He Has Come!

Every Creature By Thee Made

On Thy Birthday Homage Paid;

Angels Lent Thee Hymn Of Praise,

Heaven The Star With Silver Rays,

Wise Men, Incense, Myrrh and Gold,

Shepherds Wonder Manifold,

Beasts The Manger,

Earth The Cave;

We The Virgin Mother Gave!

Scholarship Money

The St. Louis Archdiocese is sponsoring, through several memorials, a writing contest with pro-life as the focus of the entries. Every 8th grader has been provided with an information sheet, including the deadline, details, and award money involved. Please encourage your son or daughter to enter this very worthwhile contest. Time will provided in Mr. Diaz's class, if needed, to start or complete the entry. The deadline is February 20, 2009.

Also, remember to send you permission slip for the field trip on Monday, January 5th.

What Star Do You Follow?

Some follow money, power, alcohol, sports, and so on. Less and less people seem to follow Truth. Let your star be the One whose birth gave hope to all. Merry Christmas!

Winter! Baaa Humbug!

Yes, we are all feeling the same way, Ebenezer. Only those who don't have to drive in this mess like winter. I can handle the cold, but not the ice and large amounts of snow. The disinformation spread about ol Ebenezer is that he was cheap, but he was made so by the lousy winters in London. Had he lived in tropical conditions, some believe he would have been linked to a happier image.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

This patroness of the Americas is a powerful advocate before the Throne of God. How few people use her as a means of sanctification. The students will ask for prayers for a mom, dad, sibling, or some dire situation, but do not go downstairs to say the rosary.

Our country needs prayers, and so adults and children alike need to humble themselves and pray often (as the angel of Fatima said).

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

The teacher is presently in search of his copy of Going My Way with Bing Crosby to watch. We just completed the life of St. Rita of Cascia.

The Christmas Program is this Saturday.

Remember to turn in permission slips for the field trip on January 5th.

Immaculate Conception

Looking for some good Catholic websites? Try www.ewtn.com and www.catholic.com for orthodox information.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us!

Why Are They So Happy?

It could be that they found out that the second quarter report cards do not come out until January 15th. This means that some students will not be grounded during the Christmas holidays.

Also, many students have prepared an activity or experiment. Others? The students have until the Christmas break to complete this, not January 9!

Feast of St. Edmund Campion

Welcome back! What a day to come back to school: snowy and gray. Yet, we are closer to Christmas break.

Students have been alerted to the fact that behavior, missing homework, or failed test or quiz will result in the student(s) missing a fun hour each Friday. I spoke to some of the students today about this because of the talking.

Mrs. Diehl passed out some collection containers so that the students could collect money for the poor. I believe the 8th/7th graders collected zilch, zero, nada, last year. On the upside, it won't take much to beat last year's collection.

Advent Begins

The Advent Season begins, and we prepare for Christ's birth. Presents and the Christmas shopping season have begun contrary to the day after Thansgiving tradition. Our environment is full of sales techniques to lure us into what is contrary to our Faith. Jesus was poor and lived among the poor, yet we vie for materialism.

We are thankful for Christ's Death and Resurrection, which begins with His birth in a manger in Bethlehem.

Is Christ Our Focus?

Yesterday, we celebrated the Solemnity of Christ the King. Our focus as we enter the Advent Season must be on Christ and not the marketers for the retail industry.

Also, please ask you son or daughter to write down his/her homework. At the end of the day when they are reminded and I point to the work on the board, the same students refuse to write it down. The seventh and eighth graders who are lax will have a difficult time in high school. The teachers will not provide constant lists of missing work.

Presentation of Our Lady

"Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

Our Lady, pray for us!

Test Tomorrow

The chapter 23 test is tomorrow. We had an excellent review today. Many of those who do not normally do well on tests seemed to be prepared for the review.

Veterans' Day

Thank a Vet, today! We owe much to those who served our country.

Troubling Patterns

The seventh and eighth graders have reached an age where they want to socialize, a lot! Unfortunately, many are being infected by this cultural phenomena. On a recent SS test, if it were not for extra credit given for notes added to the test, many would have rec'd a 'D' or an 'F'.

