Published: September 22, 2007 10:29 pm      

School Happenings for 9-23-07

MIDDLE SCHOOL

• September Students of the Month — Congratulations go out to the three Middle School students of the month for September. Chance Coppedge, Jenna Neel, and Catie Bridges received their awards and accolades at a school wide assembly on Friday, September 14.

Chance Coppedge is the 8th grade student of the month. Chance is the son of Trap and Dona Coppedge. He has one older brother, Levi, who is a student at Elkhart High School. Chance is involved in UIL Academics, band and theater arts programs. In his spare time Chance has become a violin virtuoso. He also expresses an appetent interest in History. Chance is often spotted around campus with authors such as, Edgar Allen Poe. Chance states that his future goals include becoming an archeologist and traveling the world. Chance is a favorite among peers, as well as teachers. When asked to describe Chance as a student, Mrs. Stanaland said, “Chance is a pleasure to have in class. He is a unique student that loves to learn new things.” According to Mrs. Mendiola, “I always look forward to hearing Chance's point of view. His thoughts are unique and uplifting.” Felicitations, Chance!

The 7th grade student of the month is Jenna Neel. Jenna is the daughter of Stephen and Marilyn Neel. She is the baby of the family with two older brothers, Jordan and Austin. Jenna has been busy the past week campaigning for the Student Council elections. She is also involved in numerous other activities, such as FCA, NJHS, and UIL Academics. Her favorite class is Art. Jenna is very involved in church and youth group activities. She is currently participating in two girls’ Bible studies. She is a talented singer, as she demonstrated in the spring talent show. Other talents include drawing, dancing, and sports. In the future, Jenna wants to become a teacher and travel the world. Jenna prides herself in being a Christian. This love she has for God and her church is evident to everyone she comes in contact with, including teachers and peers. According to Ms. Chapman, “Jenna is dedicated to her family, friends, and above all God. She is a superstar both in and outside the classroom.” Way to go, Jenna!

Finally, it is no surprise that Catie Bridges was chosen as the sixth-grade student of the month. Catie has been a favorite among her teachers from the first moment she set foot on this campus. Catie was chosen as student of the month, not only because of her bubbly, friendly personality, but because she maintains her positive attitude even in the face of difficult times. Catie is a great role model for her fellow students. She always has encouraging, positive words to share with everyone she comes into contact with. Her parents, Matt and Emily Bridges, along with her older brother, Cole, have a great deal to be proud of. Catie is also busy campaigning for Student Council and has recently been chosen for the UIL Mathematics and Number Sense teams. She not only excels in academics, but in sports, as well. She enjoys playing softball, basketball and volleyball. In the future, Catie plans to attend college and become a college softball coach. Kudos, Catie!

• Cross Country — The middle school cross country team ran in Malakoff on September 15th. The kids had a very successful day. The girls did a great job. Each girl took at least 2 minutes off their time from the previous week. There were a total of 119 7th and 8th grade girls that ran. Elizabeth Fargo ran a 16.07 and got 18th place. Jayme Irvin ran a 17.06 and got 31st place. Tiffany Claborn ran 18.44 and got 77th , Taylor Mathis ran 18.48 and got 78th and Breeanna Walker ran 19.49 and got 87th place. The middle school boys also did a great job. There were a total of 70 boys that ran at the meet. Every boy that ran took at least 1 to 2 minutes off their time. Haden Gray got 24th place and ran a 15.11. Jacob Cheathem got 27th and ran a 15.50. Cade Allen got 28th place with a 15.51, Lucas Boykin got 32nd with 15.58, Michael Reed got 33rd with a time of 16.00 and Braxton Pew got 36th with a 16.13. Justin Kennedy ran a 17.21 and got 40th , Jon Michael Gordon got 53rd and ran a 19.47 and Dustin Boren got 63rd and his time was 22.47. Each runner did a great job. Our next meet is Palestine on Saturday, September 22.

• Volleyball Rallies for Victory — The Elkhart Middle School volleyball teams traveled to Mart on Monday night. The 7th and 8th grade B teams both defeated the Lady Cubs. The 8th grade A team also won, defeating Mart in two games.

• Grand Central Station — All aboard! The GCS lab is open daily at 7:30 a.m. for any student who wants to come in for tutoring, encouragement, or just some quiet study time. The GCS lab is staffed with a full time teacher and teachers’ aide that are ready and eager to help. The l lab is full of computer based study aids, hands-on-manipulatives, and helpful hints for doing homework. No appointment is necessary and the lab is open early for all Middle School students.

• Student Council Elections — Elkhart Middle School Student Council elections were held this past week. The students campaigned all week long, hanging posters and handing out flyers and other incentives to encourage students to vote. The speeches and elections were held on Friday. It was very exciting to see such a large number of students involved in wanting to make Elkhart Middle School a fun place to learn. Winners will be printed in next Sunday’s paper.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

• Pre-K — Mrs. Diana’s Pre-K class started a new unit called “Me, I Am Special” that will last for three weeks. The students will learn about doctors, celebrate birthdays in the home center, and also study the five senses. The color of the week is blue and the shape of the week is a circle. The star student of the week is Blake Denson. Happy Birthday this week to Hailey Lane!

The students in Ms. Mary’s Pre-K class also started a new unit this week called “Me, I’m Special.” They will learn about the five senses, draw a self-portrait, and work on writing their names. They will have a home project to complete that will tell all about their families. In centers, they will learn about doctors and firemen. They also have a new center this week, the library center. The letter of the week is A, the shape of the week is a rectangle, and the color of the week is green. Thanks to all the grandparents who ate lunch with their grandchildren on Grandparents’ Day last Friday.

The children took pictures with their grandparents and will compile them into a great book they can enjoy the whole year. Also, a big thanks to all who attended Monday’s parent meeting.

Ms. Dehart’s Pre-K class has finished a unit on dinosaurs and is beginning a new unit called “Me, I’m Special.” Their new centers include a birthday center, a center about families and names, a doctor’s office and a center about firemen. They are learning about the color blue, the number one and the letter C. The star student of the week is Wyatt Robinson.

Mrs. Hill’s Pre-K class is still working on their “Me, I’m Special” unit. They have a new birthday center and one of their students, Brandi Williams, celebrated her birthday September 5th. They are learning about the colors red and blue, the number one and the letter F. The star student of the week is Leslie Neel.

Mrs. Boger and Mrs. Becky finished home visits last week. They conducted parent training and really enjoyed getting to visit with the children’s parents. This week, they found large, empty boxes around the campus and used them for acting out “Three Little Pigs.”

• Kindergarten —The students in Mrs. Hughes’ kindergarten class learned about Cass, their first Superkids character last week. Cass’s favorite activity is cooking and she teaches us about the letter C. In math, the students are learning about sorting and patterns. In science, they are learning about animals and their habitats. Last week’s student of the week was Brandon Bell and next week the student of the week will be Avery Burris.

Mrs. Walker’s Kindergarten class is off to a great start! She has 24 kids and they are already learning how to read! They are studying the alphabet and have already studied the letters L and O. This week they studied the letter G. The star student of the week is Hayden Andrews and next week’s star student will be Dylan Arnold. Thanks to all the parents who came to open house and to the grandparents who came and ate lunch with their grandchildren on Grandparent’s Day. The children presented their grandparents with an art project entitled I Love You This Much.

Mrs. Leonard’s kindergarten class has been working really hard. In math they are learning about sorting and patterns. They got to cook with Cass, the first Superkid friend, and they made crunchy castles. This week they met Oswald, who teaches about odd animals. Next week they are starting an apple unit in honor of Johnny Appleseed. As a culminating activity, they will be making applesauce.