The Dirt

Christmas Break

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

vol 2 – Issue 13 December 15, 2011

Library Books

A number of students have checked out books over the first semester (a good thing), but have neglected to bring them back (not so good) so that others could also enjoy them. Please take a look around to see if you might have school library books at your home. They have the school’s name and’ or a barcode label on the outside front or back. If you find such, please bring them back to the school so that we can complete an inventory over the Christmas break.

Hot Lunch Update

We want to thank parents for purchasing meal plans in advance or as meals are ordered. We are trying to keep the cost of the program relatively low, at the same time, offering meals that are of good quality and good quantity. This is a task more simply managed when accounts are not in arrears.

9/10 Party

The 9^th and 10^th grade students have been invited to a party at the Laubach’s home this coming Monday evening. There will be the usual “this is a party” food and games. Mr. and Mrs. Laubach always do a dandy job of ringing in the Christmas vacation so if you are in the high school class, you won’t want to miss that activity.

Wanting to be Busy?

If, as this vacation looms large, you find yourself looking for something to keep you busy, we do have a few small tasks that will be going on at the school. We would like to install mini-computer labs in three of the classrooms. We have a gymnasium floor to line and finish, basketball standards to set up, and leaves – more leaves than you can think of – to rake and toss. If you would like to give some time to any of these or other projects that we need to get busy on, please give us a call so that we can use your service.

Basketball Coaches Found for Boys

We have coaches who have stepped up to the plate to coach our basketball, and will start scheduling games for those teams very soon. To date we have coaches for both boys’ teams. The grades 6 (5 can some out if they can keep up) to 8 team practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5. The grades 8 (7 can play if they can make the cut) to 10 team will practice on the same days from 5:30 to 7. We will try to schedule all games for those days, as well. We are still seeking applicant to coach our girls’ teams.

December

15 TCJA Christmas Program 6:30pm

19 9/10 Party at the Laubach’s

19-J2 Christmas Break

January

3 School Resumes

16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – no school

20 Last day of 2^nd Quarter

………………………………………………….

Mr. O’s Pick…

Sasha – I want to thank you for being extremely helpful, polite, and respectful. Teachers and students alike appreciate you. I appreciate how much you seem to enjoy school, and how you take pride in your schoolwork and in all of your activities. Because of your excellent school spirit, you can have the first freebie muffin of 2012 on Tuesday, the 3^rd.

Hot Lunch This Coming Week…

Lunches run at $3.00 a meal. A student favorite is the lunch where we offer big franks, grillers, or black bean burgers with a side of fries or chips – different days, different offers. Because this is served at least once a week and sometimes twice a week, we will call this the TCJA lunch… For a catchy way to remember it, we’ll call it McTCJA.

On all days, fresh veggies and deserts are on the side for children to choose. Below is the menu for tomorrow through January 6:

Friday, D-16^th…McTCJA

Tuesday, J-3^rd … pasta & veggieballs

Wednesday, 4^th … soup and biscuit

Thursday, 5^th … hoagies

Friday, 6^th … McTCJA

If you would like to make a request for a preferred menu item, please put your ideas in at the office. We are toying with making one day a week, “foods from around the world” with the first of those being a Ukrainian lunch, featuring peroghies. What do you think about that idea?

Principal’s Corner…

I talked to two little boys on the playground. Both were unhappy. One claimed the other had hit him, and I asked if it was so. “Yes,” said the little accused, “I hit him. But he was laughing at me, so I got mad…” Such reasoning is amusing when it comes from children on a playground when they are only 6 year-olds. It falls apart as they age, though, doesn’t it? And yet I hear adolescents and adults who claim that their misbehavior is justified because of their having been provoked. Provocation doesn’t hold as an excuse in our courts and it won’t hold in God’s either. I know he says “become as a little child” but I seriously doubt that this is one of the areas he wants us to be like them.

……..………Remember indoor Shoes in the new year………………..

Almost Break...

2011-12-09T09:49:00.001-08:00

vol 2 – Issue 12 December 8, 2011

ASB Host Movie Night

This Saturday night TCJA’s ASB is hosting a Christmas-themed Movie Night. We will be showing two movies: How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Polar Express. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and there is going to be a raffle, so a few lucky students will walk away with some fun prizes! We hope to see you there!

Christmas Concert

Remember that this year’s Christmas program, held December 15, will primarily feature the students in the elementary grades. The program begins at 6:30 and should last a little longer than an hour. The Home & School Association is also inviting parents to bring out some favorite refreshments to share following the program.

Indoor Shoes Reminder

As noted in our handbook, everyone from grades 1 through 10 is expected to have proper footwear for PE activities. When we come back from Christmas Break, we are asking all students to be in compliance. If this creates an undue hardship, please contact the office. Thank you.

Dress for the Outdoors

The Kennewick Spanish church is hosting a food sale at their church building Sunday, December 11^th from 10:00am 2:00pm. They will be serving up platefuls of enchiladas, rice, beans, salad, and dessert. A family of four can pick up trays for $25.00, while individual meals are $7.00. For those who eat there (as opposed to taking the meal home), drinks are included. The proceeds are going to help the church raise their worthy student funds, so come on out to support this worthwhile venture. If you have any questions please feel free to call 509-551-7527.

Principal’s Corner…

Perhaps the most exciting thing I see in my own home is when my children enjoy being with each other. My daughter got her first paycheck from her career job, nursing, and she took her brother to lunch to celebrate. Even though I was working, not invited, and not in attendance, I was so pleased that she did that. I think that God feels like I did at that time – he is ecstatic when he sees his children doing extra to get along nicely. I want to thank our students for being intentionally nice to each other. God smiles when he sees you strive to include everyone.

December

10 ASB Movie Night… 6:00pm start

15 TCJA Christmas Program 6:30pm

19-J2 Christmas Break

January

3 School Resumes

16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – no school

20 Last day of 2^nd Quarter

………………………………………………….

Mr. O’s Pick…

When we hosted our music assembly, I was telling Noni Mosher that I would like her to do a mini-violin recital one day for assembly. “I have my violin here today.” she said. “Would you like me to play?” Just like that, without accompaniment, she played in the program. I asked her if she was nervous and she said that she was a bit – but she played through it. Thank you so much Noni for wanting to get involved with life – even on short notice. Your Muffin is on us this coming Monday.

Hot Lunch This Coming Week…

Every lunch features fresh veggies along with a balanced meal and a small desert. We list for you the main attraction, which varies from day to day… Below are the meals that will be served up for the next six days:

Friday, 2^nd … pizza…

Monday, 5^th … cheesy potato casserole & nuggets

Tuesday, 6^th … stacks o’hay

Wednesday, 7^th … mashed taters & veggieballs

Thursday, 8^th … stroganoff & string beans

Friday, 9^th … grillers, blck bean brgrs or franks

Thank you for remembering to either buy a hot lunch card or for paying in advance. If you need to check your hot lunch balance, just call us at the office. Thank you.

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – No one turned in the correct answer – it was Pilates (the exercise) and with an apostrophe, Pilate’s (the woman warning her husband about a crime he is about to commit).

This Week’s Puzzle (I’ll take one K-4^th grade winner and one 5^th through 10^th winner)– After writing nonsense about felines who wear headgear, or different ways to serve eggs, and various other silliness this self-proclaimed Doctor was asked to help the nation’s Department of Education develop a better reading program

...and it's December

2011-12-02T09:46:00.002-08:00

vol 2 – Issue 11 December 1, 2011

School Doing Church Service at Kennewick Spanish

This Sabbath our students and staff will be putting on the church service at the Kennewick Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Service begins at 11:45, a little later than many of us are used to, and we are asking those students who will be participating to be there by 11:30. Following the worship service we have been invited to participate in a potluck lunch hosted by the church members. We are also asked to bring some of our own favorite dishes to contribute to the meal. The church is on Washington Street (301 South Washington).

Christmas Concert

This year’s Christmas program, held December 15, will primarily feature the students in the elementary grades. The program begins at 6:30 and should last a little longer than an hour. Followed by refreshments, you could be done by about 8:00, so come on out for a fun evening.

Indoor Shoes Needed

As our Physical Education classes have moved indoors, it has become apparent very quickly that there is more work to taking care of a wood floor than there is to taking care of a cement floor. One of the problems we encounter is when things such as rocks or mud from outside are slid across the wood. For this reason, we are asking that students bring indoor PE shoes to be stored in their lockers for just this use. The shoes do not need to be new – just clean. We also ask that the soles be non-marking. We would like to have this in place by this coming Monday. Thank you.

Dress for the Outdoors

Even though we will have much of our Physical Education activity indoors for the next few months, we still like to head out of doors whenever the weather cooperates a bit (or in the case of snow, even when it doesn’t cooperate) to play. Parents, remember to dress your children with jackets and gloves (mitts) to play outdoors. Most recesses will happen there all year long.

Annual Bake Sale…

This Friday the Grade 1 & 2 class is selling baked goods for ADRA Relief. Every dollar raised by the class has $6 added to it by other donors so the benefits add up quickly. Bring spare change to buy sweet things.

December

2 Grades 1 & 2 ADRA Benefit Bakesale

3 TCJA Church Program @ Kennewick Spanish

15 TCJA Christmas Program 6:30pm

19-J2 Christmas Break

January

3 School Resumes

………………………………………………….

Mr. O’s Pick…

I asked Mrs. Canaday if she has a student who is just all around the most helpful, and without any hesitation, she said that Mackenzie Wright helps everyone, everywhere. We want to thank you for being so quick to make the lives of others meaningful, Mackenzie. Your Monday Muffin is on us.

