October 2009

Another term comes to an end at Springville Junior High, and students are rushing to get assignments turned in. There are four terms a year, and we’re coming to the end of the first term. After an exhausting first term students are getting the feel of school back into their system.

For those students who think they could use a little bump up on their grade, Ms. Tiffanie Miley, Language Arts teacher, said, “Check SIS as soon as possible and talk to your teachers about any missing assignments. Don’t wait until the 29th to do something about your grade.”

The CTE classes at Springville Junior High School are probably among some of the most enjoyable classes offered. Seventh graders certainly enjoy their CTE classes and look forward to them during the day.

The classes of CTE change around every 60 days, rather than on the semester. Students get the opportunity to do the three segments of CTE: Home Economics, Technology, and Careers. In CTE, students learn things about the world, about their home and raising children, and how to get a good career.

Chinese is a class that has been at SJHS for three years. There are two Chinese classes; one is called “Intro to Chinese,” which is for eighth graders, and the other is a regular Chinese class for the ninth graders.  Mrs. Debra Wells, the Chinese teacher at SJHS, said that “Intro to Chinese” is only one semester and it focuses on learning to communicate in Chinese. But the ninth grade class is a full year long, and covers communicating orally in Chinese and requires the students to learn about 150 Chinese characters by the end of the year. Both classes cover cultural elements of the Chinese language and Chinese speaking countries in the world. Mrs.

Everyone knows that in junior high and in high school there is a Orchestra class, cheerleading, workout, and other special clubs, but one class that people forget is band. Band is a class that unlike orchestra, has modern instruments.

"I love teaching band, I've always been drawn to different music," said Mr. David Booth, band teacher at Springville Junior High.  Mr. Booth has been teaching band for 14 years now and counting; 14 years which he has very much enjoyed and is still enjoying to this day.
     

Have you ever had that warm feeling? The feeling of pride and joy when you finish reading a book or an essay. Well, this feeling is all too familiar to the Creative Writing class at Springville Junior High.

Creative writing is an elective here at Springville Junior High, where students have the opportunity to write and express their feelings. Ms. Rachel Neeley, seventh grade English teacher, has been teaching creative writing for two years, and said, “I love teaching an elective. It’s fun! I love reading all the amazing things my students write. It is a great class. If you like to write, sign up!” 

Every year in school brings changes, but math is something that remains constant for your entire education. SJHS is just like any other school in this regard.  However, our school is different from others because of the kids and teachers that participate in the math program. We not only learn, but many kids have fun as well.

Springville Junior High School is committed to excellence, it is in their “Knight’s Code.” One of the many people who help make the school so great is Mr. Shaun Blakey, counselor and boys' basketball coach.

Mr. Blakey was born and raised in Springville, Utah, and graduated from Springville High. After high school he went on to get a bachelors degree in business marketing, and a masters degree in counseling from the University of Phoenix. He then came to SJHS to be a counselor.

Girls taking Physical Education at Springville Junior High have started a dance unit.  This unit gives them a chance to try something besides what they consider “normal” sports.  The girls choose group members and choreograph a dance to music of their choice. 

Some may wonder why Mrs. Kelly Anderson, the girls' P.E. instructor, strays from a curriculum of traditional sports such as soccer and volleyball.  Mrs. Anderson said, “I think the girls really enjoy being creative and performing the dances.” 

Students are working hard in Mrs. Rebecca Murdock’s Geography class trying to get their country projects done. These projects will be presented in class on October 28th or 29th. Right now the Geography class is doing a unit on the Middle East so each student was assigned a country from the Middle East. Mrs. Murdock, the Geography teacher, said “I expect each student’s best work. They have an option to choose which type of project they would like to do, so I expect that they'll have fun while learning.”

With the end of the term quickly approaching, one of the biggest concerns parents and students face is grades.  Nebo District uses S.I.S., an online program, to track student attendance and grades.  Springville Junior High is hosting a training program for parents all throughout Nebo district on October 21, at 7:00 p.m. at Springville Junior High (165 South 700 East). This training program should be an easy walk through with two translators handy to answer questions or concerns.