QUE PASA 11/15/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

       I often comment to myself that there are not enough hours in the day to get through my to-do list.  I imagine this is a common feeling among fellow parents, especially as the holiday season approaches!  But this reflection below (by Barbara Johnson from God Always Has a Plan B), could serve as a reminder to us appreciate the present and all it’s challenges and celebrations, and keep learning, growing, and moving forward!

“What about those of us who’d like to turn back the clock?  Sure, we’d like to be younger and stronger again. More resilient.  But remember Isaiah?  He said to let the past lie.  Look ahead.  Someone has said, ‘Don’t look back.  You’re not going that way.’  It is never too late to spend time on the important things.  This minute is a gift.  That’s why we call it the present.” 

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

 CORE VALUES IN NOVEMBER

Throughout November, we continue to learn about saints and pray for loved ones who have passed away.  Ask your child about the saints we have learned about!  We also continue to pray for our veterans and all those who currently serve in our Armed Forces as they work to protect our freedom.  Last week, all children in the school made cards for veterans, and our 6A homeroom teacher Ms. Land delivered them to veterans at the Veterans’ Hospital.  The veterans were appreciative of all the cards and kind words from the students.  I’m so proud of how our children and teachers lived out our core values to love, serve, and unite through this act of kindness!

UNIFORM CHECK-IN

As the weather gets colder and you bundle up your child, please ensure that he/she follows uniform policy as posted by the school office and stated in the school handbook.  All undershirts, including long-sleeve undershirts, should be white.  If your daughter wears tights, they should be solid black or white and extend to the ankle.  Socks must be black or white.  Boots may not be worn.

LIFETOUCH PICTURE RE-TAKES AND MAKE-UPS

This Friday, November 17, your child can retake his/her school photo or take a photo if he/she was absent on the original picture day.  If your child is taking school pictures this Friday, please ensure that he/she is in complete uniform and not in the gray school sweats.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year! Some upcoming events include our Christmas prayer service and reception and the school family dance.  If you would like to help plan future events and fundraisers, or would like to join one of our parent groups, please contact Mrs. Jimenez at sjimenez@sanpedro.org or leave your name and number at the office.

SUNDAY FAMILY MASS

Please join us for Family Mass this Sunday, November 19 at 9:30 AM.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist together with fellow St. Peter’s families.  Students who attend mass will receive a free dress pass to use on Monday, November 20.

APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS

Feel free to make appointments with teachers when you have a question or concern.  Please avoid last-minute morning meeting with teachers, as teachers use this morning time to prepare their materials for the day so that they can best meet your child’s needs.  If you would like a morning meeting, notify the teacher ahead of time by email or by calling the office a day in advance.  We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week we will be reading about places we go during the week such as the library. We will engage in discussions with a partner, in small groups and with the whole class. In math, we will begin to work on subtraction. We will use tools such as counters, playdoh, dice, and cubes to help us visualize and subtract.

1A - This week in first grade we are reading and discussing the different places that animals live together. In math we are working on fact families and the relationship between addition and subtraction. In science we are beginning our unit on weather, which will be more fun now that we’re getting some rain. In religion we are continuing our discussion of Baptism and our practicing of The Hail Mary.

2A - We will be reading and learning about the nighttime sky, the sequence of events in stories, telling time to the nearest five minutes (please practice on an analog clock); learning how to pray for the needs of others; and sorting bits and pieces in science. Mark your calendars! First Communion meeting Wednesday, 11/29 at 6 p.m.

3A – We begin reading Molly's Pilgrim this week. It's a Thanksgiving story about modern day immigrants. It also explores prejudice and intolerance. In Religion, we'll continue to learn and read about the saints as we collect facts for our saint projects due at the end of November. The saints, as well as the characters in Molly's Pilgrim, teach us valuable lessons about courage, love and faithfulness.

4A - This week 4A students will recognize that our relationship with God is based on the first three Commandments, understand story characters' behavior and relationships, and subtract whole numbers and money amounts with zeros in the minuend.

5A - 5th grade is celebrating the completion of our first novel study with a The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe themed party this Friday. We're continuing to discuss homophones in grammar and word problems in math.

6A  Religion – 6th Graders will be focusing on their Mercy Promises that they made during their 6th grade retreat and they will be visited by Paula Pardini for Building Bridges.   Language Arts – 6th Graders have had very engaging discussions regarding the history of racism and tolerance in America as we prepared for our first novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. We will begin reading the first few chapters this week, analyzing character development, setting, and conflict.  Social Studies – 6th Graders are completing a Pharaoh Research Project for their Ancient Egypt writing assignment.   Science – 6th grade scientists will continue studying the connection between air pressure and weather by making their own air pressure maps.

7A/7B   Language Arts - Students had a wonderful experience on their Field Trip to Riordan, watching Harvey! They are now finalizing the introduction to their Drama Unit.  They will also participate in opening activities of A Christmas Carol to prepare the reading of the play after Thanksgiving break.   Social Studies –7th Graders are continuing through the achievements of Medieval Chinese Dynasties.   Science - Students are finishing up their mitosis dance presentation as they prepare to test their knowledge at the end of the week.

8A   Religion – 8th Graders are learning the Nicene Creed and will be visited by Paula Pardini for Building Bridges.   Language Arts - Students are beginning the introduction to their next novel, Night, by Elie Wiesel. The opening activities will aid in comprehension of the historical content referenced in the text. Their Woodworking Project is due this Friday, November 17. Students will have an opportunity to share their creations to the class.   Social Studies – 8th graders are memorizing the Preamble and deciding what those words of the Constitution personally mean to them.   Science - Students review their knowledge of naming ionic and covalent compounds as they prepare to test at the end of the week.

REMINDERS

Nov. 16          3rd grade field trip to Marian Oaks

Nov. 17          LifeTouch Pictures Re-takes and Make-ups

Nov. 19          9:30 AM Sunday Family Mass

Nov. 21          8:15 AM School Mass

Nov. 22-24    No School—Thanksgiving break

Nov. 29         6:00 PM First Communion Parent Meeting in Church

QUE PASA 11/8/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

       This past Sunday, thanks to the planning and organizing by Sister Marian Rose and Ms. Janice Vela (our Interim Development Director), we celebrated the St. Peter’s Alumni Memorial Mass, where we celebrated all the wonderful work the alumni have done.  Many have returned to St. Peter’s to volunteer their time or their finances.  In particular, we recognized the generous contributions of the Lagger family, the Pineda Family, and Mary O’Rourke—all of whom have deep connections with St. Peter’s and continue to help and pray for the students of St. Peter’s.  They are examples for us and for our students of living out the mission of Mercy and our KEYS and core values to grow, accomplish, love, serve, and unite.   

       This week, we also honor our veterans.  They have given their lives and their lifetimes to serving our country at home and abroad, so that people may enjoy their freedom.  Here at school, we recognize our very own Mr. Frank Gonzalez, an army veteran, and all of your loved ones who are veterans as well.  Although our country and the world have a long way to go so that all are treated with equal respect and freedoms, we wouldn’t be where we are today without the struggle and commitment of our veterans!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS

Thank you, parents, for taking the time to meet with your child’s teacher during Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Besides Parent-Teacher Conferences, feel free to make additional appointments with teachers when you have a question or concern.  Please avoid last-minute morning meeting with teachers, as teachers use this morning time to prepare their materials for the day so that they can best meet your child’s needs.  If you would like a morning meeting, notify the teacher ahead of time by email or by calling the office a day in advance.  We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to all the parents and volunteers who helped the past few weeks with Halloween and Alumni Mass and Reception preparations.  Your time and donations are valuable!  We especially thank alumni parents Karina King, Rosana Nava Robinson, and Diana Gallardo in the planning and preparation of Alumni Mass and Reception this past weekend.

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year! If you would like to help plan future events and fundraisers, or would like to join one of our parent groups, please contact Mrs. Jimenez at sjimenez@sanpedro.org or leave your name and number at the office.

SWEATS ON THURSDAY

Since there is no school on Friday, and there is no special mass celebration this Thursday, students may wear the gray athletic sweats for this Thursday, November 9.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - Parents, it was a pleasure meeting with you last week and sharing your child's hard work in class. I really appreciate it. Thank you! Our faith focus this week is that God tells us about his love for us in the Bible. We will demonstrate ways to learn to live as children of God. Also, we are continuing to work on identifying and pronouncing the beginning, middle, and ending sound in words. In math, we are still working on addition.  

1A - In first grade we are reading and talking about buildings and what they are made of.  In math we are beginning to work with fact families. In religion we are continuing to discuss Baptism and how we are welcomed into our parish. In science we are experimenting with how air moves objects by constructing rockets. In social studies we are continuing to learn about the continents and oceans.

2A - We will be learning about forces of gravity; counting backwards with 1, 10 and 100; telling time; defining what service to others is and how to show this; learning about saints Martin de Porres and Sister Cabrini; investigating puddles in science (weather permitting).

3A – This week in English class, we are writing letters to wounded and ill soldiers at the Veteran's hospital. In Religion class, we are continuing to practice our church responses. Finally, in Math. class, we will begin our unit on addition with regrouping using 1's, 10's, 100's, and 1000's place numbers. All of these lessons and units will encourage accomplishment which is one of our school-wide KEYS.

4A - I want to thank 4A parents for meeting with me last week for Parent-Teacher conferences.  This week 4A will learn about the Ten Commandments, subtract 3-digit whole numbers and money amounts while regrouping twice, and understand story characters' behavior and relationships.

5A - This week, 5th grade will finish reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and analyze the plot structure of the story. We're reviewing problem solving strategies and all of Math Unit 1 in preparation for this week's big test as well.

6A  Religion – Students will be reflecting on their class retreat and continuing to talk about the Mercy Promise that they made on November 3rd.  Language Arts – 6th Graders are now working on the revising and editing stage of their short stories. We will also begin reading our first novel Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and begin with research into the historical context of life in the depression-era South for African Americans.    Math – 6th graders are being introduced to the wonderful world of absolute values, negative integers, exponents and order of operations.  Social Studies – 6th graders are continuing their Ancient Egypt Unit.   Science – Students will be learning about isobars and continuing to discuss air pressure's impact on weather formation this week.

7A/7B   Language Arts - Students will wrap up their novel study on Walk Two Moons with their Unit Test this week. They will participate in a review game, Jeopardy, to complete the test successfully. Students will continue their introduction to Drama with review of specific terms, dramatic opposites, and the element of acting with improv games!   Math – 7th graders are learning that equations are just equivalent expressions, and will be working on simplifying one and two step equations and finding the story of the variables.  Social Studies – 7th graders watch the movie Unbroken to reflect on the sacrifices made by Veterans as we prepare for Veterans Day.   Science - Students are continuing their exploration as to how cells replicate: mitosis!

8A   Religion – 8th Graders are learning about major events in the history of the Catholic Church that impacted the Church as we know it today.   Language Arts - Students have successfully completed their Mockingbird Debate! They will continue to work, individually, on their Woodworking Project, due on Friday, November 17. Students are also continuing to prepare for their High School Entrance exams with lessons centered on vocabulary and grammar.  Math - 8th graders are jumping into equations, and the story behind them.  Social Studies – 8th graders will watch the movie Unbroken to reflect on the sacrifices made by Veterans as we prepare for Veterans Day.   Science - Students are continuing their exploration about compounds and prepare to move into a study of how compounds react with each other.

REMINDERS

Nov. 6-17       STAR Testing Window

Nov. 10          No School—Veterans Day holiday 

                         Observed

Nov. 14          8:15 AM School Mass

Nov. 14          7th Grade field trip to Riordan to watch

                         play, Harvey

Nov. 16          3rd grade field trip to Marian Oaks

Nov. 17          LifeTouch Pictures Re-takes and Make-ups

Nov. 19          9:30 AM Sunday Family Mass

QUE PASA 11/1/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

       Today and tomorrow are special days in the Church: All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. On the Feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation, we honor those who have lived lives faithful to God.  On the Feast of All Souls, we remember and pray for our loved ones who have passed away, and honor them through prayer, or even by making special altars in their memory. 

       As we honor the Saints, let us remember how they lived out the Beatitudes—Jesus’ teachings on how to live as a Christian and to find true happiness.  During this time of Parent-Teacher Conferences, the Beatitudes can also help us to reflect on how to be role models for our children.  We can lead our children by example and live out our faith!

      The Beatitudes  (Matthew 5:3-10)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Wednesday, November 1 – Friday, November 3 are Parent-Teacher Conference days.  Your child is encouraged to attend the conference with you.  Please ensure that you keep this appointment, as it will be key to strengthen the home-school connection, and will help to nurture your child’s intellectual, spiritual, social, and emotional development.

APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS

Besides Parent-Teacher Conferences, feel free to make additional appointments with teachers when you have a question or concern.  Please avoid last-minute morning meeting with teachers, as teachers use this morning time to prepare their materials for the day so that they can best meet your child’s needs.  If you would like a morning meeting, notify the teacher ahead of time by email or by calling the office a day in advance.  Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the parents and volunteers who contributed to the Halloween celebration!  I would especially like to thank Vanessa Espinoza and Myra Santos of the Community Builders parent group for their support in planning the event.

