This morning, our 4th graders kicked off the day with an unforgettable hike up McIntyre Hill to the Weston Observatory! Led by our incredible PE teacher, Mr. Jack Oolders, and joined by Nicole Doherty, the students explored the trail right in our own backyard. With crisp autumn air, colorful leaves, and stunning views at the top, it was the perfect way to blend physical activity, teamwork, and a love for nature.
Every year, Mr. Oolders guides each class from Kindergarten through 4th grade on this same hike, a Smyth Road tradition that gives our youngest learners their very first taste of hiking. This fall, our school therapy dog, Rally, and I were lucky enough to tag along with a few classes. There’s nothing quite like seeing Rally bound up the trail alongside excited students!
Speaking of creativity and community, two of our 4th-grade classes took part in the McIntyre Ski Area Scarecrow Contest! Students brainstormed, designed, and built original scarecrows from the ground up. Their unique creations are now proudly on display outside at McIntyre. Stop by and see if you can spot the Smyth Road flair!
In Ms. Barden’s 2nd-grade classroom, pumpkins aren’t just for decoration; they’re math tools! Students are estimating, counting, and graphing the number of seeds inside their group pumpkins. It’s hands-on learning at its finest: messy, fun, and full of real-world math.
And finally, a big congratulations to our very first student this year to earn a special PBIS reward: time to “Run With Rally”! This 4th grader saved up points through positive behavior and kindness to enjoy a joyful sprint and play session with our beloved therapy dog. Moments like these remind us how small choices lead to big smiles.
As the leaves keep falling and the air grows cooler, we’re grateful for a community that embraces learning in all its forms, whether on a mountaintop, in a pumpkin seed graph, or during a game of fetch with Rally.
Thank you for being part of the Smyth Road family.