It’s been a while since we’ve had our blog, so I would like to catch you up on our last two community Fridays.
The first is when we got to help garden the raised beds in the entry way of Primary. We also were all linked up with a partner from Primary to garden with. We all got tools and dug up weeds and other unnecessary plants. It was very fun to see all the kids excited and happy about helping. In the end, we got the raised beds neat and cleaned up!
Second, we got to perform at the Peace Ceremony, as did every grade. We had to memorize and say a quote from Maria Montessori and then say what we believe the quote means, and how we should live forward from the lessons the quote taught us. We memorized it and practiced projection and confidence on the days leading up to the ceremony.
On the day of the ceremony, we got to watch all of the other grades sing songs and present their speeches and such, which was fun. When it was our turn, we did what we had practiced, performed flawlessly, and didn’t embarrass ourselves!
However, I did hold the paper I was showing to the audience upside down. 🙂
Last week, the Middle School class went on a 3-day trip to Dauphin Island. On the first day, we settled into our rooms and were given a short lecture on the studying of the ocean. After, we were separated into groups and created a drifter (which we learned was a tool to track the ocean currents). They gave us a few random materials that we used to create a miniature boat that slid with the current and couldn’t sink. We tested our drifters in their pool, and then used them to measure the current of the water on the beach. That night, we got to go to the pool, which was an obvious highlight.
The next day, we went to breakfast and then went on a boat to research the ocean and the life inside of it. A particularly interesting event took place during this, as we caught a guitar fish, something that the guide had never seen alive in 23 years. We even got to touch it! We also found and examined some crabs and seaslugs. After the boat ride, our class went kayaking, where we explored the estuary and played in the mineral-filled mud (which the seventh graders rubbed all over their hair and faces) with some hermit crabs. At night, we went to the beach, and then went back to our dorms and got to watch a movie in the commons room.
On the final day, we went to the Dauphin Island Aquarium and did a scavenger hunt to find different facts and features about sealife. Afterwards, we packed up and went home.
Our trip to Dauphin Island was exciting for multiple reasons, but I think that the main reason was that we got to learn and do new things. The trip let us do things that would be impossible to do in a classroom, experience things that we’ve never experienced, and above all, we got to form new memories with our friends.
The school year thus far has been very good overall. The first week started on August 6th, and Ms. Hallie was able to set up a very inviting environment, with everybody getting along very quickly (seriously, this is the first time I’ve ever remembered everyone in a classroom’s name).
The next 3 weeks lasted the whole 5 days instead of just 3, and it was much more of a sign of things to come, being more work-oriented than introduction-oriented. We were pushed, without being overwhelmed, and we were able to jump into the workflow very easily. We were also introduced to our regular routine. It would be too long to put all of it in this, but here’s the rundown: Morning Meeting, ELA and Algebra/Pre-Algebra, P.E. Spanish/Electives, Worktime, Lunch, Solo, Science/Big History, Afternoon Meeting, and Dismissal. Also, on Fridays, when we’ve finished all of our work, we go to Lower Elementary to help kids with their work, and teach them lessons.
I personally enjoy all of this year’s subjects a lot, all of them being interesting and engaging. I also enjoy how stress-free this year feels. Sure–we get lots of work, but it never feels like we aren’t able to finish it. It’s been very satisfying to be able to knock off assignments one-by-one, and it also brings a great sense of accomplishment as well!
I’m enjoying the year so far. It’s a very comfortable and fun work environment for me, and hopefully everyone else as well. I look forward to seeing what comes next. – Elias (8th Grade)
Grandparent’s Day at JBMA was a special occasion filled with joy, laughter, and some sweet heartfelt moments. We were thrilled to welcome so many middle schoolers’ grandparents, who joined us for a morning of connection and celebration.
One of the highlights of the day was the musical performance by the middle school and upper elementary students. Their rendition of “Where is the Peace?” filling the room with beautiful harmonies and a message of unity and hope.
