Prepare the Way...

Preparations are starting to take hold as we look ahead to the Advent season. Students are looking at OT prophesy, bulletin boards are changing, and we are tuning our hearts to get ready for the arrival of Jesus. This Sunday will be the mark the beginning of the Advent season...and the lighting of the first candle on the wreath.

English 6 students are busy with spelling and reading Maniac Magee. Also some students are already working towards the book report deadline on Dec. 14th. World History students read their cuneiform stories today... it was perfect. They felt the struggle of trying to interpret a new language and still read with fluency. It helped us remember what it was like to first learn to read. Mesopotamia (present day Iraq) has archeological evidence of a first written language.

English 7/8 students finished The Outsiders today. There was some good discussion about the "final sentence"... a literary device by S.E. Hinton where the last sentence is also the first sentence in the story. It feels like coming "full circle." I think the students got it... that Ponyboy's story became the opening statement in his writing assignment for English class.

In U. S. History we are laying the groundwork for writing a "respect life" essay for a Diocese of Superior writing contest. Students are learning that there are times that you first need to do research and gather information; then you can write. We have talked about the 3-branches of government with a specific focus on the Judicial System. We read Mother Teresa's letter to the Supreme Court. Today we looked at Bible verses about God's presence in our lives before we were born. Tomorrow Mr. Eaton will be talking to students about Roe v. Wade from a legal perspective. Then... we are ready to start writing. This essay is supposed to be focused in how teens can support the needs of the elderly and disabled. Be sure to talk to your students about this ambitious writing adventure.

Mrs. Marita wrote a good explanation about our junior high table at the bazaar on Saturday. We are trying to making a wrong right and repay a younger student the money that was stolen from her. We are still hoping the person who is responsible will confess... he/she needs to feel freedom from this guilt. We belong to faith community and we are eager to offer God's free gift of forgiveness. Please support our efforts to earn the $55 we need. If you want to add items to this table, we would be most grateful Thank you for your support and your prayers.

Thankful to be Back

It is amazing to me that after a few days I miss the energy of junior high students. This age group is full of hope... and their enthusiasm is contagious. It is good to be back. Hope you all enjoyed a good Thanksgiving.

English 6 students today started to listen to the Bud, Not Buddy book that I am reading to the class. The spelling words for this week are: snowflake, light, preparation, wreath(e), applause, flesh, ancient, scene, average, belong, home, family, prophesy, foretold, Advent. Instructions are on a lime-green sheet and the test is Friday and vocab. also due Friday. Students should also be reading an outside book for a report due Dec. 14th.

English 7/8 students did a spelling pre-test and then we read the Outsiders. Their words for this week are: wreath(e), preparation, messiah, light, calendar, prophesy, foretold, turbulent, adolescent, disabled, value, elderly, strategy, strategic, immunize, immune, indicative, indicate, definition, define. Spelling and vocab. is due Friday.
Students should also be reading a book OUTSIDE of class for a report on Dec. 14th.

U.S. History: we reviewed the 3 branches of government and their basic responsibilities (legislative, executive, judicial) and we focused most on the judicial branch i.e. the Supreme Court. We are laying the groundwork for an essay grades 7 and 8 will write as a response to the impact of Roe. V. Wade on the lives of the disabled and elderly. Essays will be entered in the Diocese writing contest.

Thank you for your support. We have several major academic goals to accomplish between now and the Christmas holiday. Please check in with your students to offer your support.

Sacred Gifts

As we head towards Thanksgiving, our pace will be somewhat different this week. Students have school Monday and Tuesday.

English 6/7 and 8 will have a worksheet to complete: no spelling test or routine vocabulary work. This sheet (word search and list of things students are thankful) is due Tuesday. We will be reading Maniac Magee in 6th grade and The Outsiders in upper grades.

May you enjoy a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. We also pray for protection on deer hunters. It was fun to help my 85-year-old Dad load his doe into his truck today. He has been hunting since his early teens. My Dad's regard of creation as a sacred gift and our responsibility as stewards of the land have taught me about our partnership with God in keeping His world. Happy Thanksgiving.

Gratitude

This week our junior high students are defining gratitude, spelling it, defining it... and hopefully practicing it. Today I feel gratitude for all the family members who came to the teacher-conference last evening to receive your student's report card and share a conversation about your student and this school year. Please keep that conversation going when you have questions and concerns.

Father Frank talked to us today about Lukes' story where 10 lepers sought out Jesus for healing. All 10 were healed, but one (a foreigner) returned to say "thanks." It is easy to get swept along with the crowd and forget to say "thanks" for all gifts that we enjoy in Christ. As we draw closer to Thanksgiving may we be even more conscious of saying "thank you" to God and to each other. Thank you for sharing your most precious gift.... your children.... with us at OLL.

Tomorrow as a school family we will eat a Thanksgiving meal together. I am already hungry... thinking about it!

Assignments: Spelling and vocab. due on Friday for Grades 6, 7, and 8. All three grades will share their gratitude posters in class. Looking ahead: Grades 6, 7, and 8 should be reading a book OUTSIDE of class for an upcoming book report in 3 weeks. Reading is still the best way to expand vocabulary and improve writing. Encourage your student to choose a book that he/she enjoys. Today Mrs. Belknap, our librarian, walked students through the process of choosing that "right" book. Thank you Mrs. Belknap.

The "other side of the highway"

Dear Parents,
Mrs. Marita and myself will be meeting with you tomorrow night on the other side of the highway. I will be in the music room and Mrs. Marita will be in the library. We hope this makes it easier for many of you to visit elementary classrooms as well as check in with us to receive your student's report card and comments. We hope that you will attend our parent-teacher conference evening.

