually help the plants around us.
Glitter, glue, and giggles, oh my! Kindergartners in Melanie Francisco’s class at Frances K. Sweet Elementary School had a great time during a recent Craft Day. Parents were invited to volunteer with crafts, lunch, and ice cream sundaes.
The faculty and staff of F.K. Sweet Elementary recently recognized their honored employees, including School Related Employee of the Year David Morales, Teacher of the Year Michelle O’Keefe, and Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year Belinda Buckley at a before school ceremony recently. All of the “stars” also received gifts and plaques.
The F.K. Sweet Elementary Drama Club recently presented “A Fairy Tale Christmas” for parents and students. Fairy tale characters from all of the favorite classics try to prevent the evil stepmother from ruining Christmas by spreading good cheer with a little help from the Fairy Godmother! Pictured is the play cast.
The drama club at F.K. Sweet Elementary is busy practicing for its upcoming musical comedy, The Kids of Camelot, which will be presented in late May. The club for fourth and fifth graders is under the direction of teachers Jodie Steele and Gary Bushby.
Cora Stickney Harper Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution was proud to announce the winners of the DAR American History Essay Contest. The contest was open to all public and private schools 5-8th grade. Frances K Sweet Magnet School was proud that all three place holders for fifth grade were from our school. The title for this year’s contest was: “A Child’s Journey Through Ellis Island”. First Place Adriana Varn, Second Place Brooke Adams, and Third Place Mackenzie Kenney. Pictured left to right, Mackenzie, Brooke, and Adriana.
The students in Mrs. Johnson’s Challenge class get serious about learning how to find area. How many square inches are in a square foot? 144 — they made a model! Pictured are: Mesfah Mustakim, Charlotte Sellers, Camryn Monroe, Josiah Edmond, Sophia Alarcon, and Anthony Green.
March is National Nutrition Month and Janette Champagne, cafeteria manager at F.K. Sweet Elementary School works hard every day to ensure that students are eating a healthy balanced diet at breakfast and lunch. She also initiated a Walking Club for students. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday before school and walk a mile on the school track. Yoga is also a part of the club’s morning workout. Pictured is Ms. Champagne with students after their morning walk.
Frances K. Sweet’s student council hosted their annual Breakfast with Santa for the students and their families. More than 50 families ate breakfast, made crafts, and met Santa. Pictured are the student council representatives, Mr. Gary Bushby, and of course Santa.
