Virtual Learning by Gaige

My virtual learning experience so far My school year so far being a virtual learner is good. It’s pretty fun being a virtual learner but it's also kinda sad because you can't see your friends, but other than that it's pretty fun because there’s not a time limit you have to be done by or be in the class (unless there is a zoom meeting) you can get done at 7pm or even 10am. I hope the year gets back to normal and everyone can go back to school because sometimes it gets a little boring not being able to be at school. Hopefully the year gets better from Covid-19.

Student Book Recommendation

The Hate U Give By: Angie Thomas Recommended by Mia I recommend The Hate You Give by: Angie Thomas. It's about the girl named Starr Carter constantly switching between two worlds: the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school that she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is soon shattered when she witnesses a shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for what's right. I recommend this book because there are people in real life dying because of the color of their skin and it's not right and we need to stop it and we should stand up for our right to.

Student Book Recommendation

Book recommendations “A Wrinkle In Time” This book I’m writing about is called “A Wrinkle In Time” and I’ve read it before but it was quite a bit long ago and i just started reading it again. But i can kinda recall what has happened in the book, so a short story about what the book is about is there’s this girl named Meg Murry and her little brother Charles Wallace, and they lost their father, Mr. Murry, about five years ago and people are just saying he ran off but that’s not what Meg thinks. Their father was an intelligent scientist and went missing when finding out a new planet and using a tesseract to get there. On the way to finding their father they group up with one of Meg's classmates named Calvin O'Keefe and he wants to help them. They also find three mysterious people named, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which, and they help them a lot with things like getting them to the dangerous planet to save their father. But you should read it to find more because there’s a lot of information you don’t know yet and it's really good. Also I’m pretty sure that’s it's in Mrs. Travis library but the one i saw in her library had a different book cover so I’m not for sure that it's the same book. Sincerely, Lacy

by Mia

This school year has been interesting because, 1 we have the corona virus on the loose so we have to wear uncomfortable masks everywhere and it's kinda annoying, but it keeps us safe. 2 I’m A day and that means I go on Mondays and Thursdays to school, but I’m virtual Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. 3 I’m a Techspert so usually there is about 5 or 6 people but that was last year, now it’s split into teams of 2, like 1st hour I’m the only one because idk what happened to the other person, but 2nd hour has 2 people and tomorrow which is B day probably 1st and 2nd hour has 2 people in each group to. 4 in gym we can’t even use lockers because we’ll be too close to each other even though there’s like 9 people in gym with me and in computers well it’s innovators now but we don’t get to use computers we have to uses our iPads.

by Gavin

The pros of having a hybrid schedule is we get 3 days off in the week. Another pro is we get to have more time to do things we like because we can do our work in the morning and then we would have more time in the afternoon to do things we like. A con of having the hybrid schedule is that we don’t do it when we have assignments to do without looking at it. One more con is that we won't learn all the things we would if we were on a normal schedule.

by Lane

The way I feel about the school year is I feel like this year is confusing like having a and b day electives. Some of what I am feeling is because I did not get to come to the Middle School before I started. A good thing about the year is that we can still go to school. Another thing I am happy for is that we get off school early. I am learning what I need to know to have a successful year.

by Makenna

by Josie

This next week of school September 28th to October 2nd is homecoming! So, that means that it is going to be spirit week! Monday September 28th will be Fan Fest! Wear your favorite sports team gear! Tuesday September 29th is Hawaiian Day! Wear your Hawaiian shirts, leis, grass skirts, and imagine you are relaxing on the beach in Hawaii! Wednesday September 30th is comfy cozy day! While you are at home doing your school work wear your comfiest attire! Thursday October 2nd will be Team Spirit Day! Support your team by wearing your team's colors! In case you don’t know your team colors we have a list just for you! Hippogriff- White Kraken- Red Dragons- Black Thunderbirds- Blue Phoenix- Purple Gargoyles- Grey Narwhals- Burgundy Finally Friday October 2nd is going to be Tiger Pride! Wear your Tigers gear and support to support our football team in their game! If you have a school appropriate picture of yourself in your spirit week gear make sure to send it to Ms Travis at ktravis@ga.essd40.com. Go Tigers!

by Rylee

ello my name is Rylee Smith and I’ve been a techspert since 6th grade. I’m excited for this year because it’s our last year in middle school but this year is different from all the other years cause for COVID-19 but we are making it work!

by Lacy

At the beginning of the school year I thought that like this school year is going to be crazy but we can get through it and if you are struggling or having trouble focusing at home and getting your work done, don’t worry you are not alone because I’ve had some trouble with that too. Some pros and cons about this year is that when your home you don’t have a teacher right there by your side helping you understand what is going on, another con about this year is that not everybody goes on the same day and half of my friends go on a different day than me so I don’t have a lot of people to talk to. That’s why I’ve started talking to new people and also that’s why you should always be nice to people and talk to new people. Some pros are that you can always email your teacher and you can go to zooms. Also never feel afraid to ask questions or ask for help you are not alone.

