Dear Parents,

     Students have been learning about the periodic table of elements in science class and were able to conduct tests to see if a variety of liquids were bases or acids and their strength. They grew crystals using charcoal for a substrate and mixed a solution of salt, bluing, ammonia, and water to make them grow. It was exciting to see God's hand in the creation of even the smallest particle. Coming up for us next in science is a study of mining and caves in Missouri. We will be visited by a miner on April 28th. I was fortunate to hear him speak at a Missouri Mining Seminar for teachers that I attended last summer. His company is reopening the old LaFarge mine near Dresden and we will visit that surface mine in the afternoon. They have an asphalt plant one site that we will visit as well.
     Students will learn about cave safety, formation, speleothems, and creatures. They will learn about the layers of a cave and create a "cave" with formations and creatures on the darkened stage. They will give "cave tours" by flashlight for the rest of the school. We will be going to tour Jacob's Cave near Versailles in May.
     We are finishing a study of ancient Persia and will begin learning about ancient Greece. Our textbook does a wonderful job of showing how historical events and Bible truths go hand in hand.
     Students have been learning about the literary elements of allusion, hyperbole, and imagery in reading. We finished reading The Midwife's Apprentice together and have begun probably our last novel of the school year, Milkweed. The Midwife's Apprentice's setting is during the middle ages. A young orphan girl who has no self worth becomes an apprentice to a midwife who ends up teaching her a skill and helps her see her value in the world. Milkweed is a fictional account of the beginning of the holocaust in Europe from the perspective of a young orphan who lives on the streets and doesn't remember his parents. The book report for April is a mystery. Students will be developing a "Power Point" report.
      In religion class students are learning about Pentecost and the beginnings of the early church. If you don't have a church home, or would just like to visit, you are always welcome to attend services here at St. Paul's. Saturday night services are at 5:30. Sunday morning services are at 9:00 followed by Bible Study for adults and Sunday School for children. You are also welcome to attend our Wednesday chapel services at 9:00. You will find St. Paul's to be a welcoming and friendly church family.

God's blessings,
Rhonda Tull