May Flowers at Sion

Rain showers, warmer weather, and the blossoming of spring flowers indicate that the end of the school year is near. At this time, we prepare to celebrate another wonderful year of joyful learning, growth, service, and camaraderie at Sion. In the same manner, we look forward to congratulating the Grade School Class of 2017, as they set new goals, dream new dreams as they embark on their new journey to high school and beyond. 

Academics

Student for a Day
It is truly an honor and privilege to visit classrooms throughout the year, and witness first-hand how every day is a beautiful day for teaching and learning at Sion. In addition to routine visits, I always follow students' schedules and become "a student for a day" as I attend classes with them. I am always amazed by the knowledge, dedication, passion, and commitment of our expert middle school faculty to tailor each lesson to the unique gifts and needs of every student in a rigorous academic environment, while also modeling lifelong learning and fostering intrinsic motivation. Likewise, our extraordinarily talented students are also a constant source of joy and inspiration. They are master inquirers, knowledge seekers, servant leaders, and empowered learners who are not afraid of being risk-takers and apply critical thinking skills to solve problems. 

Whether students are learning about the anatomy and physiology of a squid and frog, finding the most appropriate technique to build igloos from recycled materials or creating Gelli prints, analyzing literature and writing poetry, solving inequalities, or delving into study of different cultures (see pictures below), Sion students are active and engaged learners who have a voice. Their voice teach us how they learn best, what their hopes, interests and expertise are, and how we can better support their learning, by empowering students to be the best that they can be. At Sion, we always include student voice in our teaching and learning practices.

Missouri Math League
Congratulations to 7th and 8th grade students and Mr. Weems for placing 6th out of 20 schools in the Missouri State Math League Competition, and to Maya R. and Nate S, for placing in the Top 31 students in the whole State ! Vive Sion!

Maya R., Mr. Weems, & Nate S.

Foreign Language Film Festival
Congratulations to our 8th grade Spanish students and Sra. Gonzalez for obtaining 2nd and 3rd place at the Foreign Language Film Festival at the University of Central Missouri. 

Andrew L., Caroline G., Olivia S., Sophie H., Oscar S., Luke H., Alex M., Josie K., Violet A., & Ana C.

Spring Musical

This year's Sion's Middle School Musical took place on April 27 and 28 at 6:30 pm in the gym. Adapted for young performers from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture, and based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, The Little Mermaid JR. took the audience in an enchanting journey of love and acceptance, which flows seamlessly between land and sea. Congratulations to our extraordinarily talented students, cast, and crew on a magical production, and thank you to everyone who helped made it a great success!

---

Spring Concert
Our K-8 Spring Concert took place on Tuesday, May 9 at 8:15 am. It was a wonderful celebration of all the teaching and learning that has taken place this school year in Mrs. Stafford's classroom. Each Middle School grade performed two songs in the Band Instruments and did a fantastic job! 

Eighth Grade Awards & More
Celebrations for the Grade School Class of 2017 started today with the traditional end-of-year 8th Grade Awards Ceremony in the Chapel. Each school year, our amazing Middle School faculty presents awards to the 8th grade class in the presence of entire middle school student body. These awards are chosen by each teacher and are based on different qualities that have made a student stand out during their time in Middle School, and are usually non-academic based. Some of the awards received included: Best Lab Partner, Best World Language Movie Participation, Always Aiming High, and Tell Me More, among others. This truly heartwarming and emotional ceremony was a fantastic way to start celebrating all the wonderful accomplishments of our 8th grade students. In addition, Mr. Weems also recognized 7th and 8th students who obtained top places in the Mathematics Competitions during the year. Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

Student Life

D.C. Bound!
Continuing with one of the Grade School's most anticipated traditions, the 8th Grade Class of 2017 traveled to Washington, D.C. on April 29 with Mr. Ray, Mr. Weems, and Mrs. Dasenbrock. This educational program provided students with fast-paced and fun-filled hands-on opportunities to interact with government and history in D.C. and Gettysburg, while also meeting and engaging with students from other middle schools across the country. They had wonderful time and created memories with their Sion classmates that will last for a lifetime!

Athletics
Come and support our Boys Volleyball Team as they compete in the City Tournament. Dates and locations can be found on the Parochial League website. GO Sion Lions!

Sion Sports Boosters
Stay tuned for informational fliers that will be e-mailed/sent home regarding how to support your student athletes and promote school spirit and good sportsmanship at all sporting events.

Important Dates
Tuesday, May 9 at 8:15 am - K-8 Spring Concert in the Gym
Tuesday, May 9 at 1:20 pm - Eighth Grade Award Ceremony (students Only)
Wednesday, May 10 at 6:00 pm - Sports Booster Banquet for student athletes and their families
Thursday, May 11 - Late Start/Last day of school, 11:00 am send-off and noon dismissal for 8th grade 
Friday, May 12 at 6:30 pm - Eighth Grade Banquet in the Grande Salle
Monday, April 15 at 12:50 pm - Fifth Grade Step-Up day in the Chapel (students only)
Tuesday, April 16 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Eight Grade Breakfast/Retreat/Graduation Practice (students only)
Wednesday, April 17 at 4:15 pm -Graduation Mass & Ceremony
Thursday, April 18 - Grade 6 & 7 Field Trips/ Last Day of EDP
Friday, April 19 - Last Day of School and Noon Dismissal