Special Thanks also to the following parent volunteers who have given countless hours to helping our school:  Olga Vasquez, who has been helping to keep the front of our school building clean; to Angel Carvajal for regularly helping the cafeteria; to Julio Estrada and Alfredo Leon Orea of the Campus Care parent group for assisting with school building maintenance; and to Monica Leonor and Isabel Diaz for leading our Madrinas parent group, in marketing our school and welcoming new families.  

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year! If you would like to help plan future events and fundraisers, or would like to join one of our parent groups, please contact Mrs. Jimenez at sjimenez@sanpedro.org or leave your name and number at the office.

ALUMNI MEMORIAL MASS AND RECEPTION

Sunday, November 5 at 2:30 PM is our annual Alumni Memorial Mass.  If you are able to help with set-up, directing parking, or clean-up, please contact the office or fill out a volunteer form.  You are also very welcome to connect with others and celebrate mass with St. Peter’s Alumni on this special day!

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in KA, we will make a book! We will work in partners to make a page for a school rule book. We will have a discussion about why rules are necessary in the classroom, the hallways, the schoolyard, and on the bus. Students will work in partners and choose a school rule. Students will draw pictures of the rules and write words to describe the rules. Lastly, we will add the book to our classroom library and take turns reading it.

1A - This week in reading we are learning what jobs need to be done in a community. In religion we are discussing the importance of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism. We are also learning about the meaning of All Saints Day and reading stories about Dia de los Muertos.

2A - We will be reading poems about animals, counting forwards/backwards by 1,10 and 100, telling time, looking at number patterns; continue using our mapping skills; celebrating All Souls Day, working on mass responses; and exploring (hopefully) puddles.

3A – This week is a very full and busy week. We will celebrate 3 days beginning with Halloween on Tuesday, All Saints Day on Wednesday (Mass is at 8:15), and All Souls Day on Thursday. Please be on time for your Parent-Teacher Conference either on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.  Your son/daughter was given your appointment date and time last week. Academically, In Religion class, we are beginning to learn about the saints of our church. A saint will be assigned to your son/daughter with instructions for the report, poster and due date. This project will help us to grow in our Catholic faith by learning about saints who followed God courageously.

4A - This week we will be having Parent-Teacher Conferences; I look forward to meeting with you and your student to discuss their progress in class. Additionally, I would like to thank you for your donations and your time recently while we collected items for the people of Puerto Rico and our Halloween festival on Tuesday. Students in 4A will continue to live out our "KEYS" by finding sums of three or more addends with regrouping, understanding story characters' behavior and relationships, and defining region and describing California's major geographic regions.

6A  Religion – 6th Graders will be preparing for their class retreat that will take place on Friday, November 3rd.   Language Arts – 6th grade is continuing the drafting stages of their fictional narratives. Students will continue focusing on building suspense in the rising action of their stories, while practicing the writing technique of Show Not Tell to create rich, descriptive sentences.   Math – 6th grade will be wrapping up greatest common factors, exponents and Multiples, before we take a slight detour into mean, median, and mode. Then onto FRACTIONS!  Social Studies – 6th Graders will continue to learn about life in Ancient Egypt.

7A/7B    Religion - In Religion this week, we will be wrapping up Baptism and onto Jesus in the temple, and a discussion of conscience, Morals, and free will.   Language Arts - Students will present their Walk Two Moons Enrichment Projects this week. They will also begin the preparation for their unit test, which will conclude their novel study. Next up, Drama! Students will begin the introduction to drama, the specific characteristics and elements.   Math – 7th grade will be continuing their adventures into Equations this week focusing on distributive Property and combining Like Terms.  Social Studies – Students had a great 1st quarter learning about Arabia and Africa. They will spin the globe over to Asia for the majority of 2nd quarter.  Science - Students have wrapped up talking about cells and are now moving onto bigger organizational units: tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms!

8A   Religion – 8th Graders will enjoy a visit from Paula Pardini and they will make cards for Veterans at the Veteran's Hospital.   Language Arts - Students have ended their unit on Mockingbird with a Debate, should Caitlin attend a mainstream school or should she attend a school with students of similar conditions, syndromes like herself, Asperger Syndrome? They are also working on their woodworking project-chest due in 2 weeks.   Math - The 8th grade is learning about square Roots and Perfect Squares, then we get to have some fun with the Pythagorean Theorem!    Social Studies - 8th Graders will finish the American Revolution and begin asking questions about the U.S. Constitution.  Science - Students will move deeper into studies of chemical reactions and soon begin preparations for their first physical science project.

REMINDERS

Nov. 1-3        12:30 PM dismissal for Parent-Teacher

                        Conferences

Nov. 1            8:15 AM All Saints’ Day School Mass

Nov. 2            Free Dress for No Tardies in October

Nov. 3            6th Grade Retreat

Nov. 5            2:30 PM Alumni Memorial Mass and

                        Reception

Nov. 7            8:15 AM School Mass honoring Veterans

Nov. 10          No School—Veterans Day holiday 

                        observed

QUE PASA 10/25/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

       Blessings to our 8th graders as they embark on their 3-day retreat in Occidental this week.  I hope that they all grow closer to God and to each other as they pray together and strengthen their faith and community.

       The 8th grade retreat includes physically traveling to a place outside of school, but all of us within St. Peter’s are on a journey, too.  We are all on a journey to learn different ways that we can grow—intellectually, spiritually, and socially.  As we journey together, we learn new facts, try new activities, learn from mistakes, consider different perspectives, and help others around us.  We strive to open our hearts and open our minds, and live out our faith.  That is an adventure that challenges and excites me.  I am proud to be a partner in guiding your children on this journey of growth!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

By now, you should have requested a conference time to meet with your child’s teacher.  Your child is encouraged to attend the conference with you. Your child’s teacher will send home a confirmation of your conference appointment. Please ensure that you keep this appointment, as it will be key to strengthen the home-school connection, and will help to nurture your child’s intellectual, spiritual, social, and emotional development.

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

St. Peter’s Halloween Costume Parade and Celebration will take place on Tuesday, October 31 from 1:00-3:30.  Parent volunteers are needed to make this event and fundraiser a successful one, so if you are able to help, please notify Mrs. Cea or Mrs. Jimenez.  We especially need help in supervising and hosting game booths.

Children may come to school in costume on Halloween.  However, all costume parts that symbolize weapons must not be brought to school!

Also—consider walking or taking public transportation to school if you will be joining the Halloween celebration.  Parking is extremely limited, and two years ago, cars were ticketed on Halloween for parking on the sidewalk by the parking lot.  Be cautious!

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE CHANGES

Thank you to all the parents who completed the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org this past September. The certificate is good for 3 years from date of course completion, and parents with this certification are clear to volunteer for school events such as field trips and coaching sports teams.

Recently, schools were notified that the Archdiocese will no longer be using Shield the Vulnerable as a training course.  Beginning in November, we are now switching to VIRTUS as a new online training course for school staff and volunteers.  More information will be provided once the Archdiocese sends further instructions to the schools.

ALUMNI MEMORIAL MASS AND RECEPTION

Sunday, November 5 at 2:30 PM is our annual Alumni Memorial Mass.  If you are able to help with set-up, directing parking, or clean-up, please contact the office or fill out a volunteer form.  You are also very welcome to connect with others and celebrate mass with St. Peter’s Alumni on this special day!

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!

Homeroom teachers identify Students of the Month at the end of each month.  We celebrate these students because they have exemplified living the St. Peter’s KEYS:

Knowledge feeds GROWTH.

Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.

You are LOVE.

SERVICE UNITES.

Kinder - Genesis Garcia is a hard-working student. She is always giving her best effort in class. She works cooperatively with her peers on group assignments and projects. She is kind and treats others with respect. Genesis is a great role model for others.

1A - Kalabe Mehari is a kind and thoughtful student who gets along with everyone around him. He is constantly displaying a desire to grow and learn and is always working hard to achieve this. Kalabe never gets discouraged when he makes a mistake, but rather takes it as an opportunity to improve. For these reasons I am so proud to award Kalabe as first grade’s student of the month.

2A - Danna Sanchez-Arias is always helping others (service), working hard (accomplish) and trying her best (grow).

3A - Zinara Fuentes is a very helpful student who completes her classwork and homework successfully each week.  She helps her partner in class and contributes to our 3rd grade discussions frequently.

4A - Aleska Salas Donis is 4A's Student of the Month for October.  She is shining example of our key: "Knowledge feeds growth."  She has excelled academically this first quarter and continues to live out our KEYS.

5A – Gabriela Clemente is our student of the month for October. We're so grateful for her joyful presence in our classroom! Gabriela is constantly working extremely hard in academics, and she is exceptionally kind to her fellow classmates. Congratulations Gabriela!

6A - Mateo Perez is a wonderful example of a student with the KEYS.  He is quick to notice when a peer or teacher needs extra support, he is always serving others, and he participates and exercises his brain in the classroom each day.  

7A - Joshue Ruiz has shown what the key to 7th grade success is: honesty, helpfulness, being a hard worker in the classroom, as line leader, even working hard to be a good friend and classmate to EVERYBODY that surrounds him.  Joshue made some great choices this month, even when it was difficult.  His cheerfulness spreads easily.  Congratulations Joshue!

7B - Victoria Colvin is involved in so much at St. Peter’s, from student council, volleyball, and the choir, yet she still manages to excel academically in all her classes. To take on so much requires courage, and Victoria has shown that she's not afraid to go after the things she wants.

8A - Crystal Hernandez has demonstrated what it means to have courage, as a leader, student council officer, ambassador, classmate and friend. She is always willing to get out of her comfort zone to help others, not because she has to, but because she genuinely wants to. With all that she brings to St. Peter's, she still manages to excel in the classroom, proving that with courage she can balance it all!

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in KA, we are learning all about Bugs! Students will do a research project with a partner to show different bugs in their environment. First, they will choose a bug for their "Bug bulletin Board." The bug bulletin board will give information about bugs. Each drawing will have a label with the name of the bug.

1A - This week in first grade in reading we are reviewing the material learned in Unit 1. In religion we are discussing God's Creation of Adam and Eve. In math we are continuing our work with subtraction. In social studies we are discussing the different places that we live. In science we are continuing to experiment with air and water.

2A - We will be reading expository texts to learn about animal babies and parents; comparing numbers using >, <, and = signs; using our mapping skills; learning the importance of storytelling, scripture, St. Hilary, and the Liturgy of the Word; and continuing to learn about the properties of liquids.

3A - This week in the third grade Religion class we continue to practice our church responses.  In Language, Math, and Phonics classes we are nearing completion of our second-grade curriculum review. We continue to accomplish our class and home studies with courage and confidence!

5A – 5th graders will be practicing subtraction with zeros in the minuends and numbers in the hundred thousands. We will continue our novel study by examining the figurative language we've noticed so far in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

6A  Religion – Students are wrapping up Unit 1 lessons and activities this week to finish Quarter one.  Language Arts – 6th Graders will be wrapping up their Short Story unit, culminating in a Writer's Workshop of their own fictional short stories. Students will begin brainstorming, planning, and drafting their stories, as they learn about essential writing skills like "show not tell," figurative language, and dialogue.   Math - 6th graders will be learning about prime factorization exponents and mean median and mode.  Social Studies – Students are continuing the Physical Geography of Egypt and beginning to learn about the many gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt.  Science - Students will be learning about barometers, atmospheric pressure, and weather balloons.

7A/7B    Religion - 7th graders will be continuing to study about the baptism of Jesus, then we will be learning all of the symbols and parts of the baptism ceremony by having a 7th welcome ceremony.     Language Arts - Students have concluded the reading of their first novel Walk Two Moons. They are completing lessons based on the story elements, plot, conflict, theme and character analysis to better comprehend the overall story. Additionally, students will finalize the unit with an Enrichment Project and Test.  Math – 7th graders are starting the journey into all things equal, and will be learning about equations.    Social Studies – 7th Grade Social Studies participated in an art lesson to make African masks. They will continue the book A Long Walk to Water and will finish their Africa Unit next week.   Science - Students will dive deeper into the cell and show us how much they know about organelles.

8A   Religion – 8th Graders are away at their Confirmation retreat!  Language Arts - Students are wrapping up their first novel Mockingbird. They are finalizing this unit with a couple culminating assignments, a debate and a woodworking project-chest, which will take place after they return from retreat.  Math - 8th graders are finishing up exponents and monomials, and then Pythagorean theorem and square roots.  Social Studies - 8th Graders will be ending the American Revolution so that they can begin the Constitution upon their return from their retreat!   Science - It is a short week for the 8th graders as they prepare to leave for their retreat. Either way, we will explore ionic and covalent bonding on Monday and Tuesday.

REMINDERS

Oct. 25-27      8th Grade retreat to CYO Camp at

                         Occidental

Oct. 31           1:00-3:30 Halloween Celebration

Nov. 1-3        12:30 dismissal for Parent-Teacher

                        Conferences

Nov. 1            8:15 AM All Saints’ Day School Mass

Nov. 2            Free Dress for No Tardies in October

Nov. 3            6th Grade Retreat

QUE PASA 10/18/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

Thank you to everyone for your patience last week as we dealt with the poor air quality conditions in our area.  Students were very cooperative as we had to remain indoors all day, even during the morning before the first bell and during all their recesses.

