January 29

Clubs – Scotty

Here at McDowell middle school we have many clubs. Any student from McDowell has to join a club of their choice and participate in them every month. There is a large variety of clubs to choose from all fitting in different categories.

The list of the clubs we have and what they are is here:

  • Agriculture, a club dedicated towards farming and the science of farming.
  • Art, a club dedicated to drawing, painting, and sculpting, this may include information on said subjects.
  • Board games, a club for playing all types of board games and having a good time. Book club, a club aimed toward reading books and sharing your book with other members.
  • Community service, a club dedicated to helping the community they can have many tasks to complete and they all go to a good cause.
  • Creative writing, in this club you would write a series literative writings and share with each other. Dance/music/singing club, this is all about fun, whether that would be dancing, singing, or listening to music.
  • Debate cub, in this club you will research and learn about controversial topics then argue your point about them.
  • Design/engineering club, if you were in this club you would learn and create new ideas about engineering. Home ec, in this club you will learn about multiple household tasks such as sewing, knitting, and many other tasks.
  • Improv/drama, here you learn about and do plays this is a club where everyone will have a part. Intramural sports, to join this club you cannot be playing a current sport such as basketball, wrestling, etc. This club is about multiple sports that you will learn how to play with each other.
  • Junior naturalists, this club is focused mainly on nature and exploring and learning about local or faraway wildlife.
  • Kindness club, this club is all about being nice to others and helping each other out, this can be toward a large series of students that need to be helped.
  • Personal fitness, this club is all about keeping yourself in shape, here you will do many physical activities such as jogging.
  • Relaxation club, this club is the opposite of personal fitness club, here you can lie down, relax, and have a good time.
  • Spanish club, here you will learn about the Spanish language, this can help prepare you for future Spanish classes in highschool, and maybe college.
  • Technology club, in this club you will be learning about the wonders of technology, whether it would be learning code such as Javascript, C, or Python, you will be shown how modern day items work like TVs or PCs.
  • Last but not least, yearbook club, in this club you will collect information and achievements from students and staff at McDowell, and make this year’s yearbook.

Those were the many clubs of McDowell, us students here would be glad to infrom you more about our clubs so if you have a question about our clubs, ask one of our students! I hope you learned something about McDowell and have a great day!

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September 29

Has it really been 10 years?!

We’re taking part in the Student Blogging Challenge!

Has it really been 10 years since I first enrolled my class blog in the Student Blogging Challenge? Back then, I was teaching 5th grade Language Arts at Laurelville Elementary. I then taught two years of 5th grade Math at Laurelville before moving on to McDowell Middle School to teach 7th grade Language Arts. I am now in my ninth year of teaching at McDowell.

There has been a lot of personal change for me, as well, over those years. My husband and I are officially “empty nesters” since our daughters, Hannah and Molly, are now in college! Hannah is a senior at Miami University, majoring in Middle Childhood Education. Molly is a sophomore at Marietta College and is currently undecided on her major. We have grieved as our beloved dogs, Rambo, Hank, and Riley crossed the Rainbow Bridge and we now have two new dogs, Willy and Dodge.  And six years ago, the passing of my father rocked my world.

Although a lot has changed, some things have remained constant. I still love teaching, am proud to be a Brave, and I still am blessed with having the best students walk into my classroom each day. Connecting with my students and connecting with the world outside of my classroom is still a priority for me as a teacher. Because of this,  I am once again enrolling my class blog as well as my students’ blogs in the Blogging Challenge.

I hope you come back to see what we’ve been up to and as always, we welcome your comments!

Category: Braves, McDowell, Student Blogging Challenge | LEAVE A COMMENT
September 24

And…we are BACK!

A new school year.  A new group of students.  An opportunity to reflect on things of the past and prepare for the future.  I love this time of year!

In my classroom,  we spend the first few weeks of school getting to know each other and establishing expectations and routines that will carry us through the year.  It doesn’t take long for 7th graders to realize how much they like being a student at our school and we have a discussion comparing life as a 7th grader to life of a 6th grader.

