Edition 2012 #11 - 6th Grade Debate

by William K.

The Eagle Way visited 6th grade as they were debating global warming.

Sister Bruno's lessons is in this exercise: critical thinking and public speaking.

Students on either side of the room contributed their comments to the debate. As I prepared to leave, the next group of students began to debate solutions to gang violence.

We decided to something a little different than the usual class picture. Here is Sister Bruno and her 6th Grade class... in stick figure form. Each student drew him or herself as a stick figure. Ha! Click on the picture to make it full-sized so you can see all the individual drawings and names.

Thank you to Sister Bruno and 6th Grade. It was a wonderful debate... educational and a lot of fun!

PS - All the photos from our visit are available here:

flickr - 6th Grade Debate

Edition 2012 #8 - 7th Grade Egg Drop

by Chanel B.

The 7th grade class did their Egg Drop experiment on March 30, 2012. The 7th graders built a capsule that will protect a raw egg from breaking upon impact. The fun part of the drop was that you cannot use anything with cardboard or anything remade. I think this will be a successful project for 7th grade because this will help them learn how to create and build new things.

Questions on first and second place winners

Question - What did you like about the Egg Drop?

Melinda and Doris- We liked that we were able to work together and no arguing. We had a lot of materials,creative,and fun.

Aman, Tyre, and Le Wayne- We had a fun experience and working with each others.

Question - how would this help you in life?

Melinda and Doris- This will help us by working as a team and understanding other opinions.

Aman, Tyre, and Le Wayne- This will help us because we will know what materials and structure to use next time.

I send a special "Thank You!" to the 7th Grade Class and Ms. Finn for letting me spend time with them. Thank You so much!

Edition 2012 #6 - Fun at Preschool(s)

by William K.

By popular demand, St. Ethelreda has grown from 2 to 3 preschool rooms. Each room has a great teacher helping our youngest kids to grow and learn: Ms. Clair, Ms. Holland, and Ms. Blakeley.

Preschool with Ms. Clair
Ms. Clair has been teaching preschool for the longest here at St. Ethelreda. She explained that in addition to the extra preschool room this year, each classroom is a mix of 3 and 4 year-old preschoolers. In the past, these age groups were taught separately.

We are fortunate to have two UIC students aiding Ms. Clair in preschool: Charlise Berkel and Kenneth Brown. I spoke with Ms. Berkel and she explained that the UIC graduate students were there as part of a Department of Education grant on creating preschools of excellence. The grant hopes to study and create a preschool curriculum with a strong literary focus. Excellent.

Preschool students are busy! Some of the activities going on this day included:

• Dramatic play at the laundromat: sort clothes, wash, fold, put clothes away,
• Computer time using the Starfall educational website for reading,
• And work at the writing center

Of course, there's always painting!

Preschool with Ms. Holland
Ms. Holland runs our second preschool room, and she has a long history with St. Ethelreda. She is an alumni of our school and also is a member of the St. Ethelreda School Board.

Ms. Philpot is Ms. Holland's aide in the classroom. She is new this year and things are "going well so far." Ms. Philpot lives right in the St. Ethelreda neighborhood.

During our visit, Ms. Holland was playing a memory game with the preschoolers.

Preschool with Ms. Blakeley
This is Ms. Blakeley's second year teaching preschool at St Ethelreda. She enjoys the new combined 3 and 4 year-old arrangement as it provides "more balance" in the classroom.

The children had an elaborate ice cream parlor setup where they were playing and learning housekeeping tasks. A number of the other preschoolers were at the computer accessing the www.pbskids.org educational website.

Here, Ms. Blakeley is helping some inquisitive students with their wood block puzzles.

Thank you so much to our preschool teachers and students.
What a great group!

More preschool photos can be seen at our photo set: Fun at Preschool(s) photo set
Photos by William K and Chanel B.

Edition 2012 #5 - 100 Days of Kindergarten

by Dejah W

It has been 100 days of school already, can you believe it. Wow. The kindergarteners, Mrs. Boatman, and Mrs. Griffin had a party celebrating 100 days of school. When I walked into the classroom they screamed 100 days of school. All the boys and girls had on their adorable 100 day hat and glasses. They were so excited. They were really having a lot of fun.


Mrs. Griffin gave Trechelle a very special 100 award (below). Trechelle was at class each day for the first 100 days of school. Way to go, Trechelle!

I went around the classroom and I got a lot of different answers from the kids. Here is some of the response I got:

What have you learned in 100 days?

Kyra F: I learned how to tie my shoes.

Laniya W:  I learned my words, ABCs, and my numbers.

Zariah J: I learned how to count by tens.

