12/20/10 Newsletter

Merry Christmas!

As this quarter comes to a close, I pray that you a have a very blessed Christmas with family and loved ones.  I have enjoyed working with your children and am very thankful for the support that you have given me.  We have made great strides in our goals and have much to look forward to in the new year.  I'm sure we are all looking forward to a break.  If you are are celebrating the holidays in town, please make plans to worship with us at Zion to celebrate the birth of the newborn king.

        Friday, Dec. 24  Christmas Eve Services  - 3:00 p.m.    5:00 p.m.  and 11:00 p.m
        Saturday, Dec. 25  Christmas Day - 9:00 a.m.

Pizza Lunch Tuesday

Just a reminder - our room mothers are planning a pizza lunch as part of our Christmas Party on Tuesday.  We will dismiss at noon after our celebration.

 

End of the Quarter/ Report Cards

Report cards will be available to view online after Christmas break. Report date is January 7.  No paper copy will be sent home.  If you need your activation code or if you forgot your password, please contact Kevin Creutz, at  kcreutz@zionharvester.org.   You may also request a paper copy of the report card from Mr. Creutz. 

12/10/10 Newsletter

Novel Unit

We are in the midst of reading Among the Hidden,  a novel that explores the issue of what would life be like if the government enforced a population control law limiting families to 2 children.  This is a good introduction to population issues we are learning about in Social Studies as well as being a fascinating book to read.  Our novel will conclude this week with students creating powerpoint presentations teaching the novel and their own creative twists to the plot.

News, News and More News

BOOK ORDERS may still be placed online Saturday 12/11.  See our class website for the activation code.

QUARTER ENDS Tuesday, December 21.  - Students, be sure if you have been absent that you are checking with EACH teacher to be sure that work is caught up.

LAST DAY for AR TESTS is Friday, Dec. 17

FIELD TRIP IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY-  

Jan. 14 - drama: "The Giver" at Washington University.  This is a morning field trip. I am looking for 1 more parent to attend with us.

Feb. 4 - Hidden Valley Ski Trip - Eureka, MO.  This is an exciting PE opportunity we have in 6th grade.  Further information will come home in January. Click here: Ski Trip 2010 for  an information sheet and details about how to dress for cold weather.  You may wish to take advantage of after Christmas sales for new gloves, etc.    


SPECIAL EVENTS DEC. 20  - Geography Bee 9:00 a.m.
        Guest Speakers : St. Peters city planners will be here to wrap up our S.S. study of Urban Growth

CHRISTMAS PARTY DEC. 21  Our room moms have planned a special Christmas party to include a pizza lunch on Tuesday, Dec. 21.  Remember there is also NOON dismissal that day.

SPANISH - 3rd QUARTER - When we get back from Christmas break, 3rd quarter will begin.  6th graders will have a Spanish class 2 periods a week.  We welcome Senora Carla Rutledge as our instructor. 

COLLECTIONS END - Thank you for all of your support of our Phil's Friends Drive and collection for staff gifts.  If you still had something to contribute, please send it in on Monday.

Christmas Service Project: Phil's Friends

At Zion, we do not do a class gift exchange at holiday time, but rather look for a charity that we can sponsor to share of our blessings.  This year the Walk-a-thon project - Phil's Friends is what we are also adopting for a Christmas Service Project.  (see link to right)  Below is a reminder of items we are gathering for cancer patients.  On Dec. 17, the Junior High will be assembling gift bags for cancer patients.  Funds from the Walk-a-thon will purchase larger items to fill in the baskets.  Students have an opportunity to contribute a personal donation of the items below to place in our baskets.  THE LIST IS NOT LIMITED TO THESE ITEMS.  Any other "comfort" items will be accepted as well, if you have a good idea to add to the list.   Students will also be making cards of encouragement and witness to put in our bags.  Please pray for our project and that students may be touched by the opportunity to share our faith in this way.

