Have you ever heard the phrase, "Choose your friends wisely?" Our two 5th Grade Students of the Month have done just that. Congratulations to Kenny and Kenyon for being named our 5th Grade Students of the Month. Kenny and Kenyon are best friends with the best character. They are kind, thoughtful, and hardworking. When they walk into school each day, they are quick to greet everyone around them with a smile. Their energy is contagious. Kenny and Kenyon are a great example of, "You are who you surround yourself with," so choose your friends wisely!
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Whiteside Families helping Whiteside Families
One of our Whiteside families donated all the potatoes, oranges, and stuffing for the holiday food baskets. We live in a generous community. We are grateful for our Whiteside families.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
6th Grade Student of the Month: Maha
Since the very beginning of this unique school year, Maha's enthusiasm for learning stood out to all her teachers. Maha joins her virtual classes with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. Maha is always willing to help others and ask questions. Congratulations to Maha for being named our 6th Grade Student of the Month!
Monday, December 21, 2020
National Junior Honor Society Food Drive
Our National Junior Honor Society students hosted a drive through food drive. Thanks to everyone who donated! The food that was collected was given to our own Whiteside families. We live in a generous community.
Friday, December 18, 2020
6th Grade Student of the Month: Lena
From the first day she entered the virtual classroom, Lena was off and running! She is the first to jump on meetings and ask the questions that everyone else was thinking. She allowed herself to be a leader amongst her classmates right away with her hardworking and positive attitude. She always goes above and beyond on all assignments, both big and small. Keep up the great work, Lena!
Thursday, December 17, 2020
7th Grade Science: Gummy Bear Lab
7th grade students used gummy bears to explore the process of osmosis, the movement of water. The gummy bears changed in volume after being left in various liquids overnight. The gummy bears were left in tap water, salt water, and corn syrup.
Whiteside Families Supporting our Students
Thank you to our Whiteside families for purchasing gifts for our own Whiteside students. We live in such a generous community!
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
PCs for People
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois are teaming up with an organization that allows families to get computers for as low as $20.00. The PCs for People event will take place in Belleville on Saturday, December 19 from 9-12 pm. Wireless internet hotspots are also available. Families can apply today to pick up a PC and a hotspot at the drive-through event that is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois. You can apply for the PC and hotspot at tinyurl.com/pcsforpeopleil. If you have any questions about the program or you need assistance applying, you can call our school office at 239-0000.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Video: PTC Dine and Donate
Please view this short video about the Parent Teacher Club Dine and Donate at Marco's Pizza.
Click the link below to view the video:
https://youtu.be/1fI-nlZxgDE
Monday, December 14, 2020
The Weekend Warrior in Action
Nate and Eugene started the Weekend Warrior this past Thursday, Dec. 10. They purchased food, stocked the pantry, and filled bags with food for students who have food insecurity over the long weekend. Nate and Eugene lead with compassion and make our school a better place.
Saturday, December 12, 2020
7th Grade Science Lab: Cell Membrane
7th grade scientists created bubble holders and used bubbles to explore the flexibility of the cell membrane. The properties of soap film mimic the properties of the cell membrane.
6th Grade Student of the Month: Jackson
This amazing 6th grade student shows caring and compassion to all of those around him. Jackson has a kind heart and the welcoming smile to go with it. He is a hard worker who always gets the job done. Jackson makes all of those around him feel his positivity and his desire to make the world a better place. Congratulations to Jackson for being named our 6th Grade Student of the Month!
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Video: Holiday Food Drive
Please view this short video about the Holiday Drive Through Food Drive.
Click the link below to view the video:
https://youtu.be/IA_xwQmisT8
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
The Weekend Warrior is Back!
8th grader Nate Smith met with Ms. Gain and Ms. Selliers to make plans to start the Weekend Warrior program again. This program helps our students who have food insecurity over the weekend and extended school breaks. Nate packs bags filled with food for students over the long weekend. Thank you, Nate, for leading and caring.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Video: Results from Winter Benchmark Testing
Please view this short video about the winter benchmark testing results.
Click the link below to view the video.
https://youtu.be/O8mFgGBnlUc
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Scientist Meets with our 7th Graders
Mrs. Phillips had a special guest for her 7th grade science students. Tara Essock-Burns, a marine biologist from the University of Hawaii, met with 7th graders to discuss using beneficial bacteria to develop animal tissue. Over 75 students attended this after school virtual event! Thank to Tara Essock-Burns for spending time with our students.
6th Grade Student of the Month: Kelvin
Our 6th Grade Student of the Month is Kelvin. This hard working student always enters the classroom with a smile on his face and a fantastic attitude. Kelvin works hard to complete his work on time and always does his very best. His work ethic showed from day one and all of his teachers noticed! Great job, Kelvin!
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Thanks to Ms. Gain and Ms. Selliers for organizing the Thanksgiving Food Drive at Whiteside Middle School. We collected enough food to make 30 Thanksgiving baskets for our own Whiteside families. Thank you to everyone who donated.
7th Grade Student of the Month: Megan
Megan is our 7th Grade Student of the Month. Megan is a consistent hard worker, whether it is in the virtual classroom or the in-person classroom. She makes every class better because she is an outstanding role model for all the other students in the classroom. Megan makes Whiteside Middle School a better place and we are so proud of her. Congratulations, Megan!
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Reading Diverse Authors
Our 5th graders continue to read stories written by diverse authors. Students were reading Elisa's Diary by Doris Luisa Oronoz.
Friday, November 27, 2020
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Hula Hoop in Mr. Leingang's 5th Grade Classroom
5th graders enjoy playing Rock, Paper, Scissors, Hula Hoop in Mr. Leingang's 5th grade PE class. Physical education is an important part of our in-person and virtual learning.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Video: Takia's message of gratitude to our Veterans.
Thank you, Takia, for your message of gratitude to our Veterans.
Click the link below to view Takia's message.
7th Grade Student of the Month: DJ
DJ is an impressive young man! He has been awarded the Student of the Month in 5th grade, 6th grade, and now he has been awarded this honor in 7th grade. DJ is always giving it his all, whether it is in the virtual classroom or the in-person classroom. With his positive attitude, he is a friend to all. Congratulations, DJ, for being named the 7th Grade Student of the Month.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Video: Crosswalk
Please view this safety video about using the crosswalk in our parking lot.
Click the link below to view the video:
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Microscopes in 7th Grade
Students in Mrs. Phillips' classroom learned about the material that led to the discovery of cells. Students examined the cells of cork and pond water under the microscope. The students were excited to see the cells in the pond water moving.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
It is a Great Day Cheering on our Students!
It is always a Great Day at Whiteside Middle School when we get to welcome our students back in the building!
Monday, November 16, 2020
7th Grade Student of the Month: Xavier
Congratulations to Xavier for being named our 7th Grade Student of the Month. Xavier is a hard worker and he knows how to get the job done. Xavier participates in all his virtual classes and his classroom leadership is a great example for his peers. We are proud of you, Xavier!
Sunday, November 15, 2020
National Junior Honor Society video: Spirit Week
Our National Junior Honor Society is ready to celebrate Spirit Week! Please view the NJHS video about Spirit Week.
Click the link below to view the video:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Thank You Letters to Veterans
Students in Ms. McGarrity's classroom read about the history and importance of Veterans Day. The students wrote touching thank you letters to our veterans.