The Flying Condor Posts

MIDDLE SCHOOL 

 

Dear MS Parents, Students, and Staff,

We want to thank you for trusting us with your children last week.  It was a wonderful experience to see the students work together in a different environment and to support them throughout the week.  Everyone came back tired and with new stories to share with you and their friends.  

We also want to share with you a special invitation to our 70th Thorpe & Mathias Track & Field day.  Parents are invited to join us on the lower field on Friday the 20th.  All MS students sign up for three events and this is a time of competition, sportsmanship and fun for our whole Middle School.  

 

Learning Expeditions March 2026

Grade 6 Trip to Necochea: Our 6th grade Learning Expedition was a meaningful and memorable experience that combined adventure, learning, and connection with nature. Students participated in a variety of activities such as archery, kayaking, samba, rock climbing, zipline, and biking, where they challenged themselves, collaborated with classmates, and had lots of fun.

They also explored the local environment by visiting the sea lions colony, the Marine Museum, and Apimiel, where they learned about bees, honey production, and the importance of caring for nature. Throughout the trip, students built new friendships, strengthened teamwork, and developed a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Grade 7 Trip to Entre Ríos:  Our trip to Colón was a wonderful learning and bonding experience. We visited the historic Palacio San José, where Justo José de Urquiza, the first constitutional president of Argentina, once lived. There, we learned about an important period in the country’s history. We also explored El Palmar National Park, where we studied the biomes of the region and the importance of preserving the local flora and fauna. Beyond the academic learning, the trip was a great opportunity for students and teachers to spend time together, strengthen friendships, and build a stronger sense of community. Everyone had a fantastic time sharing this experience. 

G8 Trip to Tandil: Trying New Things - Highlights of the trip include; sharing our time and talents at a home for elderly citizens, summiting Tandil’s highest peak, making friends with the wildlife, learning about the local honey and dairy production, climbing/repelling and s’mores at the bonfire. Thank you to families for the service project donations.

Grades 6-8 Learning Expedition Week in Buenos Aires: As part of Learning Expedition Week, a group of students staying in Buenos Aires enjoyed several memorable and hands-on activities. The program gave them the opportunity to explore creativity, develop new skills, and learn more about nature and sports.

One of the highlights was a visit to Taller de la Ribera, where students explored a variety of artistic activities such as origami, stamping, and painting. The workshop allowed them to experiment with different materials while expressing their creativity.

Back on the school campus, the students also learned the fundamentals of Archery, practicing focus, coordination, and patience. Another enriching stop was Los Huerteros, where they discovered the secrets behind planting and gardening, gaining a deeper understanding of how plants grow and how to care for them.

During the week, students also had the opportunity to explore Argentine culture by learning how to prepare a typical sweet dessert, Chocotorta, a popular local treat made with chocolate cookies, dulce de leche, and cream cheese.

To finish the week with excitement, the group visited Estación Vertical, a climbing wall circuit where they challenged themselves physically while building confidence and teamwork.

Overall, Learning Expedition Week in Buenos Aires was a rewarding experience that combined creativity, outdoor learning, and adventure.

 

FOCUS ON LEARNING

Becoming Agents of Change: Our Visit to "Los Huerteros"

Last week, Middle School students stepped away from their classrooms and into the vibrant environment of "Los Huerteros," a local community garden. We visited not as gardeners, but as researchers and listeners. Our main inquiry question for the trip was: "What can we learn from other members of our community?"

Preparation on Campus

Before heading to the garden, students who stayed on campus worked hard to prepare for their roles. Using a Visible Thinking Routine, they discussed the importance of empathy and diversity. They also explored what it means to be an Agent of Change—a key attribute of a Lincoln Learner that was the heart of this entire project. By understanding their specific "lenses" early on, students were ready to look at the community in a deeper way.

Different Lenses, Different Stories

To answer our inquiry question, students worked in four specialized groups:

• The Bio-Analysts: These students investigated how the garden stays healthy using compost and organic methods to protect the environment.
• The Story-Seekers: This group interviewed the people who care for the garden. They met gardeners like Caro, who finds peace in nature and enjoys connecting with neighbors.
• The Sensory Artists: These students captured the "vibe" and beauty of the garden. They took close-up photos of leaf textures, recorded the sound of the wind, and photographed the colorful, fresh produce harvested there.
• The Impact Scouts: This team looked at how the garden brings different people together to create a positive "change" in the neighborhood.

 The Garden as a Community

During our visit, we met Constanza, the person in charge of "Los Huerteros." She shared a beautiful lesson that connected the plants to our own lives:

This community garden is like an ecosystem. The flowers, the herbs, and the compost are all diverse elements that keep the garden working together. Just like our community, each member brings their diversity into it and makes it better just by being in it.

These words deeply resonated with our students. One student was so moved that he shared that Constanza’s message truly changed his perspective. We also spoke with Alan, a gardener who has been a “huertero” for seven years, who reminded us that "nature is connected to human life, and it is important to work together as a family."

Reflecting on the Experience

After the visit to the garden with Mr. Edu and Ms. Laura, we gathered together with her and Ms. Lawrence to discuss our feelings and our biggest takeaways. It was a time to think about how much we learned just by listening. 

Support Local Produce!

Did you know you can enjoy the fruits of their labor? Members of the community are welcome to buy what "Los Huerteros" harvests every Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

For more information about the garden and their work, you can visit their website here.  

Tips for Future Agents of Change

If you are investigating a community project soon, remember:

• Listen with Empathy: Focus on understanding how others feel and what they value.
• Value Diversity: Remember that every "element" (person) makes the community stronger.
• Observe Closely: The most important lessons are often found in the small details.

By opening our eyes and ears to our neighbors, we grow as Lincoln Learners and help our community thrive!

 

Wrapping it Up

Please, always feel free to reach out to us.  We are a team and value working together to support our students and Lincoln community.  

• School phone: 011 4851-1700
• Office (Carolina Nicolini & Camila Monges): msoffice@lincoln.edu.ar
• Principal (Tracy Arnold): tracy.arnold@lincoln.edu.ar
• Counselor (Jessica Lawrence): jessica.lawrence@lincoln.edu.ar

 

Upcoming:   

• March 20:  Thorpe & Mathias
• March 23-24:  National holiday (the 23rd is an additional day decreed by the gov’t)

Thank you for all your support of learning in Middle School!  

Dr. Tracy Arnold

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL