BB 2020.09.04

 BRADFORD BULLETIN

VOLUME XIII, ISSUE 4

September 4, 2020

 

FROM THE OFFICE

EDUCATE:  Many of you have set up your log-in on EDUCATE, so I am thankful for that.  If you have not done so yet, again, I urge you to!  We need to be able to have quick ways of getting a hold of you all from our phones in case of an emergency.  Also, it is good for you to be able to see your child’s grades throughout the quarter between report cards.  

UPCOMING

NEXT WEEK:

  • Monday, 9/4/20:  LABOR DAY  – No School!  
  • Thursday, 9/10/20:  Soccer game at Union Grove

IN THE NEAR FUTURE:

  • Monday, 9/14/20:  Soccer game vs BCA at home
  • Tuesday, 9/15/20:  XC meet at Union Grove,   Soccer game vs ACS at home
  • FALL BREAK:  10/5 – 10/9

 

FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK

 

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

 

Transitional Kindergarten (Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Grubb)

Bible
  •   This week TK began their study on Creation.  We focused on the first 3 days of creation.  TK will spend 2 weeks studying creation.  
Theme Adventure
  • TK students took a virtual field trip to a local hobby farm that produces eggs from a variety of chickens and ducks.  The Bradford family, which also owns these animals, sent eggs for the TK students to observe and compare. Through video,  the students were delighted to follow the ducks around the coop, view the different types of chickens, and hold and compare the various eggs each bird laid.  TK observed several sizes of eggs that were 6 different colors! 
  • TK has enjoyed exploring the forest.  This year the forest is rich with many mushrooms we have never seen before!  Check out the class album to find the lavender and black mushrooms we found this week!  TK also has begun searching for signs of Autumn.  Some leaves have already begun changing colors!  
  • The month of September began this week.  We are learning all about what this month offers, including a special focus on apples all month long! 
Literacy
  • TK students have enjoyed learning about Mat Man.  Mat Man helps students learn about different types of lines, parts of the body, and guides pre-writing skills.  This week students used the song we sing about Mat Man to draw a picture of a person using 10 body parts. 
  • Students built letters this week using Play-Doh and wood pieces. 
  • TK began exploring prediction in stories.  We will spend much more time with this skill this year.  It is always fun to watch the skill of prediction grow in students! 
Math
  •  Students focused on creating and building AB color patterns.  
  • TK also had their first math assessment this week. 
  • Students also put number cards in order, played games to identify missing numbers, and practiced identifying fewest and most using graphs.  
Arts and Sciences
  • This week TK dissected tomatoes.  We learned about the life cycle of tomatoes.  We also learned that many of our favorite foods and dips  have tomatoes in them!  
  • TK students have also focused on the 5 senses this week.  
  • TK is busy creating books about creation.  

Lower School P.E. (Mr. Davis)

K – 5th

  • This week the students worked on improving their stretching, pushups, and military squats. After their workout, the students played various games. K-2 played “What Time Is It Mr. Fox,” and 3-5 played Ultimate Frisbee. 

 (Kindergarten (Mrs. Rivera & Mrs. McDorman)

This Week
  • This week we acted out some and some more stories aboard our Bradford Express.  Students were introduced to geoboards and practiced making triangles and squares, while learning to identify the terms inside and outside. In art, we discussed the basic elements of design and drew cartoon cats and mice. Our young scholars are quickly learning how to make the lowercase letters using a clock. The Twister mat clock provided many fun activities for practicing the strokes for each letter. Students learned the Five Senses Song as we explored sight and the intricate makeup of the human eye. The eye is made up of the iris, pupil, cornea, and retina. Our read aloud, Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille, introduced us to a blind boy who was so determined to read that he invented his own alphabet. This book helped our students experience what it would be like to be blind, but through much patience and perseverance he discovered a way for blind people to read and write. The Bible speaks of Jesus healing a blind man named Bartimaeus and Jesus makes the connection of man’s spiritual blindness.
Memory Work:
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 
  • Review of Proverbs 1:7 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
  • Preamble to the US Constitution
  • Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
  • “Who Has Seen the Wind?” by Christina Rossetti

