5/16/26 A visit from Miss Steinbacher

 

Parents-

What a wonderful week of learning we had!  Students shared Tuck Everlasting projects, learned about

 human body systems in science, explored integers with Sign Wars in math, and took photos in art.

   We welcomed Miss Angie Steinbacher to our social studies classes to learn about Chinese culture 

and her mission experience there.  She helped us expand our view of “different” in seeing people of

 other cultures all created  in the image of God.  

Continuing in our last week….  the witness of the apostles and us!   Greek Mythology and of course

 our Field trip!  See specifics below:

LAST WEEK REMINDERS:

 NO HOT LUNCH on the last week of school.  ALL STUDENTS MUST PACK A COLD

 LUNCH ALL WEEK.  There will be snacks for sale, but this should not be expected to be a full meal.  

Mon. May 18  Sixth grade class trip:  6:30-6:40 a.m. arrival, 6:55 bus depart

                       5:30 p.m. return to Zion

Tues. May 19  Spring Musical  (Dress Rehearsal 1:45 p.m. performance 6 p.m.)  

 Classroom cleaning (Bring an extra bag for stuff!)

Wed. May 20- Field Day (12:30-2:30 p.m.)   Students should wear tennis shoes with athletic

 bottoms and Zion/LHS spirit shirts. Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. It’s going to be a 

fun day!    *Any parent questions? Refer to Sarah Jennings

Thurs. May 21  Last Day of School   (Full Day)

  11:00 closing chapel Gr.5-8  (reminder for offerings!!)

FIELD TRIP  REMINDERS and updates:

Have your child get ready Sunday afternoon or evening:

• (Updated) Bring a refillable water bottle with a closed top so it can’t leak 

  on the bus (no Stanleys please)

• Cold lunch - in a lunchbox with ice pack

• Zion red t shirt, relaxed bottoms (shorts appropriate length)

• Hoodie for chilly a.m.   JACKET for possible afternoon rain.

• Sunscreen 

• Book to read (optional)

• pillow/blanket for bus (optional)

• Up to $20 cash in envelope with name (optional)

• DON’T BRING cell phones, electronic devices

• Arrive between 6:30-6:40  a.m.  Pick up at 5:30 p.m.

No bookbags or binders needed on Monday.  Students may have a small drawstring bag for

 easier carrying of water/sunscreen.

 

 Please contact me by text if your child is sick that morning. You may also update me directly

 with ride information for your child that day so they do not need a cell phone.  Please indicate

 your name in the text.    

Looking forward to a fun learning experience and class bonding on our trip!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

 

5/9/26 Science fun!

 

Avery and Rachel - Week of 4/27

This week we had two shadow students come to visit Zion. Their 

names were Amanda and Benson. In P.E. we played toga. You use 

three balls and run around the gym trying not to get hit by all the 

other students throwing balls. Next week in science we will be

 having a learning unit about the human body. This week in 

science we 

got our science test back.

Avery and Mazey Week of 5/4

 

This week in P.E. we played whiffleball. We had a test in social 

studies. We started learning about the human body in science.

Your children continue to bless me in so many ways!  I cannot thank you enough for the notes, giftcards, goodies, and most of all sharing your child with me. This is my favorite time of the year to teach, as I see the students have grown so much.  They have been leading book club discussions, practicing witnessing their faith, and encouraging each other to meet new challenges as we are in some of the toughest content! 

 Students were busy this week....

•    Learning about the work of the Holy Spirit through Peter and John

•    Searching contemporary Christian Music to use for writing a devotion 

•    Exploring integers and percents

•    Finishing  Tuck Everlasting Book Club discussions and starting creative projects 

•    Making muscles, “blood” and moving through the heart in our Human Body Systems unit (see photos below)

•  Learning about Mr. Marolf’s vocation as a church worker

•  Analyzing political cartoons.

• Celebrating Julia!

•  Writing cards for Veterans to take on our field trip next week.

 Whew!  We are still learning!! Here’s what is coming up:

This week:

Tues. May 11    Spring Concert

 

Thurs. May 14     -Ascension Chapel  (no chapel on Wed)

     -Last day to take AR tests

Looking ahead to the last week: 

 NO HOT LUNCH on the last week of school.  ALL STUDENTS MUST PACK A COLD LUNCH ALL WEEK.  There will be snacks for sale, but this should not be expected to be a full meal.  

Mon. May 18  Sixth grade class trip to Perry Co: 

6:30-6:40 a.m. arrival, 6:55 bus depart

                       5:30 p.m. return to Zion

Tues. May 19  Spring Musical  (Dress Rehearsal 1:45 p.m.)

Wed. May 20- Field Day (12:30-2:30 p.m.)

Thurs. May 21  Last Day of School   (Full Day)

  11:00 closing chapel Gr.5-8

I wish all of you a wonderful Mother’s Day! 

Moving through the chambers of the heart

Collecting oxygen in the lungs

5/1/26 Novel Unit Begins

 

As we enter May, we have a lot of exciting things happening!

