Jesus: Keystone of the Church

Today we learned another "title" for Jesus: Keystone of the Church. This title is a metaphor for Jesus as the topmost stone of the arch; the one who supports or holds together the others. We also considered Jesus as the Cornerstone, Jesus as the Foundation. He is the structure of our faith and our identity. The Babe of Bethlehem is God's gift (keystone) in the structure of redemption. Let us enter Christmas and proclaim: Joy to the World, The Lord is come.

Grades 5-8 presented the "4th Wiseman." We thank all parents and friends who came. And also thank you Mrs. Panasek, and Mrs. Trapp for inviting us to share this nativity experience with our students.

Hey, I heard St. Nicholas even stopped by today. I missed seeing him, but the goodie bags were evidence that the rumors were true.

8th grade students turned in all work. 6th grade math students finished assignments due for today. Then it was time to "kick back" and begin our jr. high celebration.
I personally want to say thank you to so many parents and students for your support, your prayers, and your gifts to me this past year... and during this holy season.
I also want to say on behalf of our students that they have been blessed through friendships, acts of kindness, and the joy of sharing our spiritual and academic journey. God bless and keep us all in the joy of Christmas as we celebrate... and look forward to a new year in our walk with God.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the 8th grade classroom at OLL. See you January 2nd. Stay safe and healthy. Thanks for many wonderful memories made in 2006!

O Radiant Dawn

O Radiant Dawn. Splendor of eternal light, sun of justice; the shine on those lost in the darkness of death! (Children's Daily Prayer). We talked about Jesus as the dawn: a new beginning, God in the flesh, a fragile baby, God walked in our shoes.

8th Grade English students did the spelling test, turned in vocabulary and read their nativity zoomed-in "snapshot" stories. We were transported to the story through some descriptive responses by 8th graders:
I, just a sheep, have seen the baby Jesus. (Mary) As I sit here on this donkey, wind and sand hiting my face and body, I can't help to think why God has chosen me? (Observer)The bright star outside got bright, bright enough to light the snow up as if it were a mllion diamonds covering the frozen ground. After enduring painful childbirth, Mary gazed upon the face of her son. My hooves (donkey) were worn down, and my thick brown fur has been painted with dust.

At 10 a.m. students went in different directions. Some practiced for the Christmas Eve Mass, some did schoolwork, and then at 11 a.m. Grades 5-8 gathered in the social hall to practice the "4th Wiseman." Don't forget to join us tomorrow at 9 a.m.

For Math 6, students practiced problems finding least common multiples and greatest common factors. The "terms" are almost more difficult than doing the work. Students were assigned problems on p. 172 (even 24 - 38).
For History we watched The Promise: Heifer project video. It is compelling to see how many children in the world live and how one animal can mean income so a child can go to school. Tomorrow is the last day for Heifer donations in the junior high.

Don't forget; 4th Wiseman program in the social hall at 9 a.m. Gifts for Advent Angels... Christmas treats... it is our junior high day to rejoice and celebrate.

Key of David

For Advent devotions, our Children's Daily Prayer text has been discussing names of Jesus. Today lesson reads: "Jesus was born into the house, or family of the great King David and he is now our key to the mysteries and radiant joy of God's kingdom. If we follow him, he will unlock heaven for us." We brainstormed other names of Jesus: Root of Jesse, Savior, Lord, Christ, Bread of Life, Messiah, King....
It would be fun and challenging sometime to list all the names the Bible uses for Jesus. I would think the number is quite high.... 90 or more? (FYI: Muslims say there are 99 names for Allah and only the camel knows the 100th name.)

We were happy to join Mrs. Newago's class for singing at our School Mass Today. The excitement is building as we anticipate the birth of Christ. We see the trees (not yet decorated), we see the manger (no baby yet).... the "signs" tell us the time is drawing near.

For Geography 7, we finished reading and discussing the article on Darfur in Junior Scholastic. This situation continues to be a disaster in the making. One of many obstacles is that humanitarian organization are unable to guarantee the safety of their workers. Pray for Darfur.