Seeing multiple generations come together to share in this experience was a touching reminder of the strong bonds within our community.
Thank you to all the grandparents who took the time to join us! Your presence made the day even more meaningful, and we look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition in the years to come.
On a bright February morning, the youngest members of the JBMA community took to the track for a heartwarming cause. With helmets securely fastened and smiles stretching ear to ear, toddlers through pre-K students eagerly rode their trikes, bikes, and scooters in the annual Trike-A-Thon, all to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
But they weren’t alone! JBMA Middle School students played a key role in making the event a success, stepping in as enthusiastic helpers, cheerleaders, and guides for their younger schoolmates. From helping adjust helmets to offering encouragement with high-fives and cheers, the older students took pride in creating a fun and safe experience for the little riders.
The Trike-A-Thon not only brought joy to the young participants but also reinforced important lessons in compassion, leadership, and community service. As the toddlers and preschoolers pedaled their hearts out, they knew they were making a difference—raising funds that will go toward research, treatment, and care for children battling serious illnesses.
The event was a beautiful display of the JBMA spirit, where students of all ages came together to support a meaningful cause. Seeing the middle schoolers step up as mentors and supporters for the younger students was a reminder of the kindness and generosity that make our school community so special.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this year’s Trike-A-Thon. Your efforts help bring hope and healing to children in need, proving that even the smallest wheels can make a big impact!
After the excitement of JUNA, we’ve been easing back into our routine this week—and let’s be honest, we all needed a little reset! The students have done a great job shifting gears, and it’s been nice to settle back into the rhythm of our days.
One of the highlights of the week was the bicycle safety skit the students put on for the primary students. It was adorable—equal parts educational and entertaining! They put real effort into making it engaging, and the little ones loved it. (Nothing like a good performance to keep things lively!)
We also leaned into some extra math and science time, giving students the chance to dig a little deeper into their work. They’ve been focused, productive, and bringing great energy to their studies.
On the reading front, we’re wrapping up Unstoppable Us—it’s been a fantastic book, and the kids have loved the discussions it sparked. Up next, we’ll be diving into historical documents, using them to analyze and approach big questions. It’s a shift in thinking, and I’m excited to see how they tackle it.
All in all, it’s been a solid week of balancing hard work, creativity, and fun—exactly what we aim for! Looking forward to what’s next!
Wow—what an incredible experience JUNA 2025 turned out to be! I could not be prouder of our students and the hard work they put into researching, writing, debating, and presenting. From the moment we arrived, they brought their A-game, and it showed!
Both of our teams—Spain and Argentina—successfully passed their resolutions out of committee (which is a big deal!) and got to present in General Assembly. It takes a lot of confidence to stand in front of a room full of peers and defend a resolution, and they did it with poise and passion.
Beyond the debates, students also got to step into the shoes of world leaders in a Security Council simulation and experience the difficult realities of displaced people through a Refugee Simulation. Watching them engage in these activities with empathy and critical thinking was a powerful reminder of why we do this—JUNA isn’t just about winning; it’s about understanding the world and learning how to be active, informed citizens.
That being said, we did win some big awards! 🎉 🏆 Spain took home Best Resolution, Most Prepared Delegation, AND Best Display Board! 🎨 Argentina earned Second Place for Best Display Board!
More than anything, I loved seeing these students push themselves. They took risks, spoke up, worked through nerves, and came out the other side proud of themselves—as they should be!
A huge thank you to all of you for your support. From early mornings to late-night speech practice, I know this was a team effort. Now, please make sure your delegate gets some well-earned rest! 😉
This was an eventful week at the JBMA Middle School. In Humanities we continued the timeline in our classroom and finally set it up. We also started memorizing our countries’ greetings for JUNA, and finished up the speeches and our display boards.
In Science, we studied density. We made diagrams about liquid density and density in general, answering the question: Why do some fruits float, while others don’t? We are also preparing for the test next week, and we did a lab about how heat and salt affect water density by coloring warm and cold water and seeing how it interacts with each other.
