December 13 Update

Choir Concert

Due to the snow day today, Rockford Christian students are not required to attend the choir concert this evening. Assuming that it is not cancelled later today due to weather, they are welcome to attend and will participate as originally planned with students from GRCMS.

Camp Roger

The 7th grade students are headed to Camp Roger this Wednesday afternoon. Please help your child be properly prepared for the weather. They should wear layers, have warm coats, hats, gloves/mitten, and boots. Snow pants would not be a bad idea. Camp Roger is a wonderful opportunity for students to spend time outdoors and connect with things happening in our classrooms. However, not being properly prepared for the weather can get in the way of making the most of the time. I will be reminding the students about this on Tuesday. Thank you for helping reinforce it at home. Miss Dahm will be going with the 7th grade students; I usually am with the 6th grade students at Camp Roger on Wednesday afternoons.

Friday

Please feel very welcome to join us for Family Time on Friday morning from 8:30-9:15. Among other things, the 7th and 8th grade students will be singing songs they had prepared for the Middle School Choir Concert this evening. The students will eat lunch at noon on Friday (regular hot lunch will be served) and then we will head to Pando for tubing. (Please be sure to send $5 to school with your child tomorrow if you have not already done so.) This will be another time where it is imperative that students are dressed appropriately for the weather. We will be outside for close to 2 hours. This activity is a fun middle school tradition. We're looking forward to tubing at Pando followed by a Christmas party back at school. Thanks so much for sending in treats for our party. It is going to be a great day!

Language Arts Update

(1) The reading log homework assignment for language arts is still happening. As we've gotten closer to Christmas break, some students have been less consistent with remembering to turn it in. If you are unsure if your child has been handing it in, please check NetClassroom. The reading log assignment grades are entered each week. I ask students to complete this assignment because I believe (and research supports) that when students spend time reading material that they have chosen and is at the appropriate level for them, it helps students to develop reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. These are skills that transfer into other subject areas and grades.

(2) There will be no journal assignment this week.

(3) Memoirs need to handed in tomorrow. I would love to have these handed back to students before Christmas break, but don't think that is necessarily a realistic possibility. I'm also in the middle of grading 29 essays that the 6th grade students handed in. I like to be do a thorough job reading each paper and giving feedback. I suspect they will be returned the first day after Christmas break. The students have been doing a great job working hard on this assignment and I am looking forward to reading their papers!

(4) In the few days before break, we will be looking at literary elements of the Christmas story and doing some different writing activities related to it.

Miscellaneous

*Charged Netbooks is still a problem for the 7th grade students. If students bring their Netbooks home, they need to bring them back to school the following morning fully charged. If students leave their Netbooks at school, they need to leave them in the locked charging cart overnight.

*7th grade Secret Santa is happening this week. Students were encouraged to not spend more than $2 total. Students will reveal who they had on Friday at our Christmas party.

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2: 9-11

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

December 6 Update

December 13 Choir Concert
The 7th and 8th grade students have a practice for their choir concert on Monday, December 13th. The practice will take place in the morning on December 13 at Grand Rapids Christian High. The students will arrive at RCS and take a bus to GRCHS. I teach 6th grade math on Monday mornings, so I will not be attending the rehearsal with the students. Mrs. Oren and Miss Dahm will go with the 7th and 8th grade students for the practice. They will arrive back by lunch time. If you live close to GRCHS and it would make more sense for you to drop your child off at GRCHS at 9:00 a.m. please email me and Mrs. VanDyke (jovandyke@grcs.org) to let us know what you will be planning on. If students meet the group there, they should report to the CAW and find Mrs. VanDyke. The concert starts at 7:30 on Monday evening. Students should arrive by 7:10.

NetBook Computers
Lately, many students have had problems remembering to bring their NetBooks to class with them. Other students have not done a good job remembering to charge their NetBooks each night at home. This can be problematic in class as we try to use them well for planned instruction. Please do what you can to help your child remember to bring his or her NetBook to school each day and to charge it each night at home. Quite a bit of money has been spent to make the NetBooks available to students. Part of good stewardship with the NetBooks includes bringing the computers to school each day fully charged.