Let us all continue to pray for those who have been affected by all the recent tragic events—the North Bay fires, the destructive earthquakes in Mexico, the Las Vegas shooting, and the hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.  In September we took up a collection for victims of the earlier hurricanes; presently we are accepting donations of supplies for the people in Puerto Rico; and an upcoming project will be to take up a collection for the fire victims.  As we pray and help those in dire need, take time to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings that we have, such as our families, our friends, our health, and our safety.  Coming together through prayer and service will open our hearts and minds, and strengthen our St. Peter’s community!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

EMERGENCY READINESS

With all the emergencies that have occurred lately, we want to be proactive in our own readiness.  At school, we have regular fire drills and earthquake drills.  If your child requires asthma medication, please ensure that the medication is current and not expired.  If your child has not yet brought in an emergency kit of water and crackers/granola bar, please send that to school right away.  And throughout the year if there are any changes in phone numbers or addresses on your child’s emergency card, please notify the office right away so we can update that information immediately.

IMPORTANT INCOME SURVEY

It’s still not too late to turn in the very important Family Income Survey!  This information is necessary for our school to receive funding for math and reading programs.  If you have NOT completed a survey yet, then your child was sent home with another one today.  Once it is returned, your child will receive a KEY for service.

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

See the enclosed information about the St. Peter’s Halloween celebration on Tuesday, October 31 from 1:00-3:30.  Parent volunteers and donations are needed to make this event and fundraiser a successful one, so if you are able to help, complete and return the forms to your child’s teacher.  We especially need help in supervising and hosting game booths.

Children may come to school in costume on Halloween.  However, all costume parts that symbolize weapons must not be brought to school!

Also—consider walking or taking public transportation to school if you will be joining the Halloween celebration.  Parking is extremely limited, and two years ago, cars were ticketed on Halloween for parking on the sidewalk by the parking lot.  Be cautious!

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE CHANGES

Thank you to all the parents who completed the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org this past September. The certificate is good for 3 years from date of course completion, and parents with this certification are clear to volunteer for school events such as field trips and coaching sports teams.

However, schools were just notified this week that the Archdiocese will no longer be using Shield the Vulnerable as a training course.  Beginning in November, we are now switching to VIRTUS as a new online training course for school staff and volunteers.  More information will be provided once the Archdiocese sends further instructions to the schools.

HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF

Donations of supplies for victims of the hurricane in Puerto Rico will be collected through October 25.  Most needed items include: canned foods, ready-to-drink liquid baby formula, baby food (no glass jars), diapers, and feminine hygiene products.

FAMILY MASS AND RECEPTION

Sunday, October 22 will be a 9:30 AM Family Mass followed by a reception in the Parish Hall hosted by classes 1A, 4A, and 6A.  Please join us on this day.  Also—children who attend mass in their school uniform will receive a free dress pass to use on the following Monday.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in KA, we will do a research project to explore the different shapes around us and make a class chart of shapes. The class will be divided into four groups- circles, rectangles, squares, and triangles. Members of each group will work together to identify classroom objects that include their shapes. Lastly, each group will create pages for their shape. Each page will have a drawing of the object and a sentence that tells what shape it is. These pages will be put together on a bulletin board to create a four-column chart.  

1A - This week in first grade we are reading, writing, and discussing exercise and how our bodies move. In religion we are practicing the Hail Mary. In math we are finishing up single digit addition and beginning our introduction to subtraction. In science we are investigating how water can be used to show that air takes up space. In social studies we are continuing to discuss community and immigration.

3A - In Language class we are identifying and writing simple and complete subjects. In Math class we'll review rounding numbers to the 10's and 100's place.  This can be confusing so please practice this skill with your child. We have successfully completed two projects in Social Studies.  We've made relief maps from clay and pioneer log cabins from milk cartons and pretzels. GREAT JOB THIRD GRADE!

4A - This week 4A students will identify nouns in the subjects of sentences, add 4-digit whole numbers and money amounts with regrouping, describe the land of California.

5A – 5th grade will be practicing the skill of "close reading" in language arts this week as we continue our first novel study. We're discussing rounding and adding problems with more than 3 addends in math.

6AReligion – 6th Graders are Comparing the story of Joseph from the Bible and the Film.  Language Arts – 6th grade ELA is focusing on identifying THEME in short stories. We will be reading several classic short stories, analyzing the theme, and then citing textual evidence that supports our analysis.  Math - 6th grade will be concluding their unit on decimal operations and then splitting up into fractions.  Social Studies - 6th Graders are starting to explore the physical geography of Egypt.  Science - 6th graders will be turning in projects about the 5 layers of the atmosphere and starting an investigation into how air pressure affects weather this week.

7A/7B    Religion - 7th graders are now studying about the Baptism of Jesus and our catholic identity.  Language Arts - Students are wrapping up their first novel, Walk Two Moons. They are discovering many plot twists as they reach the end! To close the novel, students will participate in a variety of lesson extensions that center on the plot, conflicts and themes.   Math – Students are wrapping up their unit on all operations with negative integers.  They will be writing their Integer essay stories this week.  I can’t wait to see what they write about!   Social Studies – 7th Graders are continuing their West African Empire Research.   Science - Students are now wrapping up their study about microscopes after having drawn magnifications at 40x, 100x, and 400x! Now it's time to take a look at what is inside of cells!

8A   Religion – 8th Graders are focusing on the third Mark of the Church: Catholic.  Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Mockingbird and completing assignments related to their reading. They will also begin the introduction to the English HSPT, starting off with analogies.   Math - Students will be expanding into the world of exponents and scientific notation.   Social Studies - 8th Graders are continuing the book: Guns for General Washington while they continue studying the details of the American Revolution.  Science - Students will take a further dive into studying exactly why certain elements react with each other and will even create some of their own reactions!

REMINDERS

October 18      6:00 PM 6th Grade Mandatory Parent

                         Preview Meeting in the Faculty Meeting

                         Room for Caritas Creek Camp

October 22      9:30 AM Family Mass and Reception

October 23     12:30 PM dismissal

October 24     8:15 AM school mass

October 24     3A pumpkin patch field trip

Oct. 25-27      8th Grade retreat to CYO Camp at

                         Occidental

QUE PASA 10/11/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

The destruction caused by the hurricanes and earthquakes, the fear and death caused by the Las Vegas shooting, and the loss experienced due to the wildfires in the North Bay counties, all within the past few weeks, are tragic and heartbreaking events.  As parents and educators, we must be present for our children, and be sources of comfort and safety through these scary, sad, and confusing times.

Then I see how our children react to these events.  They open their hearts and minds; they show a sense of empowerment.  The Student Council led the school in donating proceeds from Dimes from Heaven to hurricane victims, and the students actively took part in that fundraiser!  The students and teachers continue to pray for hurricane, earthquake, shooting, and fire victims, showing that our faith can give us strength during challenging circumstances.  And a few days ago, a parent initiated a collection for the hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.  I’m so inspired by them and by you as the mission of Mercy continues to live on at St. Peter’s.  I know we can continue to nurture our students and each other in our school community.  I hope we can all see the hope, love, and courage in each other!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

IMPORTANT INCOME SURVEY

In last week’s Que Pasa, an important Income Verification Survey went home.  The information gathered from this survey is CONFIDENTIAL, and is necessary for our school to receive funding for reading and math programs that help our children.  If we don’t collect surveys from each family, we could lose this funding!  THANK YOU to those who have turned it in on time.  If not, please complete and return the survey before the end of this week!  And, students will receive a KEY for Service for turning it in!

INDOOR RECESS

Because of the reports of poor air quality due to the extensive fires in several North Bay counties, students remained inside for recess yesterday.  If your child requires asthma medication, please make sure that his/her medication is not expired!

EMERGENCY KIT

Please don’t forget to provide your child with an “emergency kit”—a bottled water, package of crackers OR granola bar, and an optional small toy or game—all in a Zip-loc bag with his/her name on it.  These will be stored in a closed bin in the classrooms in case of an emergency. 

LIFETOUCH CLASS PICTURES

Tuesday, October 17 is school picture day.  Your child must be in complete uniform.  If you wish to order photos, the order form is enclosed.

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

See the enclosed information about the St. Peter’s Halloween celebration on Tuesday, October 31 from 1:00-3:30.  Parent volunteers and donations are needed to make this event and fundraiser a successful one, so if you are able to help, complete and return the forms to your child’s teacher. 

Children may come to school in costume on Halloween.  However, all costume parts that symbolize weapons must not be brought to school!

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE

Thank you to all the parents who completed the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org this past September.  They were rewarded with 6 Parent Hours (double hours) for completing the course early!  This course is necessary for adults to volunteer with children, including volunteering as a field trip chaperone.  The certificate of completion is good for 3 years.

Throughout the school year, if you wish to chaperone children on a school trip, chaperones who have not completed “Shield the Vulnerable” must complete the course.  Parents will now receive 3 hours for course completion.

HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF

Please see the enclosed flyer to collect canned foods and supplies for Hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.  Your donation and prayers will help a struggling family during this difficult time.

SAINT PETER’S ATHLETIC SWEATS

If you placed an order for St. Peter’s sweats, they are scheduled to be distributed by early November.  Thank you for your purchase!

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in KA we will use our five senses to explore, examine and taste red apples. Then we will record our observation on a word web graphic organizer. We will respond to questions and write our results. What does the apples look like? What does it feel like? What does it smell like? What does it taste like? And what does it sound like?

1A - This week in first grade we are reading, writing, and discussing the idea of friendship and what it means to be a good friend. In religion we are discussing God's creations. In math we are continuing to work on addition, using tens frames, number lines, and counting on strategies. In science we are continuing to experiment with air and compression. In social studies we are learning about immigration and the beauty in diverse communities. 

2A - Second grade will be reading and learning about what animals in stories can teach us; place value; continue memorizing our prayers and review Unit 1; learning about different cultures; and building bridges in science.

3A - This week in Math class we will be having a test on standard and expanded notation through 10,000.  In Reading class We will begin a new story called, "How the World Got Wisdom. This is a West African folktale.  In Religion class we are GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE by identifying the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation).

4A - This week 4A students will identify and write simple and complete subjects, check addition and subtraction, and describe the land of California.

5A – This week, 5th graders are continuing our study of European explorers with a discussion on the pros and cons of celebrating Columbus Day. We're also learning new vocabulary words for our study of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. In math, we're striving to master both place value to the billions and rounding decimals.

6AReligion – 6th Graders will be visited by Paula Pardini for Building Bridges to continue strengthening their faith community. Language Arts – 6th Grade is continuing their work on plot. After finishing up the classic Rudyard Kipling tale of "Rikki Tikki Tavi" we will read "The Landlady" by Roald Dahl. We'll look at how both authors developed suspense in their stories to lead to an exciting climax.  Math - The 6th graders are discovering how decimals and whole numbers are working together to tell a complete story.  Social Studies - 6th Graders are continuing to review their Mesopotamia Unit and will complete a Quest this week.  Science - 6th graders are learning about the 5 layers of Earth's atmosphere and how those layers affect our weather this week.

7A/7B    Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Walk Two Moons. They are also finding the connections to their reading, text-text, text-self, text-world, which furthers their comprehension of the novel's content.  Math – The 7th graders will be investigating multiplying and dividing integers with positive and negative numbers.  This will add to their knowledge of adding and subtracting.  They will also be learning how to define a variable with those terms and write as an expression.  This leads into their very first math essay assignment, “The Integer Story!"  Social Studies – 7th Graders have started to read A Long Walk to Water and they are learning about the physical geography and empires of Western Africa.  Science - It is time to put our knowledge to work and take a look at cells under a real microscope! Look at these biologists!

8A   Religion – 8th Graders will be visited by Paula Pardini for Building Bridges to continue strengthening their faith community.    Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Mockingbird and completing assignments related to their reading.  Math -  8th graders are now putting their knowledge of algebraic expressions together, and will now add scientific notation and exponential powers to add some spice to their expressions!  Social Studies - 8th Grade Social Studies has started to read Guns for General Washington and they are continuing through their American Revolution Unit, beginning to look at a timeline of events of the battles of the war. Science - Students are defining types of atomic bonds and explaining why they happen!

REMINDERS

October 12      Riordan and ICA presentations for 8th

                          Graders

October 17      8:15 AM School Mass

October 17      Life Touch School Picture Day

October 18      6th Grade Mandatory Parent Preview

                           Meeting for Caritas Creek Camp

QUE PASA 10/4/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

October 7th is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the month of October is traditionally the month of the Rosary.

Here is a thoughtful reflection from Living the Rosary by Father John Phalen:

The Rosary starts with Mary’s human experience, and it encourages us to learn from our own.  The Rosary is:

·       Remembering Christ with Mary

·       Learning Christ with Mary

·       Being conformed to Christ with Mary

·       Praying to Christ with Mary

·       Proclaiming Christ with Mary

This also reminds me of how much our own children honor Mary as they pass the grotto at school each day.  They make the Sign of the Cross, or stop to say a prayer.  The grotto is definitely a sacred place for our entire school family.

As October begins, let us look to Mary as a role model of faith and courage, especially during this month of the Rosary and with our new KEYS focus for October of “Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.”

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

ST. PETER’S ATHLETIC SWEATS

The last day to order the gray athletic sweats is tomorrow—Thursday, October 5!  Don’t miss out, or you’ll have to wait until next year to place an order.  Order forms are still available in the school office.

