The Monarch for Thursday December 13th, 2007

At left, Ivan, Stephen, and Phillip practice their roles as the Three Wise men.





From Mrs. Groves...

• In math classes, the sixth graders are gaining a better understanding of decimals and are beginning to use them in algebraic expressions.
• Seventh graders are working with the computation of integers (positive and negative numbers), and graphing ordered pairs on a coordinate plane.
• Eighth graders are exploring exponential notation, squares, square roots, and applications of the Pythagorean Theorem. They seem to understand this concept very well.

From Mr. Carlstedt...

• On Saturday December 8th, several 7th and 8th graders were involved in the Second Annual Middle School Mock Trial Competition. Held at Noblesville middle school, the students acted as attorneys, witnesses, defendants, and plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit.
• The students applied skills from asking questions, following directions, and thinking on their feet. Aside from necessary instruction, the students constructed questions, thought out answers, and learned to think quickly using their knowledge of the case. A parent, Jim Osborn, was instrumental as legal advisor. A warm ‘thank you’ to him!

From Mrs. Schaefer...

• All middle school students were shown the video “The Nativity”.
• Next week we will have a discussion on the students’ feelings on the birth of Jesus—in the past and if He were born today.

From Mr. Heneghan...

• The 8th graders have been busy preparing for the Nativity play, to be presented in concert with the Christmas musical program next Friday. We can’t wait to transport you back to the story of the birth of Jesus.
• Thank you to all families who helped with our 8th grade poinsettia sale. Pick up is today between 3:30-6pm in Doyle Hall.

The Monarch for Thursday, December 6, 2007

Ivan and Jordan (above) measure carefully during a lab in Mrs. Bryant's class.

TODAY IS THE FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS!

From Mr. Carlstedt...
• Please check with your student and their weekly planner. It is important they are writing their work in the planner and not relying on Homework Watcher. Homework Watcher is a fantastic aide and communication venue, but NOT a substitution for students writing down their assignments.
• As the 8th graders are finishing up typing with Mrs. Morris, the 6th and 7th are using Publisher to learn about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

From Mrs. Schaefer...
• Projects: 5th grade and 7th grade joined classes and made four blankets for an orphanage in Africa. Mrs. Lincoln will send these blankets to their destination before Christmas. These blankets will be given to those infants and toddlers who are in need. These children actually cuddle-up together to stay warm. Hopefully, these blankets will help. We will also have the 8th and 4th grade come together and do the same project before the Christmas holidays. Mrs. Lincoln will come and pick-up these blankets the week of December 17th – 19th.
• Movie: 6th, 7th, 8th students will be shown the movie The Nativity Story, December 10th – 12th. The 4th & 5th grade students have been invited to join us. Discussions will follow.
• The 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students made an Advent Wreath . Fr. Guy also came and talked with the students about the meaning of Advent and the Advent Wreath.
• The Jr. High students will be completing their rosaries, as these rosaries will be sent to the soldiers in Iraq.
• Christmas cards are also being prepared for the elderly and for those without families.

From Mrs. Hasbrook...
• The 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders have just completed another chapter in their Spanish textbooks. We are entering a new chapter that is entitled Alumnos y Cursos (Students and Courses). We will be learning lots of classroom vocabulary, the plural of the verb SER (to be), and how to tell time. In addition, students have just begun a project that will require them to research a famous Central American. They have a partner from their Spanish class and will write a 2 page report and create a visual. This project will be due right before Christmas break. Students will also be singing some Spanish Christmas carols as the season is upon us. Overall, they are all doing a really good job.

From Mr. Heneghan...
• Praise for the following students for taking advantage of recent extra credit opportunities: Marshall, Graham, Dominic, Miles, Aeriel, and Ben.
• Students have been reading articles from the New York Times recently. This is our nation’s paper of record, and one of the finest newspapers in the world. I hope this spurs their curiosity to read more and find out about the world around them.
• We have been practicing Cornell Note-taking, a method that has a built-in study tool as well: the questions the students create. These notes will come in handy in our reading comprehension quizzes and on the test next week.
• Students will also be writing an essay where they will need these important facts, opinions, and questions from their notes.
• We will start Vocab Unit 4 on Friday.

From Mrs. Bryant...
• Would all grades please save and send in empty and clean peanut butter jars? I use these so often in science class and would appreciate any that you have.

• Students will be given lab coats for this year. They are to bring them on lab days and be responsible for taking them home for washing when needed.

• All students have their own pair of safety goggles for labs which stay with them for the three years of middle school and are not shared. I keep those in the science room for their convenience.

• Please see me with any concerns about progress reports. I am always happy when a parent calls me with questions or concerns because it is the beginning of a solution.