Seeing Through the Eyes of Jesus.

Today we began with another Bible story about a blind man. We talked about earthly sight... and setting our sight for the eternal landscape. I shared the story of my Grandmother who was disabled because of her lack of sight. But she waited daily for the sun to shine "just right" in the window, so she could read her large-print Bible. I read Father Frank's thoughts about wearing "masks" and tomorrow (after Halloween) the masks will be off. Let us pray to see our world through the eyes of Jesus.

8th grade students were given a scary story starter last week. Today each student read his/her entertaining story. We had a large variety of endings... humorous, strange twists, happy ending, creepy endings. All students were good readers. When I looked over the typed endings, there were quite a few errors. Connor had taken advantage of my offer to read a "rough draft" and his final paper was a solid A. I am trying to get students to understand the value of doing a rough draft and asking someone to look it over. There is no shame to getting support when aiming for high-quality writing.

In Geography 7, we talked about purchasing stocks. This information flowed from students' questions from yesterday. We then talked about how income, jobs, home prices, and education affect how people live... and often where they live. I gave students "play" paychecks to support the recent news that college grads on the average earn $23,000 more each year compared to a non-college grad.

6th grade students will wrap up early farmer unit and then we are off to early Mesopotamia.

Happy Halloween... and good luck to our basketball athletes tonight in their game against Northwestern. May you have safe travel and have the joy of doing your best.

Thank You Parents

Thank you parents and volunteers for all your help last Thursday at my home. We were busy bees baking and making items for the Winter bazaar. I enjoyed spending my day with all of you. Thank you too Mrs. Marita.

8th graders were given their weekly vocabulary due on Friday. We then used the remainder of English for typing up scary stories (due tomorrow) and painting saint banners for the 3rd grade.

6th grade math students were assigned today: p. 44...every third problem starting with number 3 and ending with 45. This is due Wednesday (no math Tues.).

7th grade students presented their Rain Forest brochures. Several students challenged us to consider HOW we use the products from the rain forest. We should be mindful that we do not waste these products and how we replenish the resources. We can make a difference.

8th graders not in band today worked on spelling, stories and saint banners.

p.s. My computer has been unusually slow recently and the internet connection has failed... so sorry if daily blogs don't show up. Brother Tom is working on these technology surprises. Thanks, Mrs. Ellis

Connected to God

Our morning annoucements included details about going to my home tomorrow... to work on bazaar crafts. After pledge and prayer, we went to the All-School Prayer Service. 8th Grade journal responses to this worship service included:
saying the rosary is one of the most powerful ways of praying especially in a group, we kept going even when the CD stopped, takes my mind off other stuff, calming and peaceful, I felt God's presence, I see God in everything, felt connected to God.
What an awesome God we have... who meets us in ways beyond our imagination.

Geography 7 students had today to finish their Rain Forest Brochures. These presentations will be on Monday. A finished brochure should be attractive and include 6 panels of information that will invites us to come to the Amazon Rain Forest.

Math 6 students went over examples in book on p. 40. They did in-class problems
3-6. Once they demonstrated understanding, they did problems 7-22 as an assignment for tomorrow. Mrs. Shields will be going over correct answers with students tomorrow. Many times, learning math in a new unit is about "trust." Students need to trust the book (and teacher) that we are laying foundation bricks for building our understanding of math processes. The key to these first-unit steps is to listen well, ask questions, refer to examples, and be in the habit of doing the process. You can do it... trust yourself!

8th Grade students were given a story starter to create an entertaining scary story. We will read these in class on Tuesday. A finished story will be: typed, creative, correct, have quality sentences and good vocabulary, clear, and entertaining. Have fun with this assignment and take some "word" risks.

History 6 students finished up the last presentation and then wrote responses to three questions: What caused hunters/gatherers to shift to farmers? What is the daily life of an early farmer like? Tell me at least three things about doing your project that you want me to know. Thanks class for wonderful models of early farms.
Thank you parents and grandparents for your support.

Tomorrow... off to our place for crafts and fun! We are hoping for great weather like today.

Say Something Positive...

We started the day with the Gospel lesson (Luke 12:35-37) from
Children's Daily Prayer. Our Faith is a call to action. To be dressed and lamps lit when God calls us. We are living in a world that needs the prayers and presence of Christians. Let us be ready. Students then made thank-you cards for Mrs. Grittner and Mrs. Nye. We feel so grateful for all they did for us yesterday.

Today students presented their war poems and essays. After that we read
Tears of a Tiger. Thinking of war and reading this book... felt like a downer. So we ended the period with everyone saying something "positive" today. Eva said her horse is fat.
Connor said there is basketball practice. Quin reminded us there is lasagna for lunch.. yay! Yes we are in a world with great needs.... but we carry the joy of the Lord. Let us spread this Good News.

Geography 7 students are busy constructing Rain Forest brochures. They are inviting us to learn about this unique landscape that affects all of us.

History 6 students finished "early farm" presentations today (except one student was absent). This group can be proud of their creative and quality work. It is quite exciting for us to consider early challenges of human survival. We started to read from the textbook about a village that was unearthed 150 years ago in the islands off Scotland. We made connections to our lives and the rules that govern how we use our land.

8th graders finished the day silent reading or working on other assigments. Others came up with the idea of a desk-switch with Mr. Eaton's permission... so different desks are arriving in our room. Becky is our motivator and heavy lifter! We owe her big time. Thanks Becky.

Fun... Working Together!

We began our week with the flag pledge and prayer. Then the instruction was turned over to Ms. Faye Grittner (Eva's Grandma) and her partner Chuckie Nye. These two volunteers came to teach and guide the students to make stamped Christmas cards. They had 6 different designs so students could rotate around to different work stations. Faye and Chuckie brought all the materials and supplies. I was even able to make four cards. It is exciting to see plain paper become transformed into an attractive holiday message. These handmade masterpieces will be sold at the OLL Christmas Bazaar on the weekend of Nov. 11-12. Thanks Girls... for your good work on our behalf. This was a fun start to our week.

6th graders in math started reading together p. 40. We did not get to an assignment today.

Geography 7 students are starting to design their Amazon Rainforest travel brochures. This is an opportunity to show what they know... and invite others to come to the rainforest.

Looking ahead: This is a four-day school week. Tuesday 8th graders will present their Veterans Day poems and essays in class. On Thursday, Mrs. Marita's 7th graders and 8th graders will travel to my house for a day of baking and working on crafts for the bazaar. We still need some parent drivers. We will leave OLL at 9:15... and be back at 2:30. Students are encouraged to bring craft ideas... and supplies... and goodies to share with our chili lunch. Dress for working and playing outside. There is no school liturgy this week. Don't forget to participate in the all-school Mass on November 5th.

Thanks for your support to help make our school a fun and beneficial place to learn and grow in our faith.

God is the Same

Becky started our day with a reading and prayers. Thank you. We are moving into a new unit for Church History. We talked about how the journey of faith is like climbing a mountain: practice helps, slow and steady are good, we are roped together, sometimes the slope is slippery. But God is steady. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

For English, we did the weekly spelling test, vocabulary sentences and read
Tears of a Tiger. We agree this book is like no other.

7th graders were with me after lunch while 6th grade finished testing. These students worked on their Veterans Day poem, short essays, or family stories. Once students have completed their rough draft, they will have it checked and then complete a typed final paper to satisfy Ms. Shields expectations.

6th grade World History: Four students presented their early stone-age farm displays today. You would enjoy seeing the good and creative work these students did. Thank you for your commitment to quality work and making it fun for us to learn from you. Students included water resources, crops, livestock. As the population increased and resources became more precious, it became necessary for some humans to settle into a farm-style rather than hunter/gathered lifestyle. These four gentlemen receive an extra 20 points for presenting early.

You can be proud of Mrs. Marita and Mrs. Shields for completing the Iowa Basic Skills Tests with 6th and 7th grade junior high students. It has been stressful for staff and students, but these two colleagues kept the testers upbeat and well-fed. Thanks for "pulling everyone" through this week. Also thank you again 8th graders, for your book talks and your creation of children's books for 1st graders. Have a great weekend.

We Can Make a Difference

For devotions, we read: Matthew 28:18. Go into the world and make disciples of all nations... baptizing... teaching... We connected this verse to the image/imagination of God that we carry. Students wrote journal responses, how can we make a difference in the world? Students were thoughtful: God wants his children to be a generation of peace...we could collect food and clothes..people would not be hurtful...help the homeless...end poverty, racism... if we embrace God, anything is possible..tell people about God..find new ways to fix problems...the list is endless...there are no limits. This 8th grade class "can make a difference." Thanks for the hope you bring to this world.

For English Class, we went to the Vaughn Library. Drop off our books and check out new books. Uhmmm... maybe I need to start a running total of books reads? Impressive already.

Geography 7 students watched an Eyewitness video: Jungle (about tropical rainforest.) The video highlights the biodiversity of the rainforest and our need to take care of this amazing resource for spices, medicines, animals, insects, oxygen.. it is priceless.

For those students not in choir, we went to read to 1st graders. Mrs. Urling explained to her students that the 8th graders made books featuring word families and sight words the first grade students are learning. Junior high students were paired with 1st graders and read these home-grown 8th grade books. Also a reporter from the Daily Press was there to take pictures and gain information. We all were delighted with our in-house authors and illustrators.

6th grade math students started with a hands-on algebraic equation: x + y = 26 OLL junior high students. (x = girls y= boys). We solved one variable and then could determine the other. We then read algebraic equation examples on p. 38 and problems were assigned on p. 39: 8-22 even numbers. Three students had time to do an extra credit assignment.

6th grade World History used the computers to gain pictures for their stone-age farms. This assignment (visual plus report) due on Monday.

For the last 45 minutes, 8th graders read, did work and watched:
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Students need some "down time" with the start of basketball season... practices... homework, etc. Thanks again for great-creative books for our 1st grade students.

The image/imagination of God

For opening devotions, we read in Genesis: God created (wo)man in his image. From there we talked about "imagination." That we are called to operate within this dynamic nature of God to make a difference in the world. This can be expressed through addressing poverty, economy, education, etc. The early Fathers in the church used councils as one strategy to access God's imagination in dealing with the needs of that time. This is our call as a church in the 21st century to use God's imagination and resources to be a servant to all. This may seem like "heady" stuff, but it is experienced in something as simple as offering a cup of water... showing kindness... demonstrating patience. We are making progress to better understand how church history informs our response to God in the present. Thank you 7th and 8th graders and all other students for your participation in the liturgy today.

Geography 7 students presented their rainforest (fictional) bugs and the legends that told of how they became extinct. Several stories were delightful... and most stories included information and appropriate vocabulary about the rainforest. We talked at the end how cultural legends provide information and maintain the health of a community. These bugs and stories are displayed in our room for your enjoyment!
Thanks Sarah for updating the bulletin boards.

8th Grade U.S. History students read pages 148-152 and completed a quiz as partners.

For Math, 8th grade students looked at examples on pages 39-40 and did problems 1-30 on pages 41 and 42. If not completed in class, this is homework. Thanks Aaron for helping individial students with questions.

In English 8, we read Tears of a Tiger together. We talked about "hope." What it means... and how do we get it? We talked about who is there for Andy (main character) as he struggles with guilt and depression. As we are about half-way through this book, the "outside" layers of the characters have been peeled away to expose their inner landscape.

History 6 students worked on early-farm landscapes and information they will use in their presentations. Students who present on Friday will earn extra points. The assigned day is next Tuesday.

We hope (8th grade) to make a quick trip to Vaughn Library tomorrow. To return our books from the "book talk" and check out new books. This class is setting the bar high for outside reading.

From our church history textbooks, we read about historical scholars who have provided works to guide the church and inspire thinkers of today: John Chrysostom, Augustine, Jerome. We also read about the Age of Councils. During this time period, there was much discussion about the "incarnate" nature of Jesus. This debate spawned the formation of the Nicene Creed that we still proclaim at Mass today, 1700 years later. Again, we understand history as a tool that carves who we are today.

Mrs. Grubisic came by today to remind students that she needs baby pictures for the OLL yearbook. Thank you Mrs. Grubisic for your work on our behalf.

In English, we read Tears of a Tiger. Students used the last 30 minutes to do spelling, read books, or complete other work. I am impressed with the love of reading of this 8th grade class.