IMPORTANT INCOME SURVEY

Going home today is an important Income Verification Survey.  The information gathered from this survey is CONFIDENTIAL, and is necessary for our school to receive funding for useful services such as reading and math programs that help our children.  If we don’t collect these surveys on time, we could lose this funding!  Please help the school and complete this survey by Tuesday, October 10.

EMERGENCY KIT

Last week’s Que Pasa included a letter about providing your child with an “emergency kit”—a bottled water, package of crackers OR granola bar, and an optional small toy or game—all in a Zip-loc bag with his/her name on it.  These will be stored in a closed bin in the classrooms in case of an emergency.  Please have your child bring these emergency kits to school by this Friday, October 6.

SPECIAL PROCESSION AND MASS

This Saturday, October 7, is a special march, called “The Procession for the Streets of our City.”  Father Moises would really appreciate our school’s participation!  The procession will begin at St. Peter’s Church at 7:00 AM, and we will join with people from the parishes of St. Anthony’s and St. Charles. If you’re unable to make it to the procession, you can join the group for 10:00 Mass with the Archbishop at St. Mary’s Cathedral to celebrate the Consecration of our Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  If you and your family come, wear your St. Peter’s green or gray sweatshirt to represent our school!

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE

Thank you to all the parents who completed the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org this past September.  They were rewarded with 6 Parent Hours (double hours) for completing the course early!  This course is necessary for adults to volunteer with children, including volunteering as a field trip chaperone.  The certificate of completion is good for 3 years.

Throughout the school year, if you wish to chaperone children on a school trip, chaperones who have not completed “Shield the Vulnerable” must complete the course.  Parents will now receive 3 hours for course completion.

ST. PETER’S KEYS UPDATE

At school, teachers and staff have been distributing KEYS (vouchers) to help promote living the KEYS:

Knowledge feeds GROWTH.

Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.

You are LOVE.

SERVICE UNITES.

During September, teachers and staff awarded 740 KEYS to students! That’s AMAZING!  We can see students in every grade living our core values and the KEYS. Keep up the great work!

If a student receives KEYS with all 5 core values in one month--which is called KEYS Bingo—he/she will be put on the list for a popcorn and movie party!

Our KEYS store will open this month, where students can trade in KEYS for prizes.   Students can see their teacher to trade in KEYS for free dress passes and homework passes once they’ve earned enough KEYS!

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in KA, we will review what nouns are and work in groups to make a "nouns poster." Each student in a group will have a job to do in order to make a poster. The poster will have a title as: Person, Place and Thing. Students will be asked to draw at least 3 pictures in each category. Lastly, each group will take turns sharing their poster together in front of the class. Parents, please have your child refer back to their individual poster that they made last week. This will help them review what nouns are and feel more comfortable participating in a group activity that involves nouns.

1A - This week in first grade we are reading and talking about pets and what makes them special. In religion we are continuing to work on the Our Father and learning new songs to sing our prayers. In science we are continuing to experiment with air and its effect on objects. In social studies we are talking about communities and the different members of a community.

2A - Second grade will be reading and learning about how animals survive in nature; finishing up subtracting and beginning place value; learning different ways of praying and praying the first decade of the rosary; and building bridges in science.

3A - This week, we are continuing to learn about the Sacraments of Initiation during Religion class.  In Science we are beginning to learn the bones of the body.  Please help your son/daughter by going online for great resources, especially, YouTube. 

4A - This week 4A will learn the Scripture story of the Last Supper, review the four kinds of sentences by correcting errors in punctuation and capitalization, and use rounding to estimate sums and differences.

5A – This week, 5th graders will design experiments to separate mixtures in science and analyze the motivations of Marco Polo & other explorers in social studies. We're continuing to work on our persuasive writing and our novel study of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

6AReligion – 6th Graders are defining the word: Covenant, and looking at examples of Covenants in the Old Testament.   Language Arts – 6th Graders will begin looking at how characters' action drive the plot of the story. We'll be reading the Rudyard Kipling classic "Rikki-Tiki-Tavi" and practicing writing our own stories with a special focus on developing suspense during the rising action.   Math - The 6th graders will continue their journey through the introduction to rational numbers and decimals, exploring how decimals are used in our world.  Social Studies - 6th Graders are reviewing their Mesopotamia Unit and taking a Mesopotamia Test on October 5th.   Science - 6th graders will begin studying the Earth's atmosphere & how it affects weather this week in science.

7A/7B   Religion - 7th graders are studying the Infancy Narratives, and the two different stories from Matthew and Luke about the birth of Jesus.  Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Walk Two Moons. They are in anticipation of what will happen next to the Winterbottoms' Family!  Math – 7th graders are exploring how variables are used to represent mathematical ideas.   Social Studies – 7th Graders are spinning the globe over to the physical geography of Africa and looking at the early civilizations in Western Africa. They will also begin reading “A Long Walk to Water.”   Science - Students will discover how to effectively use a microscope to take a look at microscopic things called cells!

8A   Religion – 8th Graders will be finishing their Apostolic Chapter and breaking about the Apostle's Creed.   Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Mockingbird and completing assignments related to their reading.  Math -  The 8th graders are seeing how expressions can be put together to tell a story of a situation, then exploring squares and roots.  Social Studies - 8th graders will begin to look at the deeper details of the Causes of the American Revolution.

 Science - Students will discover what it is that allows for elements to bond with other elements in the creation of molecules.

REMINDERS

October 4          Free Dress for students with No Tardies

                              in September

October 5          Last day to purchase St. Peter’s Athletic

                               Sweats

October 6          Field trip to the Exploratorium for

                             Summer Learning Challenge Winners

October 7         “Procession for the Streets of

                             our City” (See attached flyer)

October 9         No School—Columbus Day holiday

October 10       Income Survey Due

October 10       8:15 AM School Mass

QUE PASA 9/27/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

Our focus of the KEY “Knowledge feeds GROWTH” for September was so appropriate as we began our school year together.  This is a time when we adjust to different environments, get to know teachers and classmates, and learn how to collaborate with others.  Think about how your child has grown (academically, socially, spiritually) since the first day of school.  The knowledge they have gained will help to feed their mind and spirit, but they should not stop there.  Together, let us guide them to use that knowledge to take action to better themselves, to positively guide others, and to improve their communities.   And when they take action, they can understand that “Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage”--which will be our October focus of the KEYS! Together, let’s keep our growth mindset going strong as this first month of school draws to a close.

Also, congratulations to the September Students of the Month!  They are inspiring examples of living out the St. Peter’s KEYS!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

PROGRESS REPORTS

Grades 3-8: If your child is receiving a C- grade or below, or a 3 or 4 in Behavior, he/she will bring home a progress report today.

Grades K-2:  If your child is receiving an “N” in an area, or a 3 or 4 in Behavior, he/she will bring home a progress report today. 

*These progress reports must be signed by a parent and returned to the teacher.  Final grades for the First Quarter will be available at the beginning of November.

NO TARDIES FOR SEPTEMBER

If your child was on time to school for every school day in September, then he/she may wear Free Dress on Wednesday, Oct.4.  If students qualify for this prize, they will be notified by their teacher.

ST. PETER’S ATHLETIC SWEATS

Please see the attached order form to place an order for the gray St. Peter’s Sweats and T-shirt.  Order forms are also available in the office.  These sweats are on sale for a limited time only, so don’t miss out!

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE

Complete the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org.  This course is necessary for adults to volunteer with children, including volunteering as a field trip chaperone.  Directions for accessing the course are available on our school website—www.stpeterssf.org—under the August 30 Que Pasa section.  Or pick up a paper copy of the directions from the school office.  Your certificate of completion is good for 3 years.  Submit your certificate of online course completion by this Friday Sept. 29 and receive 6 hours of parent participation.

HELP SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT ST. PETER’S

See the attached flyer for “Mornings in Kindergarten” and “Shadow Days” at St. Peter’s.  These are opportunities for prospective students and families to get to know St. Peter’s so that the students can attend our school.  Feel free to share this information with others outside of St. Peter’s.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!

Homeroom teachers identify Students of the Month at the end of each month, and will be recognized at the last morning assembly of each month.  Students who are chosen have exemplified living the St. Peter’s KEYS:

Knowledge feeds GROWTH.

Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.

You are LOVE.

SERVICE UNITES.

KINDER - Dominic Leonor is kind and always willing to be helpful. His positive attitude towards learning has helped him build his knowledge and explore new ideas. He is willing to take the risk of asking questions to check for understanding. He works hard and is willing to go above and beyond in his efforts to progress.  

1A – Milena Arevalo Zelayandia is a student who is always trying her best and is eager to learn and grow. She is kind and loving to all those around her and is always quick to help a friend in need. For these reasons Milena is our first student of the month!

2A – Andrea Perez is always helping others (service), working hard and trying her best (accomplish), and working with others to resolve problems (unite).

3A – Isaac Leonor is a hard worker who asks intelligent questions in order to grow in knowledge.  He is a willing helper to fellow students, as well as his teacher.  Also, his study habits are outstanding.

4A – Daniela Perez has demonstrated that every accomplishment needs courage.  She overcame feeling frustrated with homework and studying by persevering and doing extremely well on her spelling tests averaging over 96%.  Good job Daniela!  

5A – Veronica Montes is kind to her classmates, constantly offers to help, and shows courage in asking questions when she doesn't understand something. We know her courage and dedication will help her grow and accomplish many great things this year!

6A – Javier Montano is a great example of a student with the KEYS. He has started the year in great spirits and has been excited to share his knowledge with his classmates. He has quickly learned the expectations in 6th grade and has been very helpful to his peers.

7A – Bianca Langlois has shown that she is ready for anything that 7th grade will throw at her.  She has been a helper to those classmates who need it, she has taken great care to ensure her understanding of all things in math by asking great questions, and has an eye for perfection.  The way Bianca went about roaming the room and helping her classmates when they were stuck was what growth and success are all about.  

7B – Daniel Mejia has shown that service unites. His leadership and dedication to the safety patrol and the student council has made our school community a safer place.

8A – Yesenia Herrera has exhibited a willingness to share her knowledge in the classroom, both academically and personally, by constantly asking questions to better herself.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will explore and read to find out ways that baby animals move. Students will write an opinion about an animal using an idea from a list given. Then students will work in pairs to do a peer edit and check for the following: Did I write about an animal? Did I share my feelings about the animal? Does my sentence tell about the picture I drew? Lastly, we will create animal puppets. It's going to be a fun week!

1A - This week in English Language Arts the topic is “Where We Live.” We are discussing our own neighborhoods and communities, as well as those of others. In religion we are discussing the different ways we can praise God. In math we are continuing to work on sequencing and ordinal numbers. In science we are continuing to experiment with air and its effect on different objects.

2A - 2nd grade will be writing their own prayers of praise and thanksgiving; continuing to prepare for First Communion/Reconciliation (parent meeting Wednesday, 9/27 at 6 p.m.); learning to count up to subtract, identifying and writing fact families; reading about how families work together; understanding the roles of consumers and producers; and building towers and bridges.

4A - This week 4A students will learn the Scripture story of the Last Supper, understand the four meanings of subtraction, identify the sequence of events in a text and use the sequence of events to summarize a text.

5A – 5th grade is beginning to discuss mixtures in science and early exploration in social studies this week. We'll also continue reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in English Language Arts and will review the properties of addition and subtraction in math.

6AReligion – 6th Grade Religion will continue with the story of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis and they will have their second session of Building Bridges with Paula Pardini.  Language Arts –  6th graders are continuing their study of short stories by identifying different types of point of view. We will be reading "The Sniper" to look at the importance of choosing the right point of view to build suspense in a story.  Social Studies - 6th Grade Social Studies will choose which Sumerian Achievement was most significant to changing history!   Science - 6th graders will expand on their investigation of air by brainstorming their own experiments to test whether air has mass.

7A/7B   Language Arts - Students will continue to read Walk Two Moons, while also responding to comprehension questions, text connections and vocabulary. The material thus far has provided very thoughtful and lively discussions. What is in store for Salamanca Tree Hiddle?  Social Studies – 7th Graders have studied the beliefs and practices of Islam, will write their names in the Arabic language, and will see the ways in which Islam was spread throughout the world.  Science - Students will review cellular process as we prepare to take a look inside the cells that do those processes.

8A   Religion – 8th Graders are moving through the 'Apostolic' Chapter of their text as they learn what it as one of our Church's four marks.  Language Arts - Students have begun reading Mockingbird. In addition to their reading, students have created a Character Study Notebook to record their responses to character transformation. This will serve as the main focus of the novel, while also participating in mini lesson activities to aid in further comprehension.    Social Studies - 8th graders will start to learn about the beginnings of unrest in the American Colonies and learn what sparked the American Revolution!   Science - Students will put their knowledge of subatomic particles to use as they create models of ions, isotopes, and neutral atoms.

REMINDERS

September 27       First Communion Meeting at

                             6:00 PM in Church

October 3             8:15 AM School Mass

October 4             Free Dress for students with

                               No Tardies in September

October 4             Morning in Kindergarten for

                               prospective students and   

                              families

October 5            Last day to purchase St.

                              Peter’s Athletic Sweats

October 7           “Procession for the Streets of

                             our City” (See attached flyer)

QUE PASA 9/20/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

Later this week, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, or as we lovingly call it, Mercy Day!  At St. Peter’s, we remember and celebrate the Sisters of Mercy who founded our school and continue to care for and support our students to this day.

