What do The Paper Airplane Experiment, The Save-Birder, and The Crunch and Munch have in common? Each was among the many imaginative projects presented by Viewpoint’s Fourth Grade students at the annual Science and Engineering Expo, held March 19 in the Rasmussen Family Pavilion. 

Under the guidance of longtime Lower School science teacher Marian Williams, the Expo has evolved from a traditional science fair into a celebration of student-driven exploration. 

“We now include science fair projects, inventions, and engineering design challenges, so students get to choose what excites them most,” Williams explained. “Everything is created during class time, with families simply helping bring in materials.”

This year, 67 students participated, showcasing everything from prototypes and science experiments to creative solutions for real-world problems. Along the way, they kept journals inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, explored the differences between scientific and design thinking, and learned how inventions come to life.

The Expo prep began in November and continued through March, with students building and testing their ideas while also practicing presentation skills with support from their homeroom teachers.

“What I hope they take away is the confidence to complete something from start to finish, along with the ability to problem-solve and be resilient,” Williams said. “Some even return years later remembering the exact project they created in Fourth Grade.”

Now a beloved tradition, the Science and Engineering Expo highlights the creativity, independence, and curiosity of Viewpoint’s Fourth Graders, giving them a moment to proudly share their big ideas with the community.

Every February, Viewpoint School’s TK-5 students eagerly invited their families to take part in one of the school’s most beloved traditions—Makerfest, a hands-on festival of creativity, innovation, and interactive learning. In its seventh year, Makerfest 2025 took place from February 4-6 in the School’s Innovation Space and Benjamin Franklin Library.

This year, Makerfest welcomed special guest Ama Ramos, a renowned artist and maker known for transforming everyday materials into extraordinary works of art. In addition to Ama’s live art experience, students and families explored new and returning hands-on booths, including the highly anticipated FRC Robotics Reveal, where Viewpoint’s Upper School robotics team debuted their newest competition robot in a live demonstration.

Makerfest 2025 featured 32 uniquely themed booths, each one tailored to specific age groups and featuring engaging activities such as designing steampunk resin jewelry, engineering mechanical crane pick-ups, weaving collaborative textile art, capturing themed photo booth selfies, testing Skee-Ball skills, and lighting up cards to illuminate the Makerfest robot’s gears and heart.

The annual festival was a true labor of love for Innovation Space teachers Lisa Kessler and Travis Shojinaga, along with Primary and Lower School Technology Integration Specialist Alison Steelberg Corneau ’97. The booths were staffed by enthusiastic faculty, staff, and Upper School students, making Makerfest a unique, community-building experience that bridged creativity across grade levels.

“Makerfest is a three-day event that unites Viewpoint School’s students, families, and faculty in the joy of making. With 30 hands-on activities, there’s something for everyone to explore and connect with,” said Lisa Kessler, Innovation Space Teacher. “This year, our TK and Fifth Grade Makers contributed to the Castle of Creativity, highlighting the power of collaboration. Events like Makerfest foster the connections and sense of community that make Viewpoint so special.”

Viewpoint School recognizes Cami Curtis-Bregman and Aaron Bregman, Rynne Stump and Danny Carey, Kelly and Don Carlisi, The Goodman Family, and Pantea and Daniel Groen for their leadership support in the Viewpoint Fund and their symbolic sponsorship of this event as donors in our Chair's and Head of School Circles.

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! (Translation: Happy New Year in Mandarin)

In January, the onset of Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) festivities brought a vibrant energy to our School. Students from all four divisions eagerly immersed themselves in engaging activities and celebrations, fostering a sense of joy and camaraderie that echoed throughout the entire community.

On Thursday, January 30, excitement filled the air as parent volunteers set up vibrant display tables at Helfand’s Harvest, inviting Primary and Lower School students to immerse themselves in the traditions of Lunar New Year during their lunch breaks. Dressed in traditional attire and surrounded by festive decorations, parents warmly greeted each student, offering red envelopes (Hóng Bāo) filled with treats and other delightful goodies.

Middle and Upper School students enjoyed Lunar New Year snacks offered at the booths on the Plaza. They received red envelopes akin to those exchanged among young people in Chinese households worldwide, offering them the opportunity to win special prizes. Additionally, tables were arranged to exhibit traditional Chinese calligraphy, with Oscar Chen ’28 demonstrating the art form for Upper School students. Other displays introduced renowned landmarks in China and provided additional insights into the significance of the Year of the Snake.

“It’s really important to me to share my culture with others,” said Chen, who transferred to Viewpoint last semester from Shanghai, China. “As an international student, I truly appreciate the diversity at our school and the opportunities we have to celebrate and showcase what makes each of us unique.”

The Lunar New Year officially began on Wednesday, January 29, and will culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 12, marking the celebration of the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake symbolizes wisdom, growth, and renewal. Its process of shedding its skin is a sign of transformation. The wood element represents strength and growth and provides a sense of grounding within the year.

Every December, the joyful sounds of storytelling and laughter fill the Benjamin Franklin Library (BFL) at Viewpoint School, marking a treasured annual tradition: the Head of School Holiday Readings. These events, led by Head of School Mr. Mark McKee and his wife, Ms. Cathy Shelburne, bring the spirit of the season to life for students and teachers alike.

Primary and Lower School students gather for a series of seven reading sessions, each featuring a mix of cherished classics and new literary selections. Curated by librarians Sue Jean Woodmansee and Beverly Schwarz, these stories reflect values that resonate deeply with the Viewpoint community, including kindness, gratitude, cultural understanding, and the joy of giving.

Celebrating their 10th year leading this tradition, Mark and Cathy select age-appropriate stories that encompass winter holidays while exploring themes of friendship, family connection, responsibility, and humor.

Dressed in festive holiday-themed accessories, they take turns reading page by page, projecting illustrations onto the screen and bringing each story to life with animated voices and expressive gestures. This year, students enjoyed stories like The Christmas Mitzvah and Jackie’s Gift, which highlighted lessons on bridging cultures, embracing generosity, and sharing blessings with others.

“The children look forward to this yearly holiday event in our beautiful library. In this smaller, more intimate setting, they appreciate the special time with our Head of School. Mr. and Mrs. McKee radiate love and joy for our youngest students,” said Vanessa Harrington, Assistant Head of Primary School.

Interactive and engaging, the Head of School Holiday Readings are a highlight of the winter season, setting the tone for a meaningful and joyous winter break.