Fifth graders have been working all year to research key environmental issues. During Exhibition, groups of students will present their findings and challenge those in attendance to consider their role in the local and global environment.

Exhibition is the culminating activity for an International Baccalaureate student to complete when finishing 5th grade. This is considered a combination of their learning throughout their IB Primary Years Programme journey.

Everyone is invited to attend Smith’s Exhibition on Tuesday, June 4 from 6:30-8:00pm.

Ms. Colon, one of our Fifth Grade teachers, contacted the North Carolina Biotechnology Center seeking research on the positive side of GMOs. The students were able to ask questions during a Skype call with a Deborah Thompson, a Science & Technology Program Analyst at NC Biotech. Read Ms. Thompson’s blog post about her conversation with our students.

Following the call, Mrs. Colon reported to Ms. Thompson, “Their conversation today had a new spin and vigor. Before, they were very focused on letting the world know how awful GMOs were … due to the overly negative ‘research’ they had reviewed. Today we spent our time reviewing the resources you provided – it was wonderful to see them debate and refocus their perspectives. They have decided that the controversy surrounding GMOs calls for them to provide information to help others make an informed decision, rather than leaning to one side or another.”

Come to Exhibition and hear directly from our students about the research they’re doing on basics of ecosystems (including components of ecosystems and human effects on ecosystems) and the selected specific topics within that subject. Exhibition reflects the culmination of all Primary Years Programme learning. The goal is for the students to live into the Learner Profile attributes while collaborating with fellow students on a project addressing real-life issues.

Exhibition: Tuesday, June 4 from 6:30-8:00pm

Visit the Smith Exhibition blog online to view all of the videos and  to keep up with the students as their Exhibition research continues.

Our Walk For Hunger event was a culmination of the month-long fundraising efforts to support Heifer International. As students and teachers walked and talked through their laps in the front parking lot, they were able to enjoy a beautiful day and get some exercise knowing they were helping hungry people.

The final total raised was $2,374.49 – well above our goal of $1,300! Many thanks to everyone who made a donation to support this project. And thirsty walkers were very grateful to the families who donated water.

This Thursday, April 25, our second annual International Festival is set for 6-8pm. We will learn from cultural presenters, try some delicious food, explore an artifacts museum and more! Doors open at 5:45pm. There is no charge to attend this event.

During the International Festival, tickets will available for a bicycle raffle (1 girls bike and 1 boys bike). All proceeds from the $1 tickets will go to our Walk for Hunger fundraiser supporting Heifer International.

Walk for Hunger and Global Fun Day

This Friday, April 26, all students and staff will walk on campus to raise awareness for world-wide hunger. Students will also have a great time of fitness and fun at Global Fun Day. Students should wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and bring $1 if they would like to purchase a slushy.

Celebrating with Mrs. Brown are (L-R) Mr. Sampson, assistant principal; Mrs. Brown; Mrs. Pauls, assistant principal; and Mr. Lassiter, principal.

Earlier this year, Mrs. Sony Brown, second grade teacher and Smith’s Teacher of the Year, was named one of the 24 Semi-Finalists in the Wake County Teacher of the Year process.

Last week, she was named one of the Top 12 Finalists for the Teacher of the Year award!

The Wake County Public School System will hold a banquet on May 9 to name the 2013-14 Teacher of the Year.

We’re cheering for Mrs. Brown all the way!

Donations can be brought to the school throughout April. The money will be used to purchase livestock such as rabbits, bees, and other animals to benefit families throughout the world.

Walk for Hunger is being combined with Global Fun Day with great activities for physical fitness and global learning coordinated by Ms. Morrison, our PE teacher.

Walk for Hunger t-shirt orders are open until April 17. Download the Tshirt Order Form today.

Please consider donating bottled water for the students and staff.