Thursday, January 31, 2013

West African Trading

Wow!  I have neglected our blog for too long.  Here's an update on our classroom activities:

> Students are studying Africa in World History; everything from its geography, the salt & gold trade, to modern culture.  Students became West African gold traders & North African salt traders during a few class periods to experience first hand the trading which made the Ganah's kingdom thrive with wealth.  Here are some pictures capturing the dramatic trading.

 Some traders didn't want to pay their taxes!
 How much gold can I get for this salt?
 Which is more valuable, salt or gold?


 Traders tried everything to avoid those taxes!
 Trader attitude!





Sunday, January 13, 2013

Jumping into 3rd Quarter


What we're learning in 7th Grade:
Math-
AL- we learned about negative exponents and symmetrical lines and shape.
TM- We took a math test on Friday. We are learning about subtracting, adding, and multiplying decimals
Science - We had a test on Thursday... overall results were amazing! After the test we changed out are books and are now learning about the Human Body!
English - We are working on editing sentences, to do this Mrs. Beaty writes a sentence on the board and a pair of students go up to the board and correct the sentence.
Spanish - In spanish we are leaning all the sports in spanish. We were playing the “25,000” dollar pyramid.... two students went up and sat down facing each other....one student was the guesser and one student was the announcer. The announcer had describe the sport. The guesser had to guess the sport in Spanish.
World History - We are learning about early societies in Africa (villages becoming towns and towns becoming kingdoms all by extended families and friends). We also began studying the Missouri Constitution. We will have "Constitution Fridays" throughout the 3rd Quarter.
Religion - We are learning about many different prophets & kings in the Old Testament
Art - Next week we will post our lastest master pieces "Backwards Portraits"

Brought to you by:
Nick W. (birthday boy)
Lauren N.

National Lutheran Schools Week has changed from being in March to January. Get pumped for an exciting week of celebrating being a part of Zion LUTHERAN School! Here is a schedule of dress days and events:

Monday, January 28
Dress Day: PJ Day
Wear pajamas or sweats

May bring one stuffed animal or pillow
May wear slippers (remember to bring change of shoes for outside)
No jeans
> Ice Cream Treats @ lunch

Tuesday, January 29
Dress Day: Sock Hop -- Crazy Sock Day
Wear the craziest socks you own
Jeans optional -- roll them up to show off your socks!
> LOST & FOUND Concert @ 1:30pm

Wednesday, January 30
Dress Day: Shine Day -- Wear your brightest colors!
Wear your brightest colors to SHINE for Jesus!
Jeans optional
>Chapel led by Mr. Debrick

Thursday, January 31
Dress Day: Spirit Day
Show your Zion spirit – all out Red, White, and Black

Jeans optional
> 8th Grade verse teachers Volleyball Game @ 1:30pm

Friday, February 1
Dress Day: Favorite Book Character Day
Dress up as your favorite BOOK character
> Read-a-thon

**Students either chose to participate, or wear regular dress code.


On the Calendar:


January 15 STUCO officer elections
January 16 Donuts for Dads -- See you in the church basement at 7:30, please also join us for chapel at 8:10
January 17 Class Representative Elections
January 14 -- 18 Auction Round Up
January 21 MLK DAY NO SCHOOL
January 27 -- February 2 National Lutheran Schools Week
February 10 Open House
February 18 PRESIDENTS DAY NO SCHOOL
March 2-8 Scholastic Book Fair
March 8 Grandparents’ Day (1st – 8th grade) Noon Dismissal Day
March 18--22 Achievement Testing
March 22 Zion Lutheran School Auction @ Columns Banquet Center

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Christmas Party

Almost forgot the Christmas Party videos!

Christmas Creative Writing Projects

After reading "A Christmas Carol" and seeing the theatrical production at Lindenwood University students worked on a creative writing project.  They would like to share them with you.  Enjoy!

A Christmas Carol Poem by Hannah B.

A Christmas Carol Poem by Hannah S.
There was a boy named  Tiny Tim
much smaller than the rest
size did not matter much to him
of every one he thought the best.

One day he met a miserly man
much different than the rest
holiday cheer he could not stand
a visitor was treated like a pest.

His name was Scrooge and rightly so
his love for money outweighed all other
his greediness continued to grow
until a dream about another.

