Lent: A Discipline

We started with pledge and prayer. Remembering many in our prayers: Mr. Owen, Father Conan, Father Mike, Father Alex, Mrs. Anich, Panasuk Family. Then we looked at Father Frank's musing in the bulletin last Sunday. He instructed us on how Lent is not a self-improvement project, but rather a discipline (a form of prayer) that enables us to grow in our relationship with God. (Read it over... some good thoughts worthy of our consideration.)
Students then wrote notes to be delivered to Mrs. Panasuk tomorrow. It was evident that students speak for all of us as we ask God for great healing and encouragement to the Panasuks and also for ourselves.

English 8 students were given guidelines for research project final due on March 16th. Students then brain-stormed ideas for the Sounder contest. They will be writing essays... or poetry for this contest.

Geography 7 worked on China travel brochures. They should be ready to present these on Monday.

History 6 students redid their Confucius proverb papers. After all Confucius said that we learn from correcting our mistakes. Many students had the right answers, but had not included an explanation of their answers as instructed in the directions.

8th graders used the last period of the day to do work in the computer lab.

It looks hopeful that Mr. Owen will return tomorrow. Also I leave for Georgia for a family wedding; please pray for our travel to Mpls. and flight to Atlanta. I will be back on Tuesday. Mr. Eaton will provide classroom instruction and mentorship to Mr. Owen.

Also Mrs. Panasuk called us in the staff lounge during lunch. We talked to her via speaker phone. It was very emotional for all of us as our hearts ache with the Panasuks. Let us not grow weary of praying, writing cards, and watching for the healing of the Lord!

Open Our Eyes Lord

Hurray, we welcome back all traveling and sick 8th graders. We are full house again.
Unfortunately, Mr. Owen is sick; he intends to return on Wednesday.
For devotions we looked at Matthew 25 as Jesus invites those who have served others (including the least of us) to eternal life. We talked about visiting people in prison, giving water to the thirsty, hospitality to strangers, etc. We thought of Mother Teresa and her ministry of providing a place for the "lowest of the low" to die with dignity; she said that she saw the face of Jesus in these world-worn faces. May we look with open eyes and sensitive spirits to serve others and serve Jesus. Clare shared a wonderful family story of offering aid to a struggling stranger.

English 8 students received work they missed when absent. Then I provided a review of the reflection paper that is due this Thursday (rough draft). We read a scene from Lear and then had time to work on spelling (due Friday).

Spanish 8 had class with Calvin today. I feel the class is going well and Calvin has a great style of guiding students to construct sentences and speak with good pronunciation. Good work Calvin and students!

Math 6 students did more addition and subtraction of fractions finding common denominators and going forward from there. Students did problems 30-36 p. 212 and 213. Due Wednesday.

Geography 7 students worked on China travel brochures. They were quite excited to see how you can book airfare on-line; some were clever enough to book first-class tickets! We forgot to give them budget limits on this trip. Good thing it is "not" real.

We already feel the loss of Mrs. Panasuk at the school... but we support her need to be with Al and her family at this time. We pray for God's hand of healing and encouragement. Please join our community of faith and prayer. We are on the path of Lent that leads to the despair of the cross.... and the joy of the resurrection. Let us be there for each other in this shared journey.

Please Pray With Us

Lent is a season to set aside more time for prayer. This feels more urgent than ever this year as we hear of so many within our OLL family who need special prayer. Please remember students who are not feeling well and others (staff and students) who are facing difficult situations. God is faithful in all seasons of our journey with him; so let us raise open hands and the deep concerns of our heart as we await His answers to our needs.

In English 8 today, students did the spelling test, turned in weekly vocabulary and read the first two scenes of Act II in King Lear. The plot continues to thicken as many of the characters have a selfish agenda. Unfortunately, many good and honest people are swept into this drama. We often pause to consider modern day connections to this timeless theme of good vs. evil.

For other class updates, check Mr. Owen's blog. Thank you dear readers for your prayers on our behalf as a school and a community of faith. We need each other and we need God's daily help and mercy. May God bless your Lenten time of prayer.

Lent: An Invitation

Mr. Owen's opened the day with Lenten devotional thoughts. Students were invited to "give up" something during this season to draw closer to God and remember that Jesus gave up His life for us. 8th grade students made a Lenten bulletin board and put up their "contracts" with God.

