Lowcountry Preparatory School
MS NEWSLETTER December, 2023
Newsletter Vol 02
Teacher Spotlight Mr. Hoppy Smith
Student Spotlight 6th-Sarah Livingston 7th-Daniel Lutz 8th-Avery Sinclair
Programs & Activities Junior Scholar Recognition Classroom Activities Fin Friend Activity Raise Craze Winners
Announcements Dec. 13-15-Midterm Exam Schedule Jan. 2nd-Report Cards emailed home School Wide Reminders
Mr. Hoppy Smith MS Math Mr. Hoppy Smith has been an educator for 40 years but has blessed Lowcountry with his presence for the past three years. Mr. Smith teaches Advanced Math to 6th grade, Pre-Algebra to 7th grade, and Algebra I to 8th grade. When asked what his favorite aspects of being a teacher at Lowcountry Prep are, he responded that he enjoys the freedom to control his teaching method in the classroom as well as a great Headmaster. Mr. Smith is known for his organization and disciplined teaching style as well as his ever-famous “Suzie Sample” format for completing homework.
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT Not only does Mr. Smith have an impact on his students in the classroom, he also displays his dedication through being an avid supporter of the Lowcountry Prep sports teams. You will most often see Mr. Smith cheering on the LPS tennis team by being present at both home and away matches. This commitment to his students not only in the classroom, but also in their interests and passions, makes Mr. Smith truly a beloved teacher. Currently, we are learning: 6th Grade: Functions, Linear Equations, Slope 7th Grade: Exponents and Scientific Notation 8th Grade: Linear Equations & Graphing Inequalities
A few things you may not know about Mr. Smith include his passion and love for the Baltimore Ravens, his hometown team. If you frequent his classroom, you will see a Ravens flag flying high above his desk. Mr. Smith also shares that he is musically-inclined especially sharing a love of singing and playing the guitar. If you ask some of his students, he is also known to serenade the classroom with his impressive musical talents.
Lastly, Mr. Smith was asked to share a few interesting things about himself that we might not know. He was proud to say that when he was young, he: Played on a traveling men’s fast pitch softball team throughout the Mid-Atlantic states Won on “open” men’s double tennis tournament with his brother Was a singing waiter at a night club
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Sarah Livingston-6th Mrs. Blomdahl states that “Sarah is an incredibly gifted English student. She is always prepared for class and is always willing to participate and provide insight into the literary texts we are studying. She is respectful and kind to everyone and is always willing to help classmates better understand the material. She is a pleasure to teach each day.” Mrs. McCallister comments that “I totally agree with nominating Sarah Livingston for the student spotlight for 6th grade. Sarah is always engaged in class and loves to participate. She is an exemplary Grammar student who studies hard, and it shows! She is also kind and thoughtful.
Daniel Lutz-7th Daniel is a one of a kind student. Mrs. McCallister remarks that “He is very helpful in class when it comes to helping anyone with technology issues. He has also brought in some excellent dishes to share in our Language Exploration and Culture class with the help of his grandparents. Daniel is softspoken and has a big heart for helping others!” Mrs. Blomdahl comments that “Daniel is known by all of his teachers as a student who genuinely cares for all of his classmates. He is a wonderful friend and quiet leader who represents what it means to be a Lowcountry student. He is humble, generous, and hardworking young man who always gives his best effort.”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Avery Sinclair-8th
Mrs. Blomdahl says that “Avery is known for her positivity and wittiness. She is a leader in the classroom and is vocal in her understanding of themes and intertextuality in the English classroom.” Ms. Schroeder also comments that Avery is “very enthusiastic and creative.” Madame Parnell mirrors these comments when she describes Avery as “very enthusiastic in class. I love her positive vibe- always smiling.”
Junior Scholars-8th Grade What is the Junior Scholars Program? The South Carolina Junior Scholars Program identifies eighthgrade students with exceptional academic talent and to develop strategies for their inclusion into special programs or opportunities. The program includes a process for screening a potential talent pool of students, identifying and recognizing those students with exceptionally high scholastic achievement and intellectual ability, and sponsoring summer opportunities in collaboration with participating South Carolina colleges and universities and with the Governor’s School for Science and Ada O’Halloran-590 Reading Mathematics.
Lillian Marple-570 Reading
What are the identification criteria? Junior Scholar candidates are those eligible students who: · Score 550 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion of the PSAT/NMSQT OR · Score 530 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the PSAT/NMSQT
Avery Sinclair-580 Reading Reece Bayernic-570 Reading
7th ELA “Flowers for Algernon”
7th grade has spent the past several weeks reading the short story version of the classic, “Flowers for Algernon.” As we analyzed Charlie’s journey to gaining intelligence, we discussed the importance of intellect and how it relates to a person’s happiness. As we saw Charlie progress, we identified themes and allusions within the text that explored the mental and relational changes he was experiencing. To culminate the unit, students were given a choice of projects to complete. Students chose from options like: posters, songs, drawings, painting,
art mobile, newspaper article, and more. Students presented their creations to the class when finished.