Miscellaneous
*If you have not already done so, please send $5 to school with your child to help cover the cost of going to Pando on Friday, December 17.
*Live Nativity is this Thursday. Thanks for helping your child arrive on time for his or her scheduled time.
*Rough drafts for the students' memoirs in language arts are due on Thursday, December 9th. Final copies are due next Monday.
*There will be no regular Family Time on Monday, December 13th. Instead, we will have a special Christmas Family Time on Friday, December 17th from 8:30-9:15. Please feel welcome to join us.
*7th grade students will be going to Camp Roger next Wednesday in the afternoon. There will be no hot lunch that day. Students should plan ahead and dress appropriately. It may be cold; layers are a good idea.
*Mr. Dave has updated his blog. Please feel free to check it out http://mrdavescorner.blogspot.com

November 29 Update

Service-Learning Reflections
Thanks for your prayer support last Tuesday as we served places in the local community. We had a wonderful day serving, learning, and praying. The students wrote a reflection at the end of the day sharing thoughts about experiences they had. I was moved, encouraged, and challenged by things they shared in their written reflections. Here are just a few:
"I think God taught me a lot of things while helping those people, but the main thing God was trying to tell me was to be thankful for what God has blessed you with; whether it's food, clothing, shelter, or family, thank God for all the things you have."
"I noticed how sad the homeless people looked, and that really opened my eyes to what I live next door to, but don't notice. I think God was trying to get me to realize that I am lucky to have a home, family, and food everyday."
"I think what God taught me through this experience is that the people who we were serving are just like us and we don't have something that they don't. I also think God was trying to tell me that you can have very little and still trust, love, and obey Him."
"I also saw some people come in and get food. I realized how blessed I am to have food whenever I want. I saw the faces of the people that were eating and they were happy, and I thought how can they be so happy and joyful, when sometimes I don't get what I want and I am not happy. I think God really spoke through me and to me today. I never realized what these people go through."

Language Arts Update
Over the past few weeks in language arts, we have been talking about effective elements that writers use. We focused on the use of an effective beginning, foreshadowing, flashback, word choice, and imagery. The students now get to practice using these elements as they write a memoir. They will be receiving all of the assignment specifics and rubric in class tomorrow. Rough drafts are due on Thursday, December 9th. Students will peer edit in class that day. Final papers are due on Monday, December 13. This assignment will be worth a major portion of the students' second quarter grades; I am expecting thoughtful, reflective, well-worded papers that show evidence of the ability to apply things we have been discussing in class. The students will be given some time to work on their papers in class. The rest will have to be completed outside of school.

Pando Christmas Party
It is tradition for the middle school students to go tubing at Pando on the last day of school before Christmas break. We will leave for Pando around 12:30 on Friday, December 17th. We'll return to school towards the end of the day and have a small party in the classroom. We are asking each student to bring in $5 to help cover the cost of tubing at Pando. Please have your child bring this to school by Monday, December 13th. If this is not possible for your family, let me know and I will be able to pursue finding another way to cover the cost for your child.

Miscellaneous
*If your child is participating in Live Nativity, he or she should have brought home a paper containing the time that each person should arrive. Please email me if you do not know what time your child needs to be here next Thursday (December 9).
*Geo Bee: The Geo Bee will take place in the Worship Center this Friday starting a 2:20. Feel free to join us.
*Christmas Family Time: We will not have normal family time on Monday, December 13th. Instead, we will meet as a school on Friday, December 17th in the Worship Center from 8:35-9:15 for a special Christmas family time. Parents are welcome to attend.
*Mark your calendars for the 7th and 8th grade choir concert at the CAW on Monday, December 13th. The concert starts at 7:30. Students should plan to arrive no later than 7:10.

