We have exciting electives being offered this mini-term. Each middle school student is given the choice to take two classes. Here are the elective choices.
Living Well – Ms. Rupke
In this mini term elective, we will address the question, What does it mean to live well? We will spend time reflecting on physical, emotional and spiritual well being. This class will include journalling and collage, pilates, jogging, some baking and looking at the food pyramid and healthy eating.
Portraiture – with Ms. Cornell-Merrill
In this session, we will explore paint and pastel, as we create portraits. Christine Cornell, mother of a Mustard Seed School student, is an artist and teacher who is here to share her art with aspiring painters. If you enjoy spending time with color and brushes and producing an artful product.
Japanese Language & Culture - with Mrs. Mauldin
In this elective, we will experience and explore Japanese language, culture, and music! We will listen to traditional and contemporary music from Japan and note the variety of styles and forms that have emerged from Japanese culture. We’ll also try out some traditional Japanese clothing, simple conversational language, and, of course, food. If you are interested in broadening your horizons and visiting the land of the rising sun, this course if for you.
Sound Explosion – Jared & Noni Mason
In this session, we will explore rhythm, sound and soul in everyday life, taking the mundane and turning it into the marvelous. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands!” (Psalm 66:1)
Week 1: Look. Listen, & Love!; Week #2: Care & Create; Week #3: Dream & Do!
Note: Jared & Noni Mason met while performing rhythms in the percussion show, STOMP!. Now, Jared performs in Million Dollar Quaret, while their three sons attend Mustard Seed School. Jared and Noni, together, lead workshops and love to bring their passion for rhythm to students.
Internship, 9:10-10:00 AM (Session 1)
Student interns will serve as assistants, leading special projects with younger students. This elective, then, is an opportunity to work. Those students who are accepted for select positions will prepare materials, guide students in research and the creative process, encourage new ideas, and assist students and teachers in cleaning up. As a real-work position, this is definitely an experience that, if successful, would enhance a future high school application, as well as challenge the intern to new levels of leadership. Internships include work in the Shared Space (leading Collage and Drama), the third grade (as math tutor or teaching assistant), and the Nest (guiding play and snack with the preschool).
Session 2: 10:30-11:20
Engineering Design Squad - with Mr. Choi
Design, build, compete! In this session, each one of us will be given different engineering challenges each day and will compete with one another to see who has the best design. All challenges are from the PBS show, Design Squad. This session is for students who have a passion for understanding how things work.
Let’s Sing!– with Ms. Olukun
This session is music for the soul. We will listen to Gospel Music, Soul, and R & B and hear the connections – from the traditional styles of Mahalia Jackson to the contemporary styles of Hezekiah Walker, from Gospel standards to Holy Hip-Hop. We’ll sing too, of course . . . and will hopefully find ourselves singing in Community Worship, as a part of our Advent worship time
Amigurumi (Crochet) – with Miss Penfold
Let’s learn the art of crochet through making little amigurumi! Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting stuffed animals. In this course, we will start by making a mini-baseball or basketball hacky sack and finish by crocheting a stuffed animal of your choosing. You will learn basics of crochet as well, including how to increase, decrease and the single crochet stitch.
Exploring the Graphic Novel – with Ms. Kastner
In this class we will create our own graphic novels using whatever styles of writing and art most appeal to us. We will look at various examples of graphic novels to generate inspiration for developing either fictional or non-fiction stories or narratives. Fantasy, biography, science fiction, adventure, humor and historical fiction will be examined. Students may work independently or they can collaborate, focusing on either art or writing to construct an original and personal book. We will concentrate on developing an idea, deciding on an appropriate art style, and laying out the story visually to produce a strong finished result.
