What a week to remember at Haven Bay Elementary! 💙🦩 We wrapped up an incredible school year with a jam-packed week of celebration, traditions, and a whole lot of fun, proving once again that our Herons sure know how to finish strong. The school was buzzing with excitement during our intense Math Wars, and our hearts were completely melted by an absolutely adorable performance by our Kindergarteners for the entire school. Our grade levels kept the energy high all week long as our 1st graders soaked up the sun with a sweet Teddy Bear Picnic, 2nd grade cozied up for a fun classroom Movie Day, and 5th grade got the ultimate reward—pieing their teachers right in the face! Between all the activities, students across all grades gathered together for Yearbook Signing to trade memories and scribble sweet well-wishes for the summer. We also officially sent off our amazing 6th graders with a beautiful graduation ceremony, and we know they are ready to soar high in junior high. To cap it all off, a huge shoutout goes to Mr. Skeen for cooking up a delicious celebratory barbecue lunch for our hardworking staff! Thank you to our incredible students, teachers, staff, and parents for making this school year so special. Have a safe, happy, and relaxing summer, Herons! ☀️🌊 #HavenBayElementary #HavenBayHerons #LastWeekOfSchool #SummerBound #SchoolCommunity #SoaringHigh
3 days ago, Haven Bay
Three females smiling close to the camera with whipped cream on their faces. A roll of paper towels is on a table behind them.
wide outdoor shot of an elementary school courtyard with green artificial turf between two modern brick school buildings under a blue sky with light clouds. Dozens of elementary school students are spaced out across the lawn, sitting on blankets and towels to eat lunch picnic-style. Several stuffed animals and teddy bears are visible next to the children
A young girl with long, braided brown hair smiles and stands in the middle of a school classroom with light wood cubbies and desks. She is pointing with both index fingers to a custom white t-shirt she is wearing, which features a large, black-and-white printed photo of a smiling woman with glasses and blonde hair.
An outdoor shot of elementary school students gathered on an asphalt playground with white painted lines in front of a modern brown and brick school building. Several children are walking around holding blue folders, while two boys in the foreground crouch on the ground to write or sign yearbooks laid out on the pavement.
A busy, slightly motion-blurred shot of a bright school hallway where elementary students are running down a high-five line formed by older students and adults sitting in chairs along the walls. A large bulletin board on the right wall has paper decorations and text that reads "HAVEN BAY HERONS!", "BE KIND", "BE SAFE", "BE RESPECTFUL", and "PLC SOAR BOARD" with numbers 1 through 6. A girl in the foreground wears a black shirt reading "WESTFIELD". A boy on the left wears a black jacket reading "NIKE SKATEBOARDING
An indoor shot of a school assembly inside a gymnasium or auditorium with high ceilings and colorful acoustic wall panels. A group of young students stands on a low stage next to a large projection screen displaying a blue oval logo with a blue heron bird. Adults with microphones stand near the stage speaking to a large audience of elementary school children sitting cross-legged on the floor.
A wide-angle view of a large school assembly inside a spacious gymnasium with bright overhead lighting and a basketball hoop. Hundreds of elementary school students are sitting quietly in rows on the polished floor, facing a stage on the left side where a large choir of children is standing and performing. The back wall features a large, wavy decorative pattern of blue, green, and tan panels.
A sunny outdoor luncheon where several women are sitting at long, white cloth-covered folding tables on a grassy area next to a brick school building. They are eating lunch, drinking from cans, and talking. In the background, a grill is set up with people standing around it, and distant blue mountains are visible under a bright sky. Colorful balloon arrangements decoration the tables.
An indoor shot from the side of a gym showing a large group of young elementary students lined up on a stage during an assembly, facing a female instructor who is sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of them. A large audience of students sits on the gymnasium floor watching the presentation. A projection screen on the stage shows a browser tab titled "01 Pledge of Allegiance"
A classroom setting where a group of elementary students are lying down and sitting on colorful floor mats, wrapped in blankets and pillows, watching a movie on a large flat-screen television mounted on a cart. The TV shows an ocean scene. The classroom background features a whiteboard with alphabet letters, colorful decorations, and sections labeled "READING" and "MATH". A digital clock on a shelf reads "10:31".
☀️🏃‍♂️ Thanks to the incredible planning and sponsorship of our amazing PTA and parent volunteers, students loved choosing their own adventures across awesome activity rotations like foam parties, noodle tag, and custom tattoos. 🫧🎨 After cooling down with refreshing popsicles on the playground, the afternoon ended with a sweet surprise from the West Haven Fire Department. 🚒🍦 To help conserve water during the drought, the firefighters skipped the traditional spray and showered the cheering crowd with a rain of yummy treats from the very top of their high ladder! 🍬✨ We are so grateful for our wonderful community for making this unforgettable day possible for our students. 💙🦅 For more information, see our news article at havenbay.wsd.net ​#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #FieldDay2026 #PTARocks #CommunityStrong #SchoolSpirit @HavenBayElementaryPTA
6 days ago, Haven Bay
A group of eight elementary school-aged kids is posing happily on a playground on a sunny day. They are standing near a green and blue jungle gym, and one boy is on a red slide. All children are holding orange and red popsicles, smiling at the camera. Two boys are barefoot on the asphalt track, while others wear shoes. Their hair and clothes appear slightly wet. The sky is bright blue. The photo has a cheerful and summery feeling.
A group of children is playing an outdoor game on a grassy field on a clear, sunny day. The game involves orange buckets placed on the grass and blue water sponges. A boy in a green shirt is about to dip his sponge in a bucket. To the right, another boy is running, and a girl is near a stack of orange buckets. The background shows mountains with snow-capped peaks. An adult is visible in the far-off distance. The scene is bright and full of action.
A large group of children is kneeling on a grassy field in front of a modern school building. They are facing away from the camera, looking towards a huge red fire engine on the right. A long, extended ladder from the truck is high in the sky. It appears that objects are being thrown or dropped from a basket at the end of the ladder. An adult is standing in front of the kids, gesturing towards the ladder. The sky is partially cloudy. The photo captures a moment of excited anticipation.
A class photo of fifteen young students, boys and girls, and their female teacher, posing on a concrete path outside their school. All students are sitting or kneeling, holding blue water bottles, looking at the camera. Their teacher is on the right, kneeling and smiling. The students' hair looks wet, indicating they have been participating in water activities. The modern, two-story school building is behind them, with brick and siding. A security camera is visible on the building. The photo is well-lit on a bright, sunny day.
A group of fifteen barefoot children is playing in a large mound of white foam on a grassy lawn. They are clustered in the foam, which covers them and the ground. To the left, a large black bucket is attached to a pole, appearing to be the foam dispenser. Adults are watching in the background. A modern school building, a white pickup truck, and a distant playground are also visible. The sky is clear, dark blue. The scene is full of fun and excitement.
A group of about twenty children is participating in an organized activity on a large, grassy field on a clear, sunny day. Most of them are sitting in a circle on the ground, while two adults and four other children are standing outside the circle. The girl in the foreground is in mid-stride, running, likely the person who is "it" in the game. In the distance, a mountain range is clearly visible. The overall mood is active and engaged.
A group of school-aged children is playing "rock paper scissors" while participating in a hopscotch game with multi-colored hula hoops. The game is spread across a large, grassy field on a clear, bright sunny day. A cluster of kids is waiting their turn in the background. A small blue canopy tent is set up further away. A adult is standing to the right. The mountains can be seen in the distance, and the sun is high and bright, creating long shadows. The vibe is active and happy.
A pre-teen girl is smiling as she dunks a yellow sponge into an orange bucket filled with water. She is on a dry, grassy field on a bright, sunny day. The girl is in motion, as she is bringing her hands up from the bucket. A butterfly tattoo is visible on her right forearm. The bucket has the Home Depot logo on it. In the distance, a suburban neighborhood is spread out across a flat landscape under a clear blue sky. The photo is in focus and full of life.
A sign stuck into the ground reads "WATER KICKBALL" with a picture of a kid in a baseball uniform. Beyond the sign, children are playing kickball on a dry, grassy field. A small, multi-colored blow-up wading pool is on the grass near first base. An adult stands near third base. The field is bordered by a tall fence and a chain-link fence. Behind the field, there is a massive mountain range with snow-covered peaks under a vast, cloudless blue sky. The composition captures the wide, open feeling of the landscape.
pool noodle tag game
What an incredibly emotional and inspiring morning last Monday at Haven Bay Elementary! We had the absolute privilege of welcoming graduating seniors from West Field High School for their ceremonial Senior Walk. ​Our hallways were lined with cheering students, high-fives, and so much joy as our little Herons got a firsthand look at what their own futures hold. ​#HavenBayElementary #WestFieldHigh #SeniorWalk2026 #ClassOf2026 #FutureLeaders #SchoolCommunity
8 days ago, Haven Bay
A group of female high school graduates smiling as they walk down a school hallway lined with cheering elementary students. The graduates wear black caps and gowns with orange trim, and several wear multicolored graduation cords. In the background on the right, a bulletin board displays the text "HAVEN BAY HERONS!" along with "PLC CARD BOARD" and numbers listed vertically.
A long, brightly lit school hallway filled with elementary-aged students lining both sides of the corridor, clapping and cheering. Down the center of the hallway, high school graduates wearing black caps and gowns with orange accents walk through, high-fiving the younger students. An illuminated green "EXIT" sign hangs from the ceiling in the distance.
A wide shot of a modern school hallway where elementary students line the walls, clapping in anticipation. In the far distance, a graduate in a black cap and gown begins walking down the center of the hall. On the right wall, a large bulletin board features the text "HAVEN BAY HERONS!" in bold letters, decorated with hanging pennants and additional words including "RESPECTFUL".
A close-up, eye-level shot of high school graduates walking down a school hallway while elementary students line the left side, clapping. In the foreground, a male graduate in a black gown with orange cuffs and a "WF" monogram on the chest smiles and reaches out his hand to high-five the kids. Behind him, a female graduate in a cap and gown walks forward. The bulletin board on the right wall reads "HAVEN BAY HERONS!".
Talk about hands-on learning! Today, our amazing Haven Bay 5th graders transformed their pod into a wild wildlife sanctuary. Our clever Herons put their math volume skills, engineering talents, and pure creativity to work to construct incredible zoo animals entirely out of cardboard boxes. 📐🛠️ We absolutely loved welcoming our younger students and parents to tour the exhibits and see these masterpieces in person! We are so proud of our innovative 5th-grade Herons for soaring to new heights today! 💙🦅For more information about the zoo, checkout our news article on the web site at havenbay.wsd.net

