 | St. Peter Interparish School Newsletter
Inspiring students to love God, their Catholic faith, and learning!
St. Peter Interparish School
OCTOBER NEWS
October 3, 2008
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The “DO NOT LIST Buzz Book Form” included in your packet is to be returned ONLY if…
You DO NOT want your family information to be included in the Buzz Book
Your phone number or address changed AFTER registration
DATES TO REMEMBER……
Please mark these on your calendar now.
October 8 – No School Mass - Parent Session I – 6:30 PM , school cafeteria
October 12 - Parent Session I is also offered; 9:45 AM - SPSC
October 13 - NO SCHOOL due to the Teacher’s Institute. Enjoy the day off!!
October 14 - 2:00 pm dismissal and Dress Down Day. Please allow extra time for picking up students on these days.
October 16 – 2009-10 Kindergarten Meeting; 7:00 PM; School Cafeteria / Chili & Cinnamon Roll Dinner; evening, Selinger Centre / BOOK FAIR
October 17 – End of 1st quarter
October 20 – Vision/Hearing Screening
October 27 – Report Cards Home – Parent/Teacher Conference Information included with oldest child’s report card.
October 29- Picture Retakes. at 8:00am.
October 31 – Halloween Room Parties begin at 2:25 PM
Nov. 4 – P,T & S conferences 3:30 – 7:30 PM.
Nov. 5 – November packets home today
Nov. 6 & 7 - NO SCHOOL
Nov. 6 - P,T & S conferences 11:30 AM - 7:30 PM.
FROM DR. G’S DESK
Intel CEO Offers View on American Math and Science – USF Magazine
The United States is rapidly falling behind Asian countries in technology development, but it’s a problem largely of our own making, said Paul Otellini, president and CEO of Intel Corp. “I think the U.S. pulled the plug on the brain sink years ago,” said Otellini. “We created our own brain drain.”
American students who do study and actively pursue math and science-related fields are some of the best and brightest he has seen. There just aren’t enough of them, he said. Few children are being encouraged to pursue careers in math and science. American graduate schools in those areas are the best in the world, Otellini said. Yet with so few American students pursuing those fields, at least half the seats in those graduate programs are filled by students from other countries. Let’s all push our children to achieve and lead. Dr. G
The Nutrition Link By: Carlotta Mast
What experts are saying about how certain foods affect autism and ADHD…
Watching his 5-year-old son participate in a holiday pageant at school last December, Gary Greaves says he was blown away by how much Brandon had changed. Greaves and his wife tried various treatments for their son, but eliminating dairy, gluten, and soy from Brandon’s diet packed the greatest therapeutic punch.
Diet and the new childhood epidemic…
ADHD-which is characterized by impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and the inability to focus-is a neurological disorder on the rise in young children, affecting an estimated 3 percent to 5 percent of U.S. school-aged kids.
The gut-brained connection…
Casein (a protein found in dairy products), gluten (a plant protein found in wheat, rye, and other grain), and soy trigger the most problems. Many researchers believe that when these foods are not completely digested, residue remains in the digestive tract in the form of peptides-short chains of amino acids.
In some kids, food sensitivities produce symptoms that mimic signs of ADHD, including hyperactivity and the inability to focus. When kids eliminate trigger foods, their symptoms decrease substantially. We must figure out which sensitivities they have.
The GCFC diet…
Kenneth Bock, MD, a family practice doctor in Rhinebeck, New York, and author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Ballantine, 2007), says that although no dietary treatment works for every child, he cuts out gluten and casein for nearly all of his ADHD and autistic patients, for at least a period of time.
Elimination diets may help a surprising number of kids with ADHD or autism. An “elimination and challenge” approach is taken, where one food is removed at a time and the child is monitored for symptoms. If no improvement is seen within one month, the food id reintroduced. The child’s own body is the best test.
Solving nutrient deficiencies…
Fixing nutrient deficiencies can also have positive effects for kids with autism of ADHD. Work with a nutritionist or other knowledgeable health care provider to run tests to pinpoint the exact nutrients lacking in a child’s diet and devise a food and supplement program aimed at filling in the gaps.
