This past week we wrapped up our Medieval studies unit with a celebration feast in the lunchroom. As the students and their guests ate the roasted chicken, yogurt, fruit, and bread, I thought back to my favorite memories from the unit. Memories like the addition of clay "critters" and people to the castle--something never included in prior years--which made this year's castle unique to this class. In addition to the "critters", this year's character development showed extra effort, with details only this class had thought to include. I remembered a new respect for the people of feudal Europe as we learned more about the things they faced in their daily lives.
Yes, there were objectives met, and learning goals stated and accomplished, but there was also a chance for imaginations and creativity to shine. What fun!
Next time: Okay 8th graders, here comes the end-of-the-year!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Term Projects and Helping Hands
" Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom."
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom."
--Isaiah 40:28-31
Many of the students may be feeling weary right now. Term project rough drafts were due today, our "Helping Hands" fundraiser kickoff is tonight, and the 'flu is being (generously?) shared around the school. One thing we can count on though, in the midst of our "storms", is that God is still in control and He does not grow tired or weary. As our memory verse tells us, He is always on the job!
I want to send a heartfelt "thank you" to all of you have been praying for my son as he recovers from his battle with cancer. We believe he is now cancer-free (praise God!). He has hit some bumps in the road to healing, but is persevering.
As I mentioned earlier, the middle school students are working hard to complete their term projects. This year the students are doing persuasive papers on a topic of their choice. Final drafts are due this Friday, and we will use Friday and Monday for presentation practice. Next Tuesday, February 19th, they will be presenting their information to the student body.
For the visual portion of their presentations students may use PowerPoint, a presentation board, or if they would like to try something new they can check out Prezi. Prezi is a new and different presentation program available on the web. It looks fun and different--try it out!
Parents, please encourage your students to practice their presentations at home. Students, remember...
NO READING OF YOUR REPORT FOR YOUR PRESENTATION!
(Note cards or outlines are ok during your presentation.)
Parents and/or supportive guests are welcome to join us for the presentations. Please call ahead to let the office know to expect you.
Tonight is the kickoff potluck for the Helping Hands fundraiser (6 pm). Helping Hands enables us to go into the community for a day of service. Our wonderful donors sponsor that day of service in response to letters and phone calls from the students, staff, families, and school board. In the past we have had to give a commission (of sorts) to the organization who helped us with the idea for Helping Hands. This is the first year we will no longer be obligated pay that commission. All the donations received as a result of the letters and phone calls will go directly to help further the education of our wonderful students, so please be sure to do your part to help support this amazing fundraiser. See you tonight!
Coming soon...
Medieval era study
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Prepping for the Unknown?
"Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, 'Because I bore him in pain.' And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.' So God granted him what he requested" (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).
In staff devotions this morning, Mrs. Chandler shared from the prayer of Jabez. As we listened to the section about enlarging our territory, we were reminded that with that request comes a lot of scary unknowns. This is especially applicable to this week, since we are going to the desert--an unknown for many of us, for Outdoor School.
There have been nerves and uncertainty galore this week from the students (and even some of the staff!) as the time of departure grows nearer. Many of the students are "too old" or "too cool" to talk about their concerns, so we see them come out through behavior issues. I see these things and think, "Lord, is this how we seem to you? You see us going through things, you know the answers and how things should be handled, but we don't come to you to ask for those answers."
So, we (staff members and students) pray and discuss logistical issues and their solutions. Not everything has an answer right now. Some things will have to be resolved when we arrive at the campsite (tent placement, water & bathroom stations, etc.). For some things, students (and staff) will just have to be flexible for now.
What a good lesson for us in our personal lives. There are some things in our lives that cannot be prepped for; things like cancer, financial issues, or family struggles. We do, however, know the One who has the answers. We need to trust Him for those answers, given to us when the timing is right, even when we don't like the answers.
--Mrs. Roach
I thank you, O Lord my God, for the gift of Outdoor School and each of the students, parents, staff members, and volunteers. I pray for safety, for strong bonds of friendship to be built, for your word to be living and active among us, and for you to be glorified in all that happens over this week. We love you. Amen.
In staff devotions this morning, Mrs. Chandler shared from the prayer of Jabez. As we listened to the section about enlarging our territory, we were reminded that with that request comes a lot of scary unknowns. This is especially applicable to this week, since we are going to the desert--an unknown for many of us, for Outdoor School.
There have been nerves and uncertainty galore this week from the students (and even some of the staff!) as the time of departure grows nearer. Many of the students are "too old" or "too cool" to talk about their concerns, so we see them come out through behavior issues. I see these things and think, "Lord, is this how we seem to you? You see us going through things, you know the answers and how things should be handled, but we don't come to you to ask for those answers."
So, we (staff members and students) pray and discuss logistical issues and their solutions. Not everything has an answer right now. Some things will have to be resolved when we arrive at the campsite (tent placement, water & bathroom stations, etc.). For some things, students (and staff) will just have to be flexible for now.
