Wow, another school year is upon us. How quickly the summers go! The month of September will bring all of the classes back up to speed with some basic reviews in each class as well as some new and interesting material.

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.

January News

The 8th grade science class began their two-chapter unit on waves this month. We went down to the beach on December 10th to do an activity on wave frequency. On the 12th, the class will compete in the annual Egg Drop Competition. The class was challenged to design the most durable compartment to protect an egg from a one story drop. In 8th grade algebra, we are in the middle of chapter five and the study of polynomials. They were just introduced to FOIL, everyone's favorite form of multiplying.

In 7th grade science, the class is in the middle of their group science experiments. So far we have seen how you can squeeze an egg through a narrow bottle and how the electricity in your hair can power the movement of a soda can. In pre-algebra, the class continues their work with fractions and exponents with emphasis on equations.

The sixth graders are knee-deep in their work with fractions as well. All fraction operations are no-problem for them at this stage. We are also doing a mini-unit on word problems and mental math. In science, we continue our study of water and the importance of conservation. The class will begin their trimester project by tracking the water usage in their household.