🪨🍬🎅We had a JOLLY good time in 8th grade science today! 🍬🪨🎅
Today, students turned Jolly Ranchers into rocks to model the rock cycle 🔁
➡️ Shaken in jars = sediment
➡️ Pressed with textbooks to provide pressure = metamorphic rocks
➡️ Heated up (safely!) to model igneous rocks
Science was sweet, hands-on, and full of crushing pressure today 💪📚
Proof that learning Earth science can be colorful, creative, and deliciously memorable!
The 8th Grade Viking Volleyball teams continued to roll this week, improving to 18-1 combined.
The B team got the action started on Monday by beating John Glenn 3-0. Hailee Bostwick and Gia Rodarte led the way at the net, while Mia Castillo and Rodarte served viciously all night. The A team followed suit, earning a 3-0 victory. Ryelle Thompson and Evelyn Miller combined for 26 assists as a plethora of Vikings attacked with precision and power.
The B team then faced Hemlock yesterday. They were half asleep for set 1, but pulled it together in the last two sets to earn the 2-1 victory. Addy Larkin served magnificently all night, while Gia Rodarte once again provided excellent net play. The A team played their most complete game of the year as they dominated from the get go. Maeva Sobol had her Wheaties for breakfast as she amassed 10 kills, McKenna Miller chipped in 11 kills and 2 blocks, while Harper Wagner helped with 5 kills and 12 digs.
Both teams will be in action this weekend at Midland High School in a tournament that features 7 new teams for the Vikings!
The B team got the action started on Monday by beating John Glenn 3-0. Hailee Bostwick and Gia Rodarte led the way at the net, while Mia Castillo and Rodarte served viciously all night. The A team followed suit, earning a 3-0 victory. Ryelle Thompson and Evelyn Miller combined for 26 assists as a plethora of Vikings attacked with precision and power.
The B team then faced Hemlock yesterday. They were half asleep for set 1, but pulled it together in the last two sets to earn the 2-1 victory. Addy Larkin served magnificently all night, while Gia Rodarte once again provided excellent net play. The A team played their most complete game of the year as they dominated from the get go. Maeva Sobol had her Wheaties for breakfast as she amassed 10 kills, McKenna Miller chipped in 11 kills and 2 blocks, while Harper Wagner helped with 5 kills and 12 digs.
Both teams will be in action this weekend at Midland High School in a tournament that features 7 new teams for the Vikings!
VIKING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (WEEK OF DECEMBER 1ST)...
Swan Valley Athletics is honoring one Viking Athlete of the Week from the week of December 1st. Congratulations to 7th grade volleyball player Lauren Key for earning this prestigious award!
Here is what Coach Townsend had to say about Lauren fulfilling one or more of the Viking Athletic Core Values:
"Lauren has come incredibly far in this short middle school season. It has been exciting to watch her grow, develop, and flourish in such a short time. She is learning quickly, gaining new skills, and applying them with confidence. Lauren’s positive attitude shines through...she smiles, keeps pushing forward, and never complains. Her steady, level-headed presence helps ground the team, and her support for her teammates is unwavering. Lauren never lets setbacks affect her confidence or her commitment. She doesn’t dwell on mistakes; instead, she quickly moves on to the next play with resilience. Her mindset and team-first mentality make her a standout member of our program and a deserving nominee for Viking Athlete of the Week."
Viking Pride!
Swan Valley Athletics is honoring one Viking Athlete of the Week from the week of December 1st. Congratulations to 7th grade volleyball player Lauren Key for earning this prestigious award!
Here is what Coach Townsend had to say about Lauren fulfilling one or more of the Viking Athletic Core Values:
"Lauren has come incredibly far in this short middle school season. It has been exciting to watch her grow, develop, and flourish in such a short time. She is learning quickly, gaining new skills, and applying them with confidence. Lauren’s positive attitude shines through...she smiles, keeps pushing forward, and never complains. Her steady, level-headed presence helps ground the team, and her support for her teammates is unwavering. Lauren never lets setbacks affect her confidence or her commitment. She doesn’t dwell on mistakes; instead, she quickly moves on to the next play with resilience. Her mindset and team-first mentality make her a standout member of our program and a deserving nominee for Viking Athlete of the Week."
Viking Pride!
It was a frigid and fantastic week for 8th Grade Girls Volleyball. Both teams played Freeland on Monday night. The B team emerged victorious 2 sets to 1. Maggie Kennelly was a force to be reckoned with as her thunder serve carved up 18 points- she also contributed 4 kills at the net. Gia Rodarte also had a great all around game for the Vikings. The A team came in with revenge on their mind- and the energy level was high from the start. The Vikings secured the 3-0 victory over the Falcons with McKenna Miller leading the way. The long lefty powered 8 kills, 5 blocks, and 9 serving points. Ryelle Thompson, Maci Wilson, and Grace Horny also chipped in with great all around play.
