7th grade star gazing. :)

Martha,

I know you're still up at the ranch, but I wanted to transmit a bit of information about something one of the groups saw last night.  I think JP was with them. 

At one point in time the students started to gasp at a very bright, very slow moving light high in the sky.  I was flummoxed, and put forth the idea that it might be an Iridium flare.  It wasn't.  Evidently what we saw was a chunk(s) of a Russian spy satellite burning up in the atmosphere.  That is extremely rare!  None of us will likely see another event like that in our life times.  Very cool.  Very bizarre.

I had a great time.  Hope the kids had fun.

Pete

--

Peter Sniegowski 

English Department Chair

St. Mary's Academy High School

Photos from DT - more to come early next week

Thank you, students, faculty and parents for your support of this meaningful trip. We observed camaraderie, tenacity, laughter and very few tears. We thank the Duncans for sharing their ranch with us. On behalf of the seventh grade faculty, Mr. Jung, Mr. McVie and MS principal, thank you to the parents who prepared the delicious meals for us to take home on Friday afternoon.

Please contact Martha Ashley if you see a photo of you that you prefer be removed!

Lots of traffic!

Those of you that travel I-25 and e-470 turnoff know that everything slows down to 20mph.  They were there 15 minutes ago.  They are moving - they are in Northglenn creeping but they are moving.
I think closer to 4pm.    Oh - Friday afternoons!  

We are anxiously waiting!

The bus has contacted us and they are on I-25 moving toward Ft. Collins.  The green mileage sign stated 87 miles to Denver.  If traffic cooperates, estimated time of arrival should be 3:45pm-4:00pm.
Yeah!  They are almost here.  :)

Friday morning!

Another beautiful night, another sunny day!  Everyone has finished breakfast and clean-up has begun.  The students are taking down the tents, cleaning the barn, and making sandwiches for the trip home.  Estimated time of arrival is 3:45.  We are hoping traffic is good.  There will be an update as soon as they hit Ft. Collins.

Thursday Afternoon!

Mrs Ashley reporting while she's hiking with amazing superstars!

A great time is being had by all.  No thunderstorms.  The aspens are changing by the minute to beautiful fall colors.   Today, charcoal was found and the students were creating wonderful art.

7th grade fish competition update:  Today was a catch and release day.
  Boys - 20 fish                 Girls  - 3 fish

Everyone is doing well and smiling.

Thursday morning!

The weather is beautiful!  Mr. Sniegowski from the high school has been visiting the Diamond Tail campers with his sun telescope and star telescope.  The 7th graders had a great star-gazing party last night.  Many, many stars and constellations were seen.

We seem to have a fishing competition going on.  All fish are rainbow trouts ranging from 11"-13".

  7th grade - Mr. Pritchard caught 2 fish yesterday and Hayden caught her very 1st trout and was so very excited.  All students helped gut the fish and tasted trout at dinner time.

 6th grade - Let's not forget - Ethan Heflen caught 2 trouts and Gabby Adams also caught a trout!  

Will the boys catch any fish today?  The stories will continue.  Everyone is safe, healthy and happy!

7th grade!!!

The 7th grade arrived safely.  The transition between the 6th and 7th grade went very smooth and efficient.  I am assured that they will not go hungry, due to the many snacks.  Thank you everyone.  Update tomorrow at 9:30a.m.  The stars are magnificent and they should have lots of fun.

Home safe and sound!

The 6th graders are in the arms of their parents.  Yeah!  They will have a late start Thursday at 9:05am and also a well deserved dress down day.  See you all tomorrow!

Great News!

The busses are making their way through Ft. Collins.  See you at 4pm!!!!

Delay for 6th grade Diamond Tail campers -

Hello Parents, the 6th grade campers are in Laramie, Wyoming on their way home.  Busses are moving.  Expected time is 4pm.  We hope traffic is good!

Wednesday morning!

We had a very busy morning.  The 7th graders packed up their busses and took off at 7:15am for Diamond Tail.  When the 7th grade and busses arrive at Diamond Tail they will unload and load the 6th grade for their trip home.  Breakfast was served and clean up is underway.  As soon as we hear from the 6th grade teachers in Cheyenne or Ft. Collins we will be able to let you know the approximate time of pick up.  We have been blessed with another wonderful day.

Tuesday afternoon!

 Martha reporting:
Things are going really well!  The boys hiked to Jenkins Pond and came back with 2 trouts for supper tonight.  (We do have additional food!)  They are now working on a project with their leaders. The girls worked on an art project this morning and now are at Jenkins Pond.  The weather and the mountains are stunning.  Trees are starting to turn and they are gorgeous.  Everyone is healthy.  There are a few blisters, but no stomach aches or head aches.  Super 6th grade class!  Prayers of gratitude.