Virtual Techspert

Hi my name is Gaige, I'm in 7th Grade and I’m doing virtual schooling and things that I do is I’m a gamer and I like to draw. I’m hoping that the year gets back to normal so I can go back to school.

The Bright way back to school

I know school is kind of weird right now but it's gonna be okay because we are in this together. Personally I don’t like the idea of you being home and having to do school but it's okay. A struggle I have is paying attention to my school work and not something like video games. I do like how I get to wake up later when I have school at my house by Jameson

by Cameron

The 2020 school year started but it's not like any other year that we’ve experienced before. Due to the coronavirus, we have to take safety precautions to make sure you're safe. Don’t worry, we all have our struggles. You aren’t the only one. For example, we all have to wear masks and none of us like them, especially if you have glasses on. Online school can be confusing and you can't raise your hand for the teacher if you aren’t there. But we can find solutions to all of our problems this year. You can think positive and find solutions to problems. This year is going to be okay and we can all get through it together! Remember, think positive.

by Brice

So far this year is off to a great start, isn’t it? If you said no to that question you are not alone. So far things have been a little tuff and very confusing. I have been struggling a lot too. Not being able to have your teacher right there to ask a question or struggling on a math problem. It’s been a real struggle but don’t worry we are all in this together. I have had a lot of trouble with math but thanks to Mr.O’leary and Mr.Travis I was able to get my assignment done. Even though we have had some negative things happen, think of the positive things like being able to sleep on the weekday and having great teachers that will do anything to help each and everyone of their students to succeed. So don’t you worry just think of the positive things that have all come out of these situations and don’t forget #ESMSBESTYEAREVER.

September 28-October 2

by Regan Bishop

We finally got to go back to school 2 weeks ago! The staff and administrators have everything organized extremely well. In the mornings each grade has their own door that they will enter through. On the inside every student has their temperature checked and there is the option to get a grab-and-go breakfast to eat in their homeroom. Students walk to their homeroom immediately and wait for school to begin. At the end of class students help the teacher clean off their desks with a cleaning spray and paper towels, then they go to their next class. The teachers have come up with great seating charts, they have half of the seats with students and half empty. Every student is also at least 6 feet away from everyone else. Some teachers have also put tape on the floor to make sure that the desks stay in the same spot and so we continue to be 6 feet apart at all times. In core classes students stay in the same group to minimize the spread of germs and in case someone were to get the coronavirus there would be a much less likely chance of everyone getting it. If everyone continues to wear their masks properly and stay socially distanced we can recover from this and eventually go back to school full time. Staff and administrators have done amazing with their plans to make everything as normal as possible and we all appreciate what they have done. We’re so glad to finally be back even though it's only two days a week and let's hope that we can go back full time very soon

With the CoronaVirus pandemic going around the US, many kids have to still go to school and get an education. This whole situation has been crazy and chaotic, but we have pushed through it. Now that school has started again, things have been different though. Excelsior Springs has decided that the middle and high school kids will have a hybrid schedule. We got to school in person two days a week, Monday and Thursday for kids whose last names start with A-K, and Tuesday and Friday for the kids whose last names start with L-Z. The other 3 days we use our IPads to do virtual school at home. The start of the school year has been very new, and a little crazy. So many new rules have been applied such as wearing a mask the whole day, social distancing,reapplying hand sanitizer, and more. But together we can persevere and get through this year together. Virtual school is very new, and we spent our first day learning about how to learn from home. It is hard to sit at home and try to do class work with no teacher there to help you, and no real way to get help at that moment. Teachers are very busy, and this is all new and hard for them too. They don’t have time to respond to our emails immediately, which makes it hard for students to finish their work. Personally, working at home makes it hard to focus, and allows me to procrastinate. I would love to be back in the classrooms every day, and that is why we have to wear masks everywhere to slow the spread and help students get back in the classrooms. In person school is very different too. We have to wear masks all day, which isn’t the fun thing to do. Masks also make voices muffled, so it is harder to hear teachers. Hand sanitizer also has to be reapplied before most classes, which honestly should be done anyway. We also have to follow the social distancing rules by sitting at desks 6 feet apart, and trying to stay apart in the halls. At lunch, there are only 3 people at a table. With all the new rules it makes it hard to talk to friends, which is many students favorite part of school. But these rules are necessary to the process of getting back into the classroom 5 day a week. The school is doing their very best to keep us safe and healthy, so we can’t really complain. If a student catches the virus that class, or grade, or the whole school might need to shut down. Our high school football team has already had to quarantine once, and many others will probably eventually have to as well. School is going to be a little difficult this year, but the school is doing its best to keep everybody safe, and trying to keep us in the classrooms. I love coming to school so that is why I am begging you to wear your masks, sanitize, and social distance while going to stores and sports events too. This is hard and not fun for everybody, and everybody is struggling during this time. That is why we need to follow the rules, and get through this together. We have to look at the positive side though, at least we can still go back 2 days, and school sports. I’m excited to be back for half of the week, and excited to make the best of this year. by WIlla