Lack of magnesium, for instance, can cause hyperactive-like behavior, sound sensitivity, and irritability. Zinc deficiency-a result of a defect in zinc metabolism that’s common in autistic children and can be exacerbated by diets high in white flour and other high-glycemic foods-can change a child’s sense of taste and smell. This helps explain why autistic children are notoriously picky eaters, often willing to eat only macaroni and cheese, yogurt, and other bland food, Laake says. “For these children, many foods have either not taste or a foul taste.” Poor taste perception won’t improve until zinc levels rise. Feeding zinc-rich foods such as seafood, whole grains, beans, and cashews can help, but diet may not be sufficient to meet all of the child’s zinc needs. Supplementation is usually the quickest way to get zinc into picky eaters.
Although Brandon Greaves’ father admits that the diet changes aimed at helping a child with autism or ADHD are not always easy to implement, he says such changes can actually benefit the entire family. “None of us eats fast food anymore,” Greaves says. “It takes a little more time and effort, but we’re all eating and feeling better.”
Parent Resource….
The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook (Fair Winds, 2006), by Pamela J. Compart and Dana Laake includes hundreds of recipes and tips for eliminating gluten, casein, and other common allergens.
Supplements for autism and ADHD-Daily recommended dose (DRD)
Antioxidants
DRD: vitamin C, 250-2,000 mg; vitamin E, 100-400 IU
Calcium
DRD: 400-1,000 mg
Essential fatty acids (EFAs)
The omega-3 fats.
DRD: 1,000 mg DHA; 1,000 mg EPA; 80-240 mg GLA
Magnesium
DRD: 100-500 mg
Probiotics
DRD: 10-30 billion organisms, in capsule or powder form.
Zinc
DRD: 20-60 mg
Other diet recommendations for autism and ADHD…..
Avoid additives, preservatives, and artificial colors-
Nitrites and nitrates (preservatives found in bacon, hot dogs, and lunch meats), sorbic acid (found in cheese, frosting, and dried fruits), dyes (especially yellow dye #5), MSG (found most commonly in some Chinese restaurant food, chicken broth or flavoring, and bouillon), and aspartame (an artificial sweetener).
Eliminate Trans fats-
Hydrogenated fats found in processed and fried foods.
Go Organic-
Choose foods free of pesticides and other chemical residues.
Cyber Safety -Protecting kids on the virtual playground.
With school-aged children using the Internet and cell phones in record numbers, technology has profoundly changed the way kids socialize and interact with their peers. Unfortunately, it has also given bullies a new means to antagonize their targets. This new breed of bully is known as cyber bullies.
A prevalent problem
A study by i-SAFE showed that 43% of kids have been bullied online, and more than half admit to saying mean or hurtful this to another online. Like traditional bullying, the severity varies, but the problem is more prevalent than most parents think.
Sean Rand is a technical support agent at Socket and father of a pre-teen son. He says parents can start by monitoring their children’s Internet habits and activities online early during those developing years to prevent and deal with cyber bullying.
“Just because the Internet wasn’t around when we were going to school doesn’t mean we can ignore the importance in plays in our children’s lives,” says Rand. “Kids tend to accept things online as literal truth since it is there for everyone to see.”
Recognizing possible cyber bullying
To understand the ubiquitous nature of cyber bullying, parents also need to be aware of all the ways their children can access the Internet. Instant messaging, social networking sites, e-mail, text messages on cell phones, and online video gaming communities are all potential areas where one child could inflict emotional distress on another. The anonymous nature of the Internet can often embolden the bully’s cruel actions and cause additional embarrassment to the victim since the information is on a shared public resource for everyone to see.
It is crucial to recognize the early signs of cyber bullying and intervene immediately. A child who is angry or upset after using a computer or cell phone can usually be a strong indicator. But getting children to confide in their parents about the incident is no easy task.
“Most of the time they are just embarrassed,” sand Rand. “But they also fear that parents will overreact and respond by restricting or curtailing cell phone and Internet activities out of fear for their safety.”
Addressing problems
Rand advises parents that the earlier they can teach their kids what qualifies as acceptable and appropriate behavior online, the better. Start by placing the computer in a common room, such as a family room, where the child’s online activities are out in the open.
“Don’t allow your children to make you feel nosy for looking over their shoulder while they are online,” says Rand. “They may protest, but your have to convince them you are acting out of genuine concern for their safety.”
Monitoring can also alert parents to problems their children are causing. Make sure children understand the rules of good behavior also apply to cell phone and Internet use, and if problems persist, cell phone or computer privileges can be suspended.
Taking action
Online security experts suggest possible steps to take if a parent suspects problems. Identify who the cyber bully or cyber bullies are and save or print any evidence of malicious activity. Next, contact the child’s school, because if the cyber bullying occurred on a school computer there are protective and disciplinary measures administrators can take.
