Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Seventh Grade Civil War Celebration


This past Thursday, December 9th, the Seventh Grade held its first Civil War Celebration in the Manor House.  Blending religious holidays and the girls' studies of the American Civil War, this dinner immersed students in this period’s culture while, at the same time, providing a merry evening filled with good friends and food.   
 Students were asked to dress in the appropriate fashion of the era, such as gowns and soldier uniforms, and prepare one dish (cold or hot) served back then.  Among the more unique menu items were fried catfish, potato latkes, and sweet potato pie.   
 Activities included being greeted by “Honest Sarah”, being photographed with Gabi's festive horse Josiah owned by , socializing and eating among the Southern Belles, caroling with Mrs. Flynn, listening to an after dinner speech given by Jackie M.’s grandfather portraying Confederate General John B. Gordon, and participating in a gift exchange.   

 Additionally, many religions were represented during our dinner blessings, as Sakinah R. and Mimi N. (Muslim prayer),  Rachel G. and Sarah S. (Jewish prayer), and Halle A. (Christian prayer) consecrated the food and the event.  
 Overall, it was an unforgettable night that represented the true spirit of the holidays and the Civil War. 

Friday, December 10, 2010

SUCCESS for the GFS GRIZZLIES ROBOTICS TEAM!

Our GFS Grizzlies Robotics Team came back to the Middle School with a big success this past Monday!  On Saturday, December 4th, the team, led by Coach Jessica Lewis, competed in the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Qualifier at Liberty High School.  Of the nineteen teams competing, only seven teams would qualify for the State Championship in February. 

 (Grizzlies Team Members:  Chanler, Najuma, Emily, Emma, Jackie, Alex, and Vasi)

The Qualifier consisted of four categories: Robot Design, Robot Challenges, Teamwork and a Research Project.  The Robot Design judges looked for how well the robot was built in order to complete competition tasks.  The tasks are different challenges put on a board.  Upon seeing the board, the team has to program the robot to complete the challenges.  The challenges usually have to do with the year’s theme, and this year's theme is Biomedical Engineering.  For their research project, the Grizzlies designed a prosthetic arm that can sense pressure.


After a long day of hard work, the Grizzlies came home with the 1st Place trophy for Robot Design!  Great job, Grizzlies Team Members and Coach Lewis!  Good luck in the State Championship at the end of February!



(Photos and Text by Alex T. and Ms. Lewis)

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

2010 THREE WORD VIDEO




What would you say to the WORLD if you only had THREE WORDS?  
The 2010 Seventh Grade THREE WORD VIDEO.

Created in Digital Thinking II Class
Edited in Final Cut Express
Music Credits:  'Wave Your Flag' by K'Naan

Shop for Our Sisters in Afghanistan Fundraiser!

On Saturday, November 20th, the Seventh Grade held a fundraiser for the students at Mandawera, our Sister School in Afghanistan.  The Shopping Event was held in historic waterfront Fells Point at the Ten Thousand Villages store and The Daily Grind.  Each business donated a portion of their profits to the cause. 


The day was a big success, raising over $1200 to be donated to Women for Afghan Women.  Many Seventh Graders volunteered to raise awareness about the fundraiser on the streets of Fells Point.  They hung posters in stores, distributed flyers on the streets, and even serendaded potential shoppers!

A group of students borrowed some of the instruments from Ten Thousand Villages and went down to the Fells Point Square.  There, competing with a bag-pipe player, the students sang a songs informing people about womens' lives in Afghanistan and how we need to support them.  All of the instruments they played were completely hand made by women in other countries.  The guitar-like instruments are made out of wood, strings and even an old tomato can!



The whole event was loads of fun!  Thanks to each and every person who helped make this event a success!
- Rachel G. (photo credit:  Julianna M. and Mrs. Mallonee)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween 2010 Parade


Halloween 2010 from GFS Middle School on Vimeo.

Halloween is the best time of year. You have costumes, candy, and friends all in one day! This is the footage of our Halloween Parade. Please enjoy!