February 15 Update

Family Time
The 7th grade students did a wonderful job leading family time yesterday. The students wrote paraphrases of 1 Corinthians 13 last week in class. Several students shared their paraphrases. Others helped with praying and reading scripture. I was proud of the way they lead and their willingness to share in our worship time.

Language Arts
The students received their mechanics tests back today in class. I also introduced the novel the class will be reading over the next several weeks (Tangerine by Edward Bloor). During this unit, the students will sometimes be given time in class to read. On those days, students whose test scores reflected a need for some extra review on mechanics will receive extra support and practice time. Those students will need to complete the reading as homework.

The students need to plan on bringing their Tangerine novels to class every single day with them. We'll be having discussion days throughout the unit. Students will also take quizzes to check comprehension. The students will also complete a rather large project at the end. Keeping up on reading, discussing, and comprehending the book will be important.

Some students have approached me about the possibility of extra credit this quarter for language arts. I will be working out details of an extra credit opportunity they can choose to complete. However, I also shared with the class that it is important that students do their best work all the time; not completing assignments and then hoping that extra credit will help is not a good habit to fall into.

Conferences
There are two different nights where you can come and meet with middle school teachers to hear more about how your child is doing. This is a great opportunity for you to touch base with specific teachers. Please be sure to have looked at your child's report card prior to conference. Let me know if are unsure of your log-in or have not been able to view your child's report card. Similar to conferences in the fall, you can meet with any middle school teacher you would like to for 5-7 minutes. Thank you for being aware of your time and respectful of people who are waiting. If your concerns require a longer conversation, it would be a good idea to schedule a meeting at a different time. I hope to see many of you at conferences!

Miscellaneous:
*The 7th graders will be going to Camp Roger next Wednesday afternoon. It will be important that they remember to dress for the weather and wear appropriate clothes for being outside.
*Thank you for helping your child remember when he or she has hot lunch. Also, thank you for making note if you need to send additional food with your child.
*Monday, February 21: Middle School Skating Party...6:30-8:30 at Wooland Roller Skating Rink
*Thursday, February 24: No RPS Buses (GRCS buses will operate as usual)
*Friday, February 25: NO SCHOOL for students
*April 14: 7th and 8th grade choir concert at 7 p.m. at R.C.S.
*Today's home bulletin contains announcements about two different middle school summer adventure camps (mountain biking and rock climbing). The camps are lead by GRCHS teacher David Koning. David Koning is a great instructor who loves students and the outdoors. If you are looking for something fun and meaningful for your child to do this summer (June 13-17 or 20-24) email David Koning (dkoning@grcs.org) or pick up a flyer in the office.