The sisters of Mercy our living examples to us for living out the mission of Mercy.  

MERCY means to show love and compassion towards others; to forgive others and to be grateful to be forgiven by others; to show charity and generosity, especially to those in need; to have the courage to stand up for what’s right, especially for others who are afraid to stand up for themselves; to have faith in God.  MERCY means having an open heart and open mind.

Let’s remember to be thankful for all the good works of the Sisters of Mercy, and try our best to live out the mission of Mercy ourselves, not only at St. Peter’s School, but everywhere! 

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

ST. PETER’S ATHLETIC SWEATS

Please see the attached order form to place an order for the gray St. Peter’s Sweats and T-shirt.  Order forms are also available in the office or on the schoolyard before the 7:55 AM bell.  These sweats are on sale for a limited time only, so don’t miss out!

DACA RENEWAL SERVICE
ATTENTION: For any DACA recipients who live in the Bay Area and qualify to renew their DACA.  San Francisco's office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs will be holding a workshop on September 23 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at Mission High School in San Francisco.  Attorneys will help you do your renewals for FREE.  If you are in financial need, they will pay the $495 fee to the Department of Homeland Security.  Please share if you know anyone in need of this service.

JOIN A PARENT GROUP!

A fun way to get involved with St. Peter’s School is through one of our caring Parent Groups!

- Madrinas/Padrinos help in marketing our school and in welcoming new students and families to our school family.

- The Community Builders help plan school events to strengthen our community and raise funds for the school.

- Campus Care helps to maintain the physical well-being and safety of the school.

All these groups can use your help, energy, and expertise!  To join, please contact Mrs. Jimenez at sjimenez@sanpedro.org or leave a message in the office.

SUNDAY FAMILY MASS

This Sunday, September 24, will be our first Sunday Family Mass of the school year.  Please join us at 9:30 AM at St. Peter’s Church as we celebrate of the Eucharist.  Students who attend this Mass in school uniform will receive a Free Dress Pass for Monday, September 25.  (There will be no reception after this mass.  Our first Family Mass reception will be in October.)

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE

Complete the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org.  This course is necessary for adults to volunteer with children, including volunteering as a field trip chaperone.  Directions for accessing the course are available on our school website—www.stpeterssf.org—under the August 30 Que Pasa section.  Or pick up a paper copy of the directions from the school office.  Your certificate of completion is good for 3 years.  Submit your certificate of online course completion by Sept. 29 and receive 6 hours of parent participation.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, our faith focus is that God gives us our five senses. We will identify that our five senses are gifts from God and that our senses help us learn about the world. Also, we will participate in shared research and writing projects.

1A - This week in we are beginning with our First Grade ELA program. Please help your child practice their spelling and sight words on the front of their homework packet. We are also starting our first investigation in the science lab, looking at the different things air can do. In religion we are talking about the importance of The Bible. In social studies we are talking about classroom rules and being a leader. In math we are continuing to focus on number sense.

2A - We will be reading and talking about how animals need our care; finding the differences of 12 or less using "count back" strategy; grouping objects; comparing and contrasting our lives now with those of past; identifying everyday heroes. Reminder: First Communion Meeting is next Wednesday 9/27 at 6:00 p.m.

3A - This week we are investigating apples in Science class. We will use our senses to explore what an apple looks like, feels like, tastes like and smells like.  We will write our findings in our Science journals and share them with our partners.

4A - I want to first thank 4A students and their families for giving so much last week and supporting St. Peter School's Student Council and those affected by Hurricane Harvey.  This week 4A will continue to identify the sequence of events in a text, understand the properties of addition, and understand that at Mass we give thanks and praise to God, especially for the gift of Jesus.

5A – We're starting our first novel study this week! 5th grade will be reading and analyzing The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. In math, students will continue practicing writing numbers through billions and into decimals in both standard and expanded form. We will also practice giving and receiving feedback on our writing.

6AReligion - 6th Grade Religion is beginning the study of the Old Testament with the story of Abraham and Sarah and learning about Abraham's total faith in God.  Language Arts –  Students will be looking at how authors develop characters in their short stories, both directly and indirectly. We'll be practicing how to make inferences about characters' traits using clues from the text.  Social Studies - 6th Grade Social Studies is answering the question: Which Sumerian achievement was most significant to changing the way they lived?   Science - 6th graders will be investigating the properties of air in the science lab this week.  Math - 6th graders are honing their skills with decimal operations.

7A/7B  Language Arts - Students have focused on the types of conflict and how it is the driving force to any story. They will now put their knowledge to the test with a quiz and essay assessment. Additionally, students will be introduced to their first novel, Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech. A series of pre-reading activities will take place to further aid comprehension as students read.  Social Studies – 7th Grade is comparing and contrasting the three major world religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as they are learning about the final major world religion, Islam.  Math - 7th graders have been working incredibly hard on adding and subtracting negative integers, we will take a short integer break to look at order of operations and expressions this week.  Science - Students complete their cellular processes stop-motion animations and begin their review of what they have learned so far.

8A  Religion – 8th Grade Religion groups are presenting significant words and definitions that will appear on the ACRE test so that their peers can better understand the importance and meanings of the terms.   Language Arts - Students completed their Personal Narrative Essay with a strong finish! They will now begin the pre-reading activities for their first novel, Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine this week. This will serve as contextual background of the different topics and themes that will be introduced as they read.   Social Studies - 8th Grade is finishing their comparisons of the 13 Original Colonies.  They will begin to notice conflict that begins to spark between England and the Colonies and between the Colonies and the Native Americans.   Math - 8th grade is working on expressions and equations and will be learning how to make equations from a table.  Science - Students are defining ions, isotopes, and drawing electron orbitals.

REMINDERS

September 20        7th Grade Parent Preview

                              Meeting at 6:00 PM for

                              Caritas Creek Camp, in  

                              Faculty Meeting Room

September 22        Mercy Day Mass, 8:30 AM   

                               (Students in complete

                                uniform; no sweats)

September 24        Sunday Family Mass,

                              9:30 AM 

September 25       12:30 Dismissal

September 27       First Communion Meeting at

                             6:00 PM in Church

QUE PASA 9/13/2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

This week marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, when thousands of people were killed or injured as a result of hate and ignorance.  Many felt fear and anxiety.  Yet in response, people showed compassion, unity, courage, and service as they helped those in need.

In a way, the attacks of 9/11 remind me of our current political climate, and how people may feel fear and anxiety because of the decisions made by our nation’s leaders.  This makes our work at St. Peter’s even more meaningful and important, as we guide children to act in unity with love and knowledge.  We want St. Peter’s School to be a safe place for students to grow and learn, where they can accomplish their goals with open hearts and open minds. 

Together, then, let us pray for peace and pray for our country’s leaders.  We continue to strive to live out St. Peter’s KEYS.

Knowledge feeds GROWTH.

Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.

You are LOVE.

SERVICE UNITES.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

ST. PETER’S ATHLETIC SWEATS

Please see the attached order form (or obtain a form in the office) to place an order for the gray St. Peter’s Sweats and T-shirt.

DIMES FROM HEAVEN

The “Dimes from Heaven” collection will help to benefit Student Council events for this year.  Also, part of the proceeds will be donated to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.  The classes in grades K-4 and 5-8 that raise the most money will win an ice cream party!

AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURE

All students not registered for any after school programs must leave the schoolyard by 3:15 PM on regular dismissal days and 2:30 PM on early dismissal days. Students may not leave the schoolyard and return to the campus after dismissal. At no time will a student be allowed to be on campus unsupervised.  Parents must also leave the campus at this time, unless they have an appointment with a teacher or administration.

All students who participate in any after school activity should register for the BVCC St. Peter’s After School Program.  Financial Assistance is available.  Please see BVCC Directors Sheri Schlicker or Rochelle Celedon if you have any questions about registration.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

If you would like your child to receive Baptism, Reconciliation, or First Eucharist, please fill out a form in the office by September 15.

PARKING NOTIFICATIONS

If a parking spot in the school/church parking lot is marked with a YELLOW number or blocked with an orange cone, please do not park in that space.  Those spaces are rented by the church and must be kept open for the parking tenants.

Please do not park in the white zone in front of the Alabama Street gate--this is only a drop-off area—and avoid parking on the sidewalk.  Also, do not block the rectory driveways, since this will prevent our priests from attending to their many important commitments.

TUITION NOTICE

The Tuitions Office will send out Tuition statements in both paper form and via email.  Through email, the statement will be an attachment, so please make sure you open the attachment to access the information!  If you have questions, contact the tuitions office at tuition-office@sanpedro.org

JOIN A PARENT GROUP!

A fun way to get involved with St. Peter’s School is through one of our caring Parent Groups!

- Madrinas/Padrinos help in marketing our school and in welcoming new students and families to our school family.

- The Community Builders help plan school events to strengthen our community and raise funds for the school.

- Campus Care helps to maintain the physical well-being and safety of the school.

All these groups can use your help, energy, and expertise!  To join, please contact Mrs. Jimenez at sjimenez@sanpedro.org or leave a message in the office.

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE

Complete the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org.  This course is necessary for adults to volunteer with children, including volunteering as a field trip chaperone.  Directions for accessing the course are available on our school website—www.stpeterssf.org—under the August 30 Que Pasa section.  Or pick up a paper copy of the directions from the school office.  Your certificate of completion is good for 3 years.  Submit your certificate of online course completion by Sept. 29 and receive 6 hours of parent participation.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will explore what makes a good citizen. Students will demonstrate that being a good citizen involves taking turns, sharing, taking responsibility, practicing honesty, self-control, and being nice to others. Please discuss with your child the importance of becoming a responsible citizen. Thank you for all your support.

1A - This week in First Grade we will be finishing our review of Kindergarten reading skills. Please help your child prepare for their Smart Start sight word test on Friday. We will be continuing to express how we're feeling using "I Messages" and talking about the importance of respecting the rights and opinions of others.

2A - 2nd Grade will be reading for character, setting and events; continue adding and start subtracting within 20; sharing family photos and histories; talking about heroes; grouping solid objects; practicing our prayers; and we will receive a blessing at mass! Read to your child nightly, sign your child's reading log on Thursday night, and turn it in on Friday. Read to your child, let them read to you, go to the library!

3A - This week 3A is doing STAR Testing for Math.  In Religion we are practicing how to CORRECTLY make the sign of the cross. Parents please practice with your son or daughter as several students are using the wrong hand or not crossing over for the Holy Spirit.  That test will be given individually.

4A - This week 4A will identify and use imperative and exclamatory sentences, write numbers in expanded form from standard form, and identify and use synonyms. 

5A – The 5th grade class is using the story “Mama's Nightingale” this week to continue using context clues to find the meaning of vocabulary words and discuss immigration. We're continuing to review fractions, place value, and units of measurement in math.

6A  Religion - 6th Grade Religion class will be spent preparing for the Building Bridges program with Paula Pardini as she visits our class for the first time on September 14th to work with the class on building a Faith Community.  Language Arts – 6A ELA will continue to work on short story elements by analyzing different types of conflict, such as internal and external. We'll also start developing ideas to write our own short stories that include multiple layers of conflict.  Social Studies - 6th Grade will be studying Mesopotamia as the first well known civilization and they will learn what components are required in order for a group of people to be labeled a civilization.  Science - 6th grade scientists are completing data for our class weather chart and beginning their investigation of the science behind severe weather.

7A/7B  Language Arts - Students are continuing to identify and analyze the types of conflict in a short story. They are transitioning to applying the types on conflict, internal or external, in their very own short story!

Social Studies – 7th Grade Social Studies will continue their study of the region of Arabia, they will act our stories from Arabian Nights, and they will begin to learn about the origins of the Islamic Religion.  Science - Students will be finalizing their models of photosynthesis and cellular respiration and begin their test study.

8A  Religion – 8th Grade is preparing for Paula Pardini to visit and begin her second year with them in the Building Bridges program.  Language Arts - Students are wrapping up their STAR Testing this week. They are in the beginning stages of composing their Personal Narratives based on a challenge they overcame or currently overcoming.  Social Studies - 8th Grade is researching the American colonies in depth and will be sharing their expertise through a brochure project.  Science - Students will continue to learn more about atoms and how the periodic table describes different versions of them for us.

REMINDERS

September 5-15     STAR Testing Window

September 11-15   “Dimes from Heaven”  

                               Collection

September 13        8th grade Parent Meeting, 7:30

                              AM or 6:00 PM in the Faculty   

                              Meeting Room

September 20        7th Grade Parent Preview

                              Meeting at 6:00 PM for

                              Caritas Creek Camp

September 22        Mercy Day Mass, 8:30 AM

QUE PASA September 6, 2017

Dear Parents,

Last week, we completed our first FULL week of school!  Great job, everyone!

Thank you to all the parents and guardians who attended Back-to-School Night last Wednesday.  We want to continue to work as partners to support your child’s overall growth.

If you were unable to attend, please make sure you have received any handouts and important information from your child’s teacher(s).  If you were unable to attend or you forgot to pick up your Parent-Student handbook at Back-to-School Night, your child should have brought home a handbook.  Please go over this handbook with your child, and sign and return the form inside.

As we move forward in partnership, let’s stay united as we encourage each other to live out St. Peter’s KEYS!

Knowledge feeds GROWTH.

Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.

You are LOVE.

