After several weeks of composing and dancing, our performing arts grant is drawing to a close. The eighth grade students are working on several original compositions with Rick Gehrenbeck. This week, Chicago native "GQ" came to speak -- and rap -- with the students. He made up an original rap on the spot and later recorded students' voices to complete a verse. The sixth and seventh grade students continue preparing for the Dance-Off. We can't wait to see them salsa, swing, and waltz their way to a win! Please join us on Friday, March 11 from 6:00-7:30 PM at DePaul College Prep to celebrate their achievements.
Inspired by the meaning of Lent, the eighth grade students joined Ms. Jensen's class for Stations of the Cross on Wednesday. After a brief introduction and prayer, the students traveled in groups and reflected on Jesus' journey. Spending time with our prayer partners is always a rewarding experience! Many thanks to Mrs. McGovern for helping us prepare!
The eighth grade analyzed the Tom Robinson verdict in To Kill a Mockingbird. We compared his trial to the Scottsboro Affair, a real-life trial in the 1930s that inspired Harper Lee. We then evaluated the limitations in our legal system and questioned if it is possible for all to achieve justice.
The eighth grade students put on their engineering caps this week as they designed and built instruments to measure wind speed and direction. They had to get creative with the limited amount of materials available, but the designs look great! Next week we'll take them outside to test them out!
In seventh grade I&S, the students drew parallels between the 1932 election in Weimar Germany and the upcoming 2016 Presidential election. In groups, the students adopted the role of German citizens faced with the disastrous economic and political conditions of post-World War I Germany. They examined a variety of sources - political cartoons, propaganda, and laws - to determine the factors that influenced voting in Weimar Germany. Ultimately, they understood how Hitler first came to power.
Continuing the tradition begun last year by Ms. Denten, each sixth grade student wrote a speech and designed a campaign poster to promote a particular matriarch or patriarch as the most loyal follower of God. This was a concluding activity for their unit on figures in Genesis. Then, they had the honor of delivering their speeches to the class. Abraham and Joseph were the most popular choices to be role models for us as Catholics today!
In language arts, the sixth grade examined different points of view in the novel Wonder. They participated in a silent conversation to fully understand the character Summer's perspective.
Some more hot chocolate and marshmallows, of course! Student council continues to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit by selling hot chocolate on Friday mornings. Due to the wacky weather in Chicago, we should have a few more chilly mornings left for hot chocolate sales. Be sure to bring $1 next Friday to enjoy a delicious treat and to help fund the middle school dance!
On Friday, students were invited to wear blue and donate to support colon cancer awareness. We were thrilled to see so many students decked out in blue! The junior high students' contributions made up more than half of the total raised. Way to go junior high!
-Come out to support our SMS Mustangs in the playoffs tomorrow (Saturday, March 5) at Sacred Heart! 5th grade plays first at 10 AM, followed by 4th grade at 11 AM and 6th grade at 12 PM. Wear our team colors and get ready to cheer!
-All junior high students must be dropped off at the main campus on Monday, March 7 so that we can depart for the Feed My Starving Children field trip. We will leave promptly at 8:15, so please don't be late!
-Report cards will be sent home on Wednesday, March 7. Please sign and return the report card to your student's advisory teacher by Monday, March 14.
-Support the sixth and seventh grade dancers in the annual Dancing with Class Dance-Off on Friday, March 11 at DePaul College Prep from 6:00-7:30 PM. Dancers, remember to arrive early for registration and dress in your team colors!
Happy weekend,
Ms. Denten & Mrs. Prinzivalli