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #STEMinAction #CardboardZoo #HandsOnLearning
13 days ago, Haven Bay
A group of seven elementary school students present their handmade cardboard animal projects inside a bright school hallway. On the left, a tall yellow giraffe with brown spots stands on a yellow paper mat. In the center, a student stands next to a white and black striped cardboard zebra. Paper chain link barriers separate the display from the walkway. The background features glass windows looking into a classroom and a wall covered in colorful student drawings of monster faces.
Two smiling young girls stand side-by-side next to a wall covered in colorful monster artwork, while a third girl sits on the floor to the right. In front of them on the floor is a blue boxy cardboard animal craft with black paper hair on top and a drawn-on face.
A close-up shot of a student-made, boxy orange cardboard fox or red panda sitting on the floor in front of four elementary school students who are sitting on a bench. The cardboard animal features white folded paper ears, a black block snout, and drawn-on eyes and nose. The students' faces are softly blurred by background light from a large window behind them.
A wide, high-angle view of a spacious, modern school lobby or corridor filled with parents and elementary students during an open-house exhibition. The room features a curved ceiling with circular recessed lighting. Students are seated on the floor along the edges next to their cardboard animal projects and paper chain barriers, while adults stroll through the center of the hall. Large windows at the far end look out onto a bright, green outdoor landscape.
Several elementary school students stand inside a decorated alcove designed to look like a giant animal's open mouth, complete with large white paper triangles hanging down like sharp teeth. The background wall inside the alcove features a painted mural of a large dark bird, possibly a cormorant or heron, against a wetland landscape under a cloudy sky. An adult with blonde hair stands with her back to the camera, talking to the kids.
A group of students gather around an ecosystem display laid out on blue and green paper on a school hallway floor, representing an ocean or island habitat. The display features blocky cardboard animals, including a green crocodile, a white snake, and a brown hippo. A multi-colored paper chain barrier runs across the foreground, separating the viewers from the project.
A wide view of an elementary school exhibition in a hallway outside classroom glass walls. Several students stand around various handmade boxy cardboard animals, including an orange fox, a yellow lion with a yarn mane, a yellow giraffe, and a striped zebra, all arranged on yellow paper sheets on the floor. A multi-colored paper chain link fence sections off the display area. Adults and students are seen interacting.
A bustling school hallway hosting a student art and science exhibition. A long white wall on the right is covered with rows of vibrant, colorful paintings of open-mouthed monsters. On the floor below the art, students sit next to blue paper displays representing water habitats with pink and blue cardboard animals. Paper chains stretch across the hallway to create viewing boundaries as parents and students walk through.
Our 5th Grade Herons soared to incredible new heights on Friday! To celebrate their massive reading achievements this year, they turned the school's playground into the ultimate 40 Book Carnival! 🦜✨ From diving deep into chapter books to crushing their reading goals, these 5th grade students have proven that Herons don’t just fly—they read!

