Leap for Joy

Today we read about Mary's visit with Elizabeth after the angel announces the Birth of Jesus to Mary. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greetings, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry: "Blessed are you among women..." It is interesting to note that Mary stayed with Elizabeth for 3 months. We see in this story women caring for each other. A beautiful model of God's care for us.... that we too may "leap for joy."

8th graders gave farewell speeches. I was personally blessed by their honesty and grateful comments to each other. This class recognizes the growth and friendship that they have gained as "community." Mr. Eaton addressed this sense of community by talking to the junior high about being nice, showing respect, and practicing Christian love. He challenged us to consider what this model "looks like" and exhorted us to do likewise.

6/7 grade English students reviewed spelling words for test tomorrow and vocabulary that is due. Then students read together in book circles... and used the last 10 minutes to turn in books, etc. as we near the end of this year. Tomorrow the LAST Friday letter and vocabs are due.

We are all feeling the reality that 8th graders are down to their last hours at OLL. We already know that we will miss them!

God the Energizer

Today we began with pledge and prayer. Then we referred to Peter's sermon on Pentecost and how 3000 were baptized. In baptism (a sacrament), God is the energizer: He is at work "in a powerful, definitive, and life-changing ways. " (The Word Among Us).

Thank you 8th graders for wanting to sing with the choir today during Liturgy. Yes, we are doing many things for the last time. Assignments this week include: farewell speech tomorrow and thank you letter to professionals that you shadowed.

English 6/7 graders: Final Autobiographies due today. This includes a list of resources, acrostic, rough draft, title page and final draft. If not turned in today, I will receive late work but there will be a "cost" of points missed. 6th graders need to turn in photo-stories. Vocabulary due Friday and spelling test. We will use class time for reading circles.

Yes, we are on the countdown. Good luck to all students and staff in these last days. We belong to the energizer God; let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Model of Holy Living

In Acts we read that Peter (and others) was empowered by the Holy Spirit and preached a sermon that transformed many hearts. That day several thousand were baptized and devoted themselves to fellowship (Mass), instruction (religion class), breaking of the bread (Eucharist) and prayer. This expression of baptismal faith is ours today. Let us align our lives to this model of holy living.

English 8th students were given guidelines for a farewell speech, a typed thank-you letter to professionals they shadowed, and a thank-you note to be written to Mastersons. Students will show me "rough drafts" before doing final letters that will be correct.

6/7 English students have FINAL autobiographies (title page, rough draft, final draft, PAVESO grid, resources, acrostic, other... photos) and photo-stories DUE tomorrow. Please ask your student to show you his/her work to be sure it is correct and complete. This assignment comprises the majoring of the writing grade for this quarter.

Thank you Mastersons and many others who made our Friday luncheon a very special occasion. The food (breaking of the bread) and fellowship were a gift to all of us!

God Our Protector

Yes, we had a safe trip to Hayward today. Thank you parent-drivers and thank you students. We learned a little about the lumber history of our region and we saw some "strong" lumberjacks.

Tomorrow 8th graders are off to Masterson's at 11 a.m. for a luncheon and beach party. 6/7 graders: spelling test, vocabulary due, and Friday letters (10 extra points on Friday). Don't forget next week Wednesday: autobiographies and final photo-stories due! Don't let this deadline sneak up on you. Students must also turn in rough drafts again so I can check to see if they addressed the concerns I raised. Most rough drafts were very well written and students have the opportunities to get A's on this project.

We thank God for protection today... and we thank for this needed rain!

Devoted Themselves to Prayer

In Acts, we read that the disciples devoted themselves to prayer. These are the days between ascension and Pentecost. Let us be people in prayer.

Father Henry talked today about Camp TAMBO (that all may be one). Through our baptism, we are ONE. Let us pray for each other, let us be kind, let us offer friendship and encouragement to each other. That We May Be One.

Great day at the beach today... lots of good hot dogs and other great picnic food.

Remember tomorrow: Off to Hayward from 9 a.m. and returning by the end of the school day. Students need $4 for the show and money for lunch at Perkins.

Begin with Prayer

Today 8th grade students numbered five. That means the others were out shadowing professionals again today. I am so grateful for the willingess of community members to allow students to spend the day with them. We began our day with prayer remembering our students, teachers and many other prayer requests.

