Good Leaders
After Christmas break, our 9th graders worked on The Pearl by John Steinbeck and Antigone by Sophocles. During The Pearl, class discussion centered on the themes of greed and anti-imperialism found in the story. Students wrote research papers on the colonization of Mexico to better understand the characters in the story and their motives. We started Antigone by first looking at a short excerpt from Plato’s Republic and what makes a good king or ruler. We decided that a good king is one that listens to the advice of others and makes decisions in the best interest of the people. We then investigated what the Bible had to say about leadership. The class also analyzed the decisions of the characters in Antigone and what makes a person heroic, while also discussing the sacrifice of Christ.
Miss Topale
Advanced Algebra
We have been working with probability during the last quarter. Students are learning how to calculate it through both theoretical and experimental examples. They have used spinners, dice, playing cards, weather forecasts, Apple-bee’s menu items, etc.
Miss Stahler
¡Llegamos al fín del año!
Learning about the past is crucial, especially when it’s in Spanish. From preterit past-tense forms, to the ongoing/habitual imperfect past tense, students are introduced to patterns building from the English language and scaffolding onto the language they know. All this, while learning about the various cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, as well as the positive Spanish-American influences within our country. Looking forward to growing with you as you continue to solidify the bridge of Spanish communication.
Sra Jean-Pierre
Abstinence
In our 8th and 9th grade classes, we were given the opportunity this year to implement an abstinence program. We were able to sit in a chapel where the author of the book spoke about the program. In both 8th and 9th grade we tackled the important issue of purity and the reason why God wants us to remain on track to achieve our dreams. The lessons were really impactful. On my Final exam of the year, I asked them to define the most meaningful lesson and to my surprise 78% of both classes cited that this particular lesson meant the most to them. All in all during the course of this year I have seen a steady growth in the area of God in the lives of the middle school and the High school students which I taught. Glory be to God.
Pastor Racoma
What Is Literature
We began the year with the question: What is literature? We took a look at the different interpretations that one poem can have depending upon how each individual views the poem. We then learned about Sonnets and compared the sonnets of Shakespeare’s secular love with John Milton’s more spiritual love of God and learned that God’s love provides healing and protection. We then read Les Miserables by Victor Hugo and focused on the question of whether or not there are limits to redemption. We learned what makes a man truly heroic through studying the character of Jean Valjean and that only God can change a man from bad to good through the redemptive cross of Calvary. We also went on to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and asked ourselves – Does greed rule the world? We concluded that, though mankind can be trapped by the greed of this world, God will not allow us to live life without showing us that we need to change our motives and keep the golden rule, which is to help our fellow man on this journey we call life.
Miss Topale
People and Places
In September a new course was launched for the high school international students at Evangel: Intermediate Literature. It is designed to train the students in reading strategies used for deeper understanding of texts and to give the students more exposure to the English language. So far it has done both and more! The Queens Public Library found out about the class and asked if we wanted to participate in their People and Places Program in which thought provoking short stories (mostly written by immigrants) are read and reflected upon. Although each story had to be screened and the program modified for use in a Christian environment, it grew into a valuable experience for all and culminated in a party hosted by Ms. Echols at the newly built 21st Street Public Library. 9th, 10th and 11th grades each divided into groups and created posters for the event. Some groups focused on the symbolism found in a given short story, such as Abalone, Abalone, Abalone, others on comparing and contrasting two stories, and some added the adages, idioms and similes we learned. I was very impressed by the 11th graders who were able to compare given verse from the Bible with the prose poem Girl by Jamaica Kincaid. They did such a fabulous job that Mrs. Echols sent the posters to the founder of the program. I am so proud of those students who participated!
As we wrap up this section on short stories and do review for midterms, I look back at the interesting ways the students showed what they learned; from complex graphic organizers to acting out different parts of a story, from making big books about symbolism to making posters for all the stories, and I am amazed what the students have accomplished. Our next adventure will include nonfiction as we segue into the Academic Fair time of the year.
Mrs. Kemp
God’s Providence
Since September, our school’s freshmen have engaged in historical events and creating connections with events that are happening today. More importantly, each student is learning how to observe the history of the world through a Biblical perspective to illustrate God’s providence throughout all of history. They have discussed and worked in groups and wrestled with thought provoking questions to encourage critical and analytical thinking.
Mr. Keeks
Algebra
Students have been studying a unit on Integers and Expressions. They have been learning the importance of mathematical principles, as compared to using God’s principles in our daily lives.
Mrs. Christian
Algebra
We have been exploring equations this half of the school year. The class has been looking for patterns in solving, graphing and writing equations. This year I am teaching in a flipped classroom for math and so the students will copy vocabulary and examples into their notes for HW (kind of pre reading for the next day’s lesson). In class the next day, they will watch a mini lesson of how to and practice the application in front of me. This has been helpful in not only the student understanding during homework/classwork, but in starting up math conversations during class about what to do and why. Currently, we are studying linear equations and the slope of a line.
Miss Stahler
Soccer Playoffs
The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.
Vince Lombardi
This month in Gym we have begun our Soccer Playoffs. These games are highly intense being that rivalries have been sown from the year before. Whether students are playing goalie, defense, offense, or midfielder they are determined, focused, and resolute to win the game. Often that means jumping in the path of the ball. Even though these games are intense, students maintain a high level of sportsmanship thought the season.
Mr. Wong