Season's Greetings!

Christmastime is here....Happiness and cheer...

Seventh Grade is determined to have a holly, jolly Christmas because it's the best time of the year. We don't know if there'll be snow, but it's a bright time, the right time to rock the night away. To kick-off our holiday vacation, we swapped wrapped gifts with each other. A couple of hot items were a Justin Bieber ornament, Justin Bieber Christmas album, and a hot pink phone! After the swap, a few of the more motivated students put their bargaining skills to work and got the gifts they wanted most.

Finally, we enjoyed some seasonal snacks like sausage balls (thanks Madeline!), cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire! Merry Christmas!

Happy Veterans Day!

Today, the fifth and sixth grade global studies students shared their appreciation for our US veterans by making cards. Many wrote poems while some simply said, "Thank you for your service!" One student said, "You are my greatest hope!" The cards will go to the Veterans Affairs Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Before making cards, we watched a short video presentation about the beginnings of Veterans Day. Now, we know that it was formerly called Armistice Day and declared so by President Warren G. Harding. After World War II, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name in order to honor all veterans of all wars.

It is so important to show our gratitude to those who serve our great country. As we read in the book of John, chapter 15, verse 13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

I Smell Books!

I love the smell of books in the morning! Who doesn't? Or..uh..I guess that's my inner teacher talking  aloud. Anyway, what better place to find, or smell, books than the Nashville Main Library!

The seventh graders will visit the Nashville Public Library on December 4th! The students will take a guided tour of the building with all of its magnificent architecture before viewing historical artifacts and photographs in the Nashville Room. The trip will wind up in the Teen Room where the kids can peruse the collections and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

Election 2012

The happy citizens of St. Ann School experienced Election Day with great fanfare! Red, white, and blue painted the hallways...mostly due to school uniforms...with posters for presidential candidates and ballot boxes lining their paths. After learning about the platforms of the Democrat and Republican parties, students familiarized themselves with the candidates. All of the global studies classes researched President Obama and Governor Romney before weighing their electoral options!

Civics and history played large roles in our study of the presidential election. First, students learned the responsibilities of candidates and the job requirements that would have to be met if they won. Next, we analyzed and critiqued campaigns, made campaign posters, and watched clips of the debates. Then, the Electoral College was tackled.

Using a map of St. Ann, we simulated the Electoral College by assigning each classroom a certain number of electoral votes according to class population. For every five students, classrooms were assigned one vote. The US Constitution says citizens should have one representative for every 35,000 people. Today, roughly 750,000 citizens are represented by one person. Wow! We prefer our system.

After mastering the Electoral College, we analyzed projection maps created by Karl Rove, Joe Trippi, and RealClearPolitics.com. Students used the information to create their own projection maps by coloring the states red or blue, and then calculating the predicted number of electoral votes won by each candidate. (The fifth and sixth graders colored maps of St. Ann to determine the electoral votes awarded by each classroom.)

The eighth graders evaluated samples of exit polls before designing an exit poll especially for St. Ann voters. Some of the questions included, "Was your vote influenced by your parents?" "Did you vote for your candidate based on his appearance?" And, "Did being Catholic influence your vote?"

Finally, we voted! 

The results didn't exactly follow the pattern of the 50 states. Still, we are smarter, better informed, and more patriotic for performing our civic duty! We can't wait for 2016!

Election Album

Seventh Graders before voting with Tebow!

St. Ann School Polling Station

We voted!

We voted, too!

One of our projection maps is on display.

Voter intimidation! :)

Fifty States, Hooray!

The fifth grade has had a blast learning tons of facts about the fifty states of the USA! Recently, each student began an inquiry study on a favorite state. A few choices were obvious...like Matt choosing Wisconsin, Loren choosing New Jersey, and Luke choosing New York. And, Andrew selected Florida...to get on my good side. It worked! Other students had a more difficult time narrowing their selections.

After developing a list of questions and research topics, the class spent several days compiling facts, pictures, maps, etc. Once the research was complete, each student was responsible for presenting his information in a creative way to his classmates. I was so impressed with the students' ideas and motivation to create, build, and design things to show their learning!

Once the information was shared creatively, we began designing floats for a Fifty State Float Parade (happening in the hallway now). I thought the research projects were impressive. I had no idea how amazingly awesome the floats were going to be. Who knew that learning could be so much fun?!?

Check out a few pictures and a video about the "Garden State!" Don't fuhgit about it!