For Geography 7, we read an Amazon Rainforest legend: "How Night Came to the World"
We talked about the power of legends: Show the lifestyle of a culture, a tool for teaching, a spiritual explanation, a force to weld members of a community. Students did a worksheet response to this legend. Some students saw connections in this story to the Bible Creation Story.

Since 6th graders were in testing, 8th Graders spent US History with me today. We talked about war and the impact on our nation. We then read a short history of Veterans Day. Students are assigned to write a poem or short essay of thanks to veterans. We will select a few students to read at our in-school Veterans Day program. 8th grade students will read their work in class next Tuesday.

6th Grade World History students continue to build stone-age farms. This hands-on engagement with learning provides social growth as well as students teach each other through problem solving. We are hoping to do in-class presentations by Friday.

The OLL school bazaar will be the weekend of Novmmber 11 and 12; these dates are approaching quickly. Thursday, October 26th, 7th and 8th grade students will spend most of the school day at my house (2 miles west of Ashland). Mrs. Marita and myself are looking for drivers and mentors to help students make craft items. Also we need ideas... and craft supplies. Please say "yes" to helping students and having a fun day working together.

8th Graders Talk About Books

Our week began with a follow-up to Father Frank's homily: Now or never? My plan was to bring the "real" Elvis version of this song... but I brought the wrong Elvis CD. Father Frank... you still reign! We talked about Jonah's eagerness to escape God's plan for him. And how God steered him back to Plan A... the best plan. This is about us. We often choose the "rough" path. But God does not give up on us. He uses the struggle even for our good. Let us hold to attitude of an learning as we grow in our faith.

8th grade students do not need to do the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The spelling words for this week were introduced. Then we were off to the Latte Da' for book talks. We ordered our drinks and settled in. Each student reviewed his/her book based on the criteria assigned for this book talk. It was evident to me that all students had some valuable opinions about the books they read. A coffee shop adds that "cozy" touch so students can listen and talk more freely to each other. We had the added bonus of Sammy Hicks (a parent) visiting us at the coffee shop. Thank you 8th graders for your insights and good book reviews. We returned to OLL by 11:15.

6th Grade Math students are starting a new unit. Today we learned about numerical expressions vs. algebraic expressions. This concept of variables is not yet "set". But we learned from the last unit, that as we move forward and practice, new ways of expressing math will begin to make sense and become comfortable. So be strong; you will gain confidence and know success! Problems 9-21 on page 37 are due on Wednesday. Any math assignments PAST DUE (from the last unit) are due tomorrow.

7th Grade geography students were scheduled to present bug visuals and legends(in ink or typed) today. Only 2 students came prepared. These two received extra points. Other students must have the visuals and legends in the 7th grade work-drawer by Wednesday, or they start to lose points. Students need to use their own time to complete this assignment as adequate time was given in class. Students were given a Latin American terms worksheet to complete: define and draw meanings. This is also due Wednesday.

Students did not have band today so had the final hour for a study hall. Most 8th grade students demonstrated a good use of this time. Thank you.
p.s. Congratulations Ms. Shields and Clare Lulich for finishing the half-Whistlestop marathan. You deserve our applause.

Run the Race Set Before Us

Connor led our opening devotions and prayers today. Thank you.
Thinking of the Whistlestop Race this weekend, we looked at the verse
Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith... " (interesting this is a "run-on" sentence).
We talked about who is in the "cloud of witnesses"... and then each student wrote down two problems that may weigh us down; they put their post-it notes on the board. We all recognized these sins: anxiety, worry, frustration, anger, jealousy, lying, cheating, etc. We then arranged the post-it notes to make a cross and we returned to Heb. 12: 1. "...who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
We wish great blessings and weight-free running for Clare and Mrs. Shields at the Whistlestop. Be watching for these OLL athletes!

For English, students did the weekly spelling test, turned in vocabularies, and shared with the class high-quality sentences. We are practicing how words gain value when used correctly. 8th Grade Students then read to the class their children's books they authored for Mrs. Urling's first grade class. They covered many age appropriate topics and included the word groups and sight words the first grade class is learning. After reading, each students shared his/her joy and frustration of writing a book. I felt our students bumped against some of the challenges, authors feel: who will do the illustrations, topics, keeping sentence length age appropriate, gathering facts for non-fiction. Thank you 8th graders for good work. I am excited to share these books with our reading partners in first grade.

Today in Math we celebrated the good scores on the unit test. Students had a little treat. I showed students how to answer the "extra credit" questions. We are moving into simple algebraic equations for the next unit. Mary was the winner of our weekly drawing.

World History 6th Grade students continue to work on their early "farms". Students are thinking creatively and doing good work. It will take a couple of more class periods before we are ready for presentations.

Thank you Mrs. Marita for broadcasting the aroma of home-baking in our hall today. It warmed our hearts on this cool, blustery day.

Events and assignments to remember: Please support the Knights of Columbus Pancake and Sausage Breakfast this Sunday. Monday morning, 8th graders will do a book talk at Latte' Da; they may want to bring some money for a hot drink. 7th graders, you will present your Amazon rainforest creatures and legends on Monday. Thanks for sharing this race of faith with us. Have a great weekend.

Today we read from our Church History book. We discussed the pluses and minuses of the Catholic church during the period of 313 to 476 A.D. We made connections to the contemporary Church. Again, we refer to the past to help us define and better understand the present.

For English, students wrote a response in their journal to...If I could change the world today, I would.... Some students shared their thoughts. Then we read from Tears of a Tiger. Ask your student, why Gerald would change peanut butter, Band-Aids, and five-dollar bills? Most chapters spawn our own connections to this story.

Geography 7 students finished creating their Amazon Rainforest legendary bug. They also wrote their legends. They will share their bug and story with the class on Monday. If they did not finish it today, it is homework.

During choir, other students read with the 1st graders. What a wonderful time. I am always so thrilled to see how helpful some of our students are as they show the "tricks" of sounding out words to these young scholars. We close with prayer together... and our young friends saying "thank you." We could hear the choir down the hall. Sounds good Mrs. Trapp and choir students!

Math 6 students did the Unit 1 test. This is an opportunity to showcase their understanding of the concepts we have covered in class. it is required that students show their work on the test. UPDATE: Test scores are all A's. We are ready to move on.

We came together as a jr. high family for a "little table talk." We are concerned that our new chapel is used appropriately and kept clean. Also students were reminded that we offer Christian hospitality for guests who come to our school. This is the privilege and responsibility of being an OLL family. We are there to encourage and guide each other on this journey of faith.

Dress warm students. The power and sting of winter winds were a reality today.

Life is Precious

We started our day gathered around the new Life Monument on our front lawn. We prayed together the intentions from last evening's dedication. Becky told us about attending the dedication last night. Thanks Becky. When we returned to the classroom, students wrote a response to "life is precious." Please visit the new monument... to think... to be quiet...to remember... to pray.

Critical Esays on The Old Man and the Sea were returned to students. Most essays were well-written. There is still room for improvement in citing quotes and organizing an essay. We then read aloud Tears of a Tiger and discussed the author's style and our connections to this story.

For Geography 7, students presented their "wanted posters" for poachers in the rainforest. Then we worked on our legendary bugs. Students will create a bug (or animal) and write a story about the life of this bug in the Amazon rainforest. The should include topic appropriate vocabulary and include information about the rainforest: emergent, canopy, understory, forest floor, predator, prey, camouflage... Students will have Thursday to work on this assignment and stories and bug visuals will be presented next Monday.

After the age of hunting and gathering societies began to produce/grow crops and raise livestock. 6th Grade World History students will plan a stone-age farm.
They are to include a pasture for grazing animals, plots for crops, a source of water and stone-built home. Students will also write a narrative about a day in the life of an early farmer.
A couple of students still have math work to make-up. It is important for them to "show" their work on math problems. I regard the process as important (if not more) as the answer.

8th graders used the last period to work on their children's books for the 1st grade class.

Yes, NO school tomorrow... we are off to Rice Lake for a conference. Keep us in your prayers. Thanks... talk to you Thursday.

Welcome to our classroom

Today is a new week and I had the privilege of just meeting our new Diocese Superintendent,Ms. Peggy SchaneFuss We are so fortunate to have capable and positive leaders (including Mr. Eaton) charting the course for our schools. Feel free to stop by sometime. Check with Ms Sarah in our office to gain access to our building.

We began the day with pledge and prayer. We returned to our Church History curriculum books today to consider look at the period of 313 AD -
476 AD. We use history as a reference to talk about contemporary issues and our identity today as Catholics. Also Becky will report to us tomorrow about the Life Monument dedication this evening; we will go out and view the monument as Becky tells us about it.

For English, we laid out the schedule for this week. Students were given new vocabulary words, and more instruction regarding their authorship of a 1st grade reading book. These books are due Friday. Also 8th graders handed in their final essay on The Old Man and the Sea. I am looking forward to reading them. We started Sharon Draper's book: Tears of a Tiger. This book is a fast read written in the vernacular of inner-city school talk. Already the discussion has revealed student connections to this story.
Looking ahead: 1st grade children's books are due Friday. Next Monday, 8th graders will go to the Latte Da for a round-table book talk.

For 6th Grade Math, students are completing problems on page 31:22-31. Students will be doing the Unit 1 test on Thursday.

Geography 7 students were given direct instruction regarding the layers of the Amazon rainforest. They were then given an assignment to create a "legendary" bug from the rainforest. They will draw this bug, describe it, and write an entertaining story about this bug using rainforest vocabulary: layers, ecosystem, habitat, camouflage...etc. We will read these stories in class.

FYI: Staff will be in Rice Lake for a Diocesan Conference on Wednesday. Yes, no school for students. So parents, line up the chores list, ha! I have a suspicion that some students want to catch up on some sleep. As this age of rapid growth, this is a worthy goal!

Bayfield Apple Festival 2006

Yes, the 8th grade, myself and Mr. Kehoe spent most of the school day at the Bayfield Apple Festival. What a kaleidoscope of humanity and nature! The weather was beautiful (suppose to be even better tomorrow) and the scent of autumn and apples are a feast for the senses. 8th graders ate a full menu of goodies: chocolate, coffee, truffles, cheese curds, much more... and apples (served in an endless variety of ways)!
Really this outing is a true showcase of the fruits of creation. What a wonderful way to end the week that we celebrated the Feast of St. Francis. Thanks Mr. Kehoe for sharing this day with us. Glad to hear you and your wife get to go again tomorrow.
We hope all of you enjoy the Bayfield Apple Festival this weekend. Be watching for Clare in the parade Sunday.

Gentle reminder: Final essays (typed) on The Old Man and the Sea are due Monday! Eat apples... they nurture thinking!!!

Thank you Brother Tom

Brother Tom, our computer guru, brought a newer and faster computer for our classroom. I have been practicing patience with the old one... so I am celebrating the arrival of updated technology. Thank you, Brother Tom.

For religion today we read an article about the Amish community and their response to this school tragedy. We are learning from their example of "forgiveness." Once again we referred to the Prayer of St. Francis. Students made symbols to help us remember we are called to be "instruments of peace."

In English, students were walked through an assignment to make children's books for Mrs. Urling's First Grade class. Yesterday we had talked about what subjects, font, words, etc. are appropriate for this age group. Our books will include many of the sight words and phonetic word groups the first grade students are learning.

In Geography 7, we read the story ("Lungs of the earth") of Chico Mendez and his fight to save the Amazon Rainforest. We read how he was gunned down in l988. We then looked at profile post of Chico Mendez honoring his life. Students then made "wanted" posters for violators of the rainforest. You would enjoy the creativity and humor of this class.

Grade 6 did 3-digit math multiplication for a warm-up. Students were assigned problems on p. 30 sections C and D (odd numbers). This is due Monday. Two students completed the assignment in class, it is homework for the others. After this mind-bending work, we took a short walk downtown for fresh air (clean the brain cobwebs) and enjoy the beautiful weather. We saw a couple of interesting events: The public works men were pouring fresh cement to secure the stop sign near our school. Yes, we wanted to leave our prints in the fresh cement.... but we resisted the temptation.
Also saw a group of women. They were speaking Russian (I asked them... in English) and were taking photos of our town. Hey, Ashland looks extra good on a warm fall day.

For World History, we looked up dumblaws in other countries and in some of our states. We had talked about this earlier in the week as we talked about how hunters/gatherers became farmers and started to organize as "communities."

At the end of the day, 8th graders used the time to work on children's books, vocabulary due tomorrow, final essays on The Old Man and the Sea, or other work.

