Mrs. Ellis' OLL Classroom

Holy Spirit

2009-06-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we remembered the first Pentecost. When a mighty wind filled the room, and men of God were empowered to speak new languages and proclaim the resurrection Good News of Jesus. In Baptism, God's charges our lives with His spirit for good works and witness to His saving grace. Be empowered.

This will be my last blog. In fact, I am having trouble with the site. It suggests that I have spam on my blog and it needs to be reviewed.

Thank you parents, students, staff, and supporters of OLL. I am more than grateful for my time in your midst. You have welcomed me and shared the love of learning with me and our students. I especially want to thank Mrs. Marita and Ms. Shields for our partnership in the junior high. I will miss sharing each day with you, but we will always be friends. I am not leaving Ashland. In fact, I intend to spend more time with my parents so you might see me eating "lunch" out occasionally.

Since we are still in the throes of this school year, it is difficult for me to truly reflect and express my thoughts about my time here, but it has been a great gift to my life.

May God bless and keep all of you who read this....and the staff and students at Our Lady of the Lake. There is something special going on at this school, and I pray that you can make you and your family part of this adventure of faith.

p.s. 8th graders graduate on June 10th at the 6 p.m. Mass. Pray for our new graduates. Don't forget to order a yearbook too ($10). Included in this book will be a tribute to Father Conan, dedication to Father Frank, and photos of the Ashland Oredock. Thanks again.

Law and Gospel

2009-05-26T08:56:00.001-07:00

Our faith has two components that seem at odds with each other: Law.... and Gospel. But in reality, we need both to experience both. The Law is a compass to guide our actions and inform us when we step outside of God's plan for our well-being. The Gospel offers forgiveness and a promise that our relationship with a holy God is intact even when we make mistakes or are "bad." May we find the right balance to live holy "commandment" lives in the knowledge of God's grace and mercy.

Grades 6, 7, and 8 have vocabulary this week. There are some changes due to field trips, etc. Grade 6 work is due Thursday. Also descriptive essays are due Wednesday.
Grades 7, and 8 vocabulary due on Friday. Cartoons will be presented in class on Wednesday.

Geography students are doing cabin/lake presentations. This is part of our study of freshwater to create conversations about the need to care for sources of freshwater.

FIELD TRIP Thursday: Grade 8 will travel to Minneapolis on Thursday. We will meet at the Junior High building on at 7 a.m. and head for the cities to the Twins/Red Sox baseball game. Please be sure that I have your permission slip and $20 for baseball ticket. Bring other money for food, beverages, etc. Should be fun! I think we may get back about 8 to 9 p.m. Join us in praying for safe travel.... for all OLL students on field trips.

8th grade: note other dates for yearbook, graduation reservations, etc. We have few days left of this school year. Thanks.

The Call is out....

2009-05-14T08:54:00.001-07:00

We are called to be the sons and daughters of our Holy God. To bear His story of forgiveness and our story of faith that others may be drawn into his family. Let us hear the call and say "yes."

The call is also out to our junior high scientists to showcase their projects tomorrow in the gym. Please come and support these scholars and learn from their research. Mrs. Marita continues to provide instruction and support in this high-stakes assignments. Thank you for your part in their success.

I also had the chance to hear another call--bird calls. Our Lady of the Lake bird callers (Grades 4 and 5) made a good showing at the Visitor's Center Tuesday night. Congratulations to all who participated and the winners. Mrs. Marita and parents had worked with this group to develop presentations and costumes. The event was informative and enjoyable.

Thank you for helping our students stay strong academically in this final quarter of this school year. Please send any photos that you would like us to publish in the yearbook.

The Water is Fine

2009-05-11T07:25:00.001-07:00

In geography we are finishing up individual country reports. These presentations have been informative as students picked countries they had a keen interest in. Our next study will be "freshwater" with a focus on Lake Superior. I appreciated Father Paul's musing on water (and a fountain) in this week's bulletin. Helps me to appreciate God's handprint on creation as well as his print on our lives. Jump in... the water is fine.

Grade 6 is off to island camp this morning. We will be praying for this outdoor opportunity to learn and have fun together.

Grade 7 and 8 vocabulary words this week are focused on our study of water and our English assignments with soliloquies and constructing a cartoon. This assignment is due Friday.... except Grade 7 will have their spelling test on Thursday.

FRIDAY is the science fair in the afternoon. Please come and learn from our scientists... and celebrate their good work. I know first-hand that Mrs. Marita has been cheerleading and instructing students for weeks on this high quality academic project.

Other events: bring in photos you would like in the yearbook this year. Also May 19th Greg Alexander will be here to do an art class with Grades 7 and 8. May 28th, 8th graders will do a trip to Mpls. to the Twins/Red Sox game. We are also waiting to hear dates from Bro. Tom for a day trip to the Iron River cabin.

As this school year winds down, we intend to keep teaching right up to the last days. The final day will be used to clean up classrooms, lockers, etc. Thank you parents for supporting the work we are doing here to education your children.

I am the bread of life

2009-04-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

As part of Easter, we continue to consider Jesus and His words: I am the bread of life. As I was sharing with students the idea of the bread is the Eucharist, I realized the Eucharist is the entire sentence.... I am the bread of life. Jesus is the "I am" the "bread" and giver of earthly and eternal "life." Let us draw near daily, weekly, monthly, yearly to receive the .... I am the bread of life. This sacrament is food for our lives and for our souls.

Students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 shared their "color" poems: displayed on a palette. We celebrated the good words and visuals of our poets with applause and publishing their work on the bulletin board. Now we are working on "ice cream" poetry... flavoring our lines with tongue twisters and words of alliteration.

In Geography we are working on individual country reports. Yesterday Mrs. MaryBeth Monroe came from the Chamber of Commerce and told the students how to "market" your country... she used the marketing of Ashland as an example. Her instructions and advice were very helpful.

Don't forget to ask your students about their Science Fair project. Next week is the deadline for in-class presentations. Please offer your support and encouragement for this high-quality academic opportunity. Thanks so much.

Events on the calendar:
We are working on tickets for the Twins-Red Sox game on May 28th. We also want to do a field trip to Prentice Park, the Friar's cabin in Iron River, and perhaps an 8th grade luncheon. Also the yearbook is under construction so we need photos please. We will also bring some (or all) junior high students to Good Shepherd next Thursday for the National Day of Prayer. Hope you get to enjoy the smelt fry tonight! An annual ritual for many of us upnorth.

Power of the Cross

2009-04-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 read and discussed Anne Spencer's poem: White Things. This poem was written during the Harlem Renaissance (late 1920's) and raises questions about how "power" is attached to race-skin color. With anger, Spencer takes events of the time to make a strong point. In class, we then talked about diversity and "power." These are hard questions that call for creative and new answers that all people may know justice and equity.

Jesus also walked and talked an unusual rendering of power- power of the cross. It often meant silence instead of defense, healing rather than hate, poverty rather than wealth, being last rather than being first. In this time in our culture where many are hurting and uncertainly seems more normal than certainty, may we offer quiet listening, healing, poverty of spirit, and a willingness to be last... and even misunderstood. True power transcends the trappings of this world, but rather is attached to an eternal way of living. Let Easter resurrect our resolve to be more like Jesus.

Grades 6, 7, and 8 are working on "color" poems. Crafting poetry helps us to better appreciate the beauty and the influence it has on our lives. After white winter, our lives are hungry for MORE color. Students are saying it with poetic verse.

In Geography, students will begin working on a country report of their choice. Tuesday and Wednesday we did activities related to Earth Day.

Thank you colleagues and students for your many birthday wishes. I felt deeply blessed by your expressions. With God's help, I look forward to another year of growing in relationships and faith.

Road to Emmaus

2009-04-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today we heard the story of Jesus' encounter with disciples on the road to Emmaus. This narrative is amazing for so many reasons. The concern of the disciples, Jesus joining them, the invitation to stay the night, the walk of 7 miles, the breaking of bread, the recognition of Jesus, the statement did not our hearts burn within us... and then the disciples returning to Jerusalem (7 more miles that very night) to join others and share the news: He is Risen Indeed! May we do likewise. Tell the story to those around us, invite others to break bread, and pray we may all see Jesus and proclaim: He is Risen Indeed!

Welcome back students after an Easter weekend. I traveled to Seattle and had a good visit with our son, his wife, and our two lovely granddaughters. Our Easter worship together at St. Joseph Catholic Church was one of the highlights.

For English, we continue to analyze poetry: literary devices, the quality of words, the themes....
Students will share haikus and water-color posters on Friday.

In Geography we just finished up our unit on Sahara desert life. Time and time again we came back to food resources, heat of sun, and availablity of water and how these factors influence how people live. Students shared nomadic campsites, and folk tales.

Yes, we are on the eternal road of faith. Easter assures us that Jesus walks with us... and the outcome to this journey is secure. Join His church on earth to proclaim: He is Risen Indeed!
Happy Easter.

Like No Other

2009-04-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Holy Week is like no other week. What starts out as a triumphal entry into Jerusalem will deteriorate into a tragic exit. You would think that we are reading a Shakespeare play as the drama becomes so intense, but the crucifixion of Jesus is real. And we are called to take this journey every year because we have so much to learn about God and what He has done for us.
Say "yes" to Holy Week and ride the roller coaster of faith. We belong to a God like no other... and this week is like no other... Thanks be to God.

Students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 are doing a shortened vocabulary sheet this week. 18 words need to be written 5 times and 12 of the words are to be used in sentences about Holy Week. The words are mostly proper nouns of people and places and a few verbs. Most students will complete this assignment in class. Due on Wednesday.

Geography students are finishing up Desert campsites and folktales. I hope we can present them in class this week.

I am very proud of Meghan and Rachel for reading the young adult version of: Three Cups of Tea. They will receive a Dairy Queen reward. Thank you Mrs. Chambers for buying these books for our classroom.

Take time this week to attend Mass/church. Listen to the words of Jesus and those around him during the unfolding drama of fast-moving events. We see ourselves in the characters.... What would we do? May you all be blessed in this shared journey with Jesus... as we prepare our hearts to gather at the empty tomb on Sunday.

p.s. Pray for the people of Italy during this devastating earthquake. My brother was in Rome... felt the tremors!

Full School Days and Fullness of Faith

2009-04-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching 3 eighth graders give PowerPoint presentations: Vincent on Hard Rock, Mary on Volleyball, and Eloise on her life. This is always the fun part of teaching when students become the teachers and instruct us. I have always been grading 7th grade PowerPoint presentations on autobiographies; you would have enjoyed the good quality work that we have been seeing. Thank you Mrs. Worrall for supporting what we are doing in the classroom. And thank you students for the good work that you have done to add visuals to the good essays you have written.

If your students are asking you the meaning of the vocabulary words "twitter" and "tweet" the above paragraph is somewhat close to this new way of social networking (micro-blogging) where you just write about what is happening in the moment (twitter) and each sentence or phrase is a tweet. Yes, computers are even changing the way we communicate.

Today the junior high led our Mass. Father Henry focused on "remain in the truth, and the truth shall set you free." This sounds straight forward, but truly is a challenge in a world where more than ever people are hungry for the truth. Jesus was way ahead of us and set up guidelines that are good for all times and for all people. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul; and love your neighbor as yourself." This still is true today.

After Mass Chester Marcol (Packer kicker 1972 to 1981) came and talked to our students. Along with his football career, he talked about his life got derailed from drugs and alcohol. His story was powerful and difficult as drugs stole much of his hope and happiness. He is now a drug counselor and sharing his story with young people. Thank you Mr. Marcol for your willingness to teach others in the hope they will make good decisions.

Grade 6 turned in final Greek biographies today. Grade 7 and 8 are working on desert Nomadic camps and Sahara folktales.

Along with the usual spelling each week, Grades 6, 7, and 8 are learning about haikus and will be writing their own poetry. April is National Poetry Month.

Thank you Mrs. Chambers for 3 young adults versions of Three Cups of Tea. Already two of the books are in the hands of good readers. I was able to hear Greg Mortenson's mother at the Visitor's Center on Monday night; she received a standing ovation for the good work her son is doing to build schools in remote villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

So we are having full school days. Woven into this activities is the season of Lent. Sunday will mark the beginning of Holy Week. Let us remember to stay on the road to the Cross. We have much to learn and relearn about redemption and resurrection. Thanks be to God for offering His son Jesus as a sacrifice on our behalf.

Stay Close to Jesus

2009-03-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

As we draw closer to the events of Holy Week, we realize that the journey of Lent takes discipline and resolve. Discipline to slow down... and resolve to keep our focus on our walk with Jesus. Stay close to the Savior, He paved the road with his words and actions.

Welcome back from Spring Break. I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Georgia and North Carolina, but it is always good to get back home... and back to the learning partnership with our OLL scholars.

Grades 6, 7, and 8 have spelling/vocab. this week. Also research papers and autobiographies will be returned this week. In Language Arts (7 and 8) we will focus on the elements of short stories and read "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky" by Stephen Crane.

In Geography, we are beginning our unit on Deserts with the Planet Earth Desert DVD. We will focus on Sahara Desert and talk about how this environment forces humans, plants, and animals to adapt to a harsh reality. Eventually students will be designing their own "sahel" and camp to house their nomadic lifestyle.

Thank you again parents, and grandparents, for all you do for our school and students. May God bless the many memories and stories of Father Conan as he hovers so closer in our hearts. Blessings on your Lenten journey with Jesus.

Lent: prayer discipline

2009-03-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today Grades 3,5,6,7,8 came together to pray as part of our Lenten discipline. Thank you Mrs. Marita for inviting us to join you and guiding our students to share prayer requests. Also, we join many others remembering the Lulich family in this time of need.

Quick update on academic assignments:
Grade 8: Students received a check list of final essay assignments due next Friday. All rough drafts have been returned to students so it should be a matter of revisiting the rough drafts and adding corrections, etc.
Grade 7: Final autobiographies are due next Friday. Rough drafts have been returned. Please ask to see comments and help students to improve their final papers.
Grade 6: Outlines will be returned on Tuesday to begin writing about an Ancient Greek personality.

Geography: Students are doing European country presentations. Today we visited Germany and England. We found out some good information including the cost of a ticket to these tourist spots. Students have their faux passports stamped. Presentations will continue next Monday and Tuesday.

Remember next week: School is dismissed at noon on Friday and then we ALL have the luxury of a week of spring break. I intend that students will have that time "off" unless they do not get their work in before the break. When Grades 7 and 8 return, we will work on oral presentations (research and autobiographies).

Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting

2009-02-26T11:26:00.001-08:00

Lent is a season to turn to God. A time to pray, a time to serve others, and a time to align our lives with the ways of God. Our humanity is marked with ashes, but it is the sign of the cross that redeems us. Join our school and faith community in this journey of reflection and repentance.

Grades 6, 7, and 8 have vocabulary and spelling this week. Grade 7 just finished Walk Two Moons and will be writing a final response. Grade 8 is soon done with The Giver.

Grade 8 students have submitted rough drafts and Works Cited. They are now working on "essay reflections."

Grade 7 needs to turn in autobiography rough drafts on Monday with a page of five resources.
Note: the due date was extended as students gave good reasons they needed MORE time.

Grade 6 will work on Ancient Greek biographical outlines today. These are due Tuesday.

This is a busy time for our junior high students with sports, major writing assignments, reading, and science fair assignments. Please encourage your students in these worthwhile academic responsibilities and discuss their ideas with them. This age group thrives well with "verbal" support. Thank you for your help.

Lent is 40 days. A short slot of time in the grand scheme of the church year, but an invitation to draw close to Jesus. To hail His arrival in Jerusalem, to eat at the Last Supper, to pray in the garden, and be present at the cross. Lenten blessings.

p.s. Thank you for prayers for my Mother's surgical procedure. She did well and we knew God was with us.

Psalm 32

2009-02-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Father Paul wrote a good commentary in the Sunday bulletin about Psalm 32. We looked at the first two verses in class to again claim the blessings we have in the forgiveness of God.

Grade 8 English: spelling words were given this week. Students are now working on rough research drafts due Feb. 24 (5 typed pages and one Works Cited page). The Final project will be due in early March and we will do oral presentations in class supported with PowerPoint after the spring break in March. Please be talking to your students about this heavy-weight writing assignment.

Grade 7 English: spelling words were given this week. Autobiographies outlines will be returned tomorrow and students then need to type their 5-page stories. Also one page with resources needs to be included in this project. The rough draft is due Feb. 26th. Please "save" any pages typed as students can easily go back and make corrections for the Final. Oral presentations will be after spring break and students will design PowerPoint presentations (in computer class) to support their autobiographies.

Grades 7/8: Reading logs are due this Friday to document 200 minutes of reading outside of class.

Grade 6: Students did a great job on fairytales last week: delightful stories with interesting characters and good illustrations to support a plot. Students will be working on spelling this week and also try their hand at "similes." Similes help readers and writers to "see" images to add more life to writing.

Geography: We have finished all Antarctica presentations. We are now moving into learning about Europe. This week will include making passports (NOT real ones..). Watching a DVD on Italy and then forming teams to do focused study on one country to present to the class. We will include such details as the cost of an airline ticket. It is VERY possible that most students will visit Europe someday.

Wednesday: Grades 6, 7, and 8 will attend the Environmental conference at Bad River Conference Center after lunch. There should be 20 or more displays with information on caring for our environment. This opportunity is a good fit for our geography studies and also science project ideas. PLEASE turn in permission slips PROMPTLY!