For English, we walked to the library to see the new carpet.... nice! Also gave us a chance to check out books and consider "summer reading." Students also cleaned out lockers today. How interesting to see what turns up!

English 6/7 students worked on vocabulary for this week and Friday letters. We also visited the pet shop to take photos. Next time we meet we will read in book groups. Don't forget autobiography and photo-story deadline:
May 30.

Announcements: Sunset beach party tomorrow: After liturgy until 2 p.m. Thursday we are off to Hayward. We still need drivers and permission slips. Friday will be a luncheon and beach party at the Mastersons for 8th graders.

Yes, we are into many end-of-the year activities. Don't forget to begin the day with prayer.

A God-surprise!

Today we read from Mark about the ascension of Jesus. We are now in the days between Ascension and Pentecost. Perhaps an awkward time for "waiting" disciples. They know something is on the edge of happening, but they don't know what. Pentecost will surely be a God-surprise!

Six 8th grade students are shadowing professionals in the marketplace today. 8th graders were given 30 spelling words this week (only to spell) as Friday we will do a test and vocabulary bingo. We also walked down to check on a movie and see Joe shadowing at Movies on Mainland. Thank you Kehoes.

Grades 6/7 were reminded today that final photo-stories and autobiographies are due May 30th. Also students were given "grades" up to this point of this quarter. Check with your student. There are few days left to "catch up." We used class time to word process in the computer lab. Students worked on autobiographies, spelling, and/or Friday letters. The words this week are: memorial, veterans, responsibility, participate, collaborate, language, evidence, question, text, Pentecost. The instructions are: write each word 5x, define each word, write good sentences using 10 words (7 words for 6th grade) and answer questions 4, 5, and 6.

We are soon off to the AHS band presentation in the social hall at 2 p.m. What a wonderful opportunity.

Be sure to remember: permission slips for Hayward on Thursday, food to bring for picnic on Wednesday. We are nearing the final days for grade 8. They finish on June 1.

In the Same Way

As we celebrate the ascension of our Lord, we are reminded in the Books of Acts: This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. He will come again!

Thank you Mr. Eaton for covering the 8th grade class yesterday until 10 a.m. I was able to join Mr. Owen's (student teacher) class at AHS and talk about India to two 9th grade Global Studies classes. It was nice to see Ahron and Ginew.

Later in the morning we were able to celebrate with Calvin and thank him for teaching Spanish this year. He certainly helped students to progress in their language study, and Calvin encouraged students to continue in their study of Spanish.

For Lunch we joined Mrs. Marita and grades 6 and 7 for pizza down at the beach. We were celebrating their good and hard work for the science fair. Mrs. Marita, you truly are a great teacher and mentor to our "scientists" under construction.

We feel the pull of summer as we move forward through this last quarter. Be sure that students continue to complete weekly spelling expectations, and write Friday letters. I would also encourage "reading" time for your student during the summer. Most libraries (and the internet) have great book lists for summer reading. Time and time again, I see that students who are readers have a greater word pool to draw from to improve their writing.

Coming Up:
8th graders will be shadowing professionals this week. I need permission slips for the Hayward trip on Thursday. Wednesday we are planning a cook-out at the beach. Friday 8th graders will have a luncheon and beach party at Mastersons.
Next Thursday (the 24th) I will join Cody and Nikki and others at the Visitor's Center to read our winning Sound-off entries. Friends and family are invited to share this event with us. June 1 is the last day for 8th graders ONLY. Mass and graduation is June 6th. Thanks for your support to help your student have a succesful conclusion to this school year.

Spirit of Truth

These days we are looking at some of the clues that Jesus' is revealing before his ascension. Today he refers to the coming of the "spirit of truth. He will guide you into all the truth." This Good News carries great weight in a complex world where we need to test what we read and hear. The plumbline has been set at the cross. And that truth is eternal truth.

In Father Frank's homily today we were encouraged to carry the truth and reality of Jesus to others through prayer and acts of kindness. God's truth has been planted within us. Let us respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In 7th grade English we discussed the test questions for Voyage of the Frog. What does a good answer look like... and how can we give complete answers.
Later for class, we did a book pass in small groups. Students scanned books and rated them according to "first" impressions. Students need to bring tomorrow names for their book group (up to 3 people) and the book they want to read together. We also worked out roles: leaders, recorders, speakers/timers.