Yesterday, both teams played Bridgeport. The B team won 2-0 and was led by Mia Castillo's serving and splendid play. The B team improved to 7-0 on the year. The A team also won 2-0. Maeva Sobol and Evelyn Miller set the tone with great serving and hustle! With the win, the A team improved to 7-1 on the year.
The Vikings will be back in action next week with games against John Glenn, Hemlock, and the Midland Invite tournament!
Yesterday, both teams played Bridgeport. The B team won 2-0 and was led by Mia Castillo's serving and splendid play. The B team improved to 7-0 on the year. The A team also won 2-0. Maeva Sobol and Evelyn Miller set the tone with great serving and hustle! With the win, the A team improved to 7-1 on the year.
The Vikings will be back in action next week with games against John Glenn, Hemlock, and the Midland Invite tournament!
The holiday season is near and SVMS always brings the school spirit!
It’s a great day to be a Viking! Congratulations to the following staff who were the recipients of NOVEMBER VIKING VICTORS:
Andrea Kerns – Havens Elementary
Allison Strachota - High School
Beth Pufahl – Havens Elementary
It’s time to get your DECEMBER vote on! Anyone can vote: Students, staff, parents and members of the community. Use this link to nominate: https://bit.ly/3MwxqnA
Andrea Kerns – Havens Elementary
Allison Strachota - High School
Beth Pufahl – Havens Elementary
It’s time to get your DECEMBER vote on! Anyone can vote: Students, staff, parents and members of the community. Use this link to nominate: https://bit.ly/3MwxqnA
Congrats to our November Students of the Month!
VIKING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17TH)...
Swan Valley Athletics is honoring 2 Viking Athletes of the Week from the week of November 17th. Congratulations to 8th grade volleyball players Aubrey Allore and Ryelle Thompson for earning this prestigious award!
Here is what Coach Brady had to say about them fulfilling one or more of the Viking Athletic Core Values:
"Aubrey had 17 serving points and served 7 match points in set 2 after Freeland B won set 1. Her calmness in a tough situation is a testament to the work she has put in all off-season. Her leadership has propelled the B team to a 5-0 start!"
"Ryelle made the switch from setter to outside seamlessly as she excels defensively. She leads the A team in digs and serving aces and is also the positive vocal leader when things get tough! Keep being exemplary Ryelle!"
Viking Pride!
The 8th grade team moved to 5-1 after beating Garber last night 3-0. The team was led by Bella Looby's vicious serving, Harper Wagner and Maci Wilson's defense, and Ryelle Thompsons assists!
The team will come back from Thanksgiving break with a rematch against Freeland looming. Come support and participate in the Middle Schools version of White Lies Night! See attached flyer below!
It was an intense week of 8th Grade Volleyball as the Vikings faced Freeland and John Glenn.
On Monday, both teams traveled to Freeland to take on the Falcons. The B team lost the first set and all seemed lost until Aubrey Allore stepped up the serving line. She clawed the Vikings back under pressure and secured the 2nd set win. The 3rd set was highlighted by Allore's continued great serving, Kenley Townsend's libero play, and Gia Rodarter/ Addy Larkin's all around play! The Viking B team eventually won the last set and erupted with joy in a comeback for the ages. On Wednesday, The Viking B team beat John Glenn in all 3 sets. Gia Rodarte led the way serving, Hailee Bostwick led the way at the net, and Mia Castillo served up some great assists. The B team takes their 5-0 record into Thanksgiving Break.
The A team also faced off against their rival- Freeland on Monday and it was a classic match. The Vikings came out flat set 1 and then turned it on set 2. Going into the last set- we were all tied, some back and forth action saw the Falcons finally prevail 25-23. Evelyn Miller paced the Vikings serving, while Maci Wilson and Ryelle Thompson were great on defense. On Wednesday, the Vikings defeated the Bobcats 3-0. Harper Wagner brought the energy and tallied 13 kills while McKenna Miller added 7. The Vikings take their 4-1 record into next Monday's game at Garber.
In between games, Mrs Kornecky and other 8th Grade B parents hosted a team dinner where pancakes, sausages, fruit, and whip cream were served. Thank you so much to all who chipped in!
On Monday, both teams traveled to Freeland to take on the Falcons. The B team lost the first set and all seemed lost until Aubrey Allore stepped up the serving line. She clawed the Vikings back under pressure and secured the 2nd set win. The 3rd set was highlighted by Allore's continued great serving, Kenley Townsend's libero play, and Gia Rodarter/ Addy Larkin's all around play! The Viking B team eventually won the last set and erupted with joy in a comeback for the ages. On Wednesday, The Viking B team beat John Glenn in all 3 sets. Gia Rodarte led the way serving, Hailee Bostwick led the way at the net, and Mia Castillo served up some great assists. The B team takes their 5-0 record into Thanksgiving Break.
