FMA Goes Turkey Trottin'
By Coach Evan
With the chill of an approaching winter in the air, the students, families and staff of the FMA made their annual pilgrimage to Izzy’s park for the Turkey Trot on November 23rd. The morning slate of races were full of drama and excitement as the students raced around the field chasing glory and immortality. This year saw the biggest crowds ever lining the racecourse to cheer on the students and the excitement in the air was palpable. It truly was a wonderful way for our school community to come together before heading off for Thanksgiving break. Congratulations to all the students who ran and have become a part of this great tradition, one that is focused on spending time with our friends, getting some exercise and celebrating our FMA family. In reflecting on this years Turkey Trot I am also struck with excitement and sadness as this marks the beginning of the end of our 5th graders' time at the FMA. Read on >>

Fourth Graders Work on Narratives 
By: Ms. Martin
The fourth graders wrote narratives in the fall. They focused on the six traits of writing, writing both internal and external stories as well as filing their stories with voice! Students took life experiences and focused in on small moments, pulling in the reader using a variety of strategies. Read more >>



The Little Red Hen
By: Ms. Coulson
The students in Mrs. Basu’s and Ms. Courtney’s class read the story “The Little Red Hen”. They then used their story acting skills to turn it into a play and a song. In science class, with the help of Ms. Erin from City Sprouts the students were able to plant, thresh, mill and finally bake bread, just like the Little Red Hen. The students performed their play and song for families right before the Turkey Trot…and of course they ate their bread too!

Fourth Grade Reflections
Reflection on Unit of Study | By: Zaire C.

My goal for this month is to work on my voice.

This week in writing, 4th and fifth graders wrote reflections on their unit of study. In reflecting, they focused on writing traits they are strong in and one in which they need to improve. I thought Zaire's was well done. Let me know if you want me to send a few more. Jen

I am good at organization . All of my parts are in the right places. The beginning catches the reader's attention! I also use transitions so that it is easy to follow my writing. My paragraphs are clear.

My goal for this month is to work on my voice. When I write people don’t know it is mine unless I tell them. I want to use more expression. I can use by my own style and add a little flow to my writing.

Tech Currents
By: Mr. McGonegal
Did you know that December is the “FMA Month of Code” for
all students grades 1-5? During this month’s technology
classes, your students are learning computer science concepts, and are completing activities on the wonderful web sites, Code.org and MIT's Scratch.

Our students are excited to be working with these engaging
tools, as they begin to comprehend the significance of computer science in the 21st Century. I encourage you to explore some of the resources I've linked below with your families!

Resources:

• CS Week
• Code.org Courses
• "Hour of Code" activities, searchable by grade level
• Scratch

FMA Dinner of Thanks: Different Perspectives
By: S. Gurry
Irish Step Dancers
On a night when we celebrated the many diverse cultures that make up the FMA family, I was truly delighted when I as asked if I could find local Irish Step Dancers to perform. I, as a child growing up in Cambridge with Irish-American parents and Irish grandparents, had taken Irish Step Dance in Central Square with the O'Shea Irish Dancers in the back hall of what is the Elks club now on Bishop Allen Drive.
Read more >>

Unruly Art
By: S. Gurry
Three MIT- affiliated artists came to FMA on Friday, December 2 to work with our students with ASD and their friends in a creative, hands-on art program called “Unruly Art”. Unruly Art is a project based in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department at MIT.

Ms. Anne, Ms. AJ, and Ms. Wasifa work at the Sinha Lab at MIT, and as part of a grant From the Cambridge Community Foundation, they brought kinesthetic art to our students. Thanks to Ms. Lincoln for bringing this event to the FMA!