💙 A Massive Heron Thank You!
This amazing celebration wouldn't have been possible without our incredible community. A huge shoutout to our wonderful parent volunteers who donated their time, energy, and enthusiasm to run games, pass out treats, and make our students feel like absolute rockstars. We have the best flock in the world! Take a look at some of the fun from Friday! 👇

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #40BookCarnival #ReadingChampions #HeronsSoar #ProudSchool #CommunityFirst
13 days ago, Haven Bay
A line of children stand on a sunny lawn waiting their turn at an outdoor activity station. A white folding table sits near a dark grey stone-patterned fence, with a house and large mountains visible in the distance under a blue sky. One boy facing forward holds a small orange ball in the air.
A group of children play a game on a wide, sunny grass field under a bright blue sky, with suburban houses and distant mountains in the background. In the foreground, one child runs while holding open a large yellow fabric sack, and another runs nearby with a green fabric sack. Colorful beach balls are scattered across the grass as other children watch and participate.
A high-angle shot shows a group of kids gathered around a yellow blanket laid out on the grass next to a dark grey stone-patterned fence. An adult woman sits nearby watching them. The children are holding white paper gift bags, and one boy wearing a blue Nike shirt has a small white tag stuck to his forehead.
A long line of children stands on the grass waiting to order at a large, colorful Italian ice food truck parked outside a modern school building under a clear blue sky.
A boy wearing a cowboy hat, jeans, and a blue t-shirt stands outside next to a small, wire-mesh pen enclosing a young lamb on a patch of grass near an asphalt driveway and black metal fence. Text in image: The boy's blue t-shirt reads "Fremont FFA '25-'26" with small graphics of a windmill and farm animals.
Our second-grade classrooms transformed into miniature laboratories as students wrapped up an immersive, hands-on study of life cycles. 🧪🔬 The grand finale of their scientific journey resulted in the successful hatching of ten fluffy, energetic chicks. 🐣🐥 This remarkable feat of nature allowed our young Herons to witness the miracle of life firsthand, bringing their science lessons into the vibrant world of reality. 🌟 For more information, read our news article on the web site at havenbay.wsd.net

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #LifeCycles #HandsOnLearning #FutureScientists #ElementaryScience #ChickHatching #STEMeducation #SchoolMagic
18 days ago, Haven Bay
A classroom of children sitting on a colorful rug, facing a large television screen displaying a live close-up of a chick hatching from an egg. One student in the back has their fists raised in excitement. A small sign on the wall reads "ONE RULE CLASSROOM."
A close-up shot inside a clear plastic incubator showing a wet, newly hatched dark-colored chick sitting next to its broken shell. Other unhatched brown and white eggs are visible in the background under the warming heating element.
A group of elementary students gathers around a white table looking curiously at two circular Brinsea Mini II Advance egg incubators. Inside the clear domes, several brown and green eggs are being incubated. One boy in a tan hat leans in close to get a better look.
A young girl with blonde hair and freckles smiles widely with her eyes squinted in joy as she holds a small black chick in her lap. She is wearing a dark t-shirt and ripped blue jeans while sitting on a tan bench.
A young boy wearing a black baseball cap with a white "Y" logo smiles while cupping a small, greyish-brown chick in both hands. Other children nearby are also holding chicks.
Two young children sit on a patterned carpet, watching a group of yellow and dark-feathered chicks walk around in front of them. The girl on the right is wearing a white t-shirt and looking down intently at a yellow chick.
Four children sit cross-legged on a light-colored floor, forming a semi-circle around a huddle of about ten small yellow, black, and striped chicks. One boy in a green hoodie covers his mouth in awe.
A small group of ten children poses in a bright hallway, with many of them gently holding small, fuzzy chicks in their hands. The background features a glass wall and a white door. One boy on the left wears a yellow shirt that says "LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE."
From an overhead view, a group of students crowds around a wooden and wire mesh brooder box to watch several small yellow and brown chicks. A bag of "STARTER GROWER" poultry feed sits on the table next to the enclosure.
A massive THANK YOU to our PTA for organizing such a creative "flight plan." Our staff works tirelessly to make sure every student finds their wings, and seeing our PTA celebrate them in style was the ultimate destination. 🏝️🗽

Drop a comment below with a 🌏 or a 💙 to show some love for the amazing team at Haven Bay! ⬇️👇For more information about the week, go to our news section on Havenbay.wsd.net

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #StaffAppreciationWeek #TravelTheWorld #PTAStars #SoaringHigher #WorldClassTeachers 🏫✨🗺️
20 days ago, Haven Bay
A close-up view of a long table covered in a white tablecloth, featuring an extensive spread of desserts and snacks. Items include bags of kettle corn, plates of brownies, a tray of pink and yellow macarons and chocolate-dipped cookies, and a large clear tray filled with chocolate chip and sugar cookies. In the background, a travel-themed backdrop features a world map and a large suitcase graphic. A black decorative plate rests on a stand with the word "SPAIN" and an image of Moorish architecture. The backdrop also features a cloud with the word "BEGIN" and a sign in the corner that says "Sunshine"
A buffet table set against a large travel-themed backdrop that reads, "LET THE adventure BEGIN". On the left, a large silver platter is piled high with individually wrapped fortune cookies. Next to them are several red Panda Express takeout boxes. The rest of the table is lined with black plastic catering containers with clear lids. The backdrop features a world map, an airplane, a suitcase with stickers, and the words "UNITED STATES", "BRAZIL", and "PHILIPPINES". A small sign on the wall to the left says "Adventure with me".
An indoor event space showing a long table prepared for a "Travel" theme. The table holds various "In-Flight Drinks," including sodas in metal tubs and flavored syrups. A large wall backdrop displays a world map with the text "LET THE adventure BEGIN", along with illustrations of a hot air balloon, a plane, and locations like "ROME ITALY", "LONDON", and "CALIFORNIA". Stacked vintage suitcases and directional signs such as "TRAVEL ADDICT", "DESSERT ISLAND", "Pack your Bags", and "PASSPORT Photos" decorate the right side. A small blue sign reads "Hello Sunshine".
A wide shot of a community or break room decorated for a travel-themed event. A long table with a white cloth is positioned in front of a massive world map backdrop featuring the phrase "LET THE adventure BEGIN". On the table are drink tubs, syrups, and travel decor like a globe and a book titled "SPAIN".
A high-angle shot of a salsa bar set up on a white table. Three large silver tubs hold various bowls of salsa and dips. Small chalkboard signs identify the flavors: "Chili's", "Bella's Medium", "Trader Joe's", "Bella's Avocado Cilantro", and "Bella's Mild". Bags of tortilla chips are visible on the left. The backdrop behind the table shows a world map with the word "BEGIN" in a cloud and travel graphics including sunglasses, a passport, a camera, and a book titled "SPAIN".
A close-up of a salsa station on a white-clothed table. Metal serving tubs contain colorful bowls of dip, including a corn salsa and a green avocado salsa. Small chalkboard labels read "Chili's", "Bella's Medium", "Trader Joe's", "Bella's Avocado Cilantro", and "Bella's Mild". Several small patterned paper plates with silver spoons are placed in front of the tubs.
A side-angle view of a decorated room. Red rubber tote bags are lined up on a white-covered table in front of a travel backdrop that says "LET THE adventure BEGIN". To the right, a vertical stack of travel-themed signs includes "TRAVEL ADDICT", "Pack your Bags", and "ADVENTURE THIS WAY". A stack of vintage green and tan suitcases serves as a decorative base for framed photos and a blue sign that says "Hello Sunshine".
A young girl with long blonde hair in a ponytail is leaning over a blue rolling wagon in a large room. The room is filled with dozens of colorful rubber tote bags in pink, blue, teal, and green, arranged on top of and underneath several wooden tables. The bags appear to be prepared as gifts or party favors. In the background, there is a kitchen area with light wood cabinets and a microwave.
A large room filled with several rows of colorful rubber tote bags (Bogg Bags) in shades of blue, teal, and red, sitting on wooden tables and the buffet counter. Each bag contains snacks and has a gift tag attached that says, "THANKS FOR BEING AN Adventure". In the background, the travel-themed wall mural reads "LET THE adventure BEGIN". The room has large windows with closed blinds and gray chairs.
5th Grade had a visit from the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge this morning. They taught the kids about wetland habitats and the students had the opportunity to think like scientists as they gathered macro invertebrates from pond samples. They determined how polluted a water sample was based on the macro invertebrates that were found. They also got to discuss what happens to a wetland ecosystem when one species disappears. It was such a great visit!

#STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #FutureScientists #Macroinvertebrates #WetlandEcology #CitizenScience #herons

#WaterQuality
26 days ago, Haven Bay
Close-up of four students huddled around a clear tub labeled "Pond" 1 with an illustration of a pond. Two students use tweezers to lift a small plastic dragonfly larva model out of the water. A worksheet and a diagram of biological classifications are visible on the table. One student wears a black hat with a yellow and purple Los Angeles Lakers logo.
An instructor stands at the front of a classroom next to a large, blank digital display, addressing a group of about fifteen students sitting on the floor. Some students have their hands raised. A piano and a teacher's desk are in the background. A student in the foreground holds a Macroinvertebrate Search Worksheet for "Pond". A small sign on the wall behind the instructor reads Water.
Three students collaborate at a gray lab table. Two boys look closely at a laminated identification key showing different species, while a girl in a pink shirt writes on a Macroinvertebrate Search Worksheet labeled "Pond". The worksheet contains handwritten entries for Species Name such as "Leeches" and "Dragon fly" with the color "Yellow" noted. A clear tub of water with specimen models sits nearby. A sign on the distant wall reads Wetland.
Three students stand around a table during a science lab. A student in a blue hoodie uses tweezers to move small specimen models from a blue plastic lid into a clear tub of water. A girl in a tan shirt watches intently with her hand to her chin. On the table sits a pencil and a blank Macroinvertebrate Search Worksheet for "Pond". In the background, other students work at various stations under a sign that reads Wetland.
Here are the alternative text descriptions for your website images, designed to be both descriptive and inclusive of all visible text. Image 1: Screenshot 2026-05-05 4.12.22 PM.jpg Alt Text: Three students at a classroom table participate in a science activity. A girl in a pink shirt uses tweezers to pick out macroinvertebrate models from a clear plastic tub of water. A boy in a black hoodie and a girl in a purple sweatshirt watch the process. On the table is a "Macroinvertebrate Search Worksheet" for "Pond" and an identification key with various insect diagrams.
Our Running Club absolutely crushed their 5K this past Friday! From the first stretch to the final sprint under the arch, these Herons showed incredible grit and heart. 🦅💨 ​A huge shoutout to our runners and a massive THANK YOU to the amazing coaches and staff who helped our students reach the finish line! 🩵 For more information, visit website for the News article at havenbay.wsd.net ​Way to soar, Speed Squad! 🏔️✨ ​#HavenBayElementary #GoHerons #SpeedSquad #RunningClub #5K #SchoolSpirit #StudentAthletes
29 days ago, Haven Bay
A large group of children and a few adults in teal shirts stand on an asphalt path outdoors, performing a standing quad stretch before a race. In the background, residential houses and a mountain range are visible under a clear blue sky.
Three young boys stand under a large, black inflatable finish line arch on a paved path. Each boy is wearing a teal or grey shirt and a medal around his neck. The two boys on the right hold paper certificates and boxes. The background shows a grassy field and distant snow-capped mountains.
Three young boys in teal shirts stand under a black inflatable arch wearing medals. They are looking down at the white certificates they are holding. The scene is set against a backdrop of a green field and a mountain range.
A large group of children in teal "Speed Squad" shirts pose for a group photo in front of a black inflatable arch. Many are flexing their muscles. Two children in the front hold signs: one says "HAVEN BAY SPEED SQUAD" and the other says "LET'S GO HERONS." A man stands on the far right holding a checkered flag.
Three young boys in teal shirts stand under a black inflatable arch wearing medals. They are looking down at the white certificates they are holding. The scene is set against a backdrop of a green field and a mountain range.
Four children stand in a line under a black inflatable archway. They are all wearing medals and holding white award certificates that say "Haven Bay Speed Squad." The group includes three girls and one boy, all dressed in athletic wear.
A view from behind two large white PA speakers on stands, looking toward a crowd of children in teal shirts gathered in a parking lot. A woman in a red jumpsuit stands to the left, and a white table with a megaphone is on the right. The sun is shining brightly overhead
A view from behind two large white PA speakers on stands, looking toward a crowd of children in teal shirts gathered in a parking lot. A woman in a red jumpsuit stands to the left, and a white table with a megaphone is on the right. The sun is shining brightly overhead
A young woman and a man stand under a black inflatable arch holding a large blue handmade sign that says "THANK YOU!!!" in bold black letters. Smaller text on the sign includes names like "Mr. Weston," "Mrs. Martin," and "Ms. Sam." They are both wearing teal shirts and standing on a paved path.
the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s Rainforest Van brought some serious "wow" factor to the classroom. The students didn't just learn about the rainforest—they practically lived it for an hour. For more information about the experience, check out our news article!
#LovelandLivingPlanetAquarium #RainforestVan #LivingPlanet #ScienceOnWheels #AquariumVisit #SecondGradeRocks #HandsOnLearning #STEMEducation #ScienceIsFun #ClassroomAdventure #FutureScientists #UtahEducation #NatureInTheClassroom #NoFear #BraveExplorers #RainforestLayers
about 1 month ago, Haven Bay
A group of children in a classroom are standing up and moving their arms, appearing to mimic animal movements or stretch. A boy in a cowboy hat and blue plaid shirt is visible in the background, and another child wears a bright orange sweatshirt and neon yellow hat.
Annie, an aquarium educator in a blue polo, holds a coiled kingsnake as a young boy in a dark blue Nike hoodie and a black baseball cap points at it. Several other children are lined up along the table waiting for their turn.
A woman named Annie in a blue aquarium polo shirt holds a red, black, and white striped milk snake for a group of children. One girl in a light-colored sweater reaches out to touch the snake's scales. The background shows colorful papers taped to a glass partition.
A presenter in a blue aquarium shirt and glasses carefully places a small black insect onto the hand of a young boy in a pale green t-shirt. Beside him, a boy in a bright orange shirt and a neon yellow hat watches closely.
A presenter in a blue shirt and glasses holds a small dark creature for a group of students at a long table. One boy in a camouflage jacket reaches out to touch it while other students watch with expressions of curiosity and excitement.
A wide shot of a classroom setting where two presenters in blue "Loveland Living Planet Aquarium" shirts stand at the front. A banner reads "Layers of the Rainforest" with sections labeled "Emergent," "Canopy," "Understory," and "Forest Floor." Students sit on stools at white tables listening to the presentation.
A young girl in a light blue Nike hoodie sits on a gray stool and reaches out to touch a small, dark animal held in the hands of a presenter in black pants and a blue shirt. Another girl in a bright pink puffer jacket watches behind her.
A presenter named Kellie in a blue aquarium polo shirt leans over a table to show a small, orange, black, and white banded snake to three young boys. A box in the background is labeled "GLASS FRAGILE."
A woman in a blue polo shirt with a "Loveland Living Planet Aquarium" logo and a name tag that reads "Kellie" holds a small, banded milk snake. Two young boys sit at the table; one in a light blue hoodie watches intently while the other in a black Adidas hoodie leans in to look.
A close-up of a presenter's hands holding a large, black millipede over a white table. A young girl with long blonde hair and pink nail polish gently touches the insect while three other young girls watch from across the table.
🌟 We "purpled" up today to show our support and recognize the unique challenges military students face and say "thank you" for the sacrifices made by those that serve and their families. To read more about it, check out our news on the web page!
about 2 months ago, Haven Bay
A large group of approximately 25 elementary school students posing in a classroom in front of light wood cabinets. Many students are wearing purple or blue clothing.
Six young girls stand in a line in a school hallway with glass windows in the background. Most are wearing shades of purple.
A close-up of a student wearing a black cap and a light purple hoodie, laying on his stomach on a green grass field. He is performing a "seal" or "bow" stretch, reaching back to grab his ankles with his legs bent upward. Another student's legs are visible walking past in the background.
A white sign on an easel featuring hand-drawn text and illustrations. The top line reads "HAVEN BAY" in black stylized letters, followed by the word "loves" in purple cursive. Below are two purple hearts flanking the word "OUR" in black. The bottom reads "MILITARY FAMILIES!!" in large, black decorative block letters.
Eight girls pose playfully on an outdoor asphalt basketball court. Two girls on the left hold orange basketballs.
Four elementary students (one boy and three girls) pose together with their arms around each other.
Nine girls pose for a photo on an outdoor basketball court. Some are sitting or reclining on the asphalt while others stand behind them. One girl on the right is balanced on one leg in a star pose. Two basketballs are held by the group on the left. The background shows a field and distant mountains.
​Hey Haven Bay families! 🌊 It’s time to show our Blue Heron pride with a splash of purple! ​Tomorrow is Purple Up Day, and we’re asking all our students and staff to wear purple to celebrate and support our amazing military-connected students. 🎖️Military students are some of the most resilient "fledglings" in our nest, often navigating moves and deployments with incredible strength. Let's make sure they know their Haven Bay family has their back! 📅 Wear your favorite purple shirt, socks, hair bows, or hats! Whether you're rocking a deep plum or a bright lavender, let's turn the hallways into a sea of purple! Grab your gear, snap a photo tomorrow, and tag us so we can share the love. 📸✨ ​#HavenBayElementary #PurpleUp #GreatBlueHerons #MilitaryKidsRock #BlueHeronPride #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild
about 2 months ago, Haven Bay
A graphic featuring a large, vibrant purple heart set against a slightly lighter purple textured background. White text inside the heart reads, "PURPLE UP DAY AT HAVEN BAY! Show your support for our military families by wearing PURPLE." Below the heart, bold white text indicates the date: "Wednesday, April 15."
Our 5th Grade Great Blue Herons took a trip back in time this past Friday to wrap up their unit on Colonial America! The classrooms were buzzing as students got hands-on with history. We love seeing our students dive into the past with such enthusiasm. Way to go, 5th grade! 🐦✨ Find our more about Colonial Day on our web page at https://havenbay.wsd.net/o/hbes/news

