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Sixth-grade students learn about ancient civilizations at Pennington School

Sixth-grade students learn about ancient civilizations at Pennington School

In Dennis Richmond’s sixth-grade History and English Language Arts class at Pennington School, students were heavily engaged, raising their hands and calling out answers as they learned about the wonders of ancient civilizations. On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Mr. Richmond’s students excitedly dove into the lesson plan on Ancient Mesopotamia and Sumer, while strengthening their note-taking and writing skills.

Student writing in note book

“Crops need water to grow,” said Mr. Richmond. “Just like we need education to grow.” 

Through their participation, students expressed great enthusiasm for the lesson on the ancient world of Mesopotamia—the land between two rivers. Mr. Richmond’s teaching method of call and response allowed students to quiz themselves and test their knowledge while interacting and drawing conclusions collaboratively. 

Students also drew connections between the ancient world and today’s world. Mr. Richmond used current events that the children could understand to immerse themselves in 3000 B.C.E Sumer. Students used daily and mundane parts of their lives such as the news, culture and technology to relate themselves to that of an Ancient Sumerian.

“Whatever we learn about, Mr. Richmond makes it fun,” said Phoenix Blondell, a sixth-grader at Pennington. “My favorite thing about learning about Mesopotamia is that it’s interesting. There’s more to it and we get deeper and deeper every day.”

Students writing in the books whilst teacher looks over them
Three students sitting in their desks during class
Students listing to their teacher during history class

 

Students listening to reader.

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Pennington School hosted a guest reader, Nesta Felix, who is a community partner from the Mount Vernon NAACP chapter. Students were excited and engaged in the reading and are looking forward to her return.

Students dress up and engage in fun activities for Pennington School's Fall Festival

On Friday, October 25, 2024, cars lined around Pennington School, decorated with spooky decorations and balloons in the spirit of Halloween. The school’s annual Fall Festival was organized by the Pennington Parent Teacher Association. Students, parents and staff dressed up in their Halloween costumes or fall outfits and enjoyed fall goodies. Attendees also got to create slime and partake in fun games.

Students learn how to persevere with Eric Carle in Pennington Pre-K class

At Pennington School, Taylor Luxoro’s Pre-Kindergarten class took a break from normal lessons from October 21, 2024, to October 25, to focus on American author and illustrator Eric Carle, who wrote many famed and beloved children’s books. On October 24, Ms. Luxoro’s class read “The Very Clumsy Click Beetle” and learned about perseverance and overcoming any obstacle.

Sixth-grade students learn about ancient civilizations at Pennington School

In Dennis Richmond’s sixth-grade History and English Language Arts class at Pennington School, students were heavily engaged, raising their hands and calling out answers as they learned about the wonders of ancient civilizations. On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Mr. Richmond’s students excitedly dove into the lesson plan lesson plan on Ancient Mesopotamia and Sumer, while strengthening their note-taking and writing skills.

Group of students with i-Ready mascot.

Students at Pennington School cheered on the start of this year’s i-Ready competition at the school during the i-Ready kickoff assembly on Monday, September 23, 2024. i-Ready is an instructional platform used in the Mount Vernon City School District to reinforce learning, assess students, and collect data which helps inform instruction.

Pennington School welcomes back staff during Superintendent’s Convocation Day

Pennington School welcomed back staff during Superintendent’s Convocation Day on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Faculty and staff members greeted each other with smiling faces and shared summer experiences. Principal Dr. Melissa White met with the faculty to discuss school goals, introduced new staff members and provided insight into the upcoming school year. The staff also was tasked with a beach ball activity which modeled what the administrators used during their retreat in June. 

Students on the field smiling for the camera.

Pennington School hosted Field Day on Friday June 7th, 2024. Staff members and students were outside all day playing games and dancing. Scholars were able to get their faces painted, have snow cones, enjoy a live DJ and two bounce houses.