Hot Lunch This Coming Week…

With the lunches coming back over to TCJA, we have a new menu… Below are the meals that will be served up for the next six days:

Friday, 2^nd … Grillers or Franks & Fries…

Monday, 5^th … Pasta & Garlic Bread

Tuesday, 6^th … Hoagies

Wednesday, 7^th … Burritos & Rice

Thursday, 8^th … Grillers, Blck Bean Brgrs or Franks

Friday, 9^th … Pizza

Remember that you are expected to carry a hot lunch card, pay in advance, or bring cash to order hot lunches. Also, if you have a meal suggestion that you would like to see us serve, please bring those ideas in to the office. Thank you.

Muffins…

Students like them and they’ve been a big hit, but they need to be picked up at the start of lunch or after the school day. Students are staggering in at all times during the lunch period, even when they should be headed to class, so we will only serve them for the first ten minutes of each lunch period. Thank you for adjusting.

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – Lane brought it in.

This Week’s Puzzle – Place an apostrophe somewhere in this word, which is typically an exercise, and you have a woman warning her husband about a crime he is about to commit.

Ready 4 Break

2011-11-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

vol 2 – Issue 10 November 17, 2011

Inclement Weather Policy

While we do not get the Montana Snows, the Dakota Winds or the Alaska Temperatures, we do occasionally encounter freezing rain conditions or thaws and freezes which could make the hours we come to school especially hazardous. On days where the weather is deemed rotten, listen early in the morning to KONA 610AM radio, 105.3FM radio, or KNDU 25 television for updates as to whether or not the school is running on time, delaying, or shutting down for the day. You can also check the schools website – we will post on the scrolling bar. Finally, you can call the school – if we delay or close, it will be announced on our phone answering system.

Generally, as a matter of liability control, we will do whatever the Pasco Public School System is doing. Please note that when a 2-hour delay is posted, we really mean to say that we will begin at 10:00am.

ASB Student-led Week of Prayer

We have been experiencing our student led week of prayer this past week. The ASB has coordinated the entire week’s worship activities for us. The speakers have been Lexi Scotson, Connor Smith, Derick Menendez, and Madison Waldo. Tomorrow, Catherine Harwood will close out the week. It has been neat hearing the students sharing their own experiences.

Music Concert This Evening

This evening our various music groups will be performing in a concert at TCJA, starting at 7:00. Come out to hear our bands, choirs and bell choruses.

ASB Ice Skating

We will be participating during public skate time, which is from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. Admission to the event is $6 and skate rentals are $2. Transportation will be available for those who would like, with the bus leaving TCJA at 2:30pm and returning to the school by 5:45pm.

Please pick up an information/permission slip from Mr. Saxby if you are interested in attending.

Missing Library Books…

Many library books have ben checked out this year but not checked back in. If you can look through books that you may have taken home, please

Also, we do have a limited number of unsold boxes of fruit. If you are interested in purchasing one of these, please contact the office.

November

17 Music Department Fall Concert 7:00pm

21-25 Thanksgiving Break

December

2 Grades 1 & 2 ADRA Benefit Bakesale

3 TCJA Church Program @ Kennewick Spanish

15 TCJA Christmas Program 6:30pm

19-J2 Christmas Break

January

3 School Resumes

Short Month

2011-11-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

vol 2 – Issue 9 November 10, 2011

ASB Coordinates Ice Skating Party

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving Break officially begins (November 20), the ASB is coordinating a skating event at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. We will be participating during public skate time, which is from 3:00pm until 5:00pm. Admission to the event is $6 and skate rentals are $2. Transportation will be available for those who would like, with the bus leaving TCJA at 2:30pm and returning to the school by 5:45pm.

Please pick up an information/permission slip from Mr. Saxby if you are interested in attending.

Citrus Fruit Available for Pickup

The Citrus Fruit is already wending its way here from Florida and should arrive for unloading and sorting this Saturday evening. On Sunday, from 1:00 until 3:00, you will be able to swing by and pick your fruit up. We anticipate getting it all out of the gym in the one afternoon.

Also, we do have a limited number of unsold boxes of fruit. If you are interested in purchasing one of these, please contact the office.

Church Services put on by TCJA

We were only seven students shy of 100% student participation at the Richland church this past Sabbath. We wish to express our gratitude to parents for making it possible for the children to come out and participate in these worship programs that we do each year in our constituent churches. The Richland Church was full to overflowing, and the student groups all did a wonderful job. Our next school-led church service will be held in the Kennewick Spanish SDA church on December 3, 2011.

Tribute Breakfast and Program

Remember that this Friday (tomorrow), November 11, we will be in school to commemorate a special day, honoring grandparents and Veterans. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 until 8:20am. At about 8:30, our students will put on a service which will last about an hour.

Teacher Moves On

When Quijuana Oucharek stepped up to teach Health & World Foods and to coach gymnastics & volleyball, we knew that we would only have her until she moved to a nursing post. Well, we got through the first quarter of school, but now we will have to revert to the original schedule with Mr. O picking up those classes. Good luck in your nursing career Ms. O.

November

11 Veterans & Grandparents Tribute Breakfast

13 Pick up Citrus (from gym) 1:30 – 3:00pm

14-18 ASB (student-led) Fall Week of Prayer

15 SWLC Thanksgiving Program 6:30pm

17 Music Department Fall Concert

21-25 Thanksgiving Break

December

2 Grades 1 & 2 ADRA Benefit Bakesale

3 TCJA Church Program @ Kennewick Spanish

15 TCJA Christmas Program 6:30pm

19-J2 Christmas Break

………………………………………………….

Mr. O’s Pick…

Alyssa Bezzini is the pick of the week for bravely standing up and delivering the Children’s Story at Richland Church this past Sabbath. You can pick up your SotW Muffin at the Principal’s office on Monday.

Free Kittens…

The Shearer’s have had a litter of feral kittens living in their back yard & shed that they managed to catch and somewhat tame. They are still shy, but they are also very loving and playful. These two little boys need new homes! They are kind of a gray, tabby stripe color. If you are interested, email us or call Jennefier Shearer at 509/783-0360. Also, she is willing to send a phone pic (Jennefier@frontier.com).

Though they are not sure how old the kittens are, they do know that they have NOT been to see a vet.

Looking to Fill Some Holes…

I have up to 5 groups of basketball players for this season, but I have an extreme shortage of coaches. If you have some skill as a basketball coach, you have the time to commit to coaching, and you are interested in coaching basketball for us this year, please submit your application with Mr. O., who serves as our athletic director..

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – water.

This Week’s Puzzle – When we are really young and when we are really old, this face means little to us. In between that, however, this face is often the most important one that we see each day. Though it never speaks to us, it tells us important stuff. Every year, it becomes increasingly important to us, until one day, we finally just don’t care.

Oct-over

2011-10-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

vol 2 – Issue 8 October 27, 2011

Citrus Fundraiser

This year we are again planning to sell tree-ripened, fresh Florida citrus fruit. We will have oranges, tangerines, red grapefruit and a variety box. Orders need to be in to the office with payment by Monday, October 31. Call the office for pricing and to place orders.

Funds raised will be used to help defray the cost to students for all of the extracurricular offerings that we have at the school.

Parent Teacher Conferences

This coming Wednesday and Thursday dismissal will be at 1:00 so that parents can come in and meet with teachers about student grade reports and general student performance. Babysitting is not available at the school, however, after-school care is an option over at Small World Learning Center. Additionally, we will provide study hall care for no additional charge at our library for those 13 and older, however this is a study hall. Students who are not there to study will be removed to a different level of care. This care will be charged at the standard daycare rate.

School to put on Church Service at Richland SDA

All of the students from kindergarten through 10^th grade will participate in the worship service at Richland Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath, November 5. It seems appropriate that the children do this worship service in this church on this day, as later in the day, there will be a memorial service for Dr. McNeil, a Richland school board member for many years, and a strong supporter of Adventist education. Please plan to bring your children out to this program and plan to stay and participate in the worship with us.

Tribute Breakfast and Program

On November 11, the rest of the country is taking a day off from school to commemorate Veterans Day. Here at TCJA, we come to school and make the day a special one for our students, for grandparents and for Veterans. We start by serving breakfast from 7:00 until 8:20. Then, at about 8:30, our students will put on a service which will last about an hour. In the past the freshman/sophomore class has hosted the entire breakfast, but this year our Home and School is preparing the meal and our World Foods, serving.

Football Team Returns

Our football team had a wonderful time in Canada. Even though we played with only 6 players, we were able to win three of our games. We lost one.

October

17-21 Red Ribbon Week

25 End of First Quarter

27 Picture Retakes

November

2-3 Parent/Teacher Conferences - 1:00 DISMISSAL

11 Veterans & Grandparents Tribute Breakfast

17 Music Department Fall Concert

………………………………………………….

Mr. O’s Pick…

Mike Denniston and Liz Thompson – thanks for hanging in there and laying sod with the adults, long after your peers headed home. Your muffins will be waiting for you at the Principal’s office on Monday.

Football Players Heading to Canada…

Remember that you will be leaving tomorrow (Friday) around 11:00am. You are responsible for getting all the assignments that you will miss.

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – a 13^th floor. No one turned in the answer.

This Week’s Puzzle – this letter indicates that the website you are on probably meets stringent codes that make them less likely to be hacked.

This is just to remind you that the school will dismiss at 1:00 on November 2^nd and 3^rd for Parent teacher conferences

mid-october

2011-10-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

vol 2 – Issue 7 October 20, 2011

Sod Goes In

A handful of volunteers showed up to help at the school yesterday, and together with our students who each had several class periods taken to help with the project, we laid in about 42,000 square feet of the projected 58,000 that we have to put down. Today we dropped in another 10,000 feet, but there is still a bit to do. If you have the time either this afternoon or Friday, we could use some help to complete this project. Our goal has been to get the sod in place in time to take advantage of the last of our irrigation season so that coupled with the expected winter rains we will have nice grass, come spring.

Biology Class Benefit Supper

The biology class would like to thank those who came out and supported the supper fundraiser that they held as an add-on to the ABC book sale. They were able to put away about $450 towards their year-end biology trip to Rosario and area. They are still looking for other ideas to help raise funds, so if you know of any winners, please contact Mr. Laubach.