Math 6 students worked again on least common multiples and greatest common factors.
This is hard to combine two major vocabulary terms in one lesson. The text' examples help but it is difficult for students to get the difference between "multiple" and "factor." They were assigned the guided practice in class 3-13 Odd numbers so I could go over them individually. Then for independent practice they had to complete 15-22 ONLY; this set involves ONLY 5 multiples of each number. We are breaking the assignment into chunk-size pieces. I must report that not all students used the time wisely. I am eager to support and help students so it is essential they use class time to have the benefit of my support to answer their questions. Students had adequate time today to do quality work!

English time was used to discuss their Nativity story snapshot they will read tomorrow in class. I also talked with students about the research paper we will be doing after the Christmas break.

The last hour of the day was used for band practice for the concert tonight. Yes, please come at 6:30 and enjoy the good work of Mrs. Trapp and her students.

During Mass today I was looking ahead at the verses of O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Thought you might like to read what I found:
O come, thou Key of David come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery;
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee,
O Israel.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Today our Gospel lesson in the Children's Daily Prayer is about John the Baptist. We discussed what preparations we MIGHT do in Ashland if President Bush was coming... security, cleaning, welcoming signs. The Angel told Zechariah, "Do not be afraid" for his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, "to make ready for the Lord a people prepared." Luke 1. John was sent ahead to prepare people for the arrival of Jesus. In this season of Advent, let us continue with joy prepare the way for the birth of Christ.

8th grade English students completed the Gates-MacGinitie test. They were tested on vocabulary and comprehension. This test is used to help identify students who need extra support for reading in high school. Also it is a hands-on practice on test strategies. I will return the test to Ms. Larson at AHS. I will try to get an interpretion of each student's score.

7th Grade Geography students began reading an article in the Junior Scholastic magazine about Darfur. Again we look at a crisis-situation in Africa. Many people are eager to help this struggling continent; the issues are complicated: HIV/AIDS, tribal conflicts, illiteracy, disease, life expectancy, lack of resources, corruption....etc. Cody found an article in today's paper about Darfur. This drama of devastation continues to unfold as we speak.

History 6 students will complete a "define and draw" activity for ancient Egypt terms. We will talk about the value of "topic appropriate" vocabulary.

Mr. Dan Livingston from AHS will come today at 2:15 to inform 8th grade students about classes, etc. for next year. The Ashland School system is addressing this transition earlier this year. So be watching for informational meetings, etc. The first one for parents is January 4th.

Yes our daily lives are busy... and still we long to "let go" of the rat-race, and set our hearts for Bethlehem. The Nativity players are soon ready to take their places. May we hear the voice of John the Baptist calling us to "prepare the way of the Lord."

Rejoice!

As an Advent community, we gathered in the St. Agnes Chapel for our morning devotions. I reported that our Heifer Project funds are now over $200. This is our last week for donations. Mrs. Marita led us in a joy-filled response reading. Three of the Advent candles were lit and Ms. Shields read the opening, Gospel and led our intentions. We ended with a time of meditation and silent prayer.
We then joined 4th and 5th graders for a "4th Wiseman" practice. Be sure to attend this presentation on Friday at 9 a.m. in the Social Hall. You will enjoy singing with us.
For English, students worked on spelling and a history assignment.
For 6th grade Math, we talked about lowest common multiples. We are still working on examples, so no problems were assigned.
For Geography 7, we walked to the Ashland Daily Press office to submit a photo and article about the Heifer project. Along the way, we were able to get a few more donations which brought our total to just over $300.00. We are grateful and thrilled to experience the generosity of so many people.

