(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) -  Momentum has had a very full second semester thus far, starting in February when Momentum hosted Math Matters, a math competition for fifth graders. More than 50 fifth graders from many elementary schools participated in this exciting event, with Christopher Toth from Sundance Elementary winning 1st place and a new laptop computer! Second and third places won a Pocket PC and an MP3 player, respectively. On the same day, Momentum sent their math team to an all-day math competition, Math Counts, held at UCSD. The team was inspired and challenged, and had a great day.

In March, over Spring Break, three of our seventh graders in the International Club were able to broaden their horizons with an overseas trip to Europe. Their 10-day journey included stops in Germany, Holland and Turkey. This life-changing trip will enabled them to appreciate other cultures and thus be better citizens of our global community. The day after Spring Break our sixth graders left for a week of Sixth Grade Camp, at Camp Fox in the Palomar Mountains. The reports back are that a great time was had by all! And not to be outdone, the eighth graders also left the day after break for their trip to Washington D.C. They had been planning and fundraising for this trip all year, and it certainly lived up to their expectations. The whirlwind trip was both fun and educational, providing many memories for these students who are about to become Momentum's first graduating class.

Momentum is always looking for ways to be involved in and help our community: therefore, we are pleased to announce that we recently received the Silver Spoon Award from the San Diego Food Bank 2007 Holiday Food Drive. Our students collected 342 lbs. of food to help the needy! We also participated in "Pasta for Pennies", an Olive Garden fundraiser that benefited the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; students donated their change (or more) to the cause and at the end of three weeks, the top fundraising class at school received an Olive Garden pasta party in their classroom for lunch. Also, to help promote a greener earth, the school has started a new recycling program.

inally, Momentum will be having its 2nd Annual Silent Auction on Friday, May 9. We are working hard to make this an enjoyable night for all - students, their families, and everyone in the community is invited. Food will be available for purchase, and students are creating a Variety Show. The theme is Hollywood Nights… we hope to see you there!