HS PE Class Goes Golfing

The 9^th and 10^th grades PE class will be going to Pasco Golfland this coming Monday afternoon to take in a round of golf. We are looking for parents who might be available to golf the round with us. We plan to start around 1:00pm. Students should be ready for pickup after 3:15 at the golf course.

Sports Update

The volleyball and football games that were postponed from last weekend at TCJA (with Palisades) will take place this Sunday. Volleyball will be at noon, and football will follow right after (approximately 1:00). Meanwhile, half of our football team will be travelling up to Canada where they will be playing in the annual BC Junior Flag Football youth Rally and tournament. Sounds like a big weekend for everyone.

Red Ribbon Week

This coming week is Red Ribbon Week. We will have special presenters and activities going on all week long. Three days – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – we will have special presentations at 8:30 each morning, so you won’t want to be late for any of those activities.

Congrats Volleyball and Soccer

Our girls placed 9^th (out of 20 teams) and the boys placed 12^th (out of 15) at the Walla Walla University Friendship tournament. Much improved from last year’s last in each.

October

17-21 Red Ribbon Week

25 End of First Quarter

27 Picture Retakes

November

2-3 Parent/Teacher Conferences - 1:00 DISMISSAL

11 Veterans & Grandparents Tribute Breakfast

17 Music Department Fall Concert

………………………………………………….

Mr. O’s Pick…

Football Players Heading to Canada…

Remember that you will be leaving tomorrow (Friday) around 11:00am. You are responsible for getting all the assignments that you will miss.

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – a 13^th floor. No one turned in the answer.

This Week’s Puzzle – this letter indicates that the website you are on probably meets stringent codes that make them less likely to be hacked.

This is just to remind you that the school will dismiss at 1:00 on November 2^nd and 3^rd for Parent teacher conferences

october starts

2011-10-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

vol 2 – Issue 6 October 6, 2011

Sports teams at Walla Walla

Our Volleyball and Soccer teams are playing at the Friendship tournament at Walla Walla University this weekend. At press time, our girls have made the top twelve tournament (out of 20 teams). Our boys also go into the second round in the top twelve (out of fifteen teams). If you are thinking you might like to go up to watch a game or two, check the school’s webpage (click on the Athletics tab). We will update throughout the day as information becomes available.

ABC Sale & Supper

This Saturday evening at the ABC book sale, the biology class will be serving Chili Dogs and Fries as a fundraiser for their spring trip. That means that you can come out and shop the ABC sales on food and books, and pick up supper at the same time; it also means that since you do not have to make supper at home, clean-up, or any of that normal activity at the end of the Sabbath will not need to happen, freeing you up to enjoy the close of the day. Good Deal all around, don’t’cha think?

ASB Spirit Week... October 10 - 13.

Each year our students look forward to the annual ASB School Spirit Week festivities. This year, the ASB has planned several interesting activities for us. Please remember that even though we are dressing up, we are still aiming at modesty. On dress-up days, even though Halloween is looming, we ask students to avoid subjects of an occultist nature as well as anything otherwise inappropriate.

Monday - Comfy Clothes

Baggy Sweats, T-shirts, etc… avoid sleepwear, loungewear or swimwear, etc.

Tuesday - Crazy Hat and/or Crazy Hair

We are combining crazy hair and crazy hat to give students more options, especially those whose hair follicles have begun to give up the ghost (We’re thinking of you Mr. O). Some students may elect to do both – and that’s okay.

Wednesday – Team Sports

Wear the Jersey or colors of a favorite team… If you are on a team, wear that jersey… Again, you have choices.

Thursday - Class Colors

On Monday October 10, each class will have voted one solid color for their class to wear on this day (the ASB exec reminds classes to choose wisely). Support your class by participating!

October

8 ABC Food and Book Sale (7:00-9:00pm)

10-13 ASB School-Spirit Week

12 PSAT (in Walla Walla)

14 Teacher In-service at Mivoden – NO SCHOOL

14-16 Wilderness Ventures Canoeing / Kayaking Trip

17-21 Red Ribbon Week

25 End of the First Quarter

27 Picture Retakes

November

2-3 Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:00 DISMISSAL

11 Veterans & Grandparents Tribute Breakfast

17 Music Department Fall Concert

………………………………………………….

Biology Trip - Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes every Friday until frost… donations accepted on behalf of the biology class.

Mr. O’s Pick…

Makenna Shirinzadeh – the only girl bold enough to step up and join the intramurals soccer program this year. Way to go, Girl! Your muffin will be waiting for you at the Principal’s office on Monday.

Wilderness Ventures Canoeing / Kayaking Trip

We still have room for students who might want to go on the Wilderness Ventures canoeing trip on Priest Lake. We are extending the sign-ups through Tuesday, (the 11^th). Again, the cost for the trip is $30 and includes all transportation, all meals, etc.

PSAT Change…

Note that the PSAT will be on Wednesday, not Tuesday of next week.

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – Jimmy Carter. The winner of the prize was Austin Parker.

This Week’s Puzzle – In most Westernized countries, you will never find this in a hotel.

This is just to remind you that the school will be closed on Friday, the 14^th

One Down...

2011-10-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

vol 2 – Issue 5 September 29, 2011

JH/HS Intramurals Cancelled

During ITBS Testing week there will not be any intramurals at the secondary level. We will be altering the schedule dramatically for the entire week so that we can still maintain a high level of academic growth even while we are measuring progress. The schedule will resume, the week following. Elementary intramurals will continue as planned.

TCJA Board Member Passes

We are deeply saddened to announce that longtime Richland (TCJA) Board representative, Jim McNeil, lost his battle with cancer this past week. Dr. McNeil has been a guiding force at TCJA, only recently stepping down from leading the academic committee as chair, a position he has held for the last ten years.

Dr. McNeil was quite intentional about his interest in Adventist education. He would take time to review student textbooks, read documentation, and dialog one-on-one with teachers. He even spent time on the K-12 committee at the Conference office. Throughout his time on our board at TCJA, Dr. McNeil was also involved with higher education, serving in an advisory capacity at Loma Linda University.

We extend our sympathy to the McNeil family as they mourn their loss. Dr. McNeil shall be missed.

Elementary and Middle School Intramurals

The first round of games finished yesterday. The Whitecaps and Earthquakes are tied with a win and a tie each. The Galaxy have played well but have been shorthanded with players missing due to illness. The first game in the second round is today. There are two more rounds to go.

Classes during ITBS Week

We are aiming at minimizing the amount of homework during test week, while maintaining academic integrity, so we will continue offering zero hour bells and gymnastics, elementary PE classes and music classes. The times for these classes may vary slightly, so watch the classroom schedules.

Wilderness Ventures Canoeing / Kayaking Trip

We need a firm count to know how many students we are planning for, for the Wilderness Ventures canoeing trip on Priest Lake. We will, therefore, conclude sign-ups next Thursday (October 6). We are looking for up to 15 people to brave the water for a weekend of adventure. The cost for the trip is $30 and includes all transportation, all meals, etc.

October
3-7 ITBS (Test Week)

8 ABC Food and Book Sale (7:00-9:00pm)

10-13 ASB School-Spirit Week

11 PSAT (in Walla Walla)

14 Teacher In-service at Mivoden – NO SCHOOL

14-16 Wilderness Ventures Canoeing / Kayaking Trip

17-21 Red Ribbon Week

25 End of the First Quarter

………………………………………………….

Let’s Move Day / Yardsale… (reprint from last week)

Small World Learning Center is promoting Let’s Move Day with a special 1K run. In conjunction with the 1k walk/run, which students and/or parents are welcome to go through as often as they wish, Small World is also hosting a yard sale that morning. All proceeds go towards the purchase of a dishwasher for SWLC.

The run and the sale are form 8:00 through noon.

Biology Trip - Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes every Friday until frost… donations accepted on behalf of the biology class.

Mr. O’s Pick…

JB Lopez – again this week, it’s a PE pick. JB was acknowledging the efforts of his teammates and his opponents alike, referencing specific plays in his compliments… We like when people build up people. your Swing by my office Monday to pick up your TCJA citizenship muffin.

Classes during ITBS Week

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – Coopers were barrel makers. Christian Lebold was the first one to answer, though we had other participants.

This Week’s Puzzle – Which leader of a country retired from that job, but went on to create living spaces for people who were less fortunate.

The first eighth

2011-09-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

vol 2 – Issue 4 September 22, 2011

ITBS and PSAT

The Iowa Test of Basic Skills is an aptitude Assessment that we run each year. Each year our 3^rd through 10^th grades students participate in this battery of tests allowing us to track yearly development. In order to foster best results, we encourage students to get plenty of sleep, eat regular and substantive meals, and exercise. We will run a special schedule all week to accommodate the test schedule without increasing the school hours.

9th and 10^th grade students who would like to write the PSAT may do so. They can sign up at the office and pay the testing fee of $25. We will transport students to and from WWVA, but they will need to bring along a sack lunch. They will leave TCJA at 6:30am and return by 1:00pm on the day of the testing. There is limited enrollment.

Tumbling begins Monday

With our gym floor somewhat completed, we will begin tumbling on Monday of this coming week (September 26) during zero hour (7:40-8:20am). Students in grades 5 through 10 are welcome to come to the try-outs. A $25 fee will cover the first month. Thereafter, tumbling costs $20 per month.

Please note that to maintain standing on the team, students need to have near perfect attendance. If for any reason, students cut practice, they may be allowed to finish out the month they are in but then asked to no longer participate on the team.

Elementary and Middle School Intramurals

Elementary and MS (grades 1-6) intramural soccer will begin on Monday, September 26. Each day, Monday through Thursday will feature a game. There are three teams. By Sunday, the schedule and teams will be posted on the Athletics page of the website (tcja.org).

