| Sensational Science The pipeline for our next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians begins in the K–8 classroom. At these ages, quality science lessons capture children’s attention when they are most open, most curious and most naturally disposed to asking questions about the world around them. Their interest in science and engineering by the time they leave Middle School can have a great influence on future career choices. Here is a quick glimpse at some of the interesting science and engineering lessons that were taught this week at the Middle School:
- Chemical Properties: Students are learning how elements in the periodic table have different chemical properties. Each one emits a different color flame when burnt, which they then used to identify an unknown solution by its color.
- The Spread of Bacteria: Our seventh graders are studying the microbiology of prokaryotic organisms. Students inoculated petri dishes with samples taken from public areas to find out what areas had more/less bacteria on them and did experiments to find out what helps or hurts the growth of this non-pathogenic bacteria.
- House of Cards: Students competed in an engineering design challenge to build the tallest tower made of index cards in 20 minutes. Each team researched various building methods and developed a blueprint. After the competition, students reflected on the ways the design could have been improved and kept track of the entire design process in a design journal.
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| Join us for "Meetings with Michael" Mr. Turner would like to extend an invitation to families to join him for conversation and an exchange of ideas on the topic of "feedback," using dress code as a launch point. Plan to join him at one of the three times tomorrow:
Monday, October 5: - 8:15 a.m. (Lower School, Dundas Hatcher Hall)
- 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Middle School, Singleton Campus, Great Hall).
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Admissions Yard Sign Ambassadors
Our best ambassadors for St. Michael's are our families!
We are looking for families willing to post Admissions Open House signs in their yards, preferably in high visibility areas. Each family that offers to be a Yard Sign Ambassador will be entered in a raffle to win a pair of free tickets to the St. Michael's Auction Event on November 21!
Interested? Please send your name, address and email this week to Betty Issacs. Thanks so much!
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| Dad's Night Out We cordially invite our St. Michael's Dads to join us for an evening of fun and great BBQ on October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Singleton Middle School Campus. Please R.S.V.P. to Anne Bridgforth by this Monday, October 5.
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Middle School Open Mike!
What is Open Mike?
From music, art and dance, to dramatic readings and poetry, students have the opportunity to share their talents once a quarter on Friday afternoons during sixth period. Sign-up with Mr. Tickle by October 16.
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An Introduction to Google Apps
This year, St. Michael's has transitioned to Google App's For Education. These cloud-based tools support the 21st Century classroom, and help prepare students with the communication and collaboration skills they’re going to need in the future. What are the benefits of Google Apps?
- Anytime, anywhere access – users can access email, calendars, and documents from school or at home.
- No flash drives required with documents/files stored in Google Drive.
- Students can easily collaborate with students and teachers.
- Teachers can be involved throughout the whole assignment process providing comments and feedback directly in the documents.
- Students can develop an e-portfolio of work throughout their years at the School, which supports the IB approach to learning.
As Google Apps may be new to some of our families, below please find some helpful links to acquaint you with all it has to offer.
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Current Families: Time to Apply for Kindergarten!
Application time is NOW for the 2016 kindergarten class! Applications can be submitted online or by calling Betty Isaacs.
Open houses for prospective Kindergarten families are scheduled for: October 21 and October 22 at 9:30 am. Interested families can register here.
The Middle School Open House for Prospective Parents is scheduled for Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m. Interested families can register here.
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| Support St M When You Shop!
St. Michael’s and the SMPA benefit from additional funds when you shop and use the community programs at Kroger, Amazon Smile, Martin's and Target. Click here for links and barcodes to register.
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St. Michael's SMPA Tennis Social!St. Michael's annual tennis social is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for:
- Wednesday, October 7 from 9 a.m.-noon
(rain date of Friday, October 9) - Sip and Shop at Sassy Bee, Wednesday evening 6-8 p.m.
- Location: Bon Air Community Center Courts
Click here for more info and the registration form. Then, please send a check for $30, made payable to the "SMPA", to your child's homeroom teacher by Monday, October 5th. Any questions, feel free to email Lauren Golliday.
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Friendly Safety Reminder
For the safety of our Lower School students and drivers, please use the crosswalk across McCrae Rd to get to the side parking lot.
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We've got SPIRIT, how about YOU? New Spiritwear Site!
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Need Care for the Columbus Day Holiday?
As there are no classes for students on Columbus Day, St. Michael's Episcopal Church Extended Day Program is happy to announce that we are offering full day care on Monday, October 12, 2015.
As part of our day, we are offering the opportunity for children to preview our newest enrichment activity: Challenge Island. You do not have to attend the full day out in order to register and participate in this activity. You may sign your child up for the activity only. The link to the Challenge Island website is: http://www.challenge-island.com/virginia-midlothian-richmond/
To register, please contact Merry Norris, Program Director at 804-272-0992 x 106.
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Let's Be Friends!
Get connected to keep abreast of St M news, events, calendar changes and information. Current and past issues of "This Week at St. Michael's" are now archived on our website under "News and Events," as well as under "Community."
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| - Sensational Science
- Meetings with Michael
- Yard Sign Ambassadors
- Dad's Night Out RSVPs Due
- MS Open Mike
- Intro to Google Apps
- Apply Now for Kindergarten
- Support St M When You Shop
- SMPA Tennis Social
- LS Safety Reminder
- Spiritwear Site
- Columbus Day Childcare
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| Dates to Remember... Please check our improved online School Calendar for updates, events and weekly activities/sports schedules.
Click here to download an updated Academic Calendar.
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| Monday, 10/5:- Meetings with Michael, 8:15 a.m. (LS Dundas Hatcher), 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (MS Great Hall)
Tuesday, 10/6: - LS Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
- MS Field Hockey Game @Collegiate Goochland Field, 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 10/7:- SMPA Tennis Social, 9 a.m.-12 p.m; "Sip and Shop at Sassy Bee, 6-8 p.m.
- MS Boys Intro Lacrosse Clinic, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Singleton Campus
Thursday, 10/8:- Grade 5 Judaism guest speaker: Mr. Joel Moses
- MS Cross Country Home Meet, 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
- MS Field Hockey vs. Panthers @ Sportsquest, 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 10/9:- Kindergarten to Pumpkin Patch, 8:30 a.m.
- MS Chapel, 1:05 p.m.
- Baseball Clinic (Gr 5-8), 3:30-5:15 p.m, Trinity Softball Field.
Coming Up:- Eighth Grade High School Planning Program, Friday, October 16, 1 p.m., Allen Library, Singleton Campus
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Your Healthy Resource Healthy Snacking Tips: Adding More Fruits Keep a well-stocked fruit bowl in plain sight in the kitchen. Children (and adults) are more likely to snack on healthy options if they are on hand and in sight.
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