NEWS FLASH! 8th graders are off to the Bayfield Apple Festival tomorrow... to celebrate the "fruit(s)" and fun of northern Wisconsin. We will leave at 9:15 a.m. and return by 2 p.m. Students need to return with permission slips and pocket money for lunch. There are two cars going: the school van, and Kehoe van. The weather should be like today... Bring it on, Bayfield!!

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

In a week when school shootings and war dominate our news (and thoughts), how refreshing to reminded of St. Francis of Assisi. He modeled for us holy living in a times of chaos and confusion. We are called to sow seeds of love, hope, pardon, faith and joy. Thus we started our day with St. Francis' prayer; students considered what this prayer meant to them and wrote responses in their journals.
The school liturgy expanded our engagement with St. Francis' ministry through songs, prayers, and Father Henry's homily. Father Henry also came to our class and shared the attributes of a Franciscan life. Truly we have many "refreshing" ideas to ponder and use for our growth.

Geography 7 students finished reading our textbook about Brazil. Maps of South/Central Americas were due today.

Math 6 students need to complete p. 30: sections A and B even numbers. I have been calling home when students are running behind. Please check over your student's work frequently. Students are capable but need to develop more confidence.

English 8 students turned in their rough draft critical response to
The Old Man and the Sea. The final essay (typed) is due on Monday with corrections. Please also turn in the rough draft with the final.

World History: We finished reading about "early farmers." Next step is the introduction of a hands-on project for this unit.

"For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." -St. Francis

Many say teaching is all about giving... and then giving more. Trust me, we receive so much. Thank you everyone.

The Lord is our Shepherd

Today we began with the reading of Psalm 23. Our morning prayers included praying about the tragedy in Lancaster, PA. Melissa (youth minister) talked to our students in the chapel about EDGE: new junior high youth opportunity. This group will meet on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for snacks, fun, and study. Please know that ALL jr. high students are welcome.

English began with brainstorming ideas for the Christmas bazaar. The students would like to do cards, baked goods, paint glass-bulbs. Mr. Ellis is hoping to get the kiln operational in early November for bazaar crafts.
I then walked the students through what a 3-paragraph critical analysis of The Old Man and the Sea looks like. Students were shown how to add quotes to support their thoughts. This assignment calls for "processing thoughts/response" (pre-writing stage to lead into the rough draft (typed that is due tomorrow. Many students used English class time to type up their drafts. My first impression: looks like many students are responding to the challenge to "think" and then write.

For Geography 7, transparencies of vegetation, people, and animals of the Amazon Rainforest were shown. Students then finished South and Central America maps. We will focus our studies mainly on Brazil and the rainforest, but I wanted students to understand that this continent represents many countries with diverse land features.

6th Grade World History started the new unit on "early farmers." We read from the textbook and discussed this transition from a hunter/gatherer lifestyle. Our discussion moved into concerns about safety and the school tragedy in Pennsylvania. We closed our class with prayer that we do not allow fear to have a hold on our lives and that we will continue to put our trust in God. We are grateful to be in a school where we can pray together.

God's Autumn Creativity

We started the new week with revisiting the creation story in Genesis 1. We were paying close attention to God's response after each day: "He saw it was good." This is easy to understand today when this fall day is so good. Students wrote in their journals: What does autumn tell us about God? Some interesting responses included: that death could be pretty (trees)...the breezes tell us that we can slow down and let our minds wander...the different color of people and how ech one of us is beautiful in God's eyes...could also represent the Holy Spirit going out and drafting in the wind...God is really colorful... You can see this season of beauty speaks to us in our own unique way and testifies to the diversity of our God.
For English, students were given the new vocabulary/spelling words for the week and criteria for a book talk that will be presented in two weeks (Oct. 16). We hope to go to the Latte Da for this event.
6th Grade Math students did a warm-up multiplication drill. Some students still need practice although there is evidence of progress. Students are to complete problems 14-38 on P. 26 before our class on Wednesday. Most students need to do this as homework.
In Geography 7, we began our study of Latin America. We did an overview of the diversity of this continent. We also talked about what products we receive from Latin America. Students will complete a map identifying the name of each country in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. I want students to see first-hand that Latin America includes many countries (and diverse landscape). The majority of our focus will be on the Amazon Rainforest and how we are dependent on the health of this part of the world.