Guest Speaker from the Pueblo Chieftain

What a great day!  First, we started off with chapel singing praise songs and then a spiritual thought from Pastor Brad. After memory verses and spelling tests we did math and the younger grades also had English and reading.

Then we had a guest speaker, Mr. Pompia, from the Pueblo Chieftain.  He told us what it is like to be a reporter and he also gave us great tips on how to give a great interview.  This information will help us for our PBL this semester on our local heroes. A big thank you to Mr. Pompia for taking time out of his busy schedule to come talk to us!

I sent home the PBL guidelines with all of the students.  Please mark the dates on your calendar and help your student set up a time management plan to get their work done. This is a big project and it will have a city-wide audience, since these projects will be presented at the Center of American Values.

Our quote for today is from Dan Rather, "The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called 'truth'."

Beautiful Chimes

We had a full day that included practicing with our new chimes, music holders and table set up.  The students are really starting to sound good!  Many thanks to their fearless leader, Ms. Nancy!

In history we studied about Nahum and Zephaniah.  Nahum prophesied against the very cruel Assyrians and their capital city Ninevah. They had an incredible city. Ask your students what the dimensions of their city walls were.  Nahum had an important message for them and for us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y30DanA5EhU

During writer's workshop we talked about conflict and the different kinds of conflict. Ask your student to name a favorite story or movie and ask them what the conflict in that story is.

Today I sent home field trip permission slips for next week and also some tips for taking tests.  The 5th-7th graders have ITBS testing next week.

Tomorrow everyone has a memory verse quiz and spelling test.  5th-7th graders also have Spelling City and spelling words and definitions due.  They also have reading packets and reading tests tomorrow.

Our quote for today is from William Penn, “In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.”   

Pumpkins and Basketball

Autumn is such a great time of year. Praise God for the beautiful pumpkins from our school garden and a big thank you to the Bruestle Family for fixing our basketball nets.

Today in history we learned about King Josiah - making good decisions, even if we are very young, and even if the people around us are being negative role models. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJtH6QOJtdU

In writer's workshop we are working on the elements of a story.  Ask your student if they can name some of the elements of story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPfL0LToik0

5th - 7th graders will name the books of the Old Testament tomorrow for a Bible grade.  Thursday they will turn in their reading

packets and have a test on their reading books.

Today, I am sending home the student's mid-term reports, flyers for our PIE night next week, and flyers for the upcoming evangelistic series.  Please share these flyers with neighbors, friends and family.

Our quote for today is from Lauren DeStafano,“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.”  

Cooperation

Cooperation - working together for mutual benefit.  I love that Daystar has a mixed classroom.  This picture represents one of the many benefits.  Students of all ages helping each other out and gaining something in return.

New spelling lists and Spelling City assignments were given today - along with the Bible verse for the week.

1st-2nd grade:

 ^“God named the dry land “earth.” He named the water that was gathered together “seas.” God saw that this was good. Then God said, “Let the earth produce plants.”Evening passed, and morning came. This was the third day.” Genesis 1:10-13

5^th – 7^th grade:

”After his baptism, as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God coming down in the form of a dove.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with him.” Matthew 3:16-17

Reading packets for 5th-7th, along with finishing the book, is due on Thursday. Memorizing the order of the Old Testament books of the Bible is due on Wednesday.

Mid-Term reports will be going home tomorrow.

Our quote for today is from Hina Hashmi, “Materialize what you want with cooperation of other people not by depriving them.”   

English Assignments for the Week of 9-26-16

Monday

5^th – 26, https://www.quia.com/quiz/171707.html

6^th –31  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlkXoImPiVU

7^th –36 – 37, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS0-8lQH_5Q

Tuesday

5^th –27, https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=60&v=vNTiUh72lFo

6^th –32-33, http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/capitalization.htm

7^th –Quiz #4, https://www.quia.com/rr/335442.html

Wednesday

5^th – 28-29,   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc1cs1ifbtA & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7_hj6U_LrE

6^th –34-35 & Quiz 5

7^th –38-39, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMYSn9U55TQ

Thursday

5^th – 30-31, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1GIivjQazA & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rIJ9w4UVJM

6^th –36-37, http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/quiz/mquiz.asp?filename=kderittecapitals

7^th –40-41, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My6oGvkHnfY

Math Assignments for the Week of 9-26-16

Monday  (MATH FACTS)

1^st –74-76, wkbk 33-34, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osIFa9zcI-w

2^nd –74-76, wkbk 33-34, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxkuf9ygZZw

5^th –63-64, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fbioMIaNG0

6^th –wkbk 36 & 40, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgkNiYt36sM

