Crazy Friday

Well it looks like the day before the conference break will be an interesting one. Last week we postponed the Run for the Hills because of weather. Our students will be running this Friday. The 6th will run from 10:00-10:45. The 7th and 8th will run from 12:00-12:45. We also have the Picture Book Picnic with our buddies. The whole campus participates in this as well. Everyone reads from 11:00-11:20, eats lunch from 11:20-11:40, and has recess from 11:40-12:00. This is an exciting day with their buddies. Students will need a sack lunch for the day. They are also encouraged to bring a blanket/beach towel, favorite childhood book, and maybe even a pillow.

Science Update

In science we have been looking at the tilt and orbit of the Earth and how that affects temperature and seasons. In this next section we look at the length of days and why we have more daylight in summer than in winter. For my 7th and 8th grade, they should have their day length worksheet and graph done by tomorrow. My 6th grade will have that in the next couple of day, for tonight they need to finish their response sheet.

Book Report Day!

Thursday, Oct. 20 all students will have another opportunity to work on their book reports.  Students are to bring their book to read or the project they are working on.  They will have the entire Literature period to work on it.  Students are also to sign up for a day to do their oral reports.  If they do not sign up a day will be assigned to them.  All book reports are due no later than Friday, Nov. 18.

Middle School Choir in Chapel!!!

Tomorrow, October 19th, the Middle School Choir will be singing a song in chapel!  You are welcome to come and hear our first opportunity to sing this year!

Picture Book Picnic

This Friday we will gather with our buddies to share a favorite story and enjoy a picnic lunch.  Each student is to bring 2 to 3 of their favorite books to share with their buddies.  If the weather is nice we will be outside so bring a blanket to sit on and a cold lunch to eat.  If the weather is rainy we will be inside.  Be sure to bring a cold lunch as there is NO hot lunch on Friday.  We will be celebrating from 11:00 - 12:00 this Friday, Oct. 21.

Be sure to bring: cold lunch & drink

                             blanket 

                             2-3 picture books

LEST Sign-Ups

Could it be that time of year already?!?  Last week, the middle school students signed up for their interest in different LEST events.

LEST stands for Lutheran Elementary School Tournament.  It takes place every February at Concordia University in Portland.  Our school, along with about 20 other Lutheran schools from all over (Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada ... we have even had Canada and Nebraska recently!), come together to celebrate the many gifts God has blessed us with.  We do this through a grand competition in the areas of athletics, academics, and the arts.  The events include basketball, swimming, spelling, knowledge bowl, science, math, chess, art, drama, choir, handbells, music, and a logo competition to design next year's LEST logo.  This is a 3 day tournament (February 16-18, 2017).  We take that Thursday and Friday off of school so that everyone can participate.  Our goal is that every student in 5th-8th grade gets to compete in some way at LEST.

Last week, the middle schoolers had an opportunity to express their interest in different events through a Google Form.  They have until the end of October to change or update what they said.  Through the month of November, the teachers will use the results of this survey to help pick our different teams that will compete at LEST.

It is an amazing event and a highlight of the year.  As teams start to formulate, more information will be provided.

MAP Testing

On Tuesday we will have our first round of MAP testing. The students will take 3 tests. They are Language, Math, and Reading. Students will be testing in their homerooms. These tests are done on their Chrome books. We may even take some time on Monday to set up for the tests (sign-in, register). Students should get a good night's sleep on the weekend and make sure they bring their Chrome book with a full charge.  Students should bring a water bottle, snack, and book to their tests so that they will make as little of a distraction as possible.

Book Order Time 

Now is a great time to start stocking up on great books for the holidays.  Scholastic Book Club has given the students a certificate for a free book.  They just need to spend $10 to get a $5 book free.  If your child is interested or needs another certificate they simply need to come and pick one up.  Book Order flyers were sent home on Monday.  If your child misplaced theirs or you want to see one for yourself you are welcome to stop by the 7th grade classroom to pick one up.  Bonus points are given for every dollar spent, I use these points to purchase books (recommended by students)  for the classroom.

Book Orders are due Friday,Oct. 14!  

Special Guest Speaker

Yesterday, the middle school had a special guest speaker come and talk with them.  Pastor Joshua Gale is a missionary in Peru.  He came to let our students know what life is like in Peru and what his ministry entails.  It was a great experience for the middle schoolers as they got to see how different life can be around the world.

Thank you Pastor Knepper from Zion-Hillsboro for arranging Pastor Gale to come speak to us!

Worship Team

Praise the Lord, Oh My Soul!

Our Middle School Worship Team leading our worship during Grandparents / Grand Friends Day.

Many of our Middle School students are having a great time learning new songs and leading our students in worship.  These talented students play the piano, guitar, drums and design the slides that enhance our worship during chapel each week.  We praise God for their gifts and for Mr. Bauer who encourages and leads them.  If you haven't had a chance to hear them yet, you are welcome to come for Chapel on Wednesday mornings held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church across the parking lot from school.