Approved Comfort Items (not limited to the following):  ITEMS DUE BY Dec. 10

*            Thick, fuzzy women's socks

*            NIV New Testaments (pocket sized preferred due to shipping costs)

*            Tea small box (16 pack)

*            Single serving coffee packets

*            Non-flavored chapstick

*            6 pack of purse-size Kleenex

*            Extra soft toothbrushes, individually packaged

*            Travel size toothpaste

*            Packages of blank cards with envelopes

*            Boxes of pre-printed Christian cards of "encouragement"

*            Prepackaged craft kits for children and teens

*            Trial size Eucerin or Keri lotion

*            Christian artist CDs

*            Word Puzzle books & Sudoku Game books

*            Stuffed animals

*            Christian writing journals

*            Playing Cards

*            $5 gift cards from St. Louis Bread Co., Dairy Queen, Starbucks, etc.

*            Fleece blankets (hand made or bought)

11/24/20 Newsletter

Happy Thanksgiving!

This week our class has been giving thanks in our prayer time for the many blessings in our lives.  Today, students from Lutheran High, St. Charles led us in worship - reminding us the greatest gift we have from God is the salvation we receive through Jesus death on the cross.   May God bless your celebration with family and friends. 

Advent is Here!

I hope you packed the Advent wreath away with your fall decorations.  If not, it's time to dig out the first Christmas box.  The Advent season begins this Sunday as the church prepares for the Christmas season.  You may pick up a devotional for your family at worship this weekend.  Another option is to use the audio or printable devotion books available at the Lutheran Hour.  Follow this link:

The Lutheran Hour: Advent Devotions

I encourage you and your family to grow together in your faith through these special devotion times.

Advent is Here???

Yes - that means NEXT WEDNESDAY, December 1 will be the 5th and 6th grade Advent services.  Here are some important notes:

Times:  10:00 A.M. (chapel with Zion students) and 7:00 P.M.    

Arrival for the evening services: Students are to meet in their classrooms no later than 6:40 

                  P.M.  (Musicians should check in with their teacher at 6:40 and then proceed to 

                  the church)

Dress:  Students should dress nicely for both the morning service and the evening service. 

            School dress is appropriate for the morning service.  School dress or “Sunday best”  

            for the evening service-avoiding jeans and clothing with writing.  STUDENTS     

            WITH COSTUMES will need them for both services.

After the evening service:  Parents may pick up students from the WELCOME CENTER in the back of church.

Cup Stacking

Click the photo for a link to all our cup stacking pictures!

11/19/10 Newsletter

Midquarter Today

Today marks the midterm of the 2nd quarter.  Grades will be uploaded by 3:00 today to Edline.  We are not sending a paper copy home unless requested (those copies would come home on Monday).  Parents - please check your child's progress and help them reevaluate their goals for the quarter.  Note - all absent work may not have been graded as of Friday and you will see an empty blank for the assignment. 

Advent Prep - Seeking props and Music Auditions

Props needed:   We are looking for the following for our Advent drama.  If you have any of the followingthat we could borrow, please send it in on Monday. Thanks!

Walking stick, Animal skin robe or shawl, Wig-unkept hair, 2 grey/white beards, knife (large fake), king's crown, scroll,  big brown bowl

Music Auditions: for preservice and post service music will be Tues. Nov. 23.  Sorry for the mix up of dates!


Check back for cup stacking photos!!

11/12/10 Newsletter

Technology Hiccups

To bring together all we've learned about the Great Lakes Ecosystem, students have started an online  S.S. project.  Thanks to our students for their patience.  My intent was to have 2 class periods this week  creating online posters with Glogster.com.  In reality - our internet connection was up and down and not a lot got started at school.  Students have worked through the research for the project and are now designing a layout and plugging in their facts.  The actual creation of the poster is very simple.  How much time a student spends in design and "playing" with the features can vary.  Our goal is to have projects done by Tuesday, with one more period spent in the computer lab on Monday.  (For 6G that is Lab on Tues. due date: Wed.)  We may push back that date if needed.  I will be excited to share the designs the students are creating!

Advent Reminder: Music Auditions

We are well on our way to learning songs and parts for our Advent services on Dec. 1.  Just a reminder for students who are interested in playing preservice or offering music:  Have your selections practiced for auditions on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

11/5/10

Happy Reformation!
What an incredible worship this past weekend as Zion celebrated  Reformation.  It is an awesome experience when God's Word touches your heart and His Sacrament cleanses your soul.  Worship was enhanced by piano, organ, trumpets, tympani, and choirs - including your children in Joyful Noise.  Pastor Schwab's sermon reminded us this was not a day to celebrate Martin Luther, but Jesus Christ and the freedom He grants in salvation.

