This past week was rather different for me.  The 7th graders went to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and Science Center.  The weather was beautiful...sunny and warm.  We listened to a talk about how music is afffected by current events.  Many of the artists and songs brought back memories of the 60's for me and the college years, all very interesting.  The group I was chaperoning made sure we saw the "meat dress" of Lady Gaga.  It took awhile, but we found it.

     Onto the Science Center and what blast was had on the 3rd floor.  There was so much to do and everyons had a good time.  The demonstration we saw was awesome.  I sure learned a lot about gravity and force.  It was the fastest half hour of learning I ever had.

     It was agood week for 7th graders; a field trip and no school on Friday. Also, wonderful words of praise from the staff at both places and the visitors.  We are so proud of our 7th graders.  Way to go!!!

     8th graders are learning about the Liturgy of the Hours or today known as Prayer of the Christians.  I remembered it as the Divine Office.  Am I showing my age?  Students were able to fill out the Stewardship Cards in class as we went over them, and they were able to see the connection to Parish Stewrdship and their Confirmation.  They have a lot to offer the parish.

     We will begin practicing the Halloween play for the 1st graders this coming week.  It is always a fun time especially when we have dress rehearsal.  How are those costumes coming along?  I'm sure they all enjoyed their day off on Friday.

     Both 7th & 8th took a pretest on the Roasry.  It is one of our goals from our school accreditation.  We will see how they did and then focus on areas where they are weak.  Students will be tested again after we have gone over the Rosary.  Hopefully, the scores will improve.

     Next week is a full week of classes so we will be busy.  Keep checking SchoolNotes for homework updates.

Mrs. Donley

     Here we are with another school week over.  The week started out cold but by the end of the week, shorts were the choice of clothes.  Sure do welcome the sunshne and warmer weather; snow is right around the corner, ugh.

     7th graders are becoming familiar with the bible especially the Gospel writers.  We will be looking up Scripture references in the Gospels and comparing them.  A whole new vocabulary is being introduced.  In talking with some of our returning graduates, they found knowing how to look up Scripture and interpreting it, gives them an edge in their Theology class over other students.  7th graders will certainly put to use the bibles Dr. Kerkey gave them in 5th grade.

     The 7th graders took their 1st open book Health test on Friday.  This was a new experience for them, and they did well on it.  The 1st test was little easy since there were only four lessons to look over.  The next test will not be so easy with 8 lessons.

     8th graders are getting ready for their Shadowing Days.  This time of the year brings excitement as they visit schools and take entrance exams to help them make an important decision on which high school to attend.  We'll keep them in our prayers as they begin to weigh their options on which school to choose.

     Speaking of prayers, that is exactly what 8th graders are studying in Religion class.  We are learning about the Liturgy of the Hours and some other forms of prayer while evaluating our own prayer life and writing a prayer based on the types of prayer found in the Mass.  Some of you may remember that the Liturgy of the Hours was known as the Divine Office prayed only by the religious, but now we are all encouraged to pray it.

     8th graders are busy brushing up on their saints and acting skills as they begin preparation for their Halloween Play for the 1st graders at the end of October.  Parts have been chosen and costmes will be worked on along with memorizing their lines.  This is always fun for both the 8th graders and 1st graders.  What a wonderful way to teach a faith lesson.

     Health class was a real eye-opener last week as students evaluated their data from their food diary.  Some found that they are not eating enough vegetables and are eating too many carbohydrates.  I hope this has them and their family changing their eating habits for the better.  Knowing this information will help them understand the importance of good eating habits.  We are also discussing body image and self-esteem.  Such important topics at this age level.

     Next week, the 7th graders will go on their 1st field trip, and it is a short week with no school on Friday plus a dress down week, and video truck for those who sold their magazine quotas.  Who could ask for more in a week!

     Enjoy the beautiful sunshine and talk to you next week.

     Can you believe it that we are halfway through the 1st quarter!  Time has gone by so fast.  7th graders are gearing up for their 1st Open Book Health test.  Hopefully, I got the message across that they do need to study for it.  In Religion, we will be learning about the changes in the prayers and responses at Mass along with the parts of the New Testament focusing on the Gospel writers.  They will be using Bibles on a regular basis at school and at home.

     Some 8th graders have started to shadow but most will do it in late October and the month of November.  What an exciting time for them!  They will also be learning the changes in dialogue and response for the Mass along with learning how the Church is a people of prayer.  Another exciting adventure for them is getting their parts for the play they will perform for the 1st graders on how Halloween started.  We will be brushing up on our saints and costumes.  It is always a fun time.

     Health class has 8th graders looking over their eating habits and setting goals to make sure they are getting the correct daily amounts in each food group.  You may want use the website they are using to check your own eating habits...ChooseMyPlate.gov.  Just ask an 8th grader what to do.

     Well, onto the 2nd half of the 1st quarter and good luck to all our students.

Mrs. Donley-7a