QUE PASA 2/27/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       This coming Saturday, 23 students in our St. Peter’s School family will be receiving the sacrament of First Holy Communion!  Communion is a sacred time for a follower of Jesus. Each time we receive this most blessed sacrament, we should spend some reflective moments in self-examination to prepare for this beautiful time of remembrance.

      Let us keep our First Communicants in our prayers in their final days of Communion preparation, and use this time for ourselves to remind us of the gift of salvation that Jesus gave to us all.

Lord Jesus,

Bless the children coming forward to receive Holy Communion for the first time.  May this be an initial step into a lifelong love of the Eucharist.  Give them a hunger for this sacred food so that they turn to you for comfort, guidance, and wisdom as they grow into full discipleship.  Thank you for their innocence and goodness. May their hands, extended in anticipation of your Body and Blood, inspire ALL of us to cherish this sacred sacrament.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the parent volunteers and donations that made our Annual Family Dinner and Dance a successful event last Saturday!  Special school events like these would not be possible without the help of parent volunteers. If you’d like to help plan future school community events, please contact Mrs. Jimenez at sjimenez@sanpedro.org. 

AZTEC TREK

Last week, your child received a field trip permission form for the AZTEC Trek Walk-a-thon and games.  On March 8, students and teachers will be walking to and around Precita Park and will be participating in field day games at school.  If you have not already signed and returned this permission form, please do so by this Friday, March 1.

Also—if your child has not yet turned in the minimum $100 collection for the AZTEC Trek fundraiser, please submit this collection to the office immediately. This money is now overdue. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter! 

LIFETOUCH SPRING PICTURES

Students have the option of taking Spring Pictures tomorrow, on Thursday, February 28.  If your child will be taking photos that day, he/she may be in appropriate free dress.

RE-REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020

Last week, the orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year, along with the new tuition rates for 2019-2020, were sent home with Quye Pasa.  Extras are available in the office. Please return the re-registration form by March 13, 2019 in order to help plan for the new school year.

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for the Archdiocese Family Grant for the 2019-2020 school year has now begun.  Please go on to mytads.comto begin the application process. Be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Please be sure you have completed the total process by the Archdiocese deadline—April 14, 2019.

BASIC FUND

New students entering for the 2019-2020 school year must complete the BASIC Fund Application no later than March 15, 2019. 

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application in March and April.  All student accounts must be current with no past due balances. Please be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Contact the school office if you have any questions.

FREE SPECIAL PROGRAMS!

THE LANTERN CENTER FOR HOSPITALITY AND EDUCATION offers the following FREE services:

·       English Classes for adults: Monday-Thursday from 10:00-11:30 AM

·       Computer Class for adults:  Mondays, 9:00-10:00 AM

·       Afternoon Activities for Families (Computer Access, English Practice, Homework help, Art & Games, Reading, Cooking): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 PM   

·       Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

THE LANTERN CENTER is located on 3106 Folsom Street in San Francisco.  For more information, call 415-401-7379.  ALL ARE WELCOME!

FEBRUARY 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 - Camila Soto Hernandez is an incredible role model and a diligent student. She has the KEYS to grow by facing challenges with optimism and faith in God. She works hard and wants to succeed and grow in every way she can. As shown through her substantial growth. Camila's work ethic and focus on doing well is an inspiration to her classmates.

1A – Sonia Estrada is a shining example of a student who is always trying to live out St. Peter's KEYS. She lights up the room with her smile and positivity. Sonia always shows love for God and others. This is seen in the countless kind acts that Sonia does for those around her. Sonia is always willing to try something new and is not afraid of a challenge. 

2A - Ella Jimenez loves learning! She helps her classmates when they need it and she always does her homework. She enjoys playing with her friends and works cooperatively in groups. Ella focuses on her work and listens attentively.  

3A - Although he was SOTM for January, Isaiah Arguello has continued to grow soooo much farther that he was voted to continue on for this month!  He has ACCOMPLISHED academically, shown LOVE to his table partners and his teacher. He has been of SERVICE during the time that a substitute was needed in the classroom as well as UNITING the class for our various projects. Isaiah we are all very proud of you because you have GROWN into an exceptional third grader. 

4A - Nelly Alfaro Ortiz comes to school each day with a smile on her face. She is determined. Nelly is open to new challenges! Long division is no easy task, and Nelly worked hard to master this skill! She is respectful to her fellow students and to her teachers, and is willing to help anyone in need. She welcomes every she meets with a kind spirit and is a true bucket filler! She is an aspiring author and using her writing skills to bring joy to our classroom.

5A – Brisia Castillo works so hard in all subjects and has her homework every single day. Her openness to new challenges has helped her grow tremendously as a reader and mathematician this year. Brisia always follows the classroom rules, and she is always willing to show her classmates love by helping when needed. Her kind spirit makes 5th grade a better place to learn every single day! Yay Brisia!

6A - Guadalupe Gonzalez has been a wonderful example of a student with the KEYS this year! She has accomplished so much this year and continue to grow! Guadalupe is an awesome support to her teachers and her classmates, asks great questions, and does not give up in the face of challenges! Thank you for your hard work and positive attitude this year Guadalupe, we are lucky to have you.

7A - Gabriel Sembrana lives out St. Peter's School's KEYS each and every day. He brings to the classroom an optimism and energy that is always positive. He is a good friend, teammate, and classmate. Keep up the good work Gabriel! 

8A - As an enthusiastic learner, Oscar Castaneda constantly grows by embracing new experiences and faces challenges with optimism. He is willing to ask those difficult questions and use all the necessary tools to achieve success. Oscar also spreads love and unity by continuously strengthening our school community as an ambassador, tour guide and Student Council officer, ALL with a smile on his face. 

8B - Emilio Ramirez has shown us that when you set goals and embrace new experiences, you can accomplish and grow. Emilio lives our core values by demonstrating critical thinking and communicating effectively. He faces challenges with optimism and will do great things when he moves on from St. Peter's.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will read a story about taking care of different kinds of pets. As good readers, we will make predictions, think aloud, and make connections. We will continue to work on our handwriting and identify the upper and lowercase forms of Gg. In Math, we will add numbers and objects to make 20. Parents, please help your child learn their sight words: he, she, with, was, for, have, of, they. 

1A - This week in first grade we are reading, writing, and learning about how animals survive in nature. In religion, we are starting to prepare for the Lenten season. In math, we are finishing up our addition and subtraction extension. In science, we are beginning our study of matter and the different phases. In social studies, we are learning about the different branches of government. 

2A – We are reading “Golden Flower” and “Why Fir Tree Keeps his Leaves.” We are wrapping up our coins unit and moving onto measuring with inches.  In science, we are going to see what happened to our solids in water after 2 weeks of soaking and check our lettuce plants in the garden. Students are preparing to receive the Eucharist for the first time, remembering Jesus and his sacrifices for us, and the special meaning of mass. The students are very excited about making their First Communion! They will soon be able to receive the Eucharist with you at mass. Please talk with your child so they are not anxious. See you tonight, February 27, at 5:45 p.m. in St. Peter's Church for First Communion rehearsal and parent meeting.

3A – In Language class this week, 3A will continue writing non-fiction stories about their favorite animals. In Math, we continue studying multiplication.  We are examining arrays, multiplication and division fact families, and tablet work with concentration on multiplication.  We will continue our assessment of High Frequency 3rd grade words during Spelling class.  In Religion, we are learning about the various types of prayer.

4A - This week in Religion, we will be focusing on the "modern day" Beatitudes. How can we connect the Beatitudes to our own lives? In Math, we will be completing our Division unit! The students have done a great job on a very difficult concept. In Reading, we will continue reading our novel, Wonder. As we continue through Part 2, students will be bringing home nightly questions. In Social Studies, we will continue to learn about St. Junipero Serra and the Mission Era. In Science, we will be focusing on earthquakes and connecting what we learned on our field trips to our labs. Please continue to read for 20 minutes every night! 

5A - Fifth grade is finishing February by learning all about equivalent fractions in math! 5th graders will do some special activities with food and fractions this week. We'll also revise our persuasive essays before officially publishing them, and work on analyzing character motivations as we continue with chapter 5 and 6 of Harry Potter.

6A  Religion – Students will be making cards for their buddies who are celebrating their First Holy Communion this weekend.   Language Arts – Students are wrapping up their Google Slideshows this week. They continue to practice the challenging rules of bibliographies and also confront most people's biggest phobia: public speaking! Students will learn how to communicate clearly and effectively, with a composed and professional manner.   Math – Students will find the absolute value of an integer.   Social Studies – Students continue to learn about the achievements of Ancient Civilizations.   Science – 6A students will relate thunderstorms to tornados.

7A   Religion - 7A will recognize Jesus' call to build a just society that honors and promotes human dignity.  Language Arts - Students have finished their Selfie Poem, describing an obstacle, its difficulty, and ways one has learned from it. They will have an opportunity to share their creations with the class. Students will also apply the unique characteristics of poetry by reading and annotating poems.   Math – Students will add linear expressions.   Social Studies – Students will learn about the Black Death and how the disease and the effects it had on Europe.  Science – Students create a family tree and trace inherited traits over a few generations! 

8A/8B   Religion - In eighth grade religion this week students will be taking their ACRE test!   Language Arts - Students have begun their Poetry Unit. They have reviewed the different techniques, characteristics, and forms. They are now beginning the creative process by composing a "Where I'm From" Poem. Thank you to all those who watched the 8th graders Final Zoot Suit Performance! They did an incredible job embodying the Pachuco culture, from the way that they dressed to the way that they danced!   Math – Students will continue to write an equation of a line.   Social Studies – Students are finishing the film Selma and will finish the Constitution unit with an essay about freedoms and responsibilities.  Science - Students continue to explore energy as they prepare to face off with gravitational energy in their egg drop project.

REMINDERS

Feb. 27     5:45 PM, First Communion rehearsal and Parent  Meeting in church

Feb. 28     LifeTouch Spring Pictures (Optional)

Mar. 2      10:00 AM, First Holy Communion Mass    

Mar. 6      8:10 AM, Ash Wednesday School Mass

Mar. 7      Free Dress for No Tardies in February

Mar. 8      AZTEC Trek Walk-a-Thon and Game Day 

QUE PASA 2/20/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       Even after celebrating Presidents’ Day this past long weekend, let us continue to remember our nation’s leaders, service men and women, and even ourselves as Christian citizens.  Together, let us offer this prayer (from unlockingthebible.org):

Dear God,

Thank you for your common grace and every good gift.  We know freedom, industry, jobs, healthcare, and a stable economy come at no small cost. Thank you for the men and women who’ve sacrificed to serve our Presidents and country by protecting and leading us. Thank you for making your “sun rise on the evil and on the good, and for sending rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). You show your goodness and kindness through these common, good gifts.

Show us how we can contribute, serve, speak, and act in a way that exalts Christ (Colossians 3:17).  We want to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to you, Father, through him. We want to use our gifts and opportunities to better our country and ultimately honor Jesus’ name.  May your Church be the hands and feet of Christ to our nation.

We ask this in your holy name.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

AZTEC TREK

Your child has received a collection envelope and flyer for the AZTEC TREK.  Students and families can help support our school by collecting pledges for our walk-a-thon and game day.  This is our only mandatory school fundraiser, and it helps to keep St. Peter’s School’s tuition the lowest in the Archdiocese.  The minimum mandatory amount to be collected by each student is $100, but the more money a student collects, the more prizes and class points can be earned!  The due date for all money to be turned in is this Friday, February 22. Thank you in advance for your support!

FAMILY DINNER AND DANCE
Join us at our annual Family Dinner and Dance!  This year, it will be held this Saturday, February 23.  Ticket forms were sent home last week and are also available in the office.  Tickets are limited, so don’t wait until the last minute!  

FAMILY MASS

This Sunday, February 24 is our Sunday Family Mass at 9:30 AM.  Students who attend mass in full uniforms will receive a free dress pass for the following Monday.

LIFETOUCH SPRING PICTURES

Students have the option of taking Spring Pictures next week on Thursday, February 28.  If your child will be taking photos that day, he/she may be in appropriate free dress.

RE-REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020

Being sent home with Que Pasa is the re-registration form for the upcoming school year, along with the new tuition rates for 2019-2020.  Please return the re-registration form by March 13, 2019 in order to help plan for the next school year. 

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for the Archdiocese Family Grant for the 2019-2020 school year has now begun.  Please go on to mytads.comto begin the application process. Be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Please be sure you have completed the total process by the Archdiocese deadline—April 14, 2019.

BASIC FUND

New students entering for the 2019-2020 school year must complete the BASIC Fund Application no later than March 15, 2019. 

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application in March and April.  All student accounts must be current with no past due balances. Please be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Contact the school office if you have any questions.

FREE SPECIAL PROGRAMS!

THE LANTERN CENTER FOR HOSPITALITY AND EDUCATION offers the following FREE services:

·       English Classes for adults: Monday-Thursday from 10:00-11:30 AM

·       Computer Class for adults:  Mondays, 9:00-10:00 AM

·       Afternoon Activities for Families (Computer Access, English Practice, Homework help, Art & Games, Reading, Cooking): Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 PM   

·       Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

THE LANTERN CENTER is located on 3106 Folsom Street in San Francisco.  For more information, call 415-401-7379.  ALL ARE WELCOME! 

The LANTERN CENTER is hosting a Workers’ Rights Workshop on Tuesday, February 26 from 10:15-11:30 AM.  Mujeres Unidas y Activas will be making a special presentation.

UNIFORM CHECK-IN

Please ensure that your child 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 and extend above the ankle.  Shoes may not have blue or red on them, and boots may not be worn.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will write about an animal and create an animal card for it. We will begin by brainstorming our ideas on a word web. Also, we will learn about baby animals; discover how their behavior and appearance are the same and different. In Math, we will count and write numbers 15-18. Parents, please continue to help your child with homework. Thank you for all that you do! 

1A - This week we are reading, writing, and learning about how different animals work together in the wild. In religion, we are continuing our study of the Sacrament of Baptism. In math, we are working on subtracting from larger numbers. In science, we are finishing our study of the moon. In social studies, we are reading about U.S. Presidents. 

2A – We are reading “Grace for President.” For math, keep counting with quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies, half dollars, and dollar bills. (Please let your child play with coins!). We are going to see what happened to our solids in water in science. We are learning about the Eucharist--we remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The students are getting excited about making their First Communion! Mark your calendar for First Communion rehearsal meeting next Wednesday, February 27 at 5:45 PM in St. Peter's Church.

3A – 3A is going on a field trip this Thursday to the California Academy of Sciences.  We will take in a tremendous amount of KNOWLEDGE. We will learn about our Solar System in the Planetarium.  We will observe a webcam of the coral reef in the aquarium. Lastly, we will walk through the academy's rainforest and discover many fascinating creatures and plant life.  When we return we will begin an investigation of all three areas that we visited and do several research activities.   

4A - I hope you had a nice President's Day weekend! This week in Religion, we will be focusing on the Beatitudes. We want to live out the Beatitudes each day to become closer to God. In Reading, we will begin Part 2 of Wonder. We are working on our comprehension skills and developing our vocabulary. In Math, we will continue with long division and work on long division word problems. In Science, we will focus on glaciers and earthquakes and study how both have changed earth's surface. In Social Studies, we will be discussing St. Junipero Serra and the missions. Our mission project is coming home soon! Please remember our cereal box book report is due on Monday, March 4th. 

5A - This week in math, 5th graders are building their fraction sense by practicing placing fractions closer to 0, 1/2, or 1 on a number line. We're now on chapter 4 of Harry Potter and are starting an imaginative writing activity inspired by the novel. In social studies, students will learn about the causes of the Revolutionary War. 

6A  Religion – Students will have their 9th visit with Paula Pardini as part of their Building Bridges program. Her final visit will be March 4th.  Language Arts – Students continue to research their historical figures and are finding out quite a few interesting facts about these inspiring people. This week we'll focus on using correct citations and learn the rules of creating a bibliography and why it's so important in academic writing. Students will also learn a key idea in creating slide show presentations: simpler is better!   Math- 6A will use integers to represent real-world problems.   Social Studies – Students are researching SPICE (social, political, intellectual, cultural, and economic) details of their assigned Ancient Chinese Dynasty. They will share their research with their classmates this week!   

7A   Language Arts - Students are continuing their unit on Poetry. After reviewing different poem techniques and characteristics, they will begin the creative process by composing a Selfie Poem.   Math - 7A will simplify algebraic expressions.   Social StudiesStudents will begin designing their family shield - inspired by the Crusaders during the Middle Ages.  Science – Students are breeding their monsters with another monster and following inheritance of traits over two generations of monsters! 