Following the church calendar, our new religion unit is focusing on the Reformation.  Students have been amazed at the false teachings that had infiltrated the church in the 1400's.  We see through  Luther's discoveries, how scripture gives us the truth about our Savior.  We are using appropriate clips from the movie Luther to help students see the historic context of the time as well as how powerful the Reformation was to change people's hearts and bring them back to the truth of God's grace.

Have you been in worship lately?  Please know you are always invited to join us at Zion.  It's a great way to start your week!

Good Luck and God's Blessings..

to Emily H. and Andrew F. who will represent our class in the LHS Spelling Bee tonight.  Go Bobcats!

Chapel Offering Update
 Praise to God for His glorious gifts that we have so much to share!  We have been able to send a $400 gift to support the Eisold's in their mission to Peru from just one chapel service.  Our offerings last week will purchase 12 of the 30 turkeys needed for our Seminary Food Drive.  Thank you and keep Wednesday chapels on your calendar as an opportunity to give.  
 
What is an EtherPad?  

Check out the following links.  Each will lead you to one of 5 group discussions on our current Literature story.  If you click the time slider and press play, you will see the conversations emerge in "real time."

http://typewith.me/XYQTueOtvx

http://typewith.me/At9pOB5Kay

http://typewith.me/qrABbJpBjF

http://typewith.me/MkUeE2axor

http://typewith.me/CvzZxV2NgZ

10/29/10 Newsletter

 
Metro Theatre

On Monday, students enjoyed a live, professional theater performance called Tomato Girl.  In conjunction with our Literature unit, we discussed the use of theme as well as how the actors used characterization to create their characters.  This week we took one of our stories to "act."  In planning for our performance, students had to decide character traits to make their characters come to life. 

 Thanks Mr. Thoelke!

Mr. Mark Thoelke, Zion's church music director and our beloved choir director came to visit our class.  He introduced parts of the hymnal to us, so we could conduct a hymn study.  This was a wrap of our unit on the Sacraments.  Students had to search through Baptism and Communion hymns to look for Biblical truths we learned in our unit.

Thanks Room Moms and Parent Helpers!

Thanks for our yummy goodies and fun times at our Harvest Party today!

10/22/10 Newsletter

Conference Thank You

Thank you to all the parents for taking your time to meet with me yesterday and today.  As we partner together in the education of your child, please do not hesitate to contact me in the coming weeks or months regarding the goals we set in place for your child or if new questions arise.  Zion is very blessed to have caring, supportive families. 

A Visit with Pastor Rouland

As part of our Religion study of the Sacraments, we took a "field trip" to the church where Pastor Rouland met with us to discuss Holy Communion.  Students had an opportunity to rediscover the connections between the Old Testament Passover celebration and the gift of Jesus as our "ONCE FOR ALL" sacrifice.  Students received an up close look at the altar and communion ware.  They even had a chance to taste the wafers.  We thank Pastor for his time and helping us understand more about this special part of our worship and for giving us a "behind the scenes" tour. 

Hark - The Students Lead Advent Worship!
On Wednesday, December 1, at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m, grades 5 and 6 will lead the first Advent worship sevices 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.  We are eager to begin preparations in November for leading, worship especially since these services are sheduled for one 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 and parts in the service.  Part of our Memory Work assignments will shift focus to learning our parts.  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

10/15/10 Newsletter

Amazing Day at the Science Center

Great day for a field trip!

Roller Coaster Design Challenge

This should work!

Can you make it burp?

Fire away!

For more photos of our Science Center Field trip, please follow this link:Picasa Album

End of the Quarter

Today marks the end of the first quarter.  God has truly blessed me with an incredible group of students who love to learn!  I am proud of their hard work and cooperation as a class.  Next week we will look at goal setting for the next quarter and ways to work toward excellence using the gifts God has given us. 

Due to the end of the quarter and report card processing, grades will not be updated online today.  Rather, end of the quarter grades will be shared when you receive your child's report card at your parent teacher conference.  LOOK FOR YOUR CONFERENCE LETTER to come home in your child's Friday Folder today with your scheduled time.  Please return the letter Monday to confirm the time works for you. 

