Middle schoolers to compete in cardboard boat challenge
Polson Middle Schoolers end busy semester of enriched academic activities.
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News from Polson Middle School
POLSON — Polson Middle School’s 492 students are sailing into the second semester-literally. Mission Valley Aquatic Center will be hosting the second ever PMS Duck Boat Dynasty Challenge. This fun team-building activity offers students the opportunity to showcase their creativity, engineering and teamwork skills. PMS students spent recent time in their advisory classes building boats out of nothing but cardboard, duct tape, Elmer’s glue and a whole lot of ingenuity. This end-of-the-semester celebratory activity will take place Jan. 24 and 25 at MVAC. Students will race their creations within grade-levels for the ultimate prize – a pizza party for their class. Students will then have the opportunity to spend some time splashing in the pool with their friends. Thanks to the MVAC for hosting and to many local businesses that donated dozens of duct tape rolls and mass quantities of cardboard for the endeavor.
Another favorite event was the student-led, all-school Beach Ball Volleyball tournament held Dec. 20-21 to send us into winter break on a high note. Student advisory teams spent time competing in a double elimination competition bracket. Despite tough, determined competition, Ms. Gurgiolo’s advisory dominated the fun-inspired games, triumphantly finishing undefeated.
Fall activities wrapped up with successful volleyball, cross country and boys basketball seasons. Student-athlete participation topped out at 129. Winter activities kicked off with stellar Academic Bowl team outings. Band and Choir students put their talents on brilliant display in melodious, harmonious and ultimately exceptional concerts. The girls basketball season starts with the first practice Monday, Jan. 22. Little Guy Wrestling starts in February.
Students have enjoyed many other extra-curricular activities during the first semester. The Lego Club, created by Mrs. Burgess has been a school favorite. Students meet every third Thursday of the month to engage in engineering-inspired activities. Some of the recent challenges include the Drop Challenge and the Lego Car Race. Mrs. Roger’s and Mrs. Tucker’s Read-Ins are always a hit. Students meet in the middle school library, also on every third Thursday of the month, and enjoy snacks while they dive into their favorite books for some sustained reading. It is the quietest, best time possible. Also, Lake County for Families First Learning Lab is hosting a hands-on cooking class with games and fitness fun in the FACS room every Tuesday starting Jan. 9 through Feb. 13.
After school academic support is offered every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in Mrs. Comstock’s and Ms. Bauer’s rooms. Students from all grade levels can sign up to meet after school and dive into completing work from all curricular areas.
A highlight of the semester for students and staff was the memorable opportunity to watch the documentary Native Ball, hosted by the Showboat Cinema in Polson, and meet trailblazer Malia Kipp in person during small-group question and answer sessions.
The second semester of classes begins Monday, Jan. 29.
