Seventh Grade--Growth, Challenges, and Excitement for the Future

Hello, PCA Community! Join us around the table with the remarkable seventh-grade teaching team as we reflect on a year of growth and learning. Though you're on summer vacation, and our teachers are about to be, we wanted to capture their insights and experiences before they break for the year. This episode offers a unique opportunity to hear from the educators who have been guiding your children and to get to know each of them a little better.

7th Grade Team: Martha James, Dawn Bowden, Michaella Wood; not pictured (but certainly not forgotten): Courtney Hassell, David Moore, and Hannah Gouldrup.

We begin with introductions from Mr. David Moore, Mrs. Dawn Bowden, Mrs. Martha James, Ms. Michaella Wood, and Ms. Hannah Gouldrup. Each teacher shares their background, fun facts, and their excitement for teaching at PCA. It's a delightful start that sets the stage for deeper conversations about your children's growth.

The focus then shifts to the significant growth observed in your children over the year. Mrs. James highlights the transition challenges of moving from a single-teacher environment to a multi-teacher one and how your children have risen to meet these expectations. Ms. Gouldrup shares her experience of growing alongside her students in confidence and capability, especially through complex units like genetics.

We also delve into specific challenges your children faced and overcame as groups. Ms. Wood discusses the Independent Investigation Method (IIM) research projects, highlighting the development of thesis writing skills and the importance of pausing and practicing. Mrs. Bowden talks about the intricacies of life science, using microscopes, and the perseverance required to see and understand the parts of a cell.

Looking ahead, we share the excitement for the upcoming eighth grade. Ms. Gouldrup and Mrs. Bowden express their enthusiasm for continuing to build on the scientific thinking developed this year. Mrs. James looks forward to the growth in mathematical processes and skills, while Ms. Wood anticipates rich conversations about worldview and history.

Lastly, we touch on the spiritual growth observed in your children. Mr. Moore and Ms. Wood recount precious moments of students taking ownership of their learning and investigating profound questions about Christianity, the Bible, and God.

As we conclude, the teachers share their excitement for the new families joining PCA and the unique experiences awaiting them in seventh grade. We hope this episode gives you a glimpse into the dedication and care these teachers have for your children. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you all on campus in August. God bless you all.