8A/8B   Religion - This week in eighth grade religion students will be preparing for their ACRE test which they will be taking next week!   Language Arts - Students are finalizing the play Zoot Suit with a culminating 1940's Dress-Up Presentation and Swing Dance Performance. They have researched the Pachuco style and participated in dance lessons this past week. They will have their final performance this Thursday, February 21. ¡Vamos a bailar el swing!   Math - Students will write an equation of a line.   Social Studies– Students will complete their Constitution by the end of next week by reflecting on how the Constitution is followed today and the responsibilities that come with the freedoms that are listed in the document. 8th Grade will also watch the film Selma in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's efforts to pass the 24th amendment and change voting laws in the United States.   Science - Students are beginning their study of different types of energy and transitioning into their next project: The Egg Drop.

REMINDERS

Feb. 22      AZTEC Trek Money Due

Feb. 23      5:00-8:00 PM, Family Dinner and Dance

Feb. 24      9:30 AM, Sunday Family Mass

Feb. 25      12:30 Dismissal

Feb. 26      8:10 AM, School Mass

Feb. 27      5:45 PM, First Communion rehearsal and Parent Meeting

Feb. 28     LifeTouch Spring Pictures  (Optional)

Mar. 2      10:00 AM, First Holy Communion Mass      

QUE PASA 2/13/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       Tomorrow we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a day that we celebrate by sharing special notes of friendship and love.  February is also the month of the Holy Family, a family that we could look towards as an example of unconditional love.  Below is a prayer the we can offer together, to remind us of our love for our family, and to remind us that we are a school family working together to help our children open their hearts and minds.  As stated in our school philosophy: We are a family--somos una familia--with parents, students and educators working together.

JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.

JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you.   AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

AZTEC TREK

Your child has received a collection envelope and flyer for the AZTEC TREK.  Students and families can help support our school by collecting pledges for our walk-a-thon and game day.  This is our only mandatory school fundraiser, and it helps to keep St. Peter’s School’s tuition the lowest in the Archdiocese.  The minimum mandatory amount to be collected by each student is $100, but the more money a student collects, the more prizes and class points can be earned!  The due date for all money to be turned in is next week--Friday, February 22. Thank you in advance for your support!

FAMILY DINNER AND DANCE
See the attached flyer and ticket order form for our annual Family Dinner and Dance!  This year, it will be held on Saturday, February 23.  Tickets are limited, so purchase your tickets early!

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for the Archdiocese Family Grant for the 2019-2020 school year has now begun.  Please go on to mytads.comto begin the application process. Be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Please be sure you have completed the total process by the Archdiocese deadline—April 14, 2019.

BASIC FUND

New students entering for the 2019-2020 school year must complete the BASIC Fund Application no later than March 15, 2019.  

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application in March and April.  All student accounts must be current with no past due balances. Please be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Contact the school office if you have any questions.

UNIFORM CHECK-IN

Please ensure that your child 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 and extend above the ankle.  Shoes may not have blue or red on them, and boots may not be worn.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will continue to name different kinds of weather. We will read a poem about weather, and how weather affects people and places. We will also write a weather report and draw a picture to go with it. In Math, we will continue to identify numbers, add and subtract. 

1A - This week we are reading, writing, and learning about how animals' bodies help them. We are working on words with the long asound with the ai and ay spelling pattern, such as in words like rain and play. In religion we are continuing our study of the Sacrament of Baptism.  In math, we are working on the addition and subtraction of larger numbers. In science, we are continuing our study of the moon. In social studies, we are learning about and celebrating Valentine's Day. 

2A – This week, we are reading poetry. KEEP COUNTING with quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies (please let your child play with coins!). We are going to be investigating solids and water in science. We are making timelines of our lives. We are learning about the Eucharist and Jesus' sacrifice for us. 

3A – This week in Science, we are continuing our study of crayfish. Some of our investigation is focusing on how they raise their offspring, how they protect themselves, and how they get their food. In math, we will focus on fact families in multiplication and the 0's and 1's multiplication rules.  Please help your child by practicing the memorization of the basic multiplication facts.    

4A - Happy Valentine's Day! This week in Religion, we will focus on the Beatitudes. Knowing and living the Beatitudes will help strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Jesus. In Reading, we will continue to focus on our novel Wonder. We are working to develop new vocabulary, comprehension skills, and analyzing characters. In Math, we will continue our quest to master division! Long division is a tricky math skill, and we are working diligently to understand the correct steps. In Social Studies, we will return back to our computer program and begin to focus on Junipero Serra. In Science, we will continue to focus on our energy unit and recap our field trip to the California Academy of Sciences. 

5A - This week, 5th grade is officially kicking off our fractions unit! We're starting off by learning how to find the greatest common factor of 2 numbers. In Language Arts, we'll wrap up our persuasive writing unit and start our class novel study of the first Harry Potter.

6A  Religion – Students will be locating Bible verses about God's love in the spirit of Valentine's Day. Language Arts – Students are continuing their non-fiction unit with a research project on a historical figure. Students will learn how to gather information from credible sources, avoid plagiarism by rephrasing and synthesizing information, use correct citations, and design a professional and clear slide presentation. This is a challenging project that will really help our minds to grow!   Math - Students will continue to divide mixed numbers and begin using integers to represent real world situations.  Social Studies – Students will be researching ancient Chinese dynasties for a group research project.  Science – Students will describe how rain, hail, sleet, and snow develop.

7A   Religion -  This week, students will take a Religion test. Language Arts - Students have finalized their reading on Freak the Mighty. They will now transition to the Introduction to their Poetry Unit.   Math - 7A will simplify algebraic expressions and add linear equations.  Social Studies – Students will be studying the Black Death and how this event changed the history of Europe.Science – Students continue their study of genetics and look to create offspring of their own monsters!

8A/8B   Religion - Students will discuss the importance of peacefully resolving disagreements, which relates to our new chapter focused on the Protestant Reformation.  Language Arts - Students are finalizing their reading on Zoot Suit. As the trial comes to a close for the Pachucos, students will create a Letter of Appeal on behalf of a character in the play. They will use evidence from the text and elements of an appeal.  Math – 8A and 8B will continue to graph a function using the x- and y- intercepts and write linear equations.  Social Studies – Students are finishing the presentation of their amendment speeches.  Science - Students are done with the chemistry portion of their school year and are now heading into studies of physics. First thing they will study: the laws of motion.

REMINDERS

Feb. 18      Presidents’ Day Holiday, No School

Feb. 19      8:10, AM School Mass

Feb. 20      School Panoramic Photo Day

Feb. 22      AZTEC Trek Money Due

Feb. 23      5:00-8:00 PM, Family Dinner and Dance

Feb. 24      9:30 AM, Sunday Family Mass

Feb. 25      12:30 Dismissal

QUE PASA 2/6/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       It’s hard to believe that it’s already February!  This week, we reach our 100th day of school.  It’s a day to celebrate our accomplishments, but also an opportunity to reflect on our learning.  We continue to promote and practice a Growth Mindset--to model to our children to challenge ourselves and show how we can grow by learning from our mistakes and to reflect on how “Knowledge feeds GROWTH.”  Yet let’s not neglect our spiritual growth.  I offer these petitions to help keep our spirits strong and faithful: 

We lay our prayers before the Lord, who gives us strength.

We pray that those who lead us in faith and serve our Church, Pope Francis, our bishops, and pastors continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

We pray for national, state, and local leaders, that their work is focused on their desire to serve.

We pray for the students, families, faculty, and staff of our school, that we never forget our call to discipleship.

Guide us so that we may grow closer to you, O Lord.

In the power of your Spirit and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

AZTEC TREK

Your child has received a collection envelope and flyer for the AZTEC TREK.  Students and families can help support our school by collecting pledges for our walk-a-thon and game day.  This is our only mandatory school fundraiser, and it helps to keep St. Peter’s School’s tuition the lowest in the Archdiocese.  The minimum mandatory amount to be collected by each student is $100, but the more money a student collects, the more prizes and class points can be earned!  The due date for all money to be turned in is Friday, February 22. Thank you in advance for your support!

100th DAY CELEBRATION

To commemorate our 100th Day of School, students may come to school dressed like they are 100 years old this Friday, February 8.  In the afternoon, students in grades Kinder through 5th will also participate in 100th day “stations.”

FAMILY DINNER AND DANCE
See the attached flyer and ticket order form for our annual Family Dinner and Dance!  This year, it will be held on Saturday, February 23.  Tickets are limited, so purchase your tickets early!

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for the Archdiocese Family Grant for the 2019-2020 school year has now begun.  Please go on to mytads.comto begin the application process. Be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Please be sure you have completed the total process by the Archdiocese deadline—April 14, 2019.

BASIC FUND

New students entering for the 2019-2020 school year must complete the BASIC Fund Application no later than March 15, 2019. 

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application in March and April.  All student accounts must be current with no past due balances. Please be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Contact the school office if you have any questions.

UNIFORM CHECK-IN

Please ensure that your child 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 and extend above the ankle.  Shoes may not have blue or red on them, and boots may not be worn.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we are learning about weather and how it can affect people and places. We will read about the rainy season in a part of Africa. We will read Rain by Manya Stong, which is a fantasy story. Students will be reminded that fantasy stories are made up and have characters, people, or animals who are not real. Then students will listen as I read and find out how the weather changes in the story. After, we will write about what we like to do on a rainy day. We will use a word web to brainstorm our ideas before writing a personal narrative. In math, we will continue to use ten frame charts when adding. Students will use counters and beads for support. 

1A - This week in first grade we are reading and discussing the ways that we get our food. We are practicing words that end in -ookand -ood. In religion, we are naming special gifts that we should thank God for. In math, we are working on counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s. In science, we are observing the moon and its different phases. In social studies, we are learning about Chinese New Year.

2A - We are reading and acting out 2 folktales, “How the Beetle got Her Colors” and “How the Finch Got its Colors.” KEEP COUNTING with quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies (please let your child play with coins!). We are going to be investigating solids and water in science. Student Council members will visit us to talk about their role in student government. We are talking about making better choices and preparing for First Reconciliation on February 6 at 5:45 PM in St. Peter's Church. Please talk with your child about Reconciliation so they are not anxious.

3A – 3A continues to work on comprehension and academic vocabulary for Mr. Popper's Penguins. We are nearing the end of this twenty chapter book and the kiddos are thoroughly enjoying it. We will have our assessment of this book next week. In Math class, we will begin working on multiplication in class as well as in our homework assignments. Parents, please practice the basic multiplication facts nightly with your children. In Science, our crayfish have finally arrived!!!! We are investigating and learning about them in our Science lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We will continue to learn about their habitats and body parts for this month and much of the month of March. Ask your children about all that they have discovered about these fascinating crustaceans. 

4A - Happy 100th Day of School! The 4th Graders have been working for 100 days to get smarter and build their mental stamina. This week, we will finish our unit on the Sacraments in Religion. In Reading, we will continue to focus on our book Wonder. The students are doing a great job of reading the novel, as well as using their comprehension skills to focus on character development and plot. In Math, we are moving into long division. We are focusing on each step, and are encouraging each other to use the steps as additional support. In Science, we will focus on our field trip to the California Academy of Sciences (Thursday, February 7th). In Social Studies, we will complete our poster projects.

5A - This is a big week for 5th grade! We're wrapping up our long division math unit. Students will show off all the skills they've learned on an assessment.  In Language Arts, we're starting our novel study of Harry Potter! I'm so excited to introduce 5th graders to this magical world that will expand their reading comprehension skills. 

6A  Religion – Students are working in groups to define and present the important vocabulary terms and religious figures from their assigned chapter in Blest Are We.   Language Arts – Students will be analyzing how advertisements try to influence us using the rhetorical techniques of ethos, pathos, and logos. We'll also be creating our own advertisements using these techniques.   Social Studies – Students will begin learning about the physical geography of Ancient China and will have a Lunar New Year celebration on Friday, February 8th. 

7A   Language Arts - Students are finalizing their reading of Freak the Mighty. They will continue to respond to a series of comprehension questions to ensure understanding of the overall content. They will also participate in post-reading activities to end the novel.   Social Studies – Students will be learning about the physical geography of Europe and the early Middle Ages.  Science – Students are now committed to learning about heredity and genetics. This week they will create monsters using a Punnett Square. 

8A/8B   Religion - Students will be learning about the meaning and importance that spiritual devotions have in their personal faith life.   Language Arts - Students are continuing their reading on Zoot Suit. As the trial continues for the Pachucos, students will create a Letter of Appeal on behalf of a character in the play. They will use evidence from the text and elements of an appeal to complete.    Social Studies – Students will be studying the Bill of Rights and giving a two minute speech convincing their classmates to pass their amendment.  Science - Students are now done with their rockets and the analysis portion begins before starting our semester of Physics.

REMINDERS

Feb. 4-15      STAR Testing Window #3

Feb. 6           Free Dress for No Tardies in January

Feb. 6           5:45 PM, First Reconciliation in Church 

Feb. 7           4A Field Trip to the Academy of Sciences

Feb. 8           100th Day Celebration; Dress Like You’re 100 Years Old!

Feb. 12         8:10 AM School Mass

Feb 12          5A Field Trip to 826 Valencia

QUE PASA 1/30/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       Happy Catholic Schools Week!  This week, we’ve been taking the time to reflect on Catholic education and all the ways that we learn to grow, accomplish, love, serve, and unite here at St. Peter’s School. We are thankful that here, both our faith and our minds can grow.  In gratitude, I offer this prayer (adapted from www.thereligionteacher.com): 

Almighty Father,

You sent forth your Son as a beacon of hope for all people.  As Teacher, he has given us the prime example of the importance of education.  As disciples, we look to him for inspiration and strength.  Thank you for the many sisters, brothers, priests, and laypeople who have dedicated their lives in service to our Catholic schools.  Thank you for the teachers and administrators who sustain our schools today.  Thank you for the parents who have given support and witness to the importance of Catholic education in their daily lives.  Thank you for the students who work hard to further their education.

Bless St. Peter’s School and the many people who advance our mission.  May our building be a home for those who seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and service of others.  May our community always support one another and exhibit hospitality to newcomers.  Fill our minds with knowledge and wisdom.  May our understanding of the world help us to grow in appreciation for it.  Fill our hearts with gladness.  May we always turn to you in times of need.  Fill our hands with the tools we need to serve others.  May we show them your unceasing love through our actions.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

AZTEC TREK

Your child has received a collection envelope and flyer for the AZTEC TREK.  Students and families can help support our school by collecting pledges for our walk-a-thon and game day.  This is our only mandatory school fundraiser, and it helps to keep St. Peter’s School’s tuition the lowest in the Archdiocese.  The minimum mandatory amount to be collected by each student is $100, but the more money a student collects, the more prizes and class points can be earned!  The due date for all money to be turned in is Friday, February 22. Thank you in advance for your support!

THANK THE PARISH THURSDAY BAKE SALE

Tomorrow, we conclude Catholic Schools week with “Thank the Parish Thursday!”  Students will be taking the time to write letters or complete an art project to thank those that help our St. Peter’s parish and parish school.  Student Council and 8th grade will also be hosting a Bake Sale during recess times, and proceeds will be donated to our church!

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY

Since all teachers must attend an in-service for their professional development, there will be no school this Friday, February 1.

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for the Archdiocese Family Grant for the 2019-2020 school year has now begun.  Please go on to mytads.comto begin the application process. Be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Please be sure you have completed the total process by the Archdiocese deadline—April 14, 2019.

BASIC FUND

New students entering for the 2019-2020 school year must complete the BASIC Fund Application no later than March 15, 2019.  

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application in March and April.  All student accounts must be current with no past due balances. Please be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Contact the school office if you have any questions.

JANUARY 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 - Alani Alas is very polite, kind, and helpful to those around her. She is a hard-working student, a great listener and has an outstanding work ethic. She engages in weekly masses and morning prayers. She does a great job of staying on-task and completing her classwork and homework in a timely manner. For all these reasons and more, Alani is January's student of the month. Keep up the great work, Alani! 

1A - Leandro Camacho is an excellent example of a student who exemplifies St. Peter's KEYS. He is an extremely hard worker who takes pride in his work and loves to make his brain grow. Leandro is caring and supportive to those around him and is quick to help anyone in need. Leandro is very brave and is always trying to make good choices, even when it is difficult. For these reasons, I am proud to name Leandro as first grade's student of the month.

