The Alyssa Sunkin / The Citizen
Jill Connor / The Citizen
Matt Bolton, 12, shows his stepmother and father, Chris and John Bolton, his project on figurative language in his classroom at Cato-Meridian Middle School Thursday at their Spring Showcase.
Matt Bolton, 12, shows his stepmother and father, Chris and John Bolton, his project on figurative language in his classroom at Cato-Meridian Middle School Thursday at their Spring Showcase.
MERIDIAN - Forget The Most, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or even the British Museum; people didn't need to look any farther Thursday than Cato-Meridian Middle School to view some interesting and educational exhibits.
In one classroom hung political cartoons illustrating both the American and British viewpoints of the American Revolution. In another, Famous Women in History flip books. Relics of Ancient Egypt, medical research on various diseases and a tour of the United States could all be found within the hallways of the middle school for the eighth annual Spring Showcase, an opportunity for students from fifth through eighth grades to show off their academic and extracurricular talents to all.
Justine Phillips, 12, of Cato, not only showed off her vocal talents in the school chorus' small ensemble and by belting out Taylor Swift's pop song, “Love Story,” she also had four projects on display for parents, friends and others to view.
“It's nice to know what people think of your work and stuff,” she said. “When you get compliments on it, it builds me up higher and higher, so it's easier to reach goals in life.”
And that's the point of the event, Principal Shawn Gleason said.
“I think it builds self-esteem when the students are able to share accomplishments,” he said. “I think it creates school pride.”
The event, a product of the district's shared decision-making team, was originally
scheduled annually during the winter, but inclement weather forced the school to reschedule a number of times, Gleason said. Three years ago, the administration decided to move it to the spring, but the timing certainly doesn't diminish the purpose of the event.
“The original intent was to highlight Cato-Meridian Middle School throughout the community and all the things we do here, not just academic, but also clubs, organizations and students' individual talents,” he said. “It gives the teachers and students an opportunity to collaborate and work together to create projects that are curriculum-based, of which they are proud.”
Parents were certainly proud too. Tanya and Ken Cobb eyed their seventh-grade daughter Stephanie's project on figurative language.
“When a student knows projects will be on display, they are going to put in their best effort, work their hardest and do well,” Ken said. “When they feel good about their projects, they get a sense of accomplishment and strive to keep excellence in their work.”
The sound of woodwinds from the school's small ensemble band filled the hallways as onlookers sipped coffee and nibbled on cookies at the showcases' coffee shop. Dancers moved feet along electronic mats for Dance Dance Revolution competitions. Eyes studied dioramas and posters placed throughout the three-story school.
Gleason's goal was to make the Spring Showcase a community event, and in that sense invited numerous organizations dedicated to health and wellness, like the American Diabetes Association, Eat Well Play Hard, Reva Rollerdrome and the county Health Department, among others.
“I think it builds a nice bridge between the school and the community,” he said.
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
In one classroom hung political cartoons illustrating both the American and British viewpoints of the American Revolution. In another, Famous Women in History flip books. Relics of Ancient Egypt, medical research on various diseases and a tour of the United States could all be found within the hallways of the middle school for the eighth annual Spring Showcase, an opportunity for students from fifth through eighth grades to show off their academic and extracurricular talents to all.
Justine Phillips, 12, of Cato, not only showed off her vocal talents in the school chorus' small ensemble and by belting out Taylor Swift's pop song, “Love Story,” she also had four projects on display for parents, friends and others to view.
“It's nice to know what people think of your work and stuff,” she said. “When you get compliments on it, it builds me up higher and higher, so it's easier to reach goals in life.”
And that's the point of the event, Principal Shawn Gleason said.
“I think it builds self-esteem when the students are able to share accomplishments,” he said. “I think it creates school pride.”
The event, a product of the district's shared decision-making team, was originally
scheduled annually during the winter, but inclement weather forced the school to reschedule a number of times, Gleason said. Three years ago, the administration decided to move it to the spring, but the timing certainly doesn't diminish the purpose of the event.
“The original intent was to highlight Cato-Meridian Middle School throughout the community and all the things we do here, not just academic, but also clubs, organizations and students' individual talents,” he said. “It gives the teachers and students an opportunity to collaborate and work together to create projects that are curriculum-based, of which they are proud.”
Parents were certainly proud too. Tanya and Ken Cobb eyed their seventh-grade daughter Stephanie's project on figurative language.
“When a student knows projects will be on display, they are going to put in their best effort, work their hardest and do well,” Ken said. “When they feel good about their projects, they get a sense of accomplishment and strive to keep excellence in their work.”
The sound of woodwinds from the school's small ensemble band filled the hallways as onlookers sipped coffee and nibbled on cookies at the showcases' coffee shop. Dancers moved feet along electronic mats for Dance Dance Revolution competitions. Eyes studied dioramas and posters placed throughout the three-story school.
Gleason's goal was to make the Spring Showcase a community event, and in that sense invited numerous organizations dedicated to health and wellness, like the American Diabetes Association, Eat Well Play Hard, Reva Rollerdrome and the county Health Department, among others.
“I think it builds a nice bridge between the school and the community,” he said.
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
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