Wilderness Ventures Canoeing / Kayaking Trip

When all was said and done, only one student braved the hike on our last Wilderness Ventures outing, leaving us with the question, “Is Wilderness Ventures something that we wish to continue doing?” Our leader does not wish to push these forays into God’s second book, unless it is something that meets a felt need amongst the students, so we are looking for a pre-trip commitment sign up for our water trip. The cost for the trip is $30 and there is a limit of 15 participants. Once it is full, it will be closed.

Please note, that there will be no refunds except in cases of dire exigency.

September

23-25 Pathfinder Camporee

29 Volleyball and Flag Football @ Lake City (3:30pm)

October 3

3-7 ITBS (Test Week)

8 ABC Food and Book Sale (7:00-9:00pm)

10-13 ASB School-Spirit Week

11 PSAT (in Walla Walla)

14 Teacher In-service at Mivoden – NO SCHOOL

14-16 Wilderness Ventures Canoeing / Kayaking Trip

17-21 Red Ribbon Week

25 End of the First Quarter

………………………………………………….

Let’s Move Day / Yardsale…

The run and the sale are form 8:00 through noon.

Biology Trip - Tomatoes

Every Friday until frost, the HS biology class has fresh picked tomatoes for you. Bag them up, take them home and donate what you would like to the class Rosario trip.

Tomatoes are compliments of Macs Garden Center.

Mission Trip - Fundraiser

This is the last week to pick up some of our Sycamore firewood in exchange for a donation towards the mission trip. The same rules as those for the tomatoes fundraiser apply. We have no set price. Give as you are blessed; take as you need.

Mr. O’s Pick…

Andy Willett – your PE teacher tells me that you cooperate all the time, participate in every activity, and are just a joy to have in class. Come to my office Monday to pick up your TCJA citizenship muffin.

7-10 After-School Sports… Games begin

This coming week, games begin in earnest for after-school soccer, volleyball and football. Watch the website (Athletics tab) for updates.

Mr. O’s Puzzler

Last Week’s Answer – Rush Hour Traffic by Gordon Henschel… a ferry boat, seine boats, gill netters and a pod of Orcas in the Gordon Group of islands.

This Week’s Puzzle – People used to get their last names from places they lived, jobs etc. Where did Coopers get their name?

2011-09-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

vol 2 – Issue 2 September 9, 2011
September 9, 2011

ASB Student Elections…
Yesterday morning at the close of the Assembly program we elected our student government leaders. The ASB meets Tuesday and Friday mornings in the 9/10 room during zero hour, to plan and coordinate student activities. The student elected officers for 2011-2012 are:
President: Lexi Scotson
Spiritual Vice-President: Catherine Harwood
Social Vice-President: Madison Waldo
Participation in student government is open to all 7^th through 10^th graders. If participating, regular attendance is expected.

Biology Trip - Fundraiser
The Freshmen and Sophomore classes from Tri City Junior Academy would like to ask your support for their biology field trip in the coming spring. They will be picking and bringing to TCJA ripe garden fresh tomatoes for you on each Friday until frost. They have red, yellow, pink, green, and multicolored ones in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many of them are heirloom varieties but there are traditional varieties as well. So whether you need some for sandwiches, salsas, or a big canning job they have what you need. They have no scale so they are being offered on a donation basis.

Mission Trip - Fundraiser
You may have noticed that our playground sycamore has been removed and made into firewood, compliments of Carl Kostoff. We are inviting those who would like the firewood to swing by and pick some up in exchange for a donation towards the mission trip. The same rules as those for the tomatoes fundraiser apply. We have no set price. Give as you are blessed; take as you need.

ASB Movie Night
ASB’s first event will be a movie night on Saturday, September 17 at 7:45 pm. The title of the movie will be announced in next week’s Dirt. We will be showing the movie in Mr. Saxby’s classroom. ASB will move the tables out of the room to accommodate seating, and we encourage you to bring your own comfortable chair to sit in (bean bags, etc.)! The event will run until around 9:30pm.

7-10 After-School Sports Schedules
The schedules are online for all three of the Sports teams (Soccer, Flag Football, Volleyball). Check by clicking on the Athletics tab.

September
11 Band / Choir Pool Party (3:00-6:00)
12-16 Grades 5-6 Outdoor School
16-18 Wilderness Ventures Backpack Trip
17 ASB Movie Night

October
3 School Pictures
3-7 ITBS Testing
6-8 Fall Classic (Soccer, Volleyball)
8 ABC Sale & Fundraiser Supper
10-13 ASB Spirit Week
………………………………………………….
Mr. O’s Pick…
Parris Williams has been going the extra mile helping out in intramurals and cleaning the classroom on top of her regular job. Thanx for the extra effort and for the great attitude. Come in Monday for your muffin.

Wilderness Ventures… Reminder
We still have room for a few people who might want to take in the annual backpacking trip. They leave Friday morning and will spend through Sunday midday in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Again, there is a $25 fee to participate in this event, which covers all food and travel (except if we stop at Miner’s or some other venue on the return home).

Muffin Mondays
Mondays are still Muffin days. They sell for 75¢ each. Any other day, they are $1.
………………………………………………….

Soccer Practice
Sunday morning… 9:00 for an hour and a half. Students who are interested in playing at the Walla Walla U tournament should be at practice as we will need to cut 6 to 8 positions.

First Week

2011-09-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

vol 2 – Issue 1 September 1, 2011

Welcome to the New Year…

We are on track for an exciting school year, with our biggest classes ever in first grade (16), kindergarten (18) and pre-kindergarten (18). If all goes according to plan, we could be looking at splitting grades in our primary program as early as next year, a very positive step in our plan to grow to be a full-service (twelve grade - plus K and PK) school.

This is just a reminder that school dismisses on Fridays and on shortened days at 1:00pm. Check the calendar if you are not certain when shortened days occur.

If you are new to the school and you find that the rest of us are doing things out of habit, however we are not providing enough information, please ask. I apologize in advance. We try to repeat the steps each year, however sometimes, we learn to operate by routine and we need to be reminded so that everyone can stay up to speed.

School Improvements

We had hoped to be completed laying our new gym floor prior to the school year starting, however we are well behind schedule on this project. Currently we have hit the twenty-foot mark, which means that we still have eighty feet to go. We anticipate being In the gym by mid-September and will keep you updated on that process. Meanwhile, hopefully the fall weather holds for us.

The old soccer field is also undergoing some face lifting. TCJA alumnus, Loren Watts has been rotor-tilling and grading the field so that we could put in a track and a football field.

Unfortunately, the great tree that was in the corner had to be removed for the rest of the project to be done correctly, but we hope to turn that gift from the eighth grade class of 89 into benches on the field. Again, watch for information and updates.

Home & School Polo Exchange

This year our Home & School association has put together a polo shirt exchange. In the North hall they have put up a rack. If parents or students see something they like, feel free to take it. If you want to donate gently used polos, fold and place them on the shelves for laundering. Thank-you.

Hot Lunch Feedback

Please advise us early as to pros and cons of the hot lunch program. We are running the program differently than we have the past several years, and we are prepared to make changes if what we are doing isn’t working. Also, students need to order by 9:00 so that food handlers can prepare accordingly.

September

5 Labor Day – No School

11 Band / Choir Pool Party (3:00-6:00)

12-16 Grades 5-6 Outdoor School

16-18 Wilderness Ventures Backpack Trip

………………………………………………….

Mr. O’s Pick…

This week I want to especially recognize two young men who spent many hours helping out at the school over the summer. Abe Baik and Bradley Birney – thanx for your dedication to TCJA. Come in Monday for your complimentary muffins.

Wilderness Ventures

This past weekend 17 people spent from Friday evening through Sunday morning in God’s great gift to man – nature. We camped at Rimrock Lake and had a restive weekend, kayaking on and playing in the water, hiking Round Mountain, and looking at stars. The next WV event is the annual backpacking trip. There is a $25 fee to participate in this event, and we are limited to 10 people plus the leaders. The first ten 7^th through 10^th graders to sign up and pay the dues will have those spots. They will be packing about 10 miles into the Goat Rocks area.

After School Sports – 7-10

We have three after school sports programs in place. All of them practice from 3:30 to 5:00. Girls have volleyball Mondays through Thursdays. Boys (and interested girls) have flag football on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boys also have soccer on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is some outside cost for participating in any of these three programs. Contact the office if you will need more information

Music Trip Calendar and Event Change

You might note in the calendar that the band and choir are scheduled to have a campout on the weekend of September 9^th and 10^th. Unfortunately the venue that they were planning to use is no longer available to us for that weekend. Instead, these groups will be having a pool party at the Irvine’s house. There will be food and games, and added to the water, it sounds like a recipe for a good time.

Muffin Mondays

By popular student demand, we will continue to make muffins (Costco variety) available to the students on Mondays, for pretty close to cost (75¢ each). Last year, students began to come in every day, but that does create a disruption to our routines. We don’t want anyone going hungry (when they don’t have lunches, etc.) so we will work with you on those days, however, on any day except Mondays (or Tuesdays following holiday Mondays), muffins will be $1.00.

Exam Schedule

2011-05-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

Issue 25 May 19, 2011

Upcoming High School Exams…

May 31 9:15–Phys Ed, 12:45–Spanish & Computer Applications
June 1 9:15–Science, 12:45–Northwest History & Keyboarding
June 2 9:25–English, 12:45–Bible
June 3 8:30–Assembly, 9:45–Algebra 1 & Algebra 2

We have added Tuesday, May 31 to the high school exam schedule so that we are able to get everything in. Tuesday through Thursday, high school students will need to arrive at school by 9:00 and they will be able to leave as early as 2:45. On Friday, They need to arrive at 8:30 as there will be a general student assembly. Again, they may leave when they finish their last exam at 11:30.

K through 8^th grades will meet and leave at the regular times. 8:30 to 3:15, Tuesday to Thursday; 1:00 on Friday.

Study hall is available for High school students who arrive earlier or leave later to accommodate travel schedules.