November 22 Update

Live Nativity
Hopefully you have marked your calendars for the Live Nativity on Thursday, December 9. The students will be bringing home a list today with their scheduled times on it. Please make sure that this time works for your family. Email me ASAP if your child will not be able to be there at his or her scheduled time. The Live Nativity is always such a special time as we think about and prepare for celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Tuesday (Tomorrow)
We will be gone in the morning at 4 different locations in the community. The students were given information today about the specific tasks they will be completing. We will spend some time in the afternoon reflecting about the service in the morning, praying for local and global issues, and having a special worship time together. Thank you for continuing to pray that God's presence would be very evident in our time tomorrow.

Conferences
I enjoyed meeting with many of you last Thursday for conferences. Tonight there will be conferences again from 4-8 p.m. Middle school conferences are set up "cafeteria style" in the Worship Center. You are welcome to meet with all the 7th grade teachers.
In case you need a reminder, the 7th grade teachers are:
Julie Barrett (language arts)
Andrea Dahm (science)
Sara Oren (history)
Joan VanDyke (algebra)
Don VerMerris (Bible)
Jan Wilkins (pre-algebra)
If you are unable to attend conferences, but would like to speak with me about your child, please let me know.

Miscellaneous
*No School: November 24-26 (Thanksgiving Break)
*Students should be continuing work on their research papers for science class. We will look at the papers in language arts next Thursday to peer edit for content, word choice, grammar, and other elements of effective writing. This is not the kind of project that students can leave until the last minute.
*Wednesday, December 15 is the next Camp Roger day for 7th grade students.
*Mr. Dave updated his blog. If you would like to visit his blog, the address is: http://mrdavescorner.blogspot.com

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

November 15 Update

Annie

This Wednesday afternoon we will be going to GRCHS to watch the 1st act of the "Annie" put on by GRCHS students. This is a great opportunity for RCS students to see a high-quality performance put on by high school students. The performance will end at 2:00 and we'll head back up to RCS for the last hour of the day.

Miscellaneous

*Please continue to be praying about our Service-Learning day on Tuesday, November 23. We are looking forward to the students being able to serve and pray together.

*You should be able to view your child's report card on Net Classroom after 5 p.m. today. Thank you for taking time to talk about your children's grades with them. Please bring a copy of your child's report card to conferences. Let me know if you are unable to print a copy at home and need one sent home. Paper copies will be sent home with children only upon request.

*Hope to see you at conferences on Thursday, November 18 or Monday, November 22. Conferences are "cafeteria" style. You are welcome and encouraged to meet with any of the 7th grade teachers that you would like to talk with.

*Teton 2011 program applications and deposits are due this Friday. The first team meeting is on Monday, December 6. Applications and deposits can be handed in to the office.

November 9 Update

Thank You
Thank you very much to everyone who sent in treats for our celebration of finishing Freak the Mighty last Friday. The students did a wonderful job identifying differences between the book and movie. We had a great discussion and enjoyed the root beer floats, popcorn, and candy.

Science Research Papers
The students have begun working on research papers in science class. Each student chose an invasive species to research and write about. The final papers are due early in December. The majority of work for these projects will be done within the context of science class. Some parts of it will have to be completed at home. We will be talking about editing the papers in language arts.

Author's Craft
In language arts, we have started a unit talking about elements of effective writing. The students will look for these elements in samples of writing and then write their own memoirs at the end of the unit. We will be discussing effective beginnings, imagery, word choice, flashback, and foreshadowing. This is one of my favorite units in the 7th grade curriculum; the students' writing typically improves dramatically as they study elements that authors use to make their writing engaging and interesting.

Conferences
You should have received information about conferences in last week's home bulletin. Middle school conferences are held "cafeteria style." You are welcome to come and meet with whatever 7th grade teachers you would like to. Conferences are from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 18th and Monday, November 22nd. Please let me know if you are unable to attend conferences, but would like to talk with me about how your child is doing this year.

