January 31 Update

Language Arts
We have spent the past few weeks in language arts learning about different mechanics rules for writing. The students have reviewed and learned proper rules for capitalization, comma usage, semi colons, and apostrophes. They also learned how to identify fragments and run-on sentences. These skills are crucial to improving their writing.

The students will receive a review in class tomorrow. The test will be next Monday. I have been concerned about some students' apparent lack of concern for mastering the material (as reflected in both incomplete, sloppy, or carless homework and lower than expected quiz scores). I shared with the students that they need to earn a "C" or higher on the test next Monday in order to pass on to the next unit. Hopefully everyone will be motivated by this, work hard, complete the review, study their notes, ask questions for clarification, and perform well on the exam. If this does not happen, students will work in a smaller group with Ms. VanEngen during language arts for a few weeks, reviewing and mastering the skills while the rest of the class reads and discusses the book Tangerine by Edward Bloor. This is not meant to be a embarrassing punishment or horrible threat for students. It is meant to encourage students to take their studying seriously and make the most of their learning.

Second semester journal entry assignments will only take place every other week. We will be focusing on some different skills during second semester. Writing is always important. However, the students' homework will take different forms during second semester in order to better address the specific skills they will be expected to learn. This week the students will not have a journal assignment to complete. Reading log assignments will continue every Monday-Thursday evening.

Middle School Forgetfulness...
We need your help. Lately, there seems to be an epidemic of middle school forgetfulness within the 7th grade class pertaining to things like: charging laptops, completing and handing in homework, coming to class prepared, remembering lunches, having a calculator for math class, bringing back packs to school, etc. Middle school students often seem extra forgetful. It is not ultimately a parent (or teacher)'s job to make students remember. However, we would appreciate if you can help give students reminders about these things, or check up to see how they are doing. Students should be moving towards more and more responsibility in their school work. We appreciate your help and support in this process.

Report Cards
Middle school report cards can currently be viewed on NetClassroom. Please take time to look at your child's report card with him or her. Paper copies of middle school report cards are sent home upon request only. Please email Karla Radius (kradius@grcs.org) if you cannot remember your NetClassroom log-in information. Please email me if you need a paper copy of the report card sent home with your child. Seventh grade students have several different teachers. If you or your child has questions about his or her grades, it would be best to address the question to the specific teacher of that class. As a reminder, I teach language arts, Don VerMerris teaches Bible, Sara Oren teaches history, Andrea Dahm teaches science, Jan Wilkins teaches pre-algebra, and Joan VanDyke teaches algebra.

Miscellaneous
*Similar to last year, I will be gone at AuSable Institute with the 6th grade students next week on Wednesday-Friday. Kate Warners will be the substitute for me while I am gone. She is a dear friend of mine and will do an excellent job with the students. If you send me an email while I am gone, it may take me longer than normal to respond. Thanks for your patience.
*The 8th grade class will be performing "Snow White" this Friday. The play begins at 7 p.m. and takes place in the Worship Center.
*Pre-algebra students will have a math test this week on Thursday. The test will take place on Thursday, even if there is a snow day on Wednesday.
*The 7th grade students will help lead Family Time on Monday, February 14. Please feel welcome to attend.