Track Meet Rescheduled

Well, based on the weather reports, we made a decision to cancel, and it turns out to have been the wrong decision. Tuesday was a beautiful day, and our students were frustrated that they had practiced to no end. We checked with Pasco High, and it turns out we can do a make-up event this coming Friday. And so, we are scheduling a grades 1-6 track day at Edgar Brown for May 27. Our 7/8 classes will still be away that day on their class trip and our 9/10s will just have returned. We will start at 8:30 and students can be picked up from the field as early as 1:00. Those who are not picked up by then will be returned to the school by 2:00.

School Constituency…

Currently, four Adventist churches in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Kennewick Spanish, Richland, and Riverview) own and operate TCJA. Besides serving students from each of these four churches, we also have students from Ephesus, Grandview, Othello, Pasco Spanish, and The Reach attending our school. This makes for a lot of juggling when we try to do programs on weekends, and we appreciate the flexibility of our school families over this past year, inviting us in to worship at your various churches, and forgiving us for taking your families so the children could do programs elsewhere on Sabbaths.

HS Open Review Sessions

For those who are interested, Mr. B will run a HS Science Review from 8:30 to 9:05 on Tuesday, May 31. That same day, Mr. O will run an English Review from 2:45 to 3:30.

May

23 Muffin Monday (last one for the year)

23-26 9/10 Class Trip

25-27 7/8 Class Trip

27 Track Meet (8:30-1 @ Edgar Brown)

30 Memorial Day – No School

31 HS Exams Begin (PE, Computers, Spanish)

June

1 HS Exams Continue (Science, NW History)

2 HS Exams Continue (English, Bible)

2 PK-6 School Concert / Year-end program – 6:30

3 HS Exams Continue (Algebra 1 and 2)

5 7-10 School Closing and Awards program – 7:00

6 Last day of School

………………………………………………….

Student Article

People are addicted to social networking. I Googled “Greatest Social Problem.” One of the results I got was “Facebook solves the greatest social networking problem.” It was not the first result, it was about halfway down the page, and it occurred to me that perhaps the social network is our greatest social problem. Some people, even adults, are almost constantly connected to Facebook and other social networking sites. Technology allows almost anyone to get on Facebook and other sites almost whenever and wherever they want: at home, at the office, in their cars, even church; and they do. People become seriously addicted. They post the most random things that nobody cares about and put up pictures that nobody wants to look at. Fans of these sites try to amass as many “friends” as they possibly can. Instead of actually meeting with and talking to others face-to-face, people just talk on social networking sites. This means that “social” networking sites may actually be making people less social, something we really do not need happening in our society. Many people’s social skills are already poor enough, probably thanks in part to these sites, we do not need them getting worse. After all, if you can talk to anyone from the comfort of your recliner, (or church pew for that matter) why go have a meaningful conversation with maybe just one or two?

By Cameron Smith

Riddle - Mr. O’s Stumper

Be the first student (Fri morning on) from each division (primary, middle school, elementary) to come into the office, answer the question and get a prize.

Some Presidents are great – others, not so much. Which President was OK?

changes

2011-05-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Issue 24 May 12, 2011

Staffing Change

We are saddened to announce that Mr. Wilson and his family will be leaving us after six years here at TCJA. Mr. Wilson has accepted a call to leave the classroom and follow his Administrative training as the Vice-principal at Blue Mountain Academy, a boarding school of 200+ students in Pennsylvania. He will be completing his responsibilities here in mid-June, after the end of our current school year.

We thank Mr. Wilson for the years he has spent here and wish him well in this new phase of his professional experience. We also wish Jayden and Shayla all the best in their new schools next year.

Elementary Intramurals…

Elementary intramurals will begin in the gym this coming week. For two weeks we will be playing Maxball, a Newgame designed by a student in a PE class about 27 years ago. First through sixth graders who think they may be interested are invited to come to the gym on Monday at 12:15 to be introduced to the game. After that, they can sign up to be on a team, with two games taking place each day for the next two weeks, Monday through Thursday.

Upcoming High School Exams…

High school freshmen and sophomores will be sitting for exams from June 1 through June 3. On Wednesday and Thursday, they will need to arrive at school by 9:00 and they will be able to leave as early as 2:45. On Friday, They need to arrive at 8:30 as there will be a general student assembly. Again, they may leave when they finish their last exam at 11:30. K through 8^th grades will meet and leave at the regular times. Watch for the exam schedule which will be posted in next week’s Dirt.

1200-Strong Update…

We are pursuing the first of our projects, beginning with a proposal to tonight’s Board to improve our gym floor. We will be applying for funds from the Capital Improvement holdings, but we are excited by the people who are signing up to be a part of the 1200-Strong, and believe that this could be an incredible year for many improvements at TCJA. In the next couple of weeks we will put a link on our website that will track the progress, holdings and developments of the 1200 strong program. We wish to thank those who have already committed, even before this program is fully off the ground.

Please prayerfully consider participating alongside those who already are part of the 1200-Strong.

May

13-15 UCC Pathfinder Fair at Lewiston

16 Muffin Monday

17 Track Meet – @ Edgar Brown – 8:30-2:00

18 Grades 1-4 field trip to Health and Safety fair

19 Music Concert (Adv. Band, Bells, Choir) – 7:00

23-27 9/10 Class Trip

25-27 7/8 Class Trip

30 Memorial Day – No School

June

1-3 High School Exams

2 PK-6 School Concert / Year-end program – 6:30

5 7-10 School Closing and Awards program – 7:00

………………………………………………….

Track Meet

May 17. Crestview Christian (Moses Lake), Hermiston Junior (middle school grades) and possibly Beacon Junior (Lewiston) will be joining us for the day. It should be a fun day. Records to be challenged are posted in hall by early next week.

7^th through 10^th graders opting not to participate will be at the school for the day (8:30 to 2:00), where there will be special academic and physical education type activities.

Classes for all students dismiss at 2:00pm, however, Bells practice will follow that dismissal time and there is a special math class that already meets Tuesday at 3:30 which will meet as usual at that time.

For those who cannot be picked up at 2:00, daycare will be provided gratis at the school until 3:30. Study Hall options will also be available for the same.

Student Feature - Mr. O’s pick

Ryan Lingscheit, Lexi Scotson and Bradley Birney – Ryan made an appointment to talk to me so he could sign up to become our youngest member of the 1200-strong program. Bradley came in April and signed up. In May he decided to pay the entire year’s commitment down. Lexi became our newest club member this morning. Several parents have also signed up their families, but I selected these three because they are jumping in with their own money. I admire that. While there won’t always be rewards for stepping up to the plate in life, this week there is. You have my pick as students of the week. There is a free muffin waiting in the office for each of you this coming Monday.

Registration Discount

The rate, up once again to $280, is still discounted from the fall rate ($380). The next cut-off date is June 10.

April is Gone

2011-05-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Issue 23 April 28, 2011

1200-Strong…

At our constituency meeting this past Monday, we talked about a plan to potentially raise up to $144,000 in one year for upgrades to the school. The plan is for every church member (and every parent and student) to participate in a systematic giving program in the amount of $10 per month for one year. You could start in April, May, June or July. We already have several people who have joined the giving program, and we are excited to see what will happen as people commit to becoming one of the 1200.

We plan to start our facelift projects as early as this summer, and as funds come in, we will continue through our list. In the last two issues of The Dirt, we asked for your input and we have had responses that tell us that the gym floor is a priority, with a school sign and fencing the yard coming in close behind.

Please prayerfully consider participating as one of the 1200-Strong.

5/6 Class Heads to Mivoden

The fifth and sixth grade class will head to Mivoden on Monday morning for one full school week, where they will be involved in Oudoor School. Mr. O will be driving the bus for the group. There will be no school activities for those students in these grades who are not participating in this trip.

Constituency Meeting

We would like to thank all of the delegates and others who came out to the constituency meeting this past week. We especially appreciate those students who came out to listen in and otherwise participate in the evening. Our most important announcement arising from the meeting is the addition of a fourth church to our governing body. We welcome the Kennewick Spanish Church as our newest partner in Adventist education in the Tri-Cities.

Elementary Intramurals…

Mr. O will be gone next week with the class that is headed to Mivoden, so the next elementary intramural league will not start up until the following week. We will be playing Maxball. Students who think they might be interested in playing are invited to come out after lunch on Monday, May 9 and try it. If they decide to continue, they wil be put on teams which will play over the next two to three weeks.

April

29 Spanish Class Bake Sale – Missions Fundraiser

29 WWVA AcroKnights / Assembly – 10:40

30 Band & Choir at Kennewick Church Service

May

1 Bloomsday

2 Muffin Monday

6 9/10 Bake Sale – Class Trip Fundraiser

10 SWLC Family Night/Celebrating Mothers – 6:00

11 Elder Folkenberg to do Assembly Worship – 9:00

13 Pathfinder Fair (through the 15^th)

17 Track Meet @ Edgar Brown – 8:30-2:00

19 Spring Music Concert – 7:00pm

………………………………………………….

Track Meet

May 17. Start Practicing. Records will be posted in the hall by early next week.

Student Feature - Mr. O’s pick

Makenna Shirinzadeh- you have been selected as this week’s student to receive a free muffin this coming Monday. Thank-you for always being so helpful and friendly.

Registration Discount

The rate, up to $230, is still a substantial discount from the fall rate ($380). The next cut-off date is May 10.

This Week’s Giveaway

I have 2 new conditions for my prize giveaways…

1. Prize winners are to be students or teachers who have not claimed a prize off of me yet this year.

2. The contests begin Friday mornings at 8:20.

Only his boot stands where this famous General’s sculpture might have been.

Items to Recycle…

We have a couple of items to give away or sell this week. First, I have a couple of music stands. The first one is complete. I am asking $2. The other is just the base and I am giving it away. You would have to purchase the top for it.