November 23 Service-Learning Day
The 6th-8th grade students will be participating in different service-learning opportunities on Tuesday, November 23. The students will be divided into 4 groups in the morning and will serve at several local ministries: Rockford American Legion Food Bank, New2You, God's Kitchen, and Degage. They will then spend time in the afternoon sharing about their experiences with classmates and praying for local and global issues. We are not currently in need of any parent-volunteers for this day. However, we would love you to be praying that God would be preparing students' hearts for serving the people we spend time with that day.

Live Nativity
Mark your calendars for this year's Live Nativity on Thursday, December 9. The 7th grade students have an opportunity to participate in the Live Nativity. I asked for volunteers today in class; your children are supposed to be checking with you tonight to see if they are able to plan on attending/will be able to participate.

Miscellaneous
*1st quarter ended last Friday. Report cards will be available to view next week. Please bring a copy of your child's report cards to conferences.
*Thank you for sending in items for Operation Christmas Child. If you would like to contribute towards the cost for shipping the boxes, please have your child bring in money no later than this Friday.
*NO SCHOOL: November 24-26 (Thanksgiving Break) *Note: Tuesday, November 23 is a full day of school; this is different from last year.
*Teton 2011: Student applications and deposits are due by November 19th. There is a limited number of spots available; if you would like for your child to participate in this program, please be sure to hand in your information on time. Email me with questions.

November 2 Update

Report Cards
This Friday is our final day of 1st quarter. Report cards will be posted to Net Classroom after that. I will email you to let you know when the report cards are ready. Your child can view grades on Net Classroom before the report cards are posted. Report cards are found under a different section and will contain comments and information from teachers. Please let me know if you are unable to print a copy of the report card and would like one sent home with your child. Thank you for taking time to review your child's first quarter grades with him or her.

Conferences
Fall Parent-Teacher conferences are coming up shortly. Please see today's home bulletin for more information. Conferences will be held on Thursday, November18th and Monday, November 22 from 4-8 p.m. Conferences are a great opportunity for you to connect with 7th grade teachers and hear more how your child is doing in school. I look forward to seeing you there!

Service-Learning Day
Look for more information coming home soon about a Service-Learning day that the students will participate in on Tuesday, November 23rd. We are excited to be able to offer opportunities in the community for students to serve at. November 23rd is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving break. In past years, this day has been a half day of school; we have a full day this year. Please let me know if your family is leaving early for vacation and your child will not be at school on the 23rd. We are planning on every student participating in service that day.


Teton 2011 Program
The students heard about the Teton 2011 program last Thursday. Please click on the following link if you would like more information or need an application: http://grandtetonsummerjourney.blogspot.com Applications are due November 19th and the first team meeting is December 6th. Please email me with questions.

Operation Christmas Child
They are requesting that we have all our Operation Christmas donations turned in by this Friday. Students will be assembling the boxes next week. I know that there are many different ministries and ways you are involved in giving to others. However, in case you were planning on donating (either washcloths, soap, or money for postage in shipping the boxes), I wanted to be sure that you were aware this Friday is the last day to turn items in.

Language Arts Update
Don't forget that the students' Freak the Mighty projects and papers are all due this Friday. Today is the last day the students are working in class; they will have to finish the remainder of their work for homework. I'm looking forward to reading their thoughtful reflections on the book, characters, theme, and plot.

On Friday, we will watch the movie Mighty based on the book. The students will analyze similarities and differences in the book and movie. We'll tie up our discussions and activities with the book this Friday. Next week we will start a unit on elements of effective writing that will culminate in the students writing a memoir towards the end of this month.

Weekly journal assignments are still happening. If you are wondering if you child has been handing in completed journals each week, you can view his or her grades on Net Classroom. The assignment is worth 5 points each week and must be handed in by Friday morning.


A note about the netbooks: students need to bring their netbooks to school with them EVERYDAY. Netbooks need to be a full charge when they arrive at school. Some students seem to have had difficulty remembering this lately. The netbooks allow us to do all sorts of different activities in class; these activities are limited if students do not come prepared. Thank you for doing what you can to help you children remember to charge their netbooks if they bring them home. Netbooks can also be left in a charging cart at school each night.