2A - Veronica Juarez is always challenging herself so she can grow academically. She never gives up and tries to accomplish as much as she can. She shows love by helping others. She serves her St. Peter's Community by helping out with whatever needs to be done. Veronica is a real team player. 

3A - Isaiah Arguello is a very focused and hard-working student. He is willing to help his table partners as well as his friends and his teacher.  Recently, Isaiah scored the highest in the class on our forty-one word spelling test. He LOVEs a challenge and excels because he gives it his all, ALL THE TIME. Keep it GROWing, Isaiah!!!   

4A - Emilio Flores has shown tremendous growth throughout this school year. He has focused on his worked, turned in high quality assignments, and increased his participation in class. He works well in partners and in groups, and help makes all students feel welcome in our classroom community. His great sense of humor brings a lot of smiles to our classroom. His dedication and work ethic is seen in our classroom and during this basketball season! He treats everyone with kindness and respect, and is an awesome bucket filler! Congratulations, Emilio! 

5A – Daniela Perez has GROWn tremendously in 5th grade because she sets goals and completes the steps it will take to reach them. She ACCOMPLISHes by applying literacy strategies to help her better comprehend what she reads. Our class sees how she SERVEs and shows LOVE by making choices based on the teachings of Jesus and the Works of Mercy. Daniela UNITEs our class by encouraging her classmates and working collaboratively with groups. Daniela's quiet sense of humor and warm smile make our class better every day. Congratulations, Daniela!

6A - Aavey Carreto has been a wonderful example and support to her peers this year!  She is kind and shows great effort towards her schoolwork. Aavey takes responsibility for her own learning and has set measurable goals for the New Year to set herself up for success! Thank you, Aavey, for being a great example of a student with the KEYS!  

7A - Carlos Hernandez is a shining example of a student who lives out St. Peter's School's KEYS.  This Fortnite wiz is one of the top students in class. He is kind and serves his community doing charitable works.  He is also a great friend to his classmates, helping them whenever they need some help. Keep up the good work Carlos!   

8A - Jesus Lopez demonstrates growth and love by continuously striving to better himself, both in and outside the classroom. He constantly lends a helping hand to those around him, his peers, teachers and staff, not because he has to, but because he genuinely wants to. Jesus also continues to grow academically, by asking thought-provoking questions and sharing his enthusiasm for learning. These admirable qualities only solidify his kind and determined nature as an 8th grade leader. Way to go Chuy, keep up the great work! 

8B - Selena Muñoz demonstrates critical thinking in the classroom and makes choices based on the teachings of Christ. Her family has instilled in her a strong sense of service, and she shares her time and gifts with those in her community. Selena shows others the impact one can have when they truly have an open heart and an open mind.  

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we are learning about how the weather changes throughout the year. We will talk about the seasons and how they repeat every year such as winter, spring, summer, fall and then winter again. We will read Mama, is it summer yet? In math, we will review how to make ten when added to the given number and finding the total amount of objects. We will continue to use counters, dominos, number cards and connecting cubes for support in our learning.

1A - This week we are reading, writing, and learning about how life is different today than it was long ago. In religion, we are celebrating Catholic Schools Week. In math, we are looking at place value to help us compare and order numbers. In science, we are tracking the amount of rainfall we are receiving using a rain gauge. In social studies, we are continuing to learn about different important U.S. symbols.

2A - We are reading “How the Beetle Got Her Colors” and learning about quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies (please let your child play with coins!). We are going to be investigating solids and water in science. We are talking about making better choices and preparing for First Reconciliation (February 6 at 5:45 PM in St. Peter's Church). Please talk with your child about Reconciliation so they are not anxious.

3A – 3A continues to learn about the welcoming sacraments of our church.  In math, we are moving on to multiplication. Parents, please practice the multiplication facts each night with your child.  In Science class, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our live crayfish.  We will be studying them throughout the month of February and into March.  The students are very interested in learning about these strange crustaceans. Our class definitely has the keys to GROW and ACCOMPLISH during this exciting investigation.  We will learn about their behavior, habitat, and eating habits.  We'll learn how they move, protect themselves and the different names for their body parts.      

4A - This week, we will be celebrating Catholic Schools! Each day, we will explore why we love St. Peter's and attending a Catholic school. In Religion, we will continue our focus on the Sacraments. We will create a lapbook as a way to demonstrate our knowledge. In Reading, we will begin our novel Wonder. We are very excited for this novel study! In Math, we will continue to focus on division and our divisibility rules. In Social Studies, we will continue our California Native Tribe research and create our posters in the classroom. In Science, we will begin our Energy unit. We look forward to celebrating Catholic Schools' Week!

5A - This week in 5th grade ELA, we're continuing our study of author's purpose by writing our own persuasive essays! In math, we're finishing up our long division unit with a focus on dividing 2-digit divisors by large numbers. We're also learning religion vocabulary in preparation for the big 5th grade ACRE test.

6A  Religion – Students will participate in different Catholic Schools Week events and practicing the Work of Mercy: Forgiving others.   Language Arts – We continue trying to identify bias in writing and will be learning how to use rhetorical techniques in our own persuasive writing.   Math - This week 6A will divide mixed numbers.  Social Studies – Students will begin learning about the physical geography of China and how geography affects the lifestyle in China.   Science – Students will explain the role of water vapor in the atmosphere and how it affects the weather.

7A   Religion -  7A will give examples of actions that can reflect the values of God's kingdom.  Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Freak the Mighty and answering Comprehension Questions. Additionally, they are discovering the unique bond between Max and Kevin. The constant reference of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table has been the foundation of their friendship, seeking quests to “…rescue fair maidens and slay dragons!”   Math - 7A will apply the Distributive Property to rewrite algebraic expressions.   Social Studies – Students will begin to compare the feudal system in Japan to the feudal system in Europe. Science – Students have wrapped up their studies of cellular reproduction and now it's time to begin our study of genetics and heredity. 

8A/8B   Religion - Students will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week by analyzing how the Church in the middle ages affects how we live as Catholics today.   Language Arts - Students are well into Zoot Suit; they have completed Act 1 and will begin Act 2 next week. Will the Pachucos win the appeal or continue to suffer unfair punishment? Students will also interpret the role of Pachuco, is he real or an imaginary character to Henry Reyna?   Math - 8A and 8B will continue to graph linear equations using the slope and y-intercept.  Social Studies – Students will display their amendments in a way that Rauschenberg completed his work.   Science - Students are evaluating their performances for their first project. Evaluation like this is important because it focuses our desire to improve in the future.

REMINDERS

Jan. 31         Bake Sale (during recess times)

Feb. 1          NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service Day

Feb. 4-15      STAR Testing Window #3

Feb. 5           8:10 AM School Mass

Feb. 6           Free Dress for No Tardies in January

Feb. 6           5:45 PM, First Reconciliation in Church 

Feb. 7           4A Field Trip to the Academy of Sciences

QUE PASA 1/23/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       This week marks the beginning of the 3rd quarter.  It’s another fresh start as we begin a new section of the school year.

       During this time, let’s not forget our growth mindset, and remember that we can be positive examples of growth for our children. There’s still much more we can learn, and there’s still plenty of time in this school year to be challenged, to ask questions, and to live out our core value: GROW! I’m trying to keep an open mind and keep a growth mindset, too. I feel like I’m learning a lot this year, and I know there’s still a lot more for me to learn. United, let’s not be afraid to try new things and learn from our mistakes; because, like our St. Peter’s KEYS state: Every accomplishment needs courage and Knowledge feeds growth.  Every day, with our children, we’ll keep on growing!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

AZTEC TREK

Last week, your child received a collection envelope and flyer for the AZTEC TREK.  Students and families can help support our school by collecting pledges for our walk-a-thon and game day.  This is our only mandatory school fundraiser, and it helps to keep St. Peter’s School’s tuition the lowest in the Archdiocese.  The minimum mandatory amount to be collected by each student is $100, but the more money a student collects, the more prizes and class points can be earned!  The due date for all money to be turned in is Friday, February 22. Thank you in advance for your support!

SUNDAY FAMILY MASS and CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

To show our appreciation for our Catholic Schools, we will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week next week, from January 27-31.  Please see the attached flyer for details on the special events of the week!  Below is a brief list of events:

Sunday, 1/27 – 9:30 AM Family Mass and Reception

Monday, 1/28 – Multicolor Monday

Tuesday, 1/29 – Grandparents Day Mass at 8:30 AM

Wednesday, 1/30 – Works of Mercy Wednesday

Thursday, 1/31– Thank the Parish Thursday (Bake Sale)

Friday, 2/1 – Free Day Friday (No School)

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for the Archdiocese Family Grant for the 2019-2020 school year has now begun.  Please go on to mytads.comto begin the application process. Be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Please be sure you have completed the total process by the Archdiocese deadline—April 15, 2019.

BASIC FUND

New students entering for the 2019-2020 school year must complete the BASIC Fund Application no later than March 15, 2019.  

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application in March and April.  All student accounts must be current with no past due balances. Please be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Contact the school office if you have any questions.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS 

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year! Some upcoming events include our FAMILY DANCE and CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK FAMILY MASS RECEPTION.  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.

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 and extend above the ankle.  Boots may not be worn.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, students are going to sing a song about some foods that are grown on farms. We will also read to find out about the kinds of foods that people grow. Students will be reminded that some of the pronouns that they have learned include he, she, it, we, you and I. In Math, we will learn to make 10. Students will find the number that makes ten when added to the given number. 

1A - This week in first grade we are reading, writing, and learning about folktales. In religion, we are learning about the significance of the Our Father. In math, we are using our knowledge of place value to compare two-digit numbers. In science, we are observing and comparing different types of clouds and discussing how they move across the sky. In social studies, we are learning about different U.S. symbols. 

2A - We are reading “Dear Primo” and learning about quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies—please let your child play with coins! We are going to be investigating particulate solids on the schoolyard in science. We are talking about making better choices and preparing for Reconciliation. Please take the time to talk with your child about Reconciliation so that they are not anxious. 

3A – This week, we continue reading Mr. Popper's Penguins.  We are also researching the habits and habitats of penguins during Science Class.  In Social Studies, we are learning about women who have made great contributions to our world.  In Math, we are working on multiplication strategies using our tablets during rotational model time. Finally, but importantly, we are studying the Sacraments of Christian Initiation - Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. 

4A - Welcome to the 3rd Quarter! We are excited to start the 2nd half of the year, and becoming "5th Graders in Training!” In Religion this week, we will continue to focus on the Seven Sacraments as a way for us to experience God's Grace. We will have a Religion Test on Friday. In Reading, we will begin on next story, Me and Uncle Romie.  We will also begin our first home book report this week. In Math, we will continue to focus on division. Students will use their multiplication skills to help us with our long division problems. In Social Studies, we will have a Native California project where we will research one California tribe. In Science, we will begin our unit on energy. Let's have a great second half of 4th Grade!

5A - This week, we're learning about long division with two-digit divisors in math. In reading, we're focusing on identifying the author's purpose in a variety of texts. In social studies, we're learning about life in the New England colonies. Please make sure your child is continuing to practice their division fact fluency at home! 

6A  Religion – 6th Grade will be hosting the Family Mass Reception on Sunday January 27th at 9:30 a.m. and bringing juice and coffee cups. Thank you for your support in starting Catholic Schools Week!   Language Arts – It's the beginning of 3rd Quarter and a fresh start! We are beginning our unit on non-fiction text this week, with a focus on persuasive writing. We'll be identifying bias in writing by distinguishing between facts and opinions in a text.   Math - To start the third quarter, 6A will begin dividing fractions.  Social Studies – Students are acting out Ancient Indian tales and identifying the morals of the stories.

7A   Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Freak the Mighty. In addition to their reading, students will also respond to a series of comprehension questions to ensure understanding of the overall content.   Math - 7A will identify and use mathematical properties to simplify algebraic expressions.   Social Studies – Students are learning about Feudalism in Medieval Japanese Society.   Science – Students are wrapping up their mitosis dance as we prepare to begin our conversation on chromosomes and genetics.

8A/8B   Religion - This week, we will be discussing the Crusades and the effect they continue to have on the Church today.  Language Arts - Students are well into Act 1 of the play Zoot Suit. The overarching themes of Culture Clash and Racial Discrimination the Chicanos faced during the 1940's are stirring up lively discussions. Students are finding similarities of past and present examples in their own society. They are continuing to record their thoughts of tone and mood in their Reporter's Notebook.  Math -  8A and 8B will graph linear equations using the slope and y-intercept.   Social Studies – Students will begin their amendment projects as the final steps of the Constitution Unit.   Science - Rocket flight conditions are excellent this week. Students will fly their rockets and begin their post-lab analyses of their respective performances.

REMINDERS

Jan. 23         8th Grade Graduation Photo Day

Jan. 23         Report Cards sent home

Jan. 27         Catholic Schools Week Sunday Family Mass and Reception, 9:30 AM

Jan. 27-31    CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Jan. 28         12:30 Dismissal

Jan. 28         USF afterschool tutoring resumes

Jan. 29         8:30 AM Mass for Grandparents Day

Jan. 31         Bake Sale (during recess times)

Feb. 1           NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service Day

QUE PASA 1/16/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       This Friday, we look forward to celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we have a special school prayer service in his honor.  He is a role model for us and our students as we discuss how others should be treated with dignity and love.  We can reflect on how Dr. King is an example of thinking critically, living out the KEYS, and taking action for social justice.  It’s a perfect opportunity to apply our growth mindset along with the children, and to take action through service!

       At the same time, we pray for peace in our world.  I am reminded of Jesus’ words: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you.”  Like Jesus and Dr. King, let us remember to be examples of respect and peace for our children.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

AZTEC TREK

On Monday, we had a special assembly to introduce the AZTEC TREK, our annual mandatory fundraiser. Going home with each child today is the collection envelope for the AZTEC TREK.  Students and families can help support our school by collecting pledges for our walk-a-thon and game day.  This is our only mandatory school fundraiser, and it helps to keep St. Peter’s School’s tuition the lowest in the Archdiocese.  The minimum mandatory amount to be collected by each student is $100, but the more a student collects, the more prizes and class points can be earned!  The due date for all money to be turned in us Friday, February 22.  See the attached flyer for more details. Thank you in advance for your support!

COMPUTER LAB

Due to an emergency, Mr. Minh, our after school computer lab supervisor, will not be at school from January 7-18. The computer lab will be closed from January 7-18 and will re-open on January 22 (after the MLK holiday).

NO SWEATS THIS FRIDAY

Since we will be attending a school prayer service this Friday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., all children must be in complete uniform, and not in the gray school sweats.  Also, no free dress passes may be used on this day.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

To show our appreciation for our Catholic Schools, we will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week from January 27-31.  Please see the attached flyer for the various themes of each day! 

ARCHDIOCESE ELEMENTARY FAMILY GRANT

The application process for the Archdiocese Family Grant for the 2019-2020 school year has now begun.  Please go on to mytads.comto begin the application process. Be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Please be sure you have completed the total process by the Archdiocese deadline. 

BASIC FUND

New students entering for the 2019-2020 school year must complete the BASIC Fund Application no later than March 15, 2019. 

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application in March and April.  All student accounts must be current with no past due balances. Please be sure you have your 2018 income tax information or 2018 income information (Calworks, social security, food stamps, etc.).  Contact the school office if you have any questions.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS 

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year! Some upcoming events include our FAMILY DANCE and CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK FAMILY MASS RECEPTION.  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.

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 and extend above the ankle.  Boots may not be worn.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, students will learn to identify main events in fiction text. We will identify the most important events in a story, retell, and recognized events that happen to the main character. 

1A - This week, we are reading and discussing how plants change as they grow and working on reading and writing words with the long i sound. In religion, we are praying through song and thanking those who donated books to our classroom over Christmas. In math, we are continuing to work on place value for numbers up to 100. In science, we are making thermometers to demonstrate how air temperature is taken. In social studies, we are learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of standing up for what is right.

2A - We are reading “Volcanoes” and learning about quadrilaterals (2-dimensional shapes) and cubes. We are going to be investigating spills in science. We are talking about making better choices and preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. 

3A – 3A is continuing to read Mr. Popper's Penguins during Language Arts class. Also in Language Arts, we are studying the 120 high-frequency third grade words that we use so often in our writing. In Social Studies, we will focus on Dr. MLK, Jr.  We'll learn about his life and what makes him the great American hero that we look up to for our continuing struggle for equality. Math focus this month is on word problems. We are looking for key words that tell us which operation to use in solving these problems. One of our ongoing GOALS is to begin multiplication on February 4. We are challenging ourselves to work harder on STMath here at school and at home. 3A, remember our GROWTH MINDSET rule! NEVER GIVE UP OR GIVE IN!!!