We also have a portable basketball stand with plexi-glass (plastic) backboard and breakaway hoop that we are selling for $25. We stopped using it in the gym because the base had a seam leak and wouldn’t hold water, but it could hold sand and would work. The basket needs a weld, but also will work as is.

Spring Blahs...

2011-04-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

Issue 22 April 21, 2011

TCJA Tumbling Team Update

We have been practicing all year on Tuesday and Friday mornings, with the understanding that once we were into the fourth quarter we would add individual practices after school for the small groups. 9^th and 10^th graders need to pick up a couple of sessions to meet the time requirements for their HS credit, but all other students have the option to join those groups they would like. Girls Routine goes on Mondays, Boys Routine is Tuesdays. Minitramp Routine is on Wednesdays, and Mixed Duos is on Thursdays. All practices are from 3:30 to 4:15.

Facelifts for TCJA

We have been working on the daycare building for so long that we have only completed superficial (or as needed) repairs and maintenance at TCJA over the past few years. Now that Small World Learning Center is up and running, we are in a better position to concentrate on some of the items we would like to do here.

Our Building and Grounds Committee has some ideas that currently include:

· Building a new stage, storage and music facility

· Fencing in the rest of our playing fields

· Improving the soccer, football and softball fields

· Installing basketball backboards

· Installing new lights in the grades 1-6 rooms

· Putting down a new gym floor

· Putting in a track

· Renovating the Kitchen

· Other ideas… __________________

We would like to invite all of our stakeholders to get involved in the visioning process. This includes students, parents, grandparents and church members. We will start by running a texting campaign. Pick the project you like best from the list above, or pick one of your own. Then text “student”, “parent” or “other” and your choice to (509)591-5372. We’ll announce the top four in next week’s Dirt. We’ll also announce an open meeting for people who are interested in being involved in planning.

WWVA AcroKnights coming to Assembly

Last week we announced that the Walla Walla Valley Academy AcroKnights would be hosting our assembly at 10:00 a week from this Friday (on the 29^th). The time is changed to 10:40, and while the change doesn’t affect our students much, it might impact family and friends who might be planning to come out to watch the program, so please note the change.

April

23 HS SS Potluck lunch and Palouse falls trip - $6

25 Muffin Monday

25 TCJA Constituency Meeting

27 Class Pictures

29 WWVA AcroKnights / Assembly – 10:40

30 Band & Choir at Kennewick Church Service

May

1 Bloomsday

7 Spanish Class – lead pm worship at Kennewick

17 Track Meet @ Edgar Brown – 8:30-2:00

19 Spring Music Concert – 7:00pm

………………………………………………….

Constituency Meeting

- “Owners” meeting… Monday, April 25, at 7:00pm.

- Voters are selected by the constituent churches, but all stakeholders (church members, parents of students, and students) are invited to come out and participate in school management.

- Larry Marsh (our Conference Education Superintendent) will be present and will be sharing a brief summary of the State of the Conference (with reference to education).

Track Meet

May 17. Start Practicing.

Student Feature - Mr. O’s pick

Ms. Birney was on her way into the school with an armload of books and Luke Knight ran out of his way to help her out, even though she hadn’t asked for the support. I am always excited when young people of their own volition display politeness, especially to adults besides their own teachers. Thank-you Luke. Come in and get a free muffin this coming Monday.

Registration Discount

The rate, up to $230, is still a substantial discount from the fall rate ($380). The next cut-off date is May 10.

This Week’s Giveaway

I have 2 new conditions for my prize giveaways…

1. Prize winners are to be students or teachers who have not claimed a prize off of me yet this year.

2. The contests begin Friday mornings at 8:20.

Esther picked up last week’s Orca Pen by reciting 1 Corinthians 13. This week is for girls only. I have three pairs of Freetoes to give to the first three girls (1-ES, 1-MS, 1-HS) who can recite a list of all of the US Presidents in order (ES [grs 1-3] can do the books of the Bible instead).

late entry

2011-04-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Issue 21 April 14, 2011

Constituency Meeting

This annual “owners” meeting will be taking place on Monday, April 25, at 7:~~00pm~~. While voters are selected by the constituent churches, all stakeholders (church members, parents of students, and students) are invited to come out to this informative.

WWVA AcroKnights coming to Assembly

On Friday, April 29, the Walla Walla Valley Academy AcroKnights will be hosting our Assembly. Mirroring the kinds of activities one might see at the circus, this fast paced program features a variety of gymnastics and power tumbling routines and is always a favorite performance to watch. The program will go down at 10:00, and parents or others in our school family who would like to attend are welcome to join us.

Intramurals Report

Our floor hockey intramurals is coming to a close. The games have been close in both leagues, and playoffs should be really interesting, especially if all of the players show up, as some players have not played every game because of back work or other commitments.

TCJAFHL (grades 7-10)

TEAM GP W L T PTS PF PA

Flames 4 4 0 0 8 38 10

Canucks 5 3 2 0 6 14 19

Oilers 5 2 3 0 4 14 26

Sharks 4 0 4 0 0 7 18

TCJAEFHL (grades 1-6)

TEAM GP W L T PTS PF PA

Huskies 4 2 0 2 6 5 1

Wolves 4 1 2 1 3 2 2

Cougars 4 1 2 1 3 1 5

Dream Big

What kind of improvements do you think we should make at TCJA. Text your suggestions to (509) 591-5372 or send them to office@tcja.org. Now that we have completed building the day care facility, we are starting to look at other things we can do to improve our school. We invite your input as the first stage of this process.

Library Books…

As we enter the last 7 weeks of the school year, it is time to begin with the housecleaning that attends the end of every year. It is time to bring back any library books that you might have out, and clean up your records.

April

17 Fun Run @ Jason Lee Elementary

17 Sergio & Quinell… Free Music Concert – 6:00pm

18 Staff Professional Growth Activity – No School

19 Muffin Monday (on Tuesday)

19 Small World – Family Night and Easter Program

20 Bells playing at UCC Office Meetings

25 TCJA Constituency Meeting

27 Class Pictures

30 Band & Choir at Kennewick Church Service

31 Bloomsday

May

17 Track Meet @ Edgar Brown – 8:30-2:00

19 Spring Music Concert – 7:00pm

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Track Meet

This year’s track meet is going to be on May 17. We would like to see some new records set, however, for that to happen, our students will need to have put in some practice time.

Student Feature - Mr. O’s pick

We have noticed that when the chairs are left out, you come along and push them back in so others aren’t inconvenienced. Also, your teacher says that you are very quick to help out in the classroom. So thank you Jillian Lopez for making a difference at TCJA. Come into the office at lunchtime on Tuesday for your free muffin.

Registration Discount

Although you may have missed the first deadline for early registration, it is not too late to still realize some savings. The next cut-off date is May 10. While the rate is up to $230, this is still a substantial discount from the fall rate… call the office for details.

This Week’s Giveaway

This week I am looking for the first student from each class who is able to recite an entire chapter of any of the books of the Bible written by Paul. I am not available to hear any recitals, however, until Friday morning, after 8:20.

Down the Stretch

2011-04-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Issue 20 April 7, 2011

UCA Band at TCJA to do Assembly Program

The UCA band will be doing an assembly for us tomorrow. Several of our former students are in the band, and we are excited to have them here. Parents are welcome to come out and take in the program. The Assembly will start at 10:30am.

Spanish Class Embraces Mission Project

The Spanish class has decided that they would like to take on a mission project this year, in support of Sergio’s father’s school in Tesopaco, Mexico. This self-supporting Adventist school educates high school aged young people who otherwise often could not afford Christian education. Completion at Tesopaco opens up the world of higher education to them.

Our Spanish class will be preparing a Mexican hot lunch this coming Wednesday – enchiladas, Spanish rice, dessert, etc. Also, on a Friday, yet to be determined, they will be selling Mexican pastries and other desserts. They will also be delivering pre-ordered bags of enchiladas. For more information, or to order enchiladas, talk to a Spanish class student.

Track Meet is Coming Up

On May 17 students from a number of smaller schools will join with our students at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium for a day of Track and Field events. Students should be practicing now so that they will be able to blow away some records that day. A complete listing of records will be posted in the hall within the next week.

Elementary Floor Hockey

We have three teams in our league and we are having a good time. Mondays to Thursdays, from 12:15 until 12:40 are our games. In our first game, the Wolves defeated the Cougars, 1-0. The second game, between the Wolves and the Huskies, saw the two teams play to a 0-0 tie. The schedule resumes this coming Monday. Students who are anxious to know the schedule can find that posted at our webpage under the Athletics Tab.

Prayer Warriors

The TCJA Staff would like to thank our church members who so faithfully have been praying for our students over the past month. While we had asked you to especially pray during the Week of Prayer time, many of you have told me that you are continuing to keep these children in your prayers – and everyone is noticing and feeling the difference. Thank you so much for this commitment.

April

8 Best Registration Discount closes

8 UCA Band put on Assembly program @ 10:30am 8-11 Bells Mini-tour

11 Muffin Monday

13 Spanish Class Fundraiser Lunch – for Tesopaco

17 Spring Fever FunRun… see Sally Shadle

18 Staff Professional Growth Activity – No School

19 Small World – Family Night and Easter Program

25 TCJA Constituency Meeting

27 Class Pictures

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Student Feature - Mr. O’s pick

Wednesday evening I was in the gym after the Riverview Pathfinder program, helping Mr. Dickerson load up our risers, which the men’s chorus would be using. Derick Menendez ran over and asked if we could use some help, which we did. When we were done, before I could say thanks, he took off and was out of there – no expectations. Derick, I have noticed you offering help around school, carrying boxes, holding doors... Your positivity and willingness to help is appreciated. Come to the office on Monday for your free muffin, on us.

I am on the lookout weekly for random acts of selflessness. Could you be my pick of the week, next?

Early Registration Discount

This Friday is the last day to register for 2011-2012 at substantial savings… call the office for details.