7^th –Redo questions on page 67 (#38-43) and wkbk 40-40a, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_tPbVPfHgk

Tuesday

1^st –78-80, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qqRfewfAjk

2^nd –77-80, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5VoHUPxhM

5^th –67-68, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN5kcsNLIC4

6^th –Quiz page 69

7^th –page 69, Quiz 2.1 – 2.3

Wednesday

1^st –82-84, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLO4-YHZQs

2^nd –82-84, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdY3cvihKEk

5^th –70-72, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdU_rf7eMTI

6^th –72-76 evens, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lkq3DgvmJo

7^th –72-75, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak-PKoBfFH4

Thursday

1^st –86-88, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPa9V2wtZs

2^nd  - 86-88, wkbk 39-40, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1pPEiPBwYI

5^th –75-76, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B0YaT4tHzQ

6^th –80-83, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AEwiYFX8eE

7^th –78-81, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnVl1bLO6zc

Bible Jeopardy

Do you know the 13 books that Paul wrote?  One of our students named 12 of them in today's Bible jeopardy. It was a close game between the three teams. If you want to play with your family I am including the link: http://www.christianity.com/trivia/jeopardy/.

In writer's workshop we talked about character compare and contrast.  Ask your student to compare and contrast different things - like two people, two books or two foods.

I have a suggestion for my middle school students. I put up the student's English and Math assignments for the week on Monday. When they (and you the parents) see that they have a quiz or a test, please encourage them to study. My tests and quizzes, for the most part, are open book or open notebook.

The spelling words and Spelling City assignments are already up for next week if students want to get a head start. Middle school students need to also complete their Reading Plus assignments.

Our quote for today is from Gandhi, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Visitor

Today at recess we had a doggie visitor - Bama.  He is a sweet canine and the students loved petting him.

In Bible the 5th-7th graders will be learning the order of the Old Testament books to help them know their Bibles better. They will have an oral test next Wednesday.  Here is a video that can help them study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhP7xta2I7Y

Tomorrow all students will have their memory verse quizzes - so please help them study tonight.  They will also be having spelling tests tomorrow.

In history we studied about the Athens and Spartans. We even took a little tour of Athens today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP-FsX0QW88

In writer's workshop the students are continuing to work on their stories.  We have been focusing on character traits this week.

5th-7th grade students will need to finish their narratives tomorrow for a grade.  They can go to wpponline.com to work on them at home.

Our quote for today is from Ronald Reagan, "Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means."

Fundraiser a Success!

We had a very successful and great time at Pizza Ranch last night where we raised just over $900 (after a few more donations that came in late). Thank you to all who came out to help and support by eating some great pizza!  I think Pizza Ranch also has some future employees - Daystar students got many compliments on what a great job they did!

Students need to finish their math facts tonight for homework. Also the 5th-7th graders need to continue working on their weekly assignments - Spelling City, spelling words, Bible verse and Reading Plus. Also, remember that on September 29, reading packets are due and there will also be a reading test over their reading book.


The 5th-7th graders have also been working on a narrative all week. By the end of the week they need to have a story that has at least 3,000 letters.  They can submit it for a grade and make editing corrections. We will finish this in class on Thursday.  If they want to work on it at home (especially if they are behind) they can go to wpponline.com. 

In history we studied about the first Native Americans.  Ask your student about the Hopewell Indians and what they are famous for.

Our quote for today is from Suze Orman, "True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possession you can share."

Tonight is the Pizza Ranch Fundraiser!

Please come support Daystar at Pizza Ranch on S. Pueblo Boulevard tonight - between 5:30 and 8:00 pm we will get 10% of the proceeds.  We are raising money to buy new playground equipment.

I love this picture of our students saying the pledge of allegiance. It is something we do every day and we even have neighbors and people driving by stop and join us.

Our Bible verses this week are:

1^st & 2^nd graders

“Then God said, “Let there be something to divide the water in two!” So God made the air to divide the water in two. Some of the water was above the air, and some of the water was below it. God named the air “sky.” Evening passed, and morning came. This was the second day.” Genesis 1:6-8

5^th – 7^th graders

The teaching of your word gives light,
    so even the simple can understand.
I pant with expectation,
    longing for your commands.

 Come and show me your mercy,
    as you do for all who love your name.

 Guide my steps by your word,
    so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalms 119:130-133

Our quote for today is from Leonardo da Vinci, "Who sows virtue reaps honor."

