Reports From the Springs School Journalism Club

Members of the Springs School Journalism Club are writing articles on the goings-on at their school. The Press is publishing certain selections from the club throughout the school year.

Journey Back to Ancient Mesopotamia

Have you thought about what the first country was, the first city, the first town or the first civilization? Sixth-graders have been busy studying the first civilizations. Recently, kids have learned about ancient Mesopotamia which was home to the many first civilizations. This knowledge is from one person passing it on, a social studies teacher named Cory Strain. Students were introduced to leaders, civilizations, geography, economy and achievements of ancient Mesopotamia.

It was finally time for the sixth-graders to prove their knowledge, and show their understanding of Mesopotamia’s Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Structure (GRAPES). They were given their final assignment, which was to create a travel brochure in which they entice people to vacation in ancient Mesopotamia. One of the requirements is that their brochure needed to be created using a computer program called Canva. Additionally, the brochure needed to be a two page brochure with six sides, including a cover.

Students started this assignment on a Thursday and had Friday followed by the whole weekend to complete it by the Monday deadline. Brochures had various designs, each one unique to each student’s preferences. Brochures were overflowing with information and many of them would make a person feel like they were traveling back in time when looking at a completed brochure.

When Strain was asked about his decision to test students’ knowledge of this topic using a brochure project as opposed to a test, he replied, “Any opportunity to change traditional testing and explore student creativity is why.”

Strain also explained that he is always impressed by the outcome of students’ work when they are given time to work creatively.

Gael Barrera, grade six

East Hampton Kicks Off One of Its Favorite Seasons, Little League Season

Some of East Hampton’s most favored spring sports are softball and baseball. Children of different ages play and learn how to have fun while also enjoying themselves. Many of the players are Springs School kids.

Recently, the little league softball and baseball evaluations were held at an indoor facility called Hub 44. Each player had a chance to hit, field ground balls, catch pop flies, and try pitching if they wanted.

Each player was ranked on a scale of one to five, for each of the different skills. These evaluations gave the Little League coaches a good idea of the players’ capabilities and strengths. All coaches are volunteers who want to allow children to experience a new sport that they may end up going far with.

One of the East Hampton Little League players is Natalia O’Brien of Springs School. She has played since she was little and was just recently interviewed. She was asked about her favorite part of Little League.

“I like just playing the game, being with people I know and staying up late playing softball. I like connecting with people from all over East Hampton,” she said. “It was my first sport I ever played and it helped me progress to other sports. My parents got me into softball and it has become one of my favorite sports. My main supporters are Mom, Dad, and my brother. They have been there every pitch, every inning.”

Another of East Hampton’s Little League players is Springs School student Chase Browsky. He was asked about his favorite part of little league baseball.

“My favorite part about playing Little League Baseball is playing with a variety of different kids and celebrating when we win or even when we lose,” he said. “But no matter what, we always play our hardest. It is a fun experience overall to play with your friends or against them.”

Coach John Cinelli has been coaching for four years and enjoys coaching Little League.

“I wanted to be a coach because I believe there are many life lessons to be learned through sports,” he said. “I had some influential coaches when I was younger, and I wanted the kids in our community to have the same great experiences that I did.”

Cinelli said his favorite part about Little League is watching players improve throughout the season. He thinks playing on a sports team is great for kids’ self confidence. He really enjoys the moments when players with less experience make a play in the field or get a hit.

Addison Cinelli and Ann Peterson, grade six