  

1st Grade (Mrs. Morgan & Mr. Law)

This Week
  •  This week in Math class we practiced telling time one hour ago and one hour from now. Students enjoyed discovering patterns and relationships between shapes and sizes in math.  We continued reading Leif the Lucky and learned that he traveled from Greenland to Norway to meet King Olaf.  Leif’s use of good manners before the king became a subject of discussion as this made him presentable and well-accepted at such a young age.  In Spell to Write and Read we continued to learn the sounds of letters and practiced writing letters in cursive. We are so excited to be able to write words in cursive now! 
Memory Work:  
  • Psalm 145:9
  • The Caterpillar by Christina Rosetti
Upcoming:
  • Spelling Test

 

2nd Grade (Mrs. Jones & Mrs. Batten)

This Week
  • Second grade finished reading Prairie School this week, where Noah finally learns to read. He also decides that learning is useful and fun, even on the prairie. In history we read from Genesis 4 to learn about the first set of brothers, Cain and Abel,  and then the  first murder. The students were introduced to genealogy in Genesis 5 where we traced Adam’s lineage down to Noah. Ask your child who  in that lineage lived the longest and the name of the man who was simply taken to God. We are spending a  lot of time reviewing addition and subtraction facts in math. It is important that they be able to know these quickly before we move on to multiplication. Please be drilling these at home as much as possible. In science, the students learned the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates as well as the characteristics of an insect. Don’t be surprised if your child develops a fascination with creepy crawling insects. It’s an amazing world that God has created! In art, students are learning all about different elements of art such as color, line, and shape! They are learning to mix colors and shades to create totally new colors. 
Memory Work: 
  • Philippians 2:4
  • Matthew 22:37-39
Upcoming:
  • Latin Test- Wednesday, September 9th

 

3rd Grade (Mrs. Garner)

This Week
  • It has been a fun week in math! We have loved pretending to go to the “Bradford Snack Shop,”  where we took orders and worked on finding the exact cost, along with estimation of cost. This week in Latin, we started declining our first noun.  We also learned that latin noun endings tell us things like gender, number, and case. We took a break this week from reading Homer Price. Instead, we have read a short novel called The Trojan Horse, to go along with our “Trojan War” history card. The class has enjoyed gathering more information about how the Greeks won the war, while working on reading comprehension skills. Our students are also doing a wonderful job comparing the biblical creation story to the Greek’s creation story.  We couldn’t believe that some of the Greek gods were so jealous and power-hungry that even ate their own children! This, soberingly, allowed us to be thankful to our God, because He loved us so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross to save us. What a loving and merciful God we serve!
Memory Work:
  • Proverbs 25:28
Upcoming:
  • 9/10- Grammar Ch. 2 Test
  • 9/11- Phoenician Test, Latin Ch. 3 Test, and Spelling Test (Review words) 

 

4th Grade (Mrs. Burtram) 

This Week
  •  We finished a wonderful week learning about St. Jerome and how he completed the Vulgate.  We talked about translation work and even translated Latin to English sentences.  We talked about Psalm 23 in detail and even looked at a version in Latin and created our own illuminated copy.  The students completed their first spelling test this week applying many phoneme sounds and spelling rules.  Math was very engaging this week as the students learned to solve for unknowns and dig deep into word problems discovering strategies for problem solving.  We are continuing our drawing skills and applying our knowledge in many content areas.
Science
  •  The students added new information to their science book and we created bark rubbings and catalogued our rubbings to discover the names of trees.  We also focused on monocots and dicots and used our notebooks and knowledge for collecting samples outside.  Next week we plan to complete two science experiments to discover air needed in soil and how light is needed to help plants grow.  God’s handiwork is present on the playground.  I love seeing the students see His order and design in His creation.
Memory Work:
  • Philippians 4: 8
  • Events Page for History
Upcoming:
  • Science Experiments
  • The Council of Chalcedon 451

