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Week of October 6, 2014
What do tarantulas, "Wanted" posters and cookie "rocks" have in common? Some might call it "Weird Science."  We know our students would say it is a fun and engaging way to learn!
Our third graders welcomed Mr. Young and his insect friends from Young Scientists for a lesson on soil. They also learned how geologists study rocks to learn about the Earth and tried their skills as "cookie geologists." Math and science skills were used to chart the different layers and embedded "rocks" as a correlation to how geologists chart rock layers and locate metals and gems.
Our sixth graders combined science and technology this week as they developed "Wanted" posters of famous scientists as part of a study on
scientific inquiry and scientific attitudes. Using the Middle School iMac workstations, students researched their assigned scientist for a specific scientific achievement during which the scientist displayed one of the scientific attitudes (honesty, curiosity, open-mindedness, creativity, and skepticism) that had been discussed in class. Their 'Wanted" poster creations had to describe which scientific attitude the scientist was “wanted” for, and how the work of the scientist helped to solve/address an important problem or issue. As you can see, the results were impressive!
An Invitation to our "Meetings With Michael" Series
Community, curriculum, communication and collaboration are areas of importance for Mr. Turner. His first months as Head-Elect have been about "discovery and learning" as it pertains to the culture and community of our School. Integral to the fabric of St. Michael's is our family community. 
With the year off to a great start, Mr. Turner would like to extend an invitation to families to join him for conversation and an exchange of ideas and insights on the theme of "community."  He knows folks have questions about new policies and his vision for the School, and he is eager to listen to your insights and ideas.
In order to accommodate varied schedules of families, the opportunity to meet with Michael will be offered three times over two days. The schedule is as follows:
  • Tuesday, October 14 at 2 p.m. (Singleton Campus, Great Hall)
  • Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. (Singleton Campus, Great Hall)
  • Wednesday, October 15 at 8:15 a.m. (Bon Air Campus, Dundas-Hatcher Hall)
Thank you to the SMPA for hosting this program. We hope you can be a part of this exciting discussion! 
 Important Announcements:
Last Call this Fall for SPIRITWEAR!  Orders are due in this Monday, October 6! Order now to receive items before the holidays. Don't miss out! Click here for the order form. Dragon Pride!
Intramural Basketball Heads Up: Tryouts for SMBA, St. Michael’s Intramural Basketball League for grades 4-6, will be held in November. Stay tuned for the exact dates. Games are played Saturday mornings beginning in December.  Practice times vary depending on the availability of the coaches. Please see Mr. Kern if you are interested in playing.
Swim Like a Fish? Middle School Swim team season is just around the corner! The season runs November-the end of January. Practices will take place on Sundays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the St. Catherine's pool.   Informational forms will be distributed by Mr. Tickle during music classes in the coming week. Contact Mr. Tickle if interested in participating.
Planning for High School (A Program for our Eighth Grade Families)
For Eighth Grade families, choosing the right High School to meet your child’s needs and interests is a big decision. St. Michael's cordially invites you to attend our High School Planning Program on Friday, October 10, 1:00-2:30 p.m. to learn about options and the application process. 
The schedule for this program is as follows:
1:00 p.m.   8th Grade Parent Education Program (Singleton Library)
1:55 p.m.   8th Grade Students join conversation (Singleton Library)
2:05 p.m.   Open House with High School representatives (Great Hall)
Please contact Cheryl Broga with questions. Seventh grade students and parents will have the opportunity to explore their high school options next year.
Plant a Sign, Win Tickets!
We are still in need of a few more Open House yard sign ambassadors.  Come to the LEGO room on the Bon Air Campus and pick one up to place in your yard.  Not only will you be spreading the St. Michael’s word, but you’ll be eligible to win a pair of Auction tickets! We are most appreciative of your help! Please email Betty Isaacs to save one for you.
Author Visit and Book Signing Opportunity
Jennifer Holland, author of the Unlikely Friendships for Kids series, is coming to St. Michael's Episcopal School on Monday, October 27th.  As a National Geographic magazine writer, Jennifer has traveled the world and writes true stories for kids about amazing animals. She will be sharing her experiences with the students in 2nd-5th grades. 
We are partnering with our local children's bookshop, bbgb, to make her books available for you to purchase prior to Jennifer's visit.  She will personalize the books and they will be delivered to your child's class that day.  You may purchase your books online via the bbgb website.  There you will see the complete list of titles with prices.  Our families are receiving a 15% discount on the books, so when ordering online please use the coupon code hero15 The deadline for ordering is October 15th. When ordering online, please choose "school delivery" as your shipping method and be sure to complete the sections asking for your child's school, child's name, teacher name, and to whom the book should be signed.  Mrs. Wise is happy to answer any questions you may have.
Join us for the Annual Auction! Celebrating Blue and White!
Mark your calendars for November 22, at 6 p.m., for an evening of fun, culinary delights and competitive bidding. Auction items and volunteers needed!  Click here to volunteer and to donate! Q's? Contact Mary King Coleman
Let's Be Friends!
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Current and past issues of "This Week at St. Michael's" are now archived on our website under "News and Events." 
  Dates to Remember...
  Lower School:
  • Kindergarten field trip to Pumpkin Patch, Friday, 10/10.
  • Championship Chess: Wednesday,10/8, 2:40 to 3:40 p.m.   
  • Intramural Field Hockey: Friday, 10/10, 3-5 p.m.   
  • Intramural Soccer Championship and 3rd Place Game (grades 3-5): Tuesday, 10/7, 3-3:50 p.m.
  Middle School:
  • 6th and 7th Grade Field Trip to Challenge Discovery, Friday, 10/10. REMINDER: Students need to bring a labeled bagged lunch and two drinks.
  • Middle School Basketball Tryouts: 7th and 8th grade basketball tryouts on Monday, 10/6 and Monday, 10/13,  3-4:15 p.m. in the MS gym. Please come in appropriate shoes.  If interested but can't make these dates, please see Mr. Kern. 
  • Back by popular demand: Dad's Night Out, October 28th, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Singleton Campus. Invitations to follow.
  • Boys (grades 5-8) Lacrosse Clinic (DATE CHANGE): Tuesday, 10/7, 5:30-6:45 p.m. (Bon Air Campus upper field)
  • Cross Country Team Practice: Monday-Friday, 3:15-4:45 p.m. 
  • Field Hockey Team Practice: Monday, 10/6, 3-4:30 p.m. 
  • Field Hockey Team Practice: Tuesday, 10/7, 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Field Hockey Game (Core and White teams): Wednesday, 10/8 at St. Catherine's, 4:30 p.m. 
  • Field Hockey Game (Core and Blue team): Thursday, 10/9 at home (vs. Millwood). 4:30 p.m.
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