October 26 Update

Freak the Mighty Final Projects

The students were supposed to finish reading the book over the weekend. They were given a short reading comprehension test yesterday in class. Based on their scores, I am a little concerned that some students do not seem to have read the book using careful reflection. Being able to read a piece of literature, reflect on the story and theme, and discuss with classmates is an important skill for students to posses.



The students were given the specifics of their final project for this book today in class. The students will be given some time to work on the project in class. The project has multiple parts and cannot be left until the last minute. I am encouraging the students to plan ahead, make the most of their work time, and hand in their best work.


Band/Orchestra Concert

There is a band and orchestra concert this evening at the CAW. Students participating in the concert need to arrive by 7 p.m. The concert begins at 7:30. I'm planning on attending; see you there!

Miscellaneous:

*Yearbook cover contest is underway. All submissions must be turned in by this Friday. Students should use markers (colored pencils or crayons will not show up).

*The students are participating in an online math challenge this week. They will completing part of the challenge in math class. They also can compete and practice at home using the free website this week. Students received their passwords in class and should know how to log-on to the website. http://www.americanmathchallenge.com/
*Operation Christmas Child items can be brought in. 7th grade students are responsible for brining in washclothes and bars of soap. There is a laundry basket in my classroom where students can place the items they bring in.

*The students have tests in Bible and science this Friday.

*Bike-a-thon celebration will be this Friday from 2:40-3:05 in the Worship Center.
*The students should have brought home their school pictures last Wednesday. Retakes are on Monday, November 8th.

October 19 Update

MEAPs
The students have been doing an excellent job working hard and doing their best for MEAPs testing. All testing will be completed by the end of next week. If students were absent during any of the testing days, they will complete make-ups next week.

Freak the Mighty
We have been reading and discussing the book Freak the Mighty in language arts class. The students need to have completed the entire book by next Monday (October 25). They will receive a short comprehension check-up in class on Monday. We'll spend the rest of class on Monday discussing the book. The students will be given a project in class on Tuesday, October 26. The project has different parts to it. The students will have time in class to work on it, but it will be imperative that they manage their time well and plan out the parts of the project. Your child will receive due date information for the project when the specifics of it are handed out next week. The project cannot be completed without first finishing the book.

Operation Christmas Child
The students were introduced to our school-wide service project of Operation Christmas Child yesterday in family time. Check out the home bulletin today to see what each class in encouraged to bring in. For more information on this project, check out the website at: www.samaritanspurse.org/occ The students were given Operation Christmas Child bookmarks yesterday. The bookmarks contain suggestions of ways to be praying for this ministry.

Art Prize
The 7th and 8th grade students have completed their own Art Prize projects. They are on display in the front lobby. Students and faculty members are voting by the end of the day today. The top three winners will be announced next week. Their pieces turned out great!

Miscellaneous
*Students are encouraged to wear their "Starting Point Matters" blue shirts each Monday for Family Time.
*NO SCHOOL this Thursday and Friday. Teachers will be gone at the Christian Educators Association convention in Indiana.
*Due to the three day week, the students will have no journal assignment this week. The next assignment will be given out on Monday, October 25.

October 12 Update

Camp Roger-Wednesday, October 13
The 7th grade students are headed to Camp Roger tomorrow afternoon. Please be sure that your child has and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the day. Students should be prepared for the weather and bring raincoats, wear layers, and wear close toed shoes. Rain is predicted, so thanks for helping your children be prepared to make the most of the day! There is no hot lunch tomorrow. The students will eat their lunches at school before they leave at noon. The 7th grade students have several different teachers who will be going to camp with them this year depending on the topic they are studying at camp. Tomorrow's topic (invasive species) is a science topic and Miss Dahm will be going with the students.

MEAPS
We began MEAP testing today. Please refer to the email I sent last week if you are wondering what days the students will be assessed. Thank you for continuing to encourage positive attitudes about the testing. The students did a great job today!