If it is possible to correctly identify the bully’s true identity, contact the bully’s parents by phone or in person. Explain what happened, present the evidence and discuss potential solutions to the problem. If the bullying continues, a formal complaint can be filed with the cyber bully’s cell phone or Internet provider.
If the bully’s parents do not respond, legal action could be a potential option. Some legislators are taking action to make cyber bullying a crime. The mayor of Dardenne Prairie recently made Internet harassment a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine and 90 days in jail. At the federal level, Congress recently introduced House Resolution 6123, also known as Megan Meier Cyber bullying Prevention Act, which would impose criminal penalties on anyone using communication intended to coerce, intimidate, harass or cause substantial emotional distress to another.
In the end, however, many cyber bullying cases can be prevented by educating and informing young people about proper behavior.
“Above all, let kids know that used of the Internet and a cell phone is a privilege, “says Rand. “Doing so will help them make informed, responsible, decisions online.”
WRITTEN EXCUSES FOR ABSENT AND TARDY
The St. Peter Handbook states “Written excuses are required for all absences or tardiness. They are kept on file in the teacher’s files until the end of the school year. An excuse must state the reason for the absence/tardiness, the date, and must be signed by a parent or guardian. Students are responsible to complete missed assignments. If a pupil is absent/tardy without an excuse or if the school has reason to suspect the validity of the excuse, the school administrators/principal may investigate or delegate someone to investigate the situation.”
Please be aware, this signed and dated written documentation is required even after you have called or e-mailed the school.
CRISIS PLAN
Please be assured that our number one concern in a crisis is the safety of the students. Our Crisis Plan addresses crucial situations originating from both natural disasters and human failure or malice. These procedures are practiced and updated regularly.
UPDATE &/OR ADD E-MAIL ADDRESS
Are you getting the school e-mail news updates? This service is done in an effort to make communication more readily available regarding important announcements and reminders. However, we must have your current email address. To have your email added to the school message system or to update it, please send an email to spsmc@socket.net. If you are receiving messages, there is no need to submit anything; you are already signed up.
COLD WEATHER IS ON THE WAY
With cold weather on the way, please make sure your children come to school with a jacket as recess will be outside, weather permitting.
PSTC SIGN-UP SHEETS
The Parent/Student/Teacher Conference sign-up sheet will be coming home in your oldest, student’s report card. Report cards go home on October 27th. Please return it to Parent Point school the following day.
Please do not park on High Street to pick up your children after school. It is a loading zone referring to a limited time that the city allows us to use to load Kindergarten students at the 10:50 AM dismissal only. PICTURE RETAKE DATE
Pictures retake date is set for October 29th beginning at 8:00 AM. Anyone who missed the first scheduled picture day or would like to have their picture retaken may do so on this day. Pictures from the original day are due back by Oct. 22nd.
MEET MS. MEGAN CLINE – OUR NEW LIBRARIAN
My name is Megan Cline, and I’m the new librarian at St. Peter Interparish School. I grew up in Jefferson City and have been a member of St. Peter parish all my life. Last December, I graduated from Lincoln University with a degree in Elementary Education and eMINTS Certification. Since I have arrived at St. Peter’s school, I have been steadily making improvements to the library. My goal is to have an environment where students can learn and develop a love of learning through books.
One of the first projects I completed was giving the library a facelift by changing the wall colors
and adding a young adult section to better serve our fifth through eighth grade students. I am very excited to have the opportunity to share my
love of books with the students of St. Peter’s school.
FUNDRAISER NEWS
If you would like to order any additional Passport Books, please send an envelope with your name, oldest student, number of additional books needed, and FULL payment for these books ($20 each) to the office ATTN: KAREN by OCTOBER 9th. The books will be delivered to the school on October 10th. Please call Karen at ext. 325 if you have questions.
The Fall Christmas Catalog Sale ends Friday, October 17th. Please collect money in advance for all sales and make one check to St. Peter School.
Orders must be picked up on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, from 3:00-5:00 in the new cafeteria.
The next scheduled fund raiser will be the Frozen Food & Cookie Dough beginning Nov. 5, 2008.
GRANDPARENTS’ DAYS:-
We are going to have "Grandparent's Day" for individual grades. Please share with all grandparents the following days that they are invited to spend time with their grandchildren and
attend Mass with us.