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Mr. O’s giveaways…

Be the first elementary (grades 1-6) or upper grade (7-10) students to tell me the answers I have in mind for each of the following questions.

1. …regarding Joseph… from Genesis. Many people who study that time period believe that this method was how Jacob made Joseph’s many-colored coat.

2. …we love to eat these rocks – in fact… the only rocks humans eat.

3. …right now this play is the most popular play in the world.

Fourth Quarter

2011-04-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

Issue 19 March 31, 2011

Angels on Overtime

Of the 100+ students that we have at TCJA, 48 signed in their Spring Break destinations and we told you where they were heading in the last issue of The Dirt. Then, it was up to you to calculate the miles travelled for your shot at a free WWU Wolfpack Sweatshirt. Our winner will be announced at Assembly tomorrow morning (9:15am), so you still have time to get your numbers in. This is open to any readers of The Dirt. Log into the archive newsletter from last week, to calculate your answers. Until we announce the final numbers, we can only say that our angels worked overtime, keeping us safe. We are pleased to be able to report that everyone has checked back in for the last quarter of the school year.

Spring Fever 5K and 1M Run…

Sally Shadle is coordinating a Fun Run / Fundraiser benefitting Jason Lee Elementary School’s After School Program. The event will be held on April 17, and is open to people of all ages. The Richland Seventh-day Adventist Church has been committed to outreach to the Jason Lee Elementary School Community for some time now, and this is an opportunity to assist those church members in that outreach and provide a social outlet at the same time. There is a fee to participate. It is $5 and $12 for those who register by April 4, and $7 and $15 for those who register after that date. For more information, contact Sally at shadles81@gmail.com or check the Richland webpage at www.myrichlandchurch.org.

Church Program at Riverview

April 2^nd… this is our last full-school church program of the year. If you have not attended one yet this year, don’t miss this one. This year, each program is different than the ones that went before them. Our school’s portion of the program begins at 11:00am, however, the teachers are asking that you bring students at least 15 minutes before the program begins so that we can be better organized.

Also, after this church service there will be a potluck lunch for all attendees. Please bring a dish or two of your favorite foods and stay and share in the meal following the service.

School Text…

We would like to post a text in the entryway of the school – one that could serve as a guiding motto for the school. Submit your ideas of texts that could so unite us.

April

2 Church Service at Riverview

4 Pre-K through 2^nd grade – Visitation Day

4 Muffin Monday

6-7 Parent Teacher Conferences (1:00 dismissal)

8 Best Registration Discount closes

8-11 Bells Mini-tour

18 Staff Professional Growth Activity – No School

19 Small World – Family Night and Easter Program

25 TCJA Constituency Meeting

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Student Feature - Mr. O’s pick

High School Sophomore, Zaonna Seely comes in an hour and a half early each morning to make sure trash cans are emptied and halls are vacuumed. She remains positive and friendly and helps TCJA look its best. Thank you Zaonna. Come to the office on Monday for your free muffin, on us.

I am on the lookout weekly for random acts of selflessness. Could you be my pick of the week, next?

Early Registration Discount

and now... Spring Break

2011-03-17T19:57:00.001-07:00

Issue 18 March 17, 2011

Spring Break

One more day and then Spring Break is here. The school will be closed from 1:00 tomorrow (Friday the 18^th) until Monday morning’s zero-hour Band class, March 28. Here are the numbers reporting: Seattle-5, Missoula-1, Montreal-2, Bluewood-6, Oregon Coast-3, Coeur d’Alene-4, Spokane-3, Los Angeles-1, Brazil, 1, Prescott-1, Sacramento-1, Las Vegas-1, Big White-2, Washington D.C.-1 Ford (WA)-8, Tucanan-2, Hawaii-2, Battleground-1, Enterprize-1 Death Valley-1, and White Pass-1.

Remember the puzzle in last week’s Dirt… If you have forgotten it, check out the last issue of The Dirt online and follow the links to the Archive Page. Mr. O says that he can’t wait to give stuff away.

Week of Prayer Wrap-up…

Tomorrow also marks the end of our Week of Prayer. Our students have really enjoyed having Myron Wareham here with us. We have been learning through games and stories that God really likes us and desires a friendship with us. As a culminating experience, Myron Wareham has planned a social activity for tomorrow morning, following his last Week of Prayer meeting. This will involve our 6^th through 10^th grade students.

Floor Hockey Intramurals…

Secondary Floor hockey intramurals is well under way and the students are having a wonderful time. The week that we return from Spring Break, the weather will be good for outdoor activities, so Mr. O will be starting up floor hockey intramurals for the elementary students who want to play. Games will be Monday through Thursday during the lunch period for three weeks.

Portable Computers available for sale…

Mr. Shearer has leads on a number of refurbished portable HP computers. They are decently priced in the $300 range and with the Intel Duo Core processor and a choice of Operating Systems, would make an excellent first student computer. For more information or for Mr. Shearer’s contact information, please contact the office.

Church Program at Riverview

April 2^nd… don’t forget to put it in your calendar. All grades (K through 10) are participating, and it works best if full classes can be there.

March

18 Social Activity… Grs 5-10 – 10:30am-11:30am

18 last day of 3^rd Quarter

21-25 Spring Break

28 Muffin Monday

April

2 Church Service at Riverview

4 Pre-K through 2^nd grade – Visitation Day

6-7 Parent Teacher Conferences (1:00 dismissal)

8 Best Registration Discount closes

8-11 Bells Mini-tour

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Student Feature - Mr. O’s pick

I would like to add a weekly feature to The Dirt, starting this week. Each week, the student featured can come in the following Monday for a free muffin, on us. I will be looking for random acts of selflessness.

This week’s student was one of the music leaders in the K-6 Week of Prayer meetings. I observed her catching the door and holding it for others, encouraging younger children to participate, smiling and positively encouraging her peers, and in general, really presenting a Christ-like attitude. Thank-you Gabriela Lopez-Samayoa.

Early Registration Discount

Week of Prayer

2011-03-14T06:01:00.000-07:00

Issue 17 March 10, 2011

Spring Break

Next Friday (the 18^th) our students will be wrapping up the third quarter and heading out to Spring Break. It might be fun to see what everyone is up to over the break. Students and teachers who are interested in participating can stop by the office to let us know where they are heading and we’ll put a full list in the 18^th issue of The Dirt.

Students can venture a guess at the cumulative number of land miles travelled by everyone who checks in. Then, during the first week of April, students can stop by the office to venture one guess at that number. I have a Wolfpack Hoodie to award the closest guess.

Looking for Sabbath Afternoon Opportunity…

The Kennewick church is running a form of Sunshine Band on the first and third Sabbaths of each month. They go over to the Tri-Cities Retirement Inns and share music, etc. with the residents during the afternoon. The group is seeking students who might be interested in providing special music of any kind or who may be able to play piano or guitar and accompany those singing. They also invite singers to join them.

For contact information, get in touch with the school office and we will pass on contact information.

Week of Prayer

Don’t forget that next week is our annual spring week of prayer. Come prepared to participate and draw closer to God during this time of spiritual emphasis.

We invite parents, grandparents or other supporters of TCJA to lift up our speaker, Myron Wareham, and our students & teachers in prayer each morning and evening this coming week – our desire is that the Holy Spirit will descend on our school and that our children will more fully understand the saving relationship that we are offered through Jesus Christ.

Visitation Day…

During the Public Schools’ Spring Break, we offer a one-day opportunity for potential Pre-K through 2^nd grade students and/or their parents to check out what we have to offer. Students join us for worship at 8:30 and stay with us through the lunch hour. This gives them the chance to see several aspects of our program, including the play activities. Current students who bring friends to school from families that are not currently attending will earn free registration for next year if the friends register.

March

11 Bells Bake sale (11:30-1:30)

12 Cherokee Pathfinder fundraising supper

13 ABC Sale (12:00-2:00pm)

13 9/10 fundraiser / Chili-dogs, fries, etc.

14 Muffin Monday

14-18 Spring Week of Prayer

18 last day of 3^rd Quarter

21-25 Spring Break

April

2 Church Service at Riverview

4 Pre-K through 2^nd grade – Visitation Day

6-7 Parent Teacher Conferences (1:00 dismissal)

8 Best Registration Discount closes

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Early Registration Discount

ABC Sale Coming up…

March 13… at our gym. Great opportunity to stock up on reading material, missionary and outreach pamphlets and books and vegetarian food products. Gr 9/10 class will be running a fundraising supper that evening. Watch for updates.

Church Program at Riverview

April 2^nd… don’t forget to put it in your calendar. All grades (K through 10) are participating.

Spring...at Last!

2011-03-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

Issue 16 March 3, 2011

Final Church Program for the Year

On April 2^nd our students will be descending on Riverview Church to share in the presentation of the worship service. Earlier this year we went to Kennewick and Richland and this is our last school-wide program of this sort for this school year. Each program has been somewhat different from the last and this one will be no exception. Please plan to come and worship with us on that day.

Floor Hockey Intramurals Begin…

This week we set up our floor hockey season and we will start intramural games on Tuesday, the 8^th. There are 4 teams and enthusiasm is running high. Of all the sports we do in intramurals, hockey seems to generate the greatest participation with 91% of our 7^th to 10^th graders signing up to be on a team.

Week of Prayer Schedule

Myron Wareham, a former electrician, middle school teacher, elementary and high school principal, and superintendent of schools has left the offices and gone back to the classroom so he could work with kids. Since he teaches in California, his spring break is not the same as ours. This allows him to take his break to come and lead in our worship. He will meet with our 7^th to 10^th graders first thing in the morning (8:30), our 1^st through 6^th graders at 9:30 and our Small World people at 10:15. Parents who are able to do so, and who would like to join us are more than welcome to do so. Also, we solicit all of your prayers as we come to this part of our school year – that God’s hand will be in the details and that children will make decisions to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts.