This dream as chilling as the night
scrooge thought about his fate
his future really could be bright
it’s really not too late.

When he awoke on Christmas morn
overwhelmed with graditude
given a chance to redeem his scorn
and time to change his attitude.

Now Tiny Tim never thought
ill will toward Mr. Scrooge
on his shoulders he was brought
and never felt so huge.

 A Christmas Carol Poem by Brynne

Scrooge the old miser,
Didn’t know any wiser,
That he needs Christmas joy
Like he had when he was a boy.
Marley warned him of three spirits
Scrooge began to fear it.
Past showed him scenes he could not bare
Scrooge said “begon from there.”
He found himself in his bed
Present came and took him to the Cratchits and Fred.
At the Cratchits, Scrooge saw Tiny Tim
Scrooge didn’t know what was wrong with him
For hating Christmas all these years
When Future came Scrooge’s eyes filled with tears.
Future was cloaked with darkness
Scrooge thought he was heartless.
Future showed him that Tiny Tim might die
Scrooge said I will try
to change his ways
for the rest of his days.
He found himself in bed on Christmas day
the sky was not gray
He told a boy named Adam to go to the store
and get the biggest turkey, Adam ran out the door.
when Bob Cratchit came in
Scrooge pretended to scold him.
then raised his pay
To as much as he would earn in 25 days.
Then said Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit’s son
“God bless us everyone.”

A Christmas Carol Poem by Kent

 A Christmas Carol Poem by Jared

 A Christmas Carol Poem by Braeden
Scrooge was bound
Cursed Christmas because he was a Clown
He partner Marley stands beside him
Scrooge doesn’t notice and he continues to right with his pen
Then his life takes a spin
He goes home and his life grows dim
He can see Marley and is terrified
Scrooge was worried that his fate would be the same when he died
Marley said Scrooge was to be haunted
Scrooge was too focused on everything he wanted
Scrooge was cheap
Then Scrooge fell asleep
At last
Scrooge awoke by The Ghost Christmas past
Then Past gave him a shove
He saw the place he lost his true love
Scrooge tried to talk to his past self
But past said it would be no help
Then he was put back to bed
He won’t be surprised by anything Marley said
Then time went forward and back
Scrooge awoke and lost and thought time was off track
Then the Ghost of Christmas Present appeared
Through the City they Steered
Then in a house they went in
They saw a kid called Tiny Tim
He was Bob Cratchit’s son
But his death has begun
Then Scrooged begged for this to not happen
Then Tim started tappin
Then the family began to sing
The joy started to bring
Present told him to change his way
Present couldn’t stay
So Scrooge was brought to his room
Where he was to meet the last Ghost he assumed
But Scrooge had changed a lot
Then The Ghost of Christmas future appeared on the spot
Scrooge was brave
Future showed Scrooge his grave
Scrooge pled
Back to his room they fled
He gave a boy money in exchange
Then Christmas was forever changed  


A Christmas Carol Poem by Steven

I am Marley, old and dead, I died without a care in my head.
Now my partner, Ebenezer, is very greedy, the old geezer.
But change him I might, and it will happen in one night.
Now, just maybe, he will turn into a baby.
He will get scared, but be paired.
At the most, he will meet three ghosts.
First, there’s Past, who did not last.
Next, there was Present, who was sent.
Finally, there’s Yet to come, who was a real bummer.
From this lesson, he left everyone guessing.
When Past was with Scrooge, he showed the old miser things that had been.
When Present was with Scrooge, he showed the man some very important things.
He showed Scrooge Bob Cratchit’s house.
He told Scrooge that if he did not change his ways, Tiny Tim would die.
Then Scrooge started to learn his lesson.
But the greatest change he received was when Yet To Come came to Scrooge.
He showed Scrooge what would happen to him.
Back when Past was with Scrooge was  when he was a miser.
But then Scrooge got wiser.
He learned that if you are not jolly on Christmas, you will be haunted.
Past taught Scrooge that if you really love something, set it free.
Present taught Scrooge that sometimes, your own words can be used against you. Future taught Scrooge that sometimes, you need your family.
At the beginning of the story, we see Scrooge as a money-clenching, tight-fisted, reclusive old tightwad.
But by the end of the story, Scrooge is a changed man.
Now Scrooge is a money-giving, happy-hearted, jolly old soul.
The moral of the story: If you are greedy, mean, and hate Christmas, then you’re in for a big shock.
Christmas time is special.
It’s a time to bring family together, where you don’t have to go to school or work.
It’s a time where every day is very special.
It’s a time where you celebrate the joy of good will, peace, and love.
But Scrooge didn’t see it like that.
He saw it as a time where you’re poor.
Scrooge was a very grumpy man.
But who would change all that?
His old business partner, Jacob Marley!
On Christmas Eve, when Scrooge was getting ready for bed, Marley came and changed all that.
A Christmas Carol Letter by Corey

