by Nicole Ayers & Erin Hobson
The 6th & 7th grade math classes joined together for our annual Pi Day celebration. The number pi is approximated as 3.14 and is commemorated on March 14th. We played pi trivia and measured the diameter and circumference of circular desserts to calculate pi for ourselves. A great time was had by all.
by Susie Rogers, ELA 5th-8th
Talk about the good ole’ days or wait…..were they really? Before the 7th grade class began the classic novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, students were required to research different aspects of life in the 1960s. Areas such as fashion, slang, events, cars, music, television, and statistics were explored and then presented to the class. With a better understanding of the culture, language, and classes during that time period, the students were able to grasp the significances of the two divisions, and how, for all of their differences, both groups always had a view of the sunset.
by Jennifer Jordan
Diagramming and translating sentences is likely most students’ least favorite aspect of Latin. You have to play mental gymnastics because you have to break down each word by its three characteristics, and you have to remember that each characteristic can have up to 5 subparts. However, the diagramming leads to a reward— an easier translation. Seventh grade Latin I students have been diagramming sentences since 5th grade. We have been doing whole-class diagram/translation up until now. The students have improved their accuracy and speed as a group (with my gentle suggestions) so now, to ring in 2023, we’ve moved to small group translation. It’s often better to test your tentative thoughts with a partner, isn’t it? Students seemed more confident working out the diagramming with their peers. Brave souls took each group’s work and presented it on the board. There was no judgment if a wrong label was included— everyone is learning! Overall, the class did very well, and I hope that they’re as proud of their efforts as I am.
By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th
The 7th grade class decided to focus their community service on the true meaning of Christmas: giving to others. We chose to work with Life House Church, which 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 be able to bless the sweet kids of this church this Christmas with dinner, presents, and fellowship. My students truly learned it really is better to give than to receive! May your holiday season be filled with such wonderful blessings in honor of Him.
The Spartan Science Olympiad team has hit the ground running this year. After finishing 1st place at Regionals and 11th place at State last year, we are on a quest for continued success on ongoing improvement. We competed in two early-season virtual tournaments this month against some of the top teams in the country to sharpen our skills and get a taste of next-level challenges. While the program is designed for 6th-9th graders, we have students as young as 4th and 5th grade who are eager to learn science and engineering. We look forward to an exciting year…Go Spartans!
