Class of 2026 -- Blog #2 -- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

 I absolutely love this time of year!  From the colors of fall to the scents of autumn and fun activities, this season just has it all!  I particularly LOVE Halloween!  (These ghosts have been part of our Halloween decor for years!  If I don't get them out sometime in September, my family is asking me about them!  It's funny how we grow so accustomed to our holiday traditions!) 

 

Every since I was a little girl, this holiday has been one of my favorites!  I remember going trick-or-treating with my friends in the my old neighborhood.  I remember haunted houses and bobbing for apples at parties.  (I also LOVE trying to scare the actors in haunted houses, too!  They are not expecting that!)

Then, of course, I remember taking my own children out on Halloween night to get lots of candy or to attend fall festivals. 

Today, we still try to get into the Halloween spirit at the Sweet house, with pumpkin carvings, chili suppers and bonfires!

What are some of your fun memories of Halloween?  Do you still go trick or treating for candy?  (It's ok!  My boys went way past 8th grade!)  Have you ever had a really scary experience?  Something hilarious happen? 

Your response should be a minimum of three sentences for three extra credit points!  This blog will close at midnight on (you guessed it!) October 31st! 

Class of 2026 -- Blog #1 Welcome to Our 8th Grade English Blog

Welcome to the 8th grade!  This will be an exciting year as you prepare for high school!  We have a lot of work to do, but also a lot of fun along the way!

Blogging is a relatively new idea! We will use this blog as a means of communication between us as students, classmates and teacher!  This will give us a better chance to get to know one another too!  You will need to check the blog often because there  extra credit opportunities on here are very time sensitive!  

When responding to the blog, please let me know who you are.  You  must be logged on with your Goodpasture email credentials.  You will need to make a "limited blogger profile with you first name and first initial of last name.  You may also put your class period.    For example, if your name is Charlie Brown, and you have my class 3rd period, you would simply respond something like this:

Charlie B. (3) Mrs. Sweet -- I totally agree with your point of view!  I really enjoyed learning this information!  It was awesome!  

or

Charlie B. (3) Mrs. Sweet, I really don't agree with your opinion of the book.  I feel like the author is really trying to . . . 

Get it?  Each blog entry comment will give you  extra credit points that will be calculated into your total points for the 9 week grading period.  You may NOT comment more than once per extra credit opportunity for actual extra credit!  You are welcome to comment as much as you'd like though!   As well, comments should be positive, helpful and appropriate.

Also, each blog entry will be open for a specific period of time, so you will need to make sure that you post a comment during that window of time.  Late responses will not receive the extra credit points! 

My main objective is for you to WRITE ON!  This is easy for some of you, and for others, not so much.  But we will all grow and learn together.   So . . .  here goes! 

As we begin 8th grade, are you ready?  What excites you about this upcoming year?  What scares you?  Are you involved in extracurricular activities?  If so, what?  In five COMPLETE sentences, please tell me your vision for this year.  Tell me about you and your goals for the year.


You will receive FIVE extra credit points for your completed response.  Blog #1 will close on Friday, August 27th at midnight.


I'm excited about this year and getting to know you better!  Write on! 

Class of 2025 -- Blog #5 -- Greatest Lessons of 8th Grade

 Well, we are down to only a few days left for 8th grade!  This has been a great year, and it has really gone quickly!  We have lived through the challenges of a global pandemic, and thankfully, we seem to be coming out on the other side of it.  

In a ten short months, I have had the opportunity to watch you grow as students.  I’ve seen all you of grow physically and academically, and I’ve seen many of you grow emotionally and spiritually, as well.  I am so proud of you, as a class and as individuals.

I know that you’ve learned a lot this year.  You’ve learned things about American history and mathematics.  Some of you have learned Spanish or leadership skills.  As my students, you’ve learned some great themes in wonderful literature, IXL and vocabulary.

But, I would bet many of you have learned great “lessons” that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.  I still remember some valuable lessons that I learned from my 8th grade teachers like Mrs. Switzer, Mrs. Piper and Mr. Hagewood.  These people remain influences in my life even today.  My precious 8th grade Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Wanda Boyce passed away a week or so ago.  I had so enjoyed getting reacquainted with her on Facebook because she was such a special part of my middle school years.  

So, for your final blog responses for this year, what are your greatest lessons learned in 8th grade?  What have you learned from living through the era of Covid-19?  What teachers have been examples for you to follow in life?  How will you take these lessons and examples with you going forward into high school?  How will these lessons improve your life and your Christian walk with the Lord?

Answer in THREE (3) complete sentences for THREE (3) extra credit points.  This blog will close at midnight on Friday, 5/14/21. 

Finally, I love you all, and it has been my honor to be your English teacher this year.  Have a wonderful summer break.  Please, come back to see me next year, and WRITE ON!  


Mrs. S.

Class of 2025 -- Blog #4 -- WHERE'S THE SNOW??

We've been waiting and waiting; hoping and hoping; wishing and wishing!  We've watched for the SnowBird, but he's not flying; we've worn our pajamas inside out with no luck; we've done snow dances and looked just plain silly!  So . . . where's the snow?

 Really?  Thousands of feet (well, not exactly!) up north, and that's just not fair!  Almost no snow for Tennessee this year! Temperatures have been cold -- too cold -- not to have a few snows!   We've been robbed of a full snow day!  

  
And then TODAY -- the ground hog saw its shadow, so there is to be SIX MORE WEEKS of winter!  But will we have snow?   It is quite disheartening!  We need a break from school!  (Yes, even the teachers!)

So, we ponder the meaning of life, and why we have not been blessed with any snow days!

Please, oh, please!  The road to spring break is still FAR AWAY!  WE NEED A SNOW DAY!

For three extra credit points, write THREE complete sentences explaining how you would have enjoyed your snow day -- IF WE HAD GOTTEN ONE!  Would you have gone sledding?  Would you have made hot cocoa?  Would you have had a Netflix binge?  This blog will close on Friday, February 12, 2021, at midnight!  Write on!  

Class of 2025 -- Blog #3 -- GIVE THANKS

Well, it's hard to believe, but Thanksgiving break is only a few weeks away.  The semester is quickly passing, and it will be over before you know it. 

I LOVE THANKSGIVING!  I think too many times, we rush through this holiday, in order to get to Christmas.  That bothers me because I think too many of us forget to be thankful.  We simply take our blessings for granted, and I think that is sad.

Thanksgiving is about stopping (at least for a moment), and thanking God for the blessings that He gives to us.  We live in a country that is free.  We live in beautiful houses.  We have food in our pantry.  We have a car in the garage. We have parents and grandparents that take care of us.  Someone may be sacrificing to make sure we are getting a Christian education at Goodpasture.    Although, those things are "second nature" to most of us, those things are blessings.

So, just stop for a moment, and think of ONE (yes, only one!) thing for which you are thankful this year.  What is your biggest blessing?  Why is that so important to you?

Mine would be my family.  They are my life, and they are God's biggest blessing to me -- every day and in every way.

Answer in FIVE (5) complete sentences for FIVE (5) extra credit points.  This blog will close on Friday, 11/20 at midnight!

So, get ready for turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie!  But don't forget to thank God for those blessings!  Write on!

GCS Class of 2025 -- Blog #2 -- (Real-life) ANIMAL FARM

 As we conclude our study of the novel, Animal Farm, we have talked a lot about rules and laws in a society.  We have also talked about persuasion, and how sometimes, we are easily led by others. 

In the novel, Snowball and Napoleon are the leaders of the pigs.  In the beginning, they both really want a better life for all of the animals on the farm. 

Napoleon eventually bullies Snowball and runs him off of the farm.  All of the other animals watch in horror, but they do nothing to help. 

Bullies have a tendency to love power, and many will do whatever it takes to have that power over others. Of course, Goodpasture is part of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, designed to improve peer relations and make schools a safer and more positive place for students to learn and develop.  We want to always make sure that we are part of the solution in the event of witnessing bullying by telling an adult at school and an adult at home, as we learned in the program kick-off. 

For this blog, please respond to this question? 

Have you ever witnessed or experienced bullying?  What happened?  (No names or juicy details, please!)  How did it make you feel?  How do you believe we can prevent bullying on our campus?  

Respond in five complete sentences for FIVE extra credit bonus points!  This blog will close at midnight on 9/25/2020.  Write on!  

GCS Class of 2025 -- Blog #1 -- BACK TO SCHOOL

  
Welcome, GCS Class of 2025.  I know that sounds strange to you, and you think that 2025 is a LONG time from now, but you will be shocked at how quickly that time will pass.

As we begin a new school year, I want to introduce you to blogging.  The word "blog" can be used as a noun or a verb.

  
It is defined as:  

noun

noun: blog; plural noun: blogs

1. 1. 

   a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.

verb

verb: blog; 3rd person present: blogs; past tense: blogged; past participle: blogged; gerund or present participle: blogging 

1.  add new material to or regularly update a blog.

Over the course of this year, you will have the opportunity to respond to a variety of blog posts for extra credit.  Each nine weeks, I will post an average of two blogs.  Your responses must follow the requirements posted, and you will be able to gain three to five extra credit points for your posts.  These points are weighted as "test points," so they are actually worth 9 - 15 points in your cumulative points.  There is also a deadline by which your responses must be posted!  This is a more relaxed, conversational writing, so no worries!

 

My main objective is for you to WRITE ON!  This is easy for some of you, and for others, not so much.  But we will all grow and learn together.   So . . .  here goes! 

 

As we begin 8th grade, are you ready?  What excites you about this upcoming year?  What scares you?  Are you involved in extracurricular activities?  If so, what?  In FIVE COMPLETE sentences, please tell me your vision for this year.  Tell me about you and your goals for the year.


You will receive FIVE extra credit points for your completed response.  This blog will close on Friday, August 21st at midnight.


I'm excited about this year and getting to know you better!  Write on!  

Class of 2024 -- Blog #4 -- GIVE THANKS

Well, it's hard to believe, but Thanksgiving break is only a few weeks away.  The semester is quickly passing, and it will be over before you know it. 

I LOVE THANKSGIVING!  I think too many times, we rush through this holiday, in order to get to Christmas.  That bothers me because I think too many of us forget to be thankful.  We simply take our blessings for granted, and I think that is sad.

Thanksgiving is about stopping (at least for a moment), and thanking God for the blessings that He gives to us.  We live in a country that is free.  We live in beautiful houses.  We have food in our pantry.  We have a car in the garage. We have parents and grandparents that take care of us.  Someone may be sacrificing to make sure we are getting a Christian education at Goodpasture.    Although, those things are "second nature" to most of us, those things are blessings.

So, just stop for a moment, and think of ONE (yes, only one!) thing for which you are thankful this year.  What is your biggest blessing?  Why is that so important to you?

Mine would be my family.  They are my life, and they are God's biggest blessing to me -- every day and in every way.

Answer in THREE (3) complete sentences for THREE (3) extra credit points.  This blog will close on Friday, 11/22 at midnight!

So, get ready for turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie!  But don't forget to thank God for those blessings!  Write on!

Class of 2024 -- Blog #1 WELCOME TO 8TH GRADE

 
Welcome, GCS Class of 2024.  I know that sounds strange to you, and you think that 2024 is a LONG time from now, but you will be shocked at how quickly that time will pass.

As we begin a new school year, I want to introduce you to blogging.  The word "blog" can be used as a noun or a verb.

 
It is defined as: 

noun

noun: blog; plural noun: blogs

1. 1.

   a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.

verb

verb: blog; 3rd person present: blogs; past tense: blogged; past participle: blogged; gerund or present participle: blogging

1.  add new material to or regularly update a blog.

Over the course of this year, you will have the opportunity to respond to a variety of blog posts for extra credit.  Each nine weeks, I will post an average of three blogs.  Your responses must follow the requirements posted, and you will be able to gain three to five extra credit points for your posts.  These points are weighted as "test points," so they are actually worth 9 - 15 points in your cumulative points.  There is also a deadline by which your responses must be posted!  This is a more relaxed, conversational writing, so no worries!

My main objective is for you to WRITE ON!  This is easy for some of you, and for others, not so much.  But we will all grow and learn together.   So . . .  here goes! 

As we begin 8th grade, are you ready?  What excites you about this upcoming year?  What scares you?  Are you involved in extracurricular activities?  If so, what?  In five COMPLETE sentences, please tell me your vision for this year.  Tell me about you and your goals for the year.


You will receive FIVE extra credit points for your completed response.  This blog will close on Friday, August 30th at midnight.


I'm excited about this year and getting to know you better!  Write on! 

Class of 2023 -- Blog #6 -- WHERE'S THE SNOW??

We've been waiting and waiting; hoping and hoping; wishing and wishing!  We've watched for the SnowBird, but he's not flying; we've worn our pajamas inside out with no luck; we've done snow dances and looked just plain silly! So . . . where's the snow?

 Really?  Thousands of feet (well, not exactly!) up north, and that's just not fair!  Almost no snow for Tennessee this year! Temperatures have been mild -- even warm -- for much of our "so-called" winter!  We've been robbed of a full snow day!  (Sadly, we did have one sick day due to flu, but NO SNOW!)

  
We've all got spring fever, and it's only the middle of February! It is quite disheartening!  We need a break from school!  (Yes, even the teachers!)

So, we ponder the meaning of life, and why we have not been blessed with any snow days!

Alas, we did enjoy a long weekend with the President's Day holiday, but the road to spring break is still FAR AWAY! 

For three extra credit points, write THREE complete sentences explaining how you would have enjoyed your snow day -- IF WE HAD GOTTEN ONE!  Would you have gone sledding?  Would you have made hot cocoa?  Would you have had a Netflix binge?  This blog will close on Friday, March 1 at midnight!  Write on! 

Class of 2023 -- Blog #5 A CHRISTMAS WISH

It is hard to believe that we are now in December -- my favorite month of the year!  We are only a couple of weeks away from Christmas!  Lists have been made, and shopping has begun.  Trees are being decorated, and stockings are being hung on mantles!  It's the most wonderful time of the year!  (Hey, that sounds like a song!!)

All of us love the presents and frivolity of the season -- of course!  However, when we really think of the season, there is so much more.  If we really look at our "needs" vs. our "wants," I would guess that there are few things that many of us really need.  We have so much -- what more could we really need? 

In our world, there is so much turmoil.  There is so much stress.  There is so much hurt.   Wouldn't it be great, if we could just wrap up a present - a wish -- to make things go away?   It would be so nice to just make things better or to make things happier. 

So, if you could have one wish for the world, what would it be?  Please write a minimum of four sentences for four extra credit points.  This blog will close on Friday, 12/14.  Merry Christmas to you all!  (If you experience difficulty in posting online, you may write out the blog, and turn it in by Friday, 12/14.  Write on! 

Class of 2023 -- Blog #4 I AM THANKFUL

November is here, and it is finally beginning to feel like autumn.  This is my favorite season of the year, and one of those reasons is because of Thanksgiving.

We truly have so much for which to be thankful, and I'm afraid that sometimes we possibly take so many of our blessings for granted.  We always need to be mindful of the MANY ways in which God blesses our lives.

What are the "Top 5" things for which you are thankful?

Here are mine:

• My family is so very special to me,and I thank God for them every day.
• I am so thankful to be healthy in a world full of people who are struggling with cancer and other diseases.
• I sometimes forget that one of the greatest blessings for which to be thankful is that fact that God loved ME enough to send His Son, Jesus, to this world to die for my sins.  Wow!  What a blessing! 
• I'm so very blessed to be part of Goodpasture Christian School.
• I'm thankful for each one of my students -- past and present.  You are all very special, and I cannot wait to see what life holds for each of you.  

Your blog responses are worth FIVE (5) extra credit points, IF you follow these guidelines:

Post in at least FIVE complete sentences -- but you may use bullet points. (You may use mine as a template.)  Also, please use proper spelling, punctuation and grammar, along with good sentence structure.

This blog will close on Friday, 11/16 at midnight!

Happy Turkey Day!  Write on!

Mrs. S.

Class of 2023 -- Blog #3 THE TRADITION OF GCS HOMECOMING

There are many traditions at Goodpasture Christian School, and none is more loved that Homecoming.  Homecoming is a special time at Goodpasture.  It is a time when former students, teachers and families come back on campus to enjoy a great football game with our current students, teachers and families.  For most students and families, Goodpasture plays a central role in their lives throughout elementary, middle and high school.  The relationships cultivated during that time often last for a lifetime.  Everyone seems to enjoy coming back to the Goodpasture campus for an evening of fun, fellowship and football.

The ceremony of the Homecoming parade and pep rally sets the stage on Friday afternoon, for the exciting events of the evening.

 Of course, no Goodpasture Homecoming would be complete without high school floats and upper middle school cart floats.  Students, parents and teachers spend a great deal of time on creating these beautiful masterpieces, united by a common theme for the year.

The crowning of the beautiful, homecoming queen and her court is a special tradition of the evening, as well.  Finally, hopes are always high that the football team will end the evening with a huge victory over the rival team!

What does “homecoming” mean to you?  Are you excited about our Homecoming this year?  Why, or why not?  Do you think that homecoming will be come more special to you in the years to come?  Why, or why not?

Please respond in four (4) complete sentences for four (4) extra credit points.  This blog will be open until Friday, 9/21 at midnight. Write on!

Class of 2023 -- Blog #2 HAPPY LABOR DAY

It's hard to believe that we have now been in school for over three weeks!  Memories of summer are becoming more distant, as we become more and more engulfed in homework and the school routine.  But wait . . . there's one more big summer event coming up!

That's right!  In just a few days, we will be celebrating the Labor Day weekend.  How much do you know about the holiday?

Here's a little info:

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September, and it pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.

Labor Day celebrates the American worker, regardless of the type of work he or she does.  As students, your job right now is just that -- being a student.  As an adult, I think it is pretty neat that our country celebrates the hard work of its citizens in such a holiday.  To many, just being off from work and being able to spend time with family or friends is a celebration itself.

So, as we celebrate the ending of our first month of school, basically, how do you plan to spend your Labor Day?  A quick trip to the mountains or the beach?  Sleeping in or catching up on NetFlix?  Shopping til you drop or catching a movie?  Hamburgers and hotdogs at a cookout?

Please respond in at least THREE complete sentences for THREE extra credit points!  Responses must be posted by midnight on Friday, September 7th.

Happy blogging!  Happy Labor Day!  Write on!

Class of 2023 -- Blog #1 -- WELCOME TO 8th GRADE!!

Welcome to the 8th grade!  This will be an exciting year as you prepare for high school!  We have a lot of work to do, but also a lot of fun along the way!

Blogging is a relatively new idea! We will use this blog as a means of communication between us as students, classmates and teacher!  This will give us a better chance to get to know one another too!  You will need to check the blog often because there  extra credit opportunities on here are very time sensitive!  

When responding to the blog, please let me know who you are.  You  must be logged on with your Goodpasture email credentials.  You will need to make a "limited blogger profile with you first name and first initial of last name.  You may also put your class period.    For example, if your name is Charlie Brown, and you have my class 3rd period, you would simply respond something like this:

Charlie B. (3) Mrs. Sweet -- I totally agree with your point of view!  I really enjoyed learning this information!  It was awesome!  

or

Charlie B. (3) Mrs. Sweet, I really don't agree with your opinion of the book.  I feel like the author is really trying to . . . 

Get it?  Each blog entry comment will give you  extra credit points that will be calculated into your total points for the 9 week grading period.  You may NOT comment more than once per extra credit opportunity for actual extra credit!  You are welcome to comment as much as you'd like though!   As well, comments should be positive, helpful and appropriate.

Okay -- here is your first extra credit assignment:

What is blogging?
Do you write or read blogs on a regular basis?  If so, which one(s)?
Why or why not?


