INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Innovation, Imagination, and Inspiration Shine at the Intermediate School
From robotics to writing, students at CVIS are building skills, confidence, and connections that make learning come alive.
Innovation and Inspiration at the Intermediate School
At the Intermediate School, learning is coming to life through hands-on exploration, creativity, and imagination. From robotics and engineering to storytelling and leadership, students are embracing opportunities that make education exciting and meaningful. With dedicated staff and community support, the school continues to foster an environment where curiosity drives discovery and students are empowered to think, build, and create.
Building the Future: STEM Students Dive into VEX Robotics
Recently, STEM students were introduced to their VEX robotics kits, marking the start of an engaging journey into engineering and coding. Students began by exploring how different components connect and move together, constructing a small model of a person to understand mechanical relationships. Building on this foundation, they designed and assembled a motor-powered code base car, applying both engineering and coding skills to bring their creations to life.
The VEX program is being further implemented across classrooms by integrating it with the science curriculum, helping to make key scientific principles more tangible and engaging.“ The VEX kits give our students a chance to see science and engineering in action,” said Ms. O’ Toole, the school’ s STEM educator.“ It’ s exciting to watch them make connections between what they learn in class and what they can actually build with their own hands.”
Students are equally enthusiastic about the hands-on learning.“ I love getting to build something that actually moves,” shared fifth-grader George G.“ It’ s cool to see how coding and science work together.” Throughout the year, students will continue using the kits to tackle new challenges, develop problem-solving abilities, and strengthen teamwork through innovative STEM projects. As Principal Peter Schintz noted,“ Programs like VEX not only build critical thinking and collaboration skills but also help our students see themselves as the engineers, coders, and innovators of tomorrow.”
Inspiring Young Authors: A Visit from Alan St. Jean
In the world of literacy, the school recently welcomed a visit from author Alan St. Jean, who guided students through the writing process in a unique“ Writing Olympics” experience. Mr. St. Jean is the author of the Aiden of Oren series and shared exciting updates on his latest book with the students. During his visit, students learned how stories take shape, from the spark of an idea through numerous revisions and finally the published product.
In the“ Writing Olympics,” an engaging workshop, Mr. St. Jean steps into the role of editor, while students take on the part of authors, collaborating to bring imaginative stories to life. In a smallgroup, interactive setting, students work together to generate ideas for plot, conflict, and character development. As any good editor would, Mr. St. Jean challenges them to dig deeper into their creativity, refine their ideas, and think critically about how great stories are built. Through this lively and collaborative process, students learn firsthand that storytelling is not just about writing words on a page, but it’ s about pace, perseverance, revision, and imagination.
Along with being the author of this never-before-told story, the students also take up the major role of illustrators. After the final revisions, the students volunteer to make the story come to life through pictures by depicting all the different parts of the story. Students are encouraged to show their creativity, whether they are beginners or experienced artists. The students used collaborative teamwork to make this story something special.
The week culminates in the Writing Olympics Finale, a muchanticipated event where students’ creations are shared and celebrated before teachers, peers, and a panel of secretly selected judges. It’ s a joyful and inspiring experience for everyone involved, as both students and staff witness the incredible results that can come from thinking a little harder and giving just a bit more effort.“ Having a published author work directly with our students is an incredible opportunity,” said Mrs. Glowark, the school’ s Librarian.“ It helps them see that their voices matter and that their stories have power.” Mr. St. Jean, known for motivating young readers and writers, continues to spark a lasting love of storytelling wherever he visits, and CVIS students are sure to remember this creative journey for years to come.
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