Happy Anniversary OLL

Today we started our day with Jenny (from AHS) in our class. We love it when students from the past come and tell us what is ahead... and what they miss about OLL. Charlie also chatted with us before lunch.

We had a wonderful celebration Mass today. Father Henry's homily about how we respond to our faith was a good reminder to practice holy living: respect others, work to get along, listen to our parents... a good list of things we need to hear. Thank you Mrs. Marita and 7th grade for joining the 8th grade in the choir. Several adults mentioned to me how much they enjoyed the service. It truly was a highlight to have Father Conan worship with us and share the good news about the Father Conan penny fund.

The reception downstairs was a human snapshot of how many people have benefited from our school. There were people of all ages talking about their days at OLL. I even saw my cousin that I have not seen for years- a DePadua graduate. Thanks again Nancy and Michael for refreshments.

After lunch, students paired up (jr. high and elementary) to read to each other. At 2 p.m. was All School Mass practice. Other students had gym or movie time.

Tomorrow many volunteers will be on campus to help out so teachers can have a lunch getaway. Friday is red-and-white day with guests from St. Louis School.

We Appreciate our Students

What a great day. After opening devotions, the jr. high staff and students cooked breakfast together. Wow! We had a feast. Thank you everyone for sending so much great food for us to share. We had waffles, bacon, pancakes, french toast, rolls, juice, sausage, venison... and much more!

Then it was Bible trivia competition. The winning team's stats were awesome: 25 correct Bible questions in 11 minutes. Winning team members are: Clare, Quin, Nick, Becky, Angela, Carissa, Thomas and James.

With all that food... and heavy thinking, it was time for physical fun. So we were off to the gym for basketball and games.

After lunch, we all headed to the Civic Center for skating. Thanks jr. high students and many parent volunteers for helping wobbly skaters get their ice-legs going.

We do appreciate the wonderful students we have. We found out today that some of them are great cooks, talented skaters, scholars, athletes, and more more. Our students rock!

Don't forget tomorrow: Dress Up Day and all-school alumni reception after School Mass.

Amazed

Jesus often challenges us to step out of our comfort zone. In Mark 5 when he healed the man who had been possessed with demons, the man begged to go with Jesus. He understood being with Jesus would be a comfort zone. Jesus said:" Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." When the healed man told the people of Decapolis, they were amazed. God expanded the comfort zone boundaries of this miracle and drew others in.

Today we celebrate Catholic Schools' week... and most of us teachers were out of our comfort zone. We wore mismatched fashions and were mismatched on classroom assignments. We switched classes. I was in Mrs. Marita's room. Yes, I have a new appreciation for her good teaching when I had to fill a container with water to float water-balloons (made by students) to explain the swim-bladders of fish. Also I had to do multiple math operations for Grades 7 and then later Grade 8. I wonder if any students were amazed that I could multiply exponents... or explain the relationship of density and buoyancy. I was rather amazed! (textbooks sure help out). Mrs. Marita... your daily hands-on science instruction amazes me even more after today!
Also it was enjoyable to have a school day with Mrs. Newago (Grade 6) and Mrs. Urling (Grade 8). I am grateful to be part of our school community of faith.

Really the day went well, and now tomorrow is a new day. It is sports-team fashions tomorrow. Junior High students, please bring the ingredients you signed up for a breakfast together tomorrow. Also we need permission slips for ice skating tomorrow. Don't forget to return those report cards too.

And I hope that many of you will make it to the spaghetti dinner tonight. Our Lady of the Lake has a deep history of 125 years of educating students in faith and academic scholarship. Isn't this amazing! We have much to celebrate.

God's Buddy System

As people of faith, we are also called to share our faith and pray for more workers. For in Luke, Jesus sent out 70 more workers two-by-two. One 8th grade student labeled this as God's "buddy system." (I like this ) Then Jesus said: The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. This is us: laborers and people of prayer. What a privilege to be counted worthy to do His work.

In English 8, we did our weekly spelling test. I talked about lay-out of the 5-page research paper. Students should continue to do research. We then read Scene 4 of King Lear: the plot thickens. One daughter, Goneril, has exposed her intentions. Even her husband is distressed. This play cleverly builds on a theme of how "nothing" can create so much "something!"