Hello, my name is Lundyn and I am an 8th grade Techspert. This year has been crazy because of the coronavirus. All though it is hard we all need to think of the pros of the situation. We all are staying safe and still get to see each other! Although we only get to go to school two times a week, we get to learn in the order of subjects we want. We all need to be strong and stick through this together!

Hello my name is Josie and I am in 7th grade and a Techspert at ESMS. Even though it is tough only getting to go to school 2 days a week it is best for our health and safety for the students and staff. On virtual days I know it is hard because you can’t always get help from your teacher or a classmate right away. We just have to know that it is what is best for everyone's health and safety and that’s our number one priority. Just remember that we are all new to this new style of learning and that we are all in this together!

Techspert Introductions Group B 7th Hour Lane Hi my name is Lane

and I am a sixth grader here at ESMS. I am a 7th hour Techspert. I am a Group B student which means I will be in class on Tuesday and Friday. I love playing baseball and hunting. I will be available to help out with your iPads issues. Let’s have a great year!

Techspert Introductions Group B 7th Hour Gavin Hi, my name is Gavin

I am a 6th grader at ESMS. I am a 7th hour Techspert at this school too. Some things about me are that I like baseball, basketball and other sports. I will be able to help all students in class. A fun fact about me is that i have a leopard gecko named Leo.

Techspert Introduction Group A 7th Hour Alexis Hello, my name is Alexis

, and I am a 6th Grader in 7th hour techsperts. I am here to help if needed during that time.

Techspert Introduction Group B 4th Hour Willa Hello! My name is Willa

and I am a techspert for the 2020-2021 school year. I am 12 years old and in 7th grade. I will be in the Learning Commons 4th hour every Tuesday and Friday. I can help with any of your technology, and book needs. I love being a techspert because I enjoy writing, and love to help with technology. I also love books, and helping others find books to read. I am so excited to start this school year, and help everybody with what they need as this first semester is going to be tougher than usual. I am here to help this a year be as easy as possible though. I play competitive softball for the ES Cyclones. I love playing softball, and that it was I spend most of my time doing. In my spare time I love to read. My favorite books series is Harry Potter by J.K Rowling. My favorite book genres are realistic fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy. I also love to watch movies in my spare time, specifically holiday movies like Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, Home Alone, and The Grinch. I love holidays. My favorite subject is Social Studies because I love learning about different cultures, and learning about what life was like in Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Rome. One thing I love about going to school here at ESMS is that all the staff create such an awesome learning environment, they are so kind and so helpful. This year is going to look very different so we need to do our best to stay safe, and keep others safe by following all the rules. If you are looking to check out books you can check a couple out on Sora or Overdrive. I can’t wait to help and have such an amazing school year!

Techspert Introduction Group A 4th Hour Cameron Hello! My name is Cameron

. I’m in 7th grade and I'm a 4th hour techspert. I can help you with iPad troubles or your Library troubles. Some issues I can help with are where a book is or how to do something on your iPad, etc. I like to play video games with my friends in my free time.

Techspert Introduction Group A 4th Hour Jameson Hello I am Jameson.

I’m a 7th Grader on the Dragons team. I am In 4th hour Techsperts I can help you with IPads and books. I like to play video games in my free time, I also play football for the 7th grade team here is a picture of me.

Techspert Introduction Group B 3rd Hour Josie Hi my name is Josie

and I’m in 7th grade and I’m a Techspert in 3rd hour. I enjoy playing sports such as softball and basketball and I like to bake. I am so excited for this year and if you need any help ask me anytime in class or in the Learning Commons.

Techspert Introduction Group A 3rd Hour Emma Hey! I’m a 7th grader, I’m in 3rd hour Techsperts and I’m an A day so that means I am here Monday and Thursday. I can help you with iPad stuff/electronic issues. My name is Emma, and I’m interested in tumbling, swimming and cross country. I also love to hang out with family and friends and I lovvvvveee to swim! Hey if you need something look me up!!

Techspert Introduction Group A 3rd Hour Regan My name is Regan

and I’m in 7th grade this year. I like to read, bake/cook, and do art. My favorite books are the Harry Potter series, The Thing About Jellyfish, and the Fault in our Stars. I come to school on A days, which is Mondays and Thursdays. I’m in the Learning Commons in 3rd hour on the days that I’m at school. I can help you with electronic/tech issues.

