The Lord is My Shepherd

Today we looked at Psalm 23 to be appreciate our role as "sheep". We see that in this shepherd- sheep relationship God is the initiator: He leads...he restores...he prepares a table...his cup overflows... And we hear God's promise: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." This Psalm is a beautiful picture of our life as God's sheep for the "pressure is off." It is about Him, the Shepherd... and what He has done, does, and will do for us.... up through eternity.

English 8 students shared poetry ideas; each student will read a poem on Friday. King Lear rough drafts were returned and final is due Thursday. I was very pleased with the thoughtful responses. Also spelling words were given out for this week. Later we discussed three modes of writing: narrative, expository, and persuasive. Students will be doing Wisconsin State Tests in Grade 10. We talked about how to quickly "brainstorm" and put together an essay; the State Tests are timed.

English 6/7 students had time in the Computer Lab to start writing autobiography and photo-stories. Grade 7 students are starting to realize they need to ask "questions" from family members to fill in their stories. Be ready to share some of your child's stories!

Don't FORGET: BOWLING tomorrow 12:30 to 2:30. We need drivers... please. And all students must have permission slips and $6 to bowl three games.

Have a great week.

Consider your "call"

(Today I am blogging from my son's computer in Robbinsdale.) This week in class we will be talking about "vocation." Focusing our thoughts on our call from God to be a Holy people-the internal and external expression of our faith. In particular, we will ask ourselves: Is God calling me to be a priest, sister, or other full-time church worker in the Catholic church? As a fomer missionary to Pakistan, I do have some experience with tuning our hearts to hear God's call.

Friday we finished up assignments from last week and also included some time to play outside in the beautiful spring weather. 8th graders turned in King Lear rough drafts, vocabulary worksheets, and completed a spelling test.

6/7th graders turned in autobiography/photo-story plans. Also vocabulary, Friday letters (NOW due Monday), and spelling test were completed. We then went down to Sunset Park and saw the dredging that is going on. There is a lot of talk these days about the lower level of Lake Superior and we also have noticed the changes along the beach.

Looking ahead: 8th graders will read a short story this week, do final papers on King Lear response and talk about modes of writing: narrative, expository, and persuasive. Share poems on Friday. Mr. Gromola from AHS will talk to them on Thursday.

6/7th graders: Will go to the computer lab on Monday to start typing autobiography and photo-stories. Vocabulary is due Friday plus spelling test(list included). Students will see these words in Voyage of the Frog or hear them when we talk about typing the rough draft stories.

WORDS:
vocation
radar
palindrome
vicious
urgency
instinct
plankton
draft
reflect
message
BONUS WORDS:
sighed
ambition
achievement

1. Write each word 5x.
2. Define each word in YOUR OWN words.
3. Choose 10 words (6th grade: 7 words) and write high-quality sentences
4. Write 3 words that are palindromes.
5. Why do some people refer to their job as a vocation?
6. On Friday, be ready to share one ambition for your future.


BOWLING ON TUESDAY (12: 30 to 2: 30): Students must have permission slips and will need $6 to bowl three games. We needs drivers, and chaperones at the bowling alley.

Please make sure students are completing assignments. We are almost halfway through this final quarter. Check Mrs. Marita's blog for science fair info. and deadlines. This is a big event and we enjoy learning from our OLL future scientists.
Blessings in your journey with the Good Shepherd.

Messengers of Hope

What a blessing today to hear Coach Mike Masterson share with our OLL jr. high about the team trip to help Katrina victims in Mississippi. There were so many aspects to this journey of healing and hope that Mr. Masterson and other team members experienced. (Mr. John Urling also was a team member). He helped me and others remember that we are messengers of God's hope... and in a mysterious way, as we serve... we also receive abundantly. Mike referred to this trip as a spiritual defining moment and he introduced us to some fine people in Mississippi including Willy and Luvey. What a gift to our students and staff.

Today 6/7 English students shared two-voices "joyful" poetry. We also read Voyage of the Frog... and talked about the book invitation that students will write for a report on their silent reading book. Yesterday we watched "Charlotte's Web." If you have not read this book, it is not too late. I read it for the first time in December and just loved it. Don't forget tomorrow: Spelling is due, spelling test, and Friday letters.

English 8 students due Friday: spelling, vocabulary worksheet and King Lear rough draft response.

