What a Summer

What a summer! In late spring, I was so happy to see my daffodils and then the tulips blossom. My husband planted vegetables -- the usual lettuce, peas, green beans, and tomatoes. Normally I love to watch the progress of growing things, but this past summer, my heart just wasn't in it.

The day after school was out, I was at St. E's bright and early for a total knee replacement surgery. Although I was in pain at first and couldn't do much except "rest, ice, and elevation," that knee went quite well. Six weeks later, I was back at St. E's for replacement of the other knee. This one caused lots of pain and swelling. I didn't think I'd ever recover from that surgery. I knew that I wanted to get both done during the summer so I could be back in time for school to start. So I faithfully did lots of therapy exercises each day, along with visits to a physical therapist. I did make it back to school on time, but not as healed as I had planned. I guess we have to let go, and let God!

Each week my strength improves and I'm not so tired. However, it's not a summer I'd want to relive. I look forward to my flower and vegetable gardens next year!

Mrs. Nytes, Middle School Religion


Middle School Religion
This year I teach religion to grades 6 and 7. I have had Advanced Religious certification since 1996.

The Grade 7 course focuses on the following themes: God reveals Himself to us through Scripture and Tradition, the Trinity, Jesus and His disciples, the seven sacraments, vocations, works of mercy, and justice and peace.

The main themes for sixth grade religion are related to the Old Testament -- which books are included, the Israelites and the Exodus, the Patriarchs and the prophets, and the fulfillment of God's covenant through Jesus.

All grades learn about the liturgical calendar, church seasons, Mary and the rosary, and major feast days.

We begin each class period with a prayer led by one of the students. We use the Catholic Youth Bible for class work, in conjunction with our religion text. Several times during the school year, in rotation with the elementary grades, each Middle School class plans a liturgy.
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Helpful Hints

Each quarter, students are asked to do four hours of service. Service should involve work not normally required to be done. For instance, if the student usually has to take out the garbage, then taking out the garbage does not count. Instead, if this is a spontaneous chore he/she does to be helpful, it counts. These service hours need to be verified by a parent, and will be due a week before the quarter ends.

I stress proper use of spelling and grammar in all written work. If students have too many errors, I ask them to fix their mistakes using red ink. Then I recorrect the assignment and give them the average of their two scores.

In Middle School, students are required to hand in assignments on the due date. Our policy this year states that two points will be given on the Responsibility card each day that an assignment is late.