Techspert Introduction Group B 2nd Hour Rylee Hey, my name is Rylee. I’m an 8th grade Techspert at Excelsior Springs Middle School. I've been a Techspert since 6th grade. I do wrestling for the school and gymnastics for a sport outside of school.

Techspert Introduction Group B 2nd Hour Lundyn Hi, I’m an 8th grade Techspert at ESMS. I have been a Techspert for 3 years now and can help you with almost anything! I play volleyball and hopefully basketball this year. If you need help I will be in the Learning Commons 2 hour. To the new 6th graders I hope to see you all in WEB! I know it is hard and can be aggravating to be a student in a pandemic but we all wear masks and stick threw it. Hope you all have a good year!

Techspert Introductions Group A 2nd Hour: Brice Hi, my name is Brice. I’m in 8th grade, a 2nd hour techspert, and a WEB Leader. A fun fact about me is I play the ukulele and I am a competitive dancer. I have been a Techspert since I was in 6th grade so you could say I’m a professional at this point. I’m always on the run and helping others out with iPads, books, or anything tech related. If you have any questions never hesitate to ask any one of us techsperts, I’m the one with the pink hair. If you are new to the building, you could also ask us WEB Leaders any questions too! We’re so glad to have you guys back and hopefully this 2020-21 school year is successful.

Techspert Introductions Group A 2nd Hour: Lacy Hi my name is Lacy

and I am an 8th grade techspert. I’m usually in the Learning Commons during second hour to help out Ms. Travis with anything she needs me to do and I can also help you out to if you are having trouble with anything. I’m also a WEB Leader so don’t be scared to ask me for anything because I am always happy to help.

Introducing 1st hour Techsperts.... B Day Sydnie Hi my name is Sydnie

, I am a techspert if you ever need help you can find me in the Learning Commons. I am in the Learning Commons for the 1st hour. I am also a WEB Leader so I am here to help you if you need any help or I can talk you through anything that you need talked through. I do sports like volleyball, wrestling, track, and softball. I am in 8th grade and my favorite class is probably all of them because the teachers make the classes fun but you're still learning. I love to go hunting, fishing, and riding horses. I have worked with horses before and I love doing it but it takes a lot of work and time.

Introducing 1st hour Techsperts.... B Day Addi I’m Addi, an 8th grader at ES middle school. I played basketball in 7th and I’m a football manager this year. I’m also a WEB Leader. I’m really looking forward to WEB this year. I know it won't be like all the other years but I would still be for it to happen. Because of COVID, the days are spilt and I go on B days. Everything this year is different. We wear masks everywhere, our desks are separated, and classroom sizes are smaller. Social distancing is a very big thing. For football me and my other manager wear masks and can’t get close to the players. But it's a very important thing and everyone needs to be part of it. I hope everyone has a good year whether you’re in 6th, 7th, or 8th in person or online.

Virtual Techspert: Mackenzie

Hello, my name is Mackenzie and I am doing virtual school this quarter. So far I think it is going okay. I’m excited to see what my new teachers come up with and how creative they are especially during these times. The only thing I have really struggled with is figuring out where to find my zoom meetings. I have to remind myself that I’m not the only one struggling and this is all very new but with the help of my teachers and the administrators I think everyone should be fine. Stay safe everyone!

Techspert 1st Hour Group A Mia Hello I’m a Techspert. A Techspert is someone that helps Ms. Travis with iPads, books, Web, or anything that Ms. Travis needs. You will find me in the Leaning Commons in the 1st hour and I will always be here on Mondays and Thursdays (A days). It was split in groups by 2 people but I’m just the only one in the 1st hour and the 6ft apart rule. I don’t think you will be checking out books this year because of covid but I guess you’ll see. My favorite class is Math because I like solving problems. I don’t do any sports right now but I hope I will get into color guard.

Spirit Week

Homecoming week is right around the corner, from Monday the 28 of September to October 2nd! So we are celebrating with spirit week! Monday is Fan Fest day, so don’t forget to dress up in your favorite sports team gear. Tuesday is Hawaii Day. Come to school in your favorite Hawaiian shirt and lei! Wednesday is a cozy day. So do your virtual day right and just stay in your PJ’s. Thursday is team color day! Support your middle school team by wearing the colors below: Kraken- Red Hippogriff- White Thunderbird- Blue Dragons- Black Phoenix- Purple Gargoyles- Purple Electives- Burgundy Friday is Tiger gear day! So don’t forget to support your E.S. Tigers by wearing your black and gold! Let’s all dress up and have a great week no matter if you are at school or virtual! Go Tigers!