Bees may have a secret life that we know nothing about, but what we do know is that they sure keep busy -- almost as busy as the students at Whitethorn School.

The K-1st graders in Eric and Victoria Shafer’s classroom have been busy learning about the life cycle of salmon. They created books, dioramas, and life-sized models. They strolled over to the Mattole River to view the actual habitat and feeding grounds of our native fish. This was a wonderful and enriching project for the kids. Next they expanded their studies to include coral reefs and the magnificent creatures that reside within them. They made a class mural that started out void of life, and then added rocks, fish, and colorful coral. The class terrarium has provided ample opportunity to keep track of the progress of bulbs, seeds, roots and cuttings. Spring really is in the air. From there it was on to the scientific study of solids and liquids. There is much to discover, and the students will learn about the ever-changing world around them. St. Patrick’s Day brought the annual building of the leprechaun traps. We have yet to catch one.

As always math and lots of reading is taking place daily. Number skills games are not only helpful, but fun as well. Learning how to tell time and counting money has also been a focus.

Meanwhile, the year started off with many exciting learning opportunities for Erica Grey’s 2nd-4th graders. The students were paired up with an international pen pal, and have been writing letters that are traveling far across the seas. All of the pen pals can speak, or are studying English. What a fun way to get to know someone. They kept busy with an extensive ocean unit and created a life size orca. They also did lots of math, writing and related science.

When the 100th day of school rolled around they had an ice cream party and enjoyed drawing pictures of what they may look like when they turn 100 years old, and writing a class book entitled “I wish I had 100 ...”

Social studies have included the 1840s and the Gold Rush of California. In science, the emphasis will be on a new science unit using the FOSS Environmental Module. This unit will help to investigate the environments that several different plants and animals need to thrive in.

Literature reading groups have been both fun and successful, with the students breaking into small groups and sharing a book. Some even created a story quilt.

The most recent highlight may well have been the sushi rolling party. With lots of help from our devoted volunteer parents, each child was able to create, and then eat their own sushi roll. They enjoyed it even more than normal because they were seated on beautiful Japanese mats that they made. Speaking of making beautiful things, thank you to Sara Starck and Marie Etherton for guiding the kids along on a basket weaving journey. The finished projects were awesome and will be showcased at Arts Alive on May 1.

The 5th-7th grade students in Shelby Speer’s class have been doing lots of arts, crafts and poetry. The students are creating a book of poetry. What incredible writers. They were very busy reading novels, and then completing their book reports. The science fair was a huge success. Something was learned from every project, and they were all unique and well researched. Congratulations to Noah Lourie, Samantha Baker, Zulie Blair, Bryce Downing, Julian Etter and Fawna Meeks for being selected to compete at the county science fair. Four students were chosen to go to the Redway School Spelling Bee on March 4. Zulie Blair, Bryce Downing, Alice Akselsen, and Julien Savage-Taylor competed against approximately 12 students from other schools. Julien placed 1st, Zulie 2nd, and Bryce placed 3rd. Way to go. Samantha Baker drew a beautiful school bus safety poster that won 1st place in the district contest. She received a $25 prize.

Weather, climate and climate change found its way into Shelby’s science studies. Fossil fuels, recycling and renewable sources of energy made for interesting discussions. Expository essays and narratives kept everyone busy. The students have finished a unit on Imperial China and will now be studying the Maya, Aztecs, and Incas.

Susie Jennings’s favorite day of the month at Whitethorn School is the day she gets to share pizza with some very special students. These kids have shown outstanding citizenship. Congratulations to Mackenzie Warren, Panacea Hudson, Kylie Messenger, Julien Savage-Taylor, Wallace Seidschlag, Gracen Fales, Jesseey Rolf, Angelina Vassallo, Arianna Cheney, Connor Messenger, Macy Persall, Abram Hart, Jennie Rolf, Olivia Marquez-Sykes, Seaora Madrone-Woods, Clara Caballero, Violet Page, Samantha Baker, Zulie Blair, Alice Akselsen, Jessi Guerreri, Fawna Meeks, Devon Wilner, Elias Sykes, and Madison Burnett.

Thanks go out to Margaret Lewis for teaching our children how to make beautiful music and to Briar Fontaine for keeping them all in good physical shape.

The annual Valentine’s Day candy sale saw another successful year. Thank you to all who baked, wrapped, and sold.

The biggest thanks goes out to the members of our community who without fail, give generously to this fabulous school and its wonderful kids. We all say “Thank you.”

Submitted by the Friends of Whitethorn School