For English 8, I instructed students on the proper MLA format for their research essays. Also students should start working on their reflection (3 paragraphs) rough draft. These are due Thursday, March 1st. Rough draft essays were returned to students with suggestions for improvement. I expect students to address these concerns on their final essay. If they have questions, they need to come and talk to me. The last 30 minutes were used to write thank-you notes to the donor of our Ashwabay trip. (We will have 30 minutes at the end of the day in the computer lab to do work.)

Please see Mr. Owen's blog for other assignments: U.S. History 8, World History 6, Math 6, Geography 7.

Congratulations Connor and Niccolo for representing our school at the CESA Spelling Bee. Many students are coughing these days; please help your student to stay healthy with plenty of sleep. Don't forget Pizza money.

Mark of the Cross

In our school liturgy today, Father Frank instructed us in the "ashes" used to mark our foreheads with the cross for Ash Wednesday. The service was very meaningful as we enter this 40-day Lenten journey. We are grateful for God's mercy, for we have sinned. We are grateful for God's invitation to draw close as we practice prayer, almsgiving, and penance. We are grateful for God's word that reminds us "behold, now is the day of salvation." We are grateful for healing for Father Frank. We are grateful for our clergy, our students, our choir, our families, our school staff, our Principal, and members of the parish as we share our identity...the "mark of the cross."

After Liturgy, junior high students and staff headed for a day of skiing and snow-boarding at Ashwabay. It is easy to comment on what a great day it was: warm temps, ski-hill hospitality, St. Louis joined us, and many wonderful parents to help students stand up and discover their "ski-legs." Every student played in the snow and we applauded many great accomplishments: making it to the top on the rope tow, not hitting the power gate, making it down the hill, going slow, going fast, staying upright on a snowboard, starting, stopping, turning, not giving up... Our students did it all. We thank you God for a wonderful day in His creation. We also thank God for keeping us safe and we thank a donor for their gift that made it possible for every junior high student to come.
And thank you Ms. Shield, for arranging this outdoor opportunity.

Afraid to Ask?

Welcome back students.
Mr. Owen share with us his journey of faith. When he became a Catholic in l999, he knew that he found God's place for him. Mr. Owen read The Gospel lesson in the Children's Daily Prayer where Jesus foretells his death and resurrection for He was teaching His Disciples.
"His disciples did not understand Jesus, and they were afraid to ask him (Mark 9:32a)."
Mr. Owen reminded us that teacher-students roles often shift in matters of faith and we should not be afraid to ask and answer questions for each other. He will be asking 8th graders to actively share with him and each other from their Catholic history. I think practicing our faith-partnership is a powerful theme as we move into the Lenten season together. We prayed for traveling students, sick students, and spelling scholars who will compete in the spelling Bee today. Good luck Connor and Niccolo.

English 8 students worked on spelling. The last 3 students finished the Knights of Columbus knowledge test; all 8th grade students have now completed the math and spelling competition.

Regarding Math 6, History 6, and Geography 7, please use the link on my blog to access Mr. Owen's blog. He is teaching these history classes full-time for three weeks. He brings seasonedknowledge of his discipline (Social Studies), a strong sense of lessong planning, and a heart for teaching students.

Announcements are many.
Come and eat Spaghetti this evening for the KC church fund raiser. Pizza orders are due the 23rd. Skiing/snowboarding tomorrow at Ashwaybay after Ash Wednesday Liturgy. Be sure teachers have permission slips, and $8.75 for equipment, etc. and a sack lunch. Should be a great and fun day.

Become My Followers

We are a small number today, but QUALITY! We looked at Mark 8 and Jesus' call to us to be His followers. Again we see "verbs": deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Him. This journey is not an easy road, but the Children's Daily Prayer book says: Better to lose what may seem desireable so that we can grow in the life of our souls (p. 195). God guides us in our walk of faith for the long haul (eternity). We also prayed for many people who need travel protection and physical healing.

English 8 students did the spelling test and handed in weekly vocabulary. Then each student shared a sentence demonstrating Iambic Pentameter: a language rhythm used by Shakespeare. Good sentences students!

Also I need to sing the praises that 9 out of 10 students handed in 5-page rough drafts essays on their research projects. The 10th student has been ill. This rough draft represents weeks of gathering information, and synthesizing main ideas to support a thesis. First glance, the students have enough information that can reworked to write a good final paper. I will be giving suggestions on how to improve voice, organization and thesis support. Thank you 8th graders for taking this deadline seriously.