Band/Choir Trip Modified…

Though the band and choir were scheduled to leave today, that has been changed and they will be leaving on Friday (tomorrow) morning instead. They have a program scheduled for Grandview School followed by some leisure time activities. They will be nighting over at the All-Nations center in Wapato and presenting the worship service there on Sabbath. Saturday afternoon they will present a vespers program at Selah. After supper and some games, they will return home. The plan is to be back at the school by 9:00, Sabbath evening.

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March 4^th NO Tumbling… that’s an order. (pun intended)

…this allows students to prep better for the music trip.

March

3-5 Band/Choir Mini Tour

7 Muffin Monday

8 SWLC Family Night (6:00pm)

11 Bells Bake sale (11:30-1:30)

12 Cherokee Pathfinder fundraising supper

13 ABC Sale (12:00-2:00pm)

13 9/10 fundraiser / Chili-dogs, fries, etc.

14-18 Spring Week of Prayer

18 last day of 3^rd Quarter

21-25 Spring Break

April

2 Church Service at Riverview

4 Pre-K through 2^nd grade – Visitation Day

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Early Registration Discount

ABC Sale Coming up…

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Giveaway…

This week I’m giving away small pieces of saltwater taffy to any students who take the time to recite (to me) an eight-line (or more lines) poem.

Out Like a Lamb...

2011-02-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

Issue 15 February 24, 2011

Music Department Fundraising Dinner

Let’s Go To The Movies is the theme for this year’s February music fundraiser. This is the second year that we are featuring this mid-year music program, and for those who don’t remember last year’s treat, we come together on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the music of the various TCJA ensembles. There is no fee for the program; rather, the fundraising portion of the evening comes by way of the snacks that are available for a donation to the music program. Groups performing include the beginner and advanced band, the beginner and advanced bells and the elementary and advanced choirs.

Kennewick Spanish Church to host Open Gym Night

This Saturday evening, the 26^th, our gym will be open for worship at 5:00pm followed by games. The ladies of the congregation have also put together a variety of foods that they will be selling, once the games portion of the evening begins. The evening is open to everyone in the TCJA family, so come on out for fun and fellowship.

Basketball…Done

Though we had originally planned to carry our elementary basketball through to spring break, it appears that interest is waning, so we have concluded that season along with our other programs, which also concluded this past week. The rate will be prorated from $50 to $30 to make up for that difference.

Week of Prayer – Coming Soon

Myron Wareham is a former electrician, middle school teacher, elementary and high school principal, and superintendent of schools, and a current 5^th grade teacher in Southern California who has taken his Spring Break this year to come to us and lead in our Week of Prayer experience. We are excited about this upcoming week, the

Week before our Spring Break.

TCJA Intramural Basketball Ends

The Wisconsin team lost only one game in the season, and that, it was only because they had to forfeit as many of their players were either ill or detained through not having all of their classwork in. Earlier today, they faced off against Maine who defeated Utah in the semifinals last Tuesday. Wisconsin continued their winning season scoring 24 to Maine’s 18. Wisconsin consists of the following members:

Bradley Birney, Brandon Mitchell, Jaeleah Settlemier, Justin Wenham, Krystil Hinsley, Mr. Wilson

February

25 Columbia Basin Ringers Concert in Yakima (noon)

27 Mid-Year Concert (6:00pm)

28 Muffin Monday

March

3-5 Band/Choir Mini Tour

8 SWLC Family Night (6:00pm)

13 ABC Sale (12:00-2:00pm)

18 last day of 3^rd Quarter

21-25 Spring Break

April

2 Church Service at Riverview

4 Pre-K through 2^nd grade – Visitation Day

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Early Registration Discount

ABC Sale Coming up…

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Giveaway…

This week’s prize is for the first person who can tell me about a yearly celebration (somewhere in North America) of the occupation that first brought Europeans to this part of the country.

The contest opens at 8:00 Monday morning.

Long Weekend...

2011-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Issue 14 February 17, 2011

Hockey Across America

5^th grader, Eric Shearer sent me an email the other day, notifying me that this coming weekend has been marked as Hockey Across America Weekend. One of the initiatives is playing the game, but another one is the wearing of hockey jerseys. Eric was hoping that we could get into the activity by allowing our students to opt out of polo shirts and wear hockey jerseys instead. Tomorrow (Friday the 18^th) we will do just that. If you have a hockey jersey or hockey t-shirt (shirt with a hockey team logo or hockey picture) you are welcome to wear it to school.

Hearing, Vision and Health Screening

Next Friday, the 25^th, TCJA alumnus, Quijuana Oucharek will be here along with 3 other senior nursing students from Walla Walla University’s Portland Campus to do hearing screenings for our students. At the same time, Dorothy Patchett, Greg’s grandma, will be leading out in vision screening. From 11:30 on we will also be open to teachers and community (parents, grandparents) having blood pressure checks and screenings. We appreciate these volunteers for gifting their time and their knowledge in these fields.

Basketball Season Draws to a Close

Varsity ball ended at home this week with games against Lake City. Both teams played incredibly well and if you missed them, you missed some awesome ball handling and shooting. We want to thank our coaches for volunteering to run these programs for us. Next year we have commitments from the coaches that allow us to put into the local league for league play. While this will be a bit more costly, we are excited about the stability that being in league promises.

Week of Prayer – Coming Soon

Week before our Spring Break.

TCJAIBL Wraps Up Next Week

A number of players on the Indiana squad suffered injuries in snowboarding and other places, so they were knocked out early. Now, Utah and Maine play Tuesday to see who takes on first-place Wisconsin Thursday in the title match.

February

21 Presidents’ Day (No School)

22 Muffin Monday (on Tuesday)

25 Hearing, Vision, Health Screening

25 Columbia Basin Ringers Concert in Yakima (noon)

27 Mid-Year Concert (6:00pm)

March

3-5 Band/Choir Mini Tour

13 ABC Sale

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Early Registration Discount

ABC Sale Coming up…

Out of Office

Mrs. O’s grandma passed away and I am leaving this afternoon to take her to the funeral. I will be out of the office until Tuesday. For questions or concerns, you can reach me through email. I apologize for the inconvenience.

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Giveaway…

If a person, through some tragedy, lost his or her right arm, there is one sport that that person could never play. I have a hat for the first student in grades 1 to 4 who can give me the answer. One note, if you have claimed a hat already this year, you are not eligible for another.

For 6^th through 10^th graders, on two events, animals shaped wars or laws. How did a pig shape a war and a cow shape a law in American history.

Valentines...

2011-02-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Issue 13 February 10, 2011

Streams of Light Campaign Update

Many of you may remember the Streams of Light campaign that our Conference initiated in 2004. The goal was to raise $6 million and now, nearly 7 years later, we are almost at our goal. To check out where we are at or how the money is being used, or to donate to the fund, go to http://www.uccsda.org/development.

School Doors Open at 8:15am

In the mornings, more and more students who are not in zero hour classes have been coming to the school before 8:15. Before school care is provided at the Small World Learning Center for students who are 6^th grade and below. 7^th grade students and older are allowed to come into the school early, however, this is prep time for teachers. Requesting that they use this time to supervise students is unfair to them as it cuts into their time management for their other students. Also, some teachers have meetings in the mornings and others have classes they instruct, so we do not have the wherewithal to operate a program at TCJA.

As a matter of more carefully providing for supervision of all students, Mr. O will be providing work space for 7^th through 10^th grade students in the computer lab. All students who arrive early but who are not enrolled in a zero-hour class are expected to be in this study room. 6^th grade students and younger who show at the main school building will be ushered over to the day care.

Middle School Boys Basketball Comes to an End

Next week will be the last week of basketball for the MS Boys. They have a game on Tuesday at 4:00pm at Country Christian School and on Thursday, the coach is planning a game against the parents. That game, also, is at 4:00pm, however it will be at our school. Following the game there will be a skills competition, a yearbook photo op, and a small year-end party. We plan to be done the activities about 6:00pm.

Hat Giveaways – Mr. O’s Trivia Contests

I have been asked if I actually give away all the hats I offer. While some are never collected, I do give quite a few hats away to those who are able to answer my giveaway questions. So far this year, the following people have claimed hats off of me:

Ryan Lingscheit (4), Austin Parker (4), Josh Brunkhorst (T), Hannah Morrison (K), Emilee Shearer (2), Luke Irvine (6), and Lexi Scotson (8).

Will you claim the next one?

...............................................................................

February

10 School Board Meeting (7:00pm)

11 HS Salsa cook-off & vespers (5:30 at Riverview)

12 Games night at TCJA Gym (6:30pm)

13 1-day HS Basketball Tournament at UCA

14 Muffin Monday

14 HS Girls Basketball @ LCJA (3:30pm)

14 HS Boys Basketball @ LCJA (5:00pm)

15 MS Boys Basketball @ Country (5:00pm)

16 HS Girls Basketball vs LCJA @ TCJA (3:30pm)

16 HS Boys Basketball vs LCJA @ TCJA (5:00pm)

21 Presidents’ Day (No School)

25 Columbia Basin Ringers Concert in Yakima (noon)

27 Mid-Year Concert (6:00pm)

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Early Registration Discount

Salsa Cook-off (High School)

HS students are invited to bring a bowl of homemade salsa and some chips to a salsa cook-off / vespers party at the Riverview church this Friday evening.

Technology (mis)Use at School…

Parents – you pay for the techie entrapments, so please ensure their responsible use… Texting, taking calls, or Instant Messaging during class time is not acceptable.

TCJABL Standings

Team	GP	W	L	PF	PA	+/-	Pts
Wisconsin	4	4	0	114	61	53	8
Utah	4	2	2	92	105	-13	4
Maine	4	2	2	69	80	-11	4
Indiana	4	0	4	51	80	-29	0

Giveaway…

Be the first to correctly give me the names of twins who currently play on the same team in any professional sport (along with the sport and the team name) and I have a hat for you.