Ebenezer Scrooge’s Counting house
December 26, 1843
Greetings Ebenezer,
         I am very grateful that you have changed from that old miser that I once knew.  It would have saddened me greatly if you met the same fate as me.  This letter is not a warning for change, but one of thanks.  When you said to that boy, Adam was his name I believe, that if he returned with the poulterer and the prize turkey in less than five minutes, that you’d give him half-a-crown, I didn’t believe you actually would.  Then I saw the coin fly and I have to say, I’m quite impressed.  You’re doing a fine job Ebenezer, keep it up and you’ll have a pleasant afterlife, unlike me, unfortunately.  I’m doing fine, even as a dead man, because I know that you have changed, I could see it in your actions. Do not disappoint me Ebenezer.  I was also quite impressed with your action of raising Mr. Cratchit’s salary. You’ve tippled it, and greatly helped the Cratchit family’s financial situation.  I think you’ll be glad to know that Tiny Tim’s health is improving and his leg is getting stronger.  All in all, you’ve don a fine job Ebenezer, a fine job indeed! Keep it up!
Sincerely,
Jacob Marley

A Christmas Carol Letter by Mackenzie
Dear Ebenezer Scrooge,
I hope that you are enjoying your new self, for I have saved you from a horrible death. For your chains are getting smaller everyday that you live and show your happiness. If only I would have been helped before I died. You’re lucky that my thoughtfulness saved your life. I’m glad you changed, because of this you have save lives. Souls that would have been gone, bringing sadness to families that you now care about.
You saved the Cratchits not only by helping Tiny Tim, but you saved them also by raising Bob’s pay so he can afford food for his family so they also wouldn’t go into debt. Your nephew now cares for you more than he ever did. He is still a little confused on how you changed overnight, but I can tell you I know that he likes the new you. Also, when you gave half a crown to the little boy for fetching the meat. You saved his family from debt and death too.  For the young boy’s brother would have died of sickness because they could not afford  the medicine that the brother needed. It is very unlikely to see the Scrooge that I knew when I spent my time on Earth. With the new Scrooge, the changed Scrooge, the one that is helping the needy. There are many others that you have helped and not have known about. You spread Christmas cheer to those families that were in a hard time and they are living happier lives as we know it just because you changed your ways.

Ever since you changed, Ebenezer, your business has been more and more popular. People aren’t scared to talk to you anymore. The news of your change is everywhere! I still haunt, or wander around listening in on your conversations, and other peoples’ conversations. They seem to be really shocked that you changed, some even think that there is a spirit within you. Soon, very soon, maybe they will realize that you truly are different now. Now and more importantly, I’m glad that you are  going to be alright, and starting on a good path. You are very lucky that you had time for a new start, so you don’t end up with  my punishment. You will be eternally grateful for this when you are even older than you are now.
Ebenezer, I will check in on you every now and then just to see how you are doing and if your are staying true to yourself. I will be there, making sure that you are still helping the poor and helping those who need help. Also, Ebenezer, please take care of the Cratchits and don’t forget that. They are going through hard times in many different ways and they need your help most of all. They don’t only need family comfort, but also friendly comfort. I will not tell you what these reasons are for, because it is for you to find out. They will greatly appreciate it, in more ways than you know. Also your nephew, Fred, keep taking care of him too. He will need all of the support he can get while he has a new family. He has some expense problems and needs your comfort too. I know I am putting pressure on you, to be taking in the lives of these people but they need you, and so do I. When I saved you, because you changed, you removed some of my chains. So what I have to say is, thank you.
From an old friend,
Jacob Marley

The Changed Man by Nick C.