Internship (Session 2, 10:30-11:20)
Student interns will serve as assistants, leading special projects with younger students. This elective, then, is an opportunity to work. Those students who are accepted for select positions will prepare materials, guide students in research and the creative process, encourage new ideas, and assist students and teachers in cleaning up. As a real-work position, this is definitely an experience that, if successful, would enhance a future high school application, as well as challenge the intern to new levels of leadership. Internships include serving in the Shared Space (leading a weaving or woodworking project) or the Nest (guiding preschool students in the playing of board games).
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Don't Forget - Science Night is Coming up!
On Tuesday, November 16, at 7 PM, the school is again open to all parents and especially parents in grades 3-8. This will be the second of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics.
On this day, Greg Bartus, one of our partners from Stevens Institute will join us and lead an activity for parents. Together we will especially think about the integration of science, technology, and mathematics, as he demonstrates with us and for us how we can develop a mathematical model to understand motion. This will be a hands on session and will be especially dedicated to informing parents.
In the same evening we will be -
On this day, Greg Bartus, one of our partners from Stevens Institute will join us and lead an activity for parents. Together we will especially think about the integration of science, technology, and mathematics, as he demonstrates with us and for us how we can develop a mathematical model to understand motion. This will be a hands on session and will be especially dedicated to informing parents.
In the same evening we will be -
- looking at how science is taught in the middle and older grades and how inquiry and critical thinking come into play in related experiments and investigations.
- speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject science at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Music Exhibition (Nov. 15 and Nov. 16)
The Music Exhibition is right around the corner and students are getting ready to sing! In an oral presentation, students will teach us a folk song and lead us to understand its melody, rhythm, and form. As students have been working on an expository, they have been wrestling with the writer’s dilemma: “How do I put this into words?” Trying to explain the pattern, sound, and mood of a song can often leave us at a loss for words. In these weeks, we have been overcoming the challenge, and developing our sentence fluency and ideas in the process. Now, they are on the last lap – trying to prepare for exhibitions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Here is the schedule:
Tuesday, November 16
o 1:15 – 1:45: Zoe Grace Raak
o 1:45 – 2:15: Adrian Voysey; Max Zaslower; JP Gonzalez
o 2:15 – 2:45: Nicole Auriemma
Wednesday, November 17
o 1:15 – 1:45: Felipe Rosario, Breanna Koegler
o 1:45 – 2:15: Nathan Eaton; Phoebe Costello; Aaron Bravo
o 2:15 – 2:45: Mark Chester; Isaac Parker
Tuesday, November 16
o 1:15 – 1:45: Zoe Grace Raak
o 1:45 – 2:15: Adrian Voysey; Max Zaslower; JP Gonzalez
o 2:15 – 2:45: Nicole Auriemma
Wednesday, November 17
o 1:15 – 1:45: Felipe Rosario, Breanna Koegler
o 1:45 – 2:15: Nathan Eaton; Phoebe Costello; Aaron Bravo
o 2:15 – 2:45: Mark Chester; Isaac Parker
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Events on the Horizon
A Movie About Us - November 5
On November 5, the world premiere of A Shared Space: Learning from the Mustard Seed School! will take place at the Liberty Science Center. Parents and other students may register at: www.mustardseedschool.org/documentaryNovember 5th is the only opportunity to see the documentary this year, as the film is being entered in film festivals and will not be in wide release. All people attending (including MSS students other than 8th graders) must purchase tickets in advance. We are anticipating a big crowd, so get your tickets early. Tickets will not be available at the door. As always, let us know if the cost creates a hardship for your family.
Science Night - November 16
On Tuesday, November 16, at 7 PM, the school is again open to all parents and especially parents in grades 3-8. This will be the second of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics.
On this day, Greg Bartus, one of our partners from Stevens Institute will join us and lead an activity for parents. Together we will especially think about the integration of science, technology, and mathematics, as he demonstrates with us and for us how we can develop a mathematical model to understand motion. This will be a hands on session and will be especially dedicated to informing parents.
In the same evening we will be -
- looking at how science is taught in the middle and older grades and how inquiry and critical thinking come into play in related experiments and investigations.
- speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject science at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.)
We are looking forward to seeing alumni come with stories, along with parents. See you then!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Note about Pre-Algebra from Mr. Lawrence
Seventh Graders have had a big, fast start to math this year. The first several weeks were spent on a geometry unit. During this time, students developed formulas to calculate the areas of rectangles, squares, triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids. Students also developed ways to calculate volumes of prisms: boxes (rectangular prisms), traingular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, parallelogram prisms, etc. Through this study, students got used to using letters to stand for numbers that can vary (variables). They also learned a variety of algebraic habits: working backwards through a problem, using inverse operations, and generalizing their arithmetical thinking.
This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
This week we are building on that foundation. Students are learning how to write and solve simple equations using transformation steps. This requires the use of all the algebraic habits of mind that were being developed in September. Algebra is sometimes tricky in the early stages. Many students struggle with the abstractness of the subject, especially as they first begin. This week's work is one of the first big steps in that direction. If your child gets stuck on any homework, encourage them to write down the questions they are struggling with. What questions would help your child get un-stuck?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Events Around the Corner
October 21-22: Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 this week on October 21 (after school and evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at this time. You should have already received an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
October 28: Math Night
On Thursday, October 28 at 7pm, Mustard Seed invites all parents in Grades 3 - 8 to come to "Conversations with Parents, Math Night". This will be the first of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics that are planned for this year. [On November 16, we will do "Conversations with Parents, Science Night", so mark that date as well.]
The focus on October 28 is Fostering Algebraic Thinking. The night will include:
looking at how algebraic thinking is fostered in the early years, and how it develops through a student's career at Mustard Seed.
listening to recent MSS graduates speak about their high school experiences in math. Were they well prepared? In what ways? What might have been stronger?
speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject of mathematics at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.) We are looking forward to seeing alumni come with stories, along with parents. See you then!
November 5: Movie Night!
On November 5, the world premiere of A Shared Space: Learning from the Mustard Seed School! will take place at the Liberty Science Center. Eighth Grade Students have already been registered for the third showing and, with your permission, will serve as ushers during this last show and then attend the desert with guests. This is free of charge for 8th grade students. Please know that we do realize this is the same day as the COOP test, which means that several students will not be in school during the day (due to the test), but will come to the show in the evening.
We do hope parents will attend as well. You may register for any of the three showings at:
www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary November 5th is the only opportunity to see the documentary this year, as the film is being entered in film festivals and will not be in wide release. All people attending (including MSS students other than 8th graders) must purchase tickets in advance. We are anticipating a big crowd, so get your tickets early. Tickets will not be available at the door. As always, let us know if the cost creates a hardship for your family.
Until the big day, do stay tuned for webinars and read what filmmaker Brian Fuller says about the film at: http://www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary/interview-with-brian-fuller
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 this week on October 21 (after school and evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at this time. You should have already received an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
October 28: Math Night
On Thursday, October 28 at 7pm, Mustard Seed invites all parents in Grades 3 - 8 to come to "Conversations with Parents, Math Night". This will be the first of a few "Conversations with Parents" on academic topics that are planned for this year. [On November 16, we will do "Conversations with Parents, Science Night", so mark that date as well.]
The focus on October 28 is Fostering Algebraic Thinking. The night will include:
looking at how algebraic thinking is fostered in the early years, and how it develops through a student's career at Mustard Seed.
listening to recent MSS graduates speak about their high school experiences in math. Were they well prepared? In what ways? What might have been stronger?
speaking with parents, teachers, and alumni guests on the subject of mathematics at Mustard Seed School. (This is the perfect time for parents to ask questions and share thoughts.) We are looking forward to seeing alumni come with stories, along with parents. See you then!
November 5: Movie Night!