4A - What a great start to 2019! In Religion this week, we will continue to focus on the 7 Sacraments and learn how God fills us with Grace. In Reading, we will begin to read Coming Distractions: Questioning Movies. We will begin to focus on the differences between facts and opinions. In Math, we will begin our division unit! The students will focus on 2 by 1 digit division as well as 3 by 1 digit. In Social Studies, we will focus on a mini-project about California Native Peoples; this will lead us into our Mission unit during the 3rd quarter! In Science, we will focus on energy. We will begin to use our stations during our Literacy Block and Math classes. Please continue to read each night and use STMath!

5A - In 5th grade this week, our class is focusing on writing better main idea sentences for our paragraphs. We're learning about the original 13 US colonies in Social Studies and continuing our quest to become division fact masters in math. 

6A  Religion – 6th Graders are leading weekly masses in January and writing cards to the imprisoned as a Work of Mercy for January.   Language Arts – Students continue to build on their academic vocabulary using Greek and Latin roots. We have also concluded our first novel, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, and will be working on their culminating projects this week.   Social Studies – Students continue with their Ancient India Unit.  They will act out some Ancient Indian tales and identify the moral and author's purpose in the stories.  

7A   Language Arts - Students are continuing their introduction to Freak the Mighty. They participated in a series of pre-reading activities: the author and various themes/topics to ensure comprehension as students begin reading the novel this week.   Social Studies – Students are ending Quarter 2 with a Passion Project research presentation about different cultural aspects about life in Medieval China and Japan.   Science – Students have now tested their knowledge of mitosis...now it's time to choreograph its dance!

8A/8B   Language Arts - Students are finalizing their Night Literary Analysis Essay this week. They also thoroughly enjoyed the Holocaust Guest Speaker this past Tuesday. The presentation allowed them to put a face to the experiences they read in the novel. As they wrap up Night, students will transition to the introduction of their next text, a play, Zoot Suit by Luis Valdez.    Social Studies – Students are finalizing Quarter 2 with a project about the Branches of Government to distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of each of the three branches.  Science - Rocket launch has been delayed by a week. This week we conduct test flights and next week we launch for flight distances.

REMINDERS

Jan. 16         AZTEC TREK Fundraiser begins

Jan. 16         First Communion Parent Meeting, 5:45 PM in Church

Jan. 18         End of 2nd Quarter

Jan. 18         Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Service, 8:30 AM

Jan. 21         Dr. MLK, Jr. Holiday, No School

Jan. 23         8th Grade Graduation Photo Day

Jan. 23         Report Cards sent home

Jan. 27         Catholic Schools Week Sunday Family Mass and  Reception, 9:30 AM

Jan. 27-31    CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Jan. 28         12:30 Dismissal

QUE PASA -- 1/9/2019 (ENGLISH)

Dear Parents,

       Happy New Year!!!  I pray that everyone enjoyed a blessed Christmas with loved ones.  I am thankful for another year filled with hope, challenges, and growth.  Together, let us start 2019 with a prayer:

Lord, You make all things new.

You bring hope alive in our hearts

And cause our Spirits to be born again.

Thank you for this new year,

For all the potential it holds.

Come and kindle in us a mighty flame

So that in our time, many will see the wonders of God

And live forever to praise Your glorious name.  

AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

COMPUTER LAB

Due to an emergency, Mr. Minh, our after school computer lab supervisor, will not be at school from January 7-18. The computer lab will be closed from January 7-18 and will re-open on January 22 (after the MLK holiday.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year! Some upcoming events include our FAMILY DANCE and CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK FAMILY MASS RECEPTION.  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.

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 and extend above the ankle.  Boots may not be worn.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will read “My Garden” by Kevin Henkes. Before reading the story, we will text talk; students will identify if the story is fiction or non-fiction. Students will also begin thinking what might be the author's purpose for writing. Perhaps to entertain, persuade, or inform? Where and when do think this story takes place? Who is the main character of the story? Then, as we read the story, students will be listening for important events at the beginning, middle, and end of the story that may answer questions or confirm predictions. In math, we will review addition and subtraction. We are moving forward to subtract from 5 or less. (fluency)

1A - Welcome back! I hope you all had a great Christmas break. This week we will be reading and discussing how we measure time. In religion, we are finishing learning about of the wonder of God's Creation. In math, we are beginning our unit on place value by practicing grouping and counting by 10s. In science, we are finally working on our rockets fueled by compressed air, and in social studies we are learning about earning, saving, and spending money.

2A - We will be reading “Rain Forests,” learning about 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes, and investigating spills (bring recyclable water bottles, please). We will be preparing for First Reconciliation (memorize the Act of Contrition).  Mark your calendars: First Communion meeting on January 16 at 5:45 p.m. in St. Peter's Church.

3A – Happy New Year and welcome back to school.  3A is starting off the 2019 year with a book writing project that will be completed by the end of February.  We are hoping to publish our writing effort for parents, family and friends to purchase.  In Math class, we continue to focus on our third grade curriculum using our tablets, small group math centers, and class instruction.  Please continue to use STMath at home as well as the study of basic math facts to help the students improve their knowledge in mathematics. On Friday, we will have a pizza lunch because of your phenomenal support with our December food drive. WE truly accomplish, love, serve and unite as a class and as a school.   

4A - Welcome back, 4A! I hope you had nice and relaxing breaks. We are back to work, and setting our new goals for 2019. In Religion, we will be focusing on the 7 Sacraments as a way for us to recall the Sacraments we have already participated in, and understand the Sacraments ahead of us. In Math, we will be reviewing multiplication this week. Please practice multiplication facts at home! In Reading, we will create an interactive notebook for our next story, "Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude." In Social Studies, we will learn about Native Californians, this will segue us into our Missions Project during 3rd Quarter! In Science, we will continue to focus on changes in landforms. Please continue to encourage your child to use our STMath program at home. Thank you!

5A - Welcome back from break! This week, 5th graders will be setting goals for 2019 and sharing the book talk presentations they worked on over break. In math, we'll check in on our division fact fluency and examine the importance of place values in decimals.

6A  Religion – 6A is setting goals for the New Year and reviewing the Ten Commandments from the book of Exodus.  Language Arts – I hope everyone had a restful and merry holiday and a happy New Year! This week, 6A ELA will continue where we left off in Roll of Thunder as we approach closer to the novel's climax. We will also begin to look at common Latin and Greek roots to build our academic vocabulary.   Math – Students will divide whole numbers by fractions.  Social Studies – Students are learning about the physical geography and the religious beliefs of the people of Ancient India.   Science – 6A will compare and contrast dominant life-forms in Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras.

7A   Religion - 7A will offer ways to work towards a just and peaceful society.   Language Arts - Welcome back! Students have ended their Unit on A Christmas Carol. They are now moving on to the Introduction of their next novel, Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick.  Math – Students will evaluate simple algebraic expressions.   Social Studies – Students will begin Medieval Japan by learning about the physical geography and the early settlement of the island of Japan.   Science – Students will review biological levels of organization and then switch their focus onto defining all steps of mitosis.

8A/8B   Religion – Eighth graders are jumping into the new year by discussing how various religious orders allow for individuals in the Catholic church to nourish their faith.   Language Arts - Welcome back, Class of 2019! Students are closing their Night Unit with a Literary Analysis Essay, interpreting the significant events, topics, and themes in the novel. On Tuesday, January 15, students will also have a Holocaust Guest Speaker Presentation.  Math – Students will find the slope of a line.   Social Studies – Students are continuing their Constitution Unit by learning about the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Branch.   Science - Students review their measurement abilities as they put the finishing touches on their rocket project. Flight date is January 17th.

REMINDERS

Jan. 16         First Communion Parent Meeting, 5:45 PM in Church

Jan. 18         End of 2nd Quarter

Jan. 18         Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Service, 8:30 AM

Jan. 21         Dr. MLK, Jr. Holiday, No School

Jan. 23         8th Grade Graduation Photo Day

Jan. 23         Report Cards sent home

QUE PASA 12/19/2018 (ENGLISH)

Dear Parents,

       I share this prayer (written by Christine Sine) with you all:

The coming of our Lord is near,
And we wait in joyful expectation.
Draw close, Lord Jesus Christ,
Shed your light on all that is filled with darkness.
The coming of our Lord is near,
And we wait with hope filled hearts.
Draw close, God’s beloved son,
Teach us the wonder of your all-embracing love. 

AMEN.

       During this Advent, I keep the entire St. Peter’s School family in my prayers--I am grateful to be a part of this loving community.  I pray that everyone has a safe and relaxing winter break.  Have a joyous Christmas and a happy new year!  See you in 2019!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

ST. PETER’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS SERVICES

You are invited to join in the Eucharistic celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at St. Peter’s Church!

December 24 – 7:00 PM,  Special Concelebrated Mass

December 25 – 9:30 AM Mass (English) and 12:00 PM (Spanish)

COMPUTER LAB

The computer lab will be CLOSED on Wednesday-Thursday, December 19-20, and will re-open when classes resume after Christmas vacation, on Monday, January 7.

BVCC WINTER CAMP

If you would like your child to participate in the BVCC Winter Camp, open from December 26-28 and January 2-4, you can fill out and return the registration form which was sent home.  Forms are also available in the school office and in the Parish Hall with the BVCC After School Program. 

DECEMBER 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 - Fabio Bucio is a role model student who sets a positive example for his peers. He has excellent work ethic and enjoys helping others. Fabio always comes to class prepared and creates high quality work that exceeds expectations. He engages in weekly school mass and morning prayer assemblies. For these reasons, Fabio is December's student of the month!

1A - Angel Robledo is an excellent example of a student who is always trying to live out St. Peter's KEYS. Angel takes his learning very seriously and is great at staying focused on his work and challenging himself. He is kind and loving to those around him and is quick to offer help to anyone in need. Angel is a great listener and team player. For these reasons Angel is first grade's student of the month!

2A - Daniel Saavedra is the Student of the Month for December.  He always does his best and is eager to try new things. Daniel listens carefully and focuses on his work.  Good job, Daniel!  

3A – Danna Sanchez is a perfect example of our KEYS. Danna is one who SERVES by helping others before being asked. She is often seen cleaning the 3rd grade play area after recess.  She shares her classroom materials and her snacks when someone is without theirs.  Furthermore, Danna shows GROWTH in her academics and her behavior.  She consistently strives to receive a "1" in behavior and study skills.    

4A - Sara Becerra comes to school every day with a smile on her face, and is ready to learn. She takes full responsibility of her learning, and is an extremely hard worker. She focuses on respecting classmates and adults, as well as being a bucket filler to everyone she meets. She is an active participant in class, and motivates others around her to stay focused and to keep trying. Congratulations, Sara!

5A – Carlos Mendoza brings so many great qualities to 5th grade. He UNITEs our class with his great listening and by following directions the first time, SERVEs his classmates by helping them with assignments, and brings LOVE and joy to 5th grade with his clever jokes. We love that Carlos isn't intimidated by challenges and is always willing to try something new. He has GROWn a lot this school year by working to stay focused on task in class. All of this hard work has allowed him to ACCOMPLISH great things academically!  

6A - Diego Diaz has been a joy to have in the classroom this year and has what it takes to be successful in 6th grade and beyond!  This is Diego's final month at St. Peter's and we know that he will take what he has learned here to his new school.  Diego's new classmates and teachers will be lucky to have him as he will surely show them what it means to be a student with the KEYS to GROW, ACCOMPLISH, LOVE, SERVE, and UNITE! Thank you Diego for the kindness, positive attitude, and support you have given to your classmates and teachers throughout the years.  You will always be a member of our St. Peter's family!  

7A - Angela Miranda is a great example of someone who lives out St. Peter's School's KEYS.  She is so thoughtful and provides a refreshing point of view each day in class.  She is a leader and a great example of someone our younger students here at St. Peter's School can look up to.  Finally, she is a great friend to her 7A classmates. 

8A - Victoria Colvin exhibits what it means to grow as a WHOLE person, through her spiritual, emotional, physical, and academic well-being. She is constantly seeking ways to create an impact, a voice, within herself and the school community. She accomplishes and serves as a strong role model and leader. Way to go Victoria!

8B - Daniel Mejia has shown us all what it truly means to face challenges with optimism and faith. When he is facing difficulty, he still manages to think of others and show gratitude. He continually wants to grow and try new things and is willing to be a pioneer and lead the way for others. Daniel truly lives the teachings of Christ in the joy and love he shares with the world.  

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will continue to blend sounds to make words. Students will participate in our Daily Five stations. So far, it's helping students feel more comfortable in their reading ability. In math, we will work on math facts. Parents, please continue to help your child with subtraction. This seems to be a challenge for most students.

1A - This week we are continuing our trip around the world to learn about how Christmas is celebrated in different countries. In religion, we are continuing our Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar in preparation for the birth of Jesus. In math, we will be reviewing our units on subtraction and data and graphing. We are also preparing and practicing for our singing of ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ at Thursday's Christmas Prayer Service. Please join us if you can. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful break!

2A - We will be reading “Rain Forests.”  We will be creating and interpreting bar graphs, sorting bits and pieces, and watching our paperwhite bulbs grow, we continue to prepare for Jesus' birth, and please start practicing the Act of Contrition. Have a restful break!

3A – SUCH A BUSY WEEK THROUGHOUT ST.PETER'S SCHOOL. As we await the birth of Christ and prepare for the Christmas holiday vacation, 3A is making presents for our parents, writing cards to our loyal benefactors and decorating our classroom. We are having some fun activities such as assembling movable reindeer, making St. Nicholas puppets, and a working on a sequencing worksheet from our recent read, The Polar Express. 3A is taking this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas with rest and relaxation. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GREAT NEW YEAR.

4A - This week, we will continue to focus on the season of Advent and preparing our hearts for Jesus' birth. In Reading, we will be focusing on various Christmas stories. We will be creating Book Reports based on these stories, and we will write our own Christmas story. In Math, we will use this week to review addition, subtraction and multiplication. Through Christmas stations, we will work individually, with partners, and in small groups to practice our skills. We will also take part in "Merry Graphmas" during this week; we will study various graphs and participate in them as a class each day. In Science, we will participate in Christmas STEM projects. In Social Studies, we will continue the Christmas theme and learn about how different countries celebrate Christmas. We will also be attending the Mission Public Library on Wednesday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

5A - 5th grade is wrapping up the last school week of 2018 with some exciting events! We went on a class field trip to the Exploratorium on Tuesday, and we’re working on holiday graphing activities in math and presenting our book club's plot diagrams of Christmas stories. Have a wonderful Christmas with your families!

6A  Religion – Students are finalizing their Jesse Tree ornament project and preparing for the Christmas Program.  Language Arts – 6A is nearing the climax of our novel, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, and the tension between the characters is building. Will the Logan family be able to find justice in an unjust world? Students have had interesting conversations about how we seek change when we see something wrong in our world.   Math - This week 6A will continue to multiply fractions.   Social Studies – Students are reading about Christmas traditions around the world.   Science – Students will take a test on Earth's early history.

7A   Religion - 7A will take a Unit Test in Religion.  Furthermore, I would like to wish all 7A families nothing but happiness, love, and God's blessing this Christmas and New Year's holiday.  Language Arts - Students have finalized their unit on A Christmas Carol by watching the movie. In doing so, they are able to visualize the play's content. When they return from break, students will be introduced to their second novel, Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!   Math – Students will begin learning about algebraic expressions.   Social Studies – Students finished A Long Walk to Water and are reflecting through essays on the ways that access to water change entire communities.  Science - Students are now beginning to look into tissues as they prepare to start their research on organ systems. Our first step will be to describe how cells replicate through mitosis.

8A/8B   Language Arts - Students have finalized their reading of Night. They will create a culminating Tear Art Visual to represent their feelings and reactions to an event in the novel. In doing so, they will be able to illustrate how mood and symbolism can convey a message to the reader. More importantly, students will be able to highlight the devastation that the main character and other Jewish prisoners endured, while capturing the human emotion that is so vivid in the novel. Have a very Merry Christmas! See you in 2019, class of 2019!   Math -  Students will finish up their math project and begin learning about constant rate of change.  Social Studies – Students are finalizing their Legislative Branch weeks by taking a Congress Quest, following a bill in Congress that they are interested in, and researching California’s Senators and their Representative.  Science - Students continue to build their rockets. This week's focus will be building the nose cone and finding volume.