Succeeding tests will not account for notes. Notes will be used strictly for studying.

Many of our students seem to be utterly clueless when it comes to using their time wisely. Understandably, kids want to talk with each other, but they have difficulty with prioritizing their time. When the teacher looks back for each student's grade status for progress reports (or report cards) the students who struggle are wanting extra credit work.

Some changes have been enacted starting with before and after regular classes: homeroom. All will be expected to sit at their desks and work on something, quietly.

Vote Life!

"It is a poverty that a child must die so that others may live as they wish."

Our country does have a national religion and that is money. We vote money, we place money above all, and sadly above the life of humans. An abortionist has one job: kill the baby. This is why the Church holds that abortion is an intrinsic evil. Don't compare the killing of children to soldiers at war, legislation, or plant and animal life. There is no comparison.

Whole Lotta Tests Goin' On!

Next week, our classes will be full of tests. The schedule, right now, looks like this:

Tuesday-8th & 7th grade Math tests

Nov. 4 8th & 7th grade Religion test

Wednesday-6th & 5th grade Geography test

8th & 7th Social Studies test

Nov. 5

Thursday-5th - 8th grade Science tests

We will certainly conduct reviews the day before each test. Today, the 8/7th grades had a review on Math and they will have another review Monday.

Mr. Diaz Will Be Gone Thursday

Mr. Diaz will be at a seminar tomorrow attending a daylong session representing Good Shepherd School. The kids will be in the capable hands of Mrs. Connors, and Mr. Diaz has plenty of fun work for his students.

I know he will miss them and they will miss him, but that's life.

Feast of Sts. Simon & Jude

Some have a devotion to one of these saints, St Jude. He has been called the saint of the impossible, and boy do we need him now. Our national election will be held next Tuesday, and none of the candidates seem the least bit concerned with the unborn. 4,000 babies die each day at the hands of an abortionist, and yes they do feel pain.

Would Jesus affirm our desire to cast our vote with money being the primary concern? Does life hold second place in our hearts?

Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us!

What Part Of Thou Shall Not Kill Don't We Understand?

Please consider the plight of the unborn children who will be effected by our nation's national election this November 4th. A child may be aborted through all 9 months and late term abortions are especially gruesome. "See!
I will not
forget you...
I have carved
you
on the palm
of my hand"

Isaiah 49:15

How can we forget those whom God promises to remember? Remember, all previous Pope's have defined abortion as an intrinsic evil (i.e., there is no licit reason for any abortion).

Your signature may be needed!

Most of the fifth grade students will need a graded quiz signed. Unfortunately, when the teacher was reviewing the reading assignment in Geography a few students elected not to listen. The quiz grades reflect the poor listening habits. During our class discussion, the 5th graders learned that a breakdown in listening can have bad consequences.

The students know that mom and dad will hold them accountable. This speaks volumes for the parents here: thank you. The hope is that the kids will know that it is in their best interest to settle down.

Could There Be A Quiz A Comin'?

The fifth and sixth grades may be facing a quiz tomorrow, and for good measure so might the 7th & 8th grades. The junior high has a small amount of reading, but past experience shows that even small amounts do not get read.

We have also begun reading "The Giver" as part of SS. This provides a scenario of absolute control by a government and what the ramifications are. A knowledge of history is critical for the survival of a country.

Our Lady of Medjugorje

The kids watched a 20/20 episode on Medjugorje that was produced about 15 years ago. Thought this would be of interest since several people from the parish went to Europe recently.

Although the Church as not made a decision on this site and series of apparitions, the message from a secular news program was very positive. Conversion was the overriding message. Our Lady, pray for us!

Autumn School Days

Welcome back from fall break. Small schools are such a rarity and a great blessing. So many of the people I have known who are very bright have attended one and two room schools. How many of us are led to believe that without all the "bells and whistles" students are unable to learn. This is a myth that is perpetuated as fact. Good Shepherd's small community is at the heart of its success, that is the parents. Thank you for the time and support you, the parents, provide.

