Let's try this again. I had this really awesome post (trust me, it was AWESOME) and then I forgot to save it before hitting update and the only thing that saved was the picture.

We have successfully accomplished week 2 of the new school year and, for the most part, everyone is still in a good mood. =) Students are meeting deadlines and contributing to class discussions and that makes me so very happy.

In English 7 we have made a slow start at grammar and the basics of argument. Next week we will continue with both and start a fun activity in which the students will need to figure out "whodunit" to solve a police case.

English 8 is focusing grammar as well, but they are moving into persuasive writing at the same time. They reviewed the 6 key elements of persuasive writing and handed in they beginning paragraph that will try to convince me to either run barefoot in the snow for 15 minutes (brrrr) or to put my tongue on a frozen pole (ouch!). This should be an interesting read.

American Lit has moved into reading Fahrenheit 451. We read several short articles last week that looked into why we should read and why the knowledge gained could be seen as a threat to others. The students finished the first section of F451 and took a test. Next week there will be a vocabulary test on Tuesday and Friday using section 1 words. 

Homecoming is next week! It is hard to believe that it is here already. This is a time where students get together and have some fun. Please be safe and remember as you are planning "the most amazing prank ever!" to keep it safe and legal. Be sure that whatever you are doing does not cause harm to people, pets, or property. They is a big difference between a harmless prank and vandalism.

Until next time!
Ms. Oerter

We have succeeded in completing week 1 of school and have ventured into week 2.

This week will be a focus on getting routines down and being successful in hitting assignment deadlines. It can be very overwhelming for both students and teachers as we venture back into our school schedules.

The week is already bringing early outs for activities, doctor appointments, and more. Please be sure that you are talking to your teachers and letting them know when you are going to be absent so any missing work can be given.

I would like to say thank you to my students this week. So far everyone has been in a great mood and ready to take on the challenges. I have been exceptionally impressed with my American Lit students - they have overwhelmingly attacked their first assignment and I am intrigued by their class discussion. Keep up the good work American Lit!!!

It's here... the night before school.

My allergies or a cold has decided to decent and I am really dreading the early morning. Upside (I think) is that most students aren't focused on me, but are instead eagerly waiting to catch up with friends, check out the new teachers, and head on to life outside the school day.

The goal for the year is to help students be accountable for their learning and actions. As much as I love to give students wonderful grades, the reality is that students will need to be responsible for completing work on time and asking for help when there are questions. I am more than willing to help them with any questions both during class and outside our scheduled time together, but they have to let me know what they need.

Parents, the biggest request that I have from you is to encourage your child to communicate with me. That needs to be the first contact. If you are anything like me, you really want to solve the problem for your child and move on to happy things. Unfortunately that leads to kids who don't know how to problem solve - even if it means fewer headaches now, there will be larger ones later.

Please feel free to contact me using the form on this site, emailing me, or calling. The first two options are probably the easiest since there are generally students in my room throughout the day and I want to respect student privacy and not discuss a student in front of peers.

Here we go! Off to another great year!

Ms. Oerter

It's early and we are all tired, but the school year has officially begun.

Yesterday the teachers gathered at KMS for the first day of workshops. We looked at data, schedules, trainings, and more. Today we are back at it for more trainings and, thankfully, a little time in our classrooms to continue prepping for the first day of actual classes.

As we delve further into the year, this website (and hopefully blog) will be a great resource for students and parents to access classroom information and communicate with me.

Check back often and feel free to comment on the pages or posts.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!!

Ms. Oerter