Grade 1 April 8
Grade 2 March 25
Grade 3 November 19
Grade 4 May 6
Grade 5 November 5
Grade 6 March 11
Grade 7 October 22
Grade 8 April 15
Kindergarten will have their "Grandparent's Day" some time in the spring..
Grandparents should arrive at school NO EARLIER than 12:30 PM and park on the big flat. Then, proceed to the classrooms. Be sure that grandparents understand that eating lunch with the students is not included in the day’s planned activities. We will leave at 1:30 PM for a 1:45 PM Mass. All students will return to the classrooms and be dismissed from there. Children will not leave school early (before 3:05) with grandparents because it makes the end of the day too chaotic, and it is too hard to keep track of all the children and insure safety for all.
Reminder: You must notify ASC as well if your child will not be attending that day.
MY SCHOOL’S COOL PROGRM
The “My School’s Cool” Program is in full swing. This is an easy way to help St. Peter School win up to $5,000 each semester. Please send your Capital Mall, Capital 4 & 8 Theater, Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee gas station, Pizza Hut, Hardees, and Wendy’s receipts to school or drop them in the lockers located in the Mall. I have enclosed
a program description, Q & A, Mall database enrollment form and the Mall’s October “sales & specials” calendar. If you have any questions please contact Beth Oetting.
BUSINESS PARTNER
We are excited to announce again, that our Business Partner in Education continues to be EMBARQ. We plan to continue to meet periodically throughout the school year. They are anxious to help make this another great year for the students at St. Peter.
TWO-FOR-ONE: GIVE TO YOUR SCHOOL AND THE ENVIRONMENT!!
RECYCLING DROP-OFF DAY – Just a reminder that we will be collecting cans Thursday morning, October 16, from 7-8 a.m. Please bring your clean, dry, bagged cans with you to the big lot. Volunteers will be set-up there for your convenience. After dropping off your children, pull forward with your hazard lights on and our volunteers will take it from there.
Please contribute. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Ward, or 632-2818. Thank you!
FEES AND LUNCH INVOICES
Please be sure to review your invoices to make sure your records reflect the same information and your students are signed up for the correct lunch option.
Payments for lunch are being recorded in the school office. If you have students on Option A, a minimum payment of $42.00 each month per student is required. However, if you are able, we encourage parents to pay for multiple months at a time or the entire year in one check. The cost of 1 student eating on Option A for the year is $378.00 ($42.00/month x 9 months).
If you have students on Option B – you may send in a check for however many lunches you would like to pay for at that time. At the end of the month, the total number of lunches eaten by your child(ren) will be assessed to your invoice. If money is still owed, it must be paid by the Monday following receiving the invoice. If you still have a credit balance, a line item called credit balance will show on your invoice showing how much you have left on credit.
Remember, milk has increased to $0.30 for those who bring their lunch and wish to purchase milk.
FALL BOOK FAIR
Is there a better way to finish an evening of great chili and cinnamon rolls than to curl up on the couch with a new book? I don't think so. So please stop by our fall book fair in the Selinger cafeteria immediately after (or before) you visit the Chili Supper. Last year we sold over $4,300 and earned the school over a $2,200 in new books and cash. Let's top that this year by selling over $5,000 and earning the school over $3,000 in books or $1,500 in cash. Don't forget that Christmas is just around the corner. We will also be collecting donations for our library that
Scholastics will match with a book donation to a children's charity - a two for one donation! For more information and to preview some of the books that will be at our fair, log onto our fair website at
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/stpeterjc
or call Tracy Farris at 635-5691. Thanks for your continued support!
B.I.S.T. MODEL OF DISCIPLINE
Parents, please review our B.I.S.T. Model of discipline. The model calls for “Grace” (unconditional support) on the part of the adults. We want students to stay out of trouble and to be OK and safe. “Accountability”, on the part of the student, calls for responsibility from the student in acknowledging their behavior, being sorry for the disruption, realizing it is his/her problem, accepting consequences and the need for help in order to change.
When a student disrupts a class, he/she will be redirected to proper behavior. If the student cannot gain self-control, she/he is choosing to go to the “Safe Seat.” A disruptive student who is not safe in the classroom “Safe Seat” is choosing to go to a “Focus Room” to complete a “Think Sheet” regarding his/her behavior, and he/she is to reflect upon a plan for changing that behavior.
The “Think Sheet” is filled out properly by the student, then she/he conferences (processes) with the sending teacher to determine whether or not he/she is ready to return to the classroom or playground. The student is NOT allowed back into that classroom/playground until the process is completed successfully.