 

5th Grade (Ms. Vogus) 

This Week
  • This week has been an exciting week. We practiced problem solving skills and solving word problems in Math. The students took on this challenge very well! We finished Chapter 3 in The Hobbit and talked about pride of the dwarves. In History, we learned about Magellan and how he circumnavigated the world and how he dealt with mutiny aboard his ship. In Latin we completed chapter 3 and memorized the third declension adjectives. In Grammar and in Writing we have been working on sentence building skills, editing, and simple predicate,  complete predicate, simple subject, and complete subject. Lastly, but not least, we had our first spelling list this week. 
Memory Work:
  • Romans 12: 1-8
Upcoming:
  • Romans 12:1-10
  • 9/11 History, Spelling, and Math Tests
  • 9/10 Latin Test 

 

LOGIC & RHETORIC SCHOOL

Mr. Batten

Language Arts
  • We are reading the “White Seal” from the Jungle Book, and did an introduction to limerick’s and how to write them. 
History
  • We learned about the Cotton Gin and its impact on slavery, America, and the industrial revolution as a whole. We discussed how most technology has a large positive and negative impact on the world. 
Science
  • We are learning how science creates, improves, and uses technology. We will learn to identify technology from the world around us.
6th Logic
  • We are delving deeper into identifying fallacies, namely continuing the Red Herring, and beginning to identify special pleadings.
7th Logic
  • We learned about the Tu Quoque fallacy, and how to identify them in everyday life, but especially in things such as political ads and sales ads. 
8th Logic
  • We are learning how to define terms using a variety of means such as by synonym, example genus and difference. We are reviewing for our test Friday. 
Upcoming:
  • We will continue our 1 John memorization, begin delving into what slavery looked like in the 19th century, and learn to further develop essays.  

Mrs. Byrd

Physics
  • In our study of one-dimenisonal motion we are learning how gravity accelerates objects independent of mass, how air resistance affects the fall of an object, and how an object can reach a terminal velocity.  While there are many important applications of these concepts, students can now dispel the rumor that a penny dropped from the top of the Empire State Building could “kill someone”.
Precalculus
  • We are investigating inverse functions – how to find them, their properties, and their uses.  Next we will begin a more in depth look at various functions beginning with quadratic functions – commonly known as parabolas.
Geometry 
  • The class is learning the symbols and theoretical concepts associated with dividing lines, planes, and space.  We also formed teams for our popsicle sticks bridge competition and are beginning to look into various bridge designs.

Dr. Byrd

10th Bible Survey
  • We have finished the book of Leviticus and enjoyed studying the Tabernacle, the priesthood, and the seven feasts. Next week we will begin Numbers.
  • Scripture Memory: Numbers 6:24-26

 

Mr. Davis

6th PE
  • This week the students worked on stretching and total body workouts. They also played “Pumpkin Patch” and “Ultimate Frisbee.”
7th PE
  • This week the students worked on upper and lower body strength training and also played “Ultimate Frisbee.” 
8th PE
  • This week the students worked on strength training and agility training as well as played “Ultimate Frisbee.” 
10th Advanced P.E.
  • This week the students worked on strength training as well as speed and agility skills. They also played “Kickball” and “Dodgeball.”  

 

Mrs. Fairchild

9th Grade Advanced Art
  • We began preparing for our first paint project.  The class started with understanding the basics of watercolor and working on practicing their skills before they apply what they learn to a project. Additionally, we studied various brushes and their specific uses.

 

Mrs. Frueh

7th Grade Science:
  • We started our first lab investigation this week by germinating bean seeds that we’ll plant next week. We are investigating the characteristics of different soil types and how the balance of sand, silt, clay and humus affect a soil’s ability to support plant growth.
  • The students will take their first unit exam next Thursday on Scientific Inquiry and Soil Characteristics.
8th Grade Science:
  • We spent a lot of time doing math in science class this week. We practiced finding significant figures in quantitative measurements, converting between scientific notation and standard notation, and converting units within the metric system.
  • The students will take their first unit exam next Thursday on the nature of Physical Science and how to use mathematics in science class.