What a good lesson for us in our personal lives. There are some things in our lives that cannot be prepped for; things like cancer, financial issues, or family struggles. We do, however, know the One who has the answers. We need to trust Him for those answers, given to us when the timing is right, even when we don't like the answers.
--Mrs. Roach
I thank you, O Lord my God, for the gift of Outdoor School and each of the students, parents, staff members, and volunteers. I pray for safety, for strong bonds of friendship to be built, for your word to be living and active among us, and for you to be glorified in all that happens over this week. We love you. Amen.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Reflections on the past week, announcing upcoming events...
Well, we sailed through the first couple of weeks here in the middle school, and with that in mind, I'd like to share a few of my favorite images of that time...
Images of....students welcoming and accepting new students, showing them around, sharing ideas about what works best with locker combinations and lunches, and insisting they sit with them. Getting acquainted with students at their homes or favorite spots before school started, school staff sharing devotions and prayer needs with one another again. An encouraging parent/staff potluck, the amazing "get acquainted with LCMHS" assembly... worship together...(sigh)..Good Stuff!
Student thoughts about the first weeks of school:
"My first couple weeks of school for me was just like an ordinary beginning of the school year. Classes are not easy but not hard. It's hard getting used to the new schedule for everyone though." -A
"I feel that I have had too much homework. It's been kind of stressful. It's been very hard. It's getting used to the schedule at first, but as you go it gets easier. I'm glad I have the best classmates ever." -J
"There is too much homework. We haven't had enough hands-on stuff. The clay was fun."
-K
"The first two weeks of school have been amazing. Getting new classes and meeting new people has been great! I love getting to meet new friends and to see the friends I haven't seen all summer. I had missed talking to everyone and seeing them. The new electives are so much fun. Choir and drawing/painting are both teaching me to be creative. I can't wait to see what the rest of the school year will be like!" -J
"My thoughts on school so far is that it's good to be back in a school where theres people that are your friends. It's great to be in a place that we can pray any time you want and not get in trouble. It's great to go to school where you can be yourself." -S
On another note:
In English class we are studying folklore. Students have learned the key elements of a legend, a myth, a fable, and a folktale. They are creating their own stories now, focusing on each of the story types. When completed, we will be binding the stories and reading them to younger students. I am currently reaching out to local schools to find the best place for that project. If you have ideas, please feel free to contact me.
School pictures will be taken Monday, the 24th. Even if you choose not to purchase pictures, your student will still have his/her photo taken. Those photos are used for student body cards, student files, and the yearbook. Please come prepared. The flyers for picture orders are available in the office.
Outdoor School!
LCMHS is heading to the desert this year for outdoor school. Classes in the HS and MS will be focused on introducing the students to the geography, history, and geology of the area. Students will be selecting a service team to be a part of, based on their gifts and abilities. They will experience things like cave explorations, dutch oven cooking, astronomy, and camping out with very few of the "conveniences" they are used to (...but yes, there are portable toilets, and there will be opportunities to wash up).
Packing lists are going home today, including a few items to bring on Monday. Tents--with tent poles and rain flys, sleeping bags, and class-assigned snacks (see the list) are the three items to be brought on Monday. The outdoor school staff will be checking to be sure we have enough of those items for all the students and volunteers before we go. The class-assigned snack for the mid-school to bring is cheese sticks. We are asking families to provide one large package (about 20-24) cheese sticks each. The snacks will then be pooled and shared among all outdoor school participants.
Please DO NOT bring: caffeinated drinks of ANY kind, or candy. There will be coffee available in the mornings, but caffeinated drinks--including caffeinated sodas--will not be allowed.
Medications--If your child will need to have medications during outdoor school, please contact the office to take care of those arrangements before Tuesday.
Outdoor school is a mandatory event, included as part of your student's "seat hours", and a wonderful opportunity to learn in a different environment. Please help us set a positive climate by being excited and encouraging about this opportunity.
This week's memory verse and Bible books (due Friday 9/21) are:
1 John 1:8-10 and the first 14 books of the Old Testament.
Images of....students welcoming and accepting new students, showing them around, sharing ideas about what works best with locker combinations and lunches, and insisting they sit with them. Getting acquainted with students at their homes or favorite spots before school started, school staff sharing devotions and prayer needs with one another again. An encouraging parent/staff potluck, the amazing "get acquainted with LCMHS" assembly... worship together...(sigh)..Good Stuff!
Student thoughts about the first weeks of school:
"My first couple weeks of school for me was just like an ordinary beginning of the school year. Classes are not easy but not hard. It's hard getting used to the new schedule for everyone though." -A
"I feel that I have had too much homework. It's been kind of stressful. It's been very hard. It's getting used to the schedule at first, but as you go it gets easier. I'm glad I have the best classmates ever." -J
"There is too much homework. We haven't had enough hands-on stuff. The clay was fun."