AR Makes Us SmARt!

The seventh grade has embarked on a new journey with Accelerated Reader. The students are committed to meeting several goals in their reading life this year. Here are few things we hope to accomplish!

First of all, it is important that students understand, or comprehend, the selections they choose. When the plots and details of a novel are interesting and relatable, reading becomes a desire. If connections are being made with literature, they will perform better on quizzes. So, the students must maintain an 85% average on reading practice quizzes which will determine if the right reading choices are being made. Next, each student has an individual point goal that should be met by the end of the school year. I divided the points by quarter so that small successes can be met along the way. (The point goals are based on an individual's ability as determined by the STAR test.) Lastly, as a class, we are working hard to read for 30 minutes every day. Developing a "habit" of reading daily ensures that students will grow into life long readers. Is there anything more important for students? Reading is the master key in life!

I encourage parents to read with their children. Some ask, "Isn't my child too old?" The answer is, "Absolutely not!" Reading aloud is a valuable tool in improving listening comprehension. Also, when parents read to, read with, or listen to a child read from a novel, your child gets the message that reading is an important component to success. Form a book club with your child. Choose a selection that interests each of you. It's also fun to choose a book that is becoming a movie. After reading the book, you can go to a movie together and discuss the likes and differences. There are many ways and opportunities in which you can encourage and show your kids the importance of reading. Find one and get to it!

Student Council Has Quality!

Today was the first time meeting with St. Ann's quality project groups. I have the honor of being the facilitator for the Student Council...for now. Soon, our fearless leader, Clare, will take over the role of meeting planner and gavel holder. The first order of business was defining the order of business. We used an agenda to keep our bodies and minds focused on the important tasks. After roll call, we discussed new business like defining our mission. The council settled on 1) helping St. Ann work toward becoming a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, 2) meeting the needs of the St. Ann student body (within reason), and 3) serving the community. They are really in-tune with their constituents! The last bit of new business centered on writing a bill to be presented to the Tennessee State Legislature in May. But, first things first, the council has to define a goal. Should it be an act or a resolution? We'll list it under "open business" for our next meeting.

The final minutes of the meeting introduced new business to the council. First, nail polish should be allowed! This suggestion is sure to help us write a bill, right? Well, in fact, it will. Using suggestions for changes to the student handbook is what we will use to practice writing an act or a resolution. It's all very technical. Keep up.

Finally, President Harney called the meeting "adjourned" until next time. In the meantime, your honorable representatives will be active in the community, talking with constituents, and researching Tennessee law.

Blog entry, adjourned!

P.S. Take a look at our meeting presentation!

Nine Steps to Write a Bill

Follow Us

Follow the seventh graders on Twitter  @SASEagles7! We share updates once a week or so to keep our "tweeps" informed of the goings on at St. Ann. We also follow some interesting things, too. Join us in this new wave of communication. You can even re-tweet us for your "tweeps"!

Happy International Day of Peace!

Today, we celebrated the International Day of Peace by sharing what peace means to us. We created a list of symbols that represent peace around the world. The dove  was the most common symbol brought to our talk. The best part of our discussion was remembering that John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, taught us that peace lies with Jesus. In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." Without a doubt, that is my favorite verse from the Bible. It is a reminder that without Jesus there will be no peace.
Still, we will continue to pray for peace for each and every citizen of the world that they may come to know Jesus as we do.

Share the peace of Christ today!

Hail to the Chief

(Do you hear it? It's "Hail to the Chief" playing softly  in the background of your imagination.)

President Abraham Lincoln will be visiting St. Ann School on Monday, October 15th, to speak to us about his time in office and more! He will also be feasting on our Civil War menu as prepared by our students and parents. Seventh grade has been charged with preparing desserts. We are so excited! How can you go wrong with desserts? They are all tasty! Please spend some time with your children researching Civil War era desserts. We want to be authentic. Desserts will be prepared at home under the guise of "Family Fun Time." :) Then, you can bring the goodies with you on the night of the dinner and presentation.

Honest Abe's presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. immediately following dinner at 5:30 p.m. It is sure to be an enlightening and informative evening. It's a rare opportunity to hear a former president reflect on his life( and even more rare to see a president return from the dead). Don't miss it!

And, send your dessert recipes our way!