Yesterday we had yummy dairy-queen cake. Happy Birthday Eva!

God-Math

Today we read the story of how Jesus took the 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed a crowd of 5000. To make the point that God can "multiply", when they picked up the food scraps 12 baskets were filled. This is abundant math.... thanks be to God.

English 8 students looked at Native American Joy's Harjo's poetry. Ms. Harjo uses verse and music to address social issues and challenge readers to not "stereotype" groups of people. Students responded by referring to text and answering questions. Students also worked on spelling words. The second time we met, students were given response assignment to King Lear. The rough draft is due Friday. It has been several weeks since we finished this tragedy; this space has given students time to process this difficult family drama.

English 6/7 students listened to a Jack Pretlusky poem. Also the plan for this week was laid out. Students were given spelling words for this week....and got right to work on them. Thus, I delayed another assignment that I intended to do. Most of the students used class time to do spelling and Friday letters (not late today). Don't forget to help your student PRACTICE spelling the words. I am noticing some improvement... and would like to keep this trend going.

Bowling permission slips were given for Monk's Lanes next Tuesday, May 1. $6.00 will cover 3 games of bowling. Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 are invited.

It is the Lord.

Today we discussed from John 21 Jesus' arrival on the beach at dawn. He called out to the disciples who had been fishing all night, "Cast your nets on the right side of the boat." When they did, the nets were filled. John recognized Jesus and said "It is the Lord." Peter jumped out of the boat and sprang into the sea. Again, we see Jesus calling his disciples to "come and eat." This was the third time the Risen Christ revealed himself to the disciples. Our class talked about when we "see" Jesus: in others, in church, through serving, in unlikely people (sometimes the down and out) and many places. Jesus is eager to reveal Himself so that others will say:
"It is the Lord."

English 8 students discussed with sadness the recent college campus shooting. How many hopes and dreams were gunned down.... we remembered this community in our prayers.

English 6/7 students worked as partners to construct a PAVESO grid and list 10 words to plan a "story" based on a picture they received. They presented their story ideas to the class. This is a practice for the photo-stories 6th graders will write... and autobiographies 7th graders will write. Our second time together we listened to Billy Collins' reading one of his poems and we practiced "stream of consciousness" and how random our thought-process can be. We also read more of The Voyage of the Frog together. It is surprising to experience the conversations this book fosters.... and how it draws us together as a community by sharing our experiences. Ask your student about this story.

History 6 students read more about the Roman Empire from the textbook. We are seeing how this landscape provided space " for the birth of Christ and also for his crucifixion."

Today Junior High students read with the 1st graders. I can hardly believe how far these young readers have come this year. Today we heard about Johnny Appleseed and the life cycle of the apple. And to make it real, Mrs. Urling served apple slices! Thanks.

Be sure to take advantage and tell others that OLL is enrolling students NOW for the next school year. I have seen first-hand how our school addresses the formation of the "whole" child: the emotional, academic, spiritual, and physical growth of students.

Tomorrow: 6, 7, 8th spelling tests. Vocabulary worksheets due. Also for Grade 6 and 7 Friday letters; you get 10 extra points if well done. Final calls for Haikus.

The Son of Man Lifted Up

Today we looked at Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus. Again we see Jesus, the teacher, reaching into history (Moses) and connecting the past to the present: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (John 3). This story launched our Mass Gospel lesson today. Thank you Father Frank for reminding us that we are God's Children of the Light.

English 6/7 students finished Haikus today, worked in groups onVoyage of the Frog and considered some of the elements that compose our bodies. In our story, David is taking Uncle Owen's ashes out to spread on the ocean (return the elements to the earth). Our group work was designed to stimulate high-level thinking with "why" questions. We shared our answers in the class, and group writers had time to expand group answers.

History 6 students read and discussed the Roman Empire and the connection to Mary and Joseph's trip to Bethlehem. We did get a little off track as we noted our flag is at half-staff....to remember the tragedy of Virginia Tech. With today's technology, information (good and bad) is available within minutes. We prayed for this hurting community in the morning.

For tomorrow: Kindergarten round-up. Also 6 and 7th graders, you need to return SIGNED forms regarding autobiography and photo-stories. 6th graders, please bring a photo that you can use to write a story (fiction or nonfiction).