Events to remember:Mr. Livingston from AHS is coming to counsel 8th graders about selection of classes for high school tomorrow at 2:15.
Wednesday evening is the Band/Choir concert for Grades 5-8 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday 8th grade students (and probably other grades) will exchange gifts with their Advent Angels.
Christmas Eve School Mass will be Sunday at 4 p.m. Please bring your students that together we may proclaim the birth of Christ.
In these days before Christmas....
Let our hearts be filled with joy.
Rejoice! This is Good News. Christ is coming.
Blessed are those who wait upon the Lord.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

OLL Christmas Memories

Eva led our pledge and prayer time today. Thank you Eva. Our Gospel lesson in Luke 7 tells about how John the Baptism and Jesus are misunderstood. The punchline is: "Yet wisdom is justified by all her children." Luke 7: 35.
To give ourselves space and continue in our Advent preparations, students made ornaments for our classroom tree. Along with paper, we used popcorn, cranberries and macaroni. We will use these ornaments later to feed the birds. It was fun for me to eavesdrop as 8th graders talked about "memories" of Christmas plays, songs, concerts, etc. during their years at OLL. Of course, there was chatter about basketball as the students feel the emotion of the season coming to an end. Weekly vocabularies were due today.

For 6th grade Math, we went over examples of prime factorization problems that we did yesterday. Students were given time to finish assignments from this week. Nick was the winner of our Friday drawing.
For 6th grade history, our number was small. We watched a National Geographic DVD on Pyramids.

This blog is short as we were not online today in the junior high building. Thanks OLL basketball team and coaches for a hard-working season. Blessings to everyone as we anticipate and prepare for the "coming" of the Christ-child.

His Abundant Love

Today in our Gospel lesson we read from Luke 14: "...None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions." The Children's Daily Prayer book refers to this lesson as "one of Jesus' hard teaching." To bring these words to our lives, students wrote down something that is precious to them, and then tossed their papers into the basket...symbolic giving it up. We are reminded in Advent to "clear" our lives of the clutter that gets in the way, and be ready to welcome Christ. This may feel costly, but it "will seem small next to his abundant love" (131).

For English, students were randomly given papers that their peers edited. Their job is to rewrite the story with all the corrections noted on the first draft. After they rewrite, they go back and show corrections (with red pen) that SHOULD HAVE been made. We are doing this to fine-tune editing skills. Also most students become better writers through checking the writing of another student.

Geography 7 students were photographed. We hope to submit a picture and article to The Press about the Heifer Project. Our fund has just tipped over $200.00. Students then typed letters to Oprah Winfrey to congratulate her on the Girls Leadership Academy that will open in Sweto, South Africa in January.

During choir, other students went to read with 1st grade students. Thank you Mrs. Urling and students for your warm welcome to us each Thursday.

Math 6 students are doing problems p. 169 odd numbers: 11-25. Students are experiencing first-hand the importance of knowing times tables. Please keep working with your student if he/she is struggling with them.

From 1:15 to 3:00 music students had additional choir and band practice. Don't forget the jr. high concert on Friday night.

FYI: Dan Livingston from AHS will be at OLL next Tuesday afternoon to go over classes, etc. with 8th grade students. It is already time to start thinking about school "beyond OLL."

TONIGHT: Pre-school Christmas music program. And FINAL game at Bayfield for our hard-working basketball team. Go Bruins!

Come Prepared

Like Saint Lucy, we are encouraged today to come fully prepared for the coming of Christ (Advent, Second Coming). Our opening today in the Children's Daily Prayer (CDP) was a brief history of Saint Lucy. Thank you Father Henry for the more complete story today at Mass. Our Gospel lesson was from Matthew 25: the five foolish bridesmaids and five wise. We talked about how the Church prepares us through Advent: symbolism through candles, special readings, building excitement with decorations (but not lighted yet), mediation time to consider birth of Jesus.
"Like wise bridesmaids,who have come fully prepared for the long wait before the wedding, and like Saint Lucy, we are preparing ourselves to meet Christ during the great feast of Christmas." (CDP)

Thank you choir (Grades 5, 6, and 1) for wonderful singing today. Thank you Father Henry for sharpening our "eyes" of faith to better understand and follow Saint Lucy's example of holy living.