Mr. Hamilton

9th Logic
  • This week we worked hard to prepare for our first test, which covered definitions, truth tables, and translating simple propositions.
9th Historic Theology
  • We had our first test this week, which covered the development of creed-like language and simple creeds in the New Testament and Patristic periods.
10th History
  • This week we finished up our first unit, which covered the civilizations of Ancient Mesopotamia, and had our first test.
10th Literature
  • After working hard to understand the problem of evil from the Book of Job, we moved on to Proverbs, seeking to elucidate and apply the manifold wisdom in its pages.
11th Philosophy/Apologetics
  • This week we looked at the life and major ideas of Aristotle, who in medieval times came to be known simply as “The Philosopher.” In particular, we noted how different his approach was from Plato, and how his theory of causation influenced thinking until the Modern Period.
12th History
  • We continued our study of history this week by looking at the horrific European wars of religion that took place after the Reformation.
12th Literature
  • We finished up Paradise Lost this week by focusing on Book IX, which explores Adam and Eve’s fall and serves as the climax of the epic. 

 

Mrs. Hamilton

Logic School Music History:
  • Students continued their survey of music before the common practice period with music in the Renaissance and early Baroque, studying the music of Renaissance composers Josquin des Prez (Agnus Dei), Gregorio Allegri (Miserere Mei Deus), Giovanni Gabrieli (Sonata XIII), and others. In the introduction to the Baroque period, we studied the origins of basso continuo and learned about the first modern conductor, Jean-Baptiste Lully. 
Logic School Music Theory and Performance:
  • In music theory, students are just about fluent in reading music in both treble and bass clefs; we also began studying sharps, flats, naturals, and enharmonics. Each beginning student played a short piece on the piano, learning to read and play at the same time with the correct hand and finger position. Intermediate and advanced students wonderfully sight-read several pieces. All students are progressing at a very nice pace. I am greatly looking forward to the beautiful music they will be playing together in just a few short weeks.
Music History Elective: Baroque to Modern
  • Students studied in great detail the life and major works of J.S. Bach. Concepts of form, tonality, counterpoint, and fugue were studied closely, as well as the history of the organ, harpsichord, and clavichord. Much of our listening, analysis, reading, and discussions pointed the students to the monumental impact of Bach’s genius on posterity. Students are looking forward to learning next week about Handel, his music, and his public appeal, in contrast to the humble genius we were privileged to study this week. 

 

Ms. Hutchison

7th Grade Omnibus
  • History:  7th graders are learning about the early civilizations of the Akaadians, Sargon the Great,  the great city-states of Mesopotamia, specifically Ur, which was the birthplace of Abraham and the time period of the Bronze Age.  We have been learning that empires overlap each other in history; there usually isn’t a distinct time in history when one civilization ends and another begins.  Although we are focusing on the ancient civilizations that gave rise to our “western” history we are also learning that great civilizations were simultaneously being developed in the Yellow River Valley in modern China, the Indus River Valley in modern India and northern Africa.  We are learning how God’s people fit into this bigger story of humankind around the world.
  •  Literature:  We have wrapped up our study of the book of Genesis this week, and students were tested on it.  We have learned so much about the early world from our peek into Genesis.  Students enjoyed watching a theatrical production (on DVD) of the life of Joseph, performed by the Sight and Sound Company out of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
  • Bible:  Hymn of the week: It Is Well With My Soul, by Horatio Spafford,  Memory Verses: 2 Timothy 1:6-7,  Emphasis:  the 5 covenants in the Old Testament
9th Grade Biology
  • We have begun our study of Kingdom Monera, the kingdom that includes bacteria.  Students have collected pond water and have begun a pond water study to see which kinds of “food” bacteria prefer and thrive in.  By examining the microorganisms in their pond water samples before and after several days spent  with various organic and inorganic matter, students should gain a better understanding of these amazing single-celled organisms.  Students considered the awesome rotor design of the flagellum of single-celled organisms, and were amazed at the sophisticated design of this simple example of living nanotechnology.  Our Creator is indeed awesome!