REMINDERS

Dec. 19-20        Computer Lab Closed

Dec. 20             9:00 AM Christmas Prayer Service and Program

Dec. 20             12:30 Dismissal

Dec. 20-Jan. 6   CHRISTMAS VACATION

Jan. 7                 Classes Resume  (Regular Schedule, 7:55 AM – 3:00 PM)

Jan.8                 8:10 AM School Mass

Jan. 16              First Communion Parent Meeting

Jan. 18              End of 2nd Quarter

QUE PASA 12/12/2018 (English)

Dear Parents,

      We continue preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus, and this week we celebrate Mary and St. Juan Diego on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  In the Advent prayer below (by Kelly Balarie), I sense a connection with Juan Diego’s story of faith, love, and courage that is still so relatable today. Even through the challenges in our lives, we can turn to God and our Blessed Mother Mary for strength, just as St. Juan Diego did. 

Lord,

Advent is here, but so are old habits.

Advent is here, but gone are people we love.

Advent is here, but fears surface.

You say, "I see all that, and I can handle all that."

You say, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

You say, "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid."

You say, "Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue."

What looks unscalable, You boost me over.

What seems unbearable, You bring me through unbelievably.

What can't be managed, You say, "Let down your guard and I will guard you."

Amen.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

ST. PETER’S FOOD DRIVE

The 8th graders are leading the school in a service project of collecting dry or canned foods and cash donations for the SF Marin Food Bank to help feed the thousands of hungry families who live in the Bay Area.  Last year, we collected over 1,200 pounds of food.  Let’s match or beat that goal!  The homeroom that collects the most donations per student will win a special prize.  

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

Thank you so much for the support you have already offered in donating cold weather clothing items for the Oakland parish of Mary Help of Christians! The collection continues through Wednesday, December 19 and our focus going forward should be jackets in good condition, of all sizes!  Thank you and God Bless!

TUITION POLICY FOR 2nd SEMESTER

All student tuition accounts must be up to date and paid through December 2018 in order for your child to return to class for the 2ndSemester on January 7, 2019. 

If your tuition is not paid by December 15, 2018 your child will not be able to return to class on Monday, January 7, 2019. 

Please plan ahead so your tuition is received on time by December 15, 2018.  

If you have any questions, please call the Tuition Office at (415)647-8662.

LAS POSADAS 

BVCC is hosting Las Posadas at St. Peter’s School this Friday, December 14, from 6:00-7:30 PM.  There will also be food for sale.  All are welcome to join the celebration.

HOLIDAY EVENTS NEXT WEEK

Please see the attached flyer for details on our school holiday activities for next week!  Tuesday 12/18 is “Holiday Sweater Day,” Wednesday 12/19 is “Holiday Hat Day,” and Thursday 12/20 is our Christmas Prayer Service and Program, followed by a student game in the gym.  

COMPUTER LAB

The computer lab will be CLOSED on Wednesday-Thursday, December 19-20, and will re-open when classes resume after Christmas vacation, on Monday, January 7.

BVCC WINTER CAMP

If you would like your child to participate in the BVCC Winter Camp, open from December 26-28 and January 2-4, you can fill out and return the registration form which was sent home last week.  Forms are also available in the school office and in the Parish Hall with the BVCC After School Program.  

PARENT VOLUNTEERS 

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year!  Our wonderful school events would not be possible without our loving parent volunteers! Some upcoming events include Family Lotería Night and the 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.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we are going to discuss ways to help out in a community. We will read Roadworks to discuss the ways that people improve their community. Students will also learn how to write a sentence about a worker. In Math, we will learn how to add and subtract within 5 fluently. 

1A - This week we will be taking a trip around the world to learn how Christmas is celebrated in different countries. In religion, we are continuing our Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar in preparation for the birth of Jesus. In math, we will be reviewing our units on subtraction and data and graphing. We are also preparing and practicing for our singing of ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ for next week's Christmas Prayer Service.

2A - We will read “Ways to Enjoy Music” and create and interpret bar graphs.  We’ll sort bits and pieces, watch our paperwhite bulbs grow, and learn about reading maps.  We will prepare for Jesus' birth by talking about better choices and start practicing the Act of Contrition.

3A – In Religion, 3A will read the story and learn about Our Lady of Guadalupe, practice our Mass responses, and practice our Christmas Carols for the convalescent hospital and the Christmas Program on December 20. In Language Arts, we will finish writing our Christmas cards for the residents of Sheffield Convalescent Hospital. On the December 13 we will walk to the convalescent hospital and share our Christmas spirit with some very special people.

4A - Happy 2nd Week of Advent! This week, we will continue to focus on preparing our hearts for the season of Advent. We will learn about a variety of Christmas traditions as well as the Jesse Tree. In Reading, we will finish our “Stormalong” story, and focus on our Christmas picture books to discuss character development. We will also read, "Once upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude" and focus on the skill of comparing and contrasting. We will finish our Multiplication unit in Math this week, and transition into our Division unit. Please continue to practice math facts at home! In Social Studies, we will compare all of California regions through our new online Social Studies Curriculum. In Science, we will continue to focus on landforms and weathering. 

5A - This week, 5th graders are working to identify the plot structure elements in holiday stories with their book clubs. In math, we're learning how to plot points on a graph. We'll continue our gingerbread story unit in Language Arts and publish our special "Transformed into Gingerbread" writing assignment. 5th grade will celebrate the end of this Language Arts unit with a gingerbread-themed party on Friday! 

6A  Religion – Students will be leading the Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe this week.   Language Arts – 6th Graders continue to meet their goals on our literacy program Lexia PowerUp, and students are showing amazing growth on their reading levels. We are also continuing to read our novel, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, and analyzing the racial inequalities faced by African Americans during the Jim Crow era. We will be looking at non-fiction text to compare segregation and racism then and now.  Math - 6A will multiply mixed numbers.  Social Studies – Students are beginning the physical geography of India.   Science – Students will take a test on early Earth history.  

7A   Language Arts - Students have wrapped up their reading on A Christmas Carol. They will participate in a Change of Heart Activity, focusing on Scrooge’ s BEFORE and AFTER character transformation. Through this, they will be able to identify how and why he has a "change of heart.” Math - 7A will continue to divide fractions and begin evaluating algebraic expressions.  Social Studies – Students are finalizing an art project for their Africa Unit and is comparing the early West African Civilizations.    Science – Students have wrapped up their study of cells and organelles and now it's time to start looking into biological levels of organization. They will frame the rest of our year! 

8A/8B   Religion – Students will be introduced to Unit 3 which focuses on the role of the Church in medieval society and will begin to prepare for their ACRE exam!  Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Night. They focused on answering what it means to be a bystander, a person who is present but does not take a stand, or an upstander, a person who takes a stand against an act of injustice or intolerance. They discovered how many truly stand up to cruelty, during the Holocaust and even in modern times.   Math – Students will start projects on multi-step equations and begin finding a constant rate of change.   Social Studies – Students are learning about the Legislative branch in the Constitution Unit and each student will research a bill that is in Congress right now to become a law.    Science - Students are in full engineering mode. The mission is to power a rocket using a safe chemical reaction!

REMINDERS

Dec. 11-12       St. Peter’s Christmas Shop

Dec. 12            9:30 AM School Mass – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec. 13             8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, 8th Grade

Dec. 13             3A Field trip to Sheffield Convalescent Hospital

Dec. 14             6:00 PM, Las Posadas with BVCC

Dec. 18             5A Field Trip to the Exploratorium

Dec. 19             4A Field Trip to Mission Branch Library

Dec. 19-20        Computer Lab Closed

Dec. 20             9:00 AM Christmas Prayer Service and Program

Dec. 20             12:30 Dismissal

Dec. 20-Jan. 6   CHRISTMAS VACATION

Jan. 7                 Classes Resume

QUE PASA 12/5/2018 (English)

Dear Parents,

      This week and next week, we will celebrate two feasts of Mary: the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  It’s very appropriate that we celebrate Mary during the season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, because without Mary, and without her faith, strength, and love, we wouldn’t have Jesus.  After all, Jesus is the reason for the season.

      Pope Francis wrote an Advent reflection a few years ago that reminds us of how Mary is a role model for us today.  Mary also reminds me of our Sisters of Mercy, past and present--like Sr. Marian Rose, Sr. Lucy, Sr. Paulina, and Sr. Toni Lynn--who answered the call of Mercy at St. Peter’s.  As Pope Francis describes, Mary is a loving mother who inspires us all to put God first in our lives.  Here’s a part of what Pope Francis wrote:

“We bet on hope, on the hope of peace, and it will be possible! The journey is never finished. Just as in each of our own lives, there is always a need to restart and to rise again. Mary is a model of this spiritual attitude, to this way of being and of journeying in life.Although she was just a simple girl, she carried in her heart the hope of God.  In her womb, the hope of God took flesh, became man, and made history: Jesus Christ.  Let us be guided by her, she who is mother, she is a ‘mama’ and knows how to lead us. Let us be guided by her in this time of waiting.”                                                                                                

      So let’s remember Mary, during Advent and every day, and how she is a role model for us to have courage, to put God first in our lives, and to have open hearts and open minds.  And when we do that, GREAT things can happen!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

NO SWEATS THIS FRIDAY

Since we will be attending school mass this Friday in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, all students must be in complete uniform.  No gray sweats may be worn this Friday.

CHRISTMAS SHOP

St. Peter’s School will be hosting a Christmas Shop for students on December 11-12! This will be a safe Christmas shopping experience for children, right here at school. Please see the attached flyer and budget envelope for more details!

ST. PETER’S FOOD DRIVE

The 8th graders are leading the school in a service project of collecting dry or canned foods and cash donations for the SF Marin Food Bank to help feed the thousands of hungry families who live in the Bay Area.  Last year, we collected over 1,200 pounds of food.  Let’s match or beat that goal!  The homeroom that collects the most donations per student will win a special prize.  

WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE

Thank you so much for the support you have already offered in donating cold weather clothing items for the Oakland parish of Mary Help of Christians! The collection continues through Wednesday, December 19 and our focus going forward should be jackets in good condition, of all sizes!  Thank you and God Bless!

TUITION POLICY FOR 2nd SEMESTER

All student tuition accounts must be up to date and paid through December 2018 in order for your child to return to class for the 2ndSemester on January 7, 2019. 

If your tuition is not paid by December 15, 2018 your child will not be able to return to class on Monday, January 7, 2019. 

Please plan ahead so your tuition is received on time by December 15, 2018.  

If you have any questions, please call the Tuition Office at (415)647-8662.

LAS POSADAS 

Save the Date—BVCC is hosting Las Posadas at St. Peter’s School on Friday, December 14, from 6:00-7:30 PM.  All are welcome to join the celebration.

BVCC WINTER CAMP

If you would like your child to participate in the BVCC Winter Camp, open from December 26-28 and January 2-4, you can fill out and return the registration form which was sent home last week.  Forms are also available in the school office and in the Parish Hall with the BVCC After School Program.  

PARENT VOLUNTEERS 

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year!  Our wonderful school events would not be possible without our loving parent volunteers! Some upcoming events include Las Posadas, Family Lotería Night, and the 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.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will continue to write and produce descriptive sentences. We will work together to write describing words and include it in our writing. In Math, we will solve subtraction word problems, add and subtract within 10. 

1A - This week we are reading and discussing the ways that we get around by learning about maps and directions. In religion, we are learning about Advent and preparing for the arrival of Jesus. In math, we are continuing our unit on data and graphing. In science, we are hoping for dry weather so we can execute our rocket experiment. In social studies, we are learning about the difference between the things that we want and need.

2A - We will be reading “Wild Weather” and telling time to 5-minute intervals.  We will sort bits and pieces, watch our bulbs grow, and learn about presidents Obama and Washington.  The Advent Season has begun, and we are learning the Act of Contrition.

3A – This week in Religion class we are learning about the season of Advent.  We'll be studying the many symbols that are associated with the season.  In Language Arts we're reviewing our high frequency word lists from Kindergarten through 2nd grade.  We will also be practicing our third grade word lists as well as high frequency nouns.  3A will continue the rotational model in Math class with group work, math stations and STMath with our tablets.

4A - Happy December! This week, we will continue to learn about the season of Advent. We are working to prepare our hearts for Jesus' birth. In Math, we will continue to focus on multiplication. We will learn about 2- digit by 2-digit multiplication and the various ways those problems can be solved. In Reading, we will focus on our next story: "Stormalong" and develop our comprehension skills of understanding characters and making predictions. We will also focus on a writing piece, "If I was stuck in a snow globe!" In Social Studies, we will continue to work on our new online curriculum. The students will be working on their Chromebooks during this time. In Science, we will focus on landforms and weathering. Please remember to check planners and homework folders each night for any updates!

5A - This week, 5th grade will start our holiday story unit by reading The Night of Las Posadas and The Polar Express. We'll continue to practice summarizing and differentiating between important and interesting details with these texts. In math, 5th graders will practice interpreting and writing numerical sentences. In religion, we'll prepare for our Advent reconciliation on Thursday.

6A  Religion – Students will be starting a Jesse Tree Project for the Advent season, and they will have Reconciliation on Thursday December 6th.  The class is also preparing to lead the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass next week.   Language Arts – Students will continue to explore the social context of our novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, based in the Jim Crow era. We'll discuss the inequalities faced by African Americans as we follow the Logan family as they encounter different challenges because of their race.  Math - 6A will practice multiplying fractions.  Social Studies – Students are finalizing their Egypt Unit and will begin to learn about the physical geography of India.  Science – Students are learning about dominant life forms of the Precambrian time and Paleozoic era.  

7A   Religion – Students will contemplate on the meaning and importance of prayer.   Language Arts - Students are continuing to read A Christmas Carol, focusing on character development: physical descriptions, inner desires and important traits. As they reach the end, they are rapidly realizing Scrooge's transformation from a selfish, greedy businessman to a generous, kind-hearted human being.   Math - 7A will practice dividing fractions.   Social Studies - Students will complete a group project comparing the three early civilizations of West Africa.  Science – Students look at cells and prepare to test on cell structures.

8A/8B   Religion – This week we will be completing Unit 2 on The Growth of Christendom by taking a test and then will be heading out for the retreat! Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Night. Many lively discussions have already taken place as they learn of Elie's journey through the concentration camps. They will focus next on answering what it means to be a bystander or an upstander when they return from Retreat.   Math – Students will identify proportional and non-proportional linear relationships by finding a constant rate of change.    Social Studies – Students are taking a tour of the murals in the Mission District with Precita Eyes to learn more about the history and artwork of the Mission.    Science - Students work on their rocket project for a couple of days before going on their Confirmation retreat to Occidental! Have a great time!

REMINDERS

Dec. 5-7        8th Grade Retreat in Occidental

Dec. 6           8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, Grades 5-6

Dec. 7           9:30 AM School Mass – Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Dec. 11          8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, 7A

Dec. 11-12     St. Peter’s Christmas Shop

Dec. 12         9:30 AM School Mass – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec. 13         8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, 8th Grade

Dec. 13        3A Field trip to Sheffield Convalescent Hospital

Dec. 14        6:00 PM, Las Posadas with BVCC

Dec. 18        5A Field Trip to the Exploratorium

Dec. 19        4A Field Trip to Mission Branch Library

QUE PASA 11/28/2018 (English)

Dear Parents,

      December is almost here--the last month of 2018!  Even though we’re near the end of the year, this Sunday marks the beginning of a church season—ADVENT.  Advent is a time of preparation for Jesus’ birth.   

      The teachers and I will be teaching the students about Advent, and how our preparations could include special acts—such as saying extra prayers, reading the bible, attending an additional Mass, giving to the school’s weekly Missions collection, or doing extra good deeds—because doing those special acts will make more room in our hearts for Jesus.  Some classes are following an Advent calendar or constructing Advent wreaths, yet some classes might also be planning special service projects to help those in need.  Whatever your child and your family do during Advent, remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.  The children have heard this at school, but continue this lesson at home.  Let’s all be examples of open hearts and open minds, and know that we wouldn’t be celebrating if it wasn’t for our savior, Jesus Christ.    

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

CHRISTMAS SHOP

St. Peter’s School will be hosting a Christmas Shop for students on December 11-12! This will be a safe Christmas shopping experience for children, right here at school. Please see the attached flyer for more details!

