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.