It has been a busy few weeks at school for students, staff and volunteers. The days and weeks fly by, and we've already finished the first marking period!
Elementary Learning Center
The last week of October was Reformation week at school. All the elementary students learned about the five "solas" of the Reformation and made a beautiful stained glass window with a coloring project. Thank you to Mrs. Cori VanDyke for your help with this! (See the picture below). In particular, the younger students learned about Martin Luther, and the older students studied the life and work of the early Reformer, John Wycliffe.
Doing PACE work takes up most of the elementary students' time at school. They have made tremendous progress in learning how to set and complete goals, which is so encouraging to see! The students have also been learning to use the computer software that teaches math facts, typing and reading fluency. Every afternoon, the students enjoy participating in Book Camp, and all the little eyes are trained on the reader as they listen to the story! A highlight of their weeks lately has been the elementary cooking class! Students have learned the basic kitchen skills like the difference between measuring liquid and dry ingredients, reading recipes, and finding the correct utensils. They have made some delicious treats together such as cherry cheesecake, zucchini muffins and chocolate eclair dessert... During their days at school, the elementary students have the opportunity to earn fireflies with good behavior, passing PACE tests, or extra-curricular projects etc. They've learned also that certain things will make the fireflies fly away! Wednesday mornings at break they have the chance to "buy" vending with their fireflies, or save them up for special treats like time in the high school learning center, renting cozy cubicle lights or McFlurries from McDonalds...
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The last week of October was a little bittersweet for our elementary, as we said good bye to Mrs. Meena VanDyke. Mrs. Meena, as she's affectionately called, and her husband hope to welcome their first little one any day now, if all is well! We celebrated her last day with a surprise baby party, complete with cupcakes and punch, games and a huge diaper cake made with lots of love from all the elementary students! Also on behalf of the board, our warmest thanks, Meena, for all you've done in the past months for our new school. You will be missed greatly, but we look forward to hearing your special news soon, D.V.!
Secondary Learning Center
Our high school students also learned about an aspect of Reformation, and spent their week studying the Scottish Covenanters and their struggle for religious freedoms. They especially focused on John Knox, Samuel Rutherford and the church in the 1600's. The Spanish students have been busy learning how to describe themselves and their families in Spanish! They studied the genealogy of the Spanish monarchy, and ended the unit with creating and presenting their own family trees. The hours spent in the learning center with PACE work are running smoothly. There is a wide variety of subjects studied on a daily basis between all the courses in each student's schedule. Although each student completes their studies at their own speed, and in the order they choose, we have been able to provide individualized tutor help for English, Literature, Anatomy, Chemistry, Physics, Algebra and Geometry! This individual time with students gives a healthy balance to the independent study nature of our program, and is both helpful and rewarding!
High school has also begun choir practice on Thursday afternoons. They are enjoying learning the different parts to music, and have begun studying several pieces. Thank you especially to Mrs. Karen Fluit for her willingness to conduct and teach our students in this area!
The Home Ec class finished their baking unit with some stellar desserts, including cream puffs and cinnamon rolls with rave reviews from family members! We also spent an enjoyable Friday afternoon and did some baking for the Beckwith Lydia Guild Thanksgiving baskets. The girls were eager and enthusiastic to help our seniors in this way, and made some beautifully wrapped delicious goodies to pack in the baskets! The class shifted focus in November and the students began studying the basics of sewing. They've become familiar with the sewing machine and different stitches to use, and hope to begin their first project: a bandana drool bib with a matching bunny ear teether toy. Stay tuned for our next projects!
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A note of gratitude:
We would like to sincerely thank the many volunteers who make each day a possibility at DLIGR. Thank you especially to the administrative and secretarial help that we have been getting so faithfully every day. It is so encouraging to see everyone's smiling faces each morning! It has quickly become a student's favorite job to be the elementary class messenger each week... You have helped so much to establish a smooth work flow for us, and we are so grateful! We also very much appreciate those of you who give so freely of your time or resources for individualized curriculum enrichment and tutor help.
Additional news!
The shop class has become a huge favorite among our high school boys. They work on small and larger engines, body work on vehicles, and are exposed to a vast array of tools and skills. The students have fixed and sold several items already as a fundraiser for DLIGR. Currently there is a generator for sale if you or anyone you know needs one! It is a Mitsubishi 3000 watt with a fresh oil change, new carburetor and spark plugs, and runs well! The students are asking $175. If you are interested, contact:
Luke Fluit, treasurer at 616-452-2457
or luke.fluit@dligr.org