Miracle S: I learned my words, numbers, and to count by five.

 

Why are you are 100 days smarter?

Brooklynn C: I am a hundred days smarter because I am good.

Tony D: I am a hundred days smarter because I do my work.

Eric F: I am a hundred days smarter because I do my homework.

I asked Mrs. Griffin: What is your best memory out of the 100 days we’ve been in school?
 
Mrs. Griffin: My best memory was the first day I saw the kids try to read on their own.

Big thanks to Mrs. Griffin, Mrs. Boatman, and especially the Kindergartens. I really enjoyed spending time with you guys.

Photos by Mr. Bill and Chanel B

  
You can see our entire Kindergarten photo set here:

100 days of of Kindergarten photo set

  

Edition 2012 #4 - 4th Grade Spelling Bee

by Chanel B

The 4th graders did a spelling bee using their vocabulary words from Unit 3. Mr. Cooper and I really enjoyed doing the spelling bee because it helped the students understand different ways to explain a word.

Splitting up into groups

First rule: There is absolutely no talking!!!!

Here are the spelling bee groups:

• Group 1- Antonie J, Christian H, Trey D, Zachary B, Marquise C, and Alonzo V 

• Group 2 - Heavyn B, Bryan H, Kintrell J, Aeriell W, and Demaija E 

• Group 3 - D’shanti B, Elijah W, D’shayah C, Pauline W, and De’Janae B 

• Group 4 - Marquail S, Kenya W, Marquis D, and Donald N

  
Mr. Cooper interview

Q: Do you think it was a challenge? Why?

A: Obviously, my students were embarrassed by the lack of participation within their group. I’ll bet next time they will be prepared.

Q: Was this a great chance to see if the students studied or not?

A: Absolutely. I could have easily told you those who studied their list.

Q: How did you like the spelling bee?

A: I thought it went smoothly for being the first time. The way you used all four skills was very neat.

Q: Would you like them to do the spelling bee again?

A: Yep! We’ll let you know when unit 4 begins!


Places

1st - Group 4

2nd - Group 1

3rd - group 2

4th - Group 3

 
  
A special thank you to Mr.Cooper and 4th Grade for letting me use your time!

Edition 2011, #2 - St Eth Suggestions

Pants vs. Skirts
by Chanel B and Asia W

We would like to change the uniform for the winter to let girls wear navy blue pants and our yellow shirt and vest. Why? Because it is cold in the winter and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, there is too much we girls have to put on under our uniforms.

The girls in junior high should have a choice whether to wear a skirt or a pair of pants(dark blue). It gets cold during the fall and the winter and the skirts are too short to cover the bottom half of your leg. When it's cold inside the building, most of the girls complain about wearing skirts both indoors and outdoors.


The pros and cons of St. Ethelreda
by Dejah W and Gregory T

Pro St. Ethelreda:
St. Ethelreda School is a very safe environment. What I love about this school is that someone is always there for you. The teachers and staff and principal truly care about the students. It is always something new that I learn every day. I appreciate my parents for sending me to this school. There are no cons to this school. There are only pros, and that is why I love this school.



One St. Ethelreda con:
I want to make some suggestions, like hallway patrol. The reason I want to enforce hallway patrol is because students always run, and they can get hurt. We can teach students a lesson by not running in the hallway, and if they run the will get a citation. When teachers are not in the hallway, students are always up to no good. So hallway patrol should be able to give them a citation for inappropriate conduct. I really think we should enforce this suggestion because it would stop a lot of commotion.

Eagle Way Upgrade: 2011

Hello!
by Brandice W, Sr. Editor

The EAGLE WAY team now has new members.
Along with old members me (Brandice W) and Terrance R, our new members are:

• Rayan B
• Asia W
• Dejah W
• Chanel B
• Gregory T

Photo "Mad Bird" by Terrance R

The EAGLE WAY is a growing family, and we are both honored and please that you decided to be a part of it, our readers. We hope that the Eagle Way team will grow and improve over the school year.

Kids who are looking for respectful school that offers a great education, great teachers, and great environment for learning, then you should come to St. Ethelreda. This school offers everything you’re looking for in a school. We show our strong belief in faith, our determination to learn, and we firmly believe that it takes a village to raise a child.

St Ethelreda's Kindness

by Rayan B
Something about St. Ethelreda gives me the chills. The love and care from both students and teachers is like no other. Everyone in this school is filled with a joyful spirit, friendships are everywhere, even if kids are brawling with one another. They either talk about it with the teacher or leave it outside of the school. The teachers are always there no matter what. Even in a family issue, they always listen.

