Friday's countdown to Christmas surprise was our very own board member, Susan Buxcel. She along with Diane Diekmann came to MVCA to share their October missionary trip to the Dominican Republic. They gave each student a souvenir - a peso. They also brought a special, sweet treat for the kids. The same treat they enjoyed in the hot, humid Dominican Republic. Can you guess what it was? Ice cream. Thank you Susan and Diane for sharing your experiences with MVCA and the yummy ice cream!
On Wednesday the students' countdown to Christmas surprise was making these decorative Christmas trees for their homes. Mr. Russ Leonard, our administrator, was the organizer and leader for this project. He pre-cut the trees from wood and drilled holes to accomodate the colorful lights. Fingers were a bit sticky at the end from the glue, but the smiles of accomplishment shown reflect the fun had during this project. 
Today's countdown to Christmas activity had the students creating a snowman from a pack of gum. The third graders are showing off their "dudes" for the camera. Thank you Mrs. Frederick for helping us create such a simple, but yet darling Christmas ornaments!
Terry and Jolynn Tennant came carrying wreaths, bows, lights, and metallic balls into MVCA yesterday. Their materials and instruction transformed our students into wreath designers. It is amazing how eight students can start with the same number and kinds of materials, yet each create their own unique wreath. Each one was definitely an original! THANK YOU Tennants for your time and talents!
Our countdown to Christmas on Friday found us at Majestic Bluffs sharing songs with the residents and handing out Christmas cookies. The students were able to perform the songs they will be singing for the Christmas program on Tuesday, December 16th. Thank you to Gene and Mary Whealy (Garrett and Olivia's Grandpa and Grandma) for arranging our performance and making the cookies.
Our countdown to Christmas began today with Mr. Gary Idt from Kingsway Christian Church. He came in and taught Hebrew writing to the students. Students wrote with a wooden stylus on a clay tablet similar to what Jesus used when He was a student and learning to write. Students all agreed it was fun, but hard especially trying to remember to start on the right and go to the left.
Before the students and staff headed "over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house" for Thanksgiving, we hosted 30+ family members and friends for a special meal. It was our way of saying "THANKS" to those who have given to our school and to each of us individually. The students planned and prepared half of the meal which included ham sandwiches, oreo salad, chocolate chip cookies, chicken noodle soup, and pumpkin dessert. Students set the tables and decorated them with homemade turkey favors filled with peanuts and candy. The school was definitely "cooking" with activity!!
I just had to share this photo with everyone. The students are enjoying the wind tunnel at the Washington Pavilion located in Sioux Falls, SD. Lots of goofy faces, smiles, and laughter greeted us all day long!
The third graders have been studying the lives of early settlers to the United States. Of particular interest was the close look at the variety of log cabins built for shelter by these frontiersmen. To complete this unit the dads were invited into the classroom to help their child build a log cabin. Thank you Dads for all your help and expertise!
3.25" to be exact! Missouri Valley Christian received this amount of precipitation during our wet, three day stretch this past week. Our third graders head out each morning (regardless of weather...as shown by the photo) to check the gauge and record the amount. By far this was the most received this school year which added a bit of excitement to our room. We also made our predictions as to when Yankton will receive its first, official 3" snowfall of the season. Here they are for the record...Mr. Leonard-November 28th; Mrs. Nelson-December 7; Mary-December 12; Leah-December 17; and Garrett-December 25. Judging by the twinkle in three sets of eyes when the four letter word S-N-O-W is said, I think we are ready and very eager to measure THAT precipitation, too!
The third graders enjoyed a nomadic meal on Friday. The menu included figs, raisins, cheese, bread, honey, and curds (cottage cheese). Our study of God's call to Abraham prompted our sampling and discussion of possible food Abraham ate on his faith led journey. All agreed that Abraham could have left the figs behind!