In Math, we finished up our unit about statistics and probability, and took our unit test.
There was a lot of activity in electives as well. In the Music elective, we started getting ready for the Winter Concert by practicing in the gym. In Art, we started drawing on tablets by watching tutorials and learning all the commands to the drawing app called ProCreate. Finally, in tech we are working on the holiday episode of JBMA today and recording it. In STEM, we started an exciting, scientific project with trebuchets and batteries.
In community news, we gave presentations to other grades about the importance of our Annual Can Drive. Remember, next week is the can drive, so don’t forget to bring your items!
The past couple of weeks have been buzzing with excitement and learning here at school! With Fall Fest and Halloween celebrations adding a festive touch, our students have experienced the perfect mix of seasonal fun and meaningful academic growth. I’m excited to share a quick recap of how your children have been learning, collaborating, and thriving in the classroom during this busy time.
In science, our young scientists have been diving into the world of chemistry, learning the ins and outs of compounds, elements, and mixtures. Through hands-on experiments, they explored how elements combine to form compounds and how mixtures can be separated. It was great to see their enthusiasm as they asked thoughtful questions and engaged in deeper discussions about the science behind everyday things.
Math class took a turn toward the analytical as we focused on statistics. Students gathered and represented data through charts, graphs, and tables, boosting their skills in numerical analysis and interpretation. These activities were more than just exercises; they demonstrated how statistics help us make informed decisions in both research and daily life.
Cultural studies have been a robust mix of reading, writing, and analyzing the world around us. Our Junior United Nations Assembly (JUNA) preparations have been in full swing. Students have been researching global issues, brainstorming solutions, and drafting resolutions—all while learning the importance of teamwork and international collaboration.
Additionally, they’ve been working on a detailed timeline project that maps significant events in world history. This has helped them see the big picture of how civilizations have evolved over time and how history shapes our world today. The level of engagement and critical thinking they’ve shown in these projects speaks volumes about their dedication.
Of course, it hasn’t been all work and no play. Fall Fest and Halloween gave our students the chance to unwind and bond in creative and fun ways. From costumes and games to art projects, these moments added a sense of community and joy to our school days. The balance between learning and celebration has highlighted just how adaptable and spirited your children are. Whether tackling complex science concepts, interpreting data, or stepping into the role of young diplomats, they continue to stretch their capabilities.
As we head into the coming months, I’m looking forward to building on these foundational lessons and watching our students grow even more. Thank you for your continued support—it makes all the difference in creating an environment where students can learn, thrive, and celebrate each success.
This week in middle school was packed with learning and activities that kept us all on our toes! In math, students sharpened their skills with percentages, learning how to find them and write percent equations. Their progress has been amazing, and they are starting to see how these skills apply in everyday life.
Science was a hands-on adventure as students dove into experiments focused on heat. They explored heat as a form of energy and observed how it interacts with different materials. It was excellent to watch their curiosity grow as they witnessed the effects of heat transfer and began to think about how these concepts apply to the world around them.
In History, we’ve begun an exciting journey with JUNA, as students started drafting their resolutions. We also began reading Unstoppable Us, which takes a deep dive into the evolution of humans and our impact on the planet. The discussions sparked some big ideas about our responsibility to the Earth and each other.
Over in English, students reflected on their time at Butter and Egg. We focused on “breaking open moments” — a writing exercise where they slowed down to describe their most impactful experiences from the trip. It’s always inspiring to hear what resonates with them as they translate their memories into vivid stories. We hope to share some of these moments with you soon!
After tackling a math quiz and having a thought-provoking seminar, Friday turned into a Fall Festival frenzy! We incorporated geometry as students built a maze, working through designs and dimensions. They also stretched their executive functions by planning an upcoming Halloween party, which is sure to be a blast. To round out the day, we got creative with pumpkin decorating!
With so much energy in the air, it’s safe to say both students and teachers are feeling a little wiped out, but in the best way possible! We’ve had a productive, fun-filled week, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
