Let’s Talk
This month I wanted to focus on my students’ speaking skills so I found a website that offers questions for conversation practice on various topics. The students were paired up with a conversation partner and they picked a topic of mutual interest. Each then received different sets of questions to take turns asking. As I went around monitoring the conversations, I was hearing some big SAT vocabulary being used. So we did a follow up lesson on the difference between language for writing vs. speaking and also went over some phrasal verbs. I plan on spending more time on these speaking activities.
Miss Park
They solved the case
The 9th grade investigation for this lab included evaluating structural and molecular identities of plants, seeds, enzymes, DNA, and amino acids. Seven tests were performed, a hypothesis was made by each student, and a conclusion with evidence needed to be presented. Our students learned how DNA obtains information to form amino acids and produce protein. It is a lab in which they discover information about the substances given, and compare to see which are most similar. Terms which were once confusing such as: simulated electrophoresis gel, and chromatography; were made clear as they performed each task. There were various tools given, several tests performed, some resulting colors from plant extracts, but only one conclusion! Each class did a good job. They solved The Case!
Ms. Farrell
Have a great summer
As the end of school nears we get teary eyed reflecting on the accomplishments of many of our students – especially when making out the end of the year awards we’re glad to see so much progress in so many ways. [They] can do all things through Christ who strengthens [them] Phil 4:13. We hope that you find the last Food for Thought Quotation that we shared with the students meaningful: An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest
It’s the final stretch!
The end of the year finds the Resource Room very busy as students finish all their unfinished work, refresh their study skills, do preps for tests, and work on review sheets. Diligence is finally taking over for some of the students. Many have improved in study habits and the self-managing skills that will make test taking go a little smoother.
International Students
Our International Students have added so much to the class’s exposure to different cultures and the challenges of improving conversational English skills. Some of our students even tried to learn some words and phrases in Chinese, Korean and Tagalong. The international students have become more involved with computer assisted instruction language skill building activities, which they seemed to enjoy. They also improved their pronunciation skills, vocabulary and increased their knowledge about the United States.
Poetry
Students were able to create poetry for National Poetry Month and Poem in Your Pocket Day. Their poetry was insightful, humorous, beautiful, and thought provoking. Their work printed on cheerful spring colored paper adorned our decorated classroom door. Some of the students wrote:
Lord Jesus
By Domenica Amoroso 8B International Student
Loveable
Old but young
Righteous
Different from everyone
Joyous
Even when I’m sleeping He is taking care of me
Savior
Understanding
Supportive and Special
Eternity
by Jamie Santana 9W
To see a movie in a grin of sand
An know what others cannot
Trying to hold infinity in the palm of your hands
Having eternity within an hour
Have a Blessed Summer
What a year. Researching, building, and playing games… oh my! I have enjoyed working with all the students and groups this year. I pray that you all have a safe and blessed summer.
Mr. Penland
Risk
As students learned about different cultures, the question was – What to do with that knowledge now? Let’s dominate the cultures. Students learned how to play the game Risk. Risk is a game of total world domination. This game was a little easier to learn than that of the Passport to Culture. This game was much more difficult to master. Which person should you ally with? Or – When should you break that alliance? and also, Which territory can I afford to lose to strengthen another territory? All of these questions needed to be answered while strategizing a winning game plan. 47? 47? I don’t think you can have that many armies on one territory! This was one of the best phrases said during all of the games.
Mr. Penla
Passport to Culture
Some groups have recently learned a new game called Passport to Culture. This game teaches many customs and traditions of cultures all over the world. What is the correct time to arrive at a dinner party in Paraguay? A) 30 minutes prior to time. B) Exactly on the time. Or C) 30 minutes after invited time. This question and many others stumped the groups that played. I answered that correctly! is one of the many exclamations that could be heard during every game. Jubilation would erupt once someone had finally acquired all the passport stamps to win.
Mr. Penland
NHS and NJHS
On Tuesday, June 8th, we conducted our national Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society Ceremony. This ceremony is beautiful as students carry during the processional and recessional.WE are very proud to have inducted 63 new members to NHS and 13 new members to NJHS. We welcomed back 68 NHS members from last year and 53 NJHS members from last year. Both Societies worked very hard on their service project, raising money through bake sales and other means. Students were delighted to take what they had raised to the different institutions. What a blessing to be able to bless others. Please see Galleries for some great pictures of NHS and NJHS traveling to give what they had raised.
Here is a little history about the National Honor Society and the criteria for selection:
When the National Honor Society was founded in 1921, the hope was to create an organization that would recognize and encourage high school students’ academic achievement while developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. The National Junior Honor Society was founded shortly thereafter-in 1929 to recognize middle school students in the same areas. Now, over 80 years later, these Societies have become prestigious organizations with outstanding faculty members and students from the school community. Their reputation for excellence is the result of years of commitment on the part of everyone involved. Membership is thus both an honor and a commitment.
The NHS and NJHS recognize outstanding high school and middle school students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The National Association of Secondary School Principals proudly sponsors these Societies.
For the selection of Members to the NHS and NJHS Chapters:
* Members must maintain a cumulative overall 85% average or higher for two consecutive semesters with 80% as the lowest grade in all subjects.
* Members must be in good behavioral standing.
* Members must demonstrate outstanding performance in areas of scholarship, service, leadership and character.
* The selection of each Member shall be reviewed and approved by the this School’s Administration and Faculty each school year.
Please click on the links below to view our NHS and NJHS Program.
Please go to “Galleries” for some wonderful piictures of this beautiful ceremony.