Fourth graders use Ozobots to map Mr. Popper’s Penguins; Coweta schools honor All‑State musicians and thespians

Glanton Elementary fourth graders demonstrated how they combined literature study with coding to model the plot of Mr. Popper’s Penguins using Ozobots at the Coweta County Board of Education meeting on March 10.

Dr. Nina Wimbley, principal of Glanton Elementary School, introduced the gifted-and-advanced students and teacher Amanda Scogan, who said the unit asked students to analyze narrative techniques and then represent plot events through robot movement, speed and color changes. Amanda Scogan described the classroom goal as deepening comprehension and strengthening problem solving, sequencing and critical thinking skills.

Student Penelopey McCertie told the board the class “didn’t just read Mr. Popper’s Penguins. We engineered it” and demonstrated how the robots’ movements symbolized events such as the story’s climax and solutions. Other students explained the work required sequencing, coding and revising their programs to better match characters’ emotions and plot development.

The board also recognized All‑State band, chorus and theater participants from several schools. Kelsey Armstrong and Robin White described the rigorous audition process for All‑State chorus and congratulated students from Bass, Arnold, Madress, East Kawita and Northgate schools who advanced. Theater director Scottic noted that the Georgia Thespian Honor Troops were recognized statewide and introduced students selected for All‑State Theater; directors invited the public to attend upcoming school productions.

Board members praised the students and directors and invited parents to photograph students on the floor after recognitions. The recognitions preceded routine board business and vote items that followed.

What’s next: Many recognized students will participate in regional and state events this spring; several school productions have public performance dates on district calendars.