Math 6 students continue to work with fractions, decimals and percentages. Students were given support and plenty of time to finish in class. Problems due are: p. 193 (26-50 even).

The last period of the day was to complete work due this week, or activities in the gym.

Please notice there is a link to Mr. Owen's blog. Access this link to meet our student teacher and also read his thoughts and ideas as he gets ready to teach various classes. We welcome him, and already have benefited from his presence and support to the students.

Don't forget: Catholic Schools' Week begins. Enjoy celebrating our students and staff through 125 years of stirring faith in the hearts of scholars in formation. Thanks be to God. (Refer to info. sheets to see scheduled activities, etc. Please return permission slips for skating on Tuesday.) Also, please sign and return report cards.

Go and Proclaim

We have relearned this week that we are the brothers and sisters of Jesus; we also His friends. We are called to go out and proclaim the Good News to a needy world that they may believe and be baptized. Let us set the rhythm of our lives to the heartbeat of God's message. Go and Proclaim!

For English 8, we had treats and a movie to celebrate good grades for second quarter. All 8th grade students made the honor roll. Sarah painted our Catholic Schools' Week poster and helped with our Jr. High bulletin board. Thanks Sarah.

Geography 7 Antarctica model research stations are taking shape. Today three groups put the "snow" (ivory soap + liquid starch) on their stations. Students will also be writing a newspaper article about their research methods and data they hope to gain. Antarctica is a scientific laboratory for the benefit of our globe.

Math 6 students continue to work with fractions, decimals and percentages. We take a step-by-step approach to address the challenge of multiple step problems. This slow but steady strategy works well, as students indicate they "get it." Mr. Owen has been helpful for class/ individual support.

History 6 students read about the Indus Valley Civilization and then drew "articles" that show the advanced lifestyle of the culture.

English 8 students used the last hour of the day in the computer lab: type poems, do vocabulary, and/or do research on their topics.

Tomorrow is already Friday. We plow forward into the third quarter. Next week will feature many special activities to celebrate Catholic Schools' Week. (Check Mr. Eaton's blog as well as your student's backpack to get the information.) This is a great opportunity to celebrate that Our Lady of the Lake has a deep and rich history of 125 years of educating students to be successful scholars and members of the Catholic family of faith. Go and Proclaim!

We are Jesus' Friends

Yesterday we learned that we are Jesus' brothers, sisters and mothers when we do His will. Today our Gospel talked about those who do the will of Jesus are His friends.

Father Frank led our School Mass in the Celebration of Life. Yes, our lives are a great gift from God from the first cells of life unto eternal life. Celebrate "us." Thank you Grades 1 and 5 for wonderful singing.

Geography 7 students worked on Antarctica landscapes.

History 6 students read and discussed information about the Indus Valley Civilization.

The Big News: Connor K. and Aaron Jarecki are the OLL Spelling Bee winners. Be proud... we are proud of you. I was proud of all participants and our highly capable moderator Ms. Shields and judges Mrs. Panasuk and Mrs. Marita. Go Staff and Students.

Sorry... this is short. Lots going on these days as we approach Catholic Schools' Week.

We are God's Family

This is a new semester. Welcome back. Report cards were given out and once again all 8th grade students made the honor roll. Thank you 8th grade scholars for quality work. Again, we welcome Mr. David Owen. He will be observing and teaching this quarter at OLL. I know already that we will benefit from his presence and knowledge.
In our opening devotions, we discussed who are Jesus mothers and brothers? This is the answer Jesus gave: "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3 This is us; we are God's family. Let us stay close to God and align our lives to His will.

For English 8, students wrote a journal response to beginning a new semester or a topic of their choice. Students are starting to feel the count of last weeks at OLL. Spelling words for this week were reviewed. I provided a 10-minute instructional piece on the steps of research. Students should now be working on gathering information on their topics. We had the last period of this day in the computer lab.We also talked about the logo contest. I am giving extra-credit points for submitting an entry.