Following a “Focus Room” visit, the teacher will call home to inform parents of the incident. This notification is made to keep communications open between home and school. When a student is disruptive in the “Focus Room”, he/she is then sent to an administrator and the administrator calls parents.
When a student is disruptive during transitional times (these are times outside of the classroom, e.g. recess, hallways, and cafeteria), there are clearly defined procedures that are followed. Students are redirected to proper behavior. If the student cannot gain self-control, they are choosing to go to the “Safe Seat”. Disruptive students who are not safe in the transitional “Safe Seat” are sent to an “Administrator Focus” to complete a “Think Sheet” regarding his/her behavior, and she/he is to reflect upon a plan for changing behavior. The student then conferences (processes) with the sending teacher/supervisor to determine whether or not she/he is ready to return to the classroom/playground. Following an “Administrator Focus” visit, the administrator will call home to inform parents of the incident. This notification is made to keep communications open between home and school.
The third time a student is sent to the “Focus Room” (from the classroom) or “Administrator Focus”(transitional times) the student is noted as suspended from extra curricular activities; and teachers/supervisors will sit down and create a “Plan for Success”. Parents will be sent a copy of the plan. When a student successfully completes his/her plan, he/she is removed from the plan and the student starts again with a “clean slate”. If a student continues inappropriate behavior while on the plan and he/she receives a “Focus”, parents are contacted to come in for a conference with the student, teachers/supervisors and administrators. If inappropriate behaviors continue after the conference, a “Recovery Day” is required.
The “Recovery Day” consists of a day in which the disruptive student takes all classes, breaks, and lunch with a substitute teacher so that classes may be taught without disruption and learning can take place. The goal of the “Recovery Day” is to help the disruptive student do a better job on creating a plan that will help him/her have a better day in his/her classroom and/or during transition times. Parents/guardians will be required to pay the going rate per day for the substitute fee for the “Recovery Day/Days.”
DIOCESAN POLICY UPDATE:
BUSINESS, NON-INSTRUCTIONAL, AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS: Fund-Raising Activities. All fund-raising activities, including those for curricular and extracurricular activities, are to be approved by the school administrator/principal in consultation with the pastor. Local community restrictions and the safety and age of the children should always be taken into consideration.
SCHOOL BOARD NEWS
Distinguished Alumni Award - The Public Relations Committee of the St. Peter Interparish School Board is now taking applications for the annual St. Peter Distinguished Alumni Award. Nomination forms may be found in the back of church or may be obtained in the school office. Nominations will be accepted until November 1, 2008. Please turn completed forms in to the school office, or you may mail them toLaura Ward
1123 W. Main
Jefferson City, MO 65109 The award will be presented during Catholic Schools Week. If you have any questions, please call Laura Ward at 632-2818.
Pick-Up Policy
As a reminder, the most dangerous time around the school grounds for you and your children is at the time of dismissal. For the safety of all concerned, please read the “Pick Up of Children” directions in the handbook (cars on the parking lot) and follow them explicitly. Please tell all who pick up children from school the proper procedures. Thank You,
Your St. Peter School Advisory Board
The St. Peter School Chili Supper/Book Fair: The St. Peter School Chili and Cinnamon Roll Supper and Book Fair are scheduled for October 16, 2008. Proceeds go to support Special Projects. Tickets will be available at the door as well as pre-ordered tickets. This will be held in conjunction with the New Kindergarten Class of 2009-10 Parent Meeting held the same evening, 7:00 PM in the school cafeteria.
2009 Golf Classic –Volunteers Needed!:
The Golf Classic is in need of 2009 volunteers. If you would be willing to help present this event to help raise funds for St. Peter Interparish School special projects, please contact Dr. Gulino or Kelley Bezler in the school office at 636-8922.
REYE’S SYNDROME
Reye’s Syndrome is a very serious disease that you should know about. Some people develop Reye’s Syndrome as they are getting over a viral illness, such as the flu or chicken pox. Reye’s Syndrome usually affects people from infancy through young adulthood; however, no age group is immune. Although Reye’s generally occurs when someone is recovering from any viral illness, it can develop 3 to 5 days after the onset of the illness. Its main targets are the liver and brain, it is non-contagious, and too often is misdiagnosed as encephalitis, meningitis, diabetes, poisoning, drug overdose or sudden infant death.