 

- LIBRARY BOOKS: Are due FRIDAY!  Be sure to check under beds and on nightstands to return Zion Library books.  Students may still check out books from our classroom library.  AR is due May 14.

 

- Julia's Birthday: On May 8, we will be celebrating one of our lunch room workers, Julia's, birthday! Students can wear pajamas to school  to help celebrate! 

 

 What are we learning??

RELIGION - learning about the witness of the apostles and US

S.S. - Europe and the EU

Science - Human body is next!

Math - T - percents  - G Distributive Property

 

Tuck Everlasting

WHAT IF YOU COULD LIVE FOREVER????  In Literature, students have begun the novel,  Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.  Kids are leading small group discussions in "book club" format, with the roles of Discussion Director, Passage Picker, Connector, Illustrator, and Word Wizard.  We will be exploring the literary elements of foreshadowing, character development, motive, and universal theme as the characters ponder the benefits and downfalls of living forever.  It will be 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!  We will culminate the novel with creative projects.

READING IS INDEPENDENT for much of the book.  An audio version is available on GC through youtube (search title and chapter).

 

Looking Ahead:

- NO HOT LUNCH on the last week of school. Please pack a cold lunch! 

Elective sign ups for next year: Check your email for this information:  

 

Zion Youth Trivia night Friday, May 15. Enjoy a night out for adults hosted by our youth.  Proceeds go into youth accounts to defray the cost of events and retreats such as the MO District retreat April 2027 and the National Youth Gathering July 2028 (which current 6-8th graders are eligible to attend!).  Grab some friends and build a table.  Youth can volunteer!

As we enter Holy Week (4/27)

It has been a full week of achievement tests, end of the research paper, birthday celebrations, poetry, 

and studying the Passion Week.  I applaud this group for working hard on testing and showing courtesy

 to others so all can achieve our best.  Not only can standardized testing show strengths and areas for 

growth for individuals, it helps Zion make decisions on how we may best shape how we teach. 

We have been following Jesus on the walk to the cross in our Bible studies in Religion.  I encourage

 you to be part of these special worship services with your families this coming week.  

On Palm Sunday, we see Jesus declaring himself not only our King, but the promised Messiah. 

On Maundy Thursday we see the remarkable transformation of the Passover into Holy Communion

 - Jesus himself became our saving Lamb of sacrifice.   LIVING LAST SUPPER drama at Zion's

 worship.

Honor the Good Friday on which Christ died for our sins and the temple veil was torn in two - the

 separation that sin had caused between us and our Lord is no more.  

And finally the glorious day of resurrection, EASTER, when we celebrate our victory in Christ

 over sin, death and the devil.  There is nothing we could ever do to deserve this love.  What a 

wonderful opportunity we have before us to learn and grow in our faith - to praise and thank God

 for this glorious gift!!, 

Upcoming dates
Friday 4/3-Friday 4/10  Easter Break - No School

Thursday 4/16  - LHS Spring Musical  (permission slip came home today)

Friday 4/17  - 6R Shine Event at Breeze Park/Evertrue  (permission slip came home today)

Friday 4/17 Zion Auction - Bobcat Benefit

See the Friday email from the office for info on summer camps, 6th/7th grade night at LHS, and lots more!

Week 30 Powder Valley Field Trip

 

We had an amazing day for a field trip yesterday.  Students learned about “critter scene” investigation and how forensics are used to solve mysteries.  We had a lovely hike through the woods looking at the emerging new growth from the dead of winter.  Mrs. Arens did a great job helping the students learn to observe.  We even discovered fungi!! The nature center had amazing hands-on displays learning about Missouri wildlife and  conservation.  A great place to go back as a family!    Thanks again to the parent drivers who took time out of their day to chaperone.  

Check out the Google Photo link Chaperones, you may add any photos you took.

Our Win At Social Thursday was about the benefits of play and including others.  Here are the Family Huddle questions:

• TOSS UP: What's the game or activity you love playing the most with your friends? Why is it your favorite?

• COACH UP: I heard you're learning about making sure everyone feels included during sports and playtime. If you could create your dream playground, what would it look like? Tell me about the features, games, and activities you'd include to make sure everyone can join in the fun.

• HUDDLE UP: If you ever feel left out during a game or activity, what can you do to let others know how you feel and find someone to talk to for support?

Next Week:

Achievement Testing - I reminded the kids to get good sleep and eat breakfast each day

        It’s also a good week to meet AR goals as there is likely to be less daily work.

SAVE THE DATES

April 16 - LHS Spring Musical  (teacher led)

May 18 - Lutheran Heritage Field trip  THIS WILL BE AN EXTENDED DAY TRIP  

       PTL generously sponsors a charter bus for our trip to Perry Co. to see the MO Veterans Memorial and the area where the first Lutheran immigrated to our region.  Please mark your calendar for  6:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. day.   More information will come home soon.

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Don't miss our school auction, the Bobcat Benefit coming April 17!​  Can't wait to see what the Pizza Oven we purchased brings in for the school!