My teaching philosophy revolves around the importance of taking control of your own learning. I strive to create a comfortable, positive and safe environment where students can feel confident that they can learn and reach their goals. To do this I believe students need to feel connected to the learning process.

I understand that each student is different and that multiple and creative teaching strategies are needed. I strive to create an environment where students will learn the value of persistence despite obstacles or challenges, develop positive self-esteem and become spiritually and mentally equipped to live effectively as Christians.

I am really excited for a great year and can't wait to see what the new school year brings.

March 2010 from Mr. Ansnes

The eighth grade science class just completed their musical instrument projects. The class really showed their creativity with the designs, building and performing of their instruments. We had cigar box guitars, thumb piano made from coconuts, didgeridoos and various other instruments. Next, the class is working on their experiments and Power Point presentations covering the chapters we did not cover in class. We had one group build a crystal radio and another do a comparable study of various types of polymers. The last trimester the class moves mostly away from the traditional book mode of science with more experiments and projects.
In algebra, we just wrapped up our study of systems of equations. The class also is working on motion problems.

In seventh grade science, the class is in the midst of the study of vertebrates including all things amphibians, fish and reptiles. We are also just beginning the science fair project. The class just decided on their project topics. I am very excited to see what they come up with for the April competition. In pre-algebra, we are working with linear equations, slope and graphing systems of equations. We will then start a three chapter unit on geometry.

The sixth grade class has been hard at work studying weather factors. We have learned about how the earth warms itself and stays warm. We learned about the various wind patterns and how they affect the weather and climate. In math class, we are studying central tendencies such as mean, median, mode and range. In addition, we are working with various ways to display data graphically such as line graphs, bar graphs, frequency tables and line plots. The sixth graders will also begin a unit on geometry next chapter including working with protractors and compasses.

Only a few weeks until a much-needed spring break for the all of the students and teachers.