Winter Wonderland

Well, we have survived the first snow days. It has put us behind for the semester, but we will survive. Hopefully there will be no more before we break for Christmas, but things are not looking good. The weather forecast this morning said more snow is coming. Keep a check on the weather and have a plan for your students if school is cancelled, delayed or dismissed early.

The annual Christmas dinner was today. The meal was wonderful as always. The elementary teachers and students, especially Ms. Young and the sixth grade, deserve a big THANKS for all the hard work they put into making the meal a success. Everything ran very well this year, and the grandparents and senior citizens enjoyed the day. I also want to thank the middle school students for being on their best behavior and using their "company" manners!

Kudos to the Middle School students for all the cans they have been bringing for the FFA Food Drive! Our contribution will be a big help to the FFA this year! Also, thank you to those who donated a toy for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Upcoming events include:
12/17 Girls Basketball at Chariton
12/17 Boys Basketball at home
12/18 7th GRADE READING LOGS DUE
12/21 Wrestling at Oskaloosa
12/21 Early Dismissal; Winter break begins
1/5 Return to school!!

Computer Troubles

You may have noticed that grades have not been updated on Infinite Campus this week. This is because I seem to be experiencing computer difficulties. When I turned my computer on this week it began "ticking." At first I did not know if this was a terrorist plot or simply a disgruntled student. It turned out it's nothing so exciting - the fan is bad. The part is on order and was supposed to be here yesterday (yah right, that's what they all say!). Hopefully, it will arrive soon and grades will be updated. I am keeping the students posted on any missing assignments, and they can judge their grade by the papers which have been returned.

On another note, remember that school will be dismissed early on Wednesday, December 9 for staff development. Also, keep a close eye on the weather. I have been hearing rumblings of snow coming!

This Week at EBMS

It seems to be another busy week at EBMS. The girls' basketball teams have games on Tuesday, December 1, and Thursday, December 3 (both games are at home). The boys' basketball team will travel to Osceola on Thursday, December 3. Our wrestlers are also in action this week. December 1 they travel to Pella. Good luck to one and all!!

In class this week we will be working on finding nouns in sentences and determining the type of noun (common, proper, abstract, concrete, collective). We will also start working on making singular nouns plural. We will continue work on the novels we are reading.

On another note, please stress to students how important it is to turn in work on time!! With busy schedules it is easy to "forget" your homework. Many students simply run out of time to complete it (they have sports, band, chores, etc.). I have been trying to stress to the students that it is important to keep up with school work even though sports, band, etc. are more fun. Once they fall behind, it is very hard to catch up. Some teachers also do not allow students to turn in late work unless they have missed school. Please help us to set up the important work habits they will need for the rest of their lives!