‘Tis the day of christmas. The year, 1844. A cold morning as most would expect, scrooge just now arising from the morning rays shining through the bed curtains grazing his skin. He looks side to side, as if half expecting something.
“It is a good feeling, I do say so, not waking up to those dreadful spirits.” Scrooge says to himself. Scrooge sits himself straight making sure all of him is still in one piece. He carefully puts on his nicest suit he had set out the previous morn.
“Ah, what a day it is. Guess I should be off and not be late to see my best employee!” Scrooge wraps his winter scarf around his neck and his velvety black hat upon his bare head. Scrooge walks out of his creaky door to be met by his paperboy.
“Hullo Mr. Scrooge what a day it is wouldn’t ya say? Merry Christmas to you!”
“And a merry Christmas to you young boy, here ya go.” Scrooge tosses him the shilling from his suit pocket. Scrooge walks down the snowy and is met with carolers, bell ringers for the poor, and merry bringers. Scrooge flips coins to each.
“Nice to see you Mr. Scrooge”
“Thank you so very much for your donation”
“Jingle bells, Jingle bells.....”
As Scrooge walks he notices a new flower shop has opened, he walks in.
Ding Ding. “What could I do ya for?” Asks the clerk.
“Well... I’m picking up something for a friend of mine. What do you recommend?”
“My favorites are those freshly cut roses from the hothouse, or maybe these freshly cut lilies!” Says the ruddy cheeked clerk with great joy.
“Both seem lovely. I’ll take a dozen of each!” Says Scrooge. Srooge throws a handful of money on the table. Definitely too much for these flowers.
“Sir I’m afraid you have given me too much, take this back.” The store clerk hands him back at least half the money.
“Keep it! It’s Christmas for goodness sakes!” Says Scrooge. Scrooge walks out with a dozen in each hand the door dinging behind him.
Scrooge stops at the intersection of roads and turns left. This is an unusual variation from his normal route to Cratchit’s house. He proceeds to the cemetery. There he stops. A tear runs down his left cheek. He is in the graveyard. He walks up the path to the 8th row and 3 plots over he finds a carved stone. It reads...
HERE LIES THE BODY OF JACOB MARLEY.
DATE OF BIRTH 1780. - DEATH 1836. THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS DAY.
Scrooge lays down the freshly cut flowers on the grave. They give off an aroma like no other. He folds his hands and prays. He stands and turns with slumped shoulders slowly walking from the grave.
“Thank you...” A ghostly voice speaks.
Scrooge jerks his head. Puzzled, he whispers,
“You are so welcome.”
Scrooge exits the cemetery feeling his spirit rising as if now, finally complete, as if he has found his true self. He smiles, delighted.

Act 2

“Scrooge! lovely to see you!” says Mrs. Cratchit.
“As it is you!” Scrooge kisses Mrs. Cratchit’s hand.
“Ebenezer! Merry Christmas! Look at the size of the turkey this year!” says Bob Cratchit followed by “Do not forgot about Mrs. Cratchits pudding afterwards!”
“Sit, Sit, we are just about to begin! Please take some cranberry sauce, corn, and as much turkey as you need! There’s too much for just us!” Persisted Mrs. Cratchit. Scrooge takes a little bit of everything. Scrooge stands up clinking his spoon on against his cup and announces a toast.
“A toast to my best and only employee, Bob! After much consideration I have decided to leave my 100% of business shares to my friend and worker Mr. Bob Cratchit!”
The entire family gasps. Bob runs up to Scrooge and embraces him.
“Mr. Scrooge... I don’t know what to say! I’m speechless! This Is the best Christmas present i’ve ever received! Our family will never be poor again! This is Unbelievable!” Said Bob excitedly.
“You’ve changed me Mr. Cratchit, that and with so many children I don’t know how you do it! This is the least I can do to repay you!” Said Scrooge with a grin.
“Children, wife, let us rejoice with generous Mr. Scrooge!” Says Bob.
Everybody rejoices, praises, sings and dances the rest of the night away!

