National Lutheran Schools Week

Please encourage your child to participate in the National Lutheran Schools Week dress days (below). Students are allowed to dress out of uniform all days as long as they are participating in the dress day named. This is a FUN week to celebrate our school and Lutheran Schools around the world. There will be fun activities every day from ice cream treats at lunch, assemblies, classroom art projects, and more!

2016 NLSW Dress Up Day Descriptions

January 25 – 29, 2016

Monday: P.J. Day

• Wear pajamas/sweats
• May bring one stuffed animal/pillow
• May wear slippers (bring change of shoes for outside)

Tuesday: Wacky-Tacky Day

• Mix it up with mismatched clothes
• Jeans optional

Wednesday: Career Day

• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• Jeans optional

Thursday: Spirit Day

• Show your Zion spirit – Red, White, and Black
• Jeans optional

Friday: Color Day

• Each class assigned a color -- 7th grade is BLUE & PURPLE
• Jeans optional

Weeks 23-24

Religion: Students finish an essay this week about the "Sanctity of Life." God has given us our live; it is not ours, but his.  We are called to take care of our lives and the lived of those around us with the love and care that God gives us.  We discussed many topics together in class from abortion, euthanasia, and abuse, to texting and driving.  I hope some of these topics have poured over into your family discussions.  If not, ask your child for their essay and see what they think about "The Sanctity of Life."

Literature: The 7th graders wrote and illustrated books based off the story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling, then shared them with Mrs. Bernhart's 1st graders.  I love seeing my students will younger classes; they get a chance to model conversation, reading, and leadership skills.  It's great as time goes by these students will remember their buddies name and say hi in the hallway or out at recess.  Building positive multi-age relationships at Zion is awesome!

Science: The 7th graders recently dissected clams in Mrs. Murray's science class.  I'm sure you heard about how smelly her classroom was all day!  The students were great working together, using lab equipment (safely), as well as computers to find all the different clam parts.  This is another awesome way we get to experience God's amazing creation!

Art: The 7th graders have worked for 2 weeks mastering shading techniques to make 2D art appear 3D.  Their final projects turned out awesome!!! I am a proud art teacher :)

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

Literature Assignment: Read Rikki-Tikki-Tavi:

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi PDF

Think about:

1. Who are the main characters?

2. What is the main conflict?

3. What happens during the rising action?

4. What is the climax? (turning point toward the resolution)

5. What happens during the falling action?

6. What happens during the resolution?

Weeks 21-22

Welcome to 3rd quarter!

• Report cards sent home today (1/8) with a Christmas letter from myself
• My last blog post (over Christmas break) included many fun pictures form our Christmas party

3rd Quarter Goals

• I am really trying to instill strong study habits and a positive work ethic among the 7th grade students.  3rd quarter typically brings about lazy academic habits which I would love to avoid.  The social aspect of school become a top priority for most of the students at the end of 2nd quarter.  They need reminders that they have a job to do as a student - dedication to doing their best, to learn the most they can, and to develop their abilities.  All of these goals will better prepare each student for 8th grade and high school.  Please join me in keeping your child on track to having a successful second semester!

Upcoming Date Reminders:

• 2nd Quarter report cards sent home Friday 01/08
• Donuts for Dads Wednesday 01/13 Dads, uncles, or grandfathers, please join us for a morning of socializing, donuts, and coffee.  You are also welcome to join our chapel service at 8:10am.  Hope to see you there!
• Big Cat Classic basketball tournament 01/14-16
• Spirit Day Friday 01/15
• No School Monday 01/18 MLK
• National Lutheran Schools Week 01/24-30
• Trivia Night 01/30

2016 NLSW Dress Up Day Descriptions

January 25 – 29, 2016

Monday: P.J. Day

• Wear pajamas/sweats
• May bring one stuffed animal/pillow
• May wear slippers (bring change of shoes for outside)

Tuesday: Wacky-Tacky Day

• Mix it up with mismatched clothes
• Jeans optional

Wednesday: Career Day

• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• Jeans optional

Thursday: Spirit Day

• Show your Zion spirit – Red, White, and Black
• Jeans optional

Friday: Color Day

• Each class assigned a color
• Jeans optional

Blessings on your New Year!