These are busy days in junior high. Many students have busy lives with sports along with academic studies. Please encourage your student in his/her projects as well as the routine needs of a good diet and plenty of sleep. Thank you everyone for helping me to teach your precious children.

Remember Psalm 32: Blessed is the person who transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered (vs 1). We belong to the forgiving God of blessings.

Amazed

2009-02-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

Today in the homily we again heard the word amazing. During the ministry of Jesus there were many people amazed with his teachings and miraculous healings. Today Jesus returns to his home town and he is "amazed" by the lack of faith of his neighbors. They did not believe that a native carpenter's son could possess such wisdom and knowledge. They did not recognize the potential of a person from their "own" community. These stories remind us to be amazed by our own faith and be amazed by the faith of others. Amazed by His forgiveness. Amazed by His patience. Amazed by His love. Amazed by His hope. Amazed by God's presence in others. We truly belong to the amazing God. Let us spread His amazing grace to others.

Grades 6/7/ and 8 have vocabulary due this week. Grade 6 on Thursday. Grade 7 and 8 on Friday. Also spelling tests will be given.

Major assignment due dates:
Geography Antarctic research station oral reports: Friday
Research essay plan for Grade 8: February 9th
Autobiography outline with 5 resources: Feb. 13th
Fairy tale stories for Grade 6: due date NOT set yet.

Also please bring permission slips for Ashwabay skiing next Wed. Cost is $18. Please speak to us IF you need financial help for your student. This Friday junior high will cook breakfast together. Please ASK your student what he/she needs to bring for our shared meal.

Don't be afraid to be amazed by God. He works events in our lives for our good. Behold and Be Amazed.

Called to be Holy

2009-01-26T19:14:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow begins a new quarter and Catholic Schools Week. It is hard to separate academics from our growth as God's people. For as we seek holy living, we also realize that we are called to do our best in all areas. This means doing our best at school, and doing our best outside of school. As we join with Catholic students to celebrate this special week, may we remember that it is God who calls us to be holy... and it is God who empowers us for holy living. We celebrate our school, our faith and our God. Happy Catholic Schools Week.

Tomorrow Grades 6, 7, and 8 will practice spelling words for this week. Our words are mainly focused on our celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Also tomorrow right after lunch, OLL will host the in-house spelling bee.

Other assignments will include: Grade 7 reading Walk Two Moons and also PAVESO autobiography grid due. Grade 8 will read The Giver and also work on Letter of Intent regarding research project. Grade 6 will be working on storyboards and then writing and illustrating their fairy tales.

Geography 7/8 will be working on Antarctica research stations. This assignment will also include a written report about the research they are doing in this "global laboratory."

I hope you were able to read The Press regarding special activities this week. Also Grades 5 - 8 will go bowling Thursday after lunch. Be sure to return permission slips.

Yes, these are busy days with academics and school celebration. Grades will be available on Feb. 6th. Alumni are invited to join us this Wednesday for Mass and to visit classes.

Embedded in our full calendar and our busy lives is our call to holy living. May we be found faithful in our service to God and others.

Bright Stripes and Bright Stars

2009-01-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

Today students gathered together at OLL to witness the inauguration of the 44th president- Barack Obama. We felt connected to people all over the world watching this historic event. We even joined the choir singing the "National Athem". May God bless and keep our new President and our country.

Tomorrow we travel to Superior for a Catholic Schools gathering for Mass led by Bishop Christiansen. Hopefully your student has shared information about this event. We will return by the end of the school day.

Thursday the junior high will go to Valhalla at 9:30 a.m. for a day in the snow. Each student is asked to bring food to share with the group. Also dress warm...and bring sleds, etc.

Friday is a normal school day with scheduled classes. This is the last day of second quarter. All work for this quarter MUST be turned in. For 6,7, and 8th grade this means the spelling for this week. Grade 7 students will be turning in PAVESO grid now on Wednesday Jan. 28th. Also 28th for 8th grader and rough draft of Letter of Intent. 6th graders need to turn in fairy tale storyboards on Tuesday January 27th. These deadlines have shifted because of losing two school days last week.

Please know that we are very excited about the new technology being set up in our school. This generous gift is the result of a memorial gift to our school. It is truly top-of-the-line equipment and will support our students' learning. We are extremely grateful to the donor and to Mr. Bell for all he and others are doing to install this computer equipment for the use of staff and students.

Monday, January 29th is a non-school day for students... professional day for teachers. This week is Catholic Schools' week. There will be some regular classes and some special events. Ask your student to keep you posted. Grades 5 - 8 will be bowling for a PE/fun activity on Thursday January 29th.

Thank you parents and others for your support for many activities that build the character and academic wealth of our students. We are in this journey of faith-learning together. "Whose bright stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight...." America's song goes on. Let us praise and pray for the well-being of our country.

Jesus said, Follow Me

2009-01-12T07:32:00.000-08:00

As we move forward in this New Year we are reminded how long our list of goals and responsibilities are for this year. Jr. High students made posters to consider a resolution for 2009. Some said: be more careful with money, do better at basketball, help at home, shovel snow, eat a more healthy diet, do my paper route cheerfully...etc. Jesus walks with us this new year and in Him, we gain direction and power to be transformed. May we daily say yes to His invitation to follow Him.

Vocabulary this week for Grades 6, 7, and 8 will be centered on inauguration words. Next week the world will witness the swearing in of the new USA president. Responsible citizenship is part of our mandate to follow Jesus.

Grades 7/8 in Geography are studying Antarctica. A warm day at the bottom of the world is minus ten degrees F. This helps us to appreciate that we are NOT so cold in the winter. In geography we are gaining knowledge as we work towards building model research stations on this frozen continent. (We also will take one day to review the events of the inauguration.)

Grade 6 in writing will be working on creating a fairytale. We will identify the elements of this genre and then create characters and a plot for each tale. We have watched a little of the movie "Enchanted" to see the effect of shifting a fairytale from animation to real human characters in NYC.

Weather Alert: Yes, we are expecting COLD temps this week. Please dress students appropriately. Also be sure if students are waiting for a bus that they are not out very long. Watch the weather channels for school closures. We do not want any students to suffer frostbite or other weather-related injuries.

Grade 8 students: You need to turn in parent signatures for your 8th grade project by THIS Thursday. Also schedules for classes and emergency information forms at AHS are due by Friday. I will drop this off for you. If you are late, it is your responsibility to get them to the high school. I am grateful for Mr. Reader coming to OLL to walk students through the schedule process and answer our questions.

Grade 7 students will be getting parent letters tomorrow for autobiography work. They MUST be returned and signed by Friday.

Have a good and safe week everyone. Stay warm... and stay close to Jesus. He walks with us.

Seen His Star

2009-01-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Students, Families and Friends of OLL,
What a wonderful Christmas season this is as we continue celebration up through next Sunday. I was blessed with many good wishes and gifts from so many OLL supporters; thank you everyone. Also holiday time with my family was special and I hope this is true for you also. Now we have entered a new year. We have made some resolutions and we share many hopes and dreams. I hope that all students will have a safe and healthy 2009 and that we will all pitch in to share the joy and hard work of learning together.

Tuesday this week is the celebration of the Epiphany: the coming of the Magi. The Bethlehem star is also our story as we carry the Light of Jesus in our hearts. I hope that Christmas recharged your candle of faith and you like me, dream of doing great God-things in 2009. We have seen His star... and come together to worship Him.

The nitty gritty of the coming week is:

Vocabulary assignments will resume for Grades 6, 7 and 8. Geography studies will shift to Antarctica as we explore why this continent is a global laboratory to study planet issues.

We will start talking about writing autobiographies in Grade 7, and Grade 8 will start to consider research topics. Students also need to keep reading books "outside" of class.

Grade 6 will read a fairytale and consider what elements compose this genre of literature. This sets the course for each student to write his/her own fairytale.

I am ready to get back on the academic path... and I hope this is true for your student(s). We do not leave Christmas at Bethlehem, but God goes with us... to school, to our homes, and other places that we set up camp. We are part of His cast of "stars." May He empower you to shine brightly!

Happy New Year. With prayer and gratitude, Mrs. Alice Ellis

Rejoice

2008-12-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

Light the Advent pink candle, let hearts be ready, raise voices in joy... for the King will soon be here. Yes, the Bethlehem Christ will soon be born into a watchful world to once again invite us to KNOW Jesus and believe God is with us. Rejoice and again I say rejoice!

As we finish up this Friday, students continue to work hard to keep us with assignment expectations.

Grades 6, 7, and 8 need to complete FINAL essays for the "Hope and Trust in Life" Diocese assignment. Check over your student's rough draft for suggestions and corrections. I have been blessed by the reality that all of our junior high students regard life as precious. They also have a shared knowledge that life is fragile.

In Geography, we are learning about Australia. We first gained information on the location and now we are working on "areas" of this continent: Great Barrier Reef, Outback, and cities. Our study will finish up next week, so our time "down under" is limited.

Also next week students will be working on book marker book reports. Students are expected ALL year to be reading a book outside of class. Trust me, students who support learning with outside reading expand their vocabulary and become the strongest writers. I have seen this time and time again.

The forecast indicates a POSSIBLE snowstorm over the weekend. Check with local radio and TV stations for school closures, late starts, etc. We follow the policy of the Ashland School District.

Thanks again Mrs. Eaton for a Mexican sampler this week... and thanks Coach Bloss and Masterson for a memorable basketball season for our athletes. Also Father Frank has been teaching some Greek and Latin in our Wednesday School Masses. Ask your students about this lesson.

Next week is the Junior High Christmas program on Thursday and the 4th Wiseman program on Friday. Set aside time to worship... and remember the coming of Christ. We are invited to REJOICE!

Fiesta!

2008-12-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

To finish up our studies of Latin America, Mrs. Patty Eaton brought in Mexican food. We enjoyed the spice and flavors of enchiladas and tacos-in-a-bag. Mrs. Eaton also told us about her family experiences in Mexico. Thank you so much for helping us celebrate the good work done by students on the Amazon Rainforest, Latin America country postcards, and end of the unit test. Fiesta!

Grade 6, 7, and 8 are busy hammering out rough drafts and peer editing on the Diocese "Hope and Trust in Life" essays. This topic can go in many directions and students are exploring their thoughts and experiences about how precious life is. We intend to have these in the mail early next week to enter in the Diocese contest.

Vocabulary words have been given to Grades 6, 7, and 8. Don't forget Grades 7 and 8 that book reports will be done early next week on books read OUTSIDE of class. Keep reading. It is the vehicle to increased vocabulary and better writing.

Thursday Grade 8 will make a quick trip to the Chequamegon Animal Shelter to deliver some dog-bone Christmas cards. Also students have been making cards for recovering soldiers at the Walter Reed Hospital. We will mail them later this week.

Let us invite Advent to light our hearts with hope and anticipation for the arrival of Christ. Today we read the Gospel lesson of Jesus, the Shepherd, leaving the 99 sheep to seek the one that had strayed. We were reminded how important it is to support each other and how each person (sheep) is precious. Jesus is coming. Light the candles of peace, hope, joy and love.

The Business of God

2008-12-05T08:31:00.001-08:00

This is a busy time in the classroom as well as a busy time to prepare our hearts and home for the coming of Christ. We usually align busy with being extremely active. But "busy" can also mean being about the business of God- taking time to pray, time to read the Bible, time to help others, time to worship, time to reflect on the goodness of God. May your Advent season include busy God-time. The choir of angels is practicing. Take time to listen.

Grade 6 completed vocabulary and outlines for the "meaning of life" writing contest for the Diocese. They are now working on rough drafts; they are due on Monday (250 to 300 words). The outlines looked good.

Grade 7 completed vocabulary and outlines for the writing contest. Their rough drafts are also due on Monday. They still have some work to add depth to their writing.

Grade 8 turned in vocabulary and outlines today. Their rough drafts are due next Thursday.

Grades 7 and 8 are also making Christmas cards for recovering soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital and cards for the Chequamegon Animal Shelter. We hope to visit the shelter next Thursday.

Geography 7/8 students are presenting Latin America postcards today. Monday they have the end of the unit test and Tuesday is Mexican Fiesta day!

Yes, we are busy... but we also take time to pray, talk about God... and consider how Advent can be a meaningful season for our lives. May our busy days include busy time with God.

DON'T Forget. Winter Wonderland Bazaar tomorrow in the Our Lady of the Lake Social Hall. Cheer on the band at the Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon. Ms. Betzold and the students have been working hard.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

2008-12-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we started our Advent journey to Bethlehem. This special season offers an invitation to prepare our hearts and home for the coming of Christ. Along the way we will consider hope, love, peace and joy (fruits of the Spirit). Please join us on the road to the Bethlehem; this journey can make all the difference in the world.

Many of you know that I had two opportunities to visit India. Please join me in praying for Mumbai as this city recovers from the terrorist attack. It is difficult for me to describe the population density of that maximum city. I also frequented several of the sites where the attacks took place: bookstore at the Taj, shopping at the Oberoi, train station. Our shared humanity calls us to be armed with the weapons of God's peace: hope, love, and joy. Terrorism reminds us there are well-armed elements that work against the ways of God. Let a prayer of peace be a strong part of your Advent journey.

Grades 6, 7, and 8 received their vocabulary for this week. Tuesday we will begin the process of writing our rough drafts for the "meaing of life" Diocese essays. Grades 7 and 8 need to finish up OUTSIDE reading books; book reports next week.

In Geography, we will continue our study of the Amazon Rainforest. We intend to finish up early next week.

Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. Congratulations to all hunters who bagged their buck including Mrs. Marita. Ask her about the trophy buck!

We are All Gifted

2008-11-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

As a teacher, it is my philosophy that all students are gifted. We are partners in learning about our gifts and using them for good. Thanksgiving is an invitation to say thank you to each other and to God for ALL the gifts that comprise our lives. These talents can be experienced in small way like a simple thank-you or in big ways, like a group of volunteers fixing up our junior high building. Thank you OLL family for many ways that you bless me and others. I am thankful for all of you.

As we finish up this week, these assignments are due before the break:
Grade 6: spelling test, vocabulary sheet, and pre-write phrases and words for the Hope and Trust in Life essay.
Grade 7: spelling test, vocabulary sheet, pre-write phrases/words, and rainforest bug visual and report to be given on Friday for Geography.
Grade 8: spelling test. vocab. sheet, pre-write, and bug visuaul and report to be given on Friday.
If these assignments are completed, students will have NO homework from me over the Thanksgiving break other than read a library book.

Tomorrow: We have our combined school Thanksgiving dinner. This meal is always a celebration of great food and great fellowship.

Dear Students and families, may all of you enjoy a safe and blessed Thanksgiving week. Living a life of gratitude is a responsibility and privilege. Let us welcome opportunities to say "thank you" to each other and to God.

Our shared Partnership

2008-11-15T17:33:00.001-08:00

We had a good ending to this past busy week. I especially want to thank volunteer drivers and the Hagen family for hosting us on Wednesday for baking cookies and doing bazaar crafts. Every junior high student had a great day "at the farm." Also thank you Faye G., Chuckie N., and Donna C. for helping our 8th grade students make Christmas cards to sell at the bazaar. I hope many of you were able to attend the bazaar and start your Christmas shopping. There are some great bakery goods and gifts available on Sunday.

Please keep encouraging your junior high student to read a library book outside of school. Time and time again, I see that students who are readers have a deeper vocabulary and better writing skills. We continue to do weekly vocabulary with a spelling test on Thursday (grade 6) and Friday (Grades 7 and 8).

This coming Tuesday night is pack the gym for our basketball team. Please come and cheer on our OLL high energy team. We can be proud of our students and be thankful for their good coaches, Coach Bloss and Coach Masterson.

Congratulations to Mackenzie Klemek on her winning essay for the Chequamegon Humane Society. Her essay was published in the Wednesday Daily Press.

Thank you Rachel, Aaron, Jacob, Nick, Breanna, Josh, choir, band, Ms. Betzold, veterans and many others who made our OLL Veterans Day program a meaningful remembrance of those who have served our country.

Yes, daily we live a full schedule in junior high and we are grateful for many volunteers that partner with us in the journey of learning with our students. Thank you.

p.s. Apologies to Father Henry... he just turned a young 59 (not 60). I sure am glad we belong to a faith community that offers forgiveness. Thanks Father Henry.

Busy Can be Good

2008-11-10T11:55:00.001-08:00

Dear Students and Families,
We are moving into the busy time of our school year. Our thoughts are forming regarding the celebration of Thanksgiving and the soon-to-arrive Advent season. Along with the outer trappings of life, we are also called to groom our inner-selves. This can also call for a busy schedule of reflection, remembrance, and renewal. I would encourage all of us (and me) to be sure to take "inner" time. In Christ, our inner and outer selves are welded to Him and the busy things of our days can be used for His good. Busy can be God-Good!

Grades 6, 7, and 8 were given new vocabulary lists today. These are due: Grade 6 Thursday and Grades 7 and 8 on Friday. Please aim for quality work that includes accuracy and thoughtfulness.

Grades 7 and 8 should be reading a book outside of class too. We will be doing another book report in about 3 weeks.

In Geography, we are back to the study of the rainforest. We finished the Planet Earth DVD on the rainforest today and students made "poacher" wanted posters to help us remember that humans often have no regard for this fragile ecosystem. It is our responsibility to be good stewards of the earth.

Thank you parents for your report card conference time with me. I am happy to announce that all 8th graders made the honor roll. I am proud of their good work and good manners this school year.