The A team also faced off against their rival- Freeland on Monday and it was a classic match. The Vikings came out flat set 1 and then turned it on set 2. Going into the last set- we were all tied, some back and forth action saw the Falcons finally prevail 25-23. Evelyn Miller paced the Vikings serving, while Maci Wilson and Ryelle Thompson were great on defense. On Wednesday, the Vikings defeated the Bobcats 3-0. Harper Wagner brought the energy and tallied 13 kills while McKenna Miller added 7. The Vikings take their 4-1 record into next Monday's game at Garber.
In between games, Mrs Kornecky and other 8th Grade B parents hosted a team dinner where pancakes, sausages, fruit, and whip cream were served. Thank you so much to all who chipped in!
STEM-Students had a blast working together to build a Pringle ring. They carefully balanced each chip to keep the structure from collapsing. As they experimented, they discovered how gravity, friction, and the chip’s curved shape all work together to create a stable arc. They also learned about center of mass and how distributing weight evenly helps the ring stay standing. It was the perfect mix of hands-on fun and real science in action!
VIKING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (WEEK OF NOVEMBER 10TH)
Swan Valley Athletics is honoring 2 Viking Athletes of the Week from the week of November 10th. Congratulations to Grace Ittner (7th Grade Volleyball) and Alessandra Oldham (Middle School Wrestling) for earning this prestigious award!
Here is what their nominators had to say about them fulfilling one or more of the Viking Athletic Core Values:
"In just three short weeks, Grace Ittner has already made remarkable strides. She stands out as an exceptional team player and a natural leader, bringing contagious positive energy to everything she does. Her hard work never goes unnoticed, and she leads both on and off the court with maturity and enthusiasm. Grace has a strong desire to learn and get better every single day. She never gets down on herself or others and maintains a steady presence that elevates her team. She is an unselfish player who embodies an “I’ll go wherever you need me, Coach” attitude, always willing to take on new challenges, learn new positions, and step into whatever role best serves her team. With her competitive drive to excel and her kindness off the court, there is no doubt that her dedication and commitment will continue to pay off in the years ahead. Congratulations to Grace Ittner, a true leader and our Viking Athlete of the Week!"
"Alessandra is the exact model of what a student athlete is. This is her second year and through hard work it’s coming together. She picked up her first win last week."
Viking Pride!
Swan Valley Athletics is honoring 2 Viking Athletes of the Week from the week of November 10th. Congratulations to Grace Ittner (7th Grade Volleyball) and Alessandra Oldham (Middle School Wrestling) for earning this prestigious award!
Here is what their nominators had to say about them fulfilling one or more of the Viking Athletic Core Values:
"In just three short weeks, Grace Ittner has already made remarkable strides. She stands out as an exceptional team player and a natural leader, bringing contagious positive energy to everything she does. Her hard work never goes unnoticed, and she leads both on and off the court with maturity and enthusiasm. Grace has a strong desire to learn and get better every single day. She never gets down on herself or others and maintains a steady presence that elevates her team. She is an unselfish player who embodies an “I’ll go wherever you need me, Coach” attitude, always willing to take on new challenges, learn new positions, and step into whatever role best serves her team. With her competitive drive to excel and her kindness off the court, there is no doubt that her dedication and commitment will continue to pay off in the years ahead. Congratulations to Grace Ittner, a true leader and our Viking Athlete of the Week!"
"Alessandra is the exact model of what a student athlete is. This is her second year and through hard work it’s coming together. She picked up her first win last week."
Viking Pride!
Wrestling at Garber! The team comes away with 2 dominating Victories!! Sophia Radewhan wrestles her first match and wins big!!
A lot has been happening with our middle wrestling team! I am behind with posts and I'm sorry but I want to make sure these amazing kids get the recognition they deserve. November 1st we wrestled at the Saginaw County Invitational and took 2nd which is our highest placement ever!! This young new group is set to go places in life.
Congratulations to the Swan Valley Middle School robotics team, the Vikingbots on their selection to compete in the State tournament on December 13th and 14th!
The team finished 6th overall, was selected by the 3rd alliance, won the Judges Award and earned a state selection. Best qualifier showing in the program's history!
We wish them continued success in the State competition!
Wrestling at Alma!! Swan Valley dominates Freeland 45-6 and falls in a battle to Alma 48-44. Everyone is trusting the process. They are learning and gaining their 1%. Alessandra Oldham gets her first ever pin!!! Xavier Favela was down 14-0 and comes back to win with a pin. Never stop believing in yourself.
On Thursday, November 13, two outstanding 8th graders, Evelyn Miller and Brayden Hayes, were honored with the Optimist Award and attended the Youth Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Optimist Club of Saginaw.
Evelyn Miller is a dedicated student who always gives her best effort. She is kind, polite, and brings a positive attitude to every task she is given. Her constant smile and joyful presence brighten the classroom, and her hard work and kindness set a wonderful example for others.
Brayden Hayes begins each day with a smile and a positive attitude. He is consistently friendly, helpful, and polite, always striving to do his best. Brayden’s upbeat personality and willingness to support others make him a valued member of our school community.
We are incredibly proud of both Evelyn and Brayden for their commitment to serving others and for making our days a little brighter. Congratulations to these two remarkable students!