Something to Consider

The students will be responsible for two Science experiments or activities this quarter. They may use anything from our books or from an Internet source (with prior approval). This includes books they have at home.

The student must also explain the experiments connection to Science. What is he/she trying to do with the activity? Some explanation , however brief, should accompany the experiment.

Have a great two week break!

Feast of The Guardian Angels

Today, we honor our Guardian Angel. This would be a good time to thank them for what they do and what they try to do. The angels respect our free will, but when we sin we sadden our closest friend, our Guardian Angel. Say a prayer to them in thanks for the holy spirit they are. Holy Angels, pray for us!

Yes, there is homework!

There is Science (girls receive 2 days), SS, and Math work due tomorrow. Much time was given in class to get ahead in the work. The boys had much of the morning to accomplish work, while the girls were in music hearing a talk by Mrs. Connors. Most of the boys did not take advantage of the time.

I asked each one if he understood the homework and each responded in the affirmative. Check the blog.

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael

Monday, we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels. How often do we take them for granted? How often do we make up our own rules when it comes to these creations of God?

Michael threw Lucifer out of heaven, Gabriel visited Mary, and various angels were also messengers for God to his people. At the end of each rosary, the kids say the prayer to our Guardian Angels. Each of us has been given our own angel who will remain with us for eternity.

Invoke these holy spirits. Ask for their protection. Stories abound by people who have devotions to the angels and how the angels have protected them or their family. Archangels and Guardian Angels, guide us and protect us!

Math Club?

We have an opportunity to take part in a math club, and an option to compete, online, against other schools. This would be, apparently, a rigorous challenge if our kids want to compete. This may be something you want to discuss with your student(s). There may be a fair amount of extracurricular work involved.

The Verdict Is In

As we wait for the verdict in "To Kill A Mockingbird," testing begins-but we will take what time there is to continue with the book. We have also started the movie, so the kids can list the differences between the two.

Testing Week

Be sure your kids get plenty of rest for the Iowa Basic Test next week. Try to get some food into your son or daughter before he/she heads to school. Kids think with a clearer head when they have some nourishment.

Almost Finished

The seventh and eighth grade classes are near the end of the book. We should be past page 200 today. The kids will also see the movie with Gregory Peck and the students will have to provide a number of differences between the book and the movie. Some of the students are having difficulty focusing on the reading, but this will (or, should) help them as they proceed to high school. The expectation is that they plod through, inspite of their interest or disinterest.

From a historical perspective, we have discussed the time period (1930s), the location (south) and the civil right status of African Americans. Just prior to this period, our SS books provide a basic look at Reconstruction and the North-South reactions to this post Civil War rebuilding.

Fall Break Will Be Here Soon!

Enjoy your weekend with an activity you love.

Pray For Us, Mother of God.

Today, the Church celebrates the birth of Mary. She is God's perfect creature. She said yes to the Angel, Gabriel, when he asked her to give flesh to the eternal word. What a powerful and loving mother we have in heaven.

If you have a photo that you would like to have placed on a poster board, next to Our Lady of Grace, please send it with your son or daughter. We are asking for Mary's prayers and protection.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

There's Nothing Like A Day of Tests

Yes, mom and dad, the kids should sleep well tonight. A couple of tests and a pop quiz will do it every time. Science, Math, Geography, and Social Studies. Next week, there will be a Religion test.

A 7th grade note: all of the boys are in the front row, now. They all have a front row view of their teacher: just so you know in case they start experiencing nightmares.

You Sure You Studied?

Tests abound this week: Social Studies, Geography, Science, and Math. Next week, Religion. We do a thorough review before each test, and the students have about 20 minutes prior to the test to review.

Chickens Come Home To Roost

It's time for those pesky progress reports! Most are doing well, and many have improved from last year. For some of the younger students the change to a middle school atmosphere takes some getting used to. Parents should always feel free to contact me, especially through the blog. Thanks for your support and patience.

