I would like to thank everyone who helped at the Enchanted Winter Fair; especially Jennifer Harner, Kim and John Gonczar. All who I have spoken to about the event, agree: it was a great success. I remember walking in the cool sunny weather, past the crackling campfire and the spry cookie elves, on the way to tell stories in the Kinderhaus. There was warm encounters, beautiful music and a welcoming atmosphere. These quiet moments of work and conversation seem to bring the feeling of community in a natural way. I felt very happy to be connected to these people and this place.
In seventh grade, we are rounding out our Geometry block. The Geometry block included a test in which the students requested letter grades. This brought a good opportunity to discuss what grades really reflect and what the positive/negative impact can be. I reminded them that the subject material was still new and would be revisited. I also mentioned that grades don't always show how much effort a student has put in and how much they have improved. The beautiful projects that are on display in the Middle School Foyer show that they were able to focus and do something with the knowledge. This ability is much more alive than simple facts and calculations. The students also received a block report that should be signed and returned.
From the objective nature of fractions and angles, we are entering the world of words and the English language. We will develop our sense of style and poetry so that their writing can continue to grow. We are relating different sentence types such as a statement, command, question and exclamation to the ancient understanding of the four elements. We are also listening to poetry and learning about meter. This time of writing will be a playful and reflective time to carry the Logos into this winter season.