The Man who Once Hated Christmas by Jacob
In the story A Christmas Carol, a man named Ebenezer Scrooge once hated Christmas. Scrooge was an old man that did not like Christmas. When he was at his house on Christmas Eve, a man named Jacob Marley came to him and said, “You will be haunted by three ghosts of the past, present, and the future. Marley also said that this would be Scrooges last chance to change or Scrooge would be cast to Hell forever. Well, after Scrooge was haunted by the three ghosts, he did change and now he loved Christmas. Now, Scrooge can’t wait for Christmas to come each year. Not long after Scrooge was haunted by the three ghosts, Scrooge was probably one of the nicest man around. The people in Scrooge’s  life are most of the same people that were in the play. Scrooge has kept his promise to honoring Christmas by being the nicest person around. Has Scrooges mood changed, yes it has very much because now we see that Scrooge is being more involved in the community and interacting with those around him. The people in Scrooge’s life now are basically the people that were in his life 5-10 years ago. He still spends his time with all of his friends and family and his relatives. He spends his Christmas by spending time with Bob Cratchit, and all of his family and most of all he is devoting most of his Sundays going to church and worshiping his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. His faith life has grown stronger as he develops new relationships with other people and spreading the word of GOD and continuing to praise the birth of his LORD and Savior at Christmas time.Scrooge has kept his promise to honoring Christmas, because now he knows that Christmas isn’t just about him or just receiving gifts, it’s about giving to other people and thanking Jesus for all he has done for us, being born to save our sins on the cross. Scrooge treats those around him by sharing the peace that Jesus teaches about. He has also given money to charities, and is also treating others like he would want to be treated. He has stopped his money collecting business and made it into a Christmas Card shop. Scrooge shares the gift of Christmas all year round with his card shop. Scrooge is not the man he was 5 years ago, he is something better.