Geography 7 students saw The Promise: 9 minute video from Heifer Project. The two stories of young children in India and Uganda helped to put places and faces on people we are trying to help. Mrs. Cloud chaperoned the girls asking for donations in the community and I went out with the boys. We are thrilled with the support of so many in the community to place an animal in a needy family in Africa. The video showed clearly that "one" animal can make a difference in the quality of life and whether or not a young boy or girl can attend school. We will continue this fund raising through Advent. Thank you to all those who give and pray.

Math 6 students today read about prime and composite numbers. They were assigned problems on p. 167 problems 15-31. If they identify a number as composite, they ust show one set of factors that proves it is a composite number.

English 6 students read a short story: "Lather and Nothing Else." This story thrives on the author letting us experience the dilemma that is going on in the main character. He zooms the story so that we see the details. We discussed the story upon completion. Student will be doing critical text analysis and writing responses to this story.

History 6 students will be watching a video of Ancient Egypt. I find that good instructional videos bring cultures to life.

Thank you Grade 5 for wonderful, delicious decorated Christmas cookies. We appreciate your good work... yum, yum! Don't forget the music concert tonight... early reviews indicate a great program will take place.

The Child To be Born will be Holy

As we near Christmas, we tune our hearts and homes to the arrival of the Holy Child. In this spirit of preparation, we joined students at St. Louis in Washburn for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. St. Louis students began with a short drama about how a poor peasant, Saint Juan Diago, was blessed with a vision of Mary. Then the Mass began. We joined with St. Louis students to sing songs in Spanish led by Father John. Thank you Father Nick and St. Louis School for inviting us to share Mass with you. Also we are grateful for the snacks and parent drivers.

Upon return, choir students went to class and others used study hall time.

World History 6 students watched a DVD on Egypt. After the movie, we brainstormed about what we saw on the movie that helped us better see "ancient" Egypt.

English 8 students were given a proofreading activity. Their assignment is to make all corrections, and then papers will be randomly distributed and story rewritten with suggested changes. Many students become better writers through editing another writer's paper. This assignment is an opportunity to practice this skill.

Don't forget, band and choir concerts this week. K-4 on Wednesday Dec. 13th and 5-8 on Friday, Dec. 15th. Please support our musicians. I have heard some of the music in the hall, and we are in for a treat! This week's schedule includes additional practices.
p.s. I heard from Mrs. Marita and her father did well through the surgery. Molly is having fun with cousins. Mrs. Stipetich is a "natural" here; sure is nice to have her. Have a safe trip back Mrs. Marita and sweet Molly!

We Have Seen Strange Things

Today we gathered for the second week of Advent in the chapel for our Monday joint devotions. Students joined Mrs. Shields for a reading from Isaiah: The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid.. (strange?). For our Gospel lesson we read from Luke the story of Jesus forgiving the sins and healing a paralyzed man.
Amazement seized all of them (the crowd), and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, "We have seen strange things today." Be prepared, as we draw closer to Bethlem, we will hear strange stories...healings, great light, angels, stars, God-human-newborn.... Advent invites us to make room in our heart and lives... that we will hasten to the manger with fresh eyes and open hearts and proclaim: Christ is born!
For prayer and intentions we prayed for healing of many: Mrs. Stipetich's relatives, Mrs. Marita's Dad, Mrs. Westlund, Mrs. Anich, Father Conan.

Before English, we went over to the choir room and practiced for the 4th Wiseman drama. Mrs. Panasuk led the singing. When we returned for English, scored spelling papers were returned to students. New words were given for this week. A couple of students put up the tree that Grubisics loaned to our classroom. We will make ornaments. We walked to the library to return books and get new books. Students will be writing a book report when they return from Christmas break. Can we believe this is December; it is so beautiful out!

Math 6 students started a new unit: Chapter 7 Number Theory. They were assigned problems on p. 165 8-26 even numbers. Please refer to the chart on 164 to help you determine the answers.

