Sheffield Spotlight

Open-hearth cooking had the students learning about 18th century cooking methods using an open hearth. They each took part in helping the hearth cook mix ingredients for a period dish prepared using 18th century tools and methods. Students had a hands-on fiber experience where they were able to card wool using hand carders and weave on a four-shaft loom. Students learned about how education was delivered in a one room schoolhouse and had the chance to use quills and ink to complete a cursive writing lesson. The students also walked down Old Main Street and discussed Historic Deerfield while honoring and learning about some enslaved people who lived in 8th century Deerfield. The final activity students experienced was completing a scavenger hunt in the Sheldon House for firsthand look into how a big farming family lived and worked.

This field trip allows students to get a hands-on experience, they would not otherwise get, while learning about the time period of the 18th century in Deerfield and the connections to surrounding towns, like Turners and Montague.

Ask your third grader what their favorite activity was! 🙂

This week Grade 5 students had the opportunity to experience three history labs in their classrooms. Educators from the Deerfield Teachers’ Center engaged students in several activities. Students learned about art and American quilting, examined native American artifacts, and learned of how an American slave from western Massachusetts fought the legal system and accessed her freedom. These experiences were a result of a generous grant provided by the GMEF.

In honor of the fifth graders stepping up to sixth grade, students experienced a trip to the French King Bowling Alley for bowling and pizza. A good time was had by all!

Thank you to Ms. Tyler for a fun field day! Thank you to the Turners Falls Fire Department! Thank you to the cafe team for the delicious bbq lunch. Finally, thank you to our many family and friend volunteers! This day would not have been successful without your help!

Ms. Skiff and Mrs. Tyler wrote a grant to the Gill-Montague Education Fund titled "Drumming Alive for Health and Wellness, and the GMEF selected and funded it. Drums Alive is an interactive activity that brings physical movement and music to students to aid in their development of physical fitness skills. Students each have a large yoga ball on a stand and a set of drumsticks to which they learn and practice physical movements to music - practicing timing, rhythm, beat - all while constantly moving.

This amazing activity is something Ms. Skiff had at a previous school and couldn't wait to bring it to Sheffield students. Next year, this exciting activity will be incorporated and utilized across grade levels through PE.

THANK YOU Gill-Montague Education Fund for funding this grant!!

Congratulations to Zeagan! He won first place in the children's division (8-12 years old). We are so proud of you!

Monday, June 10 - Last full day of school