I AM

Today we revisited a broader resurrection landscape as we made Old and New Testament connections. We first talked about Moses' call (Exodus): The burning bush and God revealing his identity, I AM.....Then we talked about how Jesus walked with the two travelers (Luke) and interpreted the Scriptures beginning with Moses. After taking, blessing, breaking and giving the bread, his identity was revealed and they said: Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures? Then we jumped to John 11 and the raising of Lazarus and Jesus speaks: I AM the resurrection and the life.
The foreshadow of the resurrection goes way back and God-markers are placed throughout the history of faith...and continues today. The I AM God continues to reveal himself and burn hope into our hearts through the message of resurrection. We are His Easter-people! Alleluia! 8th graders followed up with Alleluia symbols for our Easter Bulletin Board.

In English 8, I provided instruction in the levels of thinking. We talked about how we move from knowledge and understanding of information to application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation (Blooms' taxonomy). Students then worked with partners to analyze a poem and write 3 high-level questions that will stir their peers to "think." You would have enjoyed (with me) the great questions, the insight answers, and the depth that students were thinking during this 30 minute assignment. Impressive scholarship!

English 6/7 students were reminded that "parent signature" responses are due Thursday for 50 points extra credit for autobiographies and photo-stories. English 7 students practiced a PAVESO-grid to trigger ideas for their autobiographies. English 6 students need to bring a photo that they will write a story (fiction or nonfiction) about. We also read Chapter 8 aloud from Voyage of the Frog.

History 6 students read with me textbook information about the Roman Empire. We are laying the groundwork for constructing models and other visual representations of this dynamic empire. We included some discussion about Latin as a language... and the use of Latin in our Church.

Please be in conversation with your students these days about school projects. Most of our students are "verbal" learners and they will enjoy talking to you about ideas for writing and projects.

Last but NOT LEAST! Congratulations to the 8th Grade Our Lady of the Lake Volleyball Team for winning the championship at the Northland College Volleyball Invitational. I have observed these hard-working athletes give their best all year and I am proud of this accomplishment.... and the beautiful trophy they brought to our school. We are proud of you: Becky, Quinn, Sam, Eva, Clare and Carissa.

The Resurrection Life

Today we reviewed the scriptural flow of God's covenant: Creation (Adam), Noah, Abraham, Moses, David.. other prophets and then Jesus: God's only Son now brings us all these wonders and more: new life, peace beyond all telling, the Church to be our eternal home and family, freedom from the slavery of sun, and a kingdom of joy without end" (Children's Daily Prayer 258). Quoting: "Even with Jesus' help, it took time for the disciples to understand what the Resurrection meant." This is our story today. We are baptized and "enter into that same new Life of the resurrected Christ! "

English 8 students worked on spelling and analysis of Anne Spencer's poem (theme of discrimination): "White Things." Students also painted watercolor landscapes to display their haikus.

Mr. Bloss came after lunch today and shared his "passion" for basketball and invited students to come to a basketball camp this Saturday that he and Mr. Masterson will host. We are fortunate to have these coaches to teach and encourage our basketball athletes. Mr. Bloss is a former grad of St. Agnes/Depadua.

Welcome! Mrs. Panasuk joined us for lunch today. Although it is hard work, Alex continues to make progress. We continue to pray for them and Mrs. Punjak healing of her arm.

English 6/7 students were given spelling words today: test and vocab. due on Friday. I also went over the "autobiography" guidelines with 7th graders. English 6 students worked on Friday letters; they are due today.

Thanks students and parents for your ongoing prayer support for our school, people with special needs, and the greater Our Lady of the Lake faith community.

Having Fun!

Grade 8 and Mrs. Marita are off to the Minneapolis aquarium today. Grades 6 and 7 did spelling, reading, and haiku landscapes with Mrs. Ellis. After lunch we went bowling at Monks. Everyone got in three games of bowling and had a great time. Thank you parent drivers and chaperones.

Yesterday Mr. David Owen came by for a farewell party... cake and ice cream. Students had made cards and wrote letters; these were given to Mr. Owen. We are very grateful for his 3rd quarter internship with us. Mr. Owen is now interning at AHS for one quarter. He was a good addition to our school family and we will continue to pray for his career and hope for a teaching position. You can check-in with him on: mrowenclassroom.blogspot.com
Thanks again Mr. Owen. Please come by and visit us.

