In math, we learned a new song for adding integers. In history, we labeled the 13 colonies, watched a video about them, and then did a gallery walk to see who had the best presentation on European explorers. We had a benchmark in English. Then, in history class, we went on a pumpkin hunt! In English, we worked on our vocabulary. On Friday, in history, we did a play about the Lost Colony. Then, the whole school had an incentive, and we had so much fun! Calleigh Whittle, 6th Grade
This week was crazy for the Bulldogs! There was a game every day and a deep mystery was solved. On Monday, there was a golf game and two volleyball games. All were lost, although 8th grader Isaac scored 50. We also began classifications in science and in English, the mini duck mystery was solved! Little ducks have been found all over the school, and it turns out it was all because of Virgil Moore! On October 10th, it was my best friend Andrew Dillard’s birthday! Katie Wall, 7th Grade
We thought the duck craze would stop, but instead, it’s getting worse! This Thursday, we had a duck battle, and there was also a volleyball game. We want to thank the teachers for helping us this week! Nevaeh Daniels, 6th Grade
In band, we practiced basic procedures and in art, we rolled and printed our artwork. The science word of the week is cell. The first play practice is today, and we also have Second Chance Cheer—you’ve got to have some school spirit! The Bulldog Bounce Bash is coming up this Friday. In 6th grade, we finished our project, and we watched Coraline. We took a quiz, and I got first place, in case you were wondering!
We had Second Chance Cheer practice again today. On Wednesday, we had chicken sandwiches. And who started all these ducks? It turns out it was my brother who started hiding them and handing them out—I feel betrayed! The Bulldog Bash is coming up tomorrow, and we’re so excited! There’s a high school football game tomorrow and we have our first school-wide incentive. Go Bulldogs! Mercy Moore, 6th Grade
Miss Emery Taylor, a 6th-grade student, recently interviewed Coach Jackie Dillard. Coach Jackie doesn’t just coach golf—he also coaches basketball and baseball at Martinsville Middle School. This is his third year coaching golf, his 16th year coaching boys’ basketball, and his 8th year coaching baseball.
He became a coach because of his love for the game and his passion for teaching the fundamentals of sports. Dillard said, “Being a coach is like being a mentor.” Emery Taylor, 6th Grade
On Monday, October 6th, Ms. Woody got some of the students to help her put the European Explorer projects in the hallway for a gallery walk. In PE, Coach T. Holland and Coach Hutchens let the kids play a game that was kind of like basketball mixed with football.
At lunch, we had chicken tenders—thank you to the lunch ladies for making them! On Tuesday, we had nachos for lunch. In history, everyone read a passage about pumpkins in the colonies, answered questions, and then went on a pumpkin hunt. Thank you, Ms. Woody, for letting us do it!
On Wednesday, the cafeteria served chicken smackers with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. In band, everyone played their ninth note, and everyone is doing a great job! The week is almost over, but tomorrow we have an incentive—you have to be good to attend! For lunch, we’ll have pepperoni cheese pizza. Miriam Carter, 6th Grade
In band, we learned some new notes. In PE, we played unlimited football but used a dodgeball instead. In English, we’re reading Freak the Mighty. For our English benchmark, if you got an 80% or higher, you got to eat lunch in the library with the English teachers! On Wednesday, we had chicken nuggets for lunch. In science, we worked on STEMscopes. Adelaide Brent, 6th Grade
On Monday, we took a reading growth assessment to see how much we’ve learned. On Tuesday, we took a math growth assessment. On Wednesday, it was a normal day. In math, we finished adding integers and started subtracting them. In science, we’re learning about Earth’s energy budget—how sunlight is reflected, absorbed, and radiated from Earth. Good luck to everyone trying out for cheerleading! Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you next week! Semaiya Craighead, 6th Grade
On Monday, we had a lesson about folktales, which are fictional stories that teach life lessons. We are also going to have a Bulldog Bounce Bash incentive! Never say you can’t do it—never say never! You can always do it! Shaurya Mahajan, 7th Grade
Miss Jade Holland-Dallas interviewed Mr. Bradley Pell, who is in his second-year teaching seventh grade at Martinsville Middle School. Here’s what Jade discovered:
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Mr. Pell loves history, and he loves kids.
What does he enjoy most about working with middle school students?
“They make me happy!”
What might students be surprised to learn about him?
He played sports in school.
What’s your favorite lesson or topic to teach?
World War I.
What’s one thing you hope your students learn that goes beyond the textbook?
To think deeply and ask questions.
What impressed you the most about your students?
“When Jade recited the Preamble from memory!”
What advice do you have for students?
“Ask questions and always try your best.”
What does being a Bulldog mean to you?
“Supporting your students.”
How do you encourage school spirit?
“By shouting out and celebrating students.”
What’s your favorite Big M tradition?
The Big M celebration.
If you could describe Martinsville Middle School in three words, what would they be?
“Family, fun, and learning.”
What’s your favorite book and movie?
Book: All Quiet on the Western Front
Movie: Tommy Boy
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
A writer.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Spending time with my family.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Italy—because of the food and the history!
What advice would you give to students about middle school?
“Be kind to yourself and your classmates.” Jade Holland-Dallas, 7th Grade
