Ancillae-Assumpta Academy

Trimester 2

e-Mission
Our 8^th grade students participated in one of the e-Mission programs, developed by the Challenger Learning Center in Wheeling, West VA, in which they connected via Skype with the Flight Director at Mission Control.  This was a team-based project that provided an interactive educational experience, allowing the students to serve as emergency response team members to solve problems based on real-life historical events and utilize scientifically accurate data. 

For this e-Mission, the students worked together with Mission Control to avoid the natural disasters facing the Caribbean island nation of Montserrat.  A hurricane was headed toward the island as their volcano in the Souffiere Hills region also threatened to erupt.  After weeks of learning how to make the calculations, analyze the data, and make recommendations for evacuation procedures based on the population and topography of the island, students worked together as the scenario unfolded for them on the mornings of March 6^th,, March 7^th, and March 8^th.  Each session’s group worked together using critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to successfully save the lives of the people of Montserrat on that fateful day in 1996. 

Scopes Moot Court

On Thursday, March 1, the students in 8R participated in a moot court session during which they debated the probable outcome had the Scopes Trial occurred in current times, instead of in 1925.  The class had spent several weeks reading  play Inherit the Wind, based upon the Scopes Trial, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee.  The students spent two days in the school library conducting research prior to the session, learning about the actual trial, the First Amendment, and other relevant information.  Their hard work and dedication to the project certainly paid off; during the court session, the students all contributed to the discussion and shared not only what they had learned through their research, but also their personal thoughts and opinions on each topic.  Several other relevant issues were discussed and debated during the moot court, as well.  All in all, it was a thought-provoking, stimulating experience for everyone involved!   

Lenten Service: Face to Face in Germantown
In communion with the Handmaids and their core values of: joy, hospitality, simplicity, humility, and compassion the eighth grade students and their parents were invited to live and experience those values by meaningful participation at Face to Face in Germantown starting with the Lenten Season in trimester two. Several service dates were offered throughout the Season flowing into trimester three. In all, at least twenty-four students and eight parents will have participated during the Lenten Season. 

By providing service in the Dining Room at Face to Face Germantown, our eighth grade students and parents supported the weekend outreach Face to Face offers its guests who come in need of a meal. For those eighth grade students who could not be there in person an alternate opportunity was offered to serve those who come to Face to Face each day by donating specified items: white socks, personal care items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, and lotions. These items help Face to Face keep their “washateria” stocked.

Mary Kay Meeks, Executive Director of Face to Face, came to speak to the eighth grade students to explain what Face to Face does and help them understand the importance of serving with “hospitality and mutuality” and to explain what a “washateria” is.

Trimester 1

8^th grade is a wonderfully exciting (yet busy) time in our students’ lives.  Shortly after school started, they began planning for their Halloween Bazaar bazaar.  They worked in small groups with their friends to plan an activity, decorated the promotional posters, created raffle baskets, and then finally ran the games all morning long on October 28th.  It was a terrific success that raised funds for the dinner that they then put on for their parents after the Thanksgiving liturgy.  That evening was a beautiful opportunity for us all to pause and offer thanks for all that we have; after the Mass, the children served the dinner and gave their letters expressing thanks to you, their parents, for that has been given to them. 

Also in November, the students completed their last Science Fair as AAA students.  The students presented their projects to adult mentors and received feedback from those science professionals about their research.  The students had practiced in class leading up to that moment, and it was clear to all who listened how much that the students have learned!

Artists of the 1800's
The 8^th grade students put creativity in motion during social studies classes this trimester, as well.  In groups, the 8^th grade students worked diligently to create PowerPoint presentations, which gave a brief biography on three influential artists during the early 1800’s.  Through research and collaboration each group was able to explain the value of each artist and their immense impact during their era and history.  Students presented their PowerPoint presentations to their peers using images, music, and research to present their materials.  The students proved that learning and fun and go hand in hand!

Animal Farm
The 8^th grade students who studied Animal Farm by George Orwell during the first trimester also completed an independent reading project on a fiction or non-fiction book of their choice.  The book had to include an example of an oppressive government or oppressive leader in order to parallel the idea of absolute power within Animal Farm.  Students chose to complete a PowerPoint presentation, an i-Movie presentation, or a paper as their final product.  Within the presentations or papers, students discussed elements of plot, a description of the oppressive government, and a comparison to the events in Animal Farm or in Russian history that were discussed over the trimester. 

el Día de los Muertos


During the month of November, 8^th grade students created their own calaveras (sugar skulls) as part of the celebration of Day of the Dead. The students watched a video that demonstrates the typical Mexican traditions that are part of el Día de los Muertos celebration while decorating their sugar skull. Sugar Skulls are used as a way to adorn the altars that are created in remembrance of those who have passed away. Day of the Dead is not a sad holiday, but rather a joyous celebration of the lives that were lived and the memories that will always be remembered.