On the schedule:
Mrs. Faye Grittner is coming to make bazaar cards with us in the morning. Later tomorrow, we are having our Veterans Day tribute. 6 junior high students will be reading their essays at the program.
Wednesday after Mass the junior high will go to the Hagen/Hicks residence for working on crafts for the bazaar. Please ask your student what he/she can bring. Also we need permission slips for all students that are going.
Thursday the AHS band will perform from 9:30 to 10 a.m. in the gym.
This weekend is the holiday bazaar. We are willing to accept supplies for crafts and cookie dough for baking on Wednesday. Please support our school and efforts to serve the community.

Lots to do... and lots to be thankful for. Enjoy the goodness of each day.

Thanks, Mrs. Ellis

Students of Faith

2008-11-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

This has been a full week of instruction. In religion class, we had the benefit and blessing of a class taught by Father Henry on the symbolism of numbers in the Bible. We have also been viewing the video tapes received from the Drug and Alcohol Center in Ashland to discuss the danger of drugs during Red Ribbon Week. Students have been busy educating others about the danger of drugs through signs and artwork on grocery bags. Today at Mass, Father Henry taught us about St. Paul and his ministry. Franciscans have set aside this year for the celebration of St. Paul- 2000 years after his birth.

We have been busy with our regular academic activities.
Grades 6 and 7 will do spelling test on Thursday; also vocabulary sheets are due. Grade 8 will finish up vocabulary Friday morning. We continue to read our in-class novels: Walk Two Moons in Grade 7 and The Giver in Grade 8.

Grade 6 completed Veteran's Day tributes. Grades 7 and 8 rough drafts are due tomorrow Thursday.

Yesterday we did an all-school presidential election and a junior high only one. Barack Obama won the all-school, and John McCain won the junior high. Our students had a first-hand experience of a vote is our voice. I believe students understood better the electoral college process after our studies of this system. Let us remember to pray for our leaders-elect. We are placed in this important of history for a purpose.

Looking ahead:
Grandma Faye will come in next Tuesday to do bazaar card-making with 8th graders. Next Wednesday, the junior high will travel to the Hagen farm to do crafts for the bazaar. Be watching for permission slips later this week.

I will be meeting with 8th grade parents Thurs. afternoon and Friday early afternoon. Other teacher conferences are set up for Monday night. Report cards will be given out at those times. Be sure to find out your "assigned" time.

Thank you parents for all your help this busy school year. We are moving at a steady academic pace. Our basketball team is up and running and once again they are thriving under two great coaches- Coach Bloss and Coach Mike. Please support these hard-working teams. Also thank you to Mrs. Marita and junior high students for leading our Mass today. A bonus to our worship experience was Mr. Bell's piano prelude and Ms. Betzold's clarinet playing. Thank you so much.

Don't forget students are done at noon this Friday. Teachers will be finishing up report cards and meeting together. Blessings

Roots of Our Faith

2008-10-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to everyone... the eve of All Saint's Day. What a busy week this has been and I would like to mention a couple of highlights. Father Henry provided instruction in religion regarding our Judeo-Christian roots of faith. We were all challenged and blessed to realize that way back in the Old Testament, God was already laying the groundwork of our faith. We took a good look at the Passover and the fulfillment of this event in the modern day expression of our faith. Thank you Father Henry.

Also under Mrs. Marita's inspiration and good work by our students, our trick-or-treat for the Heifer project went over $380 today. This includes a very generous matching gift by the Knights of Columbus of $150. I am truly excited to think about what this money means for a Third World family in poverty. Thank you everyone.

Kudos to Ms. Worrall for the great FYI junior high newspaper student reporters put together with her help. Hope you get to read this newsy publication.

We had our honor Halloween party today in the gym. Thank you volunteers for your help and many good prizes. It was fun to see all grades playing games together and enjoying the creativity of their costumes.

We are also busy with academics. Grade 6 students finished their safety contest posters... and are working on Veteran's Day tributes. Grades 7 and 8 will be working on these tributes next week. Their final book reports (invitations) for this quarter are due on Monday. Also we will do a "red ribbon" awareness week in our school starting Monday. Ask your student about this.

Parents: be sure to check with your student regarding teacher conference time on Nov. 10th. I just realized tonight that this afternoon MAY be a conflict for me. IF it is, I will call 8th grade parents and rework the time if possible.

So OLL parents and supporters, these are busy days in our school. We continue to appreciate the good leadership and support of Mr. Bell. Ms. Sara in the office is a behind the scenes coordinator for many things. Thank you Sara. I am also proud of the spirit of service that our students display... especially 8th graders help for the Halloween party. Great work... including Nick's commitment to sweeping the gym after the party, Mary's help with the bowling game, and Vince and Thomas on the fish pond. We are proud of our 8th graders!

Looking ahead:
Nov. 3 Monday is the end of the first quarter.
Next Friday students are done at noon to give teachers time to grade.
November 11 is a Veteran's Day program in the afternoon.
November 12 junior high will be off campus (after Mass) for making crafts for the bazaar.
November 13 means that we still have time to stuff the truck. Please send non-perishable food items.
November 15 and 16 is the bazaar.

Blessings to all who read this as we set our clocks back and set our resolve forward to walk and talk the language of faith. In ancient times, God set the map of faith and even today He empowers us proclaim this Good News to others. By faith, we are plugged into something bigger than us and the things of this world.... thanks be to God.

Community of Learners

2008-10-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks we have had the great privilege to learn from many adult mentors in our community. First Mr. Mike Masterson gave the students a banker's view on economics. Second we joined Jeremy Ellis at the Black Cat and learned about the profession of computer programming. Then we met with Mr. Gary LaPean at the Evergreen Shopper. He gave us a tour of his operation and reminded students about the importance of education. Yesterday we met with Mayor Monroe and heard about the highway project and other changes in our city. The Mayor was eager to answer student' questions. He reminded students about the importance of learning other languages. Today we traveled to the Bad River Reservation and Mr. Jim Mayotte gave us a tour of the Chief Blackbird Center. We were given information on many environmental concerns. Our 8th grade students heard many new words, saw new technology, and were presented with new challenges, and exciting opportunities for their future. Every mentor stressed education as a major key to unlocking new opportunities. Thank you members of our Ashland community for your honest answers to our students' concerns and your support for their learning.

Next week, most students will have completed the ITBS testing. We will return to the routine of assignments: weekly spelling, book reports, and geography.

Thank your Mrs. Marita and Mrs. Shields for all your hard work to guide students through the journey of testing. I feel so fortunate to work with such dedicated co-workers and members of the community who share a partnership with our students.

Be Prepared

2008-10-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today in our class we looked at the Gospel lesson about the Second Coming of Christ. We talked about how our day MIGHT be different if Jesus was coming today... and we knew it. We realized that it is a gift to NOT know. This means that we can enjoy life to the fullest good, and trust that God always has our good in mind. Be prepared... for Jesus is coming again!

Yesterday Grade 8 was given a tour of the Evergreen Shopper by owner Gary LaPean. It was an excellent field trip that showcases how a business expands based on profits and the needs of the market. Mr. LaPean walked the students through the making of the weekly paper from the beginning to the delivery people. He also showed us the Printing Plus department and Screenline. This company is an example of entrepreneurship realized by hard work and the advancement of technology. Students are writing thank you notes and including their thanks for the desk calendars and notepads.

Tomorrow 8th grade students will be meeting with Mayor Monroe at the City Hall. We are using this week to get out into the community as other grades are busy with the ITBS testing.

Don't forget, science presentations (virus info) are due tomorrow.

Grade 6 and 7: No spelling/vocab. this week. Grade 8, spelling is due Friday.

Also, be sure to save change for the Heifer Project. The Knights of Columbus will match up to $150. This is awesome.

Thank you Mr. Bell and other colleagues for leading us in a special prayer service today. Blessings.

Season of Eternity

2008-10-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Already the colors of autumn are fading as leaves let go of trees to bed down for the winter. We are so fortunate in northern Wisconsin to understand a four-season life. With God, we have the advantage of even ONE MORE season.... and this season is eternity. As we move forward on the earthly calendar, we also operate on an eternal timetable. Enjoy the never fading seasonal beauty of God's landscape.

With Iowa Tests of Basic Skills starting tomorrow, the schedule for 8th graders will be different; 8th graders are not tested. We are hoping to use some of this "new" time to do some around the town field trips. Right now it is scheduled that we will walk to the Vaughn Library tomorrow to check out reading book; along the way, we will swing by the Bretting Center to see if there is a kitchen for future use. Tuesday we will go to the Evergreen Shopper for an on-site tour of the operations. We also hope to use some of our time to explore painting rocks for the School Bazaar.

8th graders will have vocabulary and spelling this week. Grades 6 and 7 will not. Also Geography classes mostly likely will not meet. But all grades should continue reading an outside library book. A quiet time for reading each night is good for the mind and academic growth.

Thanks students and parents for your understanding as we keep a new schedule for this week of testing.

Don't forget: Save loose change for the Heifer Project... and bring food items for Stuff the Truck. In these struggling economic times, it is even more urgent that we share with those who have less. God's math will multiply your generosity many times over.

Also an Honor's Level Halloween party will be October 31st. Encourage your son/daughter to not lose points. A flyer should be going out later this week with listed parent volunteers needed. Thanks for all you do to make OLL a success.

We are eager to welcome back Mr. Bell tomorrow. May God continue to bless and keep the Bell family.

Out of the Water

2008-10-14T06:46:00.001-07:00

The story of Moses is nothing less than amazing. How God protected "his servant" for a greater purpose. Even his name tells the story. She named him Moses, for she said, "Because I drew him out of the water." Exodus 2:10. This is our story too, for in baptism we were washed and drawn out of the water. Today we remembered our baptism in our morning prayers.

In the mail: Grade 6, 7, and 8 animal shelter contest essays are in the mail. Be proud of many good essays written by our students on the topic: Why we need an animal shelter?

Grade 6 and 7 English today: Students will begin planning a fire safety poster. Drawing is another way to communicate a message. We will talk about what MIGHT be in this poster and the criteria for this poster contest. Don't forget vocabulary and spelling is due Thursday for Grade 6 and Friday for Grade 7 and 8.

Grade 8 English: We will read a short Halloween story and talk about the ending that students will write... or draw. Good writing needs to plant images in the mind of the reader.

Geography 7/8: Today Mr. Mike Masterson will be talking to students about economics and the impact of recent events on our country, world and the political scene. We are doing a presidential candidate study this week. I am encouraging students to approach this information with an open and objective mind. Yesterday we talked about the electoral college process and how it is possible to win the popular vote and still lose the election.

Coming up:
Basketball starts tonight. This program is top of the line at our school with lots of great coaching and play time. Along with the physical development, basketball teaches the power of strategies and teamwork.

Tomorrow: Grade 8 will go to the Black Cat at 2 p.m. and return to school by 2:55 p.m. Students need to turn in permission slips to go and money for a beverage. My son Jeremy will meet us there and give a presentation to students about what a computer programmer does. Jeremy is a programmer for a medical team in the Twin Cities.

Please remember Mr. Bell and his family in your prayers. Mr. Bell's beloved grandmother passed early Sunday morning. I can tell from what Mr. Bell has said that Grandma Bell was a special woman of deep faith.

Heifer Project: Junior High students are collecting loose change for the Heifer project. This money will be received on October 31st. We have a chance to bless a family with the gift of an animal that can change their lives. Please be generous and encourage your student to trick-or-treat for the Heifer Project.

Have a great week! The beauty of God's creative energy is spectacular this autumn.

Experience God

2008-10-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we enjoyed a wonderful trip and Catholic Schools workshop in Rice Lake. The full church Mass was a moving worship experience and the keynote speaker was top of the line. Using research, he talked about "hunger for holiness." People are eager to experience God. We were challenged to consider what this looks like and how can we draw people into a community of faith. Students will write a journal response today about how they "experience" God.

Rough drafts for the humane society essay contest have been read aloud by their peers and corrections have been suggested by students and by me. Students NOW need to write their final (ink or typed). Each essay needs to include the full name of the student, grade level, school, and number of words. These are DUE on Monday. I did not give a lot of class time as most students do their best writing in a "quiet" place that invites them to think. GOOD writing is hard work!

Grade 6: Spelling test and vocab. due today.

Grades 7 and 8: We will read in our class novels today and spelling and vocab. is due tomorrow.

Geography: We are finishing up state brochure presentations today. Also I will go over the test that students did on Monday. Most students need PRACTICE on test taking- the importance of reading instructions and how to use the time wisely.

I am grateful for students' patience with my hearing problem. I had my ear checked out yesterday and finally am on the mend. What a gift it is to have full hearing again.

Thank you... thank you... Home and School for your generosity and ongoing support.

Have a good rest of the week as we pay attention to the presence of God in our lives. Even when we don't EXPERIENCE him, His promise to be with us always is for real.

St. Francis: a model for us

2008-10-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

How timely that jr. high students are writing a responsive essay to: Why we need an animal shelter? St. Francis reminds us that God has created animals to teach responsibility and to bless us. Please be responsible stewards of His creation.

Quick update:
Grades 7 and 8: Vocabulary, spelling test and state brochure presentations today.

Monday: Grade 6, 7, and 8 rough draft for the Chequamegon Humane Society contest essay is due.

Also students should continue to be reading books "outside" of class. They will be doing ONE MORE book report before the end of this quarter.

Thank you again for helping your students to be successful and know the joy of good work in the classroom.

Be Blessed... and bless others including the birds of the air and the small squirrels scurrying along the ground.

Seasonal Shift

2008-09-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

We are feeling the seasonal shift as temperatures become cooler, daylight decreases, leaves are turning, and the momentum for the Apple Festival is building. Even the highway workers are going full steam to open two lanes (one each way) for the volume of traffic expected up this way over the weekend. We are also on the fast-track now to the election in November as conscientious voters strive to be open to the candidates and their commitment to the American people. There is also a shift in the Muslim world. The season of fasting (Ramadan) closes this week as the first sightings of the new moon are observed. How wonderful that we belong to the global-God of all seasons. Who does not withhold his grace, but rather heaps on great goodness and uncondictional love in all seasons to those who seek His Son Jesus. We are called, we are equipped, and we are on the journey of faith. Let us bear this good news to those around on the fast-track, to those around us trying to win favor with God, to those desiring an open heart. Enjoy the beauty of autumn in northern Wisconsin. Even nature proclaims His goodness.

Spelling lists will be given to Grades 6/7 and 8 today. Grade 6 work is due on Thursday. Grade 7 and 8 on Friday.
Grades 7 and 8 will give book talks or hand in a written book report on Wednesday. This is a response to the book they have read "outside" of class.
Geography 7/8 students will present state brochures on Friday. Also this week in class we will be doing a USA map activity, an overview of Canada, and work towards a unit study of the USA election process.

Other info: Prewrite essay drawing is due TODAY. Magazine sales are due tomorrow. Thursday is picture day. Open gym on Wednesday. And please daily check student assignment books. Thank you to those who have made this check-in part of the family routine. The academic rhythm is set for a steady pace that requires a daily commitment by students. Thank you for all your support.

Be Not Afraid

2008-09-26T06:41:00.001-07:00

Can't help but think of the story of Jesus in the boat when the storm was raging and he was fast asleep. The disciples were alarmed and called out for help. Jesus awoke and rebuked the wind and said, "Peace! Be still! " He questioned his disciples about their faith.

Is this us today? As a financial storm whirls around us, news of terrorists... and so much more, let us ride this boat of faith and believe that Jesus is in charge. Storms can be faith-growth opportunities. Let us hang close to the Master of the winds and rains.

As a junior high teacher, I must add that junior high students are packages of hope. They thrive with opportunities and challenges. Most days we even like the challenge of "how to cross the highway." What a great bunch of God's people to be working with each day. Thank you God.

Today is Friday. Yesterday Grade 6 turned in vocab. and did their spelling test. Grades 7 and 8 will do likewise today. Also on Monday all three grades will turn in their prewrite drawings. Next Wednesday Grades 7 and 8 will turn in book reports (written) or give a book talk in class. Friday October 3rd, students will present geography brochures. So the pace is not overwhelming, but steady. Help your student to do his/her best work and earn the joy of good work.

We are not afraid... for underneath all the challenges of the earth, is the steady hand of a loving God. May we seek shelter in Him.

Shelter

2008-09-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Quick update:
Students Grades 6, 7, and 8 were given instruction today regarding their contest essays for the Chequamegon Humane Association to answer the question: Why we need an animal shelter?
I walked students through the purpose, audience, voice, emphasis, support and organization of this essay and then drew two examples on the boards of how to "draw" their ideas for this essay. A drawing could be a bubble web with details about what they want to talk about. A drawing could be three (or more) boxes with opening paragraph (characters), middle paragraph (problem), and final (resolution... in this case the animal shelter is the solution). This step in the writing process is called prewriting. The purpose of prewriting is for students to explore their own ideas and put together a "plan ." I believe that students need time and space to write well and this stage is an invitation to start listening and paying attention to their own thoughts about this topic. Please talk to your students about the purpose of an animal shelter and why we need this facility to care for animals. Conversations helps to stimulate ideas and provide vocabulary words. The prewriting drawing is due on Monday, September 29th. Ask to see the instruction sheet that we did together in class; this will serve as a support to meaningful conversation. Thank you, Mrs. Ellis

p.s. Also students in Grades 7 and 8 will present oral or written reports on their outside reading book next Wednesday, October 1st. Yes, the pace is picking up... but with focus and good time management most work can be completed at school.