I will kind of miss St. Ethelreda when I leave because I will be so used to all the care and love the teachers and students shared.

 

Photo by: Mr. Bill

Edition 10: Final Chapter 2010

a) Poems and Stories
by William K. (aka Mr. Bill)

1st Grade Poems
The students in Sister Mary's 1st grade class wrote poems about nature for Earth Day. Four of the best of these poems were selected for publishing here in "The Eagle Way". Please click on the link below to read them:

Poems by Sister Mary's 1st Grade Class

The students enjoyed the assignment and said that writing their nature poems was "fun." Each of the first grade students created the poem themselves, working in class and at home. Then, each student typed their work in using the computers in the St Ethelreda computer lab.

Our 1st grade poets are pictured below:


1st Grade Poets: Briana L, Noadiyah J, Chanelle H, and teacher Sister Mary
Note: Poet Laila M. was not in school when pictures were taken. Sorry, Laila M!

6th Grade Stories
Sister Bruno's 6th grade class also submitted some substantial literary artwork to The Eagle Way. In this assignment, the students were directed to write stories related to a book called "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis. This book deals with the difficult life of children in foster homes.

Sister Bruno was drawn to this book by its interesting title. In her class, each student read a chapter and then shared their reading with the other students. The students really "got into the story" and a writing assignment related to the book was born.

You can read four of the bests 6th grade stories by selecting the link below:

Stories by Sister Bruno's 6th Grade Class

6th grade authors: Angela W. and Curtis H.
Note: Authors Deja W and Christopher B were not in school when pictures were taken. Sorry!

Author Curtis H. was motivated to "tell people how it is to be a true orphan." In dealing with the difficult issue of foster homes, the students' stories were often very serious. But Angela W was heartened that "things seemed to work out in the end."

Thanks to all the excellent contributors (authors, poets, and more) to The Eagle Way!

b) Photo Entry
by Brandice W.

I took this picture in my room.

"Trapped in the Dark" by Brandice W.

c) My Jokes
by Terrance R.

I wanted to give you guys some blog comedy for the last edition.

• What has a head and a tail but no legs or arms? A coin.
• What did Superman go to for fun? The Super Bowl.
• What has a bottom on its top? Your leg.
• What do little ghost babies have? Boo-ties
• Why did the deer cross the road? I have no I-deer.
• What did the skeleton order at the restaurant? Ribs.
• Who is cheap? Abraham Lincoln.
• What type of underwear do boxers wear. Boxers.
• What is a snake’s favorite subject? Hiss-tory.

d) Gigi Advice Column
by Gianna G.

Hey Eagle Way viewers,

Here I am (GiGi) coming to you once again with a challenging question from a concerned principal. Just to let you guys know that I will not be returning as advice columnist because of me graduating next week. So on to the next one as we young people say. So, here is the last and final entry that I have:

Dear GiGi,

Help! What do you suggest?
What action should be taken for students who verbally bully other students?
-Principal Spells

Dear Principal Spells,

I think that students who verbally bully are very bad people because you should not judge someone on their size, what their wearing, or even what kind of hair style they have. It’s just wrong of them to do that. I think that when a student reports verbal bullying to the teacher, principal etc... The bully(s) should be confronted and given a detention for their behavior. Also their parents should be called so that they can be notified of their child’s behavior.

Sincerely,
Advice Columnist GiGi

e) Comments from 8th Grade
by Aubrey S.

The year is coming to a close, and the 8th grade class will be leaving and going their separate ways. Most of the 8th grade class has been at St. Ethelreda since pre-school. I asked them what will they miss about St. Ethelreda School, and this is what they had to say.

“I will miss all the fun we had from preschool to 8th grade.” - Symone J.

“I will miss all my brothers and sisters that I made over the years.” - Angel B.

“I will miss the great learning experience” - Teron R.

“I will miss the great school environment and how everybody is close to each other and the strength of love from everyone.” - Kenneth C.

As for me, I will miss all the friends I've made and their kindness.

f) Reflection
by Symone J.

I have been at St. Ethelreda for 11 years. I have been here since preschool when I was 3 years old. Since then I have had many experiences. I have enjoyed my years here and hope everyone else has. I also enjoyed being senior editor of the blog. I will miss this school, friends, and teachers.

I am happy to graduate this year with the St. Ethelreda class of 2010.

Edition 9: Interviews

6th Grader Interview
by Brandice W.

Interviewer: “What made you come up with the haiku?”

Angela W. “I walked outside and I saw a dandelion. Dandelions make me think about life and make me feel curious.”

Here is Angela W. haiku:

I grow in your grass

People say I am a weed

Blow me and seeds fly

Interview With Student Teacher
by Symone J., Teron R., and Aubrey S.