Classroom Activities and Projects 7th Geography-Brazil Day
On the Friday before Thanksgiving break, the 7th grade World Geography class wrapped up its study of Brazil and it's celebration of Carnival! We practiced samba dance steps for boys and girls. We made God's Eyes, a form of traditional weaving, and enjoyed food of South America. A special thanks to parents and students for sharing and preparing the food!
Fin Friends
A monthly tradition of ours is a meeting of our fin friends where we get together and complete an activity that furthers our sense of community. On November 17th, our fin friends gathered to spread gratitude and kindness by creating original thank cards for our service men and women in our community. This fun and engaging activity is part of our Raise Craze fundraiser in the form of Acts of Kindness. As we remember everything we are grateful for, students were able to take the time to honor our police officers and firemen. Thank you for continuing to foster positive impacts in our community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Raise Craze Winners-8th Grade
A congratulations is in order for our spirited and enthusiastic 8th grade class! These students sailed to the top of both the Top AOKs (196) and Top Money Raised ($3, 202) lists for middle school. For their generous efforts, the class was awarded a pizza party which included pizza, Gatorade, popcorn, cupcakes, and groovy light up glasses. A special shout out to the following students who went above and beyond to represent their class. Harrison Errico-Most money raised ($1,070) Reece Bayernic-Most AOKs (40)
MS Exam Schedule 6A
6B
7 Grade
8 Grade
Period 1 Classes SC History 8:00-10:00 Sandor, Rm. 403 December 13 Wednesday
Advanced Math Smith, Rm. 404
Earth Science Ford, Rm. 406
Physical Science Schroeder, Rm. 408
Period 2 Classes 10:30-12:30
Life Science Wehunt, Rm. 406
Life Science Wehunt, Rm. 406
Language Exploration McCallister, Rm. 106
Ancient Civilization, Sandor, Rm. 403
Advanced Math Smith, Rm. 404
Advanced English Blomdahl, Rm. 410
No Exam
No Exam
No Exam
No Exam
Advanced English Blomdahl, Rm. 410
Algebra I Smith, Rm. 404
Advanced English Blomdahl, Rm. 410
Writing and Grammar McCallister, Rm. 106
Geography Sandor, Rm. 403
Spanish I or French I Elliott, Rm. 402 Parnell, Rm. 401
Writing and Grammar, McCallister, Rm. 106
SC History Sandor, Rm. 405
Pre-Algebra Smith, Rm. 404
English I Blomdahl, Rm. 410
December 13 Wednesday Period 3 Classes 8:00-10:00 December 14 Thursday Period 4 Classes 10:30-12:30 December 14 Thursday Period 5 Classes 8:00-10:00 December 15 Friday Period 6 Classes 10:30-12:30 December 15 Friday
You did it Marlin Family! I’m thrilled to announce the amazing results of the fall Raise Craze Fundraiser event. We surpassed our goal of $30,000 with a net total amount of $33,183 and 1404 Acts of Kindness were spread into the community. AH-MAZING! The proceeds from this year's fundraiser will go to improved playground equipment like a new merry-go-round for the Lower School, new tables in the Marlin cafe for all and a portion will cover the costs of a venue and entertainment for our spring Upper School prom. I would like to thank all of the students, families and staff who made this all possible! In addition, a special shout out to the RC Committee who made it happen: Committee Chair: Brittany Brazill-Glenn, Lori Young, Kim Saliba, Melissa Bleakney and Robyn Jones. A few of the highlights from this year’s event… Collected donations for local charities Left kind notes for fellow students and made new friends Wrote thank you notes to our teachers, custodians, and lunch staff Completed extra chores to help our families Left water & snacks by the front door for delivery drivers Picked up litter in our community Shared a family style pot luck dinner together And so much more! Of note, the 3rd and 8th grade classes were congratulated for raising the most money as well as completing the MOST AOK’S with a pizza party, extra recess and homework passes! Great job! Congratulations to Ollie Young for completing the MOST AOK’S in the entire school and Porter Brooks for raising the MOST DONATION FUNDS! Both got to be Principal for the day with Mr Wehunt… way to go guys! Finally, ALL students will enjoy a well deserved treat from the Mr. Softee ice cream / italian ice truck to celebrate Friday, Dec 1st. Again, a sincere thank you to everyone helped create and implement this fundraiser to benefit our school and community in so many ways! Your PTO President, Robin Johnson
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Rent the Rock Click the SignUp Genius link below to secure your dates!
Middle and Upper School Parents, We are working to create a relaxing study space loaded with snacks and drinks for students during our mid-term week. This will be in the Marlin Cafe. Please review the available slots by clicking the link for SignUp Genius below.Text or email Robin Johnson with questions at 843209-7851. Thank you!
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