By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
Recently sixth graders from Millbrook Middle School had an assembly in the lunchroom to learn more about the weather with popular Alabama meteorologist James Spann.
He was able to interact and talk to the children about the amazing wonders of the weather.
Alicia Whitlock, 6th grade science teacher, organized this event and secured the special guest speaker last summer. This is Spann’s first time coming to Millbrook Middle School. Whitlock was able to order specially made cookies over the summer, that reflected James Spann. Cookies were created by “Made by Molly LLC.”
“I moved to 6th grade this year and weather and climate is part of our content,” said Alicia Whitlock.
Whitlock continued, “What better way to introduce the curriculum than to have a real life meteorologist? James Spann books really fast and I was blessed to book him this past summer. The kids learn best when they can relate to real life situations. James Spann was able to bring actual footage and firsthand knowledge to our students. You cannot ask for better than that. It was a great way for 6th graders to kick off their AMSTI unit – Understanding Weather and Climate,” said Whitlock.
James Spann has been a Meteorologist for 45 years. He has had a passion for weather since he was a child.
Spann was born in Greenville, Alabama. As a child, he was fascinated by the summer storms. Other children would want to go inside when it stormed, but he loved just watching it. “I think I was born with this intrinsic desire to learn about the weather,” said Spann.
Spann continued, “Nobody in my family wanted to learn about the weather. I think it’s something that God gave me when I was born. It’s been a ride of a lifetime, I’m living the dream,” said Spann.
At the end of the assembly, Whitlock announced the weather poster contest winners.
1st Place- Serra Harris
2nd Place- Solomon Raife II
3rd Place- Asante Canty
Honorable Mention- Lily Solomon
“Our 6th graders were intrigued by Mr. Spann and his knowledge of weather,” said Sean Kreauter, Principal for Millbrook Middle School.
“I’m so glad they were introduced to their weather unit by such a well-known meteorologist. Thank you to Mrs. Whitlock for orchestrating this event and to the students for being the best of the best. Mr. Spann said our 6th graders were some of the most respectful he has visited,” said Kreauter.
“James Spann has a great personality and really brings the world of meteorology to life,” said Richard Dennis, Superintendent of Elmore County Public Schools.
“He did an incredible job with the six grade students at Millbrook Middle, and made it very interesting and exciting,” said Dennis.
For more upcoming events and information about Millbrook Middle School, please visit their Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/mustangpridecatchit