SERVICE UNITES.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If your child has not yet returned all the required forms--Emergency Card, Medical Packet, Permission to walk/talk public transportation after school, Photo Release form, Technology Acceptable Use Policy, Email address verification—please make sure those are submitted right away.  The information provided on these forms is very important for the safety of your child.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURE

All students not registered for any after school programs must leave the schoolyard by 3:15 PM on regular dismissal days and 2:30 PM on early dismissal days. Students may not leave the schoolyard and return to the campus after dismissal. At no time will a student be allowed to be on campus unsupervised.  Parents must also leave the campus at this time, unless they have an appointment with a teacher or administration.

All students who participate in any after school activity should register for the BVCC St. Peter’s After School Program.  Financial Assistance is available.  Please see BVCC Directors Sheri Schlicker or Rochelle Celedon if you have any questions about registration.

STAR TESTING

September 5-15 is our first STAR Testing window.  During this time, students will take the computer adaptive STAR test in both Language and Math.  The results of these tests will be available to the teachers in order to help meet students’ needs.  Throughout the year, students will participate in progress monitoring and universal screenings using the STAR test to provide input on academic growth.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

If you would like your child to receive Baptism, Reconciliation, or First Eucharist, please fill out a form in the office by September 15.

PARKING NOTIFICATIONS

If a parking spot in the school/church parking lot is marked with a YELLOW number or blocked with an orange cone, please do not park in that space.  Those spaces are rented by the church and must be kept open for the parking tenants.

Please do not park in the white zone in front of the Alabama Street gate--this is only a drop-off area—and avoid parking on the sidewalk.  Also, do not block the rectory driveways, since this will prevent our priests from attending to their many important commitments.

TUITION NOTICE

This month, our Tuitions Office will be sending out Tuition statements in both paper form and via email.  Through email, the statement will be an attachment, so please make sure you open the attachment to access the information!  If you have questions, contact the tuitions office at tuition-office@sanpedro.org

JOIN A PARENT GROUP!

A fun way to get involved with St. Peter’s School is through one of our caring Parent Groups!

- Madrinas/Padrinos help in marketing our school and in welcoming new students and families to our school family.

- The Community Builders help plan school events to strengthen our community and raise funds for the school.

- Campus Care helps to maintain the physical well-being and safety of the school.

All these groups can use your help, energy, and expertise!  To join, please contact Mrs. Jimenez at sjimenez@sanpedro.org or leave a message in the office.

SHIELD THE VULNERABLE

Complete the online course on www.shieldthevulnerable.org.  This course is necessary for adults to volunteer with children, including volunteering as a field trip chaperone.  Directions for accessing the course are available on our school website—www.stpeterssf.org—under the August 30 Que Pasa section.  Or pick up a paper copy of the directions from the school office.  Your certificate of completion is good for 3 years.  Submit your certificate of online course completion by Sept. 29 and receive 6 hours of parent participation.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - Our faith focus this week is that God loves us. Students will discover that taking care of someone or something is a sign that a person or thing is special to us. Also, we will thank God for his love for us and celebrate that "we are children of God."

1A - This week we are continuing to work on our classroom procedures and talking about community. We are working on solving our disagreements and problems using the “I Message.” Please ask your child to demonstrate it for you. Thanks so much for all of your help.

2A - 2nd Grade will be reading “Big Red Lollipop” and How Families Celebrate; continuing with strategies to add sums within 20; sharing family photos and histories, talking about signs of baptism and getting blessings at mass.

3A - We are hard at work practicing our basic addition and subtraction facts, reviewing our prayers and reading orally

4A - This week 4A will describe who we respect and care for God's creation, identify the sequence of events in a passage, and understand place value through the hundred millions.

5A – The 5th graders will be reviewing quotients and fraction properties in math. We'll begin working on fictional narrative writing in ELA review how to define new vocabulary words using context clues. We'll be studying looking at the connection of neurons & growth mindset in science and introducing our new unit on early Americans in social studies.

6A  Religion - 6th Grade Religion will be illustrating what the St Peter's KEYS mean to them to create a classroom poster of each key.  Language Arts – We are continuing our analysis of setting and social context in short stories. We will finish reading the Sherlock Holmes mystery "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches" and have our first vocabulary and grammar test on Friday.   Social Studies - 6th Grade Social Studies will begin to explore the question: "Why is it important to study the past?"  Science - Students will be continuing their observations of the weather in their lab notebooks and learning about the key features of a weather forecast.

7A/7B  Language Arts - Students are identifying the types of conflict.  Social Studies – 7th Grade has watched the Roman Empire Fall and they will begin to shift their focus to the physical geography and life in Arabia.  Science - Students will begin creating a model of photosynthesis and cellular respiration...some of the most important processes in the world!

8A  Language Arts - Students are currently focusing on Personal Narratives, what it means, how it applies to everyday and literature based examples.  Social Studies - 8th is answering the question: "What consequences occur when two different cultures meet?" And they will use the answer to that question as a guide in their understanding of the beginning of our US Colonization Unit.   Science - Students are beginning their work on the creation of models of atoms and molecules.

REMINDERS

September 5-15     STAR Testing Window

September 7          St. Ignatius High School  

                              presentation to 8th graders at St.  

                              Peter’s School

September 11-15   “Dimes from Heaven” Collection

September 12        School Mass, 8:15 AM

September 13        8th grade Parent Meeting, 7:30 AM  

                              or 6:00 PM in the Faculty Meeting

                              Room

QUE PASA AUGUST 30, 2017 (English)

Dear Parents,

Our school year is off to a strong start!  This would not be possible without all the support from KEY people—teachers, parents, support staff, and volunteers.  Such positive things can happen when we all work together.

Remember that parents and guardians are encouraged to join the School Morning Meetings at the beginning and ending of each school week.  In case you’re not sure, a sign saying “ASSEMBLY TODAY” will be up in the schoolyard to signify that we will be having a Morning meeting that day.

Please make sure that you are registered to receive notifications for SchoolSpeak, our online communications system.  If you have not been receiving notices, contact the office and provide your email so that your contact information can be updated on the system.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Back to School Night is scheduled for TONIGHT-- Wednesday, August 30. Please see the schedule below for the schedule for Back-to-School Night.  Child care by BVCC will be available.

6:00 – 6:25  Parents visit Grades K – 5 classrooms

6:00 – 6:40  Visit booths on the schoolyard

·      Pick up the Parent-Student Handbook at designated tables.

·      Learn about the Madrinas, Community Builders, and Campus Care parent groups, and sign up as a volunteer.

·      Register for the Buena Vista Child Care After-school Program.

·      Sign up for upcoming CYO Athletic teams.

6:50 – 7:10  Parent Meeting in the Church

7:15 – 7:45  Parent meeting in Church for grades 6-8

Please make sure you pick up your Parent-Student Handbook at Back-to-School Night. This is a very important document for you and your child to review. 

CULTURAL VISION

The implementation of our cultural vision—KEYS—is already having a positive impact on our school community.  The children are encouraged to live out our school’s values of Grow, Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite:

Knowledge feeds GROWTH.

Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs

     courage.

You are LOVE.

SERVICE UNITES.

Please continue to join us in helping students to live their values in all they say and do.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please make sure to read and complete all the forms that were sent home with your child last week--

Emergency Card, Medical Packet, Permission to walk/talk public transportation after school, Photo Release form, Technology Acceptable Use Policy, Email address verification.  The information provided on these forms is very important and due back to the office by Friday, September 1st.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURE

All students not registered for any after school programs must leave the schoolyard by 3:15 PM on regular dismissal days and 2:30 PM on early dismissal days. Students may not leave the schoolyard and return to the campus after dismissal. At no time will a student be allowed to be on campus unsupervised.  Parents must also leave the campus at this time, unless they have an appointment with a teacher or administration.

All students who participate in any after school activity should register for the BVCC St. Peter’s After School Program.  Financial Assistance is available.  Please see BVCC Directors Sheri Schlicker or Rochelle Celedon if you have any questions about registration.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

If you would like your child to receive Baptism, Reconciliation, or First Eucharist, please fill out a form in the office by September 15.

PARKING LOT

If a parking spot in the school/church parking lot is blocked with an orange cone, please do not park in that space.  Those spaces are rented by the church and must be kept open for the parking tenants.

Please do not park in the white zone in front of the Alabama Street gate; this is only for a drop-off area. Also please avoid parking on the sidewalk. 

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

In the Que Pasa today is information concerning the Student Accident Insurance provided by the Archdiocese. The insurance will cover your child for injury at school.

TDAP VACCINATIONS

California Law, (California State Law A354) requires that all students entering 7th-12th grades show proof of a Tdap (Whooping Cough) Pertussis booster shot. If you have not already done so, please submit documentation to the school no later than August 28th. The San Francisco Department of Health informs us we cannot offer a grace period for those who do not have a booster. Please contact your child’s health care provider and arrange for the Tdap booster.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - Last week, we read the book Chrysanthemum. It's about a little mouse that was given a very large name but when she goes to school, her friends teased her. This week, we will discuss how teasing hurts others and ways we can deal with being teased. Then we will talk about our names and make a class graph with the amount of letters in our names, following words from left to right and top to bottom.

1A - In First Grade this week we are continuing to review reading and math learned in Kindergarten. We are talking about the responsibilities of a first grader and learning about families and communities. Please check your child's homework packet every night. Thank you for a wonderful start to the year. I'm looking forward to seeing you at Back-to-School Night on 8/30/2017.

2A - 2nd Grade will be reading “Help! A Story of Friendship,” diving right into adding and subtracting within 20, sharing family photos and histories, and celebrating God's light and baptism photos

4A - This week 4A will learn the Scripture story of Creation, identify the sequence of events in a passage, and understand place value through the hundred thousands. 

5A - 5th grade students began the school year by reflecting on what kind of classroom community we want to create with the help of the mentor text What If Everybody Did That? We will be starting academic content this week with a review of sentence structure in grammar, analyzing story structure using humorous reading passages from Wayside School is Falling Down, and exploring place value to the billions in math. 5th graders will also be completing job applications for our classroom economy this week!

6A  Religion - We’re working on an "About Me" poster to share what makes them unique.  Language Arts – We’ll begin an introduction to the short story. We will learn about the different elements that make up fiction writing and also work on rules of capitalization.   Social Studies - We will answer the question: Why study History?  Science - Our 6th grade scientists are beginning the year by setting up their lab notebooks and learning about different kinds of severe weather.  

 7A/7B  Religion - 7th grade has been buzzing with joy and positivity in the first days back!  We will take that and integrate it into looking at different types of prayer and why we pray.  We will then make our own 7th grade prayer.  Math sees us learn how to use our resources and learn about the different strategies to solve mathematical problems that we will see through out the year using all mathematical practices.  Language Arts - Welcome back! This week we are focusing on getting to know one another, while also learning the importance of 7th Grade. Students will begin formal instruction mid-week.  Social Studies – We will walk through our textbook and identify what we already know and what we want to learn during the 7th grade units this school year.  Science - Students will begin to explore the processes necessary for plant life to thrive.

8A Religion – We will be participating in some 'growth experiences' to understand our current relationship with God. We’ll also take an 8th grade Religion pretest.  Language Arts - Welcome back to another exciting year at Saint Peter's! This week we are focusing on getting to know one another, while also looking into the High School Application process. Students will begin formal instruction mid-week.  Social Studies - We’ll be looking at concept maps we made at the end of 7th grade and start to place US History events in the order they took place.  Science - Students will begin to explore what makes all the matter in the world.

EARN PARENT HOURS!!!

Complete the Safe Environment Training on Shield the Vulnerable by Friday, September 29, 2017, and receive 6 parent hours towards your St. Peter’s Parent Participation time!  Your Certificate of Completion is then valid for 3 years!

Please follow these instructions to complete the Safe Environment Training:

• Go to www.shieldthevulnerable.org

• Click “First time signup”

• On drop-down menu, choose “Catholic Diocese”

• Select “San Francisco Archdiocese”

• For “Type of User,” choose ADULT.  Then click Continue.

• You will be directed to an information page.  Fill out the personal information requested.

• Click “Next.”  There will be a drop-down menu.  Type--choose “Elementary School.”

• Next “Location,”  choose “San Francisco”

• Select School, choose “St. Peter”

• For Primary position, choose “Parent”

• You will be directed to a summary page to verify your information.

• Next, you may begin the online course!

When you have completed the course, submit your certificate to the office by Friday, September 29, and receive your 6 hours of Parent Participation.

REMINDERS:

August 30             Back-to-School Night,

                                 6:00-8:00 PM

September 1           All school forms due

September 1           Opening School Year Mass, 

                                8:30 AM                 

September 4           No School – Labor Day   

                               Holiday

September 5-15      STAR Testing Window

QUE PASA AUGUST 23, 2017

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school! Mr. Suarez (Director of School Culture and Community Life), Mrs. Fresnoza (Director of Academics), all the teachers, and I hope that you had a restful summer break.

We warmly welcome all new students and families to our school community.  In addition, we have some new faculty and volunteers joining our school family.  Our new 5th grade teacher is Ms. Emily Storms.  Ms. Sandra Ruiz and Ms. Myranda Empric are our new Mercy Corps volunteers.  Finally, we welcome Mr. Jim Sanchez and Ms. Lissette Lopez as our new Athletic Co-Directors. 