So here we are on the edge of dismissing students at noon and we return to OLL on Tuesday. Some announcements: Bring Ashwabay permission slips Tuesday, don't forget pizza orders, Forensics is cancelled for next week (Mrs. H. has a foot injury), and take some time this weekend to relax and have fun. Our weather is supposed to warm up, Book Across the Bay on Sat., and many reasons to be thankful for our good lives in northern Wisconsin. God Bless....see you all on Fat Tuesday! May we hear the call to follow Jesus on this road to the cross. Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.

Who do you say that I am?

After pledge and prayer, we looked at Mark 8 when Jesus asked his Disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" What is the talk around town? Some said John the Baptist, others Elijah. Next we see Jesus (the teacher) shifting the question and raising the stakes to ask, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter (eagerly) answered him, "You are the Messiah." Peter got it! He won the student-of-the-day award. This question is also for us. As observe the evidence of God in our lives and the lives of others, what is our answer to Jesus' question: "Who do you say that I am ?"

English 8 class time was used for students to complete the Knights of Columbus Spelling and Math test. We are grateful for this opportunity to partipate in this competition and practice test-taking skills. I intend that those students absent today will have the opportunity to do the two tests.

Geography 7 students continue to build information and facts about China through watching a good video and completing a work sheet. Mr. Owen is providing good instructional support through pausing the tape and asking questions so students don't miss the main ideas.

Math 6 students today again worked on estimating fractions. To have an authentic experience, they measured lines and rounded to the nearest 1/2 inch (often used by carpenters, etc.).

History 6 students continue to build the Chinese dragon... the Chinese New Year celebration in this weekend!

English 8 students used the last period in the computer lab to work on rough draft essays... due tomorrow. Also spelling is due tomorrow... Ashwabay permission slips, information forms for the high school. So end the week depositing all your papers in our hungry hands! Thanks.

God's Action Love

Happy Valentine's Day!
What a great love verse, Ephesians 2: 4-6: God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up with him... (read on, it gets even better). God's Love is an "active verb".

We had a worshipful School Mass today concluding with singing "Our Lady of the Lake." Our school is 125 years old... sing it out!

After Mass, jr. high students shared the love through valentines, goodies, conversation, and celebrating each other including "roses." Again our teachers and students wrote messages of love on our hearts. Thank you for generous expressions of love.

Math 6 students are moving into a new unit: Estimating fractions. We will work at this step-by-step.

English 8 students will record the definition of "tragedy" in their journal (to use for later referral) and also have a hands-on experience with Iambic Pentameter.

History 6 students will continue their work with Chinese dragons. Please refer to Mr. Owen's blog to get more details.

Valentine greetings to all readers. We are liked and we are loved by the God of great mercy, love and grace.

The Greatest of These is LOVE

To set the stage for Valentine's Day, we considered the "love" chapter: 1 Corinthians 13. These words jumped at me: "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully....." We only see through one window of God's master plan, but God's Word tells us..."the greatest of these is love." Pursue opportunities to serve others in Love. Something happens when we operate from this attitude and it is bigger than us! Students then made Valentines for each other, for 1st graders and other junior high students. We will celebrate together (as a jr. high) tomorrow after Mass.

Mr. Owen launched a unit about China with Geography 7 students. Students viewed a movie and answered questions on a video guide. At appropriate intervals, the movie was paused for comments and questions. It is something for us (from rural Wisconsin) to see the population density of cities in China. People are a valuable resource to this fast growing economy.

History 6 students will begin a unit today (with Mr. Owen) on ancient China.

8th grade students used study hall time and the last period of the day to do research for their English essays, U.S. History and Science projects. Our scholars are engaged. You can feel the "academic" energy.

Congratulations to the girls' volleyball team for victories last night against AMS. OLL ROCKS! We hope Carissa (limping today) will get a good report on her ankle injury.
Also 8th graders were given permission slips for Ashwabay and a notice that Forensics will start Feb. 20th. Also PLEASE return emergency information slips. The high school is holding up class registration UNTIL they receive them.

