Black Stallion Literacy Project

The first grade class is participating in the "Black Stallion Literacy Project". The goal of the project is to motivate students to want to learn to read and read independently.
On December 1, the class was visited by a pony and had the opportunity to ask questions, pet a pony and receive a book. The opportunity to pet the pony gives them a real connection to the story. The students will then receive a copy of the book, Little Black goes to School, by Walter Farley. In January, the class will take a fieldtrip , "Second Touch," where they will spend the day with several horses. Centers will be set up for the students to rotate and learn more about horses. At the conclusion of the fieldtrip, the students will receive a second book written by Walter Farley.

Arts and Crafts Club
Arts and Crafts Club takes place every Wednesday at 3:30.

Student Council
MASSA Student Council has been hard at work so far this year. They held elections towards the end of August for their officers, and have already sponsored a successful Spirit Week full of crazy dress days and teambuilding challenges each day. Ms. Peterson's first grade class even won the spirit stick. Student Council is also hosting a Rummage Sale, Saturday October 24 from 8am-2pm. Parents are encouraged to either donate items for student council to sell, or to reserve a space to sell their own items. Also, there are many more events being planned for Halloween as well as the fall season. So, keep a close eye on those flyers from Student Council.

MASSA Student Council Officers
President - Patricia
Secretary - Selena
Treasurer - Verma
Publicity Director - Eddie
Representative Liaison - Sydney
Historian - Lilian
Administrator - Santiago

Student Council meets the third Thursday of every month in Ms. Nilsson's class after school.  The Student Council creates a variety of activities and events that add to school spirit and help to shape the quality of the school community at MASSA.


Year Book
The Year Book Committee works throughout the school year to create a cherished keepsake for all students and their families.  The Year Book includes pictures of all students and many of the events that make each year special.  The members of the committee learn the process of creating and publishing a major project for the benefit of the entire school community.

Poetry Night
We are starting our new Poetry Program this semester for all students at MASSA. Students at all grade levels will be participating in our new Poetry program. The program will help students gain practice and knowledge of poetry by memorizing two new poems each month, as well as learning about the poet's life, the history of the poem, and the feelings the poet is trying to create for the reader. The students will learn a variety of poems that are appropriate for their grade level. Memorizing and enjoying poetry is an important skill that spills over into many areas of life and education. Memory and recall of information is a basic intellectual trait that is fundamental to learning. Poetry enriches literary knowledge and creative thinking. Best of all, the language and rhythms of poetry are fun to learn. Every language and culture uses poems and songs for children that are an essential part of the joy of childhood and aid in acquiring sophistication in language. Having your students share these poems with your family will increase their confidence in verbal expression and is a great way to interact with your children.
The school will host a Poetry Night every month. All families and friends are welcome to join us and share in the experience. We will post the dates on the website for Poetry Night.