Hensel's Headlines

Book Project Time Get ready for a lot of pictures!  The kids have all been working hard on book projects over the last couple of months.  They are all so creative; I am so impressed.  Many of the students created games based on their books, so of course, we took the time to play them, because what good is a game if you don't play it.  During study hall, some of the 6th graders took time to decorate my desk for Christmas.  As you may see in the background, the 7th graders are also working on decorating the room.    As I said, there are many pictures, but I think the kids like seeing themselves, and this is the best way to show them off.  I really hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed watching all the presentations.    Thank you all again for sharing your children with me.  They are awesome!  

 We survived Halloween in a pandemic!  This was the first time I have ever had a Halloween party, what fun!  The 8th grade had a mystery to solve for class.  It was based on the story Lamb to the Slaughter.   We decorated pumpkins, had treats, and watched a movie.   This week the sixth and seventh grades are working on an essay contest.  One is If I were mayor, and the other is based on how Pope Francis calls us to build a "Civilization of Love".  They are doing a great job so far  We are focusing on revising, editing, and peer editing.  The eighth-graders are creating an old-time radio show.  They had to write a script and find sound effects for their program.  I am excited to hear them all tomorrow.  

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Fall 2020 I am looking forward to my first conferences here at St. Malachy.  I am very happy we are going to have some of them in person, I am more of a people person and not the best at remembering names.  I will get the opportunity to have conferences with all the 7th-grade parents and the 6th graders' parents who are in my study hall at the end of the day. In all the classes, we are doing a lot of fun stuff.  The 6th graders just finished their movie reviews.  They did such a nice job.  If you know a 6th grader, ask them to show you theirs.  I was very pleased with them.  In 7th grade, we have been working on podcasts.  With the world becoming more and more driven by technology and social media, I felt this was fitting.  The students have been doing a great job of finding ways to do this and helping each other as well.  We haven't had the opportunity to see them all yet, but again, I am blown away by their...

🍂Fall is here, my favorite time of the year 🍂      In the fall everything is changing, but the colors are so beautiful.  Even though we are saying goodbye to the warm weather, beaches, suntans, and swimming, we are finding new things to enjoy.  Much like this, s tarting at a new school can be nerve-wracking and a huge change as well.  I was a little worried about changing my career, I mean, I have been in the same place for over 20 years.  Starting over, knowing no-one was something I was not used to.  Change is good though, right?!  Of course it is, and this change has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.   Everyone, students as well as staff, is absolutely amazing.  Even though life may have been chaotic, the people here are so kind and have let me know I am right where I belong.  Thank you all for making this feel like my new home.      All of the language classes have been doing a l...

I am sorry I haven't been on here for a while.  I keep forgetting to blog. and I have never blogged before along with starting at a new school has been a bit challenging, but change is good.  I am learning more and more each day, and I feel like I am starting to get the hang of things.  Another new experience for me is getting to teach art.   Having the opportunity to watch the kids create all of the different projects has been amazing.  It is so fun to learn about them through this venue.  I have tried to take several pictures to include in these blogs, and I hope to continue to do so. As you many of you know, it has been a while since I have taught middle school, I have forgotten how much fun they are, so I am thrilled to be here. In 6th grade, we are writing a story in pairs about what happens next.  We read the story All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradberry.  Since the ending is left open, it has been an opportunity for the students to work o...

 I have had a great week!  I have been working on learning all the middle-schooler's names.  Of course, I don't have them all,  but the kids are helping me a lot.  I can not tell you how much I appreciate the St. Malachy family and their willingness to help me learn and the rules and procedures. I love how respectful, polite and friendly all the students have been.   On Wednesday instead of study hall we created puzzle pieces.  I took a few pictures of my group while they are working along with some of the pictures of their artwork. We also played a game on Thursday and I took a few pictures as well.