Justice?

2008-09-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Justice is a slippery word. We believe in it, but then we see many cases of injustice. The nice person gets sick and die, the good driver is in a car accident, the best athlete is not picked for the team. In Matthew 20 Jesus talks about the workers in the vineyard and how the ones who worked all day got the same pay as the ones who were hired the "eleventh hour." The punchline is the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Yes, God's grace surpasses our understanding of justice. His generosity rises above the human net that holds us down and puts labels on us. Let us live in that generosity and grace each day. As a teacher at OLL. I hope that I can remember to offer generosity and great grace each day to our students.

Spelling words for Grades 6, 7 and 8 will be given out today. Be sure to ask to see the list so all week you can be discussing this assignment and using these words. I find it is in the use of a word where students experience learning that sticks.

Geography students are now working on their state brochures. Research is designed around the 5 themes of geography and the brochure should reflect this work as well as invite people to visit their state. Color, good facts and good presentation help to make this happen.

Students also this week will be doing some prewriting to explore thoughts and ideas about the Chequamegon Humane Assoc. essay contest. The key question is: Why do we NEED an animal shelter? Also I will be handing out book report expectations for outside reading.

Yes, the pace is picking up as we are back on the highway of learning. Like the road construction on Highway 2, we hit roadblocks, bumpy stretches, etc., but the construction process opens a corridor for new learning. Thanks for holding the signposts of direction and encouragement for your student.

p.s. Too bad about the Packer loss last night, but my heart was warmed when we heard that Aaron Rogers' favorite poet is Robert Frost. Uhmm.... helps me believe that poetry is good for everyone. You can bet Aaron is on the hunt for a fresh poem to heal the loss from last night. Go Packers and poetry!

Rocks

2008-09-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

There are many Biblical references to rocks: Upon this rock, I will build my church. Jesus is our cornerstone. Even the rocks would cry out....

Tomorrow Junior High students are going to Little Girl's Point to collect rocks for painting. Be sure your student has completed and signed permission slip. Check too with Mrs. Marita and/or Ms. Shields to see if my drivers are needed. Each student needs to bring a lunch. And we should have a great day enjoying the beauty of this place on the shores of Lake Superior and the company of each other. We leave OLL at 9:45 am and plan to be back by 2:45 p.m.

Let us learn more about our beautiful world and our creative God as we consider the beauty and possibility of rocks.

P.S. Refer to blogs from earlier this week regarding assignments due on Friday. Thanks.

God of Sunshine

2008-09-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful fall day with sunshine and fresh clear skies. The highway construction continues at full speed and I am proud of our junior high students' positive attitude about the many different routes we take to cross the highway. We are amazed to see the many steps it takes to build a new highway.

Welcome back Mary. She was gone to the state fair to show her horse; congratulations.
In English 8, students did a journal write and then we read The Giver. We are already starting to see the problems in this fictional culture where everyone is defined by his/her number... and age. There is no room for individual creativity. Students should continue to read outside of class. First book report is scheduled for Oct. 1.

English 7 students did a journal write and then we read Walk Two Moons. The main character Salamanca has laid the groundwork for the story she will tell while she travels with her grandparents to Idaho. Students should continue to read outside of class. First book report is scheduled for Oct. 1.

Geography students will complete layers of the earth and continent posters.

English 6 students will write in journals and look do a read-draw-write response to a short story.

Looking ahead: Tim Mika will talk to students tomorrow about the NET retreat coming up. Thursday we hope to go to Little Girls' Point to get rocks; we are waiting to hear that the road is open for sure.

Please support our magazine sales fundraiser. The prices are a bargain and the rewards are many for our school. Also there are some great prizes for student salesmanship.

Thank you parents and students for coming to open house last evening. We are grateful for your student and your support for our school. Please know that we are here for your child... and available to meet with you when you have concerns. Thank you again for showing up last night.

Serving Others

2008-09-15T06:37:00.001-07:00

Jesus left us a model of serving others. Even on the cross in a time of distress, he reached out to others. He offered John to his mother as a new son. He forgave those who killed him. The theme of this school year is to celebrate service. We will be considering what this means and what this looks like throughout the year. Jesus walked and talked the path of service. Let us become His hands and feet to others.

Regarding Grade 6, 7, and 8 spelling: It is somewhat difficult for me to post 3 spelling lists each week, but I will try to do it these first weeks. Part of junior high is that students need to learn how to be organized and responsible. Each student is given a spelling list on Monday and is expected to complete work on time. For some students they need to take this work home. Parents, ask about this work, but don't feel that you need to "find" the words for them. We are preparing students for high school and beyond. Step-by-step opportunities to take on responsibility are part of the growth process to adulthood. In times of illness, allowances are made and work may be sent home upon request. Thanks for your encouragement and support in this process.

Grade 6 words: critical, camouflage, stricken, ancikent, manacle, mandate, principle, principal, lawyer, chief, conspire, context, accurate, exaggerate, expression, clarity. Students have a list of these words with instructions.

Grade 7 words: brochure, demographics, population, describe, occupation, import, export, crops, industry, recreation, market, tourism, gender, wisdom, cadaver, allergies, distress, diabolic, ordinary, enormous. Students have a list of these words with instructions.

Grade 8 words: brochure, deographics, population, describe, occupation, import, export, crops, indsutry, recreation, market, tourism, gender, wisdom, value, vision, strict, individual, ceremony, ordinary. Students have a list of these words with instructions.

Vocabulary words are selected weekly based on what students will be doing in class and what words they will hear and use.

Jr. High OPEN HOUSE tonight! Please join us to celebrate the wonderful building improvements... and hear about curriculum and instruction. Treats will be served.

Thursday: Junior High students are traveling to Little Girl's Point to get rocks to paint for the winter bazaar. Students need to bring a sack lunch... and any medicines, etc. We will leave OLL at 9:45 a.m. and return by 2:45 p.m. It should be a great day on the beach. Please offer to drive and join us.

9/11: Seven Years Later

2008-09-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Today is 9/11. A date that will stick in our minds for our entire lives. We were there, we felt the pain of attack on our country, we watched with horror as huge earthly structures fell and many were killed. For most students in our junior high, this event has mostly been learned through second hand knowledge. They were 4 and 5 years old and have few memories for they were sheltered from this tragedy. We need to tell others this story for this is much to remember and much to learn and relearn. We remember the families of all those killed. Families who sent off their loved ones to work or travel with no sense this was a final good-bye. We need to learn and relearn the value of life and how precious it is. How to seize the time we have and make it useful to care for others and show love. We need to learn and relearn that God is not a good-time God only, but He is present in fear, chaos and death. Jesus on the cross felt abandonment and Jesus knew the pain of death. He saw the fear in the eyes of those standing by with him... and He saw the hate of those who killed him. He pronounced forgiveness and His death became the resurrected vessel of hope. May 9/11 also helps us learn forgiveness and the importance of hope. It has only been 7 years since this great tragedy... and about 2000 since the death of Christ. These stories happened and we are called to tell others that we may learn and relearn together.

Assignments due today:
Grade 6: Spelling test and vocabulary. Also students are working on "sensory" essays.

Assignments due on Friday:

Grade 8: spelling test, vocabulary, bring a library book, and start on I Am... poems.
Grade 7: spelling test, vocabulary, bring a library book, and show rough draft of I Am... poems.

Geography students (grades 7/8) are constructing a model of the layers of the earth: crust, mantle, outer and inner core. Also a flat map that shows location of continents. We will work on this tomorrow too.

Parents/students and others: Monday night is open house in the junior high to see the building improvements and learn about academic and behavior expectations for this school year. Please come: 6:30 to 7: 30 p.m.

Exciting Stuff

2008-09-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today Father Henry came and talked to students about the 150th Franciscan jubilee celebration of the Sacred Heart Province. Included in Father's Henry presentation was the history of Franciscans work that began in Germany and flowed to many parts of the world. In fact today many Franciscan missionaries continue to bring the gospel to many places. Please join Father Henry and other Franciscans in prayer for this celebration and thanks to God for the work that has been accomplished by His servants. This is exciting holy stuff.

Grade 8 today began to read The Giver. How poignant the first chapter is with our first-hand experience with 9/11. We will honor and remember this day on Thursday.

Grade 7 began reading Walk Two Moons today. We looked at the epigraph and read together the first chapter. I pointed our similes to students as on Friday students will share similes.

Assignments due: Spelling test and vocabulary due on Friday. Thank you letters to MMC due on Thursday...also for Grade 6 students.

In Geography today we will learn the 5 themes of geography and then try them out using examples from our textbook.

Grade 6 students will begin looking at "sensory" writing. They will be brainstorming words to construct a sensory essay.

LOOKING AHEAD: Monday Sept. 15th is a junior high open house night for parents and students from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to celebrate our new look and provide information about academic and behavior expectations for this school year. Please come!

Mary said "yes" to God

2008-09-08T07:43:00.001-07:00

Today we talked about Mary's response to God's offer to be the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine the shame.... the fear.... the questions? Her response did not show these obvious reactions, but rather she said "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38). Let us be instructed and blessed by Mary's example.

Grades 6,7, and 8 English students will get vocabulary words for this week. Refer to your student's sheet to see what words students need to spell and complete by Friday (Thursday for Grade 6).

World Geography students will focus on the 5 themes of geography and locate examples in their textbook. Soon they will be working on a state brochure focused on the 5 themes.

Students are also finishing up thank you letter to MMC for their financial gift that made it possible for us to attend Big Top last week. Thank you again generous donors.

Other events:
Open gym on Wednesday: students will have a permission slip tomorrow.
Book Order due to me or Ms. Shields by Sept. 24th.
September 15: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Open House in Junior High.
Father Henry will speak to students tomorrow ( at 8:30 a.m.) about the Year of the Jubilee.
Grades 7 and 8 need to show them their silent reading books on Friday.

Let us say "yes" to God-opportunities this week. Blessings will follow.

YoHo Buffalo

2008-09-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday many of our OLL students and parents were able to attend the YoHo Buffalo Big Top show. What a great program... and what a great day. The program included many facts about buffalo and other creatures. Our learning was supported with great slides and fabulous songs. This opportunity was funded by Memorial Medical Center. Thank you so much. After the show, we went to Thompson Park in Washburn for sack lunches and play. We left the park with a feeling of great gratitude for the events of this school day. Jr. High students are writing thank-you letters to MMC in English class.

As our first week back comes to a close, I realize that we have a solid start in junior high. The students are upbeat, our building face-lift is amazing, and our new Principal is our good (cheer) leader and helpmate. Thank you parents, students, colleagues and Mr. Bell for everything you have all done to launch us into this new school year.

Parents: please be checking assignment planners daily. We are eager to better communicate and create conversation about what students are doing in class. We need your support.

Next week:
Grade 8 needs to show me on Monday a 3-ring binder and dictionary.
Grade 7 needs to show me on Monday a 3-ring binder, a dictionary and a journal.
Both of these grades need to have an outside reading book that they will show me next Friday.
Grade 6 will show me on Tuesday a 3-ring binder, dictionary, and journal.

We will begin spelling on a weekly basis on Monday. Grade 7 and Grade 8 will begin in-class novels and write "I Am...." poems. Grade 6 will be working on "sensory" short essays.

For World Geography (grades 7 and 8), students will today share A-Z geography words. Next week, we begin the 5-themes of Geography and then start working on state brochures.

Along with our academic studies, we continue to tune our hearts to the presence of God in our classrooms and in our lives. He transforms ordinary daily events into extraordinary eternal opportunities. We EXPECT this school year to be extraordinary. Thank you everyone for your support to our school and students.

p.s. Junior High is working on a date for an open-house... stay tuned!

All Are Welcome

2008-09-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Today we began our first school year with All are Welcome. Beautiful words to remind us the invitation to worship is for everyone: All are Welcome. Father Henry pointed out that verse three talks about... "Let us build a house where love is found...." Please join our school on Wednesdays for Mass... everyone is welcome.

I thought it was rather poignant that as we were talking about building a house of love, we could hear the gravel trucks, the cement mixer, the bulldozer, etc. as busybee workers construct Highway 2. We are grateful for their consideration of our junior high students as we cross to and fro several times each day.

Don't forget, we are off to Big Top tomorrow. Every student needs to turn in a completed parental permission slip and bring a sack lunch. Dress appropriately for comfort and perhaps cool temps.

Assignment expectations: Be sure to check your student's assignment books and sign them daily. Geography 7/8 are expected to turn in A-Z taxonomies on Friday. Monday I will check for journals, 3-ring binders, and dictionaries in English classes. Also Grades 7 and 8 should be reading a book outside class to complete the two books for each quarter expectations. Spelling begins next Monday.

Thanks Mr. Bell for your good leadership and support as we set our course for a school year of success and growth. What a privilege and blessing to be part of a school where we can claim and proclaim the presence of Jesus in our classrooms and in our lives. All are welcome to know Him.

Stewards of the Earth

2008-09-02T14:42:00.001-07:00

Today was day one for this school year. Fortunately we had rain in the afternoon to start a predicted cool-down as it sure did not feel like summer was over today.

Mr. Bell came around today and introduced himself and the new honor system. Students have an opportunity to earn special privileges by not losing points. The system is transparent in that students understand the new expectations and sign when a point a lost.

Welcome back Ms. Shields into the junior high. She even added the bonus of bringing her daughter Brittany to help us out. I believe that the Ms. Shields, Mrs. Marita and I are a good team to create well-rounded scholars.

Our class lists are set and we have a nice group of junior high students. Along with regular core classes, some students will have health, Spanish, art... and PE with Ms. Shields. Yes, we miss Brother Tom, but we are grateful for new staff to fill in these gaps.

Today we went over assignment books. Students will record the expectations for each class and teachers will review and sign books at 2:45 p.m. Students are to bring them back in the morning with a parent's signature. This is all part of a plan to keep a strong communication line between home and school.

Also junior high students were given permission slips for Big Top on Thursday. We will leave the school about 9 a.m. and each student needs to bring a sack lunch from HOME. We will stop at Thompson Park (in Washburn) on the way back after the show.

Students in my class filled out address cards, did a survey, and made "hands and feet" of Jesus posters. We want this year to have a strong focus on community service to teach citizenship and our responsibility as people of faith. In Geography we referred to the Garden of Eden story where God commissioned Adam and Eve to care for the earth. We cannot separate our learning from our call to be good stewards of the earth and all creatures great and small.

Thank you parents for helping your students show up today with cheerful faces and a willingness to take on the challenges of learning this new school year. Please check your student's assignment log, and keep checking our blogs for information and updates. Be sure it is clear each morning on HOW your student will get home each day. We are not free to "change plans" unless students carry a signed note from you. Don't forget, School Mass tomorrow morning. May God bless and keep our school, staff and students.

A New Season of Opportunity

2008-08-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents and Students,

We eagerly await our new season of learning together as the beginning of our school year draws near. We have been busy getting our classrooms ready and also meeting to discuss school year plans. Mr. Bell is settled in and we are thankful for his capable leadership. You will enjoy working with him.

Don't forget to purchase your supplies. 8th graders, you will need assignment notebooks. I can help you with that on the first day if this is not clear. Also on Thursday, September 4th, we are traveling to Big Top Chatauqua so be prepared for our first field trip already the first week.
For English 6, 7, and 8, I am recommending that you bring a 3-ring binder with paper to class each day. I have found the spiral notebooks to not work efficiently, so will use 3-ring binders this year. This will afford you an opportunity to save returned work as a reference tool.

Also, each junior high grade student will be asked to read two library books (outside reading) each quarter. Start thinking about a book that you WANT to read. We have a good library at OLL and also the Vaughn Library has a great selection... so consider what you may want to read for your first book. We also have some good books in the junior high on our shelves.

Final thought: You will love the new look to the junior high. It is colorful and functional for learning. I feel so blessed to be part of a faith community where so many donate their time to assure our success. God bless and keep you all... and we will gather together on September 2nd for a great year of learning together and growing in our faith. Bring it on.
Blessings, Mrs. Ellis

With Joy and Thanks

2008-08-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Dear OLL Family,
I am in Seattle and packing my suitcase to return to Ashland. Our new granddaughter arrived on August 1 and she is a beautiful gift from God. Amelia Joan Ellis weighed in at 9 pounds 1 oz. with a full head of hair and a hearty appetite. Herb and I had the pleasure of caring for Sophie (age 3) while her parents were at the hospital. Amelia came home 24 hours later.
So as we board the plane tomorrow, we carry a smile of joy and thanks to God for this new gift of life.
May you continue to enjoy a good and safe rest of the summer for the calendar indicates a new school year will soon be here. May God bless our new principal Dan Bell. And may He also bless our plans for a new year of learning and growing in faith together.
Proud to be a grandmother again... and grateful for the opportunity to share another school year with you and your precious students.
See you soon. Blessings, Mrs. Alice J. Ellis

Great Cloud of Witnesses

2008-06-05T06:48:00.000-07:00

In Hebrews 12, we are reminded that we belong to a large cloud of witnesses... cheering for us as we run the race of life keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Last night, we had a visual evidence of this cloud of witnesses as family, friends, teachers, and clergy gathered to celebrate our graduating 8th graders. Thank you Father Henry and Father Frank for the Mass to ground us that this event is first and foremost about our walk of faith. Thank you Mrs. Marita and teachers for arranging the Mass celebration, servers, etc.