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #ColonialDay #HandsOnLearning
2 months ago, Haven Bay
Five students are sitting in a circle on a classroom floor, which is marked with blue tape in an octagonal shape. They are focused on a game involving small green and blue marbles scattered inside the tape. One student holds a small beige drawstring bag. On the wall behind them, several black-bordered frames hold papers that say "Amazing work coming soon!" and "coming soon!" One student wears a grey sweatshirt with the word "JUSTICE" and a Tweety Bird graphic.
Three boys pose in front of a classroom whiteboard. The boy on the left in a black baseball jersey and the boy in the middle in a grey "COYOTE CUP 2026" hoodie are holding up small white lids. The boy on the right wears a blue and green patterned athletic shirt and khaki shorts. The whiteboard features a "Science" heading, a "Classroom Expectations" chart, and a calendar showing the date "March 26, 2026." Text on the board also mentions "Points Goal 168/175," "Working Towards: Pizza Party," and "Currently Working on: Engagement."
Here are the alternative texts for your images, designed to be descriptive and inclusive of all visible text. Image 1: Student with Paper Weaving Alt Text: A young female student with light hair and a pink tank top sits at a classroom desk, smiling at the camera. In front of her is a colorful paper-weaving project made of light blue, pink, and purple strips. On the desk are blue scissors, a purple glue stick, a grey bracelet, and a black marker. In the background are wooden classroom cubbies containing backpacks and jackets. The glue stick label reads "ELMER'S Washable School Glue Stick."
Five students sit in a circle on a tan patterned classroom floor, engaged in an activity with small, colorful flower-shaped counters and number strips. A clear plastic tube lies on the floor near the center. The students are dressed in casual clothes, including a pink hoodie, a grey t-shirt, and a green shirt with a snake graphic that says "DON'T TREAD ON ME" and "LOST." In the background, low wooden bookshelves are filled with grey bins labeled with various names and titles.
Three young boys stand in a classroom near a whiteboard. Two of the boys are holding up small, white circular containers. One boy on the left wears a grey hoodie with a logo that says "COYOTE CUP 2026." The boy on the right wears a black baseball jersey with several patches including "Vitoline," "95 LMO," "Rust-eze," "OCTANE GAIN," and "Piston Cup." On the whiteboard, a poster titled "Treatment Agreement" lists "Teacher to Students" and "Students to Teacher." Other visible text includes "Reading," "Math," and a daily schedule.
💙 Calling All Future Herons! 💙 Big things are happening at Haven Bay Elementary, and our nest is about to get a little bit bigger! We are so excited to open our doors to the next generation of learners. Whether you’ve lived in the neighborhood for years or you’re brand new to the area, we can’t wait to welcome you into our school family!