Early diagnosis is crucial. An individual should be watched during the next 2 to 3 weeks following a viral illness for these symptoms, usually occurring in this order:
*Restless or continuous vomiting
*Listlessness (loss of pep and energy with little interest in their environment)
*Drowsiness (excessive sleepiness)
*Personality change (such as irritability, slurred speech, sensitivity to touch)
*Disorientation or confusion (unable to identify whereabouts, family members or answer questions)
*Combativeness (striking out at those trying to help them)
*Delirium, convulsions or loss of consciousness
Reye’s Syndrome should be suspected in anyone who vomits repeatedly. Phone your doctor immediately if these symptoms develop. Voice your concern about Reye’s Syndrome. If your physician is unavailable, take the person to an Emergency Room promptly.
Studies have shown that using aspirin or aspirin-containing medications to treat the symptoms of viral illnesses increases the chance of developing Reye’s Syndrome. If you or a member of your family has a viral illness, do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing medications. In fact, you should consult your physician before you take any drugs, particularly aspirin or anti-nausea medicines, to treat the flu, chicken pox or any viral illness. Anti-nausea medicines may mask the symptoms of Reye’s Syndrome.
For additional information, please contact:
National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation
P.O. Box 829, Bryan, Ohio 43506-0829
1-800-233-7393 or 419-636-2679
E-mail: nrsf@reyessyndrome.org
Website: http://www/reyessyndrome.org
Did You Know....?????
...11.5 is the average age of children who experiment with alcohol
...The earlier a child starts drinking, the better their chances of becoming an alcoholic
...A child’s body cannot process alcohol like an adult can. They can become addicted with just a few drinks.
IBM GRANTS:
If you are employed by, or are a retiree of IBM, please consider helping us obtain matching fund grants to purchase computers for our school. Please contact Dr. Gulino if you can help us.
TAX SAVINGS:
The U.S. Tax Code tax relief is available for educational expenses incurred by K-12 school parents, including Catholic school parents. Under a law passed by Congress two years ago, parents, relatives, friends and businesses can contribute to an Educational Savings Account (ESA) for a child’s K-12 schooling. Taxes may be deferred on interest earned in an ESA and withdrawals are tax free when they are used to pay for the beneficiary’s K-12 educational expenses.
For more detailed information, refer to the Internal Revenue Service website at www.ire.gov. Refer to publications 553 and 970 and instruction form 8606-Non-deductible IRAs and Coverdell ESAs.
NOW FOR CLASSROOM NOTES……
Kindergarten: The Kindergarten classes are learning about Fire Safety. They will be going on their first field trip. Students will walk to Fire Station #1. The firefighters will teach students about Stop, Drop and Roll. The children will get to see the firefighter’s vehicles, gear and tools. Parents were asked to create a home evacuation plan. Teach your child safe ways to leave your home in the event of a fire and designate a place to meet.
Extended Care with Mrs. Judy: During October, the Extended Kindergarten Class will be learning about Missouri spiders, Christopher Columbus and how much fun Halloween can be through stories, art projects and songs. We will continue observing the change of the season with nature walks. In religion, we will learn a new song for our prayer service and make a book on creation. Sign language will be introduced.
Fire safety will be practiced, and we will be walking to the fire station
First Grade: The first graders are moving right along! It's hard to believe it is already October. In Religion, we are learning about Baptism. In math, we have begun memorization of addition facts. This month in science we will learn many facts about bats, the spooky Halloween creature!
Second Grade:
The second grade classes will be walking to the fire station. In addition to fire safety, in October, the children will focus on the rosary and preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. The parents have a new Evangelization meeting on October 8th or 12th. Please refer to the letter from Msg. Lammers regarding time and location.
Third Grade: October is the month of the Rosary. We will be learning the mysteries, how to say the rosary, and why the rosary is a beautiful form of prayer. In social studies, we will begin our study of Colonial America with a culminating project about Native Americans. Enjoy the patchwork of God’s work in the beautiful season of autumn. God Bless! The 3rd grade teachers.
Fourth Grade: Things are rolling right along in 4th grade, and the students are getting with the groove rather easily. Here are some of the things we will be studying in the month of October.
In Science, we will be studying all about plants. The students will learn about the different parts of a plant, how they grow and the reproduction of them. It should be quite an interesting topic.
In Religion, we will be focusing on learning the 7 Sacraments in the first part of the month, and we will also make time to say the Rosary during the month.
In Math, we are beginning chapter 4, Data and Probability. We will be collecting data and using those numbers in graphs as well as learning new terminology like, “mean” and “mode”.
In Social Studies, we will be focusing on the Midwest and the Mountain states.