Tuesday morning!

It was a great night!  Clear skies and warm.  Great night, no tears,  just wonderful story telling. We had a  great breakfast and getting ready for a busy day of sunshine and fun.  Mrs. Ashley reported that we have wonderful 6th graders.  :)

Arrived Safe!!!

Hello from Diamond Tail!  The busses arrived safe and sound and all campers are HAPPY!  They are enjoying absolutely beautiful weather and are involved in team building games with all of their teachers.   Next blog tomorrow at 10am!  We will wish upon a star for continued great weather!

Hello Parents and Students,

Departure time is nearing for Diamond Tail! Hip Hip Hooray

6th grade meets at Bishop Evans Sports Center at 6:30-6:45 a.m. on Monday, September 15
6th grade returns to St. Mary's Academy Wednesday, September 17. Check blog for time of return rather than calling the school. Thank you!

Bring a warm sleeping bag and thick ground pad, gloves, hat and warm coat for after the sun goes down.  

Bring two water bottles! Bring a journal and several pens and pencils! 

Remember, St. Mary's Academy trips are always unplugged - no cell phone, cameras, iPods or other gadgets. Give your family big hugs and remind them that you are going to be fine and so are they. Remind them to check the blog. 


7th grade meets at Bishop Evans Sports Center at 6:30-6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17
7th grade returns to St. Mary's Academy Friday, September 19. Check blog for time of return rather than calling the school. Thank you!

Bring a warm sleeping bag and thick ground pad, gloves, hat and warm coat for after the sun goes down. 

Bring two water bottles! Bring a journal and several pens and pencils! 

Remember, St. Mary's Academy trips are always unplugged - no cell phone, cameras, iPods or other gadgets. Give your family big hugs and remind them that you are going to be fine and so are they. Remind them to check the blog. 

No shorts or sleeveless shirts please! The environment is rough. 

Diamond Tail Photos from the Past

6th Grade Departure, Arrival and Late-Start Thursday

Hello Parents and Students,

Two big comfortable coaches will meet you on Monday morning, September 15 in the BESC parking lot. Please arrive between 6:30 a.m. and 6:45 a.m.

You will empty your snack contributions into bins and ensure that a teacher has any prescription meds you might need to take.

Teachers will direct you on how to load your camping gear under the bus. Remember to have a small back pack for hiking that you carry to your seat with you. Pack your carry-on back pack with two full water bottles, a light jacket, a light rain jacket, sunscreen, your journal, cards, a few snacks for the road, a book to read....

The drive is about 4 hours. There is a bathroom on the bus. This is a great time to nap, talk, play card games or read.

We ask that you not bring electronic devices, including cameras. We will take lots of photos to share with you later. This is an unplugged experience. You will be surprised at what a relief that can be. :)

You will return on Wednesday, September 17. The arrival time is difficult to predict. We ask carpool drivers and parents to keep their eye on the blog rather than calling St. Mary's Academy.  This allows us to keep the lines free for updates from the travelers. We will post the estimated time of arrival when the coaches are in Fort Collins and update thereafter. It could be 2:30 p.m. at the earliest or as late as 4:30 p.m. Traffic, weather and departure time from Diamond Tail all play a role.

Thursday, for those who are able to take advantage of it, classes will not begin until 9:05 a.m. Due to parent schedules, some students will need to arrive at school at the regular time. Don't worry, Mr. Garcia will be at school to welcome you into a study hall.

Yippee-Yi-Ya! We're going camping soon.

Trip Preparation

Students will soon experience the stunning beauty of the Diamond Tail Ranch, a working bison ranch. Tent camping, hiking, team-building activities, fishing and a tour of the ranch take place over three days. This is a relaxed environment in which to make new friends and get to know teachers. This is an opportunity to connect with nature, reflect and challenge self.

The event is carefully planned and meaningful. This is the eighth year we have traveled to Diamond Tail. Daily, this blog will be updated with how we are doing.

A packing list has been prepared so that you can anticipate items you might need to borrow for the trip. Sixth grade students are scheduled for a Monday to Wednesday, September 15-17 and seventh grade students for Wednesday, September 17-19.

We expect cold temps at night so please borrow a really warm sleeping bag and a thicker rather than thinner ground mat.

If you will be taking prescription meds during the trip, please bring those in a zip lock bag with the doctor's label for administration and the student's name clearly visible and give them to one of the sixth grade teachers before boarding the bus to Diamond Tail. These meds will be kept in the cabin and administered during meal times or when noted on the container.

Please call or email if you have questions about the trip.

Martha Ashley
Middle School Principal
mashley@smanet.org
303-762-8300 x213

Diane Siennicki
Middle School Administrative Assistant
dsiennicki@smanet.org
303-762-8300 x250