The school doors open at 7:30 AM. You may drop off your child as early as 7:15 AM at the Alabama St. gate.  If you must drop off your child before 7:15 AM, please bring him/her into Church for the 7:00 AM Mass so that they will be supervised at all times.

The Pastor, Father Moises Agudo, has asked us to keep the parking lot on Alabama St. locked during the school day.  It will be open from 7:30-8:15 AM and 2:00-3:30 PM for parent use. 

The Que Pasa will be sent to you every Wednesday.  In addition, it will be posted on the school website, www.stpeterssf.org and sent to you via SchoolSpeak.  Please take the time to read through the newsletter each week since it does contain important information.

I look forward to a great school year with everyone in our St. Peter’s School family!

-- Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

Back to School Night is scheduled for Wednesday, August 30.  There will be childcare available if necessary.  Please see the attached flyer for the schedule for Back-to-School Night.  

CULTURAL VISION

This year, St. Peter’s is implementing a cultural vision with the acronym KEYS, which is based on our core values of Grow, Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite:

Knowledge feeds GROWTH.

Every ACCOMPLISHMENT needs courage.

You are LOVE.

SERVICE UNITES.

Throughout the year the teachers and students will be focusing on how to live out this vision.  Please join us in helping students to live their values in all they say and do.

CAFETERIA

Cafeteria service will begin on Thursday, August 24th. Please make sure your child brings payment for lunch if he/she will be purchasing their lunch.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please make sure to read and complete all the forms that were sent home with your child today. The information provided on these forms is very important and due back to the office by Friday, September 1st.

BVCC AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Buena Vista Child Care (BVCC) After School Program is available to students in grades K-8 beginning on Thursday, August 24th.  It begins after dismissal and closes at 6:00 PM.  All students must be registered and past-due payments must be paid for students to participate in the program.

STUDENT DISMISSAL

All students not registered for and participating in the after school programs must leave the schoolyard by 3:15 PM on regular dismissal days and 2:30 PM on early dismissal days. Students may not leave the schoolyard and return to the campus after dismissal. At no time will a student be allowed to be on campus unsupervised.  Parents must also leave the campus at this time, unless they have an appointment with a teacher or administration.

TDAP VACCINATIONS

California Law, (California State Law A354) requires that all students entering 7th-12th grades show proof of a Tdap (Whooping Cough) Pertussis booster shot. If you have not already done so, please submit documentation to the school no later than August 28th. The San Francisco Department of Health informs us we cannot offer a grace period for those who do not have a booster. Please contact your child’s health care provider and arrange for the Tdap booster.

 REMINDERS:

August 30               Back-to-School Night, 6:00-8:00 PM

September 1           All school forms due

September 1           Opening School Year Mass, 8:30 AM                 

September 4           No School – Labor Day Holiday

Que Pasa June 7, 2017

Dear Parents,

Congratulations to the 8th Graders who graduate on Friday, June 2nd and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, June 3rd.

 All registration payments for 2017-2018 are now past due. The remaining balance was due April 14th. If you paid the deposit your space was only guaranteed up through April 14th. Please come to the office and make your final payment.

The last day of school is June 9th. School begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 10:30 AM. There is no extended care available. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up at 10:30 AM.

 Ms. Hammen and I would like to thank everyone as we walk through these last days of our time at St. Peter’s. We offer this prayer for you: Dear God, As we say our final farewell to the faculty, students and families of St. Peter's School we entrust them into your care. We pray for happiness and joy to be ahead of them, for wisdom and guidance to be beside them, and for grace and truth to be behind them, pushing them onwards into your goodness. We know that you will always love and protect them, wherever they go. Amen.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

The school office will be open in the Summer from

9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday –Thursday. The office will be closed on Friday’s.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

It is time to order your yearbook! This year our yearbook is full of pictures of the many events and celebrations we have during the year. Having a yearbook is a wonderful way to remember your teachers, classmates, and special friends. The cost is $25.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

The application for the 2017-2018 school year is available for new students.  Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers to stop by the school for a tour and to pick up an application.

BVCC SUMMER CAMP

We will be taking applications here at St. Peter’s for the BVCC Summer Camp. The Director will be picking up applications on a daily basis. If you need assistance with paying for the camp please call the number provided for you on the flyer. The camp includes breakfast, snack and lunch at no extra cost.

REMINDERS:

June 7th                  Minimum Day

June 8th                  Minimum Day

                                Awards Assembly

June 9th                  Last Day of School

                                Mass 9:15 AM

                                Dismissal 10:30 AM

Que Pasa May 31, 2017

Dear Parents,

Congratulations to the 8th Graders who will graduate on Friday, June 2nd and will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, June 3rd.

 All registration payments for 2017-2018 are now past due. The remaining balance was due April 14th. If you paid the deposit your space was only guaranteed up through April 14th. Please come to the office and make your final payment.

 Please continue to check that your child is in the correct uniform each day. As we come to the end of the school year please also remind your child that appropriate behavior is expected of every student at all times and in all places.

ROOT BELIEF: MAY

May:  Serve

I will live by the example of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy by caring and praying for those in need.  I will care for the environment and all of God’s creation. I will share my time, talents, and gifts to make the world a better place.

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

A St. Peter Student will develop awareness and appreciation of Catholic principles and practices.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

It is time to order your yearbook! This year our yearbook is full of pictures of the many events and celebrations we have during the year. Having a yearbook is a wonderful way to remember your teachers, classmates, and special friends. The cost is $25.

NO TARDIES

In our efforts to get all students to school on time, we will continue to give rewards for the children that are not late to school. If your child has no tardies during the month of May, he/she can have a free dress on June 6th.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

The application for the 2017-2018 school year is available for new students.  Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers to stop by the school for a tour and to pick up an application.

KINDERGARTEN END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

The Kindergarten end of year celebration will be held on June 7th at 9:30 AM. This is the last day of school for Kindergarten and their dismissal will be at 11:00 AM. Call the school office (415) 647-8662 for more information.

BVCC SUMMER CAMP

We will be taking applications here at St. Peter’s for the BVCC Summer Camp. The Director will be picking up applications on a daily basis. If you need assistance with paying for the camp please call the number provided for you on the flyer. The camp includes breakfast, snack and lunch at no extra cost.

REMINDERS:

June 1st                   Archbishop Cordileone Visit

                                8th Grade Confirmation Practice 6:00 PM

June 2nd                 8th Grade Graduation Mass 9:30 AM

                                8th Grade Reception after Mass

                                8th Grade Graduation 5:00 PM

June 3rd                 Confirmation 10:00 AM Church

June 6th                 No Tardies May – Free Dress

June 7th                  Minimum Day

                                Kindergarten Last Day

June 8th                  Minimum Day

                                Awards Assembly

June 9th                  Last Day of School

                                 Mass 9:15 AM

                              Dismissal 10:30 AM

Que Pasa May 24, 2017

Dear Parents,

Thank you to Mrs. Jimenez, Sr. Marian Rose, Ms. Avila, Mrs. Marissa Gonzalez, the altar server, readers, choir and all the many helpers for the wonderful Family Mass and reception on Saturday. Also thank you to Mr. Molina (Angely 4th) who did a wonderful job of cleaning up the front of the school on Florida Street. Thank you to Mrs. Jimenez, Ms. Martinez and the parent group for their hard work on the nacho sale.

 Archbishop Cordileone will visit St. Peter’s School on Thursday, June 1st. He will celebrate Mass and then visit with the students and faculty. Also please join us on Sunday, June 18th at 10:00 AM when Archbishop Cordileone will celebrate Mass at St. Peter for the parish.

 All registration payments for 2017-2018 are now past due. The remaining balance was due April 14th. If you paid the deposit your space was only guaranteed up through April 14th. Please come to the office and make your final payment.

ROOT BELIEF: MAY

May:  Serve

I will live by the example of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy by caring and praying for those in need.  I will care for the environment and all of God’s creation. I will share my time, talents, and gifts to make the world a better place.

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

A St. Peter Student will use prior knowledge to solve problems and continue scaffolding through the acquisition of knowledge.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

It is time to order your yearbook! This year our yearbook is full of pictures of the many events and celebrations we have during the year. Having a yearbook is a wonderful way to remember your teachers, classmates, and special friends. The cost is $25.

NO TARDIES

In our efforts to get all students to school on time, we will continue to give rewards for the children that are not late to school. If your child has no tardies during the month of May, he/she can have a free dress on June 6th.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

The application for the 2017-2018 school year is available for new students.  Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers to stop by the school for a tour and to pick up an application. Student Shadow Days:  Students in Grades 1-7 can spend a day at St. Peter’s to meet teachers and students.  Any day of the week is available, Monday-Friday. Call the office at (415) 647-8662 to arrange a shadow date. If you have a new Kindergartener or know someone who is interested, please call the office for information.

KINDERGARTEN END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

The Kindergarten end of year celebration will be held on June 7th at 9:30 AM. This is the last day of school for Kindergarten and their dismissal will be at 11:00 AM.

BVCC SUMMER CAMP

We will be taking applications here at St. Peter’s for the BVCC Summer Camp. The Director will be picking up applications on a daily basis. If you need assistance with paying for the camp please call the number provided for you on the flyer. The camp includes breakfast, snack and lunch at no extra cost.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Wyatt Baldago 3rd               Juan Galvez 6B

Ms. Avila 5º                        Luisana Morales Mondoy 8A

Luis Flores 6A                    Kassandra Navarrete 8B

IN THE CLASSROOM

In 2nd – Second grade will be measuring using standard and non-standard units, comparing and contrasting stories, creating collages of fair and unfair actions, and talking about how Jesus is fair with everyone.

In 3rd – Third grade is continuing their investigation on Owls. The owl pellets have been very exciting. We are also continuing to pray and sing to Mary every morning during the month of May. We sing Las Mañanitas every Tuesday and Thursday. Please feel free to join us any day of the week at about 8:30 AM.

In 5th – In Religion this week, we will continue to analyze the meaning of the Lord's Prayer.  In Science, we will be learning more about chemical reactions in our investigations, and describe what a precipitate and reactant are.

IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Science 6: Students are headed deeper into space and exploring the rest of the solar system! 7: Students are reviewing their knowledge of organ systems as they prepare to show what they know. 8: Students are reviewing what they know about waves as they prepare to test on these forms of energy transmission.

8th Grade Religion: Students are preparing for their Unit 5 final exam this week, which will assess their knowledge of the Works of Mercy and the pivotal changes made by Vatican Council II. Students are also working on their Confirmation Cross as they prepare for their final Sacrament of Initiation next week. 6B ELA: We have begun reading our final novel, The Giver, by Lois Lowry. We are looking at the criteria that distinguish a utopian society versus a dystopian society and analyzing the social context of the novel's setting. 7th Grade ELA: We have begun our third and final novel, The Outsiders, by Lois Lowry. We are looking at the character traits of each of the groups and analyzing the main conflict between the greasers and the Socs.

8th Grade Language Arts: Students have finished Of Mice and Men. They will now participate in a Final Exam based on the novel's last chapter. Did George make the right decision when he killed Lennie? Was he helping a friend or getting rid of a burden? 8th Grade Event Reminder: Pinning Mass will take place on Friday, May 26 at 8:30 AM. Students must bring their gowns and wear formal attire according to the guidelines for graduation. Families are welcome to attend. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Martinez or Mrs. Fresnoza. 6th Grade Language Arts: Students have ended their reading on The Giver. They will complete a My Memory Book Project to capture the meaning of memories and the important role it plays in the novel. What memories, both positive and/or negative, shape who you are today?

Sixth Grade Social Studies is studying the four types of Government in Ancient Greece and learning about Democracy! 7th Grade students are working on timeline skills by comparing which events were taking place in Europe and in the Americas between the years 1400-1600. 8th Grade students are taking their final exams this week and will end the week watching the movie Lincoln to learn more about the United States' 16th President.

REMINDERS:

May 26th                Pinning Mass 8:30 AM

May 29th                No School – Memorial Day

May 31st                 8th Grade Awards 9:00 AM

                               8th Grade Confirmation Practice 6:00 PM

June 1st                  Archbishop Cordileone Visit

                               8th Grade Confirmation Practice 6:00 PM

June 2nd                8th Grade Graduation Mass 9:30 AM

                               8th Grade Reception after Mass

                              8th Grade Graduation 5:00 PM

June 3rd                  Confirmation 10:00 AM Church

Que Pasa May 17, 2017

Dear Parents,

Archbishop Cordileone will visit St. Peter’s School on Friday, June 2nd. He will celebrate Mass and then visit with the students and faculty.

Please continue to check that your child is in the correct uniform each day. As we come to the end of the school year please also remind your child that appropriate behavior is expected of every student at all times and in all places.

Please join use for the Family Mass on Saturday, May 20th at 5:30 PM honoring Ms. Hammen and Mrs. Galarsa. There will be a reception in the parish hall immediately following the Mass.

Please join us on Sunday, June 18th at 10:00 AM when Archbishop Cordileone will celebrate Mass at St. Peter.

All registration payments for 2017-2018 are now past due. The remaining balance was due April 14th. If you paid the deposit your space was only guaranteed up through April 14th. Please come to the office and make your final payment.

ROOT BELIEF: MAY

May:  Serve

I will live by the example of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy by caring and praying for those in need.  I will care for the environment and all of God’s creation. I will share my time, talents, and gifts to make the world a better place.