Language Arts
The students began reading the book Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick yesterday in class. We will be spending the next few weeks reading and discussing this book in class. Students are expected to bring their books with them to class everyday. The book has great themes of friendship, accepting people who are different from you, loyalty, and family. Please let me know if you would like to borrow a copy of the book to read along with your child.

Reading log assignments are still happening. If you are not signing a reading log at home, you should assume I am not receiving one at school. Reading log grades can be viewed on Net Classroom. The assignment is worth 3 points per night, for a total of 12 points each week. While it is just a portion of the language arts grade, it can significantly impact a student's overall grade if he or she is inconsistent with the assignment.

Scrapbooking Event
As some of you may remember from last year, Lori Melton is organizing another scrapbooking event to help raise money for the 6th grade environmental classroom extended learning opportunities. It will take place on Friday November 5 (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and Saturday November 6 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The cost is $35 for the whole time or $15 for Friday and $25 for Saturday. Friday night includes a dinner and snacks. Saturday includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Feel free to invite friends for this fun event. Please email Lori: chaosizus@aol.com to register.

Miscellaneous
*No School (October 21-22). Teachers will be gone in South Bend at the Christian Educators Association Conference.
*Bible memory work (Revelation 21:3-4 NIV) is due tomorrow
*We had a great time with all the grandfriends last Friday!
*Mr. Dave wanted to remind everyone of his blog address: http://mrdavescorner.blogspot.com

October 4 Update

Grandfriends' Day
Grandfriends' Day will take place this Friday (October 8). Your child should have brought home information/invitations last Friday. Here is the schedule for the day:
9:00-9:55 in our classrooms
9:55-10:15 out for recess
10:15-11:00 in our classrooms
11:00-11:45 in the Worship Center for a short program
12:00 a special lunch for all the grandfriends
*coffee and refreshments will be served in the front lobby for the first hour

We are looking forward to seeing grandfriends on Friday. Thank you to those of you who have volunteered to help make the day and lunch possible.

Midterms
The students will be receiving midterm reflection forms this Wednesday (October 6th). They are to log onto Net Classroom, write down their grades, write a short reflection for each class, and have their midterm reflection forms signed by parents. The students can find their grades under each individual class. They are not posted under a separate midterms section. The forms are due no later than Monday, October 11th. Thank you for taking time to talk with your children about how they are doing this year so far. It is not too late to improve grades for this quarter!

School Store
The RCMS school store opened October 1. Middle school students will be running the store; 7th grade is responsible for the month of October. The store is open during morning break time. A different class will be responsible for the store each month. The proceeds will be divided between 5th-8th grade classes each month. It may not amount to much, but the 7th grade profits will be used to defer the cost of our MI Adventure field trip in June.

Family Time Today
This morning we had the privilege of hearing from Eric Ohlman about the ministry of LIFE International (http://www.lifeinternational.com/). He shared with the students about how they were each created in the image of God and how much they are loved and valued. He also shared about the importance and intricacy of each human life. The students were also given models of 12 week old fetuses and encouraged to share with their family about what they learned today.

Net Classroom
If you tried to view language arts grades last week on Net Classroom, you may have noticed that they were inadvertently posted under 4th quarter. The problem should be fixed now. You should have received log-in information about Net Classroom in the mail a few weeks ago. Please let me know if you do not know your user name or password. Grades are being posted throughout the quarter; you do not need to wait until midterm or the end of the quarter to see how your child is doing in classes.

Serenity Essay
The students were assigned an essay last Friday in language arts. Their rough drafts are due tomorrow (Tuesday, October 5). The students need to bring a printed copy of their papers to class; they will peer edit in class. Final essays are due on Thursday, October 7. The students each have a paper that explains all the specific requirements.

Family Tree Project
During our 7th Grade Enrichment Class on Friday morning, Mr. Burgess and I introduced the students to a family tree project. This is meant to encourage dialogue between students and their family members about family history, names, etc. Students will be working on this in class next Friday morning. A final family tree is due on Monday, October 11. We will be talking more about this in class, but I wanted to give you a "heads up" that your children will be asking for you to share some of your family history with them. I have enjoyed conversations I've had with some of my relatives as I recently worked on completing a family tree for this assignment.