Show Us a Sign

Today we talked about the Pharisees' test (Mark 8) of Jesus to show a sign from heaven that he was authentic. Jesus answered: "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation." And he left them. We talked about "signs". How parents don't hold up signs or flash-cards (I am your mother.... I love you), but rather we show our love day-in-day-out through words and actions by what we do and don't do. Jesus is eager to reach the inside of people.... hearts! He wants to embrace each person... and say I love you. He is with us for the long haul, not a one-time flash in the sky. As we approach Valentine's Day, let us think about how Love is shown.

This is a busy week for English 8 students. I provided instruction again regarding the research rough draft due on Friday. Please include 5 resources with it. We also went over spelling words for this week. Lots to do and it is all possible with good time management. Trust yourself!

8th grade students are moving ahead with Calvin in Spanish. Be sure to ask your student about the class. Calvin brings good energy, and the expectation of student learning through class participation and completing homework.

6th grade Math started a new unit. Again I emphasized the importance of showing your work. Practicing math processses will support students when the going gets tough. Today we reviewed "estimating" and then applied it to estimating fractions. Students had time in class to complete p. 202 problems 2,3,4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14.

7th Grade Geography students gave final reports with their Antarctic landscapes. They shared details about research sites, the research they are doing, and who they will share this information with. Some students were studying the habits of penguins, others artifacts suspended in the ice. They talked about the challenge of keeping warm, tracking penguins, keep journals, flying in food, not contaminating the environment, etc. They got it that this hostile environment calls for creative ways of survival. We concluded with discussing why Antarctica is considered a "global laboratory" : little evidence of human intervention, scientists from all over the world collaborate to gain information, and artifacts suspended in the ice provide valuable clues to global changes. Also Antarctica is a valuable resource to observe global warming. Good work by 7th Grade Geography students to transport us to a foreign environment and challenge us to consider what it means to live there.

From 2 to 3 p.m. students were in band or study hall. This is a heavy-weight week for 8th graders with rough draft due on Friday (or Thursday, if gone Friday), and a American History project due on Wednesday. 8th grade students were in the computer lab from 1: 15 to 2 p.m. with Mr. Owen (thank you Mr. Owen). Please use the time wisely that you have at school!

Tomorrow students will get permission slips for Ashwabay next week... also Forensics opportunity. Don't forget Pizza sales. Good luck volleyball team tonight against AMS.
Wow... a busy time.

Open to Listen and Proclaim

Today Sarah led us in the morning devotions. She read from the Children's Daily Prayer: Sometimes after a child's baptism, the priest touches the child's ears and mouth; he prays that the child's ears may be opened to listen to God's word and the child's mouth may be opened to proclaim the Good News of Jesus. This is us... the baptized! Let us be OPEN to God-opportunities.

Students wrote something special about themselves to Father Frank. Something that he mostly likely would not know about them. Also we had jr. high student-cooks today making some good homemade chicken soup. We had students peeling carrots, cutting carrots, dicing onions, chopping celery, adding noodles, rice... all into chicken broth. The 6th graders even took on the challenge of making homemade rolls. These food goodies and cards were delivered to the Friary in the afternoon. Get well soon, Father Frank!

English 8 students did the spelling test, and then shared research topic words and thesis statements. They are on their way with a "sentence" (the rudder) to steer their research and thoughts.

Well, this is short... some eager jr. high students want to get in a little basketball. They deserve it. We have seen some good work and cheerful attitudes to serve others. Have a great weekend.

Eat the Children's Crumbs

Today we read the puzzling story (Mark 7) of the Gentile woman who came to Jesus and begged him to heal her daughter. Jesus' answer seems harsh: Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs. (Is He calling her a dog?) I am sure that I don't even come close to fully understanding the story, but one entry point for me is that Jesus was on the look-out for faith (not opportunities to insult people), and the woman (not a Jew, but a Gentile) did not disappoint him. She replied: Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs. She "got it" and she was not going to let go of this spark of hope. The woman was seeking a Savior, and Jesus responded; her daughter was healed. Whether we feel that we are getting crumbs or the full banquet spread, God is with us and He is responding to our needs. Be encouraged and be healed!

I gave an example of a research topic today and showed students how to pull out a thesis statement. Students were given a research paper outline format to guide their "rough draft." I reminded them that I need to see this outline to know where they are going with their research. Tomorrow after the spelling test, each student will share 5-topic words and a thesis statement. We are moving forward in this process.

Geography 7 students had today to finish their Antarctica station newspaper articles. Landscape presentations and written articles are due Monday.