Don't forget the carnival this Sunday. Also keep Panasuks in your prayers as Al is making rehab progress. Blessings.... and hopefully "spring" is here. He is Risen Indeed!

Resurrection Reality

Today we got to read one of my favorite post-resurrection stories: On the Road to Emmaus. What jumped out this time in our reading, was when the presence of Jesus was revealed "they rose the same hour and returned to Jerusalem" v. 33. This "resurrection reality" was huge... and they had to get back and tell everyone "He is Risen Indeed! " We responded with journal writes on what "Easter means to me."

English 8 students filled out forms to submit their Sounder Essays. Then we watched more of "Reggie's Prayer."

English 6/7 students did partner Haikus with pictures. These were presented in class. Tomorrow they will paint the landscape for personal haikus. Don't forget spelling worksheet is due and spelling test tomorrow.

Only a couple more permission slips are needed for bowling. 8th grade and Mrs. Marita are off to Mpls. We will be praying for you. Grade 6 and 7 head for bowling after lunch.

Be blessed in the Resurrection... may we be busy sharing this news with others!

p.s. We had fun with Mrs. Urling's first graders reading about butterflies... another resurrection story!

Amazed, Astounded, Astonishment!

When it comes to reading Biblical accounts of the arrival the women at the empty tomb, words fail. How do you describe in earthly terms the mystery of Jesus' death and then His amazing resurrection. No wonder the first disciples trembled... were afraid. We are talking about "earthly happenings" that are beyond the boundaries of this earth. Today we read this account in Mark and discussed how individual perspective came into play: some were amazed, some astonished and some astounded. Mark says" they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid." These people are us.... we are amazed...and we carefully choose who we "tell" this story to for we afraid it sounds like an idle tale. The Good News is that He is Risen! Trust the resurrection power of Jesus to transform lives... it is amazing!

Thank you Father Frank for your homily reminder of where we see Jesus: in the Eucharist. The taking, blessing, breaking and giving.

English 8 students watched Reggie's Prayer... a follow-up to Becky's presentation on Reggie White.

English 6/7 students read Chapter 6 of Voyage of the Frog... and later went over spelling list and discussed "literacy" as a vehicle for success. Students made literacy-based vehicles.

History 6 students listened and responded to a Jr. Scholastic article about if you were a teen in Roman times. We are setting the stage for the Roman Empire unit.

6/7 Grade Parents: Please return bowling permission slips TOMORROW (extra credit). Also I need 3 drivers... and hopefully a couple of you can stay with the students to help chaperone, etc. We are going after lunch on Friday and will be back by 2: 45. Thank you.

Reports were given out yesterday; please return by Monday.

Christ is Risen!

What a joy to come back together again after our "early" Easter break. I first want to thank Mr. David Owen for his internship at OLL for 3rd quarter. He showed up ready to dig in and be part of the teaching staff of our school community. He is a Social Studies major, but showed that he is able to jump in and help where he is needed. He also taught religion, Math 6 in addition to Geography, World History and American History. Mr. Owen shared his savvy technology skills with many of us. He is now completing the final phase of his internship 4th quarter at Ashland High School. Again thank you Mr. Owen for your good work in our midst. We are praying for your employment as a well-prepared teacher. We had to postpone his good-bye party, but sounds like he will stop in soon and we can celebrate together!

We read the Easter story from Luke. The women who found the empty tomb were eager to spread the news, but many regarded this news as an idle tale. Jesus knew of these doubters (and doubters today), so He acted to remove their doubt and bring them to faith. He is still acting today... for Christ is Risen!

The final three English 8 students gave their presentations: Joe on motorcycle helmet safety, Clare on diet and fitness, and Carissa on the Justin Morgan horse. As I consider the research, writing, and oral presentations done by this class, they can stand proud as scholars who did quality work! I am proud of their efforts for excellence and success. Within a couple of days, these essays (and visuals) will be displayed in our library. We will be focusing on poetry this month and 8th grade final essays for the Sounder contest are due on Thursday.

English 6/7 students received a 10-word spelling list this week with instructions. This assignment is due Friday A.M. Plus Friday letters are due and journals. After lunch we are going to Monk's for bowling. Please offer to help drive, chaperone and score the games for students. I am thinking we can bowl 4 students to a lane, so I need 3 parents to be there with us from 12: 30 (we leave the school) to 2: 45. Students must return with permission slips and $6 for 3 games.