Geography 7 students formed their research teams and starting building their Antarctica research stations. We have 6 research groups.

History 6 students started to read about the Indus Valley Civilization. We got somewhat side-tracked about the various factions in Iraq. But this relevant; President Bush' State of the Union Address is this evening.

Don't forget: Tomorrow is our in-house spelling bee competition. Next week is Catholic Schools' week. February 4th is all school Mass. Also remember that Feb. 13th is skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Ashwabay.

Source of Power

Kind of ironic that on the day when we do not have internet access in the jr. high building, we read in our opening devotions about how we are empowered in Christ to go our and share His message with others. His power is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 12 months a year. So let us not be discouraged when the lights dim or the internet is down, Christ is always on-line and there are no "failures" in his power structure.

English 8 students completed the week spelling test. All students handed in a typed rough draft of the Letter of Intent, a rough draft poem and vocabulary assignments. Great way to end this quarter! Thanks. Students had spare time to complete art projects for Catholic School Week... soon here.

Math 6 students did a hands-on fractions assignment. Students divided a paper plate into fractional pieces and made a poster. Come and see their creative work. This quarter math has been more challenging, but the students worked with new concepts, asked questions, helped each other, and moved forward. Thanks for your commitment this quarter 6th graders and parents.

The past 3 days Mr. David Owen has been observing and helping out in my class. He will officially be an intern (from Northland College) on Tuesday. He is meeting the expectations that are required for Wisconsin Teacher Certification. He will be at OLL for 9 weeks. Already, we are feeling the benefit of his presence and helping hands. Mr. Owen is a parent of OLL. Welcome Mr. Owen.

FYI: I hope some of your teens are at the NET retreat this evening. There were plenty of great reasons to be there tonight. I am eager to hear about this evening of fun and faith-building.

This day was bittersweet for me as I said good-bye to our youngest son; he was home for 5 weeks. He is off to India in one week for an internship in the American Embassy. This is a sweet opportunity; but as parents, we feel the mileage that separates us. Now two sons on the other side of the world.

LOOKING AHEAD: Third quarter starts on Tuesday (no school Monday). The following week (Jan. 29-Feb. 2) is Catholic Schools Week. Many special activities are planned for that week as we celebrate "us." Feb. 13th the junior high is planning an Ashwabay outing. 8th graders will be doing research this quarter for their major essay project. We will also continue to read King Lear. This will be a demanding quarter, but I believe that students are capable and ready for this challenge. The count-down for 8th graders will set in by March... if not already!

Thanks again for your support and your prayers for our students at staff at OLL. Have a great three-day weekend. I intend to get final papers graded and report cards completed. God bless and keep us all.

The Message of Jesus

Today we read in our Gospel lesson about how a great number of people had heard what Jesus was doing and had come to see him. The Children's Daily Prayer text says: "Today we see how well he (Jesus) understands that many are more interested in physical marvels than in his teaching, so he wisely prepares a way to keep some distance from them." Jesus left the crowds and went out into the boat. He created space so people would "hear" the message. May we understand better that Jesus also gives us this space.... so we can better hear His message and respond. This is Good News.

English 8 students completed the pre-spelling bee test (50 words). Students then performed lines from King Lear. We read from Act 1, Scene IV and discussed it. Shakespeare uses his characters to add layer-upon-layer to the plot.

Geography 7 students watched the rest of March of the Penguins.

During choir, we joined other students to read with 1st graders. What a thrill to see first-hand the development of these young readers.

Math 6 students made 10 square grids today and colored fractional parts. Then they practiced how to express this is in fractions: 1/2, 5/10, 50/100. Then they completed the problems on p. 190 (in class) on how to express fractions as decimals. We had great fun working together and "seeing" the answers on a grid.

For History 6, students watched Joseph: King of Dreams.

English 8 students at the end of the day will do computer research or type Letters of Intent or their poem due tomorrow. The end of this quarter-goal is in sight... don't drop out of the race! Stay strong and trust yourself.