8th graders worked on yearbook, letters to Mr. Alexander, and spelling.

Let us embrace the Truth we have in Jesus: In Him, we are set free!

FYI: Students need to return permission slips for Hayward next week, money for yearbooks... and 8th grade graduation will take place Wednesday evening, June 6th.

Wings Like Eagles

Today we had the privilege of an art class taught by Greg Alexander. Mr. Alexander enthusiastically shares the tricks of his trade with young scholars. He used a portrait of an eagle to show how he works with pencil and paper for black-and-white sketching. He then gave each student a photo of an eagle and showed how to create form through measurement and drawing circles. It was a very informative class and several students were able to bring their photos to life in their sketches. Thank you Mr. Alexander for a valuable practice in lifelong learning.

8th Grade English students worked on spelling. Tomorrow they attend high school in the morning for the step-up program. Be here by 8:20 to catch the bus please!

6/7 English students practiced homophones. I see mistakes in thos area in their writing.
Also they had time to work on spelling:
strategy, carefully, homophone, whether, weather, threw through, their, there, they're: (bonus) ascension advocate, hospitality. Students have the instructions of what to do with these words. Vocabulary due on Friday-also a spelling test.

I know we are near the end of the year but let us find encouragement in Isaiah 40:
They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strengt;, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Jesus: Our Best Friend

From the Children's Daily Prayer: The best friend we can have is Jesus. Understanding his friendship is the best way to learn how to be a true friend and a true disciple.

After prayer and pledge and spelling test, 8th graders were off to for tennis and baseball. We had a good time although the northeast wind sapped some of the energy of the ball. Later they worked on Mother's Day letters and vocabulary.

Grades 6 and 7 had a spelling test. We also finished reading The Voyage of the Frog. Students designed (on paper) t-shirts to promote the book. Later we watched the movie Holes.

FYI: We are tightening up use of computers in the junior high building. Grades 6 and 7 will not use the internet unless an adult is present.

We are getting near the end of this school year. The weather has been nice and students are getting weary... let us stay strong to the finish line. We have some good work to complete yet.

Congratulations Cody and Nikki- Sound-off Essay poetry and prose winners. Be proud.

We Are Grateful

There were some exciting things going on in our building today. Parents, you have to applaud Mrs. Marita. It was pretty precarious what would show up today for projects... but Mrs. Marita and the students pulled it off... and success could be felt. Dylan's hovercraft was amazing.

The 8th graders worked hard to host a farewell party for Calvin. Unfortunately Calvin could not come... and when I got home was a long e-mail apology. Guess what! We remain grateful... for all that Calvin did to encourage our students in their study of Spanish. Clare saw first-hand last week when she shadowed the High School Spanish teacher, our students are ready to move on!

Congratulations Cody and Nikki on their Sound-Off essay awards: 1st place in poetry and prose. Also noticed that last year's students Brittany and Ginew won for high school entries. Our students are learning the art of crafting a "written" voice.

Tomorrow we are off to the tennis court in the morning for a few games. Also spelling tests and vocabularies are due. Grades 6 and 7 are almost done with The Voyage of the Frog. Most students handed in stories and autobiographies. Wow... we were reminded how quickly students can put the pieces together when the pressure is on! Thanks.

Vine and Branches

Again Jesus teaches us about our relationship with him. He is the Vine and we are the branches. We are firm, attached, and "at home" when we are with Jesus. Father Henry added to our understanding in his homily today. Thank you Grades 6, 7, and 8 for readings, collection, and singing today.

Grades 6 and 7 photo-stories and rough draft autobiographies are due tomorrow. Spelling and vocabulary due Friday. NO Friday letters..... except extra credit. Also check about science fair assignments due tomorrow.

English 6 and 7... well, the boat regatta was somewhat a wash. But we had fun IN the water. AMS - 7th grade was also at the beach so students mingled and had fun. Also I want to thank the Dairy Queen for a free cone for me today... he didn't even know it was appreciation week. Dairy Queen, we appreciate you!

This is short... I hope sweet.

Thank you home and school for the wonderful Teacher Appreciation luncheon today. It was first-class. We appreciate you.