ST. PETER’S FOOD DRIVE

The 8th graders are leading the school in a service project of collecting dry or canned foods and cash donations for the SF Marin Food Bank to help feed the thousands of hungry families who live in the Bay Area.  Last year, we collected over 1,200 pounds of food.  Let’s match or beat that goal!  The homeroom that collects the most donations will win a special prize. 

BVCC WINTER CAMP

If you would like your child to participate in the BVCC Winter Camp, open from December 26-28 and January 2-4, you can fill out and return the registration form which was sent home.  Forms are also available in the school office and in the Parish Hall with the BVCC After School Program.  

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.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS 

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year!  We experienced wonderful school events—the Halloween festival, Family Movie Night, and 140th Anniversary—and those would not have been possible without our loving parent volunteers! Some upcoming events include our Christmas prayer service and reception, Family Lotería Night, and the 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.

NOVEMBER 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 - Alexander Quiroz Galdamez demonstrates a positive attitude towards school and is a hard-working student. He is also respectful and kind to his peers. Alexander follows the classroom rules, helps students when needed and comes in everyday with a smile on his face. Keep up the good work Alexander! 

1A - Rio Rangel is an excellent example of a student who lives out St. Peter's KEYS. Rio is loving and kind to all those around her. She comes to school ready to learn and faces new challenges with an open heart and open mind. She works together with her classmates to achieve goals and help those in need. 

2A - Christopher Chirino-Sandoval always tries his best and likes to challenge himself to grow. He is thoughtful, caring, and honest. 

3A – Yazmin Montes is a hard worker who stays focused on her classwork, turns her homework in on time, and is very organized. She is consistently willing to help other students or her teacher. Yazmin exemplifies the St. Peter's KEYS by serving others, showing courage through her perseverance and study habits. 

4A - Jaykob Offril comes to school each day ready to learn and with a smile on his face. He is a hard worker who is very diligent and inquisitive! He demonstrates persistence in every aspect of his school work and he focuses on his high-quality work as a way he can grow as a student! He treats his classmates with respect and encourages others to try their best. He believes in the "Power of Yet" and is a true bucket filler. Congratulations, Jaykob!

5A – Damaris Ceron Ramos works so hard in everything she does and lives out St. Peter's Keys every single day. She has already GROWn so much in math and reading this year. Her high scores in ST Math and RAZ Kids show how much she is able to ACCOMPLISH because of this hard work. Her LOVE for her classmates and willingness to SERVE her peers and teachers help UNITE our class. Congratulations Damaris! 

6A - Alaysha Flores has been a joy to have in 6th grade and she always comes to school ready to learn. Alaysha has the KEYS to be successful in middle school and she has great intellectual curiosity, always asking questions to learn more! Alaysha is a wonderful support to her peers and her teachers and we are lucky to have her in 6th grade! Thank you Alaysha!

7A - Achella Ramirez works extremely hard and in the First Quarter was recognized as an Honors student at St. Peter School. As one of our Classroom Ambassadors, she welcomes everyone with an open mind and heart. She is a wonderful friend, classmate, and teammate. Keep up the good work, Achella!

8A - Bianca Langlois has demonstrated what it means to embrace new experiences with an open heart and open mind. She constantly tackles everything that has been thrown at her, from high school applications, Student Council duties as Vice President and serving as a tour guide for prospective families, ALL with a smile on her face. Bianca has also shown growth and curiosity in her academics by asking questions, putting forth effort and producing a final product to be proud of! Keep up the GREAT work Bianca! 

8B - Amaya Hernandez continues to show that she IS Love. Her positive and generous spirit demonstrates her gratitude for all that God has given her. She shares her time to help all those who need it, from our youngest students, to her peers, and her teachers. She encourages and supports others to strengthen her community. Amaya is a shining example of our KEYS. 

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - Welcome back! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. This week, Kinder will begin Unit 4 and explore different tools that people use to do their jobs. For instance, a baker uses a spatula, measuring cup, bowl, blender, etc. As a whole class, we will talk about the many jobs that we see in our neighborhood (mailman, police officer, fire-man, doctor). In Math, we will continue to add and subtract to find the total amount.

1A - This week in first grade we are reading, writing, and learning about how people help out in the community. In religion, we are continuing to learn about God's Creation. In math, we are completing our subtraction unit and beginning our data and graphing unit. In science, we are experimenting with how air moves objects by constructing rockets. In social studies, we are talking about the important places in our community. 

2A - Students will be reading “Biblioburro” and telling time (hide your digital clocks!). We will talk about preparing for Advent season. The First Communion meeting is tonight at 5:45 in St. Peter's Church.

3A – Welcome back after Thanksgiving vacation. This week in Language Arts, 3A is beginning their first chapter book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Parents - the students will be bringing home comprehension worksheets every other night to be completed. They will be bringing the chapter book home to help recall facts. PLEASE be sure that they bring the book back each day as we will continue reading in class. During math class, we will continue our rotational model using tablets to increase our knowledge of third grade math skills and improve our STAR test scores. Also, we'll continue to study basic math facts. We have six students that have mastered the addition/subtraction facts through the 12's and are on to the multiplication facts. 3A is working hard and continuing to excel in their studies. This class believes that accomplishments need courage and they are courageous. 

4A - We have an excitng week ahead in 4A! We will be focusing on the season of Advent during Religion. We will learn the importance and meanings of the different Advent symbols. We will begin to prepare our hearts for Jesus' birth. In Reading, we will focus on our book report. Students will analyze characters, discuss problems in the story, and write their own review! In Math, we will focus on larger digit multiplication leading up to two-digit by two-digit multiplication. We will also focus on multiplication word problems. In Social Studies, we will build on our knowledge of regions and discuss the early history of California. In Science, we will begin our focus on landforms. 

5A - Welcome back from Thanksgiving! 5th graders will be wrapping up our study of the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving in social studies this week. In Language Arts, students will work to distinguish between important and interesting details so we can create better summaries of what we read. In math, we're officially kicking off our study of fractions! As always, check Class Dojo for daily updates from our classroom.

6A  Religion – Students will be continuing with the stories of Exodus and will be visited by Paula Pardini for Building Bridges.  Language Arts – We will begin our first novel unit, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, a riveting story about a family struggling to make it through the Great Depression, as they face racism, poverty, and violence. Students will be practicing citing textual evidence as they analyze the text.   Math - Students will continue to divide decimals by decimals and begin to multiply fractions.   Social Studies - Students will begin preparing for an Egypt Quest: Studying Vocabulary terms and Egypt Essay Questions.

7A  Religion - I hope all families enjoyed their time together during the Thanksgiving holiday.  We are blessed and have lots to be thankful for.  Language Arts - Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful and filling Thanksgiving! Students are beginning to read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. They are participating in small and whole group Reader's Theater to incorporate the element of drama. They are also taking a deeper look into the play's content with a variety of lesson extensions, starting with "Marley's Ghost."  Math - Students will continue to multiply fractions and begin dividing fractions.   Social Studies – Students will begin their research on a West African Civilization.   Science - Welcome back students! It's time to make these last few weeks of the year count. We will wrap up our time looking at cells, cell parts, and microscopes!

8A/8B   Religion – This week in religion, students will be wrapping up Unit 2 on the Eastern Church.   Language Arts - Welcome back! I hope everyone had a relaxing and delicious Thanksgiving! Students are beginning to read Night by Elie Wiesel. They are also preparing Cornell Style Notes to record the novel's content and personal observations. They are continuing their HSPT preparation with a presentation of strategies, general hints, tips and advice to ensure success in January.   Math – Students will continue to solve multi-step equations and practice using the distributive property to help solve them.  Social Studies – Students will be studying the main principles of the US Constitution.   Science - It's time to get serious about our rocket project. This week we continue on our measurement skills and look to start building our rockets by the end of the week.

REMINDERS

Nov. 28        5:45 PM First Communion Parent Meeting in Church 

Dec. 4           8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, Grades 3-4

Dec. 5           Free Dress for No Tardies in November

Dec. 5-7        8th Grade Retreat in Occidental

Dec. 6           8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, Grades 5-6

Dec. 7           9:30 AM School Mass – Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Dec. 11         8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, 7A

Dec. 11-12    St. Peter’s Christmas Shop

Dec. 12         9:30 AM School Mass – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec. 13         8:30 AM Advent Reconciliation, 8th Grade

QUE PASA 11/20/2018 (ENGLISH)

Dear Parents,

       As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I want to say Thank You for being part of the St. Peter’s School family!  I am proud to be part of our community as we continue to work together to teach our children to live our core values to grow, accomplish, love, serve, and unite.  I am grateful for your support towards this goal.

       While we are thankful for all our blessings—our families, friends, homes, and health, to name a few—let us also remember to pray for those who are in need.  We especially pray for all the victims of the wildfires, and for those who have lost their lives in the fires.  And let us not forget the first-responders who continue to work to contain the fires.  We pray for the health and safety of all.

Together, let us offer this prayer (written by “Anonymous”):

O Heavenly Father:
We thank You for food and remember the hungry.
We thank You for health and remember the sick.
We thank You for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank You for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service,
That Your gifts to us may be used for others.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

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.  Ankle- or knee-length socks must be black or white.  Boots may not be worn.

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.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS 

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year!  We recently experienced wonderful school events—the Halloween festival, Family Movie Night, and 140th Anniversary—and those would not have been possible without our loving parent volunteers! Some upcoming events include our Christmas prayer service and reception, Family Lotería Night, and the 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.

BVCC WINTER CAMP

If you would like your child to participate in the BVCC Winter Camp, open from December 26-28 and January 2-4, you can fill out and return the registration form which was sent home last week.  Forms are also available in the school office and in the Parish Hall with the BVCC After School Program.  

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will continue to write and produce complete sentences. Students will make sure they have a capital letter at the beginning of their sentence, a period at the end, spaces between words, and that it makes sense. We will also learn about the Mayflower and read One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims. In math, we will continue to add and subtract objects to find the total amount. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving break filled with joy! 

1A - This week in first grade we are thinking about the many things that we are grateful for and making keepsake books of personal gratitude. In religion, we are saying prayers for those affected by the fires. In math, we are working on Thanksgiving word problems. I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

2A - We will be reading “Biblioburro”, rounding numbers up/down, and reviewing place value. Mark your calendars for the next First Communion meeting, Wednesday November 28 at 5:45 PM in St. Peter's Church. Have a safe and restful Thanksgiving Break!

3A – 3A will not have a spelling test this week since we only have 2 days of school. Reminders: Saint projects are due on Tuesday, November 27th. We will also go to the Presidio for our field trip that day. Wishing all a very peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving.

4A - In 4th Grade, we will be celebrating and completing all Thanksgiving activities! In Religion, we will focus on what we are thankful for and create a writing sample about what God has blessed us with this Thanksgiving season. In Reading and Social Studies, we will create a lapbook. In our lapbook, we will learn about the history of Thanksgiving, specifically focusing on the First Thanksgiving. In Science, we will be reviewing for our Rocks test that is on Tuesday. In Math, we will create a Thanksgiving meal using our multiplication skills...yummy! Happy Thanksgiving to all! I am so thankful for your support and for the ability to teach your children! Please remember that students can use Raz-Kids as well as STMath at home during this Thanksgiving break!

5A - During this short week, 5th graders are learning about the Mayflower and other details of the first Thanksgiving. We'll do some review of long division strategies in math. In Language Arts, we'll practice writing a Thanksgiving poem that uses figurative language. Have a relaxing Thanksgiving break, and remember that if you have time, 5th graders can always do RAZ Kids, STMath, or read. 

6A  Religion – 6th Grade will be sharing what they are thankful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving break! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!    Language Arts – I am thankful for the wonderful students I see each day, for their passion for learning, their creative and critical thinking, and their joyful hearts. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!    

7A   Religion - I want to wish 7A families a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Thank you for all that you do for your children and the support that you give to St. Peter's School.   Language Arts - Students are wrapping up the introductory activities based on the play A Christmas Carol. They will begin reading when we return from break. Happy Thanksgiving to all!    Science - Students will wrap up work on cell structures these couple of days. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

8A/8B   Religion – In eighth grade religion this week students will continue to expand their knowledge on the East and West schism, more specifically the causes of it.   Language Arts - Students have begun the preparation and research of the historical content on the novel, Night, World War II, The Holocaust. Through this, students will have a better understanding as they read. They will begin the novel when we return from break. I hope all have a Happy Thanksgiving!   Science - Students will get more information on their rocket project and practice their measurement skills. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

REMINDERS

Nov. 21-23     No School—Thanksgiving break

Nov. 26          12:30 PM Dismissal

Nov. 27          8:10 AM School Mass

Nov. 27          3A Discovery Lab (Presidio) Field Trip

Nov. 28          5:45 PM First Communion Parent Meeting in Church

QUE PASA--11/14/18 (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 and as the amount of daylight lessens during the winter season!  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 its 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.”

Let us all be thankful for all our blessings, especially those that are disguised as challenges.  Those are opportunities for us to GROW!

--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.  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!

Plus, we continue to show our LOVE to the victims of the wildfires in Butte County in Northern California, and in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties in Southern California.  We pray for their strength, health, and safety during this difficult time.  Currently, a fundraiser is being planned to help the victims, so stay tuned on how we can UNITE as a school to help those in need.  

A NOTE OF THANKS

We thank Ms. Janice Vela, our Interim Development Director, and Sister Marian Rose, who both led the planning and organization of St. Peter’s School joyous 140th Anniversary Mass and Reception on Sunday, November 4.  Ms. Vela and Sr. Marian Rose would like to especially thank the following volunteers for their assistance:  Maria Herrera, Maria Ortega, Evelyn Torres, Ana Montoya, Lorenza Ortega, Rene Rodezno, Nancy Rodriguez, Emelyn Mulato, Rosa Orellana, Jessica Cosio and Flavia Fonte. And very special thanks for their consistent involvement throughout the Anniversary planning process to Angel Carvajal, Joanne Ceballos, Angelica Gonzalez, Gladis Guevara, Karina King, Martha Martinez, John Nuno and Maria Velasco.  And to Miss Land and our FABULOUS 8th graders for all their help!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

We depend on parent volunteer support throughout the school year!  We recently experienced wonderful school events—the Halloween festival, Family Movie Night, and 140th Anniversary—and those would not have been possible without our loving parent volunteers! Some upcoming events include our Christmas prayer service and reception, Family Lotería Night, and the 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.

AZTECS ATHLETICS

Congratulations to all our volleyball and soccer teams this season! Our 3rd/4th boys soccer team and 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th grade girls volleyball teams made it to the playoffs.  On Sunday, November 11, our 3rd grade volleyball team won the Championship!  Great job to all our players and BIG THANKS to all our volunteer coaches!  Up next—our boys basketball and girls soccer seasons.   LET’S GO AZTECS!

APPOINTMENTS WITH TEACHERS

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping your Parent-Teacher Conference appointments last week! These conferences are very important so that you can learn more about your child’s progress and ways to work with teachers to support your child’s growth in different areas. Moving forward, 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 ClassDojo, or by calling the office a day in advance.  We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we are learning about the places we go. Students will pair up and tell about the places they have gone in the neighborhood near St. Peter's. We will read Please Take Me for a Walk and talk about the setting, characters, and events in the story. In Math, students will learn to take away to subtract and learn the meaning of the minus sign.

1A - This week in first grade we are reading, writing, and discussing the places that animals live together. In religion we are learning about God's Creation. In math we are working on fact families. In social studies we are finishing up our work on community helpers.

2A - Students will be reading “Mr. Putter and Tabby See the Stars.” In math, we’ll practice counting by 2's, 5's and 10's and telling time (analog clocks). We will talk about praying for the needs of others and learn about saints. Reminder: First Communion parent meeting on Wednesday, 11/28 at 5:45 p.m.

3A – This week we continue to use STMath on our tablets as we focus on place value, addition and subtraction with regrouping, and basic multiplication facts. In English/Language Arts, we are writing our rough drafts for the Archdiocesan "Respect For Life" Essay Contest. The theme for third grade is called The Unborn Baby - One of Us."

4A - Thank you for great conferences! In 4A, we will be focusing on our Saint Projects this week. Students will read short biographies about their Saints and highlight their important traits. We will create mini-posters about our Saints. In Reading, we will focus on our next story "The Power of W.O.W." We will concentrate on the comprehension strategy of theme. We will also be reading our Book report books! In Math, we will continue to work on multiplication of multi-digit numbers. In Science, we will have a test on Friday about rocks and the rock cycle. In Social Studies, we will learn about the landforms and regions of California.