 

Dr. James

10th Chemistry
  • This week we discussed significant digits and wrapped up our section on measurements.
  • Next week the students have their second test of Q1 (Wed) , and we will begin a study of atomic structure.

 

Miss Oldham

9th Grade Literature
  • We are continuing our discussions on The Pilgrim’s Progress and the allegory that Bunyan wrote about the Christian’s journey. 
9th Grade History
  • We took a quiz over global colonization in the 15th-17th centuries. Students also worked on their research projects for this semester (ask them what their topic is, they’ve chosen some interesting ones).
11th Grade Literature
  • We discussed Boccacio’s The Decameron and began to read Dante’s Divine Comedy. 
11th Grade History
  • We have continued with our history timeline, A Distant Mirror, and research projects. 
10th Rhetoric I
  • We took our first vocabulary quiz and continued to review what ethos means and how to use it correctly in rhetoric. 
12th Rhetoric II
  • We read to Mrs. Morgan’s first grade class and students submitted their first speech for review. 

 

Mrs. Palmer 

6th Art
  • This week we spent time working on charcoal shoe still life rough drafts.  Students worked on laying our their shoe proportionally and with minimal detail.  They will soon be working with charcoal to create plenty of detail in these.
7th Art
  • This week students continued to lay out their comic strips.  They are in the rough draft stage of these but will soon head to finals.  They are working with comic accessories, originality, content, and simplicity.  Can’t wait to see how these turn out.
8th Art
  • This week students finished up practicing with pen and ink techniques.  They finished their small studies in pen and ink and next week will begin working on their historical figure pen and ink finals.
9th Spanish 
  •  This week students worked with vocabulary, subject pronouns, and learned about how to tell time in Spanish.  We reviewed numbers and had a pop quiz.  Next week we will continue with time and prepare for our upcoming Chapter 1 Test.
10th Spanish
  • This week we continued reviewing past concepts from Spanish 1.  We will begin with new vocabulary and grammar next week after a quiz on food vocabulary.

Mr. Palmer

6th Math
  • This week we worked with word problems and solving for an unknown variable. We also “investigated” fractions. 
7th Pre-Algebra
  • This week we learned about factoring and how to find the greatest common factor between numbers. There will be a test next week on chapters 9-16.
8th Algebra I
  • This week we worked with signed numbers and also practiced PEMDAS. There will be a test next week on chapters 9-16.
10th Algebra II
  • This week we looked over test mistakes from last week then worked on finding the equation of a line and began reviewing the substitution method for solving equations.
11th / 12th NT Greek
  • This week we learned more vocabulary and began learning the nominative and accusative case of Greek. We even began some simple parsing and translation.

 

Miss Windes

8th Grade Omnibus
  • History: We are finishing our first unit on the Roman empire from Julius Caesar through Constantine. This week we have been reviewing, creating a timeline, and preparing for our project presentations which will be next week along with the test at the end of the week.
  • Literature: We began Augustine’s Confessions this week; the students are doing a great job digging into some of the themes he wrestled with as he reflects over his life from infancy through his conversion. We’ve discussed the false outward sweetness of sin, the effect of theater and drama on our emotions, friendship, and more.
  • Composition: After learning about and practicing antithesis, the students outlined and began writing their first persuasive essay.
6th Grade LATIN
  • Sixth graders dive into chapter four and first declension nouns after finishing and testing on chapter three. 
7th Grade LATIN
  • We continued to practice declension endings and noun jobs as part of our beginning of year review. We also practiced identifying direct and indirect objects in sentences. 
8th Grade LATIN
  • After finishing our larger translation project, we continued to practice declension endings and noun jobs as part of our beginning of year review. We also practiced identifying direct and indirect objects in sentences.