THREE CHEERS FOR THE END OF THE YEAR!

Can you believe we’ve made it to the end of the school year? It feels like just yesterday we were learning about Astronomy, and now we’re wrapping up a fantastic year of science, growth, and many memories. Before we jump into summer mode, I wanted to share an update on what’s been happening in our science classroom, the POD, and a link for family feedback.

Where We Were

We recently wrapped up our Earth’s Resources unit with a project that brought real-world thinking into our classroom. Students were tasked with creating community resilience plans for Lancaster, PA, where we rank among the worst in the nation for air quality. Their mission? To create innovative, realistic solutions that could help improve the air we all breathe. From green spaces to carpool incentives to stricter emissions policies, students dug deep and showed just how thoughtful and invested they can be when it comes to making a difference in their community. This was a perfect opportunity for them to combine thoughts and ideas from this unit and the previous Weather & Climate unit.

Where We Are

We are in the home stretch and the last week of school! While we didn’t take home the trophy for Color Wars (we came in third — red team took first, blue in second), we still had a blast competing, cheering each other on, and showing our 8 Gold pride! We’re keeping the fun going with special schedules, a surprise visit from Mr. Mumma’s 1-year-old son, Boston (check out the photos on my Instagram!), a birthday celebration for Mrs. Stoltzfoos, and our End of the Year Superlatives — which we’ll reveal this Friday! Students are also experiencing the bittersweet side of the end of the year. As tradition goes, I’ll be playing some of my most emotional graduation songs, and let’s just say… tissues may be required!

A quick reminder: iPad collection is tomorrow (June 5). Students must bring their iPad, charging block, and charging cable. 8th graders will keep their student ID this year.

Below: Some photos pre-outside at Color Wars (more on Instagram!).

Where We Are Going

To high school — YOU DID IT! 8 Gold, 8th grade is "officially" (1.5 days! left) in the books. I am beyond proud of every one of you. Your personalities, humor, compassion, and resilience made this an unforgettable year. It’s going to be tough to top such an awesome group, but I know you’re all off to do great things in high school and beyond. To our families: Congratulations to you as well! Your support, encouragement, and care have made a huge difference in helping these young people thrive. Thank you for being part of the journey! You’ve helped guide them through one of the most formative years of their lives.

Families, last year I asked for your feedback, and I’m doing it again! If you have a few minutes, please consider filling out this survey (link to your survey here). It helps me better understand what you’ve enjoyed about these blog posts, what could be improved, and how I can make them even more helpful in the future. Your input truly makes a difference.

Thank you for following along with us throughout the year. I hope these updates helped spark conversations at home and gave you a window into our class. If you ever want to reach out, you can contact me at curtis_catwood@conestogavalley.org, and feel free to follow along on Instagram at @classwithcatwood — especially if you have younger students who’ll eventually land on 8 Gold!

It’s been a privilege to teach your child(ren) [for those with twins on the team]. I’m going to miss them all! Thank you for all your time and support!

Stay Gold,

Mr. Catwood