Then we we went down to the Social Hall for a great meal and fellowship... followed by a program. There are so many people to thank for this recognition dinner and program. We were proud of our graduates and so many family members who joined us. Thank you food servers, cooks and my faithful jr. high partner, Mrs. Marita. Thank you Mr. Masterson for reminding us what "counts"... and thank you Kourtney and Marco for your speeches. Thank you also Nikki and Niccolo for the PowerPoint and thank you Brother Tom for making it happen; this was no easy feat.

Also Brother Thinh, we wish you Godspeed as you continue to respond to God's call on your life.

Yes, the goal line for this school year is in sight. Please join us tomorrow for Mass at 9 a.m. and a reception for Mr. Eaton and Brother Tom after Mass. Students may leave early with parents; otherwise lunch is at 11:30 a.m. and dismissal is at noon. Wow... the hours are short... and God is with us through it all.

Thank you for your support to me and my students. Please pray for Mr. Eaton and his family during this time of transition... and also pray for Mr. Dan Bell as he sets his course to join us in July. May all of us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Next time that I check in I will be on summer break. Stay safe... and happy.

Wins and Losses

2008-06-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

In these last days of this school year, we are participating in the win-loss game. We had many winning memories to celebrate with our 8th graders as they "officially" had their last day on Friday. On the other hand, there is a great sense of loss as we send them on to high school. We will hear their voices echo in our minds for weeks to come, and we will recall their contributions to their lives. Thank you 8th graders for sharing this year with me, Mrs. Marita and all others at OLL. We have faced challenges and we have faced set-backs. We also have known progress and success and been drawn closer to the God of prayer in our shared journey of faith. We have learned from each other and more about God. In the end, we can say that we belonged to the win-win family of faith. Blessings as you take on new academic and faith adventures.

This last week will include the logistics of putting away books, taking down bulletin boards, doing grades, etc. Students will be asked to help out with these tasks. Also there will be times of fun. Monday Grade 7 (8th graders are also welcome) will tour the Buvala farm, Sande farm, and end up at Hagens for a cook out. We leave school at 8:45 at be back by 3 p.m. Tuesday I will be working on the graduation program and grades.

Wednesday at 5 p.m. 8th graders should gather in the sanctuary for a class picture. Mass begins at 6 p.m. and after worship, there is a dinner and program in the social hall. The cost is $8.00 per person...please call with reservations RIGHT AWAY! Report cards are given to 8th graders this day.

Thursday will be used to clean desks, blackboards, etc. So please wear "work" clothes that day. Friday we have our final school year Mass at 9 a.m. and then a gathering in the Social Hall. Reports cards will be given out on Friday. Students may leave AFTER Mass with a parent; otherwise they are excused at Noon. Yes.... School year 2007-2008 will be history.

Parents: please send all textbooks and library books back to the school. These tools of learning are very costly to replace.

Thank you to everyone who has made this year possible. Thank you workers for the ALL the remodeling done to the junior high building. Thank you drivers, cupcake bakers, bazaar supporters, financial donors, prayer warriors. Thank you sixth graders for your good work in English and World History Thank you Father Henry, Father Frank, Brother Leonard, and Sister Margaret. Thank you Ms. Sara for faithful support to all of us. Thank you Mrs. Bietka and Mr. Bitzer. Thank you Ms. Nancy and Mr. Michael, Thank you Mr. Eaton, Brother Tom, and Brother Thinh; we will miss you. At Our Lady of the Lake we do not believe in winner and losers, but rather each student is a precious child of God. Through Jesus, we are joined together on the winning team! Our future is bright.

Letting Go

2008-05-27T05:45:00.001-07:00

We are in the last week for 8th graders. The mood is bittersweet. Sweet for these young scholars can see the finish line, bitter as we will soon miss their voices in our midst. Jesus also knew the pain of separation. Before His ascension, he tried to prepare the disciples. It was only later that his words started to make sense. We have worked hard through the years at OLL to prepare these eager students for the transition to high school. No doubt, some of the things we have said and done will only make sense later. But the good news is that God goes with them... and He will be present in their classrooms and in their lives. As we let go.... we also Let God. He is with us always.

Spelling Grade 6: environment, their, there, writing, describe, chariot, summarize, ancient, literacy, academic, vocabulary, excellence.
History: We will watch the infamous chariot race from BenHur today as we wrap up the study of Ancient Rome. The rest of this week will be used to summarize what we have covered this year and make meaning of the study of world history.

8th graders are doing a final vocab. sheet today (no spelling test). Also they are working on farewell speeches and program for graduation.

Announcements:
8th grade: You must turn in money and reservation by FRIDAY for the graduation dinner and program (after Mass). Also this Thursday we are going to Bro. Tom's cabin; I need permission slips and drivers. Please ask your student what food, etc. they should bring.

Ms. Jablonski will be on campus Thursday at 9 a.m. to discuss the summer reading program through Vaughn Library. One of the best ways to increase literacy skills is to read. Encourage your student to read this summer. Reading is a long term investment in their education.

All students: Please order yearbooks NOW- $10 each. The committee has put together a great record of our great school.

Thank you Niccolo and Nikki for representing our school at the Memorial Day service yesterday at AHS. It is good and appropriate to remember all those who sacrificed their lives for the well-being of our country... and for us.

Thank you families for your students. Please stay close to your students these days; transition can be difficult for some....and they need your support.

Food Flash: On Thursday at Bro. Tom's cabin, we will be doing burgers, hot dogs (buns, etc.), chips, fruit, soda, etc. It would be good for ALL students to contribute to this feast. Also, the cabin field trip is not a "video game" moment... but rather an invitation to get outside and enjoy God's creation. Fishing poles, life jackets, etc. are needed equipment. We will get back to OLL in time to catch buses. Thanks.

We find Our Rest in Jesus

2008-05-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Home... and happy. I arrived back last night about midnight after a weekend trip to Washington,D.C. The philosopher Seneca was right when he said that travel offers new vigor to the mind.... but he forgot to mention the jet lag factor... I am feeling a little tired today.

These are the spelling words for Grade 6: pumice, legend, surge, molten, magma, eruption, ashes, volcano, dynamic, veterna, memorial, remember, mosaic, etymology, artifacts.

Spelling words for Grades 7/8: dynamic, thunderous, concrete, abstract, significant, accomplishment, courteous, foreign, farewell, closure, favorite, erupt, trust, display, entertain, memorial, veterans, sacrifice, remembrance, graduation.

This week, we will be talking about Memorial Day... food price crisis in Grades 7 and 8. Grade 6 will be learning more about the lifestyle of people in ancient Rome.

Nine days left for eighth graders. It is hard to think about releasing another group on to high school. I am not quite as confident as some years that this group is ready... listening skills still need some fine-tuning. But life moves forward and we hover close with prayer and words of encouragement to this teen-scholars.

Hello from Georgetown

2008-05-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents, Students and Colleagues,

I am at the Georgetown Library as our son Jeff is giving us a tour of the campus. There certainly is a festive mood in the air as we see many graduates and families gathering to celebrate. Our son's main ceremony is this evening: School of Masters of Science in Foreign Service. We had good flights, Starbucks coffee this morning... so we are thriving well. Tomorrow we intend to do a National Mall tour- WWII Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and a great kabob place that has authentic Pakistani food.

I am thinking about the Science Fair, Mrs. Marita. I pray it is a day of celebration and learning with students and many guests.

Thanks Dr. G. for covering my classes.

Bye from Washington, D.C.- the flowers and trees are in full bloom. It is overcast, but warm. I am thanking God for Jeff's good work that brought him to this day. Lord willing, see you back at OLL on Monday.

Beauty of Creation

2008-05-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

This morning Grades 7 and 8 were able to travel to the Seldal home to enjoy a walk in the woods and the beauty of spring flowers. Thank you for offering us this opportunity to take in the spring beauty of creation Mary Beth and Kent. And thank you for the great brownies, cupcakes, beverages, and peanut butter cups. We are grateful.

Grade 6 spelling words this week: beauty, blurted, hectic, dream, awkward, promise, wisdom, island, weather, ferry, emotions, survival BONUS: atrophy, claborate, disparity. We will also work on Ancient Rome assignments and write a
3-paragraph essay about the island camp adventure.

Grade 7 and 8: no spelling words this week. Students are busy with special events and the Science Fair exhibition on Friday. Be sure to attend. Students will also be writing thank you notes to various people who have visited our class and provided transportion.

FYI:Greg Alexander will be here Tuesday for an art class with Grades 7 and 8. Thursday evening is the band/choir concert for Grades 5 - 8. Friday is the Science Fair; please come to learn and celebrate the good work of our science scholars. Tuesday night is the yearbook meeting; last chance for photos, etc. I am gone this Thursday and Friday to attend the graduation of our son Jeff at Georgetown; he has earned a Master's Degree. Dr. G. will cover my classes.

Last weeks of this school year: Yes, we are close to the end, but we are not there. Please encourage your student to have a strong finish. And please send pencils and pens. Many students show up daily with NO tools... and my pencil reserve is also dry. Thanks.

Thank you Sammy Hicks, Sue Eaton, Kathy Sande, and Brother Thinh for driving to various events. I am always blessed by the support of our students' parents.

God's Creation

2008-05-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

God's creation has been awakened with the arrival of spring. Our trip to Omnimax tomorrow will show us another view of the beauty of our earth. We will be attending the Grand Canyon experience. After the show, students will shop around canal park and then for lunch at Culver's in Superior. It is ESSENTIAL that we leave OLL at 8:15 tomorrow morning and we will return by 2:45 p.m. Check to be sure your student turned in permission slip and $6.00 for the movie. They will also need money for lunch.

ANOTHER spring opportunity:
Monday (May 12) Grades 7 and 8 will go by car (9 a.m. and return 10:30 a.m.) to the Seldal residence to see the beautiful spring flower and have home-baked cookies. The permission slip is BLUE; I need that no later than Monday morning. No money is needed for this trip... a couple of drivers please!

Tuesday Greg Alexander will come at 9 a.m. and do a 90 minute art class with our students. Greg is a well-know local artist and I am blessed by his enthusiasm to teach students. Thanks Greg.

8th grade parents: Please be watching for the graduation letter regarding schedule and meals.

Also... science fair is next Friday (May 16th). Please help your students with last minute details so they can showcase their best work. Mrs. Marita works very hard and cheerfully to make this event for learning a success.

Off to Duluth in the morning... arrive early or ON TIME please !!

Earthly Time

2008-05-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Our time together at OLL with eighth graders is now down to the last month. It is hard to believe that soon Marco, Nikki, Dylan, Niccolo, Angela, Cody, Greg, Kourtney, Josh will join a long list of other graduates and move on to AHS. There are many stories about this class and their contributions to our school and to our lives. I pray that these last days will be good and a blessing to all. May we not grow weary of being kind to each other in word and deed. Thanks 8th graders for your hosting of school mass today.

Thursday: Vocabulary and spelling due for Grade 7/8.

Friday: We (Grades 7/8) need to leave OLL at 8:15 (be here NO later than 8:10) to travel to Duluth for the Omnimax Grand Canyon production. The cost of the movie is $6; I need this upfront. After the movie we will walk around Canal Park for one hour and then off to Culver's in Superior for lunch... and back to school by the end of the school day.

Thanks for drivers... and thank you to all who provided rides and support yesterday for our bowling time at Monks. I had a good time... and I think the students did too.

Lifting Up His Hands He Blessed Them

2008-05-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

May 1 was the celebration of the ascension of our Lord. What a roller-coaster drama the last weeks have been in our journey of faith: Palm Sunday, Upper Room, trial, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and now Jesus' power over earthly gravity. Even in this event, Jesus is reaching out to us with words of instruction and hope and He blesses us. We are told to wait until we receive the power of the Holy Spirit and then go out with His transforming message of love. Be blessed... God is with us... and this same Jesus that has ascended will come again!

Grade 6 will do a vocabulary sheet today in class on 5 words related to their Island Camp experience; there will be no spelling test. We will also read a story using the "latin" root man/manu. As part of our study of ancient Rome, we will be talking about the influence of Latin on our English Language.

Grade 8 vocab. this week is due Thursday: gentle, consecrate, vigilant, guard, savage, complete, signs, wonders, destruction, sanctuary, ascension, Pentecost, tongue, rush, bewildered, geology, crust, habitat, canyon, tectonic.
For English 8, we will be reading about the Grand Canyon today as a preparation for our trip to Omnimax on Friday. Also I will be showing the Hamlet movie when we have classtime available.

FYI: Bowling tomorrow in the afternoon. Permission slips needed and $5.50 for two games. Friday is Omnimax. $6.00 is needed for the movie (pay upfront) and lunch money at Culver's.

We are in our last weeks of this school year and have several special trips/guests planned. Be checking the BLOG for updates. Let us be vigilant, Jesus will come again!

Prayer: An Invitation

2008-05-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Prayer is God's invitation to talk to him. To unload our cares, to listen to his advice, to sing His praises, to dwell in His presence... and so much more. God even gives us the words..."Our Father''' when we don't know what to say. He even hears our thoughts in the breath of our being and the groans of our heart. God is eager to host us.... say "yes" to prayer!

Today we joined other students and other members of the community for the National Day of Prayer service at Our Lady of the Lake. What a beautiful time of praying and singing together. Thank you everyone for our shared kinship in Jesus Christ.

Today Grades 7 and 8 did a poetry read at the Black Cat. I was blessed by the relevant subjects, and good reading. Many students chose a subject they care about, and this passion came through their words; a few need to work harder to access original ideas. Poetry provides a format that invites a person to give expressions to his/her own experiences. Trust yourself!

Grade 6 will write a journal response to the prayer service and work on book markers (due tomorrow) or a prayer poster for our bulletin board.

Dr. G. (sub yesterday) left a good note about the students. I so appreciate when both students and a substitute share a good day together.

FYI: Student were given permission slips for bowling next Tuesday. Please sign and return promptly; drivers are needed. May 9th, Grades 7 and 8 will go to Omnimax, Canal Park and Culvers for lunch. Also ask your students about the science fair coming up; projects should be well developed by now and data is being recorded. This process is a lifelong skill; ask students where they are at and IF you can help, please.

Thanks... let us practice our reputation as "people of prayer."

Abundant Life

2008-04-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

Jesus said, I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). This week we will be talking about what does an "abundant" life look like. As we consider pro-life issues and speaking up for those who have no voice. We will also talk about the growing food crisis in the world with the rising cost of wheat and rice. As God's people, we are His solution to providing for those who are starving and suffering. May we be abundant with our generosity and care for others. Thursday we have a chance to practice one way of reaching out to others when our students will join Christians for the National Day of prayer gathering at Our Lady of the Lake. That we may pray for personal needs, needs of the community, needs of the nation, and needs of the world. Let us not grow weary of doing God's work in His world.

Grade 6 spelling words this week: design, capture, audience, echoes, encourage, attractive, essential, national, prayer, public, conversation, fragile: Bonus ecumenical, legible, boycott. In History we will do a one-day study on the Olympics in China and then begin a new unit on Ancient Rome. Students will also work on book report markers.

Grade 7/8 spelling words this week: tsunami, hunger, security, hoard, access, fuel, frustration, poverty, grain, economy, humanitarian, nationa, prayer, conversation, ecumenical, presence, dedication, attributes, appreciation, sacred. We will be working on an article about world hunger... and also the poems that we will read together at Black Cat on Thursday ((:15 to 10:15 a.m.) Please join us.

Be strong students and parents; we are on our last quarter for this school year. The goal will soon be in sight... but we still have work to do and knowledge to gain.

Thank you to everyone who helped with the earth day field trip to our home on Tuesday. Thanks also for many good birthday wishes, cards and hugs. I am grateful to be part of a faith community that cares for each other. Thanks Mrs. Marita for great carrot cake... and so much more!

Enjoy an abundant journey with Jesus this week. Thanks.

Care of the Earth

2008-04-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

This week people all over the world will consider our responsibility to our planet. As Christians, we have God's mandate to care for the earth. In a time of climate change and population growth, doing our part is more urgent than ever. In class, we will be looking at some of the ways that we can "make a difference."

This assignment is due Wednesday. Students will have time in class to do MOST of it.
6th Grade words for this 3-day week: earth, responsibility, global, pollution, green, health, planet, solution, literacy, energy, crisis, recycle.

7/8th Grade words: earth, responsibility, stewardship, global, universal, pollution, green, health, planet, environmental, solution, literacy, energy, crisis, recycle. This is due Wednesday.

Other assignments: History students will view a DVD from the Planet Earth series. We will also read about Earth Day and complete a worksheet.

Tomorrow Grade 6 is off to Duluth.
Grade 7/8 will be going to my home (outside... for Earth day) at 10 a.m. and return by the end of the school day. Students are invited to bring beverages, treats, etc. Thanks.

Next Tuesday: April 29th there will be a yearbook meeting after school. Also 8th grade parents, AHS is not offering a half-day for incoming students this year. 9th graders will have a full day at school with no other students the first day of the school year. Don't forget shadow permission slips.

And FYI: Today is Mrs. Marita's birthday... a day to celebrate her good and hard work. Thanks Mrs. Marita for taking students to Mpls. last Friday. Sounds like EVERYONE had a great time.

The USA Hosts the Pope

2008-04-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today Father Henry invited us to sing Happy Birthday to Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of his 81st birthday. Also our class is praying for the Pope's success and safety on his pilgrimage to the USA. We have a classroom bulletin board to showcase this historic trip of Hope and Reconciliation.

Grade 6 today had time to work on spelling, volcano poetry and masks. Students then presented their new character and modeled the mask they made. This was related to our study of Ancient Greek and the development of drama as entertainment. Students need to bring in a photo so that they can begin their "photo" stories.