Election Connection

Campaign Carl, here again! The election is big talk around St. Ann this week. Who's going to lead our Student Council? Which candidate will be best suited for Treasurer? Thursday afternoon, at an all school assembly, candidates for Student Council Officers addressed our community sharing great ideas for reaching our goal of becoming a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The student body had a chance to meet each candidate before making a final vote on Friday. The ballot boxes were stuffed...legally, and the winners were announced before the final bell of the week.

Clare Harney, President

Katherine Zerit – Vice President

Amy Nguyen – Secretary

Jack Wright – Treasurer

Ella Roche and Reid Vinett - 8^th Grade Representatives

Olivia Bruck and Dasha Krenson – 7^th Grade Representatives

Claire Catignani and Matthew Nelson – 6^the Grade Representatives

*Ella Bowles – 5^th Grade Representative

*There will be a run-off on Monday between Bella Hutto and Matt Malone!

Student Council has big plans! We are looking forward to visiting our state capital building and watching a legislative session. Afterward, we plan to write a bill to present to our local congressmen. Strong leaders are what we need to help us through the process. Congratulations on a well-run campaign and election! Now, we look ahead to November.

Campaign Corner

Campaign Carl, here! Posters are lining the walls of St. Ann School this week. Students are campaigning to be your Student Council officers and representatives. Clare Harney has promised free drinks at the water fountain. The students are hoping she can follow through on that promise. "Connor Davis for Treasurer" touts his mad math skills. And," Katherine Z for VP" stickers are on the bottoms of most students' shoes. Apparently, candy helps win votes because there are also Jolly Rancher wrappers, Dum Dums, and Smarties lining the hallways, too. The campaigns are gearing up to speak to the student body on Thursday. Keep it here for the latest election coverage.

Welcome to the Family!

Welcome to the family Gus Bullock, Cade Settle, and Collin Scheele! We are so excited to have three new students to add to the seventh grade this year. Each of these fine boys contributes greatly to our classroom. Gus and Collin both play football while Cade is a guitar player. We have enjoyed getting to know them these past four weeks.We know that Cade likes cars...a lot. Collin loves his hoodie. And, Gus is still getting used to us. It's kind of like meeting your cousins from out of state for the first time. We are going to have a great year together and couldn't be more happy to welcome you to our St. Ann family!

Geography Is Puzzling!

Today, the fifth graders had a blast configuring geography puzzles. Several groups worked together to complete a models of Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has become a tradition to work on the puzzles after tests. It helps decompress our brains!

The St. Ann Globe Trotters

Latitude, longitude, meridians, and parallels...What do they have in common? The globe! The fifth graders have learned to use lines of latitude and longitude to locate specific places on the globe. If you don't know where to find MooseJaw, we do! Brrr... We have traveled across the International Date Line and vacationed for a few minutes on the Equator. We are St. Ann's Globe Trotters!

Day 1 of Grade 7!

Welcome! We just finished day 1 of grade 7. Everyone made it to the classroom wearing big smiles and carrying loads of supplies. There are a few differences that greeted the students this morning. The desks have been rearranged, the boards are decorated a little differently. Oh, and the classroom has been remodeled. The best part is that the remodeling will continue through the middle of September as much of the furniture has yet not yet arrived. We had a busy day visiting with old friends and making new ones.

During the school prayer service, we enjoyed singing hymns and remembering that the Son is the center of our universe. Of course, we need the sun too, but, not nearly as much as we need Jesus.

The remainder of our day was spent unpacking backpacks and organizing lockers. Each student designed a personal locker tag, covered textbooks, and arranged locker essentials, like mirrors, lip gloss, and shelves. What would we do without these things? We played a fun game called "Mingle, Mingle" since mingling is one of our best subjects.  Each student asked a partner a question from a notecard, then traded cards, and moved on to mingle with someone new. I learned that Dasha would be the color purple if she was a color. Rachel sees herself entering the Grand Prix with her horse in 20 years. Cade would work in a soup kitchen if he could spend the day doing something charitable. And, Olivia would not change her first name even if she could! Another nice part of our day was learning the rules of Writing Workshop and spending time with friends and classmates to discuss topics for writing. Jessie and Madeline wrote a song about smoothies. Lauren began writing a comic strip, and Marlaysia developed characters for a recurring series. Our time concluded with repacking and reorganizing backpacks and lockers. And, we look forward to doing it again tomorrow!
Please bookmark our blog so you can stay up-to-date on the seventh grade adventures. Surely, there are many more to come! :)