Psalm 113:2-4

Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore!

From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the Lord is to be praised!

It's been a great week in 6R! We had a wonderful time on Monday being the buddies to grades K-3 for our solar eclipse stations. I was so proud of the group walking the little ones around, asking them questions, and being helpers.

Monday's Eclipse

Enjoying a picnic lunch

Using our senses: Environmental change

Styling in those glasses

First contact

Nearing totality

OK - it wasn't quite this dark - but it was REALLY COOL!

Thanks to all the parents who came to spend the afternoon with us!

Student now have over a full week under their belts and a sense of how classes and transitions go. We are getting better at routines, travel, and organization with fewer reminders. Students are learning how to think first of others (pushing in chairs, waiting turns in the hall). We also welcomed Mrs. Carol Martin, one of the founders of Moms In Prayer, to teach about praying scripturally, using Bible verses as a starting point. Students are writing prayers for the PA announcements.

First units:
Religion: What is the Bible?

S.S. Mapping Skills

· Math: (both classes) Place Value, basic operations, Properties of Addition/Multiplication

Lit: Fiction/NonFiction

English: Sentences, Subjects/Predicates

Science: Electricity

Art: Line, Space, Texture

Intro to mapping: Making a map of the room

X Marks the spot! Can you find the path to the mystery object

Absences

I was so pleased to see many students and families were able to show support to Erica's family and attend the Celebration of Life for her father. I know Zion families will continue to be a blessing to them throughout the days, months, and years to come.

This reminded me that absences will occur throughout the school year. Now that you are in another building and students are switching classes more often, be aware that JH teachers will collect assignments throughout the day and have absent work ready for pick up IN THE CLASSROOM at the end of the day. It is not feasible for us to run homework to siblings or the office.

In general, students have 2 days for each day absent to make up homework up to 3 days. Any assignments requested in advance are due upon return. (to see our complete absent work policy, please reference the Family Handbook on Sycamore - Documents)

STUCO Interest Meeting
Students wanting to know what Student Council is all about or interested in attending the High Ropes course at Camp Wartburg need to plan to stay after school for a meeting in Mr. Braddy's room Monday, 8/28 from 3-3:30. Can't make it? See Mr. Braddy during school on Monday for information.

Save the Date!
Our PTL is planning a special Parent Education Night. I requested a tidbit to pass on to you as I know I need to arrange a sitter that night. It looks to be something special! Further details come out next week:

Parent Technology Night

Thursday, Sept. 21

5:30-8pm

Lee Crockett is an International Speaker and will be talking about Global Citizenship. We will also have an adult happy hour and appetizer buffet.

I am so excited to have your children as my students this year. Our school theme gives a wonderful focus for our year:

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. It is a gift of God.

This year through our theme, we will explore how we have been saved completely by Christ. We have the assurance of our heavenly home. I pray this school year gives 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.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Erica's family at the loss of her father. We were able to spend time with Mr. Debrick and both pastors and Thursday as we prayed together cried together and made a promise to be there for Erica this year. The students then went on to look at our School Theme song in groups and present their thoughts to the class. This verse especially struck home:

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

We stand in Christ - that He is in control and that He will be with us through all the trials of this world until we get to rest in His loving arms.

Erica's family is making plans for a celebration of life. As plans are made, I will pass them along.

Solar Eclipse Day (repeat from email)

Zion is excited to celebrate the Solar Eclipse with your children! Please read through this information carefully and email me with any additional questions.

Every child that is attending school on Monday will need to bring:

1) A labeled towel to sit on while viewing the eclipse

2) Cold lunch (no peanut butter) if your child is not eating hot lunch

3) A Labeled water bottle

4) WEAR SUNSCREEN - we will be outside for a good stretch of the day helping with Kindergarten-gr. 3 stations.

For parents that are planning on coming to school to celebrate with us, please read through the following information:

1) Please arrive at 11:30 if you want to eat lunch with your child. Bring a cold lunch/drink.

2) Activities will start at 12:00 and finish by 1:00 p.m.

3) Students will return to classrooms around 1:30 after viewing the total eclipse and will have normal dismissal at 3 p.m.

4) Zion will not be able to provide glasses for parents attending. Zion does have glasses for all students who attend school that day.

5) Parents will walk around with groups of students while students participate in various “Solar Eclipse” activities that have been prepared by Zion teachers.

What's New in Grade 6?

One of my big goals in 6th grade is for students to become more independent in their learning. This news blog will update you on current happenings, but in 6th grade I no longer publish spelling words, memory assignments, or tests in the parent news. 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 blog weekly on Fridays. (In reality, it may be Saturday mornings some weeks!)

Sycamore!!!
You should have received a login for Sycamore Education from Mrs. Schmidt. This is your access to school news. This will also be how you access your child's grades. Please click around, and ASK QUESTIONS if you are confused.

Back to School Night

Mark your calendar: The PTL Back to School Night is Tuesday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. This is an "adult only" information night. Join the 2 sixth grade teachers in the 6Riemenschneider classroom to hear further information about the unique aspects of 6th grade. There are three 20 minute session times with a 5 minute time to get to another child's classroom. Please attend one of the 6th grade sessions. I look forward to seeing you!