Hey everybody!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year we have Wednesday off, thanks to our hard work during BBW. Last week some juniors went in the fall encounter, and in English we welcomed them back with a banquet; we all brought our own food and we talked to one another as also an end to our mindfulness week. During mindfulness week, we were encouraged to put down our technology, get out in nature, spend time with family, things like that. In my English class we also went on a short field trip to PSU to look at the student art show and the native America art exhibit. It was a nice experience to talk among my class mates and get to know some of them better.

In Latin class we got into groups of 3 and made our own apples to apples game with latin terms. We later tested our game with others, and it was so much fun! In science Olympiad we have been given our final teams and positions. I am on the SMA blue team and my events are dynamic planet, electric vehicle, and robot arm. I am very excited for our first competition during early January in Camas, Washington. I hope our team can make it to Nationals this year!

Natalie Dunlap



                                                              

Me right before thanksgiving break.                                       Me and my friend during Latin class.

Hey everybody!

I'm so excited to post for you all again. Being a junior, college is right around the corner and I'll be applying soon. It can be hard to know what to do, but luckily we have college counselor to help us with that! Recently all the juniors had a college meeting in the auditorium, and that was very helpful. We discussed what we want to get out of the college we go to, such as the kinds of professors we want to work with and what kind of housing we want at college and things like that.

Wednesday is Veterans Day, and we have the day off. I'm very excited to spend the day with my family. Both my parents served in the navy, so today is more than just no school for us. In my Latin class, we are participating in stoic week. Basically it's a week where we are present in every situation, and using a lot less technology. We are trying to free ourselves of distractions and appreciate what we have and the people we are with. Can't wait to talk to you next time!

Natalie Dunlap





                                                   

Me during morning activity block.             The first stages of my electric vehicle for science olympiad

Hey Everybody!

The past few weeks I've had a great time here at SMA, especially at the Founders Day mass! The Founders Day mass is when we celebrate the sisters who started our school, and we honor our alumni. We had one alum from way back in 1935, and I felt so honored to see her. It's just a reminder of how strong our school is and how far we can still go. Science Olympiad has also been going well. We have just started to begin our research and projects in preparation for our state tournament, and I can't wait!

More recently, I celebrated Halloween and it was so much fun. I dressed up as a ghost and went out with my family for trick or treating and had a great time being with them. After Halloween, I worked at Open House the next afternoon. I handed out folders and greeted people who are thinking about attending our school. It was amazing to see so many people and I am glad I had the opportunity to see so many perspective families and share my love of SMA. I hope you all had an amazing week, talk to you next time!

Natalie Dunlap



                                                 
My friend Milla and I during TA.                                                My friend Jax and I during Latin class

Hey everyone! These past few weeks have been crazy for me. Now that the beginning of school has past, most clubs have started! I myself am in writers club, and so far it has been very interesting. We had a very passionate discussion about books we like and dislike, and I look forward to more meetings in the future! Science Olympiad has also started, and I'm very excited!   We have been given our events for this year, and I am very happy with them. My events are invasive species, electric vehicle, and robotic arm. I can't wait to starts working with my teammates for the new season. I also attended the father-daughter dinner dance with my dad. We had a delicious dinner and listened to some heartfelt speeches the seniors delivered to their fathers.

Blues Bridge Walk (BBW), a school fundraiser,  happened just last week and it was so much fun. We ended up raising our goal of $100,000 and now we get an extra day off of school! The walk itself was a lot of fun. I walked with my friend Milla, and we ended up at the front of the walk with the seniors. That was a lot of hard work, but it was nice to talk with friends and enjoy our SMA community. Before the walk, we had spirit week! The theme was Smamily, and I thought it was hilarious. My favorite day was tourist day, because everyone looked so silly and I had a good laugh. I took my PSAT this past week; It was a long hard test, but it'll help me be prepared for the real test.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for me!

Natalie Dunlap

                                

My father and I at the dance.               Me waiting for the bell to ring in the hallway

Hello!

I hope everyone was prepared for the back to school season. I know for me I couldn't wait for school to start. I was so excited to meet my new teachers, start classes and see my friends again. My favorite class this year would have to be chemistry, because of my passion for science. I'm not taking any AP or honors classes this year, but the one thing about SMA is that I am still accurately challenged even if I don't take AP or honors classes. I work hard in all my classes and they are just the right pace for me.

The best thing this week was the food lab in chemistry. We each had a partner and had to observe foods such as cookies, toast, soda and other foods. Unfortunately I had a small spill and my lab book got covered in oil from salad dressing! On the plus side, my lab book now smells olive oil, which is a nice scent. Another fun thing happening is my TA decided to collect money so we can make a trip to Costco to get lots of delicious foods to share! TA is our teacher advisor and a group of about 20 girls who we are with to support each other all four years. I love the TA I have, and throughout my years here at SMA we have built a great community.

I can't wait to see what junior year has in store for me, and all the new things I will experience!

-Natalie Dunlap




                                                            

Me and my friend Audrey                         Me after my Science Olympiad tournament this past spring