Geography 7 students handed in rough draft letters to Oprah Winfrey telling about our "heifer project" and congratulating her on the Leadership School for girls in Sweto, South Africa that will open in January. Then we went to nearby businesses to ask for donations to our "heifer" collection. We are grateful for all donations. Along with our donation box, we left a flyer with each business to give information about our project and the Heifer International organization. Thank you 7th graders for your ongoing enthusiasm for this Advent opportunity.

Don't forget Washburn Spanish Mass tomorrow for Jr. High. We will leave OLL at 8:30 and should be back soon after 11 a.m. Also the Advent angel project. Little surprises continue to delight students!

Thank you Mrs. Stipetich for coming to OLL on behalf of Mrs. Marita. We are happy to have you hear and it feels comfortable already on the first day.
Parents of 8th graders: Ashland High School is moving faster this year to sign up students for high school. Please plan to attend the Parent's meeting at AHS on January 4th.

Let It Be To Me

We had rather a slow Friday start due to absent students and weary students from last night's basketball game. Players reported the first half was close, but the score gap increased the second half. Our students lost, but I suspect they played hard and well. This has been their style all year. I continue to be proud of our OLL players' hard work and commitment to doing their best.

For devotions, we read the annunciation of Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1. We noted the greeting "Hail O favored one, the Lord is with you." We also looked at Mary's question: "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" After the explanation by Gabriel, Mary responds the words that resound through history: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." Pure and holy faith. Today Catholics around the world celebrate the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We joined with 6th and 7th grades today to lead our special school Mass.

6th grade math students completed Unit 3 test. There are still some questions about decimals, but as we do more operations, I believe student understanding will become more clear. Sometimes Math is like playing the piano; when you look back things that were once confusing now make sense. Once the students finished the test, we were able to celebrate.... really celebrate! Today is Ms. Shields' birthday.... so it was cake and ice cream. Have a great year Ms. Shields. We love you.

Students used the last hour of the day to finish up assignments due this week.
Don't forget next week: the Heifer project, Spanish Mass in Washburn on Tuesday (we still need drivers), extra band and choir practice time, practice time for the 4th Wisemen, Advent Angels. Yes, this is a busy season. We prepare for Christmas with joy and anticipation. Have a good weekend.

Jesus: The Teacher

After announcements we had our religion class. We talked about what it means to wear many "different hats." What "hats" does Jesus wear? Aaron said, Jesus is judge... when the Parousia takes place. (Yay, he used our word from last week.) We also listed other hats. Today we looked at the lesson from John 10. In the first 6 verses Jesus refers to himself as the Shepherd. When He has to explain these verses: He calls himself the "door" to the sheep. Jesus is teaching his listeners about relationship. He is not reined in by human "hats". He is the Shepherd, the door, the sheep, the Host, the guest, the Bread, Living Water... He is God. He has "creative" ways to engage people that they (we) may know Him.

For English, persuasive essays from Tears of a Tiger were returned. I went over strengths and weaknesses. All students either received an A or A-. These essays represent high quality writing (including quotes) by 8th grade. Rough draft letters to Greg Alexander were returned and we went over to the computer lab to type final letters. These letters speak loud and clear regarding Greg Alexander's skill at teaching us on Monday.

Geography 7 read about the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy that is opening for girls in Sweto, South Africa in January 2007. This project started in 2002. We are writing letters to Oprah about our Heifer project and congratulating her on this new school that will offer leadership training and rigorous academics for girls. Rough drafts are due Monday. Zawekhaya (12 year old incoming student) says:
"It feels like a dream come true. I will make use of this opportunity to make my aunt and the country proud." Zasekhaya hopes to help children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

Math 6 students did assignments on page 70 and 71 to get ready for the unit test tomorrow. For History 6, we watched a video on Ancient Egypt.

English 8 students did their spelling test (Mass tomorrow). Vocabulary is due tomorrow.