Follow Jesus

Today after pledge and prayer, we discussed the Gospel lesson from Matthew about the rich man who came to Jesus. We talked about what are our treasures: DVDs, photos, IPOD, books, clothes,computers, etc. The rich man was asked to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus. He went away grieving. God loves us and wants the best for us. He saw this man's possession obstructed his ability to follow Jesus. Let us keep our lives "free" so we can follow Jesus.

Father Henry's homily today helped us to understand this story even better. WWJD: What would Jesus do? As we follow Jesus, we pray for His eyes, His hands, and His heart that we may serve others.

Geography 7 students watched The March of the Penguins. We are getting ready to construct Anarctica research stations next week. This movie gives us a first-hand look at this harsh landscape and how penguins thrive as a hardy species.

Math 6 students continue to work with fractions: common denominators. Today students were assigned problems 189: 10-26 even.

English 8 students read King Lear. Tomorrow students should perform 4 lines from any lines that we have read so far.

World History 6 students celebrated today their good work on Egyptian pyramids. We had treats and watched Joseph: King of Dreams (animated view of Egypt).

Don't forget: Any work for this quarter is due this Friday. 8th grade students have due: vocabulary, spelling, poem, and typed Letter of Intent. Also 8th grade students were given student information sheets from the AHS. I will return to the high school any that are given to me by next Wednesday.

Love the Lord

Today we discussed the Gospel lesson where the Pharisees challenge Jesus about what is lawful on the Sabath? Jesus reminds them in Mark 2: The Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath. We then referred to the commandment Jesus calls the first of all: Love the Lord you God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and all your mind, and with all your strength. Mark 12: 30. Jesus is interested that we find our completeness in Him.


In English 8, we completed book-character talks. We discussed Research Topics and Essential Questions. We then practiced the elements of performance with a 3-line drama. We used different "tones" and "body language." Then we took on Act. 1, Scene 2 of King Lear. Shakespeare continues to elevate the plot. 8th grade students are doing well with this new rhythm of language.

Geography 7 students shared presentations and visuals from their newspaper articles on Antarctica. It is summer at the south pole and many scientists are using these days of light and better temperatures to conduct research.

World History 6 students will share Egyptian pyramid landscapes today. This class continues to "wow" us with their great work to bring history to life through models.

English 8 students used the last period to type their Letter of Intent or do research in the computer lab. Don't forget due this Friday: Letter of Intent (rough draft typed), vocabulary, spelling words, and poem.

FYI: Bake Sales after Mass will be coming up for junior high. An Ashwabay Field Trip is planned. I hope to get the Heifer Project money order in the mail tomorrow. I will give an update on all of this soon. We collected $371.35. We have covered a lot of ground this quarter.

Every Valley Shall Be Exalted

We started the morning with announcements and then pledge and prayer. For devotions, I talked about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and read excerpts from his famous "I have a dream..." speech. Dr. King was a courageous leader who knew how to use words to address racial inequalities in our country. What is noteworthy for us, are the large amount of spiritual terms and phrases Dr. King uses to fuel the passion of his words: hallowed spot, day of justice, we cannot walk alone, we cannot turn back, trials and tribulations, valley of despair. He hearkened back to the words of the prophet Isaiah and the voice of John the Baptist:
"I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, the the crooken places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Dr. King knew the power of Scripture to transform the course of history.

For English, students were reminded of assignments due this week (end of quarter on Friday). Spelling words were given and then we took a brisk walk to the Vaughn Library. How beautiful to be out in the fresh snow and feel the familiar winter wind. Students checked our reading book and resource books for their research topics.

Students had Spanish today with Calvin Stalvig. His energetic style nurtures Spanish conversations between students. Today students practiced questions and answers with numbers, telephone numbers, and inquiries about the price of items. Students are encouraged to practice these exercises for next Friday.

Math 6 students did a division warm-up for extra credit points. Then we talked about mixed numbers and fractions. We read the examples on p. 186 and students are assigned Problems 12-32 on p. 187. History 6 presentations on Egypt tomorrow.

Geography 7 students read newspaper articles about research in Antarctica. Tomorrow they will present who is studying the features of this global laboratory and what information are they gathering to inform the public.