5A - In 5th grade math this week, we're continuing our focus on mastering all types of long division. Ask your child if they can repeat our long division chant for you tonight! We're reading the book The Important Thing as we practice differentiating between the main idea and details in English/Language Arts.

6A  Religion – Students are learning about the events in the book of Exodus.   Language Arts – Students have been hard at work perfecting their short stories and will be finalizing changes in preparation for publication. Students will also be introduced to their independent reading projects.  Math – Students will divide decimals by whole numbers.  Social Studies – Students will continue with their Ancient Egypt Unit.   Science – Students will explain how geologic time is divided into units.

7A   Religion - 7A will identify ways to take responsibility for moral choices and to develop Christ-like qualities.   Language Arts - Students are finalizing their introduction to their Drama Unit. They will also participate in opening activities of A Christmas Carol to prepare for the reading of the play after Thanksgiving break.   Math – Students will multiply positive and negative fractions.   Social Studies – Students will begin a West African Empire Research Project.   Science - Students extend their cell analogy comparison as they continue to learn about organelles. Next up...the important process of cell replication!

8A/8B   Religion –Students will apply their knowledge of the east and west schism by examining how it has influenced a given Eastern Church rite.   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. The Woodworking Project is due this Friday, November 16.  Students will have an opportunity to share their creations with the class.   Math – Students will solve multi-step equations.   Social Studies – Students are beginning their Constitution Unit by thinking of questions they have about the U.S. Constitution.   Science - Students wrap up their study of the law of conservation of mass as they prepare to begin their rocket project!

REMINDERS

Nov. 14-16     STAR Testing continues

Nov. 19          8A/8B Mural Field Trip

Nov. 20          8:10 AM School Mass

Nov. 21-23     No School—Thanksgiving break

Nov. 26          12:30 PM Dismissal

Nov. 27          8:10 AM School Mass

Nov. 28          5:45 PM First Communion Parent Meeting in Church

QUE PASA 11/7/2018 (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 140th Anniversary of St. Peter’s School!  We even received an official proclamation from san Francisco Mayor London Breed naming November 4, 2018 as “St Peter’s Catholic School Day!”  I feel so blessed to be a part of the legacy of St. Peter’s School.  I think of all the people who have carried out the mission of mercy before us at St. Peter’s, and I am grateful for their love and dedication towards our community. Today, we continue to live out that mission and help our children to reach their goals, by living out our core values--to GROW, ACCOMPLISH, LOVE, SERVE, and UNITE. St. Peter’s school has evolved over its 140 years, but we remain strong in our commitment to provide a quality, Catholic education and spread the Good News of the Gospel.

        We remember our Mission Statement:

Open Hearts, Open Minds

St. Peter’s Catholic School community nurtures the whole child to develop a lifelong passion for learning and to live out the Works of Mercy.
        As we commemorate the 140th Anniversary of St. Peter’s School, we give thanks to all those who have served and continue to serve St. Peter’s School; we pray for all of our students and families; and we pray for strength and patience as we move forward together in our mission.

        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.  God bless our veterans and their families!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

THANK YOU!

Last week, we had a number of big school events—our Halloween celebration, Family Movie Night, and our 140th Anniversary Celebration.  These events would not have been possible without the help of our parent volunteers!  THANK YOU to all volunteers who helped with the set-up and clean-up of these events, worked the booths or tables during the events, or donated items and money/gift cards.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES AND SURVEYS

Parent-Teacher conferences continue until the end of this week.  Please ensure that you keep your 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.

Also, after your conference, please go to the Middle School Science Lab so that you can fill out an online survey about the school.  If you already had your conference but you weren’t able to complete the survey yet, please stop by when you pick up your child from school.  Your input is valuable and is an important part of our accreditation process.  Plus, there will be snacks for you, and you will receive a parent hour AND two KEYS for each of your children!

ST. PETER’S AZTEC SWEATS

Thank you for your patience as we await the arrival of our gray Aztec sweats order.  The order has been placed, but there are a few sizes of the sweatshirts that are still out of stock with the clothing distributor.  We will not receive the shipment until the entire order has been completed.  Again, thank you for your patience with this matter!

IN THE CLASSROOM

Kinder – This week in Kindergarten, we are going to explore different sounds we hear around us. We will identify objects that make sounds and write our ideas on a chart paper. We will continue to work on blending sounds to make words. In Math, we are adding to find how many and use addition to solve word problems. Parents, please help your child sign on to Mathseeds at home. Thank you!

1A – In first grade we are having a review week, due to parent/teacher conferences. In religion, we are making cards to show gratitude to our veterans. In math, we are beginning to work with fact families. In social studies, we are reading and discussing the importance of different places in the community.

2A – 2nd Grade will be reading “I Fall Down!” and in Math, subtracting 3-digit numbers with regrouping and counting by 2's, 5's and 10's (play games!).  We will talk about how we can take care of others' needs, and discuss, “who is your favorite saint?”

3A – This week we're learning about the men and women who serve and have sacrificed their lives to keep our world safe.  We'll honor these veterans at Mass on Tuesday, Nov. 6.  In Religion, we begin learning about saints.  Our saint project will be due on November 27th. These men and women are shining examples of our St. Peter's KEYS: Service, Love, Accomplishment, and Growth.  

4A – 4th Grade, thank you for such an awesome week! This week in Religion, we will begin learning about different Saints. We will be working on a Saint Project that includes researching on our chrome books and creating a mini-poster. In Reading, we will focus on our new story, The Power of W.O.W., as well as talk about our November book report. In Math, we will continue to focus on Multiplication, multiplying money and in word problems. In Science, we will learn about the rock cycle and the three different types of rocks. In Social Studies, we will focus on the different regions of California. I look forward to seeing you at Parent-Teacher conferences.

5A – In honor of the midterm elections, 5th graders used the mentor text Granddaddy's Turn to start a class discussion about the importance of voting and civic engagement in social studies. We'll also continue studying similes and metaphors in ELA, learn a song to help us remember the long division process in math, and prepare to host you at 5th grade's student-led conferences this week. Looking forward to meeting with you all in person soon! 

6A   Religion – 6th Graders are leading the Veterans Day Mass to honor the men and women who have served to protect our country and our freedoms.   Language Arts – 6A is finished with their narrative rough drafts and will now work on proofreading and editing techniques.  Students will help their classmates identify common writing mistakes in grammar, organization, and style.    Math – 6A will divide decimals by decimals.   Social Studies - Students will continue learning about pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.   Science – Students will learn how geologic time is divided into units.

7A    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 also continue their introduction to Drama with review of specific terms, dramatic opposites and the element of acting with improv games!   Math – 7A will multiply positive and negative fractions.   Social Studies – Students will watch Unbroken for Veterans Day and will be talking about the sacrifices that men and women have made to protect our freedoms and our country.   Science - Students continue to learn about the special tools found inside of cells that give them the ability to do incredible things!

8A/8B   Religion – This week, students will be expanding on their previous knowledge of the Eastern and Western churches by learning the root causes of the schism and how icon veneration played a major role in this split.    Language Arts - Students have successfully completed their Mockingbird Debate! They will continue to work, individually, on their Woodworking Project, due on Friday, November 16. Students are also continuing to prepare for their High School Entrance exams with lessons centered on vocabulary and grammar.   Math – Students will solve multistep equations.    Social Studies - Students will be talking about the Midterm Elections and why voting is both a right and a responsibility!   Science - Students continue to learn about chemical reactions as they prepare to start on their first project: the rocket project!

REMINDERS:

Nov. 6-9      12:30 Dismissals, Parent-Teacher Conferences

Nov. 5-16     STAR Testing 

Nov. 7          Free Dress for No Tardies in October

Nov. 12        No School, Veterans’ Day Observed

Nov. 13        School Mass, 8:10 AM

Nov. 14        LifeTouch Picture re-take day

QUE PASA 10/31/2018 (English)

Dear Parents,

      This week, we celebrate 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.  Also, while we prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences next week, the Beatitudes can 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

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

If you’ve pre-ordered your tickets for Family Movie Night, we’ll see you on the schoolyard at 6:00 PM this Friday, November 2!  There will be a movie presentation of COCO (in time for Dia de los Muertos), and there will be a snack bar, too!  Bring lawn chairs and blankets to stay warm and comfortable as we watch the movie!  Proceeds will benefit our Athletic program.

WINTER SPORTS REMINDER

The $85 payment for boy's basketball and/or girl's soccer is due this Friday, November 2nd. Thank you for your attention to this. GO AZTECS!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES AND SURVEYS

Last week, each child took home an appointment sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Teachers are organizing their schedules so that they can meet with each parent in their class.  

Next week, from Tuesday, November 6 – Friday, November 9 are 12:30 Dismissal days for Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Your child is encouraged to attend the conference with you.  Please ensure that you keep your 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.

Also, after your conference, please go to the Faculty Meeting Room so that you can fill out an online survey about the school.  Your input is valuable and is an important part of our accreditation process.  Plus, you will receive a parent hour AND two keys for each of your children!

140th ANNIVERSARY

St. Peter School’s 140th Anniversary celebration is this Sunday, November 4!  Join us for a special mass at 2:30 PM, which will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. If you are available to help with the set-up or clean-up of the event, please contact the school office.  

IN THE CLASSROOM

Kinder – This week, we will continue to recognize and produce rhyming words. As a whole class, students will participate in a rhyming words scavenger hunt that will take place in the garden. It's going to be a fun week searching for rhyming words! In Math, we are working on adding and recognizing numbers from 10-20. 

1A – This week we are reading and learning about buildings and what they are made out of. In religion, we are celebrating All Saints Day. In math, we are continuing our work with subtraction. In social studies, we are discussing community helpers. And of course, we are celebrating Halloween and Dia de los Muertos! :)

2A – 2nd Grade will be reading poetry and adding 3-digit numbers with regrouping.  We will talk about praying (talking and listening to God) and investigate properties of liquids and solids.

3A – This will be a very busy, yet fun-filled week. We will celebrate Halloween with a visit to the convalescent hospital in our costumes to delight the residents. We will then return to school for our parade and party. After our parade, we'll be treated to games and food in the schoolyard until 3:00. These are great examples of our KEYS: Love and Service.  On Thursday, we'll celebrate All Souls Day by attending Mass and remembering all of our loved ones that have gone home to God, the Father. A week of celebration and fun. YEAH, St. Peter's!

4A – We have an exciting week ahead in 4th Grade! In Religion, we will be learning about All Saints' Day and Dia de los Muertos. We will be learning about different saints as well as praying for people in our own lives who have passed away. In Reading, we will be focusing on Friday's field trip to the Asian Art Museum. We will be researching Asian artwork and discovering the culture and traditions in art. In Math, we will begin our Multiplication unit. Please make sure you are practicing your multiplication facts at home! In Social Studies and Science, we will be learning about landforms specific to California and how they have changed over time. We will be prepping during the week for our conferences as the students will lead a portion of their conference for their parents! 

5A – As a special science investigation for Halloween, 5th graders will learn how to make ice cream in a bag this week. Students will investigate whether ice cream is a mixture, a solution, or something else. We will learn about Dia De Los Muertos in religion and ELA and discuss voting in social studies as the midterm election approaches. 5th graders will also begin reflecting on their first quarter work in preparation for next week's student-led conferences. Our first 5th grade newspaper was released on Tuesday, so check your child's take-home folder for it. As always, check Class Dojo for daily updates from our classroom.

6A   Religion – 6th Grade Religion will be preparing for their Works of Mercy Class Retreat this Friday. (The retreat will be at St. Peter's).  Language Arts – 6A is hard at work on their short stories. We are well into the drafting step of the writing process and this week we will focus on improving our descriptive writing. We will also continue to practice the rules of using quotation marks in our stories' dialogue.  Math– Students will present their Math game boards.   Social Studies – Students are continuing their Pharaoh research project and presentation.   Science – 6A will present their Science game boards. 

7A  Religion - I would like to begin by thanking 7A families for making last week possible.  Without your efforts, 7A students would not have been given such an amazing experience at camp last week.  As we return, we hope to take what we learned and apply it to our everyday lives.   Language Arts - Students will continue to wrap up their novel, Walk Two Moons, with lessons based on the story elements, plot, conflict, theme and character analysis. They will also begin their Enrichment Projects this week.   Math – 7A will add and subtract mixed numbers.   Social Studies – 7A is back from Caritas and will be starting to read a chapter book about life in Africa: A Long Walk to Water.    Science - We welcome back our seventh grade from their week-long retreat at Caritas Creek Camp where they focused on the ecology of the area. Now that they're back, we continue with their exploration of cells and cell structures!

8A/8B   Religion – Students will be able to identify ways to bring Christian principles into society and how icons influence prayer life.  Language Arts - Students are ending their unit on Mockingbird with a Debate: should Caitlin attend a mainstream school or should she attend a school with students of similar conditions and syndromes like herself, Asperger Syndrome? They are also working on their woodworking project-chest due in 2 weeks.   Math – Students will continue working on math projects and solve equations with variables on each side.    Social Studies – 8th graders are preparing for the St. Peter's 140th Anniversary Celebration this Sunday at 2:30pm!   Science - Students now know why atoms bond to make molecules. We now look at why molecules interact with each other to create chemical reactions!

REMINDERS:

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

Nov. 2         6th grade Retreat

Nov. 2         4A Field Trip to Asian Art Museum

Nov. 2         Family Movie Night, 6:00 PM

Nov. 4         St. Peter’s School 140th Anniversary Celebration, 2:30 PM Mass

Nov. 6         School Mass honoring Veterans, 8:10 AM

Nov. 6-9     12:30 Dismissals, Parent-Teacher Conferences

Nov. 5-16    STAR Testing 

Nov. 7         Free Dress for No Tardies in October

QUE PASA 10/24/2018 (ENGLISH)

Dear Parents,

       Blessings to our 7th graders as they are on day 3 of their 5-day retreat at Caritas Creek at CYO Camp in Occidental this week.  I know that they will all grow closer to God and to each other as they pray together and strengthen their faith and community, while being surrounded by the beauty of nature and God’s creations.

       Thank you to all the parents and teachers in preparing the students for this retreat.  This event would not be possible without you!  And a special thanks to Miss Land as she helped in coordinating this retreat and led the students in fundraising last year.

       The 7th 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

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

Our school Halloween celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 31 from 1:00-3:00 PM.  We will begin with a costume parade followed by games.  Please see the attached flyers for ways that you can volunteer or donate items and to pre-order tickets to purchase food and play games.  Your help is appreciated!

Students may come to school dressed in an age-appropriate Halloween costume.  However, please do not bring any costume parts or props that resemble any type of weapon.  Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Join us in our first St. Peter’s Athletics fundraiser of the year—Family Movie Night on Friday, November 2!  There will be a movie presentation of COCO (in time for Dia de los Muertos) at 6:00 PM, and there will be a snack bar, too!  Bring lawn chairs and blankets to stay comfortable as we watch the movie on the schoolyard on a 17-foot screen!

Tickets for admission to Movie Night must be pre-ordered by October 31, and tickets are limited.  Pre-orders for the “Aztec Special” at the snack bar are also being taken!  Don’t miss out!

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES and SURVEYS

Going home with each child today is an appointment sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences, which are from November 6-9.  For each child, please mark THREE possible appointment times that you can meet with the teacher, and return this form to your child’s teacher.  You will then receive confirmation of your appointment time.  

Also, after your conference, please go to the Faculty Meeting Room so that you can fill out an online survey about the school.  Your input is valuable and is an important part of our accreditation process.  Plus, you will receive a parent hour AND two KEYS for each of your children!

140th ANNIVERSARY

St. Peter School’s 140th Anniversary celebration is coming soon!  Join us for a special mass on Sunday, November 4 at 2:30 PM, which will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. If you are available to help with the set-up or clean-up of the event, please contact the school office.  

OCTOBER 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 - Xitlali Cortes is always ready to learn and gives her best effort in all activities. She stays focused and completes her classwork assignments in a timely manner. She also enjoys helping others and engages in weekly school mass and morning prayers. 

1A - Dominic Leonor is a kind and hardworking student who never shies away from a challenge because he loves to make his brain grow. He is a great listener to his teachers and his classmates and always uses his words to solve any problem he might have. He is a helper to anyone in need and he always tries to make choices that would make Jesus proud. 

2A – Alejandra Nava-Gomez always has a smile on her face, is eager to help others, and tries her best. She does not get discouraged easily and likes to challenge herself. If you ever need a hand, you can count on Alejandra! 