What makes 7th grade at McDowell so great?  Read the Padlet below to see what my Advanced Language Arts class had to say.  They’ve done a nice job explaining their thoughts.

Made with Padlet

I will have to add that these are just SOME of the things that are great about McDowell Exchange School.  There are many more, and the best thing about our school, in MY opinion, is that we have the best students.  #McDowellstudentsarethebest

Category: Braves, McDowell, Student Showcase | LEAVE A COMMENT
April 14

April Showers

I hope all of you enjoyed your long weekend.  I was very thankful that the weather turned out to be so nice on Saturday and Sunday.  Yesterday and today, however, I kept  thinking of the old saying “April showers bring May flowers”.  We should have a lot of May flowers if the amount of rain these last two days is any indication!

Last Thursday evening, Laurelville hosted the Logan Elm School Facilities public meeting.  It was nice to see so many people in attendance.  There were several fifth graders who attended the meeting:  Hannah Caudill, Micah Linton, Madison Haupt, Jacob Parker, Makayla Kitchen, Kennedy Fox, Eric Deluse, and Justin Payne.  I also saw Katie Hartley at the meeting held at Salt Creek on Tuesday evening.  I was glad to see so many students and their families taking an interest to be informed on such an important issue.

The awards ceremony was held today for the 3rd 9-week grading period.  Congratulations to those who earned an award.  Your attitude, responsibility and effort are certainly being noticed by your teachers and your classmates!  You are excellent role models!  I will see if I can’t get a list of all fifth grade award winners to post on the blog. . .

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March 31

The Future of LE Schools?

As you know, the residents of the Logan Elm School District will have the opportunity to vote this fall on a levy that will provide our district with new school buildings.  The Logan Elm Facilities Plannnig Committee has been working hard to explore all facility options and seeking feedback from the community. 

Would you like to know what decisions have been made or will be made about the proposed facilities?  Do you have concerns, questions, or suggestions about the planning of these new facilities?  Then plan to attend upcoming community meetings and give your input.  Meetings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, April 7 at Salt Creek Elementary
Thursday, April 9 at Laurelville Elementary
Tuesday, April 14 at Pickaway Elementary
Thursday, April 16 at Washington Elementary. 

Each meeting will be fromn 7:00-8:30.  Another meeting will be scheduled at the high school.

What are your thoughts on the future of our school buildings?  Please share what you would like to see happen with Logan Elm schools!

Category: misc. | 4 Comments on The Future of LE Schools?
March 23

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Just thought I’d repeat the announcement that Logan Elm schools WILL BE CLOSED this Friday, March 27.  The decision was made this morning to close schools to allow staff and students to support the Braves at their Final Four basketball game.  GO BRAVES!

In Math class today, we played a game of probability called PIG.  We played it with dice and then the students were able to play it on the computer, as well.  The students also worked on practice problems on the IXL site.  I really like this site and am considering asking for funds to purchase a license so that we can continue using it.

We also enjoyed the matinee performance of the Spring Program.  Great job, 4-6 graders!

Category: misc. | 3 Comments on SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
March 21

FINAL FOUR!

Congratulations to the Logan Elm Braves basketball team!  They will be making their FIRST Final Four appearance EVER!! 🙂  🙂  The Braves played an excellent game today and defeated the Cambridge Bobcats with a score of 53-39! 

Way to go, Braves!  Revel in your victory and be proud of what you have accomplished!  Keep it going ALL THE WAY!

Category: misc. | 2 Comments on FINAL FOUR!
March 20

Go Braves!

Congratulations to the Logan Elm Braves basketball team!  With their victory over the Chillicothe Cavaliers last night (50-42), they advance to the Elite 8 in the state championship tournament.  The Braves will play against Cambridge on Saturday at 3:00.

Good Luck!

Category: misc. | 1 Comment on Go Braves!