Grade 7/8 today received parent letters regarding field trips, events, etc. It is necessary for 8th graders to return the letters with a parent signature to participate in a career "shadow" opportunity. Also students worked on information to be featured in the OLL yearbook.
Tomorrow we will be going around town for yearbook photos.

Sounds like the 7/8 grade field trip to the Mpls. on Friday is organized. Please check with students regarding money, etc. for meals, and shopping. April 22nd these students will be coming to my home for an "earth day" opportunity- fun outside!

Friday I will spend the day with 6th graders. We will do a spelling test, share our poems, and other activites. Students will join the 5th graders for the DARE program after lunch.

The "face-lift" work continues in our building. We will have much to celebrate when this "new look" is shared with the community. Thank you everyone who is working hard.

God of the Calm and God of the Storm

2008-04-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a nor'easter blast we had on Friday. I hope that everyone who reads this was warm and safe as the wind unleashed power and fury. At our home we have some trees down (not near the house) and many treetops snapped off. Even had a bear come by this evening for birdseed, so I am thinking the wind even woke him up. How comforting to be reminded that we belong to the God who is there in the quiet of the night... and we belong to the God who offers His presence in the storm. May we live in His peace and joy.

This week:
Check Mrs. Marita's blog for science deadlines and also field trips coming up. Our trip to AHS Thursday was a real treat to see first-hand the talent of the choir and jazz band. Of course, we felt great pride to see so many OLL former students.

6th grade spelling for this week- due Friday:
crimson, blush, enchanting, erupt, historic, visit, focus, stadium, president, zero, success, security BONUS: challenge, papal, Vatican. We will be talking about the Pope's visit to the USA this week and praying for his security and success. Also we will be looking at the arts of the ancient Greek culture and working on some poetry.

7/8 grade spelling for this week- due Thursday:
historic, stadium, success, immigrant, challenges, ministry, reconciliation, papal, demographics, hospitality, bias, analyze, listen, inner, aloud, topography, gale, destruction.
Along with vocabulary, we will do some analysis of poetry. I am guiding students to write their own poem with the hope that we will have a poetry "read"...maybe at the Black Cat?

All students are encouraged to bring newspaper articles about the visit of the Pope to the USA. We will make a class bulletin board to echo American "hospitality." Don't forget to finish up outside reading books too as next week, we will work on book reports.

This Friday Grade 6 will spend the day with me while Grades 7 and 8 travel to Mpls. Also April 22nd, I am hoping that Grades 7 and 8 will go to my home for part of the day; the mud-situation will be considered! Greg Alexander's offer to teach a class will be rescheduled due to the storm.
Have a good week- God is with us!

News Flash for Parents

2008-04-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

Grades 7/8 have an opportunity to go to Ashland High School tomorrow (THURSDAY) to hear the AHS Band and Swing Choir concert. We will leave OLL at 8:55 and return about 10:45 a.m. It is necessary to have a permission slip from your student in the morning. IF IT IS LOST... do a hand-written note with emergency numbers to contact you and family doctor and phone numbers for emergency care. Students cannot leave our campus WITHOUT turning in a slip. Thanks for your support.

Bread of Life

2008-04-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today Father Henry in the homily reminded us how Jesus-the Bread of Life-shows up in our lives and in our world: peacemakers, healers, Eucharist, Son of Mary, Son of God.... so many "loaves" of hope and faith that draw us close to Jesus. Let us offer ourselves that others may "taste and eat" the goodness and grace of our Host, Jesus Christ.

Thank you Mr. Gary LaPean for your motivational talk to our students yesterday about the possibilities of entrepreneurship. Gary talked about the importance of education, hard work, willingness to take educated risks, and remember "who" we belong to. Along with his words Gary offered prizes and gave every student a packet of Jerseynaps from his latest business adventure. Students will be writing thank you notes.

Grade 6 will present Haikus today and write thank yous.

Grade 7/8 will hear poetry and write thank yous.

DON'T forget: Spelling test for Grade 7/8 on Thursday; vocab. due Friday
Grade 6 test and vocab. on Friday.
Be finishing books; book reports will be coming up soon.
Major research paper due for Mrs. Marita on Monday, April 14th.
Students going to Mpls. need to turn in permission slips... check if Mrs. Marita still needs drivers?
Watch the weather- snowstorm on the horizon!

Remember, Jesus did not throw "crumbs" our way, but rather offered himself as the whole Bread of Life. Be filled and be "bread" to others.

13 Ways

2008-04-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today in English 7/8 we read and considered Wallace Steven's poem: 13 Ways to Look at a Blackbird. Interesting how many perspectives we can wring out of poetry when we start to analyze it line-by-line. No wonder, Jesus was eager to reveal His resurrection to many people. The empty tomb is bigger than poetry, more than prose... it is the dynamic power and purpose of a God who took the void and created the earth. God knows that as humans we need multiple perspectives to get it right. Let us share our understanding of His resurrection that together we can proclaim: He is Risen Indeed!
We learned alot from Steven's poem today... and there is still more to glean from this complex poem. Josh, thanks for challenging us to think deeper than the obvious!

Spelling for Grade 6: engineer, design, compliments, attention, truth, blend, hunger, decline, grimace, giddy, family, forty BONUS: ascension, lament, reluctant. Also students will be working on Haiku backgrounds and "engineering" design of shoes for the Olympic games.

Spelling for Grades 7/8: guest, artist, shading, detail, instructions, eraser, knead, capture, essence, drama, process, predicament, pace, radiant, angle, length, science, soul, cadence, lyrics.
Spelling test on Thursday, vocab. due on Friday. We will study poetry and read Hamlet this week.

REPORT CARDS have been given to students today; please sign and return.

Looking ahead: Greg Alexander is coming in Friday to do an art class for students in Grades 7 and 8. I will be working on "shadow" experiences for Grade 8. Don't forget major science assignment due for Mrs. Marita next Monday. Please talk to your students about their projects; YOU are their best mentors. Thanks.

The Right Questions

2008-04-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Jesus' preaching and teaching are a compass to guide our lives and learning. Today we read about Jesus encounter with the Samaritan Woman at the well (John 4). Read this lesson and see how questions drive the conversation and raise the stakes to an eternal encounter. May we ask questions that raise questions about faith so that others may be brought into God's eternal landscape of grace and love. Jesus showed us the way.

Grade 6: Spelling is due today. Students need to have haikus completed by next Tuesday. Many finished it in class; for those who did not, it is homework. In history we are studying ancient Greece. We will continue to consider the Olympic games and other blooming of the arts in Greece. This week students designed Greek vases. Spelling test and vocab. due today (Thursday).

Grade 7/8: Spelling and vocab. due tomorrow. Also students will present haikus with water color background. Friday we are off to the Dairy Queen to celebrate good oral presentations for
autobiographies and research essays.

FYI: Grade 6 students bring money for pro-life t-shirts. April 11th Greg Alexander will come for an art class for grade 7 and 8. Don't forget 1/2 day tomorrow!

Ask some good questions... and be ready for great answers!

Living Water

2008-03-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

It is easy to think about water as the snow melts and we see streams all around us. Threads of water, pools of water, rushing streams, icy rivers... nature itself is throwing off the bands of winter and proclaiming a new season of life. Today we just received an e-mail from missionary friends (we worked with them) working in a hospital in a very dangerous part of Pakistan. Their note asked for prayer: they have no water. They asked us to pray for a piece of equipment to be available that is held in customs that would make it possible to de-salinate the hospital tube-well water. Hard for us to imagine functioning with no water... and even more, a hospital with no water. Yes, let us pray for this need for water as we observe the run-off of winter in our area. And let us pray that the Living Water of Jesus will flow out to all who feel thirst in their hearts in this season of Easter.

6th grade vocabulary: oracle, myth, alphabet, bazaar, artistic, root, compassion, disabled, voice, poetry, nature, scheme BONUS: philosophy, syllable, haiku. Can you tell we are entering national poetry month in April? Students will need to turn in spelling on THURSDAY; Friday is a half-day. For history, students will continue to gain information about Ancient Greece.

7/8 grade vocabulary: quarter, slate, haiku, theme, vocabulary, syllable, employs, aspect, nature, polish, pause, colon, hyphen, ellipsis, rhymed, couplet, epiphany, delve, mousetrap, condemn.

Classes will be working on haikus this week. We will focus our verse on nature and the eruption of spring. We might take a walk or two to witness the seasonal transition... unless snow returns (hope not).

I stopped at the Carnival for a while today. Looked like a busy and well-organized event. Also my husband I enjoyed the wild-rice soup. The 3rd quarter ends on Tuesday. Several students who have been out need to get their make-up work in. Also 7/8 graders will be finishing oral presentations this week. These reports have been instructive and a celebration of some good learning. Thank you students.

Have a good week.

Heart Burn

2008-03-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite resurrection stories is the Road to Emmaus. When Jesus joins two travelers and then walks and talks on the road. After a human account of the events by the travelers, Jesus walks them through the Scriptural account of Jesus' death and resurrection. They invited Jesus to their table and he took the bread, broke the bread, blessed the bread and gave them the bread (Eucharist). Their eyes opened and Jesus vanished. They got it... He is Risen! They said to one another, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures? " This burning was so urgent, they rushed back to Jerusalem (7 miles) to tell the others they have seen the risen Christ. The Good News of the Resurrection invites us to run and tell others... it is message that fires our faith! May we listen to the burning in our heart....

Grade 7/8 began oral presentations today on autobiographies (grade 7) and research essays (grade 8). We are learning from our scholars and affirming their good work! Thanks.
We continue to read Hamlet. I am proud of our students' willingness to take on the language... and do a good job. Don't forget tomorrow: spelling test, vocabulary due, and more presentations. Thank you Kathleen (from West Allis) for bringing Tommy to school today to meet us. We pray daily for Tommy. Please check with your student that he/she has a scientific introduction and one page of research ready for Mrs. Marita on Monday.

Grade 6: Worked on cultural (learned behavior) identity to share 5 traits tomorrow. Also vocabulary is due and spelling test.
Students practiced "skim and scan" on Ancient Greece using Kids Discover magazine. Students did a work sheet that is due today.

Grade 6: We continue to read Petey... to support our learning about disabled people.

All students should be reading an outside book; reports are coming up soon.

Have a good day. He is Risen Indeed! Run to tell others....

Alleluia

2008-03-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Christ is Risen... He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

On Sunday morning when the empty tomb was announced, we were set free to once again proclaim the Easter message of Joy. The lines of life and death were blurred and heaven and earth proclaimed together: He is Risen. May the Easter message keep our hearts and lives as we live in the joy of celebration and hope of resurrection. He is Risen Indeed- Alleluia!

Even though winter continues to hang on, we know that spring is percolating beneath the snow and will soon erupt into new green. This also means that the school year is nearing the end of 3rd quarter. Wow, the time is flying.

For this 4-day week:
6th grade spelling: Olympic, athlete, contest, geography, democracy, majority, cultural, identify, nature, nurture BONUS: resurrection, alleluia. DUE FRIDAY.
In history, we will begin our study of Ancient Greece and the first Olympic games.

7/8th grade vocabulary:
alleluia, eternal, reveal, inform, vanished, turbulent, conscience, expose, guilt, wretched, posture, notes, contact, complete, license, guarantee. DUE Friday.

Seventh and Eighth graders will give oral presentations this week on research essays and autobiographies. Students should have a "visual" to support their presentations. Students will be presenting several of these each day. Parents, you are invited too.

I hope that each one of you enjoyed a good Easter weekend and that opportunities were taken to join others and sing the Good News of Christ' resurrection. We are the alleluia vessels to share this message of hope with others. Sing it out!

p.s. Be sure to check Mrs. Maritals BLOG for Science project dates.

A Holy Teachable Moment

2008-03-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

This week we are invited to look, listen and examine our hearts as we walk this roller-coaster journey of faith. Today we read about Mary of Bethany and how she took costly perfume to annoint Jesus. Ya... we understand the disciples' comment about over-spending and saving the money for the poor. But Jesus tweaked this extravagance into a teachable moment and talked about his burial. For sure these words of instruction to the disciples will make sense soon. As teachers, parents, etc. we are encouraged to watch for those moments in life where we can instruct those around us; God's curriculum is holy and good for a lifetime journey of faith. May we have hearts of eager students.

Quick reminder:

Tomorrow at 9 a.m. the junior high will color eggs. Please send craft stuff and boiled eggs in the morning.
At 11 a.m. Grades 7/8 will participate in the service of reconciliation. Encourage your student to examine his/her own life that we may know the joy of a "clean heart."
Vocabulary sheets are due on Wednesday. No major assignments over the Easter break, but keep reading a book of your choice. Book Reports will be coming up soon.
The Easter break begins after school on Wednesday and goes THROUGH next Monday.

Blessings on the Holy Week path! We have much to learn.

March "holy" Madness

2008-03-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, the basketball roster is set for the NCAA tournament and our hopes are high as once again the Badgers are in the games. This week also marks "spiritual" madness as we ride the roller coast drama of Holy Week. Today it was a high pitch Jerusalem welcome to Jesus... by Friday, despair will grip the crowd and creation will groan as God's Beloved Son is crucified. We know this story, but each year it becomes more apparent to me the great risk that God took because of His deep love for us. Let us become part of this holy drama and be transformed. We know the empty tomb ending- earthly madness will become great joy and eternal hope!
As for the Badgers, we don't know the ending but we carry the hope they do their best. Let the games begin!

For this week:
We have school only 3 days... and school resumes Tuesday, March 25th.
Spelling is different this week... due Wednesday.
Tuesday we hope to deliver food to the Brick.
Wednesday is Reconciliation.
Wednesday also will include egg dyeing... and snacks. Please feel free to send goodies and crafts.

6th grade spelling:
Students need to define these terms and give five example sets: homophones, antonyms, synonyms, onomatopoeia words, and rhyme words. NO spelling test.
6th grade World History:
We will finish the Ancient China unit.

7/8 grade spelling:
Students have 5 Easter words to define: reconciliation, triduum, Easter Vigil, Good Friday, and Resurrection. No spelling test.
Also students will identify 8 Easter characters and tell each role in this drama:
Mary of Bethany, Judas Iscariot, Peter, Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene, Joseph of Arimathea.

We will read Hamlet and talk about visuals for oral presentations (research papers and autobiographies) beginning the Wednesday after Easter break.

Don't forget Mathathon money and Science project deadlines.

The cross is a scandal and perhaps "madness" to those who are perishing, but to the family of faith... it is the free gift of God for eternal life. May Holy Week worship and prayer draw you closer to Jesus that together we will embrace and proclaim the eternal promise of Easter.

Preparing for Holy Week

2008-03-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

As Jesus draws closer to Jerusalem, we know the drama will move into a rhythm of great welcome to "our city" and 5 days later the guest is crucified. May we keep our schedules open to walk this journey to the cross... and then gather at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.

Quick update:
Grade 6: Spelling test in the morning and vocabulary due. Students presented Silk posters and now are working on "save the Pandas" posters. Students also did a short unit on onomatopoeia words today... ask your student! We also read about the Great Wall of China. We will be finishing this unit early next week.
Also vocabulary will be different for Grades 6, 7, and 8 next week since we only have school 3 days.

Grade 7: Final autobiographies are due tomorrow; this should include a title page and a page listing at least 3 resources.

Almost all Grade 8 final essays are turned in: exception for illness.

We continue to work on Hamlet text and have fun with "words" (insults, iambic pentameter).

To celebrate the completion of these major writing assignments we will make a quick spring trip to DQ tomorrow.

Don't forget the science project pace is picking up; keep in touch with Mrs. Marita's blog.
Thanks again parents for your cooperation and support to help our students achieve success.

Stay Close to the Story

2008-03-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed like me that as we draw closer to the events of Holy Week, the Scripture readings are becoming more dynamic. Today we read about Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones and the resurrection of Lazarus. The stakes are being raised as we draw closer to Holy Week and the Cross. Let us stay close and pay attention to Jesus for His story transforms our story.

Looking forward into this week:
Grade 6 vocabulary: ancient, terrain, dynasty, peasant, effort, massive, bamboo, panda, habitat, cute, diet, hibernate BONUS: endangered, species, captivity. We will be reading a story about the Great Wall of China from our reading book. Also we will read about Pandas and consider our responsibility to preserve their species. For history, students will present "silk" posters on Monday.

Grade 7/8 vocabulary: remnant, alliteration, livid, bawdy, insult, vacant, feign, syllable, addicted, ecstasy, occasional, pregnant, slander, spaghetti, graffiti, wax, wane, minstrels, withdrawn, mystery.
We will continue to read Hamlet... and take a closer look at iambic pentameter rhythm.

DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY all 8th grade research essays are due. This includes: a title page, table of contents, letter of intent, 5-page essay, works cited, reflection and rough draft.
FRIDAY: all 7th grade autobiographies are due. This includes a title page, essay and list of 3 (or more) resources and rough draft.
I will refer to rough drafts to see if students addressed the suggestions that I made. An improved paper means an improved grade and the opposite is also true.

Be sure to be checking Mrs. Marita's site for mathathon and science fair projects.

Let us have a good week learning and growing together as we share our story of faith.

Lent: Our Shelter and Rest

2008-03-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Lent is a season to move towards God and find rest and shelter in Him. This is not an easy assignment in an information overload culture... there is always one more thing to do, one more e-mail to send, one more load of laundry...etc. But God invites us to step away from "busyness" and step into "His space." This invitation is for our good and for our spiritual growth. As the journey draws us closer to the cross, may we align our plans to His plans and find our "home."