In English we will continue our studies of subjects and predicates.
Mrs. Wankum's Fifth Grade:
Fifth grade is in full swing! The month of October will be very busy.
In Reading, we will be wrapping up our mystery genre with the conclusion of The Westing Game. In order to close this unit the students will be
creating power point presentations to showcase their comprehension of the book. After The Westing Game we will be learning how to do Literature Circles.
In English we will be writing personal narratives. The students will pick one "snippet" from their life catcher and make that snippet into a full
length story. Students will be graded on capitalization, punctuation, and leads.
In Religion we will continue working in our Religion books. We will be focusing on the Bible and the Holy Trinity. We will also be planning our Grandparent's Mass which will be on Nov-ember 5th.
Mrs. Gerling's Fifth Grade:
In fifth grade Science the students will learn about Plant and Animal Diversity in the month of October. We will be using our school garden to
help us learn about the diversity in plants from Missouri. The local and national elections will be our focus in the latter part of the month in
Social Studies. Our study of the early Americans will occupy our time at the beginning of the month.
Math classes are proving challenging as well
with the study of adding and subtracting of large numbers and decimals. The Mad Minutes are going very well. We have two students who have
completely tested out of the four operations and are on independent study of word problems. I have many others on multiplication and division.
Please keep helping with basic facts at home. Flash cards are wonderful and we do use them often at school. Happy Fall!
Sr. Esther’s Sixth Grade:
Sr. Esther's Social Studies classes are taking imaginary trips through Egypt's, sandy deserts and traveling down the beautiful, blue Nile River to learn of the culture and customs of people long ago.
In Religion, students are starting to take turns serving noon Mass in the Chapel. The students are also learning to read, study, and pray through
the stories of Genesis.
Reading skills are sandwiched between stories of courage in the face of challenges.
Mrs. Brauner’s Classes:
My classes are going great so far. Everyone is eager to learn.
In my English classes, we will be focusing on prepositions and nouns. We will be working on some creative writing projects as well.
The theme for Literature will be: “Do the Right Thing.” When people are confronted with choices that test their character, they often find that the best way to make the right decision is to listen to the voice within their hearts. There will be projects to go along with some of our stories too.
Mr. Bielski's Classes:
Greetings to you from room 304!
Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra will be multiplying and dividing positive and negative integers, and will be beginning to evaluate expressions containing exponents.
Seventh Grade Mathematics has been learning the value of Scientific Notation. We will be learning how to follow the Order of Operations for solving equations and we will be learning several new Properties for simplifying equations.
Seventh Grade Religion will be responsible for the School Mass on October 22, so we are studying Sacred Scripture of the New Testament in preparation for our teaching opportunity. May your family know the Lord’s Blessings.
Mr. Veit’s Classes:
Mr. Veit’s 8th grade Science classes have been in constant motion. With rolling chairs, roller skates, and skateboards we continue to study the amazing affects forces have on our everyday lives and how they make what we do possible. It has been very fun and exciting interacting with such a knowledgeable and inquisitive group.
7th Graders have been delving deeper into the study of the cell and its importance to the total existence of life.
6th graders have just completed Chapter 1 and we are preparing to begin using algebraic expressions and doing some basic algebraic equations.
Ms. Thoenen’s classes:
The sixth grade Science class will be studying weather fronts. In studying this tropic, we will learn about thunderstorms, tornadoes,
hurricanes, and winter storms. Students will watch a tornado and hurricane video as a part of the chapter. As we finish the chapter, the students will work in groups to publish a newspaper on one of the weather disasters
discussed in the chapter. They will be working in the Bartow Room on this information. The end product will be given both a Science and English
grade.
The seventh grade Social Studies class will be studying the final development of the thirteen colonies and how each area survived. After
Chapter 4 we will take a break from the book and the students will be working on a presidential campaign project. Each group will be given one
of the presidential candidates and will make a time line of campaign stops, a poster containing campaign slogans, button, cartoons and their
platform. The group will finish with a campaign speech. We will be using the Bartow Room to research and complete the project.
The eighth grade Social Studies class will be presenting Chapter 14 in groups to the rest of the class. They will be responsible to put together
a presentation, study guide questions and quiz questions. Upon completion we will take a break from the book and the students will be working on a presidential campaign project. Each group will be given one of the presidential candidates and will make a time line of campaign stops, a poster containing campaign slogans, button, cartoons and their platform. The group will finish with a campaign speech. We will be using the Bartow Room to research and complete the project. We will move into the Civil War after the project.
