This week the sixth grade focused its attention on Where the Red Fern Grows. As the year slips away, we realized how much reading we have in so little time! We managed to squeeze in some group fun, comparing and contrasting Old Dan and Little Ann. The students used text evidence to support their ideas.
The seventh grade concluded their study of Parallel Journeys by debating the fate of Hitler Youth officer Alfons Heck. The two groups used the nonfiction literature and past activities to justify how Alfons should be tried and how to achieve justice for the victims.
The eighth grade spent the week exploring the power of a choice. We started by examining a character’s choice through Reader’s Theater. We learned that her choice to dump chili on her bullies caused great consequences for herself and others. The eighth graders are reflecting on this idea using all our novels this year in a final essay. Fun!
Seventh grade finished learning about Catholic Social Teaching with a fun activity to apply their understanding about our seventh principle: Catholic Social Teaching. Each group read the story of the Good Samaritan and then wrote and delivered a sports announcer's version of the events using key terms from religion, I&S, and language arts. They've learned a lot about being upstanders and about social justice over the past few months!
The St. Matthias community turned up in big numbers for the Cielito Lindo Family Folk Music concert in Giddings Plaza this past week. The crowd's favorite song was definitely "There's No Tortillas!" Look for specials on PBS WTTW shows "Chicago Tonight" and "Jay's Chicago" featuring the band and their fans.
Sixth grade simulated the fall of Jericho in religion class as they marched around the city with the Ark of the Covenant, rams' horns, and the sound of their own voices to knock the walls down!
Thank you to Mrs. Reckamp and Mr. Omiatek for your hard work and dedication for the Spring Art and Music Show. The junior high did a marvelous job showing their talents in the fine arts. What a spectacular performance and art display. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful fine arts program at St. Matthias.
The eighth grade students are trying to pack in as many memories as they can in their final few weeks at St. Matthias. Whether it's sitting together at lunch and sharing stories from the past, starting a rowdy game of tag at recess, or spending the day at Six Flags, this class does everything together. We are going to make the most of our last week with the Class of 2016!
--May 30th: No School for Memorial Day
--June 3rd: Last day for the 8th grade! Ribbon Ceremony starts at 8:15am; Graduation starts at 6pm in the church; 8th graders must be in the gym by 5:30pm, families go directly to the church. There will be a reception to follow in the gym.
--June 7th: End of Year Picnic. Thank you PILLARS!
--June 9th: Last day of school. This is a full day of school and there will NOT be aftercare.
Merritt and Jamie