Dear Parents,
We continue to grow this Easter season. I particularly enjoyed reading an article (www.loyolapress.com) by Chris Sullivan not only because she guides us to grow in faith, but also because I note connections to a growth mindset. Here is an excerpt that can guide your own personal reflection.
Throughout the 50 days of the Easter season, we are invited to celebrate the reality of new creation in our own lives, our re-creation as the children of God, having moved through Baptism from death to new life in Christ. Even as we may fear entering into this new world, uncharted but for the fact that our Risen Lord goes always before us, how might we pray our resurrection joy?
- Easter comes in the midst of spring. How can the new life rising out of the earth inspire us to prayer? What newness is springing forth in your soul?
- The Risen Christ bears in his resurrected body the scars of his crucifixion. We too may bear the scars of our former life of sin and death. We can ask the Lord in prayer to show us how he might use our scars to lead others to share in our trust that our God can make all things new.
- How do you best experience a sense of praise and gratitude toward God? Do you feel called to create works of art? To keep a gratitude journal? What is one practice you could continue or add to your life of prayer that celebrates the truth that God is renewing creation in you?
May we remember to live out our resurrection joy and be models of a growth mindset for our children.
--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez
AZTEC TREK
Last week, your child may have received a statement for any unpaid balance for the mandatory AZTEC TREK Fundraiser. This balance is past due; please pay the amount as soon as possible.
SPRING PICTURES
If your child took LifeTouch Spring pictures, please return payment of the pictures that you wish to keep, and return any photos that you do not purchase.
ST. PETER’S STEAM FAIR
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics! Yesterday, our middle school students did a great job presenting their STEAM exhibits to students, teachers, and parents. Special thanks to the STEAM Fair coordinators and advisors—Mr. Suarez, Ms. Land, Mr. Hargarten, Ms. Ruiz, and Ms. Myranda.
FAMILY LOTERIA NIGHT
Join us in playing Loteria on Friday, May 4, from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Parish Hall! See the flyer for ways that you can help out with this fun event.
RE-REGISTRATION FOR 2018-2019
If you have not done so already, please return the bright orange re-registration form to school. The form and new tuition rates are also available on the school website, www.stpeterssf.org. In order to reserve your child’s space for the next school year, the registration fee of $450 per student is now due.
IMPORTANT SURVEY
Below is a link to a brief school survey about the Catholic Identity of our school. This link was also e-mailed to families via SchoolSpeak. Your input will assist us in identifying strengths and areas for growth. Completing this survey will take about 10 minutes. Thank you in advance for your participation in this very important survey!
Live Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D286WCF
IN THE CLASSROOM
KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will talk about ways to be good citizens and show respect. We will read "Hen Hears Gossip" by Megan McDonald and discuss things that we should or should not do to be good citizens. Then, students will write about how each animal in the story could be a better citizen. We will also explore words with short and long i sounds.
1A - This week in first grade we are reading, writing, and learning about different sounds and how they are made. In religion we are learning about the importance of the Eucharist. In math we are beginning our unit on measurement. In science we are observing the wind by making and flying kites. In social studies we are continuing our discussion on saving money.
2A - Second graders will be determining the main idea and key details of “An Astronaut's Handbook.” We will be measuring using our rulers. We will be working with soils in science. We continue to prepare for First Communion. TONIGHT--April 18 is rehearsal at 5:45 p.m. in St. Peter's Church. Saturday, April 21 is First Communion at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Church. (Students meet at 9:30 a.m. in lower parish hall.)
3A – 3A is continuing the Rainforest Unit in Science. We are learning about the animals, plants, insects, birds and people that inhabit this very special part of our world. We will also learn about the many products that we get by using the Rainforest's resources. In Social Studies, we are studying the Pacific Coastal Native American tribes. It is interesting to know about their life styles including their homes, foods, culture and celebrations.
4A – This week 4A will continue to understand compare and contrast by identifying similarities and differences, write a fraction in lowest terms, and discuss ways to live out the Beatitudes.
5A - This week, 5th graders will continue to build on their fraction knowledge by practicing simplifying fractions to add and subtract. We will also read a story about James Forten, an African-American sailor who fought in the Revolutionary War.
6A Religion – Students are turning back to the Blest Are We readings of the Old Testament as the Lenten Season has ended and the Easter Season has begun. Language Arts – 6A ELA is continuing our analysis of different types of text structure in both fiction and non-fiction text. We are doing close reading of our new novel Tuck Everlasting and looking for clues that tell us what type of text structure is used. Math - We are learning the properties of equality and learning how to write equations from word problems, and acting those out. Social Studies - 6th Graders continue their research on Greek gods and goddesses and will write their own creative Greek myth this week. Science – Students presented their projects in Tuesday's STEAM Fair and will also work on designing their own engineering designs to insulate a model home.
7A/7B Religion - “Blessed are the 7th graders in the 4th quarter for they will soon be 8th graders…” This week we are studying The Sermon on the Mount, and the Beatitudes. We will explore and discuss these, focusing on each in great detail. Language Arts- Students will continue their introduction to their final novel, The Outsiders. They have engaged in lively and thought-provoking discussions based on stereotypes and the time period, 1960's. Students will begin reading this week. Math - 7th grade math finds us learning about the 4 quadrant grid, plotting coordinate points and how this can help us read maps. Social Studies – 7th Graders are strengthening their outlining skills with Chapters about the Mayan Empire and the Aztec Empire. Science - Aside from the STEAM fair on Tuesday, students will be working on beginning their genetic disorder presentation.
8A ** 8th GRADE REMINDER--Graduation Fee ($140), Confirmation ($8), and any Outstanding Bills (tuition, AZTEC Trek)--DUE: Tuesday, May 1. **
Religion – 8th Graders are reading and discussing the book: Refugee by Alan Gratz. Language Arts - Students will finalize their Zoot Suit unit with their 1940's Dress-Up Presentation and Swing Dance Performance on Thursday! They will also continue the introduction to Romeo and Juliet with an Opinionnaire of the different topics and themes that will present themselves as we begin reading. Math – Students are learning about different ways to solve problems. They are learning the three methods to solving linear equations. Which method will be the popular winner this year?! Social Studies – 8th Graders are using evidence to write an essay: Did the North or South have the strongest advantage before the start of the Civil War? Science - After wrapping up their final STEAM project, eighth grade students will continue to work through their f = ma problems and be introduced to their final project: the mousetrap car project.
REMINDERS
Apr. 18 First Communion Rehearsal and Parent Meeting, 5:45 PM in St. Peter’s Church
Apr. 21 First Communion Mass, 10:00 AM
Apr. 23 12:30 Dismissal
Apr. 24 School Mass, 8:15 AM
Apr. 24 Tree Frog Treks Animal Presentation for Grades K-2