Vocation: Joy, Talent, Community

Today I shared an article from The Rev. Patrick Howell, Seattle University (Jesuit School). He asks students to consider three crucial questions for vocational discernment: What gives me joy? What am I good at? How do my talents contribute to the needs of the community? I had students respond to these questions in journals. Howell talks about joy that comes from within. Joy that is "an alignment of our deepest self with God." He suggests the the answer to what am I good at emerges in dialogue with teachers, mentors, friends, and peers. The third question reminds us that we don't live for ourselves alone. Yes.... these questions have individual answers for each person. As 8th graders move out from OLL, we pray that their outward and inward plans will continue to align their lives with God as they share a dynamic faith-adventure with Him.

English 8 students finished reading "The Cask of Amontillado" and answered discussion questions. We attended the book fair again.

English 6/7 students finished painting sailboats as tomorrow we have the regatta... supposed to be nice weather.

Don't forget: 8th grade Liturgy tomorrow (no shorts for church), we need Hayward permission slips, Mother-Daughter Banquet on Friday.

Party and $$ gift for Calvin (Northland College Spanish major). Thursday is Calvin's last day of volunteering to teach 8th graders Spanish. His work has made a difference in our students... and he is a natural when it comes to teaching. Thursday we will have a party at 9:15 (ask 8th graders what they are bringing) and give a thank you card with a monetary gift for his upcoming trip to Guatemala. Gracias!!

A beautiful day in Ashland.... we feel the tug of summer!

Relationship

Today we looked at John 14: 18-21. We are reviewing Jesus' relationship with His Father and our relationship with God. These relationships are folded into one another: "In that day you will know that I am in my father, and you in me, and I in you." This is the punch line: ...and I will love him (us) and manifest myself to him/her." God is eager to reveal His presence in our lives. Be watching for Him!

Clare and Sam gave oral reports today of their professional "shadow" experience. It was a reality check on how exciting professions also have a routine and some aspects that may seem less than exciting. Thank you mentors for caring for our students in this experience.

English 8 students were given spelling words and reminded that King Lear final essays are due.
Today we will begin a short story.

English 6/7 students will use class time in the computer lab to type autobiographies, photo-stories.... or Friday letters (not late if received today). I only gave 10 words this week since students have other big assignments due.

All Students: Science Fair is coming up fast. Mrs. Marita is giving you plenty of time to construct a "show-stopper" project... so prepare to dazzle us!!

Don't forget the Mother-Daughter banquet Friday night. Also 8th graders, Calvin will be in two days this week and finish up. He is soon done with his studies this year at Northland. Clare saw first-hand that their Spanish skills are up to speed. Thanks Calvin.

We Move Forward with God

Hope you are enjoying a good weekend. My husband and I had an opportunity to work outside today in the garden and hear the spring bird-choir, feel the south wind and realize we are in our last weeks of this school year. Time sure flies when you're having fun!

Grades 6/7 and have these assignments coming up:
Grade 7: typed autobiographies (rough draft) due Thursday.
Grade 6: typed photo-story (rough draft) due Thursday.
Spelling words this week are: deadline, accuracy, resource, aloud, college, stunning, theme, survival, intelligent, writing. They will hear these words when we talk about checking rough drafts and when we read our book together.
They should write each word 5x, define each word, use words in good sentences (6th grade: 7 words), and answer three questions on vocabulary sheet. Friday will be a spelling test.
Students should also be reading a book on their own; they have the book "invitation" they are to write. This is due May 31.
In class, we will work on sailboats, go to computer lab for typing papers, work on spelling, and try to finish Voyage of the Frog.

8th Graders: Looks like you will have your last two times with Calvin for Spanish this week. Also you have spelling, and Clare and Sam will give presentations about their shadow days.
We might make a quick trip to the library if it is open. We lead the School Liturgy (for the last time) this Wednesday. Also remember yearbook pictures, or anything else. The deadline for submissions is May 15th.

I look forward to sharing a good week with your students. Thanks, Mrs. Ellis

I Am the Way

Today we read from Children's Daily Prayer. When Thomas inquires from Jesus, "How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." Again we are brought back to Jesus is the answer to the question. When we are challenged by questions about our faith, we only need to look and refer to Jesus. All of our questions find an answer in Him.