Mrs. Jones's 8th Grade Classes:
In English, we are reviewing the basic parts of a speech and continuing to practice creative writing in our journals.
In Literature, we began a really great novel entitled The Man Who Loved Clowns. It is about an 8th grade girl who lives in central Missouri with her uncle who has Down Syndrome. Everyone is really enjoying it.
In Religion this month, we are studying the Reformation as part of our Church history unit.
Don’t forget the mandatory parent meeting on October 23rd. See you there!
8th grade Algebra:
The class will finish Chapter 3 next week over multi-step equations and using formulas. We will touch briefly on proportions and percents before beginning Linear Equations. This is an important chapter because the students must understand that an equation represents a particular line on the coordinate plane. Please make sure your student always has graph paper. I have been encouraging them to access the text book web site for homework help.
Art Class with Mrs. Bertolotti:
Primary grades are working with various techniques of painting, design projects and cut and glue projects.
4th grade is working on techniques of how to draw trees.
5th grade created a cute fish bowl project and are working on an action figure design.
6th grade is learning how to use oil pastels on a sunflower project.
7th grade is working on a line/design unit
8th grade is working on a color/design unit.
Mrs. Maurer’s 8th Gr. Computer Class:
8th Grade students have been learning to use graphics in a Word document to create a half page Buzz Book cover for the St. Peter Interparish School Buzz Book (school family phone/address book). They have also been learning how to use a table to create a calendar. The calendars they create will be used to create a calendar time-line for literature class.
The “DO NOT LIST Buzz Book Form” included in your packet is to be returned ONLY if…
You DO NOT want your family information to be included in the Buzz Book
Your phone number or address changed AFTER registration.
ATHLETICS CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER
Oct 3 - Family Fun Night for St. Peter Volleyball Players Only
6pm-5th Grade
7pm-6th Grade
8pm-7th Grade
9pm-8th Grade
(No Admission. Concessions will be available.)
Oct 11- There are ONLY tryouts for 7th grade boys because they are the only group that has enough for 2 teams. Times remain the same (12:30-3:30 PM in MLG).
October 18-26 - Volleyball Catholic Bowl
November 3 - Basketball Practices Begin
School Dates-
Oct 10 - Movie Night
Oct 24 @ 7pm - Faculty v. 8th grade in MLG
ENCLOSURES:
* SCRIP
* October Lunch Menu
* "DO NOT LIST” Buzz Book Sign-Up
* School Board Parish Support Letter
* St. Peter Parish "Sale-A-Rama" flyer
* Pre-School Survey
* Destination Imagination Meeting Flyer
* Tri-Cap Wrestling Flyer
* Musical Notes from Mrs. Stuckenschneider
* Home and School Apparel Order Form
* C.R.H.P. – Christ Renews His Parish – Weekend Retreat
* Fall Christmas and Gift Fundraiser catalog
Matched Gifting Programs Here is a list of companies and organizations who donate matching gifts to Non-profit organizations. If you or a relative work for one of these companies, please consider using their matching gift donation program.
*Aetna Foundation, Inc. *Alexander & Baldwin Foundation *Bank of America *Bank of the West *Charles Schwab foundation *Matching Gift Center * Chevron Texaco Matching Grants Program *Cisco Systems Inc. *Del Monte Foods *Dell Direct Giving Campaign *Eli Lilly & Company Foundation *Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund *Fireman’s Fund *GAP *Google Matching Gifts Program *Hanson, Bridgett, Marcus, Vlahos and Rudy, LLP *The Home Depot *The James Irvine Foundation *JK Group Trustees for Visa International’s *Employee Giving *Levi Strauss Foundation *Lexis Nexis *Marsh & McLennan Companies *McKesson Foundation, Inc. *Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation Inc. *The J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation *Morgan Stanley Foundation
*Northwestern Mutual Foundation *Nuveen Investments *Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program *The PG&E Corporation Foundation *The Prudential Foundation *Regions Financial Corporation *Research Affiliates *The San Francisco Foundation *The Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving
* Shell Oil Company Foundation *Sun Microsystems Foundation *The H&R Block Foundation *The Pimco Foundation *US Bancorp Foundation, Matching Gifts *Union Bank of California Foundation *United Health Group *The UPS Foundation *Wachovia Foundation *Wells Fargo Bank
If you have an opportunity to have someone consider St. Peter Interparish School or the Vogelweid Learning Center, please do so.
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