6th graders today: Will share Dragon folktales and visuals with the 2nd grade for extra credit. Also vocabulary is due tomorrow and spelling test. In history we are working on "silk" posters to support our learning about the silk industry in ancient China.

Grades 7/8 had a good field trip to the Black Cat to drink coffee, etc. and read together Scene V (the Hamlet/ghost scene). We also stopped at the bakery and Sweetness on Main for treats. Besides having fun, I was proud of the good manners for our students and their willingness to learn coffee "vocabulary." Tomorrow is spelling test, vocabulary due, and having fun with Shakespearean insults.

Major assignment dates coming up:
Wednesday March 12th all written work for the 8th grade research essay is due: title page, table of contents, essay (5-page), Works Cited, reflection and rough draft. I expect students to address the changes that I suggested on the rough draft to improve their grades.
Friday March 14th all final autobiographies are due. This includes a title page. I expect students to address the changes that I suggested on the rough draft to improve their grades.

Blessings and encouragement during Lent. Jesus paved the way and continues to walk with all pilgrims on this journey of redemption and resurrection. May we know His rest.

Know When to Speak... and When to Listen

2008-03-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

Lent is a season for sharing God's story in our lives... and listening to His story in the lives of others. May we know when to speak and when to listen. Lent is an invitation to affirm our shared adventure of faith that we may grow in God's grace and mercy.

Some updates:
8th grade FINAL research essay papers are due March 12 (two day extension because of computer lab time)
7th grade FINAL autobiographies are due March 14th. The rough drafts have shown students are engaged in this invitation to tell their stories.

Today Grade 6 will share book brochures from their "outside" reading book.
Today Grades 7/8 did computer time, celebrated with Marco (Happy Birthday), and read Hamlet in class... some good readers.

Looking ahead: Grades 6/7/ and 8 should start reading another book for a report at the beginning of fourth quarter. Encourage your student to pick a book he/she would like to read.

Tomorrow is school Mass; please join us. Also Brother Thinh will speak to Grade 7/8 about his Vietnam experience and "call of God." Grade 6 will walk to Sweetness on Main to celebrate good work on the spelling test last week.

Thursday Grade 7/8 will walk to the Black Cat for coffee, sodas, etc. and reading of Hamlet together. Shakespeare nudges us to seek out places to "speak and perform." We are just getting our feet wet in Hamlet.

Be sure to check Mrs. Marita's blog for info. on the Mathathon and Science Fair projects. Some good challenges for academic progrerss are taking place... don't miss the fun!

I close with a family prayer request: Our son Joe is having pain and problems from a kidney stone lodged in his ureter. Bangkok offers good medical care, but Joe needs relief and recovery. Thanks for praying.

Like a Lamb

2008-03-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

March has arrived like a lamb...let us see how this month exits. Lent is also about a lamb... The Lamb of God. He enters his ministry rather low-key, but by Maundy Thursday the roar of the crowd becomes a hungry Lion wanting blood. Lent is an emotional journey... and we are invited to keep our eyes on the Lamb. May we remain strong in this call to be a "sheep" like Him.

Last week 6th grade students did a great job on Dragon folktale presentations. We were delighted with the variety of dragons and the broad scope of the tales. And all students were successful on spelling dessert and desert correctly, so we will make a class trip to Sweetness on Main next Wednesday.

Spelling words for Grade 6 this week are: brochure, gestures, clarity, confidence, expert, courteous, audience, search, library, novel, security, structure BONUS contraction, possessive, apostrophe. Also students will share book brochures for books read outside of class on Tuesday.
In history, we will read about the silk industry in ancient China and make "silk" garment posters.

I know that students are struggling with health issues in this cold and flu season. Please check my blog or call the school to keep up with assignments. Right now academic expectations are high as 8th graders finish up research essays and 7th graders do autobiographies.

Spelling words for Grade 7/8 are: evoke, superstition, eerie, calculate, sardonic, diabolic, revenge, hygiene, sweat, puberty, historian, politican, librarian, gracious, merciful, patient, abundant, anxious, faith, community. We will be reading Hamlet, discussing teen hygiene and grooming, and leading the liturgy on Wednesday. We might go to the Black Cat on Thursday to read Hamlet together. Students need to demonstrate maturity as behavior issues have gotten in the way of some opportunities. (Any parents wish to join us?) Grade 7 rough-draft autobiographies are due on Monday. Also students should start on another outside reading book as a preparation for a book report fourth quarter.

Thanks for your good work 7/8 grades on book brochures. Thank you Grade 6 for Dragon folktales. Thank you parents/grandparents for your ongoing concern and support. Check the OLL Church bulletin to read about a local opportunity to attend: Watch the Lamb. Father Henry wrote a personal note of recommendation. Behold the Lamb of God!

Good and Fitting to say Thank You

2008-02-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

It is good and fitting to say thank you to God daily... and also our brothers and sisters in Christ. Pilate was reluctant to acknowledge Jesus for fear of reprisal by his peers, so he washed his hands and "passed." Let us not grow weary during this season of Lent to seize the opportunities and responsibility to say thank you to Jesus and each other.

Today I want to say thank you to several students:
Niccolo: Thank you for baking and sharing the "host" bread for Eucharist yesterday.
Marco: Thank you for participating in the Young Adult Vaughn Library Book Club and telling us about the benefits of this opportunity.
Nick: Thank you for your good attitude of service during our Masses.
Josh: Thank you for holding the doors every day even when we forget to say "thank you."
OLL Volleyball Team: Thank you for all your practices and hard work to represent our school. Good Luck at the game tonight... I hope to be there!
Thank you to many 7th graders and 8th graders who gave outstanding book brochure presentations today. You planted new thoughts in our minds, you shared the good and bad of the books you read, and you helped me to remember that reading books invites us to better know ourselves, others and our world.

Thank you.

p.s. Tomorrow spelling tests and vocabulary are due. 8th grade rough draft of reflections. 6th grade will give dragon folktale presentations.

Jesus Turned and Looked....

2008-02-25T06:43:00.001-08:00

Today we started our day with the pledge and our prayer list for many people. We also talked about Jesus "watching our back." He turns and looks at us at all times, even when we forget or deny Him like Peter. Let us take comfort in the faithfulness and unconditional love of the Savior during our journey of Lent.

This will be a busy academic week for students:

Grade 6 spelling words: leap, predator, dragon, author, silk, cocoon, description, content, friendly, desert, dessert, journey BONUS: depression, villain, Proverbs. Spelling test on Friday. Students will also start work on book report brochures as well as work on building dragons and writing a dragon folk-tale for our study of Ancient China. Have fun... you are invited to be creative!

Grade 7/8 spelling words: despair, fulfill, commandments, abolish, renaissance, tragedy, static, complex, performance, gestures, diction, enunciation, ghost, grief, proper, customary, vulgar, rhythm, soliloquy, leap. Students this week will have a spelling test on Friday. We also begin Hamlet, work on book brochures (oral presentations on Thursday) and major writing assignment deadlines are: Rough draft reflection Grade 8 on Friday and Rough draft of Autobiography Grade 7 is due next Monday. Yes, this sounds like a lot, but don't underestimate the ability of our students; they are highly capable and will benefit from the discipline of time management. High School is approaching fast for our 8th graders.

Enjoy the week... and strive to do your best!

Matters of the Heart

2008-02-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

Today Mrs. Marita and Grades 6 and 8 walked us through the Stations of the Cross. The meditations were about matters of the heart. How timely to be reminded as a Catholic School that we are concerned about matters of the heart. I hope that Lent will be a time for your family to talk about things on the "inside" that our hearts will be prepared for the shock of the cross and the joy of the Resurrection. Jesus is the heart of the Easter message.

Grade 7 and 8 finished vocabulary terms and started on book brochures.

Grade 6 will finish 4-Dragon paper and begin work on "large" dragons for the folktale they will write. We will watch some of the A@E series about Dinosaurs to help us get some spatial perspective of "dragons."

This has been a short week and we have demonstrated many of our strengths... and a few of our weaknesses. We continue to address matters of kindness and what do "good manners" look like. These are lifelong skills that foster good character as well as academic success. Thanks for your support to our students and our school. Be sure to turn in "pizza" sales. And equip your students for success: good attitude, plenty of rest, good nutrition, exercise time, conversations around the table... and sharp pencils ready to write!

Information Overload

2008-02-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

In this days of the internet revolution, we often feel that we have too much information to sort through to get to the truth. Even in Jesus' time, a high value was placed on truth. In Mt. 26 the agenda is straightforward: The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death. We know how this false-story plays out. As God's children, may we not grow weary of bearing the message of truth to all people. Lent reminds us the journey is not easy, but "truth" shall reign. Be encouraged.

Speaking of truth, I had to shift some of the deadline dates for the Grade 7 autobiography and Grade 8 research essay. Two snow days forced me to rework the schedule and I am eager to give students time to do a good job.
Grade 7 deadlines: Rough draft (5-typed pages) of autobiography is due March 3. Outlines were returned today and students did a good job and have a map to follow. March 17th Final autobiography is due and Oral presentations begin March 21st.

Grade 8 Deadlines: Reflection rough draft due Feb. 29th. Final written project due March 0th. Oral presentations begin March 17th. Essay rough drafts were returned today. Some students are solid and others have major work to do. Please talk to your student about this high stakes assignment.

Grade 6 read a Chinese folktale today; tomorrow they will begin book report brochures. NO spelling test this week.

Today we are remembering in prayer and with cards that Mr. Panasuk's accident happened one year ago. Mrs. Panasuk and her husband have come a long way, but they continue to need our support and encouragement. Please take time to drop a note... and pray for their family.

God's Equation

2008-02-20T08:36:00.001-08:00

Today we were reminded about God's formula for greatest: If you want to be great become a servant. If you want to be first become a slave. What a timely message in a world where it can be so easy about "me".... that as God's sons and daughters we are called to serve others. Let this journey of Lent place us on God's path of service and submission to others. This is the math of grace and hope.

Grade 6: Vocabulary this week is a worksheet about "dragons." There is no spelling test on Friday. Students will have time in class to complete most of this worksheet that leads into writing their own Chinese folktale.

Grade 7/8: We are getting ready to begin our study of Hamlet. The vocabulary worksheet has 5 terms about performance and Shakespeare; students will define the terms and write a paragraph using the terms. This is due Friday. Thursday I will review with 8th graders their rough draft essays; some have done well and others have work to do. The 7th grade autobiography outlines look wonderful. This map should guide the writing of their personal narrative.

Students will also begin book report brochures by Friday. Grade 6 will continue studies on Ancient China.

Pizza sales are due today... but tomorrow is not too late. It is nice to be back with the OLL family.

God's Great Valentine

2008-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, today it was all about chocolate (sorry Lenten-observers), flowers, sweets, cards and expressions of love. We feasted in this celebration of affirming each other as "valentines." Again God stepped up to the plate. Rather than a card, He sent his Son. Rather than a "plate", it was a ragged wooden cross. His sweets are not a sugar-high, but an eternal heavenly high. It is good to celebrate our love for each other today, but even MORE fitting and good to make every day a celebration of God's love for us. A love that sweetens our stories, a love that carries the fragrance of eternity, a love that surpasses human understanding. Celebrate Jesus- the Valentine of all valentines- as we work off the "chocolate" and resume our Lenten journey to the cross.

HOT NEWS OFF THE PRESS: Marco Bichanich is our OLL 2008 Spelling Bee winner this year and Vincent Mayotte is the first-runner up. Great job Guys... and thanks Ms. Shields for organizing this interesting and "tense" event. I regret that we cannot participate in the CESA district Bee (too expensive??? something doesn't sound right to me about charging us) but a meal out with Ms. Shields will help. Thanks.

6th grade: Before you are out the door on Friday, you need to turn in spelling/vocabulary and "I Have a Dream" poems.

7th Grade: Tomorrow spelling test, vocab. due and autobiography OUTLINES due and "I Have a Dream" poems will be read in class.

8th grade: Tomorrow spelling test, vocab. due, 5-page rough draft plus Works Cited page due and "I Have a Dream" poems will be read in class. IF these assignments are all turned in, you will be ready for a great 4-day weekend.

p.s. Use the long weekend to finish up books. We are starting book reports after the break. Also many students arrive daily with NO pencils (the tools to do the job). To celebrate Presidents' weekend, please give your students sharp pencils to use in class. Thanks.

Cuts Across the Grain

2008-02-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

In religion we are reading Lenten devotions focused on Jesus' uncustomary style. How he cut across the grain of the "law" to release the fullness of the Good News- that we are made righteous because of the cross. Be watchng for the Lenten signposts that reveal God's overflowing grace and unconditional love-- It is Good News!

Grade 7/8 are busy with vocabulary due Friday, I Have a Dream poems and essay rough draft (Grade 8) or autobiography outlines (Grade 7). Both of these major assignments need to be typed.

Grade 6 will begin reading the "I Have a Dream" speech and begin work on Dream poems.
Grade 6 will NOT have a spelling test, but vocabulary work is due Thursday (we do not meet on Friday).

Don't forget School Liturgy tomorrow, Valentine's Day Thursday and spelling bee, and assignments due Friday; we are done at noon on Friday.

The Extreme

2008-02-10T11:25:00.001-08:00

It seems it is often the "extremes" of life that capture the attention of people: extreme sports, extreme tragedies, extreme survival, extreme weather.... To many people, Lent can appear to be an extreme season. A season that starts with ashes... a season that focuses on sorrow.... a season attached to a non-conformist personality... a death on a cross... an empty tomb.... it all sounds rather extreme. To those of us in the faith community, these extremes are really where "life hits the road". For we have felt the extreme forgiveness and love of God and we recognize that with God even the ordinary becomes extraordinary... often labeled "extreme". May you be encouraged and blessed by this extreme Lenten adventure to the cross... this journey is about MORE than this world.

This week will be busy for Grades 7/8. Friday Grade 7 students need to turn in a typed- detailed outline of their 5-page autobiography plan. They should label the theme/topic for each page and what information will be in each paragraph. Once I see this, I can start providing individual instruction and support to help each student write a good life story.
Grade 8 students are expected to turn in a typed 5-page rough draft of their research topic and list of resources (works cited page) on Friday. This research paper is NOT just a report, it is an opinion formed by research and defended by facts. They should have a declarative statement (thesis statement) in the introduction that informs the reader what they are writing about. Again, I provide individualized support and instruction once I see the rough draft.

Spelling words this week are:
Grade 6: freedom, stunned, destiny, presidential, poverty, exile, liberty, pursuit, urgent, trial, despair, friendship. This work is due Thursday since we finish school at noon on Friday.
Grade 7/8: rhetoric, remembrance, restitution, captivity, manacles, architect, hallowed, destiny, fatigue, excessive, sweltering, exalted, symphony, presidential, candidate, deadline. This work is due Friday.

Grades 6-8 will be reading Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's "I have a dream" speech since this is Black History month. It is also a good fit for a discussion about the power of words in a campaign for civil rights... and presidential primaries in these days.

Other events this week:
Valentine's Day on Thursday. We will be doing a party during the day.
Spelling Bee Thursday afternoon after lunch.
Stations of the Cross on Friday morning.
School ends on Friday at noon and students will not return until Wednesday Feb. 20th.

Urgent Reminder:
The Junior high building is NOT open until 8:05 in the morning. Please drop off students on the elementary building side of the highway. Ms. Bietka will be on duty to cross students at 8:05. Students are NOT to go to Burger King or Holiday once they arrive on campus. Please accompany your student there before coming to school. This is important for many reasons. Looks like cold weather will define much of this week, so please help us keep your students safe and warm. Thank you.

Our Refuge in Christ

2008-02-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

As we walk the journey of Lent we will be challenged by the events of the unfolding drama. May we stay close to Jesus and find our refuge and strength in Him. Even when the going gets tough (as it will), we will be part of a dynamic story of transformation. This story is about God's love and it is also our story of His love for us. Be Safe on His eternal path.

Thank you to everyone today who helped our Bowling field trip be a success. It is quite amazing to see the energy our students carry as they knock down the pins, cheer for each other, enjoy getting out for shared fun.

Friday's academic expectations include:

Grade 6: spelling due and spelling test. We will also begin a unit study on China for World History. This is the "year of the rat." We will talk about what this means.

Grade 7/8: spelling is due and reading of conclusions to "The Lady or the Tiger." This short story invites students to string ornate words together to make sentences of lush language.

February 15th Deadline for Grades 7 and 8: Outline of autobiography due for Grade 7, and rough draft of Research essay and Works Cited page for Grade 8. Be sure to talk to your students about these major assignments.

NEWS UPDATE: Mr. Eaton will be gone Friday and the rest of next week. The Junior High building will be open at 8:05 so ALL students arriving earlier should wait in the building on the other side of the highway to keep warm and safe. The gym is NOT open. Mrs. Bietka is available to escort students across the highway at 8:00. Students are to stay on school property once they arrive. If parents want students to go to Burger King and/or Holiday, they should accompany students BEFORE students come to school. This habit is a safety measure. Thanks for the shared concern we have for all of our students... and thanks for your support.

Lent: A Journey

2008-02-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Today we set on our journey of Lent. We were marked with the signpost of ashes and reminded that Lent is about drawing closer to God. He is looking for repentant hearts open to refreshment and restoration in holy living. May these 40 days be used for instruction and good in your walk with Jesus.

