Friday, October 31, 2014

Metro Theatre

On Monday, students saw an unusual production of "Unsorted"  by Metro Theatre.  Characters took the role of clothing being "sorted" based on outside appearances.  The characters had to learn that being yourself was good and how to stand up for themselves rather than settling for a "category" someone else placed them in.  In the talk after the play, the actors modeled how body language as well as words can "sort" people and how we can be deliberate about welcoming others.  (Ask your child about the creative costuming!)






 Reformation study


On Tuesday we had a Q and A session with Pastor Rouland

Kids were excited to ask questions about the church in Luther's day and today



STUCO visits to teach us about drug safety

Cup stacking in PE





Our AWESOME door decoration - Thanks Emaa for the Taco Costume

Mr. Braddy's class door

Friday, October 24, 2014

Happy Reformation!

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses on the local church "bulletin board" calling people to debate the truth of the Bible and how the church had strayed from that truth.  Our class is learning about Luther's life as well as the amazing discovery he made:  WE ARE SAVED BY GOD'S GRACE  - not by good works or money or penance.  As part of our study, we used clips from the Luther Movie made in 2013.  Though there are some fictional details added, the heart of the movie shows Luther's struggle to understand God and share with the world about God's love.  (Note if you watch- the movie is PG-13 for some violence and language.  Sections for class were selected as appropriate for students and our study.)  Next week we have a Q and A session with Pastor Rouland on Tuesday.  We will wrap up our Reformation study the following week as we examine Luther's motto: Grace Alone,  Faith Alone, Scripture Alone.

Advent Worship: Dec. 3-  10 A.M. & 7 P.M.

Did you mark Dec. 3 on your calendar?  Teachers have met to plan our Advent service and will be assigning parts in class soon.  Reminder: if your child had two years of music lessons or is in the Concert Band may offer to play for the services.  Music auditions will take place on Monday, Nov. 10, so be looking for sacred music related to the Advent or Christmas seasons of the church year now and get practicing!  The "audition" gives students a chance to perform for Mrs. Thoelke and demonstrate they are practiced and well prepared.    Students will still have time to "polish" their piece before playing for worship.


THANKS ...  to all the parents who attended our conferences this year.  It was good to visit with you and set goals for your child!  Don't hesitate to contact me throughout the year with questions or concerns.

...to our room moms for the yummy treats for our Harvest Party!

Muffins for Moms - Nov. 5.  Enjoy a sweet treat with your child before school sometime betwee 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. in the church basement.  Please join is for chapel if you can stay!

T.J. Pizza/Cookie/Butter Braid orders  came home on Tuesday.  This is a way we offer families to purchase these goodies and benefit the school.  Note - orders with payment to Zion are due back on or before Nov. 5.  Pick up is Nov. 18

From our Class Bloggers: 

This week went very fast! In science, we are working on presentations about volcanoes.  We did lots of interesting stuff. We had an English test, a lab with honey and oil. It was all really fun!

-Lauren and Emma

Exploring viscosity



Just how slow does it flow?



2 minutes ....3 minutes....4 minutes

Dragon, Dragon in Literature class

Learning about characterization by becoming the characters


The cobbler and the middle son - getting advice

That dragon - what a prankster!


Advising the youngest son

Our wizard and narrator - puzzling what to do without a spell book

Arriving at the dragon's lair



The queen/rosebush - released from the wizard's spell

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

End of a short week

Looking forward to seeing you at our conference tomorrow!

What's Going On?  

T - Math -  Focusing on understanding word problems and how variables can represent unknowns.
S.S. - Finished a mapping lab.  Next up:  settlement patterns and Canada.
Eng. - Possessive or Plural??    
Lit - Analyzing short stories, focusing on characterization and motives. 
Art - Spatial concepts:  Symmetry and Positive/Negative space.  We will beginning perspective.
Sci - VOLCANOES!

 

Digital Parenting: Is there an App for that?.  

On Monday, October 20, at 7:00pm Lutheran High School will be hosting a parenting workshop  designed for parents of high school and middle school students.  Presented by Jennifer Shiffman, Prevention Specialist with the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the material will focus on cyberbullying, digital safety, and other online risks to your children. Visit the site: https://www.smore.com/edr9t to learn more about the presentation. The presentation will take place in the Lutheran High Commons. Please use the Commons entrance to the building as the main lobby will be congested with volleyball district activity.  Take advantage of this informative and free presentation, no reservations required.

A note from Mrs. R. - LHS had a presenter on this topic several years ago and it was one of the most valuable talks I have heard on parenting and internet safety.  I highly encourage at least one parent from each family to try to attend!!


Monday, October 13, 2014

Start of 2nd Quarter

What a blessing it is to get to know your child!  As we have wrapped up the first quarter, I am eager to meet with you on Thursday to discuss progress and goals.  If you have not yet, please complete this quick survey to help me plan our time together.  Take some time to talk with your child and respond to the questions.   I feel so blessed to be part of your child's education and I am eager to team with you as we set goals for the rest of 6th grade!

NOTE:  GRADES WILL NOT BE POSTED ON EDLINE TODAY.  This will allow teachers to finish processing reports.  Something may be marked as "missing" or "absent work" that was turned in last week.  Your child should know if he or she completed the work.


Hark - The Students Lead Advent Worship!
On Wednesday, December 3, at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m, grades 5 and 6 will lead the first Advent worship services at Zion Church.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our students as they help our congregation prepare for the Lord's coming.  Attendance is expected at both services, so please mark your calendars now and keep the date open.  Let me know of any conflicts right away as parts will be assigned soon. We are eager to begin preparations in late October for leading worship especially since these services are scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving break.

During the coming weeks, all students will learn songs selected to reinforce their message.  Students will also have opportunities to try various roles in the service, such as special drama or music parts.  Part of our Memory Work assignments will shift focus to learning songs and lines.  Students will also have an opportunity to share their special musical talents.  Any student who has had two years of music lessons or is in the Concert Band may offer to play for the services.  Selections must be:
     1)  sacred music related to the Advent or Christmas seasons of the church year
     2)  practiced and ready to audition before Thanksgiving break


Field Trip Fun!
Thanks to our parent drivers who helped make Friday a fun experience for all!   Sorry for the delay in sharing - I left the camera at school this weekend.