Exploring Jefferson City

Another successful 7th grade class trip to Jefferson City this past Thursday.  The students were excellent representatives of Zion and of Christ. I'm always so proud after spending the day off campus with them. We all had a great time visiting so many sites around the city, the tour guides were excellent, the weather perfect, and I hope you heard lots stories from your children.

These pictures captured just some of the memories!  Mrs. Murray has also posted excellent pictures from the trip on her blog: http://zionmurrayclassblog.blogspot.com/

 MO State Penitentiary -- Excellent tour guide who shared history and personal stories after being a guard for 32 years.  This is the oldest hall standing -- Sunny Liston learned how to box while serving time in this hall.  

 This hall is were the worst prisoners served their time. 

 Awesome tour guide with our awesome chaperones!

 Cell 45 belong to James Earl Ray, the assassin of MLK Jr.  He was an inmate and escaped in a bread truck, and approximately a year later he murdered MLK.

 Gas/lethal injection chamber -- The death penalty is a topic this kids are very interested in discussing, ask them about their thoughts, opinions, and questions.

 BEAUTIFUL day with BEAUTIFUL students!  This is the Governor's mansion lawn and Capitol building in the background.

 A trip to Jefferson City isn't complete without a stop at Central Dairy -- YUM!!

 First take (above) NOT a great angle Mrs. Cluck -- hahaha!!  Second take (below) thank you Jalyn, much better :)

 Runge Nature Center

Weeks 33-34

It is hard to believe we are already half way through April.  Students are starting to show signs of "Spring Fever"...yikes!!  We all have to work hard at keeping motivated.  There is a lot of learning and fun to look forward to the last weeks of 4th quarter. 

Academics:
Literature & Science tests Wednesday
World History test Friday (start studying today!)
No memory Friday
1/2 Art due Friday
AR points due Friday, May 22 (is your child on track for success?)

Jefferson City field trip is this Thursday, April 23. Please review the information that came home with your 7th grader. Mrs. Cluck and I will go over expectations, times, and schedule again this week with students.

7th Grade Parents Host 8th grade Graduation Reception. Our room moms are in the process of preparing for the graduation reception at the end of May. All seventh grade families are expected to have at least one volunteer to represent "the family" for this event. There are several needs/responsibilities to fill and the room moms will work on it in the coming weeks. Just like the sausage supper, many hands make light work! It may be hard for you to believe, but your 7th graders will enjoy such a reception just one year from now.

Faith Family (last Thursday) For most chapel services, we mix ages together and sit as a faith family.  This is a great way for students young and old to get to know one another. It also allows teacher to get to know more students across the age groups too!  About once per month we gather as a faith family for a devotion and activity to help build those relationships between students and teachers.  I love seeing the 6th-8th graders step up as great role models for the younger students.

Last Friday 7th graders had fun with extra Art time while the 8th graders were off campus at Career Day.  The 7th and 8th graders joined together in the afternoon for Fitness Testing; some students love this afternoon and some dread it!  All in all, we survived :)  Many students are proud to have reached National and Presidential fitness status along the way.  These awards will be recognized after the end of the year closing chapel service May 29th.

Burning our oil lamps:

Interesting Find on Pinterest:

I am not a parent of a teenager (yet), but can imagine there is often difficulty in having meaningful conversations after school with your child.  Here are some conversation starters that might help you learn more about what is happening in your child's school-life.  I would be interested in hearing if these help open the door to stronger communication.

 Have a wonderful SPRING week in the Lord,

Weeks 31-32 (Easter Break)

Just a few pictures and reminders in this blog post.  I pray your Easter Break is full of relaxation and remembrance of what our Lord and Savior has done for us!

Christ is Risen - Matt Maher - Video

Cardinal Day:  We will be celebrating Cardinal Opening day on Monday, April 13. Students can wear a Cardinal shirt (or other favorite team) with standardized dress bottoms.

Religion & Art:
7th graders made ancient oil lamps after reading a parable about being prepared with "oil" (faith) at all times.

African Kente Cloth Final Products: