BB 05-26-2023

BRADFORD BULLETIN

VOLUME XV, ISSUE 36

MAY 26, 2023

 

FROM THE OFFICE

  • LIBRARY HOURS:  I plan to have the library open most Tues – Thurs from 9am – 12pm throughout the summer. You may check the calendar here to make sure it is open before you drive over.   
  • IMMUNIZATION RECORDS:  Please remember that we need to have updated immunization records from rising Kindergarten, rising 7th and rising 12th graders.  The records need to be on file by the first day of school, so please plan accordingly.  You may upload them directly to TADS.  
  • SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATIONS:  We will soon be opening the camps up to the public, so please go ahead and reserve your spots TODAY!
  • PARENT SUMMER READING SHELF:  If you borrowed a book from the parent shelf in the school library, please return it ASAP so others may enjoy it this summer.  Thank you!
  • VBS:  For those who want to send their young students to Vacation Bible School, there is one sponsored by Grace Reformed Baptist Church (where lower school campus is located) the week of July 17th.  You can register your kids here.  (This is a different link than the one I sent last week, but either will work.)  

 

UPCOMING

  • Mon, 5/29:  Memorial Day, no school
  • Wed, 5/31:  
    • 9:00 – K – 1st grade – Verse Bee 
    • 10:00 – 2nd – 3rd – Verse Bee
    • 11:00 – 4th – 5th – Verse Bee
    • 6:00pm – Jr/Sr Gala 
  • Thurs, 6/1:  Baccalaureate (6th – 12th grades), upper school, 9a.m. – Parents welcome!
  • Fri, 6/2:  Last day of school:
    • 7:20 – 7:55 – drop off for all students at the lower school campus
    • 11:00 – Kindergarten certificates, House cup winner, Senior run
    • 12:00 –  DISMISSAL FOR ALL STUDENTS
    • 7:00 pm – Graduation 

 

FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK

 

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

 

Transitional Kindergarten (Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Grubb)

TK students wrapped up the last week of the school year with a fun week! Some highlights of the week were fun review games, a movie day, clean up day, and reading buddies with the kindergarten class. Students also worked hard this week on their end of year performance and were so happy to share it with you. Thank you for your love and support throughout this past year. We are grateful for each of your families. On behalf of all of the TK teachers, we hope you have a wonderful summer break! 

Lower School P.E. (Mrs. Bennington)

K – 5th
  • Students had a great time in PE this week preparing for Field Day! Students got a chance to work across the grade levels during PE. I was very impressed with the leadership skills that were demonstrated as well as the massive improvements in good sportsmanship. 

Lower School Music (Mrs. Bennington)

K-2nd
  • Students enjoyed a review of all of their favorite songs from the year. Fun was had by all! 
3rd-5th
  • Students worked hard this week to perfect their Patriotic Program material. Students did an Amazing Job at the Patriotic Program Thursday Night. I was so proud of their performance and the progress that they have made this year. It was truly a blessing to be part of such a memorable evening. God’s love, truth, goodness, and beauty were all around us. 

Lower School Art (Mrs. Palmer)

3rd 
  • We wrapped up several projects this week and hung art on the walls for the Patriotic program.  Please check out your student’s beautiful artwork!
4th
  • We wrapped up several projects this week and hung art on the walls for the Patriotic program.  Please check out your student’s beautiful artwork!
5th
  • We wrapped up several projects this week and hung art on the walls for the Patriotic program.  Please check out your student’s beautiful artwork!

Kindergarten (Miss Burdeshaw and Mrs. Rivera)

This Week:

Our kindergarteners spent this week reviewing material that we’ve done during the school year. We had fun reviewing math concepts, all of the events and important people in our history timeline, practicing the proper strokes for all of the cursive letters, reading books and retelling the story, and reviewing the major body systems. Our students were able to attend the TK rehearsal program, as well as the Patriotic Program, and read to our TK students. The seniors came one last time to read to the kindergarten classes. We are very blessed to have these fine young men and women who invested in our students all year long. 

Memory Work:

Review all verses in preparation for the Bible Bee next Wednesday. (May 31st) This is an excellent opportunity for our students to practice their public speaking skills. It also provides them the privilege to deliver words of life from the scriptures. We pray these verses will take root in their hearts and they will seek to live them out every day.  Parents are invited to attend and cheer their young scholar on.

 

1st Grade (Mrs. Morgan & Mrs. Smith)

This Week we are working on writing  and reviewing parts of speech in grammar. We wrote a persuasive paper on what animal we would like. We wrote a letter to our second grade teacher introducing ourselves and telling them a little about ourselves.  In math we are reviewing various concepts that we will need to have mastered before second grade. Please keep working on your math facts throughout the summer. In History we completed our lessons on George Washington and are working on completing our study of Abraham Lincoln. In art and science we are learning about rainbows and the promise God made to us in the bible in Genesis 9:13-17.  We were introduced to Roy G Biv and have a rainbow song to help us remember the important aspects of the rainbow. We are working with our last bird of the month, the Ruby Throated Hummingbird in science. Our butterflies are emerging from their chrysalis. It might be the end of the year but we are still working hard and having fun doing it. 

 Memory Work:  Review all memory verses. 
Upcoming:
  • Verse Bee Wednesday, May 31
  • Field Day Friday, June 2

2nd Grade (Mrs. Hedgecock & Mrs. Eng)

Students are running the race in second grade with perseverance. As the year comes to a close, we are completing final assignments in many subjects, especially focusing on reading,  writing, and math. Specifically, we are working hard to get to the last pages of Little House in the Big Woods and Owls in the Family before the year ends. Students have had many opportunities to show how much they have grown in their writing mechanics and composition skills this week in dictation exercises, essay writing, grammar practice, and sentence composition. We also celebrated our final math fact assessments with the X8 facts and 100 mixed multiplication.  In History, Egypt fell to Rome, and we were introduced to some famous individuals, like Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Julius Caesar, and Brutus. We also finished our self-portraits this week, and they look wonderful! We are really enjoying our final days together as we work unto the Lord and consider all the ways He has blessed and grown us this year.

Memory Work/Upcoming: 
  • Review all memory verses for the Verse Bee on May 31
  • Field Day – June 2

 

3rd Grade (Mrs. McDorman and Mrs. Meredith)

This Week
  • Students have worked hard to memorize and recite songs, poems, and quotes for Bradford’s Patriotic Program. They finished out their math lessons, translated in their Libella de Historia, and practiced for the upcoming verse bee. It was a fun week of applying all the things we have studied this year! Next week we look forward to the Bradford Bible Bee and field day!

 

4th Grade (Mrs. Burtram and Mrs. Lawson) 

This Week
  • We have had an amazing week studying, reciting, and placing the final touches for the Patriotic Program.

It has been an absolute joy working through our final math lesson, finishing Chapter 30 in Latin and completing our English program.  The students worked through two IEW Writing lessons and we enjoyed reading Dangerous Journey.  We are looking forward to a wonderful final week filled with many fun learning opportunities. 

 

5th Grade (Mrs. Owens) 

This Week

This week our students have been diligently preparing for the Patriotic Program.  We have been memorizing a number of different songs and speeches.  We finished studying our last history card, The Missouri Compromise.  The students were able to see how the free and slave states wanted equal representation in congress, however this was just the beginning of the North and South being divided.  In math, we have started reviewing some of the main concepts we have learned this year.  Lastly we are coming to the end of Treasure Island.  Long John Silver has appeared again and it seems as if he is still trying to befriend Jim.  Who will end up with the treasure in the end? 

 

Memory Work:

Review all verses for the Bible Bee next week.

Upcoming:
  • No school on Memorial Day – Monday, May 29th
  • Bible Bee – Wednesday, May 31st 

 

LOGIC SCHOOL

 

Mrs. Bennington

6th-8th Band
  • The students did an amazing job at the Fine Arts Concert Tuesday Night! I was so proud of their performance and the progress that they have made this year. It was truly a blessing to be part of such a memorable evening. God’s love, truth, goodness, and beauty were all around us. We spent Thursday’s class enjoying doughnuts. We had great discussions about our concert performance, our growth throughout the year, changes for next year, and the huge potential for continued excellence in the years to come. 

Mrs. Sarah Johnston

6th-8th Choir

The students gave an outstanding performance Tuesday night! What a joy it was to have them perform and bless those present with their music. We spent the following class enjoying doughnuts and discussing the “glows and grows” of choir this year. We also began focused work on music for graduation.

Mr. Davis

6th -8th Boys’ PE
  • This week the students played dodgeball and pumpkin patch at Walker field.

Miss Stevenson

6th-8th Girls’ PE
  • The girls played pumpkin patch with the boys this week.
6th Reading and Literature
  • Due to attending the senior theses, we did not spend time on Literature this week.
6th Grammar and Writing
  • This week the students wrote a short essay on the ethics of a decision made by a character from one of their fictional stories. They were required to use at least one Bible verse to back up their claim.
6th Bible
  • This week we read Collosians, Titus, and Philemon.
6th History
  • Our History card this week was on modern America. This is a broad topic, so students voted on what they most wanted to learn about recent US History. We watched documentaries on Y2K and 9/11.
6th Science
  • This week we finished up watching the video series from the Amoeba Sisters on genetics.
6th Logic
  • We took our last Logic test this week! The final Logic grade for the year will be their ad presentations that demonstrate a logical fallacy in an advertisement. This is due Tuesday, May 30.

Mrs. Frueh

6th Grade Math
  • Lessons this week included practical applications of the Pythagorean Theorem, solving equations that contain squared variables, and solving simple and compound interest problems. The students learned the 3-4-5 builder’s formula used since ancient times to ensure square corners. They also learned what a large difference simple versus compound interest makes in the balance of a savings account over the course of decades. This included a great discussion about saving versus going into debt. I would encourage you to talk to your children about financial stewardship and how we can glorify God in our finances.

Mrs. Palmer 

6th Art
  • Students finished clay flowers and began their very last art project in oil pastels.  Several completed art projects will be sent home with your student this week and next – please be on the lookout for their hard work!

Miss Windes

6th Grade Latin
  • Students reviewed and took their last Latin test covering the 3rd declension endings! 

Mrs. Crotts

7th Grammar and Writing
  • This week students completed final edits to their “mini” C.S. Lewis research paper.  Editing skills have improved.  Also we viewed two university writing websites to glean examples of Chicago style citation/bibliographies. A few students took advantage of the offered extra credit: writing a poem in the style of a Christina Rossetti poem.
7th Grade Omnibus
  • The class completed reading and/or  listening to C.S. Lewis’ The Last Battle.  They completed a  “plot map”–a creative, artistic summary of the book.  Also, extra credit was offered for those who had their notebooks in order and who had kept resource papers given out over the course of the year.  (history timeline, essay requirements, Greek/Roman gods/goddesses, literary terms definitions, how to write a formal letter, how to write a friendly letter research paper questions,  journal entries, etc.). And also for notes taken about the Bible and literature read this school year. Additionally, students could write a poem in light of the poet Christina Rosseti.
7th Logic

The class played a game to review logic vocabulary and also took an assessment to determine comprehension and memory of the vocabulary.

Mrs. Frueh

7th Grade Science
  • We are wrapping up our Docendo discimus projects this week with student presentations. The translation of this Latin project title is “By teaching, we learn.” The goal was for students to research an astronomy topic of their choice, become an “expert” in the topic, and share their learning with the class. It has been a delight to learn along with them as they present their findings to their peers. This week we have heard from students about the progression of stars from nebula to supernova to black hole; the value of past and current space exploration missions; the life of William and Caroline Herschel; the difference between the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, and many more topics. I am very proud of all of the hard work they have put into these projects!
7th Grade Pre-Algebra
  • What a joy it was to finish our very last pre-algebra lesson this week! The students have worked so hard this year and have learned a tremendous amount. There is a great sense of accomplishment in finishing a year-long course of study and finishing it well. Our last test of the year will be next Wednesday, May 31st.

Mrs. Palmer 

7th Art
  • Students worked on their very last art project in oil pastels this week.  Several completed art projects will be sent home with your student this week and next – please be on the lookout for their hard work!

Miss Windes

7th Grade Latin
  • Students prepared for their last Latin test next week covering some irregular verbs. They also completed a timed unit translation test to show off their translation skills they have gained this year! 

 

Miss Windes

8th Grade Omnibus
  • History: We prepared for and took the final history test covering our year from the fall of Rome through a quick overview of the Renaissance! Students have done a great job with history this year. 
  • Literature: Students continue reading Midsummer Night’s Dream! 
  • Composition: After turning in our Macbeth essays, students have mostly focused on reading and history this week. 
8th Grade Latin
  • Students are translating a final assignment – either a myth or a fairy tale! They are doing a great job! 

Mrs. Frueh

8th Grade Science
  • This week we enjoyed learning about the five different classifications of chemical reactions. The students are becoming very accomplished at balancing chemical reactions and building molecular models.
8th Grade Algebra I
  • What a joy it was to finish our very last Algebra I lesson this week and take our final test! The students have worked so hard this year and have learned a tremendous amount in their first high-school level mathematics course. There is a great sense of accomplishment in finishing a year-long course of study and finishing it well. They should be commended for a job well done!

Mrs. Palmer 

8th Art
  • Students finished a sketchbook assignment and began their very last art project in oil pastels.  Several art projects will be sent home with your student this week and next – please be on the lookout for their hard work!

Mr. Davis

8th Logic

This week the students listened to the seniors present their thesis. 

 

RHETORIC SCHOOL

From COLLEGE COUNSELING Office:

Juniors:

  • Over the summer, make sure there is a clear answer to each of these questions to prepare for next year! 
    • Career/college interests; what general path are you pursuing?
    • What colleges are you currently thinking about applying to?
    • Have you visited the colleges you want to apply to or do you have a plan for when you will visit?
    • Test scores – on track with colleges you are interested in? A plan to raise test scores if not? 
    • Do you have a system to keep track of everything?
    • Have you talked about finances and discussed expectations/a plan for paying for college?
  • Let me know if you have any questions about the process and if there is any way I can be of help to you!

A couple resources that I would recommend: 

  • This podcast – 5 Things Juniors Should Do Now – has excellent tips and information on test prep, financial aid, and generally how juniors and their families can be preparing for senior year and college applications (also on Spotify and I’m sure other places; from Getting In: A College Coach Conversation)
  • This blog post has several helpful tips and goes a bit more in depth about summer preparations. I highly recommend starting on college essays, resume/activity list, asking for letters of recommendation, and getting organized with dates and deadlines over the summer! 

Seniors:

Congratulations on all you have achieved this year!! 

 

Mrs. Fairchild 

9th Advanced Art
  • Students are wrapping up the school year by reading Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcy and making those final connections with worldview and art.  Our last class will consist of taking inventory of all of our art supplies and doing a deep clean of all of the tools and instruments.

Mrs. Palmer 

9th Spanish 
  • We spent time reviewing vocabulary and verb conjugations this week.  Students will have their final vocabulary quiz this Friday.  

Dr. James

9th Geometry
  • This week we reviewed for the last test of the class, which was Friday.
  • Next week we only have class on Monday.  Tests will be returned and books will be collected. 

Mrs. Hicks

9th Biology
  • This week we did our last escape room and the girls are the champions for the year. We also had animal themed food and watched Earth.

Dr. Smith

9th Theology
  • We are covering nineteenth and twentieth-century theology this week. Students are learning how Immanuel Kant’s theory of knowledge expressed at the end of the 18th century that rejects our ability to know the living and true God has plunged Western culture into only being able to affirm our personal subjectivities. The Christian faith was then redefined by some who used Kant’s theory of knowledge, and this led to not only Protestant Liberal theology but also the minimizing of systematic theology. The de-emphasis on doctrine and an over emphasis on feelings and actions to define what is faithfully Christian increasingly marked churches in the West in the 20th and now 21st century. 
Mrs. Crotts
9th  Literature

 We had the privilege of attending some of the senior’s thesis presentations and interrogations.  It was an impressive experience!  Also, students had to demonstrate completion and comprehension of reading To Kill a Mockingbird by taking a quiz and also briefly writing about Harper Lee’s mockingbird symbolism.

Coach Johnston
9th History
  • Students completed their 3-part overview of World War 2: Beginnings & Alliances, European Theatre and Pacific Theatre and took a final test covering this material on Friday.

Mr. Crotts

9th  Logic
  • Our class completed lesson 40, which means we completed our entire logic book for the year!
  • Our final test was taken on Thursday
  • Our class as a whole took on a difficult subject and worked through the concepts and rules of formal logic – they are to be congratulated on their accomplishment.
  • The best news of all is that we played full-court basketball after our final test. The teacher’s team (with only four players) only lost by one to a better team with six players.

Mrs. Byrd

10th Algebra II
  • Students learned to translate digital numbers into hexadecimal as well as how to evaluate and graph piecewise functions.  We will conclude the years with a final project on the topic of exponential and logarithmic functions.

Dr. Byrd

10th Bible Survey
  • This week we finished I Peter – Jude. We focused on the life of Peter and on the life of Silas. 
  • Book projects are due this week. 

Mrs. Crotts

10th  Literature
  • Students had the privilege of attending some of the senior students’ thesis presentations and question time.  Some responded that they were encouraged and others intimidated by the looming task ahead in two years!  Also, they completed presentations of character sketches from Animal Farm.  

Dr. James

10th Chemistry
  • This week the students took a test covering acids and bases.  We then worked through the test together and reviewed for the final exam.
  • Next week the students will take the final exam on Wednesday. 

Coach Johnston

10th History
  • Students spent the week reviewing for their final exam. We studied a lot of important people and ideas this year in addition to geography and creating a list of important history terms. I’m very proud of their hard work to read, study and learn from ancient history this year!
10th PE
  • Students played a final game of volleyball and picked up one new sport by playing tennis this week.

Miss Oldham

10th Rhetoric I
  • Students presented their Teeny Tiny Theses. You should be proud of the work that your student showed! I am very excited to see what they produce for their senior theses. 

Mrs. Palmer 

10th Spanish
  • We spent time reviewing vocabulary and verb conjugations this week.  Students will have their final vocabulary quiz this Friday.  

Mrs. Byrd

11th Physics
  •  We wrapped up our study of magnetism this week.  Our final project will be to construct a simple motor  using a magnet and a battery.
11th Precalculus
  • Students are learning how to identify, graph, and identify relevant points in various conic sections.  Their final project will be a CSI style matrix project.

Dr. James

11th Geography
  • This week we learned about Malawi from a guest speaker, and the students presented on the Asian country of their choice.
  • Next week, the students will complete their country presentations.  Their last test will be an online test identifying all 193 UN member states.

Miss Oldham

11th Grade Literature
  • Students wrapped up their author presentations, then took their final essay exam. 

Dr. Smith

11th NT Greek
  • Students continued translating 1 John.

Mr. Webster

11th Grade History
  • This week the students finished their medieval history papers and presented them before the class. 

Mrs. Byrd

12th Calculus
  • We’re continuing to review topics from this year.

Mrs. Hicks

12th Anatomy
  • This week we covered The Reproductive System. We took our last test and watched some anatomy related episodes of “The Magic Schoolbus”. 

Coach Johnston

12th History
  • Seniors completed their WW2 unit material, then reviewed for and took their final exam. 

Miss Oldham

12th Grade Literature
  • Students prepared for, then took their final essay exam this week. 
12th Grade Shakespeare Elective
  • Students prepared for Fine Arts Night, then we watched a Shakespeare performance. 
12th Rhetoric II
  • And they’re done! We did it, parents! Congratulations on your senior finishing their theses. I am incredibly thankful that you trusted your student to me this year.