The English class has been abuzz with creative minds writing a “Contrast Poem.” After reading and dissecting the poem “Commandeered” written by Lucy Gertrude Moberley in 1915, the boys then applied the technique to write a poem about Joey, the horse in our literature study War Horse, who is sent off to World War I.

Below are some of their masterpieces:

Joey in Peace and War

Roosters crowing, first comes morning, shining sun,

Though he once walked, grazing hills, peaceful days,

Always Love.

Now along paths, ever walking, painful days and constant working,

Never sun, always rain, bright flashes, loud noises

Always lonely, never ending.

by Cory

Joey in Peace and War

Before the day, that horrid day

The day that he got sold.

Before that day, he was so kind.

He was as wise as is the old.

Bloody, bloody, is the war.

The damn, infernal war.

Bloody, bloody, he is is today.

While he is at death’s door.

by Patrick

Joey

Through the summer and winter together,

Plowing, cutting, and harvesting

Walking and trotting

One way than the other.

The troops joked and laughed

But the moment we docked

The wounded lay everywhere

I can hear gunfire everywhere.

by Michael

Peace/War

People were cheering as we walked

Flowers were on our uniforms

So many smiles, teary eyes

Hundreds of men were happy, yet sad

The sun was setting, everything was bright.

Blood everywhere, dull faces

Dirty uniforms, guns shooting

Injured men are yelling, old pictures

Tons dead, marching forward

Today is the end of all.

by Jimmy

Vincent, Alexander and Dain help deliver the Team LEGO science presentation today before lunch

The LEGO League regional qualifier is tomorrow. This means that the Cherokee Creek LEGO Team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the different aspects of tomorrow’s competition: evaluation of programming, robot runs, expression of LEGO League values…and the science presentation.

The science presentation is a scripted skit the boys perform to illustrate their understanding of research they have conducted related to this year’s LEGO League theme, Food Factor. Our team has focused on hand washing as an aspect of food handling.

A sample of the team’s script has been included below. Check out the team’s instructions on proper hand washing technique (delivered in the style of rap, courtesy of Alexander’s musical writing skills):

Alright check this!
Wet you hands with clean running water
Use soap it don’t matter is it’s warma or colda
Scrub them well, backs too, under nails between your fingers
But be careful! The germs will keep clingin on!
So if you need a timer, twice you sing the Happy Birthday song!
Wash for twenty seconds, you got time to spare,
And after that you can dry your hands with towel or air! Word.

In English class this week, students began reading our “Warrior Quarter” book, The War Horse. The tale is told completely from the point of view of Joey, the horse. After discussing how stories can vary depending on who’s telling it, the boys went to work writing a story from another point of view.

Enjoy “A Walk, To a Dog” by Loucas:

“Walk?”

I heard that great word. The world that inevitably left me jumping in circles with my tail wagging faster than a trucker down the interstate.

“Come on girl, we’re going for a walk, girl!”

When I heard that a second time, I went nuts like a herding dog in a field of disobedient sheep. I knew I was gonna have some crazy fun on this walk.

“Stay girl.”

I followed the command instantly, without hesitation. I felt like letting go of my obedience and acting a fool of myself, but I helped myself … although I did let a few twitches go. He buckled the leash to my choke chain and immediately I let my discipline go and started running circles.

I was finally ready to go. I walked a a slightly faster pace than him so I could assert my dominance over him. I constantly gaped at my surroundings. There were fascinating cars, houses, lawnmowers … It was all so overwhelming.

Without even know it, I ended up back at my home. The outside world slowly closed off to me. My leash was taken off. I laid down on a slightly damp towel that I’ve designated as my bed in a pool of contented exhaustion.

Introducing this year’s CCBS LEGO League team! Congratulations to (pictured above from left) Eddie, Rick, Alexander, Dain, Vincent, Tommy and Michael! Along with Coach (and Math Teacher) Nick Linscott, these gentlemen will represent CCBS at the regional qualifier this Saturday with “gracious professionalism,” a core value of F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League.

At Saturday’s event the team will demonstrate their knowledge of this year’s theme: Food Factor through a science presentation. They will also be interviewed by judges to gauge their professionalism and ability to work well together. And, of course, central to all of this will be the three robot runs, when the Bears will test their programming skills with a timed challenge course for their robot to perform.

We’ll keep you posted on the results.

GO BEARS!!!

The Bears headed onto the court in Walhalla last night looking confident and skilled. Their practice has clearly paid off! The Bears lead the game at the end of the 1st quarter by one point (7-8) and came in just one point back at the half (15-14). The opposing team had a nice scoring streak in the third quarter ending it with a 29-18 lead, but the Bears stayed with it and continued to put points on the board, ending with a 42-30 loss to Walhalla. This was a very good season opener – one to be very proud of! Check out the photos below.

Special thanks to family and staff who made it to cheer on and support the team! GO BEARS!!

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In the next few months we have two very special programs coming up for mothers and fathers of Cherokee Creek Boys School students. It is important to note that these programs are not restricted to moms and dads. Participants may include other significant adults invested in the success of CCBS students.

On deck first is the Women of Courage Retreat in February (February 12-14), just preceding the February Family Seminar facilitated by Founder, Beth Black and Manager of Clinical Services, Jane Barker. This event is for mothers of current CCBS students. For more information please read the Women of Courage Invitation.

In April, Fathers and Sons are invited to launch into a multi-day sea kayaking adventure to Cumberland Island. The Father & Son Sea Kayaking Adventure (April 18-22 – possible evening travel on April 17) will be facilitated by Cherokee Creek staff and Breakwater Expeditions and is designed to be the perfect combination of activity, rest, relationship development and fun! For trip details, download the Cumberland Island Trip Packet.

Both of these events have limited availability. Please RSVP to Beth Venable if you are interested in attending: (864) 647-1885 or via email at bvenable@cherokeecreek.net.

We look forward to seeing you!