Miscellaneous
*My older brother is getting married next weekend in Chicago. I will not be at school on Monday, October 11 due to family obligations with the wedding. I also may not be checking email, so thanks for being patient with me if it takes me a little longer than normal to respond at the end of next week/start of the following week.
*October 11: Middle School Skating Party at Woodland Skate
*Thursday, October 9 has been declared "School Spirit Day." Students are encouraged to wear something that represents some school's color (ie: students can support Michigan, Michigan State, RCS, etc.).
*Tetons Square Dance: Please feel invited and welcome to attend a square dance at RCS on Friday, October 15th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The night is celebrating the Teton 2010 program, but anyone is welcome to come. There is not cost.
*There is a pre-algebra test on Thursday.

September 29 Update

Art Prize
We had a great day at ArtPrize on Friday. A special "thanks" to Julie Lawrence and Annie Kendra for coming with and helping out. The students spent the day viewing art throughout downtown. The students also completed an assignment reflecting on the artwork they saw.

Bike-a-thon
Great job to everyone who participated in Bike-a-thon! Mel Solle is looking for pictures from Bike-a-thon to include in they yearbook. Please email her if you have any pictures from Saturday that could be included in the yearbook.


Servant Awards
Servant Awards are given out several times during the year. One student in 6th-8th grade is selected for the reward because of showing a Christ-like attitude at school. We want to encourage our students to be intentional about seeking out ways to serve people around them. Congratulations to the September recipients: Connor Christophel (6th), Sophie Kendra (7th), and Chandler Muller (8th).

Family Time (October 3)
Kevin Ohlman from LIFE International will be coming to share with the middle school students next Monday for Family Time. (www.lifeinternational.com) Kevin will be sharing about what God is doing in LIFE International's ministry around the world. Middle School Family Times take place once or twice a week in the middle school hallway at the same time as elementary students meet in the Worship Center (8:30-9:00 a.m. on Monday mornings). You are always welcome to join us for these worship times.

Language Arts
We are continuing to read pieces of literature dealings with the themes of acceptance, courage, and freedom. The students will read one more short story and then write a paper analyzing the themes in the literature and their own lives. I will outline the specific requirements of the paper sometime next week. The students will have a quiz this Thursday over vocabulary terms from the elements of a story. They know which terms will be included on the quiz based on notes they took earlier this year. Journals are due on Friday. Reading logs are due Tuesday-Friday morning. Please help your children to be accountable for writing proper reflections. Some students are doing a great job reflecting on their reading. Other students could use some encouragement in this area.

Did you know that you can view your child's grades on Net Classroom? I recently updated their reading log grades. If you are wondering if your child has been handing in his or her reading log, check Net Classroom (the assignment is worth 3 points each night-a total of 12 points each week).

Online Computer Policy
Every 7th grade student has use of a netbook laptop at school. If you have questions about this program or school policy concerning laptop usage, please visit the "Student Laptop Program" page on the Grand Rapids Christian Schools website. (http://www.grcs.org/ and then click "schools" "Rockford Christian School" and then "Student Laptop Program")

Miscellaneous

*Dave Worst has a blog and he would like to share the link with you. Please feel free to visit his blog. http://mrdavescorner.blogspot.com/

*If you were not able to attend curriculum night, your child should have brought home a handout that contains important information about the school year from all the 7th grade teachers. Please email me if you need a copy of this.

*A list of choir concert dates was included in yesterday's home bulletin. Please be sure to place these dates on your calendars. Let me know if you did not receive a copy of the dates.

September 20 Update

Wabasis

The students had a great day last Wednesday: playing football, hiking, swimming, playing volleyball, spending time together, getting to know one another better, etc. Thanks again to parents who volunteered to drive.

Curriculum Night

Hope to see everyone tomorrow evening at Curriculum Night. This is a night for parents to meet teachers, be informed about curriculum the students will be learning this year, and hear information about 7th grade. If you are unable to attend, please let me know and I will send a hand-out containing important information covered during the evening home with your child on Wednesday.