🍎 Why Choose Haven Bay? We are extremely proud of our excellent kindergarten teachers who create such a supportive and engaging environment for our students. This dedication is clearly reflected in our current academic growth, with our students making phenomenal progress! Just look at the amazing gains they are achieving in math and reading proficiency! Check out the images for a detailed look at our latest student achievement data!

🎒 Kindergarten Registration Details
When: Tomorrow! Wednesday, March 25
Time: Starting at 1:30 PM
Where: Haven Bay Elementary Main Office

Joining a new school is a huge milestone, and we promise to make it a smooth, joyful flight for both you and your kindergartener. Come meet our amazing staff, see the halls where your child will grow, and officially become part of the Great Blue Heron community. Spread the word to your friends, neighbors, and anyone with a rising kindergartener. We believe every child brings something special to our flock! 🦅✨

#HavenBayElementary #FutureHerons #KindergartenRegistration #SchoolCommunity #GreatBlueHerons
2 months ago, Haven Bay
Two young boys sit on a carpeted floor in a bright classroom, smiling while holding small, fluffy rabbits. The boy on the left holds a brown rabbit, and the boy on the right holds a grey and white long-haired rabbit. Other children are visible in the background.
Two young children sit on a blue patterned floor next to a wooden bookshelf. A girl in a floral fleece jacket points to a yellow paper held by a boy in a blue Champion hoodie. Bookshelf includes titles like The Lion King, Unicorn, and Pete the Cat.
High-angle view of two children sitting in bean bag chairs reading. A girl in a pink shirt looks at a book featuring a large red bird. A boy in a red shirt reads a book titled THE UNIVERSE with an image of a star. Both use yellow, pencil-shaped reading trackers.
An infographic titled Acadience Math: Kindergarten Proficiency comparing two school years. 2024-2025 (Green and Blue - Proficiency): BOY: 66%, MOY: 81%, EOY: 90%. 2025-2026 (Green and Blue - Proficiency): BOY: 52%, MOY: 94%, EOY: (blank). The graphic features a blue background with math symbols.
An infographic titled Acadience Reading: Kindergarten Growth Comparison showing the percentage of students reading on grade level (Blue). 2024-2025: BOY: 41%, MOY: 75%, EOY: 82%. 2025-2026: BOY: 39%, MOY: 81%, EOY: (blank). The data is displayed using horizontal bar charts on a dark teal background.

Check out what’s happening at Haven Bay Elementary. Mrs. Smith’s 6th-grade class has been absolutely crushing it! 🏆They worked hard to follow the classroom procedures last month and earned 75 class points. The class voted to play games in the gym. Some opted to battle it out in dodge ball, others played a fun volleyball passing game. 📈 It’s so inspiring to see these students taking ownership of their success. They are truly living up to the school spirit and SOARing to new heights! Let’s hear it for Mrs. Smith’s class! Keep leading the way, Herons! 🐦🙌

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #StudentSuccess #ClassroomGoals #SOAR #ElementaryExcellence

2 months ago, Haven Bay
A group of middle-school-aged students playing dodgeball in a bright gymnasium with white walls and blue bleachers. A blurred red ball is in mid-air on the left side of the frame. Students are seen in various athletic poses, including a girl in a striped shirt and light-wash ripped jeans ready to move, and another girl in a bright green top. The gym floor has green and blue court markings.
Six young girls standing in a circle on a dark, polished stage or studio floor, surrounded by heavy black curtains. One girl on the left in a dark green hoodie and jeans holds an orange ball. The room is lit by overhead fluorescent strip lights.
Students playing with a purple ball in a multipurpose room or gym. The white walls are decorated with colorful acoustic panels at the top and a large display of student work or papers on the right. A whiteboard in the background contains various diagrams and text, including a header that reads "THE FOOD PYRAMID" with smaller instructional text and food group charts below it. Near a blue poster on a wooden door, several students stand watching the game.
A high-angle shot of students playing a game with colorful balls in a gymnasium. Several boys in black shirts and hats are positioned on the left, one reaching for a blue ball on the floor while a red ball flies through the air nearby. On the right, girls stand near blue bleachers under a large window. The gym features high white walls with green and blue acoustic panels.
🥌 Sliding into the weekend be like... Our 5th and 6th graders had a "cool" Friday they’ll never forget! Haven Bay Elementary was thrilled to host the Utah Curling Club for a hands-on introduction to the world of curling. 🧊 From mastering the "delivery" to learning the importance of a good sweep 🧹, our students showed incredible focus and teamwork. It’s not every day you get to turn the gym into a sheet of ice (metaphorically speaking!) and try out a Winter Olympic sport. They learned that communication is key🔑 when you're guiding a stone, saw firsthand how friction and momentum work, and our Herons weren't afraid to try something outside their comfort zone 👍! A huge THANK YOU to the Utah Curling Club 🥌 for sharing your expertise and passion with our students. Our Herons definitely have the "spirit of curling"!