8th grade students are off to Mpls. with Mrs. Marita on Friday for a science field trip. Be sure permission slips are in her hands. Also there is a bake sale tomorrow to help earn money... please bake something tonight!

We are in the final quarter of this school year. I continue to value your support and commitment to supporting your student's success in the classroom. Report cards were given out today. This has been a demanding academic quarter and many students showed improvement in their grades. Also several of our jr. high students scored at the top in the math and spelling Knights of Columbus contest. We have many reasons to be proud of our students... and most of all we raise our voices of faith and sing out to each other and the world:
He is Risen Indeed.

The God of All Seasons

Today we talked about the Easter Triduum (see Mr. Eaton's article in the April newsletter) and Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. We talked about bowing down to serve each other and doing lowly tasks. Students had time to put "feet" on our Holy Week bulletin board and work on their Triduum worksheets.

In English 8 we had more oral presentations: Samantha on Hip-hop's influence on America, Quin on forensic science in northern Wisconsin, Connor on the Oredocks, Aaron on historic Ashland, and Becky on Reggie White's life on and off the field. All students knew their topics well and demonstrated good research and understanding. Each student used a visual to help support his/her presentation. We intend to display this good research in the library after the Easter break.

English 7 students worked on similes today as a way to: connect readers, be descriptive, enliven writing, and bring enjoyment to text. Students were very creative with their similes.

Mr. Owen finished The Lightening Thief with World History students. In fact, tomorrow is Mr. Owen's last day. We will miss his friendship, his instruction, and his support in many ways. We wish him well on his 4th quarter internship at AHS.

We await the uplift of daffodils, cowslips, and crocus. We have seen spring birds return and tree buds ready to pop. We feel impatient as we look out the window and once again see winter! God is the God for all seasons. As we "await" for the news of resurrection, we feel impatient...and anxious. But again we refer to our trust and faith in a God who has an appointed time for all things.

FYI: Grades 6 and 7 will go bowling at Monks on April 13th right after lunch. We will need drivers, chaperones, and a permission slip from each student. It is suggested each student bring $6.oo to bowl 3 games. Please check with your student and return permission slips. Thank you.

Say "yes" to Holy Week

When we think of all that was going on during Jesus' time, we realize there is not much new under the sun. Those were busy days too. Many people were gathering for the Passover, there were rumors around town about this "strange" prophet, there were meals to cook, babies being born.... it is part of our world today too. Yes this is busy week as we finish the end of the quarter and get ready for our Easter break. Let us pray that we do take time and that we do build space in our schedules to walk this journey with Christ. For we have much to remember and much to learn that will guide us forward again with hope and faith.

After pledge and prayer today, we talked briefly about Oral Presentations that 8th grade students are giving this week. Students then used English period to get organized, get Spanish homework done, and some chose to watch the Veggie Tale movie. Everyone had something to do.

Calvin was here for Spanish today. Again, he shared his teaching skills and pushed students forward in Spanish. Thank you Calvin.

During English, two students presented their research topics today. Sarah on The Bloom's School of Ballet, and Eva on the American Quarter Horse. Both presenters did an excellent job of teaching us about their topic and supported their words with good PowerPoint presentations. Well done! Sarah also presented to the 6-7th grade English class. Thank you Mr. Grubisic for your presence and support.

English 6-7 students talked about "literacy" today; this is our word for the week. What it means and how literacy skills support our lives. We especially focused on the importance of literacy modeling for pre-school children. In our information age, literacy coupled with critical thinking can be a great asset for lifelong learning and seeking the truth. For English 7 students, your Sounder essay is due today! There is no spelling unit this week or letters. We will focus on "literacy" and reading The Voyage of the Frog.

Thank you everyone (many students included) for the wonderful time we had yesterday at the Panasuk Benefit. We were so blessed by the large crowd who came to support The Panasuk family. And all the raffle prizes that were donated. It was an overwhelming and great gift to be part of an event that said to the Panasuks that "we are with you" and we will pray and support you during this time of need. We are on a "holy" journey and we all are invited to participate. Please say "yes" to Holy Week opportunities.