Scrooge's Happy Ever After by Madelynn
It has been only year,but now we are back to our good friend Ebenezer Scrooge. His frozen heart has melted from the last time we saw him. Is it the same way as we come upon this years Christmas? Yes, it is! During this year Scrooge has had a lot more visits. People could trust him more and knew he would  be nice. It was true he had indeed been fair with his money and now has people stop by just to chat! You could say its just  a lie   ,but listen in to the story and you can find out yourself. It was November 30th and Scrooge was getting excited. “It is the last day before the Christmas season officially begins!” said Scrooge. He was starting to get the old dusty Christmas boxes up from the attic. The boxes were ripped. The decorations were broken and useless. “Bah humbug these decorations haven't been used in years and are only good for the trash!” Scrooge beckons.. He knew he needed to buy some more,but he has never really been Christmas shopping before. He got dressed and set out for this adventure. He walked the streets people waved and he waved back. Finally he had arrived on Main Street. He had only been here once or twice as a boy. Its extremely busy people everywhere! Watch out Mr. Scrooge! Bam! “Dear heavens I'm sorry.” Fred said. “No problem Fred. Wait Fred!?” replied Scrooge. “Uncle I would have never thought to see you here.” exclaimed Fred. Scrooge answered “Well believe it. I need to get new decorations for my house. I almost forgot I need to buy presents as well!” “Your buying present for others? I thought you were pulling my leg this whole year and were just acting nice! Wow uncle! I am really impressed with this new you.” responded Fred . “Nope its not a joke it is just the new and improved me. I’m glad we are having this chat nephew. Say want to shop together I am new to this whole shopping thing.” Scrooge said. “Well I’ll be you really have changed and yes I would love to help you with your shopping ,just let me find my wife.” Fred answered. After Fred had found his wife they set off down Main Street. When they finally finished it was time for dinner. They said goodbye and went their ways. Scrooge arrived at his home  with aching feet. He never knew shopping was so much work! He decided it wasn't worth preparing a meal and went to bed early.
That next day was a brisk cold one. Scrooge shivered as he went outside to get his morning paper. He huddled on his coach not wanting to go to work. He knew he had to though, his worker Bob Cratchit probably was leaving his home right now. Scrooge got up and prepared to work. As he opened the door he felt the cold weather nipping at his face. Snow was sure to come that day. When Scrooge arrived at work he was surprised not to see Bob standing there waiting for Scrooge to open the doors. He wondered where that man could be. For even Scrooge was late today. Scrooge unlocked the doors and got a fire started . “Maybe I should decorate the place and spruce it up. This will definitely shock Bob.” exclaimed Scrooge. He dashed back home to get the bags of decorations. Scrooge hung some holly and tinsel. He put some stockings upon the fireplace. The coal was burning in the fire there was a warm Christmas feeling spreading through the warehouse. Finally, Mr.Cratchit came to work. “I'm so sorry sir I let the time slide and didn't realize it was so late.” said Bob. Bob looked around and saw the decorations hung and the fire burning. Who decorate the place?” questioned Bob. Scrooge replied, “I did is it ok? It’s alright about being late I was late as well. “You were late and decorated the place? Sir are you sick? I know you have been nice this year ,but I thought it was just a trick!” Bob asked. “No, No, No, I am as well as ever and it hasn't been a trick my cold heart has warmed.” says Scrooge. “Ok well the place is lovely.” replied Bob. “Thanks its my first time decorating so it isn't the best. Now lets get to work it is the Christmas season a people are going to be needing money.” Scrooge announces. They work for hours. People coming in and out. It was time to finish up and go home. “Goodbye sir.” said Bob. “Goodbye!” Scrooge replied. Scrooge left as soon as possible he had to get his house to decorate. He hung up a tree and placed ornament around it. The tree was small true ,but at least he had gotten one. He went outside and hung some bright lights. Then Scrooge saw that on his warehouse he still had the Scrooge and Marley sign. “How could I have kept this sign all these years! I must replace this sign at once.” Scrooge proclaimed. He brought the sign down and ordered a new one to be made. A man came in with the new sign. Scrooge thought it was much better. It said Scrooge’s Bank Business. In small print under the sign it said in loving memory of Jacob Marley. It was perfect!
Weeks went by it was Christmas eve. Scrooge was bundled up by the fire looking over his work papers. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Scrooge jumped up and walked to the door. It was his good nephew Fred. “Uncle I would like to invite you to a Christmas dinner at my house.” said Fred. “That would be lovely nephew if only I had someone to go with me.” Scrooge replied sadly. Secretly Scrooge was really lonely. He didn't have a wife or kids to cheer up his life. It was just him. He use to like it that way ,but look what a change of heart can do you. He now regrets his poor choice in giving up love for money. Fred said “Well uncle looks like you are lonely. Just so you know you are welcome to come and visit me anytime.” “Thank you I really appreciate it.” Scrooge answered. Fred left feeling sad for his uncle. He wished he could do something about it ,but he knew he couldn't. He thought to himself or could he? Scrooge went back inside his house. He wished he could spend this Christmas season with someone. The next day Scrooge wore his brightest clothes. He knew he would be early ,but he wanted to be with his nephew for the holidays. He walked as quickly as possible to get to Fred’s house. Knock knock knock. “Scrooge what are you doing here so early. Dinner is at 5 o’clock.” said Fred. “I have come to celebrate Christmas with you!” Scrooge replied. “Well we aren't ready yet!” told Fred. “Oh well if you don't want me to I guess I can leave.” Scrooge mumbled. Then Fred's wife called out “Let the man in everything is ready.” Alright! Come in uncle” responded Fred. Scrooge walked in he saw Fred, his wife, and some lady. “Who is this lovely lady?” questioned Scrooge. Deep down in his heart he knew that woman. He had seen her around and sort of had a crush on her. “This is Angela I’m pretty sure you know her.” said Fred. “Hello Scrooge.” smiled Angela. Scrooge’s face turned red and he smiled. Angela walked over to Scrooge. If you didn't figure it out already Angela liked Scrooge as well. Then Scrooge heart beat a million miles. Finally, he would have his happy ending. The rest of the evening was pleasant. Scrooge and Angela discovered more about each other. They really did enjoy each others company. Love can be found anywhere even if you're Ebenezer Scrooge!
The End.


A Future Scrooge by Bree
On the day of Christmas Eve, Scrooge is actually excited for the holiday to come . He has bought gifts for all of his family and friends and is hoping that he will get a couple in return. Scrooge has decorated his house, inside and out . He has even changed the curtains around his bed to get in with the holiday spirit .
His mood has changed very much. He greets everyone with a cheerful smile and a warm hello. He has reunited with everyone in his family and has become a lot closer with his father.
He has kept his promise to honor Christmas, and actually has taken the “honoring” a little farther. Christmas is now his favorite holiday, because he gets to spread joy and has realized that he had been missing out on a lot in the years past .