By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-7th

The Outsiders, a classic novel by S.E. Hinton, continues to resonate with readers today due to its timeless exploration of social class, identity, and the challenges faced by adolescents. Set in the 1960s, the novel follows the struggles of two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, offering a realistic commentary on the harsh realities of teenage life. Despite the era it depicts, the themes of belonging, friendship, and the quest for individuality are universal and still relevant today. At the end of the novel, my 7th grade students celebrated their exploration of "The Outsiders" enjoying chocolate cake and Pepsi (a staple in Ponyboy’s household) while watching the movie adaptation. To deepen their understanding, they then engaged in a Bloom Ball project, incorporating Bloom's taxonomy to delve into various cognitive processes, enhancing their ability to remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. This interactive and multi-dimensional approach highlights the enduring relevance of "The Outsiders" in fostering critical thinking and empathy among modern-day readers. It is a much-anticipated 7th grade unit of study!

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th

Recess is not just a break between classes; it is a crucial component of a well-rounded education. The advantages of recess extend beyond the physical benefits to encompass cognitive development, social interaction, stress reduction, and inclusivity. By recognizing and prioritizing the importance of recess in middle school, we are helping the overall growth and well-being of our students, nurturing not only their academic minds but also their social and physical selves.

Recess is a time when students from different grades intermingle, fostering social bonds that extend beyond the confines of the classroom. Games like keep-away, four square, and puzzles encourage teamwork, cooperation, and healthy competition. Students interact freely, breaking down social barriers and facilitating the formation of friendships across grades. These social connections not only contribute to a positive school environment but also aid in the development of essential social skills.

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th

Life House Church - 915 East Street, Texarkana, AR 71854

The 7th and 8th grade classes planned a Christmas party for the kids of Life House Church.  Life House Church brings together members who are from all walks of life. Many of the families are homeless, jobless, and struggling in some capacity. Some of the children are brought on Sundays and Wednesdays by the Life House Church van service, unable to attend service otherwise due to guardians or no vehicle. Many of the kids’ meals only come from Life House Church and school each week. Life House is an amazing outreach ministry trying to help the underprivileged. We were excited to bless the sweet kids of this church this Christmas with pizza, desserts, and gifts! They then led us in ‘Praise Dancing’ where new moves and lyrics were taught and fun was had by all!

Our seventh and eighth graders hosted primary and pre-k students recently for our school’s annual Pumpkin Patch. Along with some of our traditional activities, such as storytime and teaching about the pumpkin life cycle, our seventh and eighth graders also put on a short skit for them. Another new activity included pre-k students test-tasting three different pumpkin desserts and then voting on their favorites! A fun time was had by all and we look forward to hosting the SJDS Pumpkin Patch for years to come!

By Susie Rogers, ELA 5th-8th

Writing and illustrating an original short story for the annual Pumpkin Patch holds immense significance for these 7th grade students. As students embarked on this creative journey, the use of a plot diagram became instrumental in crafting a coherent narrative structure, ensuring a well-paced and engaging story for the younger audience. The students learned to weave imaginative tales, using relatable characters and fun plot twists that young listeners would enjoy. Understanding the target audience was vital because writers had to tailor their language and themes to captivate the imaginations of the younger students. Equally crucial was the art of reading aloud, as it allows the writers to convey the nuances of their story, bringing it to life with intonations and expressions that enhance the overall storytelling experience. This project not only encourages literary proficiency but also cultivates a sense of responsibility and empathy as students connect with their younger peers through the enchanting world of storytelling.