The last hour of the day was for Band and study hall time. 8th grade students need to turn in their Essential Question proposals tomorrow. Due Friday: Spelling, vocabulary, poem, and rough draft of Letter of Intent. Students have been given models and guidelines for these assignments. Friday marks the end of the this quarter.

They Were All Amazed

Today Connor led our pledge and prayer. We spent a few minutes looking at the Gospel lesson in the Book of Mark: the story of Jesus healing the paralytic. This week we have been considering how ordinary circumstances became extraordinary when God intervenes. It took "faith" for friends to carry their paralyzed friend to the rooftop and let him down by Jesus. Jesus first offered forgiveness of sins (extraordinary) and then He healed him (extra-extraordinary). The people were amazed and glorified God saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
Maybe our extraordinary stories are not so visible to others, but we know that extraordinary things happen to us when we operate with God.

I told the students about the time we moved to Seattle and we were 2 miles from our destination (after traveling 1600+ miles), and the wheel flew off of our car on the freeway. We coasted to a safe spot that "just happened" to be there (try to find one of those on a busy freeway?). Immediately a car stopped and the occupants placed flares by our car, another stopped to say they are calling 911 on their cell phone, another stopped to return our wayward tire (were these angels?). We were amazed! Yes, God takes the ordinary things of life (even the frustrations) and transforms them into something extraordinaire!

English 8 students did the spelling test, we talked about the Letter of Intent that is due next Friday, and then students gave character-card book talks. The purpose was to demonstrate how authors use stories to demonstrate the "growth" of characters.

Today we welcome Mr. Calvin Stalvig, a student from Northland College. He is a Spanish major who will be teaching Spanish to 8th graders. Mr. Stalvig will be meeting with 8th graders Monday and Friday. We are grateful for his instruction and support.

Math 6 students did final problems on p. 184: 45-61 odd numbers. All students completed the assignment in class so I could address each student's difficulty. Students forgot how exponents work, so on Monday I will give them a warm-up exponent exercise.

History 6 was used to finish Egyptian pyramid landscape. This is the last opportunity for class time. Presentations will be on Tuesday. Ask your student if he/she is ready? Otherwise, the project needs to be completed at home. Thanks.

The last period of the day was used for "catch up" work. We have one week left this quarter. Some students may have time for some basketball in the gym.

8th Graders: Monday we will do a quick walk to Vaughn Library. Also please read Scene 2 and 3 of King Lear: Act 1. Talk to people about your research project. Tuesday essential question is due. Friday rough draft of Letter of Intent is due.

Yes, this quarter is soon history. Most students have worked hard. A few have worked TOO FAST and need to become more careful about accuracy and neatness. Thank you for supporting our school through the busy holiday season. Lord willing, see you all on Monday. God Bless.

Experience God

Coming soon.... THE NET TEAM! Father Henry and Melissa (OLL youth minister) came to the junior high and invited all students to participate in the NET RETREAT on January 19th 5-10 p.m. They explained that a traveling team of Catholic young adults will come and guide students through a faith-building evening through prayer, drama, games, skits, music and great food. This is an opportunity that no student should miss... truly a faith-fun evening. Students were given forms and the cost is $15.00. Father Henry encouraged students to talk to him if money is an obstacle to attending. Please come and experience God.

Mr. Eaton instructed our 8th grade religion class by talking about the importance of Tradition (stories as told by the Apostles) in the Catholic Faith. It makes sense that oral tradition was the first record (verbal) of the events of Jesus. These stories bridge the years between the life and death of Jesus until the books of the New Testament were written (exact dates are still under debate). He reminded us that it was the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) that was instrumental in identifying authentic stories. Faith, as practiced by Catholics, is understood through Tradition and the Holy Scriptures. Both sources are used to inform each other.

Now on to King Lear for English. Yes, Mr. Eaton was the teacher today. He walked us through Scene 1 and shared his expertise. Mr. Eaton helped us better understand the audience of Shakespeare's time vs. our understanding. Of course, the best part is hearing Mr. Eaton read the text; he helps us "hear" the characters speak. Yes, I was a student too- taking notes!

