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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
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!
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!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, November 1, 2010
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.
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.
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