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #UtahCurling #HandsOnLearning #StudentLife #FutureOlympians
3 months ago, Haven Bay
Two groups of students face each other across a gymnasium floor during a game of floor curling. Several students are crouched down, ready to slide stones toward a target mat in the foreground.
A group of boys walking across a gym floor toward a floor curling target. One boy wears a red Arsenal soccer jersey and another wears a blue BYU shirt. Red and blue curling stones are scattered on the polished floor.
A young boy in an orange t-shirt and black baseball cap mid-air, jumping with excitement on a gymnasium floor. In the background, a line of students watches and cheers. In the foreground, red and blue floor curling stones are positioned on and around a target mat
A wide shot of a school gymnasium where an instructor in a grey shirt is gesturing to a large group of students. The students are sitting in a row along the edge of a stage with blue curtains. Several students have their hands raised. Three floor curling target mats are lined up on the left side of the gym floor.
A close-up perspective of red and blue floor curling stones sliding across a gym floor toward a circular target mat. Students are standing in the background, observing the progress of the game.
🍳 Fueling Our Flight at Haven Bay! What a week, Heron family! We just wrapped up National School Breakfast Week, and it was an absolute blast. We know that a Great Blue Heron can’t soar on an empty stomach, and the same goes for our amazing students. Research shows that a nutritious start to the day leads to better focus, higher energy, and bigger smiles in the classroom. 🌟 Our cafeteria crew went above and beyond with delicious breakfast treats. Seeing our students eat together reminded us why Haven Bay is such a special place to grow! A massive THANK YOU to our hardworking nutrition team for keeping our flock fed and ready to learn every single day. You are the real MVPs!
#HavenBayElementary #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek #HeronPride #FuelToFly
3 months ago, Haven Bay
A young girl with blonde hair smiles while holding a small tan teddy bear with a dark ribbon. She is wearing a dark green hoodie and pink ribbed pants. In the background, two other children stand near a metal counter decorated with a rainbow balloon arch. An American flag and a yellow sign that reads "IF YOU DROP IT, PICK IT UP!" are visible on the white-tiled wall.
A young girl with long blonde hair and a pink sweatshirt stands in a school cafeteria. She is holding a small pink toy. Above her is a vibrant arch of orange, yellow, and green balloons. Behind her is a stainless steel serving station with various small prizes like Rubik's cubes and stickers. A sign on the wall is partially visible with the letters "NSB".
A girl with long brown hair smiles in a cafeteria setting, wearing a pink and blue jacket and wide-leg jeans. She holds two plush toys that look like slices of bread with faces. A large arch of pink, orange, and yellow balloons hangs above the stainless steel kitchen equipment.
A smiling boy wearing a purple hoodie and a pink "Bass Pro Shops" hat holds up a pair of blue socks featuring the "Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes" logo and mascot, Tony the Tiger. He stands in front of a cafeteria serving line decorated with rainbow balloons. A sign to the right reads "NSBW - The Quest for School Breakfast."
A young boy in a bright neon green and brown vest over a black shirt holds a blue toy guitar still in its plastic packaging. He is standing in a kitchen or cafeteria area under a large rainbow balloon display. The background features industrial stainless steel refrigerators and a counter with various small toys.
Two children, a boy in a blue t-shirt and a girl in a bright pink hoodie, stand together in a cafeteria doorway. The boy holds a small orange toy, and the girl holds a packaged blue item. A large rainbow balloon arch spans the ceiling behind them. To the right, a sign reads "NSBW - The Quest for School Breakfast."
What an incredible night at Haven Bay! 🍫📚 Our Great Blue Herons and their families flocked to the school for a "sweet" celebration of reading at our Chocolate Touch: Books and Bites Literacy Night! The energy was electric as our hallways transformed into a chocolate lover’s paradise. From trivia to tasty treats, it was a night to remember. ✨ Our students showed off their "sweet" smarts, competing in trivia challenges that put their chocolate knowledge to the test! Families gathered around for cozy reading sessions, bringing the magic of Reading to life. We had a "Chocolate Cake Walk," "Chocolate Bingo," and even a photo booth to capture all the smiles. The gym was buzzing with students finding their next favorite adventure to take home. No literacy night is complete without snacks! Our students loved the custom cookies and chocolatey surprises throughout the evening.

💙 A Huge Thank You! A massive shout-out to our amazing staff, our wonderful parent volunteers and PTA Board, and all the families who joined us. Events like this remind us why the Haven Bay community is so special. Seeing our Herons dive into books with such excitement is exactly what we love to see!

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #LiteracyNight #TheChocolate Touch #BooksAndBites #ElementaryEducation #ReadingIsSweet
3 months ago, Haven Bay
A classroom scene where families and children are seated at tables participating in a hands-on activity. A teacher in a striped sweater stands near a large screen, holding up a small object for the class to see.
A school lobby decorated with a paper chain and a large brown paper sign that reads "Welcome to the Chocolate Touch." A whiteboard lists activities: "Welcome to Literacy Night," "Chocolate Bingo," "Chocolate Trivia," "Reading with Mrs. Hogge," "Book Fair," and "Chocolate Cake Walk."
A long table in a school hallway filled with individually wrapped treats, including chocolate cookies and cookies with orange frosting. A young girl in a denim jacket reaches for a treat while parents and other children stand nearby.
A busy "Literacy Night" event where children are filling out blue raffle tickets at a table covered in a red star-patterned cloth. Books on the table include "A Crabby Adventure," "Bear Grylls Deep Waters," "Pig in Jeans," and "The Cool Bean."
A family of four, including two young girls, talks with a PTA Board member seated at a desk in front of a large set of wooden indoor bleachers. Mrs. Burrows is gesturing while explaining a station activity.
A classroom with a whiteboard that says "Chocolate Trivia" in colorful letters. A teacher stands at the front while students raise their hands to answer a multiple-choice question on a screen: "Which ingredient makes milk chocolate creamy? A. Sugar, B. Milk, C. Eggs, D. Water."
A crowded school hallway filled with parents and children walking during a literacy event. The walls are lined with student work and colorful displays. A boy in a white "Prospects 22" basketball jersey walks through the center of the frame.
Parents and children walking through a brightly lit school corridor. A woman in the foreground carries a colorful book and a smartphone, while a young girl in a checkered sleeve shirt holds a blue ticket to her face.
A school staff member uses a smartphone to take a photo of a family of four posing in front of a colorful brick-patterned backdrop decorated with paper chains. The children are holding up photo booth props on sticks.
Mrs. Hogge sits on a table in a school common area, reading a book aloud to a group of children and parents seated on a green carpet. A banner in the background reads "Shine Bright," and the wall features a display of colorful paper crafts.
Literacy Night is Almost Here!
📚 Something "Write" is Happening at Haven Bay! 🖊️ Get ready to soar, Heron families! Our hallways are getting a major glow-up this week, and you won’t want to miss the excitement. Our amazing students have been channeling their inner authors to share what it really means to be a Haven Bay Heron. From heartfelt stories to bold opinions, the talent on display is absolutely inspiring! But that’s not all—we’ve packed the night with fun for the whole family. Walk the halls and read the "Heron Opinions" our students have worked so hard on! Head to the lower level pods for literacy-themed games and activities all night long. Looking for your next favorite read? The Book Fair will be open for business during the entire event! Come for the writing, stay for the games, and leave with a new book! Let’s celebrate our young scholars and show that Heron pride. 💙🦉

"To be a Heron is to be kind, curious, and always ready to fly high!" — One of our talented student writers.

