WEB – Where Everybody Belongs

Posted on August 29, 2019 by - District News, Hudson Middle School News

A group of kids work to keep a balloon in the air.

Hudson Middle School incoming Class of 2026 participated in the second year of WEB. WEB, which stands for “Where Everybody Belongs” is a middle school orientation and transition program that welcomes 6th graders and helps to make them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their middle school experience. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, the program trains mentors from the 8th grade class to be WEB leaders. As positive role models, WEB leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide the 6th graders to discover what it takes to be successful at Hudson Middle School.

The WEB leaders are gathered on the bleachers.

WEB provides 6th graders with support and guidance from 8th graders who have been through the challenges of middle school including attending a larger school.

  • This year we have forty-five (45) 8th grade WEB leaders along with five (5) Freshman who returned to help as former WEB leaders.
  • We had about 350 6th grader students attend the WEB orientation activities.
  • Five Middle School staff trained the WEB leaders.
  • Other Middle School staff joined the actual orientation day.
  • Large group activities were held in the gym for the first two hours of the day. These activities included a variety of group activities that got people moving and excited.
  • Small group activities were also held and led by the WEB leaders and school staff. These activities included cooperative games and other fun ways to get to know each other.
  • Additionally, the 6th graders had time to practice opening their lockers and toured the building.

Thanks to our WEB leaders and staff for helping our 6th graders feel welcome and connected to Hudson Middle School!

 

Future Problem Solving International Conference

Posted on June 18, 2019 by - District News, Hudson High School News, Hudson Middle School News, Hudson Prairie Elementary News

Hudson students taking a rest on a bench in the Hudson t-shirts.

Throughout the school year, over thirty (30) Hudson students in grades 5-10 competed in the Scenario Writing Competition for Future Problem Solving. Of those students, twelve (12) qualified to attend the state Future Problem Solving competition this past April. The Wisconsin State winners were invited to advance to the international conference. Hudson’s four state winners included, Ben Weaver – 1st place WI Scenario Writer, Junior Division; George Cook – 2nd place WI Scenario Writer, Junior Division; Ainsley Kennedy – 1st place WI Scenario Writer, Senior Division; and Julia Ginsbach – 2nd place WI Scenario Writer, Senior Division.

Hudson students taking a rest on a bench in the Hudson t-shirts.

Pictured above: Benjamin Weaver (Hudson Middle School); George Cook (Hudson Prairie Elementary School); Ainsley Kennedy (Hudson High School); Julia Ginsbach (Hudson High School)

At the Future Problem Solving International Conference, the students were matched up with writers from around the United States and the world for the team scenario writing competition. During the competition, teams wrote a new, collaborative story in two hours based on a future scene and topic. This year’s topic was “De-Extinction.” There were 85 competitors who qualified for the International Scenario Writing competition. Hudson came home with two awards. Benjamin Weaver’s team scenario earned 2nd place in the Junior Division and Julia Ginsbach’s team scenario earned 1st place in the Senior Division.

A group of four students stand with their trophies

Picture above: Benjamin Weaver with his teammates from Kentucky, Michigan and France.

A group of four students stand with their trophies

Pictured above: Julia Ginsbach with her teammates from California, Washington and Kentucky.

The Future Problem Solving International Conference provides participants with the opportunity to experience a high-level of competition and gain valuable feedback from a wider audience on their writing. Additionally, participants learn about and interact with students from diverse cultures, gaining a global perspective on topics and issues that affect our whole world and collective future. It is a motivating and enriching experience for all who attend!

Celebration of flags on the stage.

Flags and flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony of at the Future Problem Solvers International Conference at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.