Outward Signs to Stir our Inner Lives

Today we started with pledge and prayer. We then talked about St. Nicholas and his example of caring for the poor. His concern to help those in need... often doing it anonymously. Students then shared what "symbols" are the most meaningful to help them experience the birth of Christ. Many students mentioned families, food, and decorations. We have many outward signs to help stir our inward response to the birth of Christ. Also students are blessing each other with "secret" Advent Angel gifts. We also talked about our service of reconciliation today... an invitation to take ownership of the concerns of our heart that we may know forgiveness and be set free.

For English, we brainstormed steps of painting that Greg Alexander (local artist) shared with us on Monday. Then students were assigned to write a thank-you letter (the rough draft) to Greg. It should be 3 paragraphs and the body of the letter should include what we learned from Greg. Greg Alexander has offered to come in the spring and do an art class for our students. Greg's hospitality to us on Monday was a wonderful gift. Thank you Greg.

Geography 7 students talked about Oprah Winfrey's interest in South Africa through her building project to construct a leadership academy for girls. We checked the web and this school will open January 2007. We will be writing to Oprah. Also we want to make a flyer to share with the community when we ask for donations to the Heifer Project. Our account continues to grow. Students used the last 20 minutes to color their advent candles to put on the bulletin board.

At 11 a.m., we joined 7th graders for the service of Reconciliation. Thank you Father Frank and Father Henry for being God's ears and voice to our concerns.

Math 6 students are starting the review work on decimals. We intend to do the unit test on Friday.

Father John Eaton came to practice Spanish songs for the Mass that we will share with St. Louis students on Tuesday. Be sure to sign and return your student's permission slips. I need two drivers for 8th grade. Any volunteers? Thank you. We leave at 8:30 on Tuesday.

History 6 students met for the last 20 minutes as we start to enter the unit on Ancient Egypt. We are laying the groundwork for this unit.
Blessings on St. Nicholas Day.

Hope

Today on the way to work on NPR, they were talking about hope. How so many people of poverty have chosen paths of crime and have lost hope. How do we restore hope? I was thinking about the "hope" candle alight on the Advent wreath. And I remembered Corrie Ten-Boom talking about Romans 5:5 and the promise of hope. Corrie survived a German Concentration Camp in WWII. For devotions, we looked at this verse: ... and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts.... poured... overflowing... we are vessels of God's hope. (To get the full impact of this "hope" read Romans 5: 1-5.) May our Advent preparations include sharing God's hope (His light) with those around us.
Angela was able to circulate the "heifer project" box: an opportunity to offer hope to a destitute family in Africa.

For English, students read their conclusions to "The Lady or the Tiger." The assignment was to write an entertaining conclusion constructed with ornate sentences. Yes, the students did a good job. Some of the great language included: chocolate hair, petal soft skin, bitter-sweet smile, manipulative, blood spooled out, rhapsodies of thousands, barbaric, rush of guilt, magnificent act, perfect harmony. Eva takes the prize for the best final sentence: The princess and the man were married to have a wonderful, beautiful, convenient, gorgeous happy ever after. Yes... a highly decorated sentence. After stories, we shared our tricks to using and finding good words: read books, use a thesaurus/dictionary, build a pool of words within yourself, look back to author's vocabulary. Yes, this class is becoming sensitive to the value of words. Be proud. We celebrated by eating the decorated (ornate) Christmas cookies that Samantha baked and shared. Thanks, Sam.

Geography 7 students read about South Africa today. We want to keep our focus on Africa during the Heifer project. We are learning how complex the continent of Africa is with its diverse landscape and racial/tribal mix.

History 6 students today will begin the unit on Ancient Egypt. We have many activities planned so feel free to refer to the blog.

For your information: OLL basketball team plays at Washburn tonight. Rather than school liturgy tomorrow, reconciliation is scheduled. Friday is all school mass. Please have your students sign up for all school Christmas Eve Mass.
8th graders will travel to Washburn next Tuesday for the Spanish Liturgy. Permission Slips, most likely, will go home tomorrow.
Let us rejoice in our shared hope in Christ.