-K
"The first two weeks of school have been amazing. Getting new classes and meeting new people has been great! I love getting to meet new friends and to see the friends I haven't seen all summer. I had missed talking to everyone and seeing them. The new electives are so much fun. Choir and drawing/painting are both teaching me to be creative. I can't wait to see what the rest of the school year will be like!" -J
"My thoughts on school so far is that it's good to be back in a school where theres people that are your friends. It's great to be in a place that we can pray any time you want and not get in trouble. It's great to go to school where you can be yourself." -S
On another note:
In English class we are studying folklore. Students have learned the key elements of a legend, a myth, a fable, and a folktale. They are creating their own stories now, focusing on each of the story types. When completed, we will be binding the stories and reading them to younger students. I am currently reaching out to local schools to find the best place for that project. If you have ideas, please feel free to contact me.
Coming next week...
Picture Day is MondaySchool pictures will be taken Monday, the 24th. Even if you choose not to purchase pictures, your student will still have his/her photo taken. Those photos are used for student body cards, student files, and the yearbook. Please come prepared. The flyers for picture orders are available in the office.
Outdoor School!
LCMHS is heading to the desert this year for outdoor school. Classes in the HS and MS will be focused on introducing the students to the geography, history, and geology of the area. Students will be selecting a service team to be a part of, based on their gifts and abilities. They will experience things like cave explorations, dutch oven cooking, astronomy, and camping out with very few of the "conveniences" they are used to (...but yes, there are portable toilets, and there will be opportunities to wash up).
Packing lists are going home today, including a few items to bring on Monday. Tents--with tent poles and rain flys, sleeping bags, and class-assigned snacks (see the list) are the three items to be brought on Monday. The outdoor school staff will be checking to be sure we have enough of those items for all the students and volunteers before we go. The class-assigned snack for the mid-school to bring is cheese sticks. We are asking families to provide one large package (about 20-24) cheese sticks each. The snacks will then be pooled and shared among all outdoor school participants.
Please DO NOT bring: caffeinated drinks of ANY kind, or candy. There will be coffee available in the mornings, but caffeinated drinks--including caffeinated sodas--will not be allowed.
Medications--If your child will need to have medications during outdoor school, please contact the office to take care of those arrangements before Tuesday.
Outdoor school is a mandatory event, included as part of your student's "seat hours", and a wonderful opportunity to learn in a different environment. Please help us set a positive climate by being excited and encouraging about this opportunity.
This week's memory verse and Bible books (due Friday 9/21) are:
1 John 1:8-10 and the first 14 books of the Old Testament.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
First Week of School--SO EXCITED!
Well, here we are! Just four days until the first day of school! What are you doing with those last four days? You may be surprised to know teachers go through the same sorts of preparation things their students do: checking closets to see if anything from last year can still be used, buying new clothes and supplies, organizing things at home to help the year be the best it can be!
This first day of school is Wednesday. The students' year will begin with time spent getting reacquainted with each other, the teachers and staff, and the rules and expectations. Please don't overlook the Student Handbook and MS Parent Manual! The more familiar you are with those two small books, the more successful your year may be. Be sure you contact the school if you have any questions about anything contained in those booklets.
The school will be open for Orientation Day on Tuesday from 9 to 12. This is not a required time for students who have their schedules, lockers, and locks. It's an opportunity for students and staff to reconnect, pick up locks and put supplies in their lockers, and do some fun activities or set up some areas of the classrooms. This could also be a great time for parents to get their questions answered in a low-stress, informal environment.
Upcoming events: Please be sure you have the Parent Meeting (September 11th) on your calendar. Teachers will be available to answer questions beginning at 6:00. The potluck begins at 6:30, with the actual meeting time beginning shortly thereafter. Volunteer opportunities, outdoor school, and upcoming events will be discussed, so please be sure someone from your family attends.
This first day of school is Wednesday. The students' year will begin with time spent getting reacquainted with each other, the teachers and staff, and the rules and expectations. Please don't overlook the Student Handbook and MS Parent Manual! The more familiar you are with those two small books, the more successful your year may be. Be sure you contact the school if you have any questions about anything contained in those booklets.
The school will be open for Orientation Day on Tuesday from 9 to 12. This is not a required time for students who have their schedules, lockers, and locks. It's an opportunity for students and staff to reconnect, pick up locks and put supplies in their lockers, and do some fun activities or set up some areas of the classrooms. This could also be a great time for parents to get their questions answered in a low-stress, informal environment.
Upcoming events: Please be sure you have the Parent Meeting (September 11th) on your calendar. Teachers will be available to answer questions beginning at 6:00. The potluck begins at 6:30, with the actual meeting time beginning shortly thereafter. Volunteer opportunities, outdoor school, and upcoming events will be discussed, so please be sure someone from your family attends.
This year's LCMS Theme is, "Reflecting God"
We are created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27), but our behavior doesn't always reflect that. The question, then, is this:
What are the attributes of God, and are we reflecting those attributes in our own lives?
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