Updates for this week:
Bowling tomorrow after lunch. We still need drivers. Students will need $2.75 per game (plan two games); the shoes are free. Also some money for snacks fits a jr. high apetite.

8th grade parents: I hope that ALL of you have schedules and emergency cards to Ashland High School. You have already missed the deadline for turning in these papers. Your student knows about it; Mr. Livingston was here from the high school to walk the 8th graders through this process.

Pizza Sales are on: Hey, we all eat pizza. Buy your certificates from an OLL student and eat even MORE pizza- a great day that benefits our school.

Spelling for Grades 7 and 8 are due on Friday. Book reports will begin next week. 8th grade research rough drafts and 7th grade autobiography outlines are due next Friday: February 15th. I originally said Feb. 13th, but am adjusting the due date because of two snow days. Please talk to YOUR students about these major writing assignment. This work will comprise the majority of their writing grade in 3rd quarter.

Molly's 4th Birthday today! Thanks be to God.

For Lent, we will continue to accept food items, etc. for The Brick. Have a good day!

Words of Blessing

2008-02-04T09:29:00.001-08:00

Today we had the blessing of the throats. Father Henry instructed us about St. Blase. This is a good season to pray for healthy throats (free from colds, etc.) as well as a reminder to speak words of blessing. May the words formed in our minds and given sound in our larynx be a process that seeds words of encouragement and hope to those around us.

Grade 6 spelling words: lent, faith, focus, ashes, mortality, frail, snatch, random, kindness, history, personality, community BONUS: cocoa, suede, embarrass

Grade 7/8 spelling words: pause, visualize, usage, ancient, carnival, ashes, imitate, desert, repentance, ambassador, random, abstain, kindness, whim, waver, tyrannical, spectacle, arena, administer, justice.

These are due Friday.

Also this week: Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinner on Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, bowling on Thursday... and other events to be posted as they are scheduled. We are in a new quarter. May each student work hard to do his/her best work.

Bucks for The Brick

2008-01-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

With two days off this week, we have shifted some of our schedule. We are hoping to take students next Thursday for bowling; I need to check on this. Next Tuesday is the spelling bee. Also this morning, we did an impromptu junior high breakfast. Some students brought in food and we also used some of our $55 to buy food. You would have been proud of your "cooks." Jacob is a master chef and Shane is a creative chef. Sarah, Emily and Maureen are masters at pancakes, Meghan and Rachel on waffle-duty, and Wes was frying up the bacon. Other students helped to set the table... thanks. We smelled like the junior high diner... and the food was the bonus! Thanks.

Tomorrow is Mass at 9 a.m. We are expecting some of our former students to join us. Also we hope to load up on some goodies to bring to The Brick for our community outreach. We will need to do some shopping, so if you have some spare change of a dollar or two, please bring it TOMORROW. We will go shopping and then bring our items to The Brick.

Students received report cards on Monday. Marco's winning essay was in The Press today. Spelling work is due Monday. Tomorrow is tie-dye colors.

Thanks be to God for we participate in His school to raise up men and women of faith and citizenship. Thanks for your support. Thank you today for a teacher appreciation luncheon, help in the gym, painting the gym, and so many others working hard to support our calling to teach your precious children.

Ice and Cold

2008-01-29T16:14:00.000-08:00

What a surprise to be house-bound today as ice coated our landscape. And we are not sure what the morning will bring as forecasts indicate a bitter wind-chill factor....stay tuned!

But....we move forward in Catholic Schools' Week. We belong to the God of all weather and all seasons. So even in the "weather-surprises", He is with us.

Grade 6 spelling this week is: ordinary, extraordinary, appreciation, Catholic, activity, bowling, hospitality, host, servant, needy, dollars, guest. I anticipate this assignment is due Friday. There may need to be an adjustment if we miss another day of school.

Grade 7/8 spelling words are: competence, catholic, alumni, exhort, disdain, disciple, regret, agony, multitude, triumph, blush, barbaric, merit, entertain, radiant, anguish. This is due Friday... unless we miss another day.

Parents: Students at OLL were given report cards on Monday. There are many reasons to celebrate the good work of many students and there a few concerns that also should be addressed. Talk to your student about his/her work.

Thank you to Nancy (our gourmet chef) for the wonderful meal she prepared for families on Monday night. Also some trusty helpers showed up to help out the teachers. We appreciate ALL you did.

We misssed bowling today; I am sure that will be rescheduled soon. Also the junior high breakfast plan can be rescheduled. God reigns in ice and cold... and we remain grateful for our heavy jackets and warm homes. May you know inner hope and eternal warmth in the message of a God that loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son... that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life (Jn. 3: 16).

Hope to be back at school soon.

Catholic Schools Week

2008-01-23T18:39:00.001-08:00

This is my second log today so please be sure to read the one written earlier.

Catholic Schools Week:
Next week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week: The Theme is, "Catholic Schools Light the Way."
Sunday: Please participate in the all-school mass at 9:30 and plan to attend the Knights of Columbus breakfast.
Monday: We encourage families to come to the all-school family meal at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Student appreciation Day. Jr. high will cook breakfast (ask your student what he/she should bring) and go bowling after lunch. We will need permission slips for this.
Wednesday: St. Louis comes over for Mass with our students. Jr. High will go shopping with "Bucks for THE BRICK" ministry. Students should bring in change and dollars all week plus the Mass offering will be for The Brick. Along with grocery items, The Brick needs laundry soap, dish soaps, tooth brushes, etc. Please be generous to support this worthy ministry.
Thursday: Teacher Appreciation Day.... The rumor is we will have a special lunch... yes!
Friday: Former students are encouraged to come and spend the day with us... Mass and activities.
Should be a fun week. Yes, we will do some work... but less than normal... and we will celebrate US.
Hope you can join us and support our school. Thanks so much.

Bless your coming in and your going out

2008-01-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Psalm 121 is one of my favorite writing of Scripture. These verse were often used when we went to Pakistan as missionaries; they were spoken over us at the airport as we were ready to board with 4 kids and all the stuff it takes to sustain a family for four years. Verse 8 has such a promise: The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.

This week we are "going out" of the 2nd quarter of this school year and "coming in" to the third quarter. Some students feel good about where they are at this academic year and others want to do better next quarter. We are here for their dreams and to instruct them in the ways of doing good school work and becoming good citizens of our world and citizens of our faith. Thank you for your precious children and your support to make good things happen for your student, for us, and for our school.

We are also coming into Catholic School's Week. There are extra activities and fun days; please offer to help and if you have an idea for something fun for junior high students, we want to hear from you and help you make it happen.

I am flying to Seattle this weekend for a celebration of life for a colleague that passed away Jan. 9th. Sarah had cancer and waged a fierce battle for over 3 years. Thank you for prayers for our travel (my husband is also going) and Lord willing, I will be back in the classroom Monday morning to hail the arrival of Catholic School's week.
May God bless your plans- your coming in and going out.

Winter(ordinary) Time

2008-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Life may seem rather ho-hum these days... same old... same old. Cold weather, white landscape, get up, go to bed... But with God ,even in the season of Ordinary Times, extraordinary things are happening. God is with us 24 x 7, he never feels ho-hum about His people, but rather he is working at fullspeed to infuse our lives with forgiveness, peace and resurrection joy! May we in this "huddle around the home-fires time" be excited and full of joy to be included in God's kingdom work on earth.

The exciting spelling words for Grades 7/8 this week are: accuracy, details, block, style, margin, salutation, signature, diligence, plagiarize, collage, college, indignation, exploitation, ideio, obnoxious, formidable. Also tomorrow we are going to the computer lab to type Letters of Intent (Grade 8) and PAVESO grids (GRADE 7) for our research projects and autobiographies. These are due on Wednesday.

The exciting spelling words for Grade 6 are: marvelous, brilliant, genius, emperor, pride, truth, procession, resided, swindlers, canopy, cloth, garment. 6th graders will be reading their fairy tales on Wednesday. In Class we will be also reading "The Emperor's New Suit."

IMPORTANT NEWS: This is the last week of this quarter. A small number of students are missing major work; this will affect your grades. I have notified your parents... so now it is a "family" commitment...Thursday is the DEADLINE
please.......

Catholic Schools Week next week. Please support our special activities and IF you want to do something special for our students/school, you are invited to participate. We also need more JUNIOR HIGH students for the all school Mass on Sunday and also we need baked goods for the school bake sale. If you do not have time to bake, monetary gifts also help.

FYI: I am traveling to Seattle this weekend to be one of the speakers at special Memorial Service for a dear-teacher colleague who passed on January 7th. Thaks for your prayers; I do not intend to miss any OLL school days.

Children of the Heavenly Father

2008-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Today we remembered the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. This event is also an invitation to remember our baptism. When water and word were infused with the eternal promise of God to proclaim us sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father. May we arise each day to remember and practice our inheritance as children of the Most High. We are His Beloved.

Students are busy these days as 8th graders begin their major research project. 7th graders are starting on their 5-page autobiography and 6th graders will begin planning and writing fairy tales this week. Parents of Grades 7 and 8: I hope that you saw the parent letter sent home last week. Those students who returned them on Friday received extra credit.

The Grade 7/8 spelling words for this week are: affect, effect, bibliography, introduction, body, conclusion, intend, access, synergy, enliven, gait, crumpet, essence, aura, infuse, transpire, expire, aspire, conspire, perspire Along with steps in the research process, students will read a short excerpt from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Grade 6 spelling words: prince, princess, gender, wizard, narrator, tale, tail, conflict, resolution, delight, instruction, brochure BONUS: antique, ferocious. The fairy tale project will include designing a main character, planning the conflict and resolution, and using vocabulary that is appropriate for a primary-age audience. We hope to share these stories with the students in Grade 1.

World History 6 students continue to gather information about Ancient Egypt. Students will be working on "sensory" brochures that invite a reader to see, smell, taste, touch, hear Egypt.

We have two weeks left of this quarter. The time is going quickly... and third quarter will comprise a heavy share of writing projects. Be sure also that students are reading a book outside class. Reading continues to be the vehicle that increases vocabulary and writing skills.
I hope to include some Shakespeare with Grades 7/8... and Grade 6 will focus on short stories. Also I will continue to read Bud Not Buddy aloud in class to 6th grade.

Be encouraged... we are children of the King.

May His Star Shine on You

2008-01-07T16:15:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated the Epiphany. There are some things in this life that are a mystery but a Star (God's signpost) on the highway can make all the difference in the world. May His Star Shine for You.

Your student may have informed you that we have some schedule changes; this is true. Grades 7/8 now have English in the morning and Grade 6 in the afternoon.

The spelling words for Grade 7/8 this week are: courage, contrary, determine, research, topic, sources, extract, relevant, synthesize, process, transition, curiosity, illustrate, syllable, punctual, original, neutral, sequence, origin, trivial.
We are moving into practicing the research process as students are preparing for the 8th grade research essay and 7th grade autobiography assignments. Also a rough draft is due tomorrow for the winter essay students are writing.

Grade 6 spelling words are: choose, essay, imagination, stategy, comprehension, interpret, summarize, demonstrate, research, resources, vocabulary, writing. BONUS: pharaoh, papyrus, hieroglyphics. Grade 6 will begin writing rough draft on winter essays tomorrow.
Also with the new schedule, 6th graders will be doing some journal writing. BY next Monday, each student needs a journal notebook.

World History 6 students continue to gain information about Ancient Egypt. Today students reviewed informational books on Egypt and practiced critical thinking skills. They will give oral presentations to share IF a book is a worthy resource for the Egypt unit.

Students should continue to do outside reading to improve reading and writing skills.

Happy New Year to all of our OLL families. We are grateful for God's goodness in 2007 and we have His promise for His ongoing presence. Be watching for His Star.

We Have Seen His Star...

2008-01-02T19:32:00.001-08:00

Happy New Years students and parents. Nice to be back at OLL and once again consider what it means to be followers of Christ. This week we are taking a fresh look at the Magi and their journey from the East to worship the Christ Child. May we also be "watching" for the signs of Jesus in our lives and those around us. He is the Morning Star... and He is the Evening rest.
An added bonus to our return was our worship, praying, and singing together at the school liturgy.

For English 6, 7 and 8 this week there will be no spelling test. Students were given a blue worksheet to complete by Friday that includes 5 words: magi, epiphany, frankincense, myrrh, and gold. They are to write each word 5x, define each word, and write a short summary of the coming of the Wise Men using all 5 words in the summary.

The New Year offers a clean slate in many ways. Today students were informed that the "missing" $55 was found so the money earned was returned to the students for a future field trip. Apologies were offered and forgiveness extended. We are learning this "faith-stuff" together. Also Mr. Eaton talked to students that there will be some schedule changes over the next few weeks as more teaching support is available in the junior high. There will be no major shifts, but mostly class times and locations will change.

I am still on jet-lag mode as I shift to Ashland time. I enjoyed telling students today about Thailand... an energetic part of Asia. Happy New Year to everyone. Be watching for the stars....

Peace on Earth

2007-12-30T04:05:00.000-08:00

Within 24 hours we are heading to the airport to say good-bye to Thailand. It is impossible to cover everything that we have done here, but our time included feeding baby tigers, petting adult tigers, floating in market-boats, cooking Thai food and just general fascination with this robust Asian country. Tourists have come from all over the world to enjoy the genuine hospitality of Thailand. Our main highlight has been to be with two of our sons, our daughter-in-law and her parents from India.
The weather has been a plus which allowed for swimming in the pool on the roof and wearing sandals and summer clothing all days.
I have sensed among all the activities and meeting so many people from China, Syria, Dubai, India, Holland, Brazil, Canada, England, Australia.... that we all share a common dream. That 2008 will be a year of Peace. May we end this year with this prayer on our lips and a fresh commitment to do our part to promote peace at home and abroad. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus as we move out from Bethlehem to share His message of peace and love. Lord willing, we set down back into winter on January 1st... and be back at OLL on the 2nd.

Christmas in Bangkok

2007-12-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone. You would be surprised to see the momentum of Christmas in this part of the world. Many decorations and Christmas services. Herb and our son Jeff are just checking on the times nearby. The temperature here is in the 80's and the evenings are very pleasant for eating outside under the full moon and walking along the busy streets. Our flights were full and long and the passengers represented people coming from all over the world to take advantage of the good climate in December. The butterball turkey is thawing and we will gather other goodies from the supermarket later today. Our son and guests are enjoying cheese curds... and other foods and stories of Wisconsin life... like the doe my Dad shot.

So dear friends, we belong to a ever-present cross-cultural God who is celebrated in most parts of the world. May we all be blessed by the songs of angels, the haste of shepherds, the vision of Wise men and the faith of Mary and Joseph that we may come to Bethlehem to know and proclaim: Christ is born.

Christmas greetings to all. Love, Mrs. Ellis

Hello from Tokyo

2007-12-21T23:33:00.000-08:00

We are here in Tokyo and for 100 yen (not quite a dollar), I can use the internet cafe for 20 minutes. Actually our plane is leaving soon. We are rather wiped out after a 13 hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo.... can only watch so many movies... and read so many books.
So now we are on to Bangkok- another 7 hour flight.
There are signs of Christmas everywhere as the world understands this is a special time of year. May the world also understand this is an occasion to proclaim the birth of Christ... and approach Him in the manger. The stable door is open... everyone is welcome!
Merry Christmas to everyone... signing off from Tokyo. Mrs. Ellis

8 p.m. in Minneapolis

2007-12-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

Dear OLL Friends,
Yes, I am in Minneapolis and ready to take to the air-waves in the morning on our flight to Bangkok. Thank you students and families for gifts, good wishes and prayers.

Be sure to check the Sounder this week. Kourtney's Christmas message was featured in the staff Christmas greetings.

Have a most blessed Christmas and Lord willing, we will come together in the New Year for learning and growing in grace together in 2008. With friendship and love, Mrs. Ellis

Jesus Changed the Story

2007-12-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas is an ongoing story of how God enters human history and works dynamic changes through love and grace. A Bethlehem stable certainly falls short of 5-star accommodations, but the manger signboard assured the Shepherds they found the Christ child. They were eager to tell everyone they met. The Good News is that Christmas continues to interrupt our lives, change our lives and give us an everlasting story to tell. Be ready... Christmas is close.

Thanks Patty Eaton for a good supply of pencils and pens. Parents, don't think you are off the hook on what your students need in their Christmas stockings (pens, pencils and scissors), but Patty has kept us going for a while.

English 6 students did a final worksheet on Maniac Magee. Fascinating story... hope you can read it sometime.

About 2/3 of the English 7/8 students wrote good quality essays on Roe v. Wade for the Life essay contest for the Diocese. These entries are NOW in the mail. Late-comers are too late... and will lose points.

Spelling tests and vocab. sheets are due Friday. A substitute will be covering for me... as I ride "in the sky" on our trip to Bangkok. We will be meeting two of our sons there, our daughter-in-law and her parents from India. Along with holiday celebrations, my husband and I are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. Yes, time flies when you're having fun! We return January 1.

Reminder: Service of Reconciliation tomorrow. Advent Angels gifts and party on Thursday. And please, remind your student to take an occasional break during the holidays to read a good book. Book reports will be coming up again the end of January.

Most of all... may we invite Jesus to be our Christmas and allow our celebration to flow from the reality of His Peace and Love. Thank you for your precious sons and daughters this year of 2007; Lord willing, we will learn and grow together in 2008. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you also to all students who will share in the children's mass on Christmas Eve. I will miss sharing this opportunity for worship with you.