Happy (Church) New Year

The new church year calendar began with Advent on Sunday. Today our jr. high gathered in the St. Agnes Chapel for devotions. I presented our Advent offering opportunity to buy an animal(s) for a needy family in Africa. We talked about how students can offer to do chores, or pass up a cup of cocoa to help raise money. Ms. Shields led the jr. high in a responsive reading to quiet our hearts and listen. Mrs. Marita lit the first candle and shared a Psalm, Gospel lesson, and our prayer intentions. We closed with a quiet time of prayer and meditation. Thank you Mrs. Marita and Ms. Shields and students for this time of worship together this morning.

8th grade students were given spelling words for the week and then we traveled to Greg Alexander's art studio on Beaser Ave. Greg greeted us and shook hands with each student. It is hard to capture all that we saw and learned during the 80 minutes that Mr. Alexander talked to us. He was very eager to share the technique and vocabulary of his craft. He talked about the relationship of right and left brain thinking in creative pursuits. He showed us various paintings, and he talked how passion propels his work. He talked about the challenges of earning a living as an artist. He explained how painting is a spiritual journey, and our need to use God's gifts to cultivate our talents. He concluded with walking tour of his studio. Thank you Greg for your warm welcome and hospitality; we left with many blessings and thoughts to ponder. I know that Mr. Kehoe and Mrs. Johnson and students share my gratefulness. Thank you drivers.

6th and 8th grade math were together. Mrs. Belknap in our library has a new set of math "on the job" books. Students worked in groups of three to review these books: Math in ER, Math Climbing Mt. Everest, Math for Wildlife survival, Math in Roller Coasters, Math in Skyscrapers. Students shared with the group the various ways math is used in this areas and what math "operations" you will need to perform. The students realized the books were packed with information. Group reviews were good and explained how "math" is used in each of these areas: slope of roller coasters, building supplies for skyscrapers, body temperature in ER, animal population density, weight of backpacks for mountain climbing. The groups worked well together.
7th grade geography students made posters to advertise the heifer project. Mrs. Marita's students figured out that if each jr. high students brings 30 cents per day, we will have enough money for a sheep or goat. Students are encouraged to do extra jobs around the home or neighborhood. Also pass up having a soda to add the money to the fund. Be creative... and use Advent to prepare for the birth of Christ.
Advent Angel surprises are happening. May we use this season to bless those around us and create spaces in our lives for the Christ-child.

Advent Preparations

Joe led our pledge and prayer today. We also prayed for Father Mike, Father Alex (missionaries in Brazil) and Father Conan. Students wrote intentions that may be used for our Jr. High morning chapels today on Monday during Advent.
I also talked to the 8th grade about the Heifer project, a special offering Jr. High will do for Advent. I phoned the Heifer organization and they will be sending information, posters, a DVD (Beatrice's Goat), etc. Keep watching the blog; we have an opportunity to make a difference for people of poverty in Africa.

English 8 students did the weekly spelling test and turned in vocabulary words. We also took a walk (in the snow, yay!) to the Dollar Store to buy some gift bags to be used at the Winter Wonderland Craft and Bake Sale. Becky and other students will be helping.

Father Frank and 7th grade prepared our chapel yesterday for Advent. Also new bulletin boards and other signs say... Advent is approaching. We hope that many families have an opportunity to practice Advent. We joyfully await the Christ child.

Math 6 students did percentages, decimals and fractions. They also constructed grids (100 squares) with their initials. They recorded the percentage of squares shaded. For History 6, we moved Mesopotamia to the "ready to go home" room and set up Sahara Desert displays.
Don't forget the Winter Wonderland craft and bake sale... and the first Sunday Mass of Advent. Have a blessed weekend as we create sacred spaces in our hearts and homes for CHRISTmas.
Monday Junior High gathers in the chapel for Advent devotions. Blessings and safe keeping.