🗓️ Event Details:
What: Haven Bay Literacy Night
When: This Wednesday, March 4th
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Haven Bay Elementary

#HavenBayElementary #HeronPride #LiteracyNight #BookFair #FutureAuthors #SchoolSpirit
3 months ago, Haven Bay
A student in a black t-shirt sits at a desk, typing on a Dell Chromebook laptop. The screen shows a Google Doc titled "What it means to be a Haven Bay Heron." Other students in the background are also working on laptops, and a purple checkered water bottle sits on the desk nearby. A large digital whiteboard is visible at the front of the room showing a lesson.
A long, brightly lit school hallway with white tiled walls and light-colored flooring. Dozens of student writing assignments and drawings are mounted on colorful construction paper (green, blue, and brown) and displayed in a neat row along the wall. One visible essay titled "Being a Haven Bay Heron" says: "To me, being a Heron means to be helpful. I help my friends make good choices." An "EXIT" sign is visible hanging from the ceiling in the distance.
our elementary students sit at a cluster of gray desks in a classroom, focused on writing their essays with pencils. One student wears a grey sweatshirt with a blue heron logo that says "Haven Bay Elementary." The classroom wall in the background is decorated with a map of the United States, colorful circular dots, and a "Check In" chart.
A classroom scene showing several children sitting at white desks, diligently working on their writing projects. In the foreground, a student in a colorful "The Nightmare Before Christmas" patterned hoodie writes on a worksheet. Another student’s paper is visible with the handwritten text: "To be a Heron you have to work and show kindness. We are herons..." There are crayons, erasers, and a "Montana" water bottle on the desks.
An over-the-shoulder view of a student with blonde hair working on a Dell laptop in a classroom. Next to the laptop is a handwritten graphic organizer titled "Being a Haven Bay Heron" with sections for "Opinion," "Reason 1," "Reason 2," and "Closing." The closing section says: "We help ourselves to be better." Other students and a "143-CART-B204" charging station are visible in the background.
Two young boys sit at a curved gray table, smiling at the camera. One boy wears a black hat with a white logo, and the other wears a brown "National Finals Rodeo" hat and glasses. On the table are their worksheets; one is an "Opinion" organizer titled "Being a Haven Bay Heron" where the student wrote, "I am paying attention." The other student has a colorful drawing of a building with the text: "I am a Haven Bay Heron... I am a Heron."
A young boy wearing a green baseball cap and a yellow "Hurley MFG. CO." t-shirt smiles broadly while holding two versions of his essay titled "Being a Heron." One is a rough draft with handwritten edits, and the other is a final printed copy. The text reads: "There are many ways to be like Herons... In my opinion, a Haven Bay Heron is a leader, inspires people to have empathy, and they have courage to do what's right." At the bottom, a prompt asks: "What does it mean to be a Haven Bay Heron?"
Five smiling elementary school students stand together against a wall with a nature-themed mural, proudly holding up their handwritten essays titled "What does it mean to be a Haven Bay Heron?" Each paper features a colorful illustration of a heron in a marsh at the bottom. The essays include phrases like "Herons Together," "Herons are the best," and "I show growth by reaching and trying my hardest."
🏗️ Engineering Excellence at Haven Bay! 🏗️
Our Great Blue Herons have been reaching new heights—and lengths—this week! Our brilliant fifth-grade students faced off in the STEM Olympiad tryouts, tackling the ultimate structural challenge: the Longest Freestanding Paper Cantilever. The goal was to build the longest paper structure that sticks out from a table and stays up entirely on its own. Working in teams of three, our Herons had a tight 15-minute window to design and build. 📏It wasn’t just about length; it was about precision engineering! To qualify, every team had to follow strict rules. Each team used only 10 sheets of copy paper and 20 inches of masking tape; no masking tape was allowed to touch the table surfaces; and the structure had to stay on the table using only its own weight—no attaching it to the floor or walls. All parts of the structure on the table had to remain between the table edge and a blue tape line set 12 inches back.

⚖️ Once "hands off" was called, the pressure was on! A judge set a 30-second timer. To qualify for measurement, the cantilever had to remain perfectly stable—no collapsing, no touching the floor, and no visible downward movement. It's inspiring to see our 5th graders collaborating and problem-solving under pressure. From reinforced paper tubes to clever counterweights, their innovation was off the charts! 💙 Who will hold the record for the longest stable cantilever at Haven Bay? Stay tuned for the final results!

#HavenBayElementary #GreatBlueHerons #STEMOlympiad #FutureEngineers #FifthGradePhysics #STEMChallenge
3 months ago, Haven Bay
Three students, two girls and a boy in a black baseball cap, stand around a light gray table working on a paper engineering project. A white "Judge Score Sheet" with a table of criteria sits in the foreground. They are using strips of white paper and tape to build a structure. The girl in the middle wears a black hoodie that reads, "I'M COLD. I'm Always Cold... ME 7/24."
Three students are huddled over a small desk, collaborating on a paper craft. One student wears a purple tie-dye shirt, another a pale yellow tracksuit, and the third a bright turquoise hoodie. Blue scissors and scraps of white paper are on the desk. In the background, a glass wall is decorated with red, pink, and yellow paper hearts and "handprint" art.
Three boys work on a STEM project involving a small paper bridge structure. One boy in a white Jordan t-shirt and grey baseball cap looks down at the structure. Another boy in a red t-shirt holds a piece of paper. The background wall is covered in student drawings of ecosystems, including volcanoes and waterfalls, under the heading "Interactions with Earth's Systems."
A boy in a bright green and black jacket with an "Ariat" hat sits at a table, looking surprised with his mouth open while working with paper. Two other students are partially visible on either side, helping fold and organize paper strips. A "Judge Score Sheet" lies on the table in front of them.
Three boys work at a table in a room featuring a large mural of a night sky with a crescent moon and tall grass. One boy in a black jacket leans on the table, looking toward the camera, while another in a blue t-shirt stands nearby. A long, thin strip of white paper hangs off the edge of the table next to a pair of blue scissors.
Three girls are focused on building a white paper arch structure on a long table near a window. One girl wears a pink hoodie and a white baseball cap, another is in a black t-shirt, and the third wears a black hoodie with a "Lightning McQueen" graphic and the words "Shining Queen." A "Judge Score Sheet" is prominently displayed on the table.
A boy in an "American Chevrolet" t-shirt and glasses leans over a table, carefully assembling a long, pointed paper structure. Other students are visible in the background of the open hallway. The structure is being built over a blue line of tape on the table surface. A boy in a black "Bucket Squad" hoodie stands in the foreground.
Three girls sit or stand around a table in a bright hallway with floor-to-ceiling windows. They are collaborating on a tall, thin paper tower. One girl wears a camouflage hoodie, and another wears a dark blue sweater with a teddy bear graphic. Strips of paper and a pair of blue scissors are scattered on the table.
Three students work on a paper structure that resembles a small table or goalpost. A boy in a light blue hoodie leans in to observe the build. On the table, a "Judge Score Sheet" is visible with sections titled "MATERIALS & BUILD CHECK," "STABILITY CHECK," and "MEASUREMENT." In the background, a glass door is decorated with colorful paper hearts.