10/7/10 Newsletter

PT Conference Scheduling - See form below

Conferences take place Thursday Oct. 21 and Friday Oct. 22.  Teachers will begin scheduling conferences at our faculty meeting on Wednesday.  Confirmation of your scheduled time will come home next Friday.

Fundraiser Celebration

Today we had a BMX Bike show to celebrate our PTL Fall Fundraiser.  Our families raised over $15,000 for Zion.  Way to go!!

Field Trip Thursday

Just a reminder that our Field Trip to the Science Center will be on Thursday. Students need to bring a sack lunch that day, a jacket if weather is cool, and wear their red ZION t-shirts with standardized dress bottoms.  We are looking forward to an exciting experience.

Book Orders

Scholastic Book orders came home today.  If you need assisntance using the online ordering, please let me know.  I will place the parent letter on our website with the class code for ordering.

Parent Teacher Conferences - Oct. 21 and 22

Teachers are beginning preparations for parent teacher conferences.  We will be scheduling our conference times at our faculty meeting, Wed. October 13.  Please take time to help us prepare for conferences by filling out the following form.  All responses are confidential and sent privately to the teacher.

10/1/10 Newsletter

New Unit: The Sacraments
In Religion, we are beginning a study of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.  These holy acts were instituted by Christ himself and offer a visible connection to the invisible work of God in our lives, namely, forgiveness of sins and salvation.

In the course of the unit, we will be learning how baptism is part of our everday lives and how and why God instructed us to celebrate the Lord's Supper "often."  We will also explore symbols in the church, differences in baptismal ceremonies, and the proctice of Holy Communion in different congregations.  This next week you may wish to talk about celebrating baptismal birthdays as a family and discuss what blessings we receive in baptism.  Later in the unit, you can anticipate being interviewed about your experiences in Holy Communion.  Take note in worship this weekend of any other special parts of the worship service that help us understand God's love and forgiveness.

Maternity Leave

Mrs. Joy Schenck will be my substitute for maternity leave in March.   Mrs. Schenck has subbed at Zion at all grade levels and was my maternity sub in 2008 when I had the twins.  She is an excellent teacher and knows the "ins and outs" of the Junior High.

On a personal note, thank you for your words of congratulations and prayers.  I am feeling well and am excited with each monthly doctor's appointment to hear that little heartbeat.  We will be able to find out the sex of the baby at the end of October.

9/24/10 Newsletter

Walkathon

As I type I am being lapped by our Junior High students in our Walk-a-thon.  God has blessed us with a beautiful afternoon, sun shining and a cool breeze.  Praise Him for the gifts we have to share with others!

Now that students have a mileage count, they can collect pledges and donations this week.  A donation envelope came home today and is due back next Friday.  Thank you for helping encourage your child in this wonderful servant event.  If you have not checked out the Phil's Friends website, the link is on the right side of the page. 

Field Trip October 14

On October 14, the 6th and 7th graders will be headed to the Science Center.   Our learning experience will focus on a Design Challenge Program, led by Science Center staff.  We also have tickets to explore the Grossology Exhibit and other exhibits as time allows.  There are a limited number of chaperone spots available.  If you are interested in going along as a chaperone and group leader, please contact me.  If we have more volunteers than there are spots, I will put you on a waiting list. 

Depart Zion by bus:  9:00    Return to Zion by 2:30   - Sack Lunches

9/17/10 Newsletter

Midquarter

Today marks the midquarter of the first quarter.  Grades were calculated as of Wednesday, Sept. 15 to be merged with all subject areas and printed.  Updates to the gradebook from assignments this week will be posted on Monday rather than the usual Friday update.  You will receive a printed midquarter that needs to be signed and returned on Monday.  NOTE:  This will be the only quarter we will print a hardcopy of the midquarter.  In future quarters, an email reminder will be sent at midquarter time and you may check grades through our online system.  At that time, if you would like to request a hardcopy of the midquarter, you may do so by emailing the office.  We will send home report cards at the end of each quarter.


Midquarter is an excellent time to ask your child about his or her impressions of the school year and personal effort.  Grades are a reflection of organization, effort, and following directions as well as ability.  Your child may need encouraging to talk with teachers and ask questions about subjects in which they feel confused.  Please contact me with concerns you have as well so we can team together to meet the needs of your child.  I feel our class has had an excellent start to the Junior High experience and are now "in the groove" of school.  