Yay... Mr. Eaton is on a roll. (I got my notepad ready!) He took on the Geography 7 class and shared his expertise on the Amundsen-Scott race to the South Pole. He had performed in a drama Terra Nova about this monumental rivalry and knew many details. The methods the two teams (plus some luck)employed made the difference in the end. Amundsen precisely calculated the logistics of this brutal trip from a scientific vantage point. Scott was eager to operate the British way: physical and mental force. The tragic ending for the Scott team is magnified by the fact that they were only 11 miles from Base Camp. Some of this story feels like the Lewis and Clark Expedition 100 years earlier. Thank you Mr. Eaton for teaching our class today. It reminded me of some great classes I had at Seattle Pacific University.

Math 6 students continue to do multiplication warm ups. Students were assigned the odd numbers today 15-41 on p. 184. They needed some more practice on this type of reducing fractions to the simplest form.

For History 6, students worked on pyramids and 7 artifacts. These Egyptians models are due on Tuesday.

English 8 students will use the last 45 minutes to do Topic research in the computer lab, or work on vocabulary, or character cards (due tomorrow).
If your 8th grader did not turn in a class schedule for AHS, it is now his/her responsibility to get it to the High School.
Please talk to your student about NET... don't miss sharing faith and fun with your peers!

Extraordinary Burning Bush

After prayer and pledge we talked today about ordinary events transformed into extraordinary by God. We looked at Exodus 3. Moses was tending the sheep of his father-in-law... perhaps an ordinary job that some would regard as boring. But when Moses saw a burning bush, he said: "I will turn aside and see this great sight..." and life was never the same! As we walk in this season of Ordinary Time, may we be watching for God's Extraordinary." Father Frank reminded us today this may mean helping others, praying, and removing the obstacles (demons) to faith.

Geography 7 students completed a response worksheet to the Scott-Amundsen race to the South Pole that we read about yesterday. This included writing a paragraph about how this race would be different if held in 2007: Ipods, laptops, cell phones, snowmobiles, insulated clothing, video-cameras, MRE food packets, sleeping bags...

Math 6 students did a warm-up multiplication worksheet. Most students still need practice on rapid recall of multiplication tables. They were given extra credit points: 10% of grade. Example: grade of 100 received 10 extra credit points. Students are assigned p. 184- even problems 4-34.

English 8 students were given instruction on how to construct an open-ended (essential) question to steer their research. By next Tuesday, students need to be locked on to a topic and essential question. We used the last 20 minutes to read King Lear. Good work... Shakespeare scholars!

History 6 students worked on Egyptian landscapes. They are trading skills to help each other... wonderful!

I love how a lesson you just teach is "echoed" in another class. Yes, the science class had an extraordinary "burning bush" experiment. Yahoo..God loves to surprise us with His EXTRAordinary ways.

8th Graders: Bring your high school schedules by TOMORROW. Otherwise, it is your responsibility. Thanks.

Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary

Today we started religion with a conversation about the new season: Ordinary Time. Students shared ordinary ((Bible) stories that became extraordinary with God: the feeding of the 5000, water into wine,etc. I shared a story of a homeless person's visit to my classroom and how that became an extraordinary experience. As we heard Anitra's story and put ourselves in her shoes, we were able to view her with compassion. When she left, we felt a love for her that was bigger (extraordinary) than ourselves. Students will complete a response paper (at a later date) of something that started out ordinary and became extraordinary with God. Right now students are encouraged to "think" about this concept.

English 8 students today reviewed (in small groups) a research essay project of a former 8th grade student. This is designed to help students understand what a finished project will look like and also what elements a teacher considers. The students are to give this project a grade.

Geography 7 students today finished watching the CNN Antarctica VHS tape and then we read about the Great Race to the South Pole between Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott.

World History 6 Students worked on Egyptian pyramids and 7 artifacts that would be placed in the tomb.

8th grade students used the last 30 minutes to surf the web about their research topics. We are not locked into topics yet. There is room for negotiation and new direction. Remember, book character cards will be presented on Friday.

Don't forget: I need high school schedules by Thursday to drop off at AHS. After that, it is your responsibility to get it to the school.