Mrs. Grubisic stopped in and received photos and yearbook write-ups from students. She is hopeful that we can get the yearbook printed locally to save money and time. Anything students/adults may want to submit for the book need to be to her by May 15th. Thank you Mrs. Grubisic.

Grade 8 English did the weekly spelling test and read a poem of choice. We heard some good poetry: W.H. Auden, Robert Browning, Jack Pretlusky, Shel Siverstein.... and others.
We will attend the book fair later today. Due today: vocabulary and final King Lear response.

Grades 6/7 English will do spelling test and then work on model sailboats. I thank my husband for cutting out the blocks of wood. Yes, we will to see if they float, sink, and/or sail. Due today: vocabulary, Friday letters. Also this week students wrote "boat" poetry and made flower-simile posters. Don't forget next Thursday typed rough draft is due for autobiographies and photo-stories.

We prayed for Clare today; she is shadowing a Spanish Teacher at the middle and high school. Sam and Clare will give reports on their shadow-days next week.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Jesus is God's expression of I AM. In Him, we find ourselves.

Jesus: The Answer

In our devotions we discussed our faith in the triune God: One God, three persons. Hard to explain, but when we struggle...in Jesus, we find the answer.

Today we headed out to enjoy the weather first thing and do photo-shoots of the 8th grade class. We are feeling the shortness of our time together... so "closure" is setting in.

Remember assignments due on Friday:
6/7 Grade: vocabulary worksheet, Friday letter, and spelling test tomorrow. Today we talked about the Objiwe word for May: wabigwungizis meaning "flower month." Jenny helped us pronounce this word. Students drew flowers and wrote a descriptive sentence using a "simile." We also read Voyage of the Frog today.

8 Grade: vocabulary, spelling test, King Lear final responses, poem to read.

Tomorrow is already Friday. Thank you Mr. Gromola (AHS Principal) for coming to explain high school expectations and answer our concerns and questions.

The Light of Jesus

Today we read from our Gospel lesson in John 12: 44-50. There are times when we feel somewhat in the "dark" on what the lesson is saying to us. These verses can stir that feeling... but there in the midst are the words of Jesus: "I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. " There it is... Jesus is the light in the darkness. Father Frank helped us to understand this better by showing and talking about the Paschal Candle. Be encouraged and be enlightened... In baptism, we carry the light of Jesus.

English 6/7 students created a concrete/shape poem in the form of a sailboat. We then shared them in class and put them on a water poster. Later in the day we read Voyage of the Frog and discussed it. Students were amazed to hear yesterday that Gary Paulsen (the author) was a
D minus student living in a home of chaos. No wonder he can write so descriptively about hate and despair when the main character David is lost at sea in a sailboat with no wind. It was a librarian and reading book that lifted Gary back on his feet. Be alert... you never know where the light of Jesus may shine!

Grade 8 students worked on posters for class pictures tomorrow. We will walk around in the morning and do a photo-shoot. Today Samantha is shadowing at the Willow Animal Hospital. We are grateful for community members who invited our students. We can't wait to hear about Sam's day.

History 6 students worked on "windows" into the Roman Empire. What will you see?

Thank you parents and drivers yesterday for a great afternoon of bowling. It wasn't about our scores (thankfully), but rather the energetic fun we could have together.

Call to Action

Today we talked about Jesus' experience in Nazareth. He was known by his family in his home town. People were astonished with his words and asked: "Is He not a carpenter's son?" Then we talked about vocation and read an excerpt Dr. Martin Luther's speech to junior high students (October l967):
And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. Don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn't do it any better...... Be a bush if you can't be a tree. IF you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.
Yes as God's holy people, we are called in all walks of life.

English 8 students read Wallace Steven's "Thirteen Ways to Look at a Blackbird." After a short discussion, Mrs. Grubisic came and fueled our energy to think about the OLL Yearbook. The wheels are turning and 8th graders are "ready to roll."

English 6/7 students were reminded that rough drafts (typed) are due next week: autobiography (at least 5 pages) and photo-stories. Refer to PLANS when students need help. Also please help them tell their stories.... share some of them that you remember.

After lunch we are off to bowling! We hope to experience plenty of strikes!

Yes, we are the sons and daughters of the King. Let us hear His call to action.