Eighth Grade 2009-2010
April 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . .
The eighth grade have been very busy this year. They have been on many field trips and learning many things. The recent two trips the eighth grade took were to the Chrism Mass in Kansas City and Wichita for state Science Olympiad. Science Olympiad was fun and everyone had a great experience even though nobody placed. In English, Mrs. Kramer put them to work learning about gods and goddesses by reading mythological stories. On the other hand, Civil War has been very interesting in social studies for the eighth grade. Religion has also been a big part of their life for the eighth grade. They are learning about morality. They have recently completed the math state assessments. All of the eighth grade cannot wait till May 21st. This is the ultimate fun day ! It is graduation day !
By Abe Elder 2010 April Trojan Tribune
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Taken from the December Trojan Tribune Newsletter:
The eighth grade has been a busy class lately. With sports, Science Olympiad for some, and all their other classes they are kept out of trouble. Recently, they have been participating in celebrating Advent with the 7th and 6th graders by gathering around the Advent wreath and having a prayer service every morning, except on mass days. In Mrs. Kramer’s class, they are writing persuasive essays and reading the sequel to Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry, which is Let the Circle be Unbroken. These books are about a black family that faces racism and cruelty after the Civil War, but learn to over come it. In geometry, they have been learning about proportions and trigonometry. In Science, they have been learning about the weather and soon will be learning about the human body. In Social Studies, they are reaching the end of the Jefferson Era and will begin studying Manifest Destiny soon. All the eighth graders are very excited for Christmas and Christmas break as well. This year Hannah Dodd would like a chi hair straighter, Ross Hermesh wants an I-Pod touch, a new phone is what Micheala Stallbaumer wants, Lisa Olberding also wants a phone. Lilly Clark is still not quite for sure what she wants, but Luke Runnebaum knows he wants an x-box 360, Alex Rottinghaus wants the game Maden 10 for his x-box. Melissa Nordus just wants some money. Hopefully they have all been good and get these gifts, but hopefully they all understand the true meaning of Christmas, too.
Written by Kacie Steinlage
DECEMBER 21, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
* IN THE SPOTLIGHT *
Blake Francis Gregory Schmitz
Blake Schmitz was born on November 30, 1995 at Nemaha valley Community Hospital to the proud parents of Shawn and Tammy Schmitz. He has three siblings, Christian, Brad, and Caitlyn. Here are some of Blake’s favorite things:
Song: Guns and Roses- “Welcome to the Jungle”
Color: Purple
Pets: 2 dogs- Holly and Princess
Store: American Eagle
Movie: Grand Tarino
Food: steak
Team: K-State
Sport: Football
Teacher: Mrs. Uphaus
Blake was sad that football was over, but was excited for basketball. He will always remember winning O.T.L. basketball when he was a 7th grader. Blake and his family went to Disney world on December 2nd- December 6th. When Blake grows up, he plans to go to K-State University and become a vet.
By Madison Koch
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Lisa Marie Olberding
In Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, a beautiful little girl was born. Her name was Lisa Olberding. The date was April 19, 1996! She grew up on a farm in the country. Right now she is thirteen and has two dogs and two cats. The two dog’s names are Buddy and Scooter. The cat’s names are Tippi and Angel. Her hobbies are basketball and scrap booking. Basketball is her favorite sport. She is an athlete like no other, when she is up to make a shot, no problem for Lisa! She is a Kansas fan (KU).
By Moriah Rottinghaus
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Melissa Nordhus
Melissa Lee Nordhus was born on October 12, 1995, at Hiawatha Community Hospital to the proud parents of Steve and Bonnie Nordhus. She was welcomed home by two brothers and one sister. Melissa’s most exciting moment at Sts. Peter and Paul School is when the team placed second at O.T.L. volleyball. She has too many embarrassing moments to name.
Some of Melissa’s favorites are the following:
Colors: blue, green, purple, orange
Sports: volleyball and basketball
Show: “One Tree Hill”
Team: KSU
Movie: Stepbrothers
Melissa has enjoyed her time at S.P.P.S., but she is excited for high school.
By Hannah Dodd
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December 20, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Science Olympiad
The seventh and eighth graders are working hard in Science Olympiad. Science Olympiad is when our school competes against other schools in science. There are quite a few new events that they are learning this year, like the Junkyard Challenge, Battery Buggy, Can’t Judge a Powder, and many more. Science Olympiad is January 13, 2009. We have a really great teacher, and that person is Mrs. Haverkamp. We have quite a few people out for Science Olympiad. The people who are in it are in the following: Alex Rottinghaus, Melissa Nordhus, Blake Schmitz, Luke Runnebaum, Lisa Olberding, Lily Clark, Michaela Stallbaumer, Hannah Dodd, Colin Lierz, Logan Haverkamp, Michelle Kohake, Moriah Rottinghaus, Shaylyn Stallbaumer, Madison Koch, Janie Bramhall. The alternates are Abe Elder, Moriah Rottinghaus, and Bailey Hundley.
By Abe Elder and Colin Lierz
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December 14, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . The SPPS 8th graders took a field trip today to Crestview Manor Nursing Home. The students went to visit with the residents and the main activity of the time spent with them was to make gingerbread houses. Many residents participated in the fun. The following are photos of the eventful afternoon of making memories. (Click on a photo for an enlarged view.)
The following photos show the final products of the proud residents and students.
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Monday, October 19, 2009 . . . . . . . . .
The 8th Grade class journeyed today to Crestview Manor to visit the residents there and carve pumpkins with them. Everyone had a great time visiting and spending the time together. The pumpkins were placed in the garden outside the dining room for all residents, staff and visitors to view.
The following photos were taken of the event.
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October 15, 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . 8th Grade
Taken from the October Trojan Tribune Newsletter:
The eighth graders have worked very hard so far. They just recently completed their I.T.B.S. tests. They have also gone on a field trip to the Civil War reenactment in Pawnee City.
In religion, they are working on faith journals, which everyone enjoys. They are also preparing for Confirmation. The eighth graders wrote letters to the archbishop expressing their thanks for him scheduling time to confirm them on November 11. During math class, they are learning about functions and doing a lot of review. They just completed a series of math tests without using the calculator!!!
Social studies is very interesting this year. They completed a chapter about the Constitution and recited the Preamble from memory. Also they are working on some crossword puzzles relating to the three government branches and the Constitution.
In science, they are learning about the elements, litmus, and PH paper. They have learned that if blue litmus paper turns red it is an acid, and if it stays blue it is a base. With the PH paper, they have learned how to match the colors and see how strong of a base or acid the chemical is.
During literature class, the students have finished one unit out of their literature book. They are now reading a novel called Homecoming. They seem to enjoy reading the novels more than the literature book. They have also studied 20 different poems. Learning the poems for the test was a little confusing, but everyone did well on the test. They also had a poetry reading party where they got to wear funny hats and bring a drink. Now they are reviewing the text types and the six traits.
It seems like the eighth graders are having a wonderful year. They look forward to activities that will come later in the year. By Michaela Stallbaumer
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Teacher for the Eighth Grade Class this year is Briana Uphaus (pictured on the right in this photo).
Students in the 8th Grade Class this year are:
Lilly Clark, Hannah Dodd, Ross Hermesch, Melissa Nordhus, Lisa Olberding, Alex Rottinghaus, Luke Runnebaum, Blake Schmitz, Michaela Stallbaumer.




