English Assignments for the Week of September 19th

Monday

5^th – 21, no video and Quiz 1

6^th –Quiz 1,2,3,4

7^th –29-30, http://www.savethecomma.com/game/

Tuesday

5^th – 22 & 23, https://www.quia.com/mc/20459.html

6^th –Test 1, https://www.quia.com/pop/13222.html?AP_rand=170325300

7^th –Quiz 3 & page 31, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th-zyfvwDdI

Wednesday

5^th – Test 1

6^th –27-28, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVAKf-4W_iI

7^th –32-33, https://www.superteachertools.us/jeopardyx/jeopardy-review-game.php?gamefile=472653#.V9nezoWcHIU

Thursday

5^th – 24-25, http://www.macmillandictionary.com/verb_wheel/

6^th – 29-30, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kshfSh7TJNw

7^th –34-35, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgpExkmY6Y0 & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqef1Wx4D6w

Math Assignments for the Week of September 19th

Monday  (MATH FACTS)

1^st –58-60, wkbk 25-26, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW14jOElUrI

2^nd –57-60, wkbk 25-26, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gORaXou-Oag

5^th –44-46, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRULh1QrbnU

6^th –46-49 evens, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK1sZgdSGsY

7^th –45-47, no video

Tuesday

1^st –62-64, wkbk 27-28, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeiIdqZ_xT8

2^nd –61-64, wkbk 27-28, no video

5^th –49-50, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpLcXeEWy2k

6^th –52-55, evens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhUCOSS4n3M

7^th –52-55, evens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffd5vjM1hxo

Wednesday

1^st –66-68, wkbk 29-30, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tGMotjBaG4

2^nd –65-68, wkbk 29-30, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuH7OPkf4oY

5^th –53-54, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAgfnK528RA

6^th –58-61, evens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmfXyR7Z6Lk

7^th –58-61, evens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZD5jxgHit0

Thursday

1^st –69-72, pages 31-32, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osIFa9zcI-w

2^nd  - 70-72, wkbk 31-32, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RDPAO4N5tU

5^th –Chapter 1 Test

6^th –64-67, evens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ3EXyW36es

7^th –64-67, evens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jl8xz5ajvM

Starting Chimes Practice

Today, for chapel, we sang the song Warrior by Steven Curtis Chapman. It reminds us that we are strongest on our knees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=d7NxvOmtDNw

In music we actually started learning two songs on the chimes. They sound beautiful and we are so thankful to whoever purchased them and to Ms. Nancy for teaching us!

Please don't forget to pass out flyers this weekend for our Pizza Ranch Fundraiser on Monday. Pass them out to friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives.

Today we also talked about how to conduct a good interview. The 5th-7th graders have an assignment to come up with 15 good, open-ended questions for their hero interviews. The questions need to be turned in on Monday. Here are some tips from Katie Couric: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eOynrI2eTM

Students also need to complete Reading Plus assignments and if they want to get a head start on Spelling and Spelling City - the assignments are up already for next week.

Our quote for today is from Charles Spurgeon, “Prayer moves the arm that moves the world.”

Field Trip Fun

Our quote for today is from Ansel Adams, "“In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.”  

New Field Trip Location

Please note that there was a communication problem with the Colon Orchards field trip (planned by the Colorado Springs school) and they have set up an alternate location for us at the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience. Please have students bring a sack lunch, water bottle and they should wear their new field trip t-shirts.

Today we learned about the story of Hosea and Gomer in the Bible. That is an incredible allegory of a kind of love that goes beyond human comprehension - just like God's love for us.

In writing we are continuing to learn about setting and characters.  The setting is the when and the where and the characters are the who.  Here is a little video to showcase these concepts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b--Ndkp9_40

Our quote for today is from Dieter Uchtdorf, “Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly."

New T-Shirts

We will have a full week of assignments: SpellingCity, spelling words, math facts, Bible verses and Reading Plus. Please make sure to meet all deadlines. We talked about time management and how we need to make a plan to figure out how we will get things done by the deadline.

Please remember that this Wednesday is the field trip. All students will wear their new field trip t-shirts. The students are excited about their new T-shirts - it has their theme song title on it - Let Your Light Shine. I have a couple of extra if any parents or relatives would like to purchase one.

If you are wanting to attend the field trip with your child please remember you need to complete the http://www.shieldthevulnerable.org/ and bring a copy of your car insurance policy.

This week's Bible verses are:

1st and 2nd grade: “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:3-5

5th-7th grade: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11

In history we learned about the conflict between the Assyrians and Israelites and why the Israelites and Samaritans didn't get along. Here is a video (we only watched the last minute) but the students wanted me to put it up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVFW3wbi9pk

Our quote for today is, "Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how." ~Author Unknown