Wow! This school year has flown by. So much has happened in this last quarter that it feels like it has been more than just a couple of months since the last update. Let’s start with the big topics we discussed in school.
Seventh Graders
We finished our unit on The Giver. As we ended, we discussed why love is important and what a world without pain would look like. Students concluded that love is experienced through imperfection. They figured that if you were perfect and everyone around you was perfect, there would not be a full understanding of love. It is the differences and the little imperfections that make us unique and allow for love. It was interesting to reflect on the society in the book and how its “perfection” led to a lack of love. Students also did a great job trying to pull text from the Bible to support their thoughts.
Students playing an Escape Room game to review The Giver.
Students playing an Escape Room game to review The Giver.
Students playing an Escape Room game to review The Giver.
Students playing an Escape Room game to review The Giver.
From there, we discussed games, both athletic and video games. We read texts about both, and students ended the unit with two writing assignments: a narrative that included a game and an argumentative essay about which is better for kids in the long run. Students unanimously chose athletic games to be better for kids. Each student had a different perspective on why it was better, but it came down to building relationships, releasing stress, enhancing one’s health, and building one’s self-esteem. These were recurring ideas in the arguments presented. Even though many of them love playing video games and they wanted the video games to be the better choice, they decided, on their own, that athletic games were more beneficial to kids in the long run. Hopefully, this will make a positive impact in their lives.
Students organizing an argumentative essay. This prepared them to organize their essays that were coming up.
Students organizing an argumentative essay. This prepared them to organize their essays that were coming up.
Students organizing an argumentative essay. This prepared them to organize their essays that were coming up.
We ended the year by reviewing what we learned this semester, creating games based on our review, playing them in groups, and taking the final. Next year, I will have these students again, and I look forward to watching them grow in their English abilities and their critical thinking skills.
Students playing each other’s review games before the final exam.
A sweet note from one of my seventh graders. “I love you Mrs. Ridgley.”
Eighth Graders
The eighth graders graduated from Middle School this past Friday and it was fun to celebrate them. Our last unit was focused on Anne Frank. There were so many great topics that were brought up in this unit. The question that followed us through was “What can we learn from tragic events?” We started off by thinking and discussing tragic events that are found in the Bible. Students came up with great responses on different events that show up and what we can learn from them. From there we discussed how people react when they are in danger and how we each react in anxious or stressful situations. The final topic we discussed and pondered on was a quote that Anne wrote in her diary where she says that she still thinks people are essentially good. We discussed this by examining the texts we had read and then thinking about what the Bible has to say. There were many mixed opinions and we ended without a final conclusion. Students were encouraged to read their Bibles and keep this question in mind as they read and to come to their own conclusion based on what God says.
Students going back to the text to verify their statements.
Students creating character analysis posters from The Diary of Anne Frank.
Students creating character analysis posters from The Diary of Anne Frank.
The yearbook team finalized the yearbook and were able to take a field trip to the publishing house to see their books being printed. It was great to see the final product come together. They worked hard to produce something unique that represented the year well. It was fun to have the yearbooks delivered to the school and see students sort and deliver them to the rest of the Middle School. While it was not perfect, it was well done considering they started from nothing and produced the entire thing in two months. I am proud of their hard work and dedication.
Yearbook students examining one of our final edits of the yearbook.
Yearbook students examining one of our final edits of the yearbook.
Yearbook students examining one of our final edits of the yearbook.
In the school van headed to the publishing company.
Seeing a page from our yearbook and hearing how it is printed.
Students getting the opportunity to cut paper with the large paper cutting machine.
Sorting the yearbooks for distribution.
Posing with our published yearbooks.
Yay! We are excited to be done!
Students finished off the year by writing thank you notes to their teachers as they moved into high school. They also reviewed the semester, created games, played each other’s games, and took their finals. It has been a great year seeing them learn how to examine texts and think critically about what they read.
Students focused on writing thank you notes to their teachers.
Students made a chart to brainstorm what they would say in their notes. This student has her chart open and is referencing it as she writes.
Students made a chart to brainstorm what they would say in their notes. This student has her chart open and is referencing it as she writes.
Students playing each other’s review games. We have four corners, blooket, and quizzlet being shown here.
Students playing each other’s review games. These students are playing Jeopardy.
Advisory
My sixth grade girls were a treat to get to know this year. We learned how to deal with emotions and solve conflicts together. We shared prayer requests and prayed for each other though out the year. I am looking forward to getting to know them better next year!
Family
Paige: Paige has finished up her sophomore year by earning high honor roll, most improved player on track and field, and the global learner award for her grade among the female students. She has thrived this year and has been able to explore her faith more through her theology classes and with friends. She plans to intern at the library, train for sports, and start a business this summer. She’s looking forward to having time to explore her interests while school is out.
Paige washing cars as a fundraiser for her trip to Bangkok for her track and field meet where she placed 3rd in the 200m.
Paige leaving school with her track team headed to Bangkok.
Paige earning the most improved player award.
One of Paige’s three submissions for the Art show.
One of Paige’s three submissions for the Art show.
One of Paige’s three submissions for the Art show.
Paige with her Global Learner Award which honors students who have high academic achievement and represent Christ in all they do.
Asher: Asher has finished middle school and is getting ready for high school. He has actually started thinking about college and what he might do. This is new for him as he has always disliked school and wanted to be done as soon as possible. He really loves sports and we are encouraging him to practice instead of just relying on his natural abilities. This year he has grown in his friendships, responsibilities, and trustworthiness.
Asher trying new Cheetos, tomato flavor. They taste like ketchup.
Asher receiving his middle school certificate from the principal.
Asher posing with friends after graduation.
Reese: Reese just celebrated her 12th birthday and it was great to see her interact with her friends. She is crazy and spunky and her friends love her for it. After comments, from strangers, about her looking like a boy because her hair is short, Reese took the plunge and pierced her ears. She is excited to have another way to be unique by wearing fun earrings that match her personality.
Reese at the mall having just gotten her ears pierced.
Reese celebrating her birthday with an ice cream cake.
Elijah: Elijah has hired another person to help him in his business. This person is not a Christian, so Elijah has opportunities to show him what Christ-likeness is. While showing costumers around, Elijah has also had opportunities to share the Good News as people seek truth in this world. It’s amazing what God brings to him on a daily basis.
Jessica: Jessica has finished the school year and is getting ready to make a trip to the US to build ministry partners. She has closed up her classroom and is now looking ahead to her trip. She’s been busy trying to contact people and set up appointments. This school year has been a great one, where she has felt that she has been able to be open about her faith and guide students in seeking God’s perspective in their lives. She is looking forward to the next school year.
Praises
- We finished the school year well!
- Thankful for new ministry partners who have joined since March.
- Thankful for our continued partners.
- Our kids have grown in their walk with the Lord.
- We have opportunities to share God’s love with others.
- God has provided for our needs even when things looked grim this year.
Prayer Requests
- Jessica’s trip to the US to be fruitful. (If you would like to meet with her, please reach out!)
- Finding a new house that is better for our family.
- Elijah and the kids to thrive while Jessica is away.
- Elijah’s pursuits to help others.
- The business to be successful.
Thank you all for your support in our lives. We know that without your prayers and support, we could not be doing as well as we are. You are a blessing to us. If there is any way we can support you, please reach out and let us know. May your summer be filled with God’s blessings.