For THREE extra credit points, please respond to the above questions in at least THREE complete sentences!  All responses should be posted by August 20th at midnight! (Hint:  This blog will close at that time, and you will no longer get credit for it!)  Write on!

Class of 2022 -- Blog #8 -- Greatest Lessons of 8th Grade

Well, we are down to only a few days left for 8th grade!  This has been a great year, and it has really gone quickly! 

In a ten short months, I have had the opportunity to watch you grow as students.  I’ve seen all you of grow physically and academically, and I’ve seen many of you grow emotionally and spiritually, as well.  I am so proud of you, as a class and as individuals.

I know that you’ve learned a lot this year.  You’ve learned things about American history and mathematics.  Some of you have learned Spanish or leadership skills.  As my students, you’ve learned some great themes in wonderful literature, IXL and vocabulary.

But, I would bet many of you have learned great “lessons” that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.  I still remember some valuable lessons that I learned from my 8th grade teachers like Mrs. Switzer, Mrs. Piper and Mr. Hagewood.  These people remain influences in my life even today.

So, for your final blog responses for this year, what are your greatest lessons learned in 8th grade?  What teachers have been examples for you to follow in life?  How will you take these lessons and examples with you going forward into high school?  How will these lessons improve your life and your Christian walk with the Lord?

Answer in THREE (3) complete sentences for THREE (3) extra credit points.  This blog will close at midnight on Friday, 5/18/18.

Finally, I love you all, and it has been my honor to be your English teacher this year.  Have a wonderful summer break.  Please, come back to see me next year, and WRITE ON! 


Mrs. S.

Class of 2022 -- Blog #7 -- Man's Inhumanity to Man

As we begin our study of John Steinbeck’s novel, The Pearl, one of the key themes of the novel examines man’s inhumanity to man.  This idea of man's inhumanity toward his fellow man has been discussed and studied throughout history. 

We live in an era that is filled with violence.  We see daily in the news various ways that people are simply cruel and hurtful to one another. 

We live in a very selfish society, and we see the seven deadly sins played out in life over and over again.   Pride consumes our hearts.  Anger causes us to do things we know that we shouldn’t do.  Greed creeps in, and we simply want what we want.  Laziness, lust and envy become habitual.  Gluttony of all forms controls our lives.  We are all guilty at times, and that’s the sad truth.   Just yesterday, a man was gunned down in a local mall due to an ongoing feud.  Did the shooter allow anger, pride, envy or other things cloud his judgment? 

So, what needs to change?  Where can we start?  How can we make a difference?  Is it too late?  Should we just resolve ourselves to the fact that things are just going to continue to spiral out of control, as we become a self-destructive society. 

What do you think?  Please respond to these questions in a minimum of FIVE (5) sentences for FIVE (5) extra credit points.

This blog will close on Friday, 5/11/18 at midnight!  Write on!

Class of 2022 -- Blog #6 SPRING FEVER

Spring is almost here, and many of us are experiencing the phenomenon known as "Spring Fever."  This term was first used in 1859, and Miriam Webster defines it as "a lazy or restless feeling often associated with the onset of spring."  Can you relate?

Are you tired of the school routine?  Are you over the cold, dreary days of winter?  Do you simply want to be out and about in warm sunshine with nothing really to do?  Do you want to have pent up energy, and you are not sure how to let it out?

Well, you've probably got spring fever!  It happens!  The flowers are beginning to bloom; the trees are budding; new life is all around us.  We are all ready for a change -- warm weather, different places, new things!

Spring break is often a great remedy for spring fever.  It is now only a few days away, and this week away from school often gives us the little respite that we need to finish out the school year strong!  So, whether we are going to the beach, the mountain, MLB spring train, or staying home to Netflix binge, we are all READY for spring break!

So, what are your plans for spring break?  Can you relate to having spring fever?  How does it make you feel?  Answer in three complete sentences for THREE extra credit points!  Blog responses should be posted by midnight on Friday, 3/16 -- just in time for your SPRING BREAK!

Write on!