English 6 students spelling words: harvest, Thanksgiving, banquet, manners, consider, gratitude, servant, feast, appetite, turkey, sauce, pumpkin BONUS: etiquette, Eucharist, foretaste. Students will be test on these words on Friday as well as vocabulary assignment is due.

English 7/8 spelling words: gratitude, thanksfulness, heart, community, bazaar, innocent, commitment, etiquette, manners, jealous, autumn, coyote, Spanish, cafeteria, indigo, mosquito, bronco, tornado, savanna, siesta. Test is Friday and vocabulary is also due.

English 6/7 and 8: All students should be reading a book OUTSIDE of class.... for a book report coming up later this quarter. Please help your student to find that "just right" book.

Thank you all students and parents for your great support for the Holiday Bazaar. Many students worked several hours to help out... thanks so much.

U.S. History 7/8 students: SEVERAL of you have misplaced your history books. It is important to locate them... as they are needed for reading and reference in class. PLEASE LOOK for them!

World History 6 students presented their early farmer displays. They have done some good work and gave thoughtful presentations on how they would grow their own food, raise animals, and have water available to them.

Parents/Grandparents: See you tomorrow night!

Tribute to Veterans

Just a quick update:

Thank you Grades 6, 7, and 8 for the tribute to veterans you read in class. Many people have sacrificed to serve our country and provide the gifts of freedom and liberty that we enjoy today. Your thank-yous read in class helped us remember that we are blessed by many who have said "yes" to service.

Thank you Hicks-Hagen family for a wonderful and productive day at your farm yesterday. We looked like helpers in Santa's workshop as students baked and made crafts for the Holiday Bazaar this weekend. Please come to support our good work and our school!

Also tomorrow our school will have a special program at 2:15 in recognition of veterans. Please come!

Don't forget next Tuesday Nov. 13th is Parent-Teacher conference night. Students' Report cards will be handed to family members. Each family is given a time slot. Your student brought this info. home OR call our school to find out YOUR time.

Due Friday: vocabulary worksheets and spelling test.

These days are busy as we approach the holidays. Please encourage your students, provide time to "hear" about what we are doing in school... and help with homework. Thank you.

Called to Serve Others

Quick update:
English 6 students were given spelling assignment for this week and time in-class to work on it.
English 7/8 students were also given spelling assignment and time to work on it. All junior high students will share their tributes to veterans in class on Thursday. This tribute could be written as a short essay or poem.

U.S. History students completed posters for Mrs. Belknap's project on our responsibility to serve others in their battle with poverty, obesity, global warming, etc.

World History students completed their early farmer landscapes. In our next class, they will give group presentations.

Wednesday field-trip location CHANGE:
Grades 6, 7, and 8 will go to the Hagen Farm rather than Ellis home. This plan will work out for better for a larger group. We still NEED drivers and adults who will spend the day to help students make crafts. It should be fun... say "yes" to this invitation. Thanks.

Tribute to Those Who Serve our Country and Us

We finished last week with many good memories. Our OLL team had their first basketball games... and Halloween was extra fun in that we were able to celebrate it with the preschool and kindergarten. Be proud of your students and their hosting of the younger children.

Friday Faye, Chuckie,and Donna came in with treats and card-making materials. Grades 7/8 worked industriously to make "professional" looking cards for the school bazaar next Saturday.
Also... Grades 6, 7, and 8 were given permission slips for coming to my home next Wednesday. I also hope that you read the letter on the back. We need your help... hope you can join us!

The spelling words for Monday will be part of next quarter's grades. I think most students are up and running and know the system... please continue to help your student to be successful.
Grade 6 words: soldier, veteran, living, freedom, clear, correct, structure, poem, tribute, digits: BONUS rhyme, sacrifice, anniversary.
Grade 7/8 words: soldier, veteran, remembrance, anniversary, bravery, courage, sacrifice, freedom, military, extraordinary, armistice, tribute, appropriate occasion, fitting, solemn, attention, interstate, interference, interpret.
All jr. high students will read a poem or short essay as a tribute to those who serve our country. This is due Thursday... and then Friday we are having a Veteran's Day program at our school.

Thank you everyone for supporting your student this quarter... and especially during the time of Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Don't forget the Bazaar next Saturday... we need you... your crafts/baking... and your student. Have a great week.

For All The Saints...

Today we celebrated All Saints Day...opening our liturgy with "For All The Saints" hymn. Our service was worshipful supported by the student' choir and Father Frank's instructional homily about the many saints that have provided a model of holy living.

For English 8, students did the spelling test and read "The Outsiders."
U.S. History was about the Chicago World's Fair in 1893: a snapshot of the many technological advances that were pushing our country and world into the new century. We talked about what a World's fair might feature in 2007.

English 6 students will do a spelling test on Friday and read scary stories.

Don't forget: All work for this quarter should be in tomorrow. Vocabulary is due for both Grades 7/8 and Grade 6. Outside reading character cards are also due. Students who have had extensive testing are given some "grace" on these expectations.

Jr. High Parents: Next Wednesday (Nov. 7) Grades 6, 7, and 8 will be coming out to our house for making crafts and baking goodies for the school bazaar scheduled for Nov. 10 and 11. Please be watching for permission slips, list of supplies needed; and also we could use parental support with cooking, baking, crafts... All ideas and helping hands are appreciated; this could include some woodworking projects. Our junior high involves 33 students so we need your help! Thanks for considering this invitation and we hope you can say "yes."