Friday, May 25, 2012

School Year Ends

And you shall be my witnesses...

What does Christ's command to his disciples mean to a sixth grader?  (Mt. 38:19-20, Acts 1:8)  This is the topic we have been exploring in our religion classes as we have looked at Christ's ascension, the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and the witness of the early  Christians.  As the disciples were instructed to witness in first Jerusalem, then to the neighboring countryside, then to the ends of the earth, we Christians are encouraged to be witnesses where we are at: in our school, workplaces, and families then reach out, even to the ends of the earth.   Where do we get equipped for such a task?  In Word and Sacrament - with the fellowship of believers.  I encourage you to be involved in summer worship both at home and in your travels.   Invite a friend or neighbor to our Vacation Bible School the week of June 11.  We, too, have the power of the Holy Spirit and can look for those opportunities for God to use us to spread his word!

In our final Religion classes we have been looking at the apostles example of how to share the message - to whom - and why.  Wednesday, we learned a modern day parable and practiced telling it.  Today, we will make witness bracelets as a reminder to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  from I Peter 3:15.



Dear families:
Thank you for all of your support this year.  I have appreciated your prayers, your notes of encouragement, your time working with your child on projects, and your child.  It has been a pleasure being a part of your lives this year.  May God bless your family this summer!           
                  In His Service,
                  Mrs. Riemenschneider 


Sunday, May 20, 2012

A Peek into our Week

S.S. Immigrant Interviews - To wrap up our World Geography study, we are looking at the impact of immigration and emigration. Students studied biographies of immigrants with a variety of different experiences and conducted interviews to learn of the impact on their lives and home countries. We are also examining how our church body witnesses to immigrants around the country and right here at Zion!




Other Subjects:

Religion - Dramatizing Matt. 18 - reconciling with a neighbor.  We are learning about conflict resolution and true forgiveness.  Ask your child if they remember the 5 steps to use in a conflict.

Math - Finishing the year with algebraic addition (+/- numbers) and probability

Literature- Our novel unit concluded with students choosing diary projects, commercials, collages, new endings, and song writing.  They even heard my rendition of Tuck Everlasting to the tune of "The Beverly Hillbillies."

For our last English/Lit. classes, we will explore Greek Mythology.  

Art Museum Field Trip

The Art Museum was built for the 1904 World's Fair

Our class

Our class???

Acting silly

Sketching our ideas from the painting

by Winslow Homer

Picnic and playtime on Art Hill

Modeling a work of art!

Yes - we are having fun at an art museum!!

Journaling and hanging out

?????

Capturing the concept of perspective

?????

Year Winds to a Close

REMINDERS - DAY BY DAY

Mon,- wrap up classes/tests
           COLD LUNCH


Tues. - wrap up classes, JH Field Day 
            wear PE style clothes to school, sunscreen, bring water bottle
            COLD LUNCH - bring $$ for soda for afternoon

Wed. - wrap up classes, Yearbook Signing
            COLD LUNCH 
            **All belongings and school supplies come home today

Thurs. - No School - Records Day,  8th grade graduation

Fri. -  Closing Chapel and Awards
           10:00 a.m. Dismissal - REPORT CARDS DISTRIBUTED (hard copy)
           Zion Fun Fair  10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Weekly News 5-11-12

Devotion Planning
Students have been reading lyrics and listening to Contemporary Christian music this week in preparation for leading a class devotion.  Their goal was to paraphrase the words of the song and look for Bible verses that relate that message.  As the partners begin to present their devotion, students are sharing what the songs and Bible verses have to say to young people today.  What a great way to practice witnessing our faith!

P.S. - I clued them in to JOY FM 99.1 and the Christian concert series at Six Flags this summer. 


Tuck Everlasting
In Literature, students have been reading the novel,  Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt and then leading small group discussions in "book club" format.  We are exploring the literary elements of foreshadowing, character development, motive, and universal theme as the characters ponder the benefits and downfalls of living forever.  It is exciting to look at the novel through the eyes of faith as we discussed God's original design in Eden as well as our eternal life in the heavenly home he has prepared for us.  Students are discovering the blessings God gives us in this life through the many stages we live and even more blessings to be received in eternity with Him!




A Look Ahead:
We welcome Zion's DCE, Mr. Aaron Hansen as a guest teacher.

Field Trip Friday:  Pack a sack lunch  

Friday, May 4, 2012

Weekly News 5/4/12

Field Trip - Parents needed
On Friday, May 18, we will head to the Art Museum for a day of learning and exploration.  I am still in need of parents to ride the bus with us and help chaperone.  We leave campus by 9:15 and return by 2:15.  We will picnic in the park, so plan a sack lunch that day.  Please let me know ASAP if you are available to chaperone.  Further details about our tour will come home with permission slips next week.



What's Going On?
Religion:  A look back at Jesus' ministry and how he put words into action.  (Matthew 14-20)
English:  Pronouns  (and a review of other parts of speech)
Literature:  Novel Unit - Tuck Everlasting
Math:  Order of Operations, Ratios, and Proportions
Art:  Sculpture
Social Studies  -  A glimpse at travel before and after the formation of the European Union