Recently we interviewed the student teacher Julie Banta. We asked her a few questions.

What have you learned so far about teacher here?

"I've learned how to teach reading and how to incorporate it with science."

Why do you enjoy being here?

"It is a positive environment. I also enjoy watching students learn. I think reading is really important"

Second Grade Poem
by Briana L.

I have seen the trees are green.
I also knew the sky is blue.
The leaves fall down upon the ground,
The water is light and very bright,
The flowers are beautiful, this is true.
And the plants are pretty too.

Lets Go Green
by Aubrey S.


"Earth Day" by Teron R.

Early Years are Learning Years At St.Ethelreda

Earth Day started on April 22, 1970. Earth Day helps people understand the extra use of electricity and water is not necessary. Some people join together and clean and plant flowers in their environment.

Kindergarten – 2nd grade and a few 8th graders cleaned around the school. They pick up trash, raked the grass, and planted flowers.

Spirit Day


Spirit Day

Edition 8: Spring Time

Spring Break Stories

by Symone J.

The Eagle Way staff had a wonderful Spring Break.
Please enjoy the following Spring Break stories, real and imagined.

Symone's Spring Break Story

Over the spring break I was over my dad’s house. While there, I was babysitting my oldest nephew Jonathan. He is six years old. I was basically spending time with my other family. I got to spend time with my sister Menia, father, God mother, my two nephews Jonathan and Ethan. Ethan is the youngest. He is 1 years old, going on 2 in May.

We also went out to the movies and out to eat during the week. Mostly I stayed in watching movies with Jonathan. It was fun though while I was waiting for everyone to get home. We had dinner together every night. The food was delicious.

The thing that I didn’t do over break that I was supposed to do was my science project. Honestly I thought about it, but really didn’t want to do it because it wasn’t due till almost a week later. I wanted to spend this spring break just relaxing. Every spring break we have a project to do. I think this is the first time ever we didn’t have a project due when we came back on the next Monday. I really enjoyed my spring break.

Mr. Bill's Spring Break Story

I spent my Spring Break in Phoenix, Arizona. The weather was beautiful - 85 and sunny each day. I was lounging by the pool, when I realized that something was missing from my vacation. It was then that I decided to tryout for the Chicago Cubs upcoming 2010 season.

So, I ran to the store and bought a Cub jersey. I always bring my mitt on vacation, so that was no problem. I got in my rental car and drove to the Cubs spring training home, Ho Ho Kam Park. With price tags still dangling from my new jersey, I ran onto the field and played catch with the other players. It was so much fun. I was in line at the batting cage when a uniformed security officer asked who I was and why I was there. I smiled and happily explained my mission of making the Cubs team this year to the young security guard.

Well, I was promptly escorted off the field. I'm not sure, but I think they may have even banned me from attending any future Cub spring training games. That's OK. It was a fun time for me, and I returned to the pool a happy vacationer with an interesting story.

Terrance's Spring Break Story

This is what I did over spring break. I didn’t do much over the break, but I did do something. I played a lot of CODMW2 which is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. I watch some Family Guy, and some of the characters I can name are Peter, Stewie, my favorite, Brian, Lois, Meg, Chris, Quagmire, Cleveland, Joe, Francis, and Adam West. I played some baseball at Hayes Park with my team, the Wrightwood Yankees. I went to church where they made me serve mass on my day off. I mean when feel like relaxing you just want to do nothing, but you just got to do something. I had to go to the store with my mom, and don’t you dislike when your mom says she’s going to buy some milk, but you end up paying over $100. Anyway, I just ate, slept, played CODMW2, and watched a lot of TV over the break.

Brandice's Spring Break Story
What I did for spring break was so AWESOME!!!

First thing I thought about was…where to go? So I booked a trip to Africa to get to know my people and I met this woman who had 11 toes, 12 fingers, 3 eyes, and 4 ears. She knew EVERYTHING in her village! She told me that she saw my long lost cousin walking down the road the other day. Then she said my cousin booked a trip to Paris, France two days before I arrived in Africa.

The next day I booked a trip to Paris, France to try and find my long lost cousin. I ran into a woman that had only one foot with 3 toes and a monkey and she said that my long lost cousin went to Chicago to find me. Once I heard that, I rushed BACK to the airport and booked ANOTHER trip back to Chicago. After three hours looking for my cousin at the airport, I decided to head home and call around in the morning. Once I stepped in the door I saw my long lost cousin. All I could do was cry tears of JOY!!!! And that was how I spent my spring break.

As Fresh as Spring Time

by Teron R.