A Time To Rest

When the next Thursday folders come home, progress reports will be included. Most have submitted their homework on a timely basis, but a few lag behind. A two-sheet report has been given to those with missing work. Another note: the students should be receiving more pop quizzes. Many use their time wisely, some do not. A few cause distraction by talking and "fooling" around, so regular assessments will be used. The students are given ample time in class to complete the work, and could use a brief amount of time at home to review the readings.

Enjoy the three-day weekend, and I will see everyone Tuesday. Happy Labor Day!

Ain't She Sweet?

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Albert Einstein

A life cannot be lived for others has to begin with the child being permitted to live. Remember the unborn.

Perseverence

Today is the feast of St. Monica. Usually she is portrayed with a handkerchief in her hand due to the tears she shed for her son, Augustine. Praying for him for over 20 years resulted his conversion, and his impact has been one that has lasted for more than 1,500 years. St. Monica, pray for us.

Something Evil This Way Comes!

Yes, it is time for progress reports. Those evil pieces will be in next week's Thursday folder. Most students are doing well. Some others will approach this event with some anxiety and mystery. If Alfred were alive he would be checking diazclass.blogspot.com for updates on class work.

Monday, August 25

Today we honor the patron of St. Louis, who was the King of France. Although we do not normally think of any of the monarchy as saints, there were a number of them. He serves not only as the patron of St. Louis, but a model for fathers. As a good husband, father, and ruler, we can invoke St. Louis to intercede for our prayers. St. Louis, pray for us!

Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Today, we honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary. What a powerful advocate we have. Unfortunately, most Catholics will not invoke her to intercede on their behalf. Those who have, know the power of prayers to her. Thankfully, the attendance at our morning rosary has picked up because of the fourth and fifth grade boys. Sadly, some of the young ladies who attended so consistently last year are yet to be seen. The Blessed Mother is a spiritual force to increase vocations, whether to the religious life or as a faithful spouse in marriage.

Pray for us, Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Feast of St. Pius X

Pius X was known for his love of the Eucharist. He permitted the age of reception to be lowered from 12 years of age to a younger "age of reason." He was also someone who encouraged catechesis, so that Catholics would understand and defend their faith. St. Pius X pray for us.

Great Attendance at Rosary

There were 15 students at the morning rosary today. Thank you to all who attended. Many young men from the 4th & 5th grades are attending each morning.

Our Lord knows who is good to His mom. Our Lady Pray for us!

Feast of the Assumption

Today is one of the great feast days in honor of Mary's Assumption into heaven. How reasonable that the Mother of God, Immaculately Conceived, would be taken up to heaven, body and soul at the end of her life.

Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Whadya mean I got homework?

Students getting into the swing of things. So far, the kids have been turning in their homework. There are still some exceptions. They know who they are!

The seventh and eighth grades classes are gearing up for an excercise that may last all year. The students will have jobs assigned and receive "Diaz Dollars." They may purchase perks such as use of the computers, switching desks, and using a reading area. They may also be penalized for infractions. I hope this will accustom them to the world of money including some accounting.

The students may, as they did last year, conduct an experiment for extra credit in Science. Several have completed some simple experiments.

Feast of St. Dominic

Today is the feast of the great preacher, St. Dominic. It is said he received the rosary from Our Lady. The Dominicans have a great devotion to the rosary of the Blessed Mother.

St. Dominic, pray for us.

Feast of the Transfiguration

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lord's Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. Here, Jesus is transfigured into his glorified body while two of his apostles look on. Appearing with Elijah and Moses, the Father speaks to the apostles. This is worth remembering when Catholics discuss apparitions. Many Protestants dispute apparition, yet here is a Scriptural reference to the apparitions of Elijah and Moses.

Not much was accomplished yesterday, so we will get into our subjects full force. Keep in mind that there are some changes this year.

Welcome Back!

It is that time of the year when children bemoan the coming of school, and why not? The lazy days of summer are still here but the kids know the "lazy" has to go.

I am looking forward to another great year with a wonderful class. My daily trip to Good Shepherd is not a chore, but one that I welcome. A good school in a good area. I will see many of you this Sunday, August 3.