Uniforms!

Some of the students are resisting the uniform code by wearing coats during classtime or keeping shirts untucked -while trying to take them (coats) off outide- and arguing with teachers when the students are warned. Please reinforce the need to follow the rule regarding clothes.

Homework has not been as much of an issue as it has in the past. Many students are checking the homework boards on a regular basis. There are still a few who pay little attention to it.

FISH FRYS DURING LENT-STUDENTS CAN EARN CASH FOR 8TH GRADE TRIP!! A signup sheet is available in the classroom.

Class May Earn Money

Our class may earn money by working at the fish frys during Lent. A sign-up sheet is available in the classroom. This will help the 8th grade students' defray any expenses for the field trip. The goal is to have 2-3 students (7th & 8th) for the six Fridays during Lent.

Tests Are Coming! This week all the upper classes will have tests. The 8/7th grades have a Social Studies test and 6/5th grades have a Geography and Science test.

Reminder: the research papers are coming along for most students . There are a few who are not getting the proper information in and the grade for the paper will suffer. This paper is worth 30% of the Social Studies grade. Students should be working on his/her rough draft.

Oh Woe Is Me!

Next week 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th will have two tests. The seventh and eighth will have a Social Studies and Science test, while the fifth and sixth will have a Geography and Science test. The 5th & 6th graders have been advised to start writng notes now for the tests, especially the Science test. This is not an easy chapter for them, and studying the night before will be overwhelming.

Monday, January 28 will be a review day with study guides. Please remind your son or daughter to study a little each night.

Catholic Schools Week

How many role models do our children come into contact with? There does not seem to be the same number and caliber of positive models and images that existed years ago. Our culture looks to the material success of people as a mark of prosperity. Catholic Schools Week is an opportunity for the kids and their family to experience heavenly role models. Take some time this Sunday to visit our school and experience the exhibits of saints.

The wonderful component of Catholic Education is that it prepares the boy or girl for this life intellectually, but, more importantly, for life eternal.

NEXT WEEK: There will be several tests in Geography, SS, and Science.

Progress Reports Are Coming

Thursday's Folder will contain progress reports for the third quarter. Once again, the enemy is late or non submission of homework. There is work in every subject, at least, once a week. In Math there is work two or three times per week, so if your son or daughter tells you he or she does not have any work, they are suffering from short -term memory loss.

Pray for the Unborn

The Roe v. Wade decision has its infamous anniversary this weekend. Please remember the babies and their mothers. Pray for life.

Next week progress reports come out. Have a good weekend!

Science Project!

No, this is not a Science Fair Project. The 7th & 8th graders will be asking adults questions about childhood diseases for a Science project for a chapter on viruses and bacteria. Please be assured that no animals will be hurt during this period.

Remember that progress reports will come out a week from tomorrow.

Pray For The Unborn & Their Mothers

"Touch with pity the hearts of those women ,pregnant in our world today, who are not thinking of motherhood."

As we near the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, let us take a moment to pray for our nation.

Congratulations to Mrs. Althoff and her new daughter.

Thursday, January 10

GEOGRAPHY BEE

Yesterday, the school held a geography bee for fourth through eighth grades. This was the second round of competition. Thirteen students were involved in this round. Emily Stefan, 7th grade, was our first place winner; Kate Stefan, 8th grade, came in second; and James Reed, 4th grade, came in third. Emily will take a written test, provided by National Geographic, and if her score is in the top 100 in the state, she will compete in the state competition.

Thanks to all who were in attendance. As you can see from the photo above, there was much excitement. We hope to use color film in the future.

The Joy of Mr. Diaz's Class

Mr. Diaz continues to excite his students, especially those in 7th & 8th who have the research papers to work on. Today, the students will receive a copy of a sample paper to help guide them. Also, a reference sheet for his or her "thesis statement." Each student has a file folder with the necessary information included.

The Geography Bee will occur on Wednesday, January 9 @ 2 pm in the cafeteria. Those who made it to this round are: Maggie Brown; Jacob & Jesse Eimer; Kate & Emily Stefan; Brennon Lauterwasser; Alex Hand; Alex Thrasher; Avery Moser; Claire Reed; and Kelley Conway.

The Mission Carnival is scheduled for February 5th.

8th/7th grade Social Studies Paper

Research Paper Assignment

On Thursday, January 3, the 7th and 8th grade students were given file folders with pertinent information on a Social Studies paper due Friday, February 15. The first part each student must do is to submit the topic of his or her paper to the teacher. The student should then begin on an outline. There are several dates the students are aware of, in which he/she will present the paper's status (i.e., how far along is the student).

Each file folder contains reference information on how to proceed with the paper, important dates, and other obligations. This will constitute approximately 33% of the Social Studies grade.