On November 5, the world premiere of A Shared Space: Learning from the Mustard Seed School! will take place at the Liberty Science Center. Eighth Grade Students have already been registered for the third showing and, with your permission, will serve as ushers during this last show and then attend the desert with guests. This is free of charge for 8th grade students. Please know that we do realize this is the same day as the COOP test, which means that several students will not be in school during the day (due to the test), but will come to the show in the evening.
We do hope parents will attend as well. You may register for any of the three showings at:
www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary November 5th is the only opportunity to see the documentary this year, as the film is being entered in film festivals and will not be in wide release. All people attending (including MSS students other than 8th graders) must purchase tickets in advance. We are anticipating a big crowd, so get your tickets early. Tickets will not be available at the door. As always, let us know if the cost creates a hardship for your family.
Until the big day, do stay tuned for webinars and read what filmmaker Brian Fuller says about the film at: http://www.mustardseedschool.org/documentary/interview-with-brian-fuller
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October Events
Spruce Lake
Another wonderful time at Spruce Lake. Seventh graders learned the importance of communication in their challenge courses. Pictures will be coming soon.
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 21 & 22
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 on October 21 (after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at that time. You will receive an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
Upper School Parent Conferences, Grades 4-8
October 21 (after school)
October 22 (during the day, until about 5:00 PM)
No school for students in grades 4-8 on October 22, due to conferences.
Students in grades 6-8 attend conferences.
School is in session for younger children that day.
Another wonderful time at Spruce Lake. Seventh graders learned the importance of communication in their challenge courses. Pictures will be coming soon.
Parent Teacher Conferences - October 21 & 22
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences take place for parents of students in grades 4-8 on October 21 (after school & evening) and 22 (daytime until about 5:00 PM). Midterm notes will be given to parents at that time. You will receive an email from the office about signing up for an appointment. Please take note that on Friday, October 22, there is no school for students in grades 4-8, due to conferences, but school is in session for younger children. Please also note that for grades 6-8, students do attend conferences with their parents and participate.
Upper School Parent Conferences, Grades 4-8
October 21 (after school)
October 22 (during the day, until about 5:00 PM)
No school for students in grades 4-8 on October 22, due to conferences.
Students in grades 6-8 attend conferences.
School is in session for younger children that day.
October Service Project
Our worship theme for the month of October is "Buildings and Builders." During this month we will partner with the Esmirna School for the Deaf in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. One hundred deaf students attend the day school and their afterschool programs serve more than 250 poor children in the local neighborhood. As the number of children wanting to attend the school has grown, they have started building additional classrooms. One way Mustard Seed students can help this growing school is to provide school supplies!
Collection has started and it will continue through Thursday, October 28.
Each grade level at MSS will collect a specific item:
K: new boxes of crayons
1st: crayola markers
2nd: glue sticks
3rd: kids scissors
4th: tape (rolls of masking tape and scotch tape)
5th: one subject spiral notebooks
6th: pens
7th: pencils
8th: pocket folders
Our worship theme for the month of October is "Buildings and Builders." During this month we will partner with the Esmirna School for the Deaf in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. One hundred deaf students attend the day school and their afterschool programs serve more than 250 poor children in the local neighborhood. As the number of children wanting to attend the school has grown, they have started building additional classrooms. One way Mustard Seed students can help this growing school is to provide school supplies!
Collection has started and it will continue through Thursday, October 28.
Each grade level at MSS will collect a specific item:
K: new boxes of crayons
1st: crayola markers
2nd: glue sticks
3rd: kids scissors
4th: tape (rolls of masking tape and scotch tape)
5th: one subject spiral notebooks
6th: pens
7th: pencils
8th: pocket folders
School Picture Day October 18th
Once again this year, Irvin Simon Photographers will come to Mustard Seed to take individual and class group photographs. Please make note of the date--Monday, October 18.
Once again this year, Irvin Simon Photographers will come to Mustard Seed to take individual and class group photographs. Please make note of the date--Monday, October 18.
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