Walkathon Next Friday

We are excited to host the Walkathon portion of our Junior High service project next Friday.  Here are a few helpful tips:

• Afternoon classes are canceled that day.  We will walk for the afternoon and finish before the end of the school day.
• Student may come to school dressed for the event:  sweats/track pants or PE shorts (no "shorty" shorts), spirit wear shirts, and walking shoes
• Water and refreshment stations will be provided.  Students may wish to bring their own water bottle.
• Students may bring $.75 to purchase a soda during the afternoon.
• Students are encouraged to "self-pledge" as well as seek donations for Phil's Friends. This may be a single amount or a "pledge-per-mile".  
• Have you checked out the Phil's Friends website?  See the link to the side of the page.

Please pray that our students may see the blessings we have to share in this servant event as well as for the cancer patients to which we will bring the Gospel message.

9/10/10 Newsletter

Cartographers at Work







Family News

Mr. Riemenschneider and I are excited to share the news that we are expecting a baby in mid March. I am feeling well and look forward to returning to teaching after my maternity leave and for future years at Zion. We will have more information about my maternity substitute soon. Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes.

New Website Unveiled

Tonight at the Technology Launch Party, parents will have an opportunity to see Zion's brand new website, along with many ways students are using technology in the classroom. Those adults who have RSVP'd can plan to try out things their children will be using.

Parent access codes to student grades will come home on Monday to all families. Please note that teachers are learning many new ways the website and gradebook can be a communication tool, and we will have a few glitches on the way as we learn the procress. What would be most helpful to me would be to know the type of content you would like to see on our classroom page. I want the site to be a useful place for families. A quick comment on our blog would spark ideas from other parents as well. Thank you in advance for your input.

8?27/10 Newsletter

Partners in the Word

I am very excited to be starting a new school year. One of the first Bible verses your child has memorized is Duet. 6:6-7.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

I am your partner in teaching your child - not only Math and Literature, but also God's Word and his plan for our lives. You are an important teacher and role model to your child. I encourage you to worship weekly with your child and take time to discuss God's Word together. Students are being offered extra credit for completing a simple worship outline of your weekend worship. I hope this helps spark good conversations in your family. Worship is a key way for the whole family to grow in faith as well as reinforce the Scripture we study at Zion. I pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to work through us to help your child build a firm foundation on Christ!

The Week in Review

· Learning to get organized and how to travel from place to place has been a major part of our week. Students are learning how to think first of others (pushing in chairs, waiting turns in the hall)

· Students chose half a dozen “study buddy” partners for S.S. activities. We are looking at different learning styles and how partners can learn from each other. First unit: Mapping Skills

· What’s Law? What’s Gospel? Can you identify the difference?

Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Thanks Volunteers

Thanks to Mrs. Rutledge and Mrs. Sinclair for volunteering to be our room parents.

Thanks to many other parents who will be donating time “behind the scenes” to help our class.

8/20/10 Newsletter

Welcome to 6th Grade

School supplies are purchased, alarm clocks are set, the temperature is in the 90s, it must be time for Back-to-School! I am so excited to have you as my students this year. Our school theme this gives a wonderful focus to our year:

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

We are forgiven children of God! The blood of Christ pays for our sins. This year in our theme we will explore how, as His redeemed children, God calls us to be His servants and how He empowers us to walk in His ways. I pray this school year gvies you a renewed opportunity to grow in your faith: as a parent, as a student, and as a family.

I am eager to partner with you in both educating and nurturing your child this year. I encourage families to talk about lessons we learn, especially memory verses and Religion lessons. I look forward to seeing you in worship at Zion or hearing about your worship experiences at your home church as our class grows together in our faith walk. Together - student, famiy, and school – we can build each other in the Body of Chirst! Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions or insights throughout the year.

What's New?

One of our big goals in 6th grade is for students to become more independent in their learning. This newsletter will update you on current happenings, but in 6th grade I no longer publish spelling lessons, memory assignments, or tests in the parent letter. These are things your child will be tracking in their assignment book. If an individual student needs more organizational help, I will work one-on-one with that student. I plan to publish this newsletter weekly on our website.

PTL Back to School Night

Mark your calendar: The PTL Back to School Night is Tuesday, August ____ at 7:00 p.m. Further information about the unique aspects of 6th grade will be shared with parents at that time. I look forward to seeing you!