Blog #14 -- Military Appreciation Month

It's hard to believe that May is almost here!  The school year has flown by, and we only have a few weeks to go!  As we welcome May flowers and warmer weather, we also need to pause for a moment to say "thanks" to the men and women who serve in our military.  When we stop to think of the sacrifice that these individuals and their families make, we should really be appreciative of their sacrifices.

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members - past and present. Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country.

Military personnel can be deployed (sent into an active location) for months at a time.  While this is their "job," it is much different from being a business owner, a teacher, or a police officer.  This job takes them away from their home and their loved ones for long periods of time.  There are no weekends off, and there are no "breaks" to be together with family.  This can be extremely difficult on the military personnel and the family members left behind.

In our 8th grade class, there have been several deployments of family members recently.  Blaine's mother was deployed in early April, and Reid's brother was also planning on deployment soon.
Many other individuals have friends or neighbors that have been deployed in recent weeks.

As individuals, friends and family, what are some ways that we might be a source of help or encouragement to families like this?  How could we encourage the military personnel that have been deployed to faraway places -- away from their families?  How could we help or encourage those family members here?

Explain three or four ideas that you think might be good ways to show Christian service in these areas.

Blog will be open from April 30th  - May 8th.  Your response should be a minimum of five sentences for five extra credit points.

Keep these families in your prayers!  Write on!

Blog #13 -- Spring Fever!!

Well, the verdict is in!  The doctor has spoken!  The truth is out!
Many of our 8th graders have come down with . . . SPRING FEVER!

What is it?  Is it contagious?  Is it curable?  Well, that depends.

First of all, what is it?  What are the symptoms?  Do you have any of these symptoms?
While some things associated with spring fever are harmless and fun, others may be detrimental to your health -- academic or otherwise.

"Spring fever" is defined as a feeling of restlessness and excitement felt at the beginning of spring.
Surges in energy, feelings of happiness and excitement and general restlessness are all symptoms.  Additional symptoms include: general distractibility, bad attitude, back-talking to teachers, an overall lack of interest in school, sudden loss of attention to homework, and a general urge to go have fun 24/7.   Sometimes a tendency to make poor decisions (in addition to those mentioned above) have been noted.  It has also been noted by several Goodpasture teachers and administrators that some of our students are exhibiting some of these symptoms.

Secondly, is spring fever contagious?  Definitely.  Persons should take careful consideration before following others' examples.  Don't let others lead you into things that you know are wrong.  A sure sign of a person with spring fever is becoming more of a follower than a leader.   It is fine to enjoy the fun activities of springs -- just don't overdo it!

Finally, is spring fever curable?  Yes!  Just hang on!  Continue to do your best.  Stay the course.  Just a few weeks of school left, and then your spring fever will give way to SUMMER BREAK!

Do you or someone you know have these symptoms?  If so, explain!  How can you combat this dreaded disorder for the final few weeks of school.  Be creative, (and nice!) and respond in at least five sentences for five extra credit points!

Blog will be open from Friday, April 10 - Friday, April 24th!  Write on!