Have an EXTRAordinary day with God!

The Gateway to Life in the Spirit

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. Reading from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1213):
"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments."
On this day as we ponder the baptism of Jesus, we also remember our baptism. We talked about the outward signs of inward baptismal regeneration: the sign of the cross, the water, the word, the sacred chrism, the white garment, the candle, the family of faith.

Our School Mass fit into the discussion and thoughts already stirred in our morning religion class. Father Henry invited us to respond by saying "I do" to the promises of our baptism. In baptism, we are marked as God's beloved sons and daughters: Celebrate!

English 8 students entered into our first reading of King Lear. We feel the pull of the language on our mouths, but I must applaud the good start students had today. We also looked at the weekly spelling assignment. Students voted on choice of animals through the Heifer Project to dedicate our Advent ($371.35) offering. (See Daily Press today)

Math 6 students are starting Chapter 8: Fraction concepts. We discussed the examples and got side-tracked on a conversation about the rhythm of tides (a math discipline also). No assignment today. 6th graders also voted on Heffer project choices.

Geography 7 students voted on Heifer project animal choices. Then we watched a CNN video on Antarctica. A news-anchor traveled to Antaractica and gave us a first-hand look at this unique continent. When you first arrive, you attend an ice-survival class and sleep in a tent on an ice shelf. Heat is a premium commodity on this frozen landscape. We also saw ice breakers, penguins, McMurdo Station, the South Pole... and much more.


6th graders: Please take home your Mesopotamian and other landscapes; we need the space.
Due Today: Topic selections for research by 8th graders. Please ask your student what topic he/she chose?
8th graders: I will turn in your high school schedules if I receive them by this Thursday.
Heifer vote is a tie: We will revote tomorrow.

Light of Light

Sarah led the pledge, Gospel reading, and Our Father... prayer. I read to the class the children's book: How many miles to Bethlehem? by Kevin Crossley-Holland. It closes with the words:
I Am The Light of Light. The baby who will cradle the world. In your heart, hold me. I will never leave you.
Yes, the Incarnate Baby has promised not to abandon us. This is true today. Merry Christmas.

For English, students did the spelling test and turned in weekly vocabularies. Each student gave a short presentation on "showing" the incremental steps of a task. We learned the steps to: spike a volleyball, draw a happy face, do a cart-wheel, make hot chocolate, bake cookies, chew gum, read a book and others. We used the last 25 minutes to talk about the Globe Theater in the time of Shakespeare and how this theater was rebuilt and opened in London in 1997. We watched a clip from a Romeo and Juliet movie scene; this showed the structure of the theater and how the audience was part of the drama. Monday, we start reading in class King Lear after the Baptism of Our Lord School Liturgy.

Math 6 students did the unit test today on GCF, LCM, and prime factorization. This unit has been a "leap" but students are getting it. I feel it is time to move on. Math can be like playing a piano; new learning often makes more sense and becomes easier as you look back. This unit and future units count on a student KNOWING the times tables. If you know your student is weak, "multiplication flash cards" are a good idea. We continue to refer to the times-tables for fractions, decimals, etc.

History 6 students finished the Pyramid Video. The conclusion was disappointing in that the camera in the pyramid shaft did not reveal any new info. Oh well, this is the reality of archeology. It is meticulous work that often leads to a dead-end. The video showed the joys and challenges of this field of study.

The last hour was used to do work, clean our rooms, desks, etc. The trappings of Christmas are soon put away, but Christ has come, Christ is with us, and Christ will come again! Merry Christmas.

The Shadow of the Cross

Today January 4th we remember Saint Elizabeth Anne Sexton. She started a religious society called the Sisters of Charity. We also read about Jesus' presentation in the temple. Simeon sang: ....for mine eyes have seen Thy Salvation..Luke 1:30. He also said to Mary.."Behold this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel" (vs. 34). The shadow of the cross hovers over the Christmas Story.
Today in our Church History book we read about the Gregorian Reform movement (1054-1122). We talked about how God never abandons his Church.
As we prepare for reading King Lear in class, English 8 students today read a brief overview of the Renaissance. We discussed how this time of "rebirth" provided a fertile landscape for Shakespearean drama. Students practiced and read quotes from King Lear. We then talked about the elements of performance: fluency, tone, body language and clarity. We will read (and perform) this tragic play aloud, but I encouraged students to practice reading aloud at home.
Geography 7 students viewed some transparencies of Antarctica; there is no other place on our planet like this "global" laboratory. Students then worked on a define-draw vocabulary worksheet.

