Well, the grade 10’s are back into it and hard at work! “Challenges” is the theme of the moment in English. In Math they are examining proportional reasoning, taxes and currency exchange. Students are learning about cabinet construction in I.A. and in Home Ec, they’re learning about canning, so they’ll have something to put into those cabinets! Ecosystems, biodiversity, sustainability (and frogs) have been the focus so far in science. In Wellness, there has been a mixed bag of soccer, volleyball, volunteer hours discussions and looking at musculoskeletal systems. And finally, our eager young learners have been given a book full of signs and laws to study in Driver’s Ed, as well as a whole lotta’ pamphlets – so, our sidewalks should be safe for another few weeks yet! Thanks to the grade 10 class for their contributions.

I knew it. I just knew it. All summer long, I knew that these grade 9’s were going to be a dandy bunch. They are. We’ve enjoyed our first couple of weeks together. In Art class we’ve already experienced Weasel Theater and Random Records. In English we collaborated on writing some delicious short stories about “A Crazy Day at the Candy Store” and we are about to embark on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Social Studies has us exploring Worldviews. Well what in the world is a “worldview” anyways and why is mine different than yours? Big stuff. Mr. Tucker is helping us understand Leadership. What makes a good leader? Who are good leaders? Mr. Tucker is a good leader . Area and Matter are the topics we are tackling in Math and Science classes. It may sound a bit dull, but those are areas that matter and we are grateful to have the chance to learn about them. Well done everyone.

Wow! The grade eights have finally actually made it into a classroom in the High School! So, to celebrate, we are reviewing in Math their foundational math skills and will shortly be studying “Square Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem”. While in ELA the students have been sharpening their grammatical skills and will begin their first thematic unit, “On the Edge of Survival”, shortly. Meanwhile, in Art class, the 8’s are making beautiful art out of simple 1 inch black lines. In Science, the unit of study is Cells, Tissues and Organs. We have investigated living versus non-living things. We are about to embark on the microscopic world with our new found knowledge of the microscope. In Health, students are learning about promoting physical activity to others. In PE we are trying to sneak in those summer and fall activities outside before the weather turns too cold on us.

The beginning of the year has been a busy one! We have been getting to know every- one and getting settled. We are slowly settling into a routine and are beginning to get busy with our courses. The girls and boys are split for the core content classes (social, science, math and ELA), but remain together for the rest of their classes. In ELA, the girls have been reviewing their basic grammar skills before we begin our first thematic unit on “Science Fiction”. The boys have begun a novel study of Escape from Home. In social, both groups have been reviewing their geographical skills. In science, the groups are working on research skills and the “Earth’s Crust and Resources”. Math has all the students polishing their basic operational facts and applications. It is important to ensure a strong foundation before we begin building new concepts! So far, I have truly enjoyed the Grade 7s! I look forward to a successful, prosperous, and entertaining few months. Should you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone (544-2511).

It has been a great start to the school year in the grade 6 room. In ELA our beginning plans are grammar, writing skills, spelling, sentence structure and reading the Thief Lord as a class. In math we are working on a unit about whole numbers. In Social Studies we are looking around the world as well as close to home studying the interactions and interdependence of nations. In Science we are looking beyond into our Solar System. During Phys. Ed. class, we are working on skill development in soccer, football, volleyball and group games. We are being very creative with drawing and using a variety of mediums in art. We are excited and looking forward to a great year!