Students not in choir today, read with first graders. It is totally exciting to see the progress these young scholars are making.

Math 6 students did a few review problems. Tomorrow is the end of the unit test. Students are ready. Then we took a break... and celebrated Molly Marita's 3rd birthday. Yummy cake, delicious ice cream, and one awesome 3-year old child of God. Molly... we celebrate you!

History 6 students are studying Ancient China. Mr. Owen read with the students pages 168-169 and then students constructed a list of personal items that they would bury in their tombs for the after-life. Yes, video games are at the top-of-the-list!

English 8 students used the last period in the computer lab to make copies of their poetry, write thesis statements, do research, and surf for science project ideas. We are putting more of the learning into the hands of our capable students... who are soon off to high school!

Father Frank: We were glad to hear you are back at home and we will continue to pray for you. I will drop off some cards today made by the students. I remember when I first came to OLL, Billy Mattes told me that we are known for praying and for our card-making skills. This is true!

Holy Vocation/Vacation

Here we are home another day due to the big chill that has settled over our area. I was so blessed on Sunday by our all-school Mass and Father Henry's homily that challenged us to consider our vocation (our call to serve). The Gospel lesson (Luke 5) urged us to cast the net of God's love and grace that we may catch others for His Kingdom.

With two unscheduled days at home, I feel like my vocation has been transformed into a holy vacation. You may be surprised that I am using this time to catch up on household chores: clean the stove, bake a cake, make some phone calls, send some overdue e-mails, wash clothes, cut the neighbor lady's hair...and the list goes on. Somehow I believe this is "vocation" too... in our leisure time we also have opportunities to encourage others and be about the work of God.

Today is Molly's 3rd birthday... and Samantha's birthday. I already talked to Molly and hope to call Sam yet. Later some of us will meet with Mrs. Anich.

So if it sounds like I am having too much fun, maybe I am. But believe me, teaching at OLL is also fun. And whether here or there, whether hot or cold temps, whether cleaning a stove or picking up scraps from a student project, we are called to serve and this "down time" is giving me to time to consider that the lines of vocation and vacation are blurred when we are participating in God's Work.

Before signing off, I want to include a heart-felt thank you to so many who made Catholic Schools' Week a memorable experience for me and our students. Thank you to everyone who did so much behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone who did so much upfront. A special thank you to Mr. Eaton for attending to a full menu of details all week. Also thank you Mrs. Marita for organizing the Sunday Mass. Thank you to all students who supported the weeks' activities... and to the Knights of Columbus for their hard work to serve the pancake breakfast and the home-school committee for the fabulous bake sale. Thank you.

Tomorrow I am off to a writing workshop, but my trusty substitute (Mr. Ellis) will show up. Stay warm and enjoy the God-opportunities of each day.

Sisters in Christ

Today was a unique day for many reasons. First, I want to thank 8th grade students for being good listeners as I shared a few thoughts about some frustrations that we have had to work through this week. We love Catholic Schools' Week, and still it is not easy to be living a new ( with surprises) schedule each day. Our "comfort zone" is more safe than we realize. Thank you for your consideration and respect.

For English we quickly discussed research questions and how to conduct interviews and surveys. Tomorrow vocabulary is due and a spelling test. Students then had time to work on whatever they needed to complete this week.

7th grade geography students worked on Antarctica reports and landscapes.

Thank you Sarah and Nick for joining some other students for Friday Mass choir practice. Thank you Mrs. Trapp for the cheery practice.

Then it was off to the New China restaurant. What a wonderful meal, to sit down with my colleagues leisurely, drink tea and eat good food. Thank you parents and Mr. Eaton for ALL you did to give us this time to relax. It was wonderful.

If that wasn't enough, we then had the fun of our Sister Act routine. It is impossible to describe what we did, but it was great to laugh and sing together as "sisters in Christ." Mrs. Panasuk and Mrs. Punjak, you made us look good. Mr. Owen, you made us sound good. Students, your applause and crafted-hands of encouragement.... were wonderful. We celebrated by eating apple pie and yummy muffins in the lounge.

Thank you again to Mr. Owen for helping students get their backpacks, etc. at the end of the day. You made it possible to give my Mother daughter-support.

Whew, what a day: classroom, choir, Antarctica, New China, nunnery.... a true teacher-feast appreciation day. Thank you. I am sure many more people did things than I can imagine. Thank you
to everyone!