Self-esteem

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." -Bertrand Russell

The Excitement Of A Math Test

"Math was my worst subject because I could never persuade the teacher that my answers were meant ironically."

-Calvin Trillin, American Journalist

Yes, today is the monster math test. The bright side is that the students may use their books, but they were advised that it is in their best interest to mark the pages in the math book where they can find the specific areas covered in the test.

A New Quarter

Today starts a new quarter, and the final quarter of the school year. Once again, the students were advised to review the homework board on a regular basis. During the time report cards are being readied, students will attempt to make up a large amount of work in a short period of time. The same students, the same m.o. with basically the same results. If some students would just make some attempt to stay current with their work, their grades would improve dramatically.

School's Out

Tempus Fugit, Momento Mori! I hope my Latin spelling hasn't failed me. We are on the brink of completing another year and the Latin phrase above is a friendly warning. Most of the students do try to get their work in; however, many wait until the bitter end, and a select few make little attempt.

No school today! This presents an opportunity to get some homework completed before the quarter ends. Tomorrow is the last day of the 3rd quarter. How time flies.

The Math test, originally scheduled for tomorrow, will take place Monday, February 25. The matter that will be tested has been placed on the classroom whiteboard for several days. Did your son or daughter make the effort to write this down? Bet he/she didn't.

Math Celeb Among Us

Scholastic Math, a bi-weekly magazine, has a math segment in the February 25th issue that was submitted by sixth grade student Tabitha Heinzer. This publication is read by thousands of students at hundreds of elementary schools across the country. This is quite an achievement for Tabi when one considers how many students are selected for each issue. Aside from Scholastic's writers, Tabi may be the only student to have her submission accepted for this issue.

Congratulations, Tabi!

Tired of Lent?

The overcast days and cold weather seem appropriate for this season. Depression seems to be more prevalent during this combination and shorter daylight adds to the misery. We do, however, have the theological virtue of hope to help us along. Viewing the painting to your left can be one of hopelessness or hopefulness. Christ provided all the light of eternal happiness, if only we follow Him. Cold weather, overcast skies, and less daylight are temporary; the Eternal Light, made possible by His Death and Resurrection, awaits us. Do we follow in hope or wallow in our self-pity?

Three-Day Weekend!

"Anyone that wants the presidency so much that he'll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office." -David Broder

Friday, February 22 is the end of the quarter. There are several students who have a number of homework assignments missing.

MONEY OPPORTUNITY AT FISH FRY FRIDAYS!! Money will be earned if 7th/8th graders work at the Friday Fish Fry during Lent.

Ain't Love Grand!

Happy St. Valentine's Day. Not that this day has anything to do with St. Valentine; we probably commemorate this day to Cupid. Cupid is the little-winged creature in Roman mythology with a quiver full of arrows ready to spread love with a shot of his arrow.

This quasi-holiday now stands as a testamonial to the diamond, floral, and confectionery industries. Ironically, St. Valentine has been removed from the list of saints. How appropriate that he is replaced by a little over-fed creature who is better known for "partying."

SOCIAL STUDIES TAKE-HOME TEST

The 7th & 8th grade students have a test to complete by Friday (2/15) afternoon. They may use books and speak with eachother on the test. They must follow the guidelines provided on an instruction sheet.

Visiting My Great-Uncle in the Nursing Home

Though I have not seen you for several years, after hello we descend into silence like cornfields under a falling snow, a silence too dark for me to speak into for fear that nothing will answer. The only thing that seems solid is this chair whose arms I grip.

Yours is not the forgetful tongue of old age, but a lifelong commitment. What reserve did the western Iowa wind burn into your skin as a boy that it welded your lips shut? Blood-brother to silence stubborn as bluffs by a river, words break from you grudgingly, fragment by fragment, from rock that yields slowly to erosion.

Our voices absent, isolated sounds magnify: a passing car, groans from the next room, the clock ticking. Uncle Lee, before your stone tongue dissolves, let go of your words.

by John Freeman

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

On this date, 150 years ago, the Mother of God appeared to Bernadette in a grotto (cave) near Bernadette's home. This young French girl was chosen, although she was not wordly or intellectual, to bring Mary's message of prayer to the world. She was chosen because she was simple and loved God. Mary also asked Bernadette to dig in the ground near the grotto where a spring brought forth healing waters. Many have been physically healed, and, more importantly, millions have found spiritual healing. Today, millions travel to this site to find healing. Mary asked that a chapel be built in her honor . It's a good day for a family rosary! Mother of God, pray for us.

Welcome Grandparents!

Thank you for visiting us today. I know the students are excited about grandparents coming today.

Pictured at above are allegedly the first grandparents to visit the school years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Woodard Smiklbrinkinbrack arrived at the school by wagon and enjoyed the activities with their grandchildren.

We salute those Smiklbrinkinbracks who continue this tradition.

Is There Spiritual Sacrifice?

How often are we willing to drive our kids to this practice , and that practice, or driving long distances for the "you name the sport" selective or travel team? How often do we work long hours at our jobs, so that we can advance in the company or earn a larger bonus?

If we are to imitate Christ, we can use this Lenten season to make frequent sacrifices for out spiritual health. Didn't Our Lord fast and pray? Indeed, He did. Scripture contains a number of references to this. When Lent ends, our sacrifices shouldn't.

Get Happy! It's Mission Carnival

Former teacher remembers Mission Carnival with fondness. Miss Nessie Gnuschnactfluhagen who says she keeps her sunny disposition by recalling her good times at the mission carnivals. Support the mission carnival and have fun at the same time.


Research Paper Due on February 15
Eighth and seventh graders have some time left before their papers are due. Additional time will be given in the computer lab, so there is no excuse for the timely submission of the paper. This paper is worth 30% of the Social Studies grade.