10/15/2007

 

Dear Families,

 

Conferences are rapidly approaching.  Sign-ups will arrive in this Wednesday’s Envelope.  I know scheduling time away from work can be challenging.  If you truly cannot make it to school during the available time windows, let me know so we can find time to meet.

 

There is an all-school Mass Thursday, October 18 at 9:00AM.  Please join us.

 

Another reminder about high school applications: I need my portions of the application forms turned in NO LATER THAN MONDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2007. 

 

 

¯ ACADEMICS

HISTORY

Eighth graders are examining how reactions to events led the Colonists to revolution and independence.  This week we will look at the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party and finally, “the shot heard round the world.”

 
RELIGION

I spent Friday October 12 with about 20 other teachers of 7th and 8th grade religion.  We all agreed we had two goals.  One goal is to teach our students about Church history (the curriculum).  The second goal is to help students grow in their faith.  The teachers in the workshop shared some great ideas about the latter goal.  All of the teachers agreed what an honor, privilege and opportunity it is to teach religion to kids in this age group.

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

Students will write a feature article this week.  It bears repeating that these news articles need to remain accessible.  In a few weeks, students will design and lay out their own newspaper front page.

 

Spelling Lesson 5 – test on Monday, October 22.

 

 

LITERATURE

Students took two Light in the Forest tests at the end of last week.  This week students will perform their theme songs, chants or cheers.  Toward the end of the week I will introduce the final Light in the Forest assignment. 

 

MATH

My technical issues are back so no math update this week.

 

SCIENCE

Updates about Science are posted in the Science section of school web page.

 

 

ü CLASSROOM COMMUNITY

Students led their first cross-age family meetings Thursday, October 11.  They were effective and energetic leaders.  I have had positive feedback from the teachers.  Several students deserve special mention as they did an outstanding job: Rob, Kelsey, Chrissy, Patrick, Marni, Ryan and Sean B.

 

Next on the agenda is assisting with the October 30 earthquake drill.  I will be assigning jobs to each student.  Mr. Schwartz and I will do a run-through with the kids prior to the drill.

 

 

 HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!

Ann Christianson

annc@saintbrendan.org