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

A St. Peter’s student will comprehend and communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

LIFETOUCH

If your child received Lifetouch pictures please keep the picture sheets you want and send the payment to the school. All other sheets must be returned to the teacher where Lifetouch will pick them up.

YEARBOOK ORDERS

It is time to order your yearbook! This year our yearbook is full of pictures of the many events and celebrations we have during the year. Having a yearbook is a wonderful way to remember your teachers, classmates, and special friends. The cost is $25. The forms will be enclosed with the Que Pasa.

NO TARDIES

In our efforts to get all students to school on time, we will continue to give rewards for the children that are not late to school. If your child has no tardies during the month of May, he/she can have a free dress on June 6th.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

The application for the 2017-2018 school year is available for new students.  Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers to stop by the school for a tour and to pick up an application. Student Shadow Days:  Students in Grades 1-7 can spend a day at St. Peter’s to meet teachers and students.  Any day of the week is available, Monday-Friday. Call the office at (415) 647-8662 to arrange a shadow date. If you have a new Kindergartener or know someone who is interested, please call the office for information.

KINDERGARTEN END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

The Kindergarten end of year celebration will be held on June 7th at 9:30 AM. This is the last day of school for Kindergarten and their dismissal will be at 11:00 AM.

BVCC SUMMER CAMP

We will be taking applications here at St. Peter’s for the BVCC Summer Camp. The Director will be picking up applications on a daily basis. If you need assistance with paying for the camp please call the number provided for you on the flyer. The camp includes breakfast, snack and lunch at no extra cost.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Victoria Huerta 3rd                   Maricela Armenta 6A

Dylan Mattias 5th                      Oscar Castaneda 6B

IN THE CLASSROOM

In 2nd – Second grade students will continue working with fractions, comparing and contrasting, multiple meaning words and talking about the Sign of Peace that we share at Mass.

In 3rd – Third has started many new and exciting lessons!

We have begun reading "Addie's One Wish to The Brightest Star" by Gloria St. Joy. We are excited to say that the author will visit our class later this month! In Science, we are starting our owl pellet investigation to learn more about them and the environment they live in. Finally in religion, we have started the pray the rosary. Our class prays a decade a day and have begun the luminous mysteries. We encourage families to pray the rosary with their child at home, they have really enjoyed this prayer time in our classroom. We also invite all families to our St. Peter's Family Mass this Saturday May 20th at 5:30 PM.

In 5th – In Math this week, we are working on the division of decimals.  In Reading, we are analyzing the play, The Baker's Neighbor, and reminding each other about what it means to be a "good neighbor."   

IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Science 6: Students are now moon specialists and we look to test our knowledge of how the Earth, Sun, and moon interact. 7: Students are now done with their studies on human organ systems and look forward to seeing how

organisms function within populations, communities, and ecosystems. 8: Students continue to study waves and how the human body is specialized to makes sense and gives meaning to these mechanical and electromagnetic aspects of our world.

Social Studies:  6th Grade is beginning to learn about the four different types of government that were used throughout Ancient Greece and they will begin to understand the influences that Ancient Greece had on the United States government. 7th Grade is wrapping up their studies on the Early American Civilizations.  They have explored the achievements and downfalls to the Maya, Inca, and Aztec. 8th Grade Social Studies is fighting the Civil War! They have traveled the path of causes that led to the war and now they are researching the advantages and disadvantages that the Union and Confederacy had at the start so that they can predict the outcome.

REMINDERS:

May 17th          May Crowning 8:30 AM

                        Student Council Installation 9:30 AM

                         Progress Reports Go Home

May 20th          Family Mass 5:30 PM

                         Reception Following Mass

May 22nd          Minimum Day

Que Pasa May 10, 2017

Dear Parents,

Congratulations to all the students who received the Sacrament of First Communion on Saturday. Thank you to Sr. Marian Rose, Mrs. Ortenzo, Ms. Mandala and Mrs. Schusteritsch for the work preparing the students for Sacrament. We wish all the moms a Happy Mother’s Day! God bless you!

 Please join use for the Family Mass on Saturday, May 20th at 5:30 PM honoring Ms. Hammen and Mrs. Galarsa. There will be a reception in the parish hall immediately following the Mass.

 Please join us on Sunday, June 18th at 10:00 AM when Archbishop Cordileone will celebrate Mass at St. Peter.

 All registration payments for 2017-2018 are now past due. The remaining balance was due April 14th. If you paid the deposit your space was only guaranteed up through April 14th. Please come to the office and make your final payment.

ROOT BELIEF: MAY

May:  Serve

I will live by the example of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy by caring and praying for those in need.  I will care for the environment and all of God’s creation.

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

A St. Peter Student will develop awareness and appreciation of Catholic principles and practices.

LIFETOUCH

If your child received Lifetouch pictures please keep the picture sheets you want and send the payment to the school. All other sheets must be returned to the teacher where Lifetouch will pick them up.

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for applying for the Archdiocese Family Grant for 2017-2018 is now accepting applications for next school year (August, 2017-May, 2018). Please go on to mytads.com and select 2017-2018 and be sure you have your 2016 income tax information or 2016 income information (calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.)

NO TARDIES

In our efforts to get all students to school on time, we will continue to give rewards for the children that are not late to school. If your child has no tardies during the month of May, he/she can have a free dress on June 6th.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

The application for the 2017-2018 school year is available for new students.  Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers to stop by the school for a tour and to pick up an application. Student Shadow Days:  Students in Grades 1-7 can spend a day at St. Peter’s to meet teachers and students.  Any day of the week is available, Monday-Friday. Call the office at (415) 647-8662 to arrange a shadow date. If you have a new Kindergartener or know someone who is interested, please call the office to register for the next Morning in Kindergarten on May 15th at 10:00 AM.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Layla Diaz K                                     Julian Bautista 6A

Serena Vanden Berghe 2nd             Sammy Acuna 8A

Luis Saavedra 3rd                            Allyson Garcia 8B

Rene Rodezno 5th

IN THE CLASSROOM

In K – Our caterpillars arrived!! In Kindergarten we are learning about the life cycle of a butterfly while noting its development as it metamorphoses from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

In 2nd – Second grade will be working on fractions, adverbs and prepositional phrases, and summarizing stories.

In 3rd – Third grade thoroughly enjoyed St. Peter's Spirit Week. The creativity shown through the students was great. This week we will begin preparation for 4th grade with reviewing important concepts and skills in math, reading, and language. STAR testing will also begin soon.

In 5th In math, we are practicing multiplying decimals.  In history, we are learning about the Constitutional Convention and how it has affected our government today.

IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

ELA 6B:Students are wrapping up the novels they are reading with their literature circles, and have really begun to work well together, taking on various literary reading roles. As groups finish their novels, they will begin to work on various culminating projects and present their novels to the rest of their classmates. 7A ELA: We are approaching the climax of our second novel, Walk Two Moons and students are held in suspense by all the mysterious questions that abound. Students are also practicing their research skills by planning their own hypothetical cross-country road trip, similar to the protagonist of the novel.

Science – 6: Students have now left Earth and are exploring the connections between our planet and the Sun and Moon. 7: Students are presenting their information on their human organ system project and testing their peers' knowledge. 8: Students have completed their final egg drop project with great success and are now in the analytical portion of their project.

8th Grade Language Arts: Students have finished Romeo & Juliet. They have discovered how far one will go to be together in this tragic love story. They will now begin their introduction to their last novel of the school year, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck. 6th Grade Language Arts: Students have begun their reading on The Giver. They will soon understand what it means to live in a community of "sameness', the advantages and disadvantages.

REMINDERS:

May 11th                Student Council Elections

May 17th                May Crowning 9:30 AM

May 20th               Family Mass 5:30 PM

                              Reception Following Mass

May 22nd              Minimum Day

Que Pasa May 3, 2017

Dear Parents,

May 1st – 5th is the national celebration of teachers. We want to take a moment to thank all of our amazing teachers at St. Peter’s. We are very blessed to have these committed people teach your children.

 All registration payments for 2017-2018 are now past due. The remaining balance was due April 14th. If you paid the deposit your space was only guaranteed up through April 14th. Please come to the office and make your final payment.

ROOT BELIEF: MAY

May:  Serve

I will live by the example of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy by caring and praying for those in need.

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

A St. Peter’s student will use prior knowledge to solve problems and continue scaffolding through the acquisition of knowledge.

LIFETOUCH

If your child received Lifetouch pictures please keep the picture sheets you want and send the payment to the school. All other sheets must be returned to the teacher where Lifetouch will pick them up.

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for applying for the Archdiocese Family Grant for 2017-2018 is now accepting applications for next school year (August, 2017-May, 2018). Please go on to mytads.com and select 2017-2018 and be sure you have your 2016 income tax information or 2016 income information (calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.)

NO TARDIES

In our efforts to get all students to school on time, we will continue to give rewards for the children that are not late to school. If your child has no tardies during the month of April, he/she can have a free dress on May 9th.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

The application for the 2017-2018 school year is available for new students.  Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers to stop by the school for a tour and to pick up an application. Student Shadow Days:  Students in Grades 1-7 can spend a day at St. Peter’s to meet teachers and students.  Any day of the week is available, Monday-Friday. Call the office at (415) 647-8662 to arrange a shadow date. If you have a new Kindergartener or know someone who is interested, please call the office to register for the next Morning in Kindergarten.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Rolando Dusuau 2nd

Kalven Navarrete 6B

Leandro Rojas 8B

IN THE CLASSROOM

In 2nd – Second grade will continue practicing for Holy Communion, continue looking at 2-and 3-dimensional shapes, learn more about proper nouns and adverbs, and learn about even more inspirational people. Looking forward to seeing everyone at First Communion this Saturday, 5/6 at 9:30 a.m. Students meet in the lower Parish Hall at 9 a.m. You may arrive at 8:30 a.m. to take pictures in the church.

IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sixth Grade Social Studies is researching the Ancient Greek Gods to get a better understanding of how the Ancient Greeks used mythology to understand their world. 7th Grade Social Studies is studying the four Early American civilizations (Olmec, Maya, Inca, Aztec), their contributions, and the reasons that their civilizations crumbled. 8th Grade Social Studies is beginning to study the causes to the American Civil War so that they can have a better understanding of why America's bloodiest war started. 6th Grade religion is answering the question: How does God ask you to participate in your communities and Church? By reading the story of Samuel in their Religion textbook.

ELA 7A: We are midway through our second novel, Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, and we are making great predictions about the mysteries that need to be solved: What happened to Sal's mother? Who has been leaving the strange messages and what do they mean? Students have also begun a research project that requires them to plan their own cross-country road trip, much like the one Sal takes with her grandparents. 6B ELA: Students are working very well in their literature circles, as they learn to take on different roles in their groups, such as Discussion Leader and Bridge Builder. The four different novels students are reading are: Hatchet, The Witch of Blackbird Bond, The Alchemist, and Bud, Not Buddy. 8th Grade Religion: We have begun our final unit about the revolutionary ecumenical council, Vatican II. We are looking at how the Church was before Vatican Council II and the changes that developed afterwards.

REMINDERS:

May 6th                 First Communion 9:30 AM – Church

May 9th                 4th to Academy of Sciences

May 10th                Student Council Elections

Que Pasa April 26, 2017

Dear Parents,

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter Vacation.  Today April 26th is Administrative Professionals Day. We would like to thank Mrs. Cea, Mrs. Soberanis and Ms. Ticas for all they do for both the students and families of our school.

Thank you to Mr. Hargarten, Ms. Avila and the 7th grade for the Holy Thursday Prayer Service.

 All registration payments for 2017-2018 are now past due. The remaining balance was due April 14th. If you paid the deposit your space was only guaranteed up through April 14th. Please come to the office and make your final payment.

ROOT BELIEF: APRIL

April:  Accomplish

I will always try my best and not give up even when things get difficult. I will support and encourage my classmates to succeed. I will take pride in the quality of my work.

STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

A St. Peter’s student will comprehend and communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

LIFETOUCH

If your child had Spring photographs taken, they should have received the pictures on Monday. Please keep the picture sheets you want and send the payment to the school in the enclosed envelope by Friday April 28th. All other sheets must be returned to the school where Lifetouch will pick them up.

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for applying for the Archdiocese Family Grant for 2017-2018 is now accepting applications for next school year (August, 2017-May, 2018). Please go on to mytads.com and select 2017-2018 and be sure you have your 2016 income tax information or 2016 income information (calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.)

NO TARDIES

In our efforts to get all students to school on time, we will continue to give rewards for the children that are not late to school. If your child has no tardies during the month of April, he/she can have a free dress on May 9th.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

The application for the 2017-2018 school year is available for new students.  Please encourage friends, family, and co-workers to stop by the school for a tour and to pick up an application. Student Shadow Days:  Students in Grades 1-7 can spend a day at St. Peter’s to meet teachers and students.  Any day of the week is available, Monday-Friday. Call the office at (415) 647-8662 to arrange a shadow date. If you have a new Kindergartener or know someone who is interested, please call the office to register for the next Morning in Kindergarten on Monday, May 1st.

REMINDERS:

April 27th            4th to Garden for the Environment

May 1st                 Morning in K 10:00 AM

May 3rd                First Communion Practice

                             6:00-7:00 PM – Church

May 6th                First Communion 9:30 AM – Church