Art Prize

This Friday we will be going to visit Art Prize downtown Grand Rapids. We'll be leaving school at 9:15 a.m. and returning at the end of the day. Students need to bring a labeled sack lunch and a drink with them to school that day. We are also in need of 2 parent chaperons for the day. Please let me know if you might be available. We would need you to arrive at school by 9, ride the bus with everyone, and supervise a group of 8 students during the day.

Bike-a-thon
Don't miss the fun at bike-a-thon this weekend. Pledges are due this Wednesday. Students may ride other times as well, but the official ride time is this Saturday. Your child should have brought home information the first week of school about it. Please let me know if you have misplaced your information or have questions. There are many great prizes again this year for students who participate. The bike-a-thon is a wonderful way to get some exercise and support R.C.S.

Miscellaneous
*The students received "The Starting Point Matters" theme t-shirts. They are encouraged to wear these each Monday morning for Family Time.
* Please see the 7th grade Camp Roger dates at the top right section of this blog. Hopefully these dates will be helpful in the future when you fill out hot lunch order forms for your child. Hot lunch is not served to students on days when they go to Camp Roger.
*For 7th grade language arts, the students receive 2 short journal assignments each Monday. These are due by Friday. Thank you for encouraging your child to do his or her best writing on these assignments. While I am looking for thoughtful writing, the students should not need to spend more than 30 minutes or so on journals each week.

September 13 Update

There are quite a few dates to get on your calendars as we begin the year.
*Wednesday, September 15: Wabasis Middle School Mixer. Thank you to everyone for sending $2 to school with your child to cover the cost of lunch that day. We will be gone from 10:15-3:00. Students should bring a modest bathing suit and towel with them if they would like to swim. Everyone should also bring a water bottle. They should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared for a fun day spending time together outside. Thanks to David and Lisa Balk, Lynne Fahlen, Mel Solle, Julie Lawrence, and Jenn Ignatoski for volunteering to come with us!

*Tuesday, September 21: Curriculum Night. 7:00-8:15. I am looking forward to seeing everyone for curriculum night. The 7th grade students have a wonderful opportunity to be instructed by several different teachers this year (Mr. VerMerris for Bible, Mrs. Oren for history, Miss Dahm for science, Mrs. Wilkins or Mrs. VanDyke for math, and I teach language arts). Curriculum night is a great way to hear about what your children will be learning about this school year.

*Friday, September 24: Art Prize. The middle school students will be going downtown to Art Prize venues. Students will need a labeled sack lunch and a drink. This will be an all-day event. We are in need of one or two parents who would like to come along and help chaperon that day. Chaperon responsibilities will include being assigned to a group of students, walking around for the day with them, and encouraging the students to engage in the activities of the day. We will be taking buses and will not need parents to drive. Please let me know if you would like to join us. RCMS students participated in this event last year and it was a wonderful day learning about Art Prize, the artists, and the artwork. We are thankful to be able to participate again this year!

*Saturday, September 25: Bike-a-thon. Students brought home information last Thursday.

*Monday and Tuesday, September 27 & 28: School Pictures

*Friday, October 8: Grandfriends' Day

Other Notes:
*Students in 5th-8th grade will be participating in NWEA testing during the weeks of September 20 and September 27th. The 7th grade students will take the reading portion on Monday, September 27th, language usage on Tuesday, September 28, and math on Wednesday, September 29th. Thank you for encouraging your children to get plenty of rest the night before the assessments, and to eat a good breakfast those mornings. While we don't want students to feel anxious about the assessments, we do want them to take their work seriously and be as prepared as possible. The results from these assessments help us better target needs in individual students.

*Hot lunch order forms went home with students today. Please be sure that they are returned no later than Friday, September 17th.

Please let me know if you have questions or concerns!

Welcome Back!

I am hoping to seeing you at the Open House next Wednesday night (September 1) from 6:30-7:30. Looking forward to a great year together!