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.

In seventh grade science class, the students were challenged to develop an analogy for either a plant or animal cell that demonstrated their understanding of the various organelles within the cell. They created a display of their analogy using a poster and presented the information to the fourth grade class. Example analogies included…

“A plant cell is like a garden.”

“A plant cell is like a city.”

“An animal cell is like a power plant.”

“An animal cell is like a factory.”

To conclude, the students then directed the fourth grade on how to construct their own simple cell models using various materials. Our seventh graders did a fantastic job handling this task and showed such professionalism. Bravo, seventh grade!

By Susie Rogers, ELA, 5th-8th

Having pen pals from Bishop Alpha School in Tanzania, Africa offers middle school students a remarkable opportunity to broaden their horizons and cultivate essential life skills. While both sets of students may wear uniforms, the differences in their backgrounds and cultures become a powerful catalyst for growth. Through exchanging letters, these young minds develop their writing skills, honing their ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively. Beyond the academic aspect, pen pals facilitate the cultivation of empathy as students gain insight into the challenges and aspirations of their peers across the globe. These personal connections transcend geographical boundaries, fostering a sense of global citizenship and mutual understanding that will serve them well throughout their lives. In a world where interconnectedness is key, pen pals from diverse backgrounds offer an invaluable educational experience that goes beyond the classroom.

‘Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn’ -Benjamin Franklin

Seventh grade students participated in a fun, interactive mini project this week as we continue our study on the Renaissance. Their instructions were as follows: Decorate your bag as you imagine your Renaissance artist would and put items in the bag-quotes, images, replicas, documents, or anything that accurately represents the core ideas of your artist. The students then presented their research to the class.