Fifth graders return to campus

After being quiet for months, Overlake’s campus is starting to stir with life as the first round of fifth graders return to campus for hybrid learning. Students are rushing outside between classes for much anticipated screen-free interactions with new friends, and the tetherball court is buzzing with excited students.

Fifth-grade teachers Karl Olson and Jill Bowles were excited to be back in the classroom teaching students. Bowles shared that she feels more invigorated and energized teaching in person and noticed that many of the students seemed more engaged. She credits the health and safety team and maintenance teams with doing an awesome job at getting the campus ready for the return of students and faculty.

She also noted that the tech team has been instrumental in helping launch the first round of in-person learning. “Learning the new technology has been challenging and without Toni Rose, Sharon, and Allisen being there to teach us tricks and help us out it would have made it even more challenging. Each day I feel I am getting a little bit better,” Bowles said.

Both Olson and Bowles are enjoying the ways they can utilize in-person teaching to benefit students in person and online. Olson had students present their ‘travel owl’ project, a long-standing Overlake tradition in fifth grade. “I think they had a great time standing in front of the class (and camera) and sharing the story, personality, and costume they created for their owls,” Olson said.

Currently in a unit on the brain and how we learn, Bowles felt that it was the perfect curriculum to teach in the beginning of hybrid learning. Pulling out a chair, Bowles taught part of the lesson while standing on a chair in front of the classroom, demonstrating how the brain pays more attention to things taught in a novel way. “When I did something unusual and kind of silly, they were paying attention more than before. It was nice to see real smiles on students’ faces during that part of the lesson,” Bowles said.

More grades are scheduled to begin hybrid learning in the following weeks. Keep an eye on your email and the website for the most up to date return dates for your students.