Throughout the year I will be highlighting our graduate aims-Academically Skilled, Curious, Empowered, Emotionally Intelligent, and Appreciative of Differences.

Navaeh Schoenfeld, an 8th grader, shares below how she and her classmates are empowered in her Advanced Art class.

In Advanced Art we work on independent projects and commission work. The commission process is a process in which the artist collaborates with the client to create a piece of art such as a drawing, painting, mural, etc. The client will give the artist specifications of what ending product they want and the artist will come up with sketches for the client to review. Once the client has approved the sketch the artist can begin work on the project. The artist can then show the client in progress photos to get critique and fix anything the client does not like. The artist can then use that feedback to make improvements and get the finished product to the client.

In this class we all lead our own art path where we try new things and advance our skills in passion projects, we also get to learn about the commission process which is a big help for artists who want to sell their art. At the beginning of class we fill out a sheet in our binder that says what we plan to work on during class, we do the same at the end of class for what we accomplished and what we plan to do next class period. Filling out these binders keeps us accountable and on task with our projects and commissions.

In my class right now we are working on many different types of commissions from ceiling tiles to pillows. A favorite project in my class is a spooky ceiling tile that we are working on for a second grade classroom. We worked together with the kids to brainstorm ideas and make a piece of art for them to enjoy. I am currently in the middle of a commission for a mural, with my group we have sketched up ideas and met with the client and gotten ideas for the wall.

It is clear from Naveah that, in her Advanced Art class, her voice and interests were leveraged through the commissioned artwork and passion projects. She also shared how she had the opportunity to collaborate with both her peers and adults.

I hope each of you have a wonderful week and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions.

Kindly,

Kim

314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

Meet Your 8th Grade Team

Mr. Eames -

My name is Tom Eames, and I will be teaching 8th grade Literature this year. This is my 10th year as a teacher at PCS, but my first in the Middle School, and I am really excited about being with this group of students again. This year we will explore four great books looking to answer the question, “What is home?” I am looking forward to working with your students and helping them reach their goals for high school and beyond.

Ms. Finan -

Hi, I’m Angela Finan, and I will teach 8th grade Writing Workshop. I have eight years teaching experience, but this is my first year teaching at PCS, and my first year back in the classroom after being home with my kids for eight years. I look forward to working together to strengthen your student’s communication skills through writing. Follow our class on Twitter and Instagram: @a_finan_class

Ms. Gladden -

Hi! My name is Donna Gladden and this year I’ll be co teaching 8th grade science with Ms. Thomas. Also I am the plan day teacher for the 8th grade team as well as engineering and instrumental music. This is my 2nd year teaching at PCS and I am not only excited about teaching my favorite subject, but seeing and meeting my students! Don’t hesitate to follow Ms. Thomas and I’s instagram page: @msthomaspcs and @missgladdenpcs

Ms. Slattery -

HI, I’m Katelyn Slattery, one of the middle school TLC teachers. This year I am teaching TLC writing, science, and a social skills group. This is my 8th year at PCS! I am looking forward to the new school and all the adventures it will bring. Follow my class on instagram to see all the fun things we are learning and doing this year. Inst: @mstlc435

Ms. Stevens-

My name is Victoria Stevens. This will be my first year teaching at PCS and my 15th year teaching. We will have a great year growing together as an 8th grade team and a PCS team. We will strengthen and grow our mathematical minds this year. I am excited for our adventure to begin.

Ms. Thomas -

Hi, my name is Kassidi Thomas. This is my 7th year at PCS and I teach 8th grade science. A few of the topics we will be exploring in science are force and motion, light, space, and heredity. If you want to know more about what is going on, follow the class on Instagram @msthomaspcs!

Mr. Wildhaber-

Howdy, my name is Marcus Wildhaber. This is my first year at PCS and my first year teaching. I am teaching 8th grade social studies. We will be focusing on geography and will explore the world’s geographical diversity, different cultures, and change over time. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year.

Athletics:

Middle School Parents,

We would love for you and your students to come and support the PCS Middle School Boys Soccer Team this season. In order to make this a great season we have some expectations, we would like the students to follow while attending the games on campus. The PCS staff have talked with all middle school students during their community time about these expectations. We would greatly appreciate it if you could also review our expectations with your middle school student if they plan on attending a soccer game or any PCS sporting event.

Expectations of the Students

The PCS staff are allowed to ask a student to leave the premises if they are out of line with any of the following expectations.

When school is over, all students should leave the campus (at dismissal) and ONLY return when it is time for the scheduled game. Students should not be roaming around campus.
- When returning, students should enter the soccer field at the Early Childhood Building gate
When the game is over students should leave campus through the Early Childhood Building gate. They are not allowed to hang around or roam the campus. Students must be picked up in a timely manner.
Students attending the game should be sitting in the student section (on the big hillside behind the goal) unless they are sitting with their parents in the family/visitor section.
Students should be respectful to each other and the visitors from the visiting team.
Students should not be using foul or threatening language.
Students should not be antagonizing the visiting team or their spectators.
Students should not be throwing anything at any of the players.
Students should pick up any trash they bring to the game.
Students should remain dressed and fully clothed while on school grounds.
If the students play music it should be appropriate for families.

Thanks,

Josh Lydon