Math 6 students did more practice with LCM, GCF and prime factorization. Conversations in class indicate students are getting it...slow and steady wins the race! The assignment today is p. 177 23-45 odd numbers. Tomorrow is the unit test.

English 8 students will get an information sheet regarding next book report. Students will make character cards for 2 of the characters in their reading book. This assignment will be due next Friday. Vocab. is due tomorrow plus students need to demonstrate how to do something in "incremental" steps.

Don't forget... tonight at AHS, 8th grade parent informational meeting.

Christ is Born!

In today's reading, we considered how John the Baptist came to understand that Jesus is the Son of God. In John 1, John refers to the baptism of Jesus and responds:
"I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." Christmas puts our faith into action. The Shepherds saw and heard angels, the Magi saw and followed a star. As God's beloved children, we are invited to come to Bethlehem to see Jesus and go out to tell others. Christ is born!

You would be proud of our students today when Fr. Henry in his homily asked for other names of Jesus. Our students offered many names: King of David, Son of Man, Son of God, Savior, Counselor, Lord, Emmanuel, Christ, Messiah... and many others. Fr. Henry invited us to respond and (bow) bend our knees and say all the names together.

In Geography 7, I shared the O magazine article with students about the Girls Leadership School Oprah Winfrey opened yesterday in Sweto, South Africa. It was on the news last night. We are hoping Oprah will read our letters we sent to congratulate her. Today we also started our NEW unit on Antarctica. This is a great time to be studying this unique landscape as it is "summer" there. Be prepared for an exciting journey to the South Pole.
FYI: I hope to have the details worked out on the Heifer Project Fund by the end of this week. I just need to check on the best way to run the fund through the "books". I called the Heifer Project today; it sounds like goats, sheep, ducks or chickens are the animals of choice for Africa. We will keep you posted! We are grateful for all donations.

Math 6 students worked story problems together. We continue to see the usefulness of Lowest Common Multiples (LCM) and Greatest Common Factors (GCF). Students are assigned review problems on p. 176: Sets A and B, even numbers.

English 8 students will be receiving information about their research essays: topics,length,deadlines style, components, etc. I will try to clarify possible topics. Students are encouraged to choose a topic they are interested in. Students are also encouraged to get a "mentor." Mainly someone to help them sort out their ideas. This technique is instructional and useful for most writers. Students need to return a SIGNED form by Monday. Please ask your 8th grade students about this assignment.

History 6 students will watch the National Geographic Pyramid Video. We will be building our own pyramids and artifacts soon.

Don't forget parents of 8th graders: High School meeting tomorrow night at 7 p.m. to go over classes and expectations. This is an opportunity to ask questions.

Full of Grace and Truth

Happy New Year!
Yes, we are up and running again at OLL. We carry the Incarnate Jesus with us into the New Year for "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth...." John 1:14.
8th grade students shared what they did over the holiday break. It sounded like everyone had a good relaxing break. This is good. Students are growing fast at this age and need some down-time. Thank you parents, for sending back your students with the look of "refreshment." I also shared about my trip to Seattle. I saw many special friends and family members including my precious granddaughter, now 18 months old. Thank you for all the prayers.
We used English time for vocabulary words and work on the assignment due Friday.
Geography 7 students used the Junior Scholastic to interpret facts about world leaders and countries: literacy rates, languages, birth/death rates, etc. These charts demonstrate the gap that exists between first-world and third-world countries.
World History 6 students defined and drew Egyptian terms. The drawing should "show" the meaning.
We used the end of the day to continue the celebration of Becky's birthday!
Thank you parents and friends for your support this past year. God is with us in this journey of faith and lifelong learning. Let us continue to celebrate the gift of His Son.