Stewart Manor School’s sixth grade scholars in Ms. Hendriks and Ms. Viola’s class recently participated in a dynamic classroom debate exploring the questions: “Are we too dependent on our cellphones?” and “Should schools allow students to access their phones during the school day?”

This Socratic discussion provided a platform for students to respectfully share their viewpoints while drawing on evidence from assigned articles and real-life experiences. Throughout the activity, the scholars utilized a rubric to meet certain goals, such as inviting others into the discussion, using text to support their points, challenging ideas, justifying opinions and using eye contact while speaking. The discussions were also timed.

Following the debate, the scholars shared feedback with each group on the effectiveness of their argument and if they met their goal according to the scoring rubric.

This exercise allowed the students to enhance essential academic and life skills, such as public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork, research and active listening.

“This was a wonderful exercise and experience to watch as these students prepare to utilize these necessary skills for middle school, high school and life,” Assistant Principal Pamela Boyd said.

Date Added: 5/28/2025

Stewart Manor School’s fifth grade scholars recently enhanced their research skills during a project-based assignment, Bottle Buddy Biographies.

They selected and focused on a well-known individual who inspired them the most. Throughout April, the scholars researched their inspirational figure by reading biography books from the school library, public library and their classroom library. Equipped with their newfound knowledge, they created lap books to showcase the person’s life, education, challenges and achievements, legacy and interesting facts, and inspiration. Utilizing nonfiction text features, the scholars also displayed major events and character traits on their lap books. As this project taught them how to effectively research, they also learned how to properly cite their sources.

The fifth graders brought their projects to life with creativity, crafting imaginative bottle-head replicas of their chosen historical figures. Blending art and public speaking, they showcased their artistic creations alongside their lap books and presented their work using expressive speech and storytelling to bring their figures' stories to life.

Date Added: 5/6/2025