3A – Andrea Perez is a person of high standards.  She not only excels in her academics but also in behavior and SERVICE.  She has more KEYS than anyone in 3A.  These KEYS are not only for SERVICE but many for LOVE and ACCOMPLISH as she works so very hard on classwork, homework and participation. Therefore she shows GROWTH in all areas. Andrea, you are a wonderful role model for all of us.

4A – This is Madonna Becerra's first year at St. Peter's, and she has had an open heart and an open mind from the beginning. She consistently reaches our classroom goals, and does her best to use her critical thinking skills in each assignment. She is an effective communicator, who is a good friend and a bucket filler to all and so welcoming to all of her classmates. She believes in the "power of yet" and shares her ideas with everyone. 

5A - We're only two months into the school year, but Romeo Woon has already ACCOMPLISHed a lot! His hard work, particularly in STMath and creative writing, is part of the reason he's been able to GROW so quickly. He consistently shows LOVE for others in our classroom and school community, particularly with his willingness to SERVE anyone who needs help. Romeo, thank you for helping to UNITE our class by living out St. Peter's KEYS every day.  

6A - Giovanni Serrano has been a wonderful example of a 6th grader with the KEYS already this year! He has been open to new experiences and faces challenges with an open heart and an open mind! Gio shares his knowledge with his classmates and inspires us to do our best! He is a great support to all of us and has been respectful to all of his middle school teachers. Thank you, Gio! We appreciate you!

7A - Justin Abregana-Reyes is a great example of student who lives out St. Peter's School's KEYS.  He is a great friend to his classmates and demonstrates leadership qualities in and outside of class.  He works hard and is someone you can rely on.  Keep up the good work Justin! 

8A – Luis Flores has demonstrated what it means to serve, by sharing his time, gifts and joy within our school community as a leader, student council officer, classmate, and friend. He is also constantly embracing new experiences with an open heart and open mind, by tackling his 8th grade year with enthusiasm and diligence. Luis has proved that he knows how to live out the KEYS! 

8B – Kalven Navarrete has demonstrated our KEY values of GROW and KNOW. He approaches new challenges and experiences with enthusiasm and optimism. His ability to think critically and communicate effectively have contributed to his success in the classroom. Undoubtedly, Kalven will do great things in the future because of the strength of the foundation he's laid for himself here at St. Peter's.   

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we are going to learn all about bugs! We will participate in various activities and visit the school's garden to search for bugs. We will draw observational pictures of bugs we find and name the three parts of an insect. Also, we will continue to focus on identifying the beginning, middle, and ending sounds of words. In math, we will begin to add and count to tell the number of objects. We will continue to work on number recognition as we are getting close to learning addition. 

1A - This week we are reading and talking about the different jobs that need to be done in a community. In religion, we are continuing to explore the different ways that we can praise God. In math, we are continuing to work on subtraction. In science, we are continuing our exploration of the effect of air on objects. In social studies, we are finishing our study of rules that we follow at home, school, and in the community.

2A - 2nd Grade will be reading “Baby Bears,” subtracting 2-digit numbers with regrouping (practice!), and adding 3-digit numbers. We will talk about listening to God's word and remembering loved ones.  REMINDER: First Communion Parent Meeting TONIGHT, Wednesday, October 24 at 5:45 p.m. in St. Peter's Church.

3A – 3A is very pleased to be working on our tablets with a Math program that St. Peter's is piloting. This program will help our students to advance in the 3rd grade math curriculum. The students are enjoying the math work as they GROW and ACCOMPLISH the goals that we have set for them. In Religion, we are discussing the Rosary and the prayers that go with it. Each student is encouraged to bring a rosary from home if they have one so that after lunch we can pray using the beads and learn the prayers. This is a special time to grow closer to Mary, Jesus, and God, our Father.

4A – 4th Grade built more community this week! We focused on partner work and group work all week long. It is important to learn how to share ideas, listen to others, and to produce high quality work. In Religion, we will finish making our Rosaries and begin to focus on our new set of the Spiritual Works of Mercy. In Reading, we will continue reading, "How Tia Lola Came to Stay" and work on comparing and contrasting with a Venn diagram. In Math, we will conclude our Addition and Subtraction unit and begin focusing on Multiplication. Our new program, ST Math, is available for use at home. Please try setting up the app on your phone or tablet. In Science, we will focus on weathering and landforms.  

5A - 5th graders will start preparing their book talk presentations this week! In math, we will review the properties of multiplication and practice multiplying decimals. 5th graders will learn about the Beatitudes in religion and the Spanish explorers in Social Studies. Thank you again to the parent chaperones who made our field trip last week possible! As always, check Class Dojo for daily updates from our classroom.

6A   Religion – 6th graders will be constructing an Ofrenda and will be working on a Religion Vocabulary Slideshow.  Language Arts – 6A will end their short story unit with a culminating project of writing their own fictional narratives. Students will incorporate all the literary elements we've discussed: setting, conflict, characterization, point of view, plot, and theme to create original short stories. This week we will work on brainstorming story ideas and outlining our plot.   Math – Students will be working on various projects throughout the week.

7A   Religion - 7th Graders are on Retreat at Caritas Creek at CYO Camp in Occidental.  Students will be participating in nature hikes and outdoor activities, learning about how to care for their environment, and praying and reflecting individually and together.   Language Arts - Students have concluded the reading of their first novel, Walk Two Moons. When students return from camp, they will complete lessons based on the story elements, plot, conflict, theme and character analysis to better comprehend the overall story. They will also finalize the unit with an Enrichment Project and Test.    Science - We are so excited about our seventh graders going to Caritas Creek Camp this whole week! While there they will be doing ecology work through the BEETLES program for field education.

8A/8B   Religion – This week in eighth grade religion students will be discussing the challenges of following the natural law and being obedient to God in society today.  Language Arts - Students are wrapping up their first novel, Mockingbird. They are finalizing this unit with a couple of culminating assignments, a debate, and a woodworking project-chest.   Math – Students will work on a variety of math projects this week.   Social Studies – Students will be completing a Voter Survey Project to research the reasons why it is important to vote.  Students will also be responding to final questions about their recent interview project with St. Peter's community members and alumni.   Science - Students continue to work on determining why molecules interact with other molecules to create chemical reactions.

REMINDERS:

Oct. 22-26    7th Grade Caritas Creek Camp Retreat in Occidental

Oct. 24         First Communion Parent Meeting; 5:45 PM in Church

Oct. 25        BVCC Special Event: “Lights On After School”

Oct. 26        End of Quarter 1

Oct. 31        3A Field Trip to Sheffield Convalescent Hospital

Oct. 31        Halloween Parade and Celebration, 1:00-3:00

Nov. 1         All Saints’ Day School Mass, 8:30 AM

Nov. 2         4A Field Trip to Asian Art Museum

Nov. 2         Family Movie Night, 6:00 PM

Nov. 4         St. Peter’s School 140th Anniversary Celebration, 2:30 PM Mass

QUE PASA--10/17/18 (ENGLISH)

Dear Parents,

Over these past few weeks, the teachers have been working together to update St. Peter’s Mission Statement and Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs), which are based on our core values to Grow, Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite.  Our school is in the beginning stages of the accreditation process, and analyzing our mission and SLEs is an important part of this process.  In addition, this can guide how all members of St. Peter’s School continue to learn and grow in different areas while meeting the needs of our students.

Mission Statement

St. Peter’s Catholic School community nurtures the whole child to develop a lifelong passion for learning and to live out the Works of Mercy.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

A St. Peter’s student has the KEYS to ...

GROW by...

• setting and evaluating individual goals to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, academically, and physically.

• embracing new experiences with an open heart and open mind.

• facing challenges with optimism and faith in God.

ACCOMPLISH by...

• listening and communicating effectively in social and academic environments.

• demonstrating critical thinking skills and knowledge in all subject areas.

• using technology effectively and responsibly.

LOVE by…

• making choices based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

• nurturing a spiritual life through prayer, retreats, masses, and the sacraments.

• demonstrating an appreciation for what others have done for us.

SERVE by…

• living out the corporal and spiritual Works of Mercy.

• sharing their time, gifts, and joy within the school.

• participating in outreach to strengthen ties with those outside of our school community.

UNITE by…

• engaging in weekly school Mass and morning prayer assemblies.

• supporting and encouraging others in order to strengthen school community.

• welcoming people of all backgrounds as St. Peter’s community members.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

Our school Halloween celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 31 from 1:00-3:00 PM.  We will begin with a costume parade followed by games.  Please see the attached flyers for ways that you can volunteer or donate items and the prices of tickets to purchase food and play games.  Your help is appreciated!

IMPORTANT INCOME SURVEY

We are still collecting the 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 return your completed survey right away.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Join us in our first St. Peter’s Athletics fundraiser of the year—Family Movie Night on Friday, November 2!  There will be a movie presentation of COCO (in time for Dia de los Muertos) at 6:00 PM, and there will be a snack bar, too!  Bring lawn chairs and blankets to stay comfortable as we watch the movie on the schoolyard on a 17-foot screen!

140th ANNIVERSARY

St. Peter School’s 140th Anniversary celebration is just a few weeks away!  Join us for a special mass on Sunday, November 4 at 2:30 PM, which will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. If you are available to help with the set-up or clean-up of the event, please contact the school office.  

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will continue to work on letter recognition and sounds. We will also identify beginning, middle and ending sounds of words. In Math, we will learn and practice ordinal numbers.  

1A - This week in first grade we are reading and learning about exercise and how we move our bodies. In religion, we are reading about how people in the Bible praised Jesus. In math, we are finishing our addition unit and beginning on subtraction. In science we are constructing parachutes and observing them drop through the air. In social studies, we are continuing to discuss the different rules we have for the different communities we are part of.

2A - 2nd Grade will be reading “Turtle Watch Out!” and subtracting 2-digit numbers with regrouping (practice!).  We will talk about listening to God's word.  REMINDER: First Communion Parent Meeting on Wednesday, October 24 at 5:45 p.m. in St. Peter's Church.

3A – This week in Religion, we will continue practicing the responses for Mass. We will focus on memorizing The Confiteor and our test will be on Thursday. In Math, we will finish our review of "greater than," "less than," and "equal to" as well as place value to the hundreds place. In Language Arts, we are writing the final draft of our letters to the residents at Sheffield Convalescent Hospital. On Halloween day we will walk to the hospital in our costumes and visit the residents once again.

4A – This week in 4th Grade, we will be focusing on Mary and the month of the Rosary. We will be making our own Rosaries to help us remember and follow along in prayer. In Math, we will be switching our focus to Subtraction and subtraction word problems. We want to continue using our critical thinking skills in all our work! In Reading, we will continue with our story, "How Tia Lola came to stay" and working on our strategy of cause and effect. In Social Studies, we will begin our first unit of California State history. In Science, we will be discussing the impact of weathering on earth's surface. We enjoyed our lab last week, and will continue to build off our recent lab. Keep up the great work, 4th Grade!  

5A - This week, 5th graders will take a field trip to the Mission Branch Public Library to learn about all the helpful resources there. We will discuss subtracting with zeroes in the minuend in math. In English, 5th graders will learn about persuasive writing and create their own poster with persuasive text.  

6A   Religion – Students will be comparing the Bible Story of Joseph in the book of Genesis to the Film: Joseph King of Dreams.   Language Arts – This week, the 6th graders will be tackling how to identify a story's theme or central message.  We will be reading "The Monkey's Paw," a classic horror tale with an important moral. Students will need to cite textual evidence in order to support the themes they chose.    Math - Students will find quotients of problems involving multi-digit divisors.    Social Studies – Students will be studying the social hierarchy of the Ancient Egyptian civilization.   Science – This week students will take a science test.

7A  Religion - Students will understand that Baptism gives us new life in Christ and unites us with community.   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 will add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.   Social Studies – Students have completed their Arabia unit and will begin studying the physical geography of Africa.   Science - Students have made their hypotheses about why a dead squid moves after getting splashed with soy sauce. Now it's time to dive into the cell and figure out why this happened.

8A/8B   Religion – In eighth grade religion this week, students will continue comparing the liturgies of Eastern and Western churches and how they have developed over time. We will also begin to look at the connections between church and state in the early Church.   Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Mockingbird and completing assignments related to their reading. They will also begin the introduction to the English High School Placement Test (HSPT), beginning with analogies.   Math - Students will begin to solve equations with variables on both sides.  Social Studies – Students are deciding which causes to the American Revolution caused the war to begin.   Science - Students know about valence electrons and now it's time to start making molecules!

REMINDERS:

Oct. 21         Sunday Family Mass, 9:30 AM

Oct. 22-26    7th Grade Caritas Creek Camp Retreat in Occidental

Oct. 22         12:30 Dismissal

Oct. 23         School Mass, 8:10 AM       

Oct. 24         First Communion Parent Meeting; 5:45 PM in Church

Oct. 26        End of the 1st Quarter

QUE PASA--10/10/18 (ENGLISH)

Dear Parents,

This past Sunday, October 7th commemorated 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

By looking to Mary, the courageous mother of our Savior, we can open our hearts and minds to God’s presence in our lives, and be models for our own children to live with love, patience, faith, and perseverance, even through the challenging times in our lives.

This also reminds me of how much St. Peter’s students 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.

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

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

HOT COCOA SALE

Our hot cocoa sale continues this week during morning recess—$1.50 to buy a yummy cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows or whipped cream.  Proceeds will benefit the 8th grade retreat fund.

ST. PETER’S ATHLETIC SWEATS

The last day to order the gray athletic sweats is next Wednesday, October 17!  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.

HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

Our school Halloween celebration will take place on Wednesday, October 31 from 1:00-3:00 PM.  We will begin with a costume parade followed by games.  Please see the attached flyers for ways that you can volunteer or donate items.  Your help is appreciated!

IMPORTANT INCOME SURVEY

We are still collecting the 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 return your completed survey right away.

140th ANNIVERSARY

St. Peter School’s 140th Anniversary celebration is just one month away!  Join us for a special mass on Sunday, November 4 at 2:30 PM, which will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. If you are available to help with the set-up or clean-up of the event, please contact the school office.  

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will discuss how tools help us to learn. We will read The Handiest Things in the World by Andrew Clemen. We will continue to explore our five senses and work on identifying lower- and upper-case letters. In Math, we will count to tell how many.

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 learning about the different ways we praise God. In math we are continuing to work on addition, using tens frames, number lines, and counting on strategies. In social studies we are learning about how we follow different rules in the classroom, at home, and in the community. 

2A - 2nd Grade will be reading the fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and adding 2-digit numbers with regrouping and subtracting 2-digit numbers without regrouping (practice!). We will talk about God's love and what it means and continue with sacramental preparation.

3A – This is a very exciting week for 3A. Not only did we go to Mass and complete activities about how a farm operates, but also on Thursday, we will go to the Great Peter Pumpkin Patch in Petaluma. We will pick a pumpkin from the field, dig for potatoes, go on a hayride, find our way through a corn maze, climb a hay pyramid, and visit with donkeys, calves, horses and goats. We will play in a corn pit and milk a cow. On Friday, we will write about all of the adventures we experienced at the pumpkin patch and tell about the many things we learned about living on a real farm. Our OPEN HEARTS and OPEN MINDS will help us LOVE and LEARN many new things.

4A – In 4th Grade this week, we will be focusing on our first book report of the year. Using picture books from our school library, we will be using skills of comparing/contrasting and summarizing to discuss our books with our classmates. We will also begin to focus on our new story, "How Tia Lola Came to Stay." In Religion, we will be focusing on the Spiritual Works of Mercy to help spread the good news of Christ and love to our classroom community and to our greater community. In Math, we will continue to focus on addition and subtraction of three and four digit numbers. In Science, we will have our second investigation about soil and discovering what happens when we add solution into our soil. In Social Studies, we will finish up our "Me on the Map" unit and focus on our first unit of California State history. We want to continue to work on our quality work and believing in our growth mindset!

5A - 5th graders will investigate whether salt solutions can be separated in science this week. We will review addition properties and subtraction rules in math, and publish our compare and contrast essays in ELA. Message Ms. Storms if you'd like to help chaperone next week's field trip to the Mission Branch library. As always, check our Class Dojo stories from more information! 

6A   Religion – 6A will be visited by Paula Pardini for their Building Bridges program, and they will continue planning their Veterans Day Service Project.  Language Arts – 6A is making good progress on our new literacy program, LexiaPowerUp, with several students getting streaks of 200-300 problems solved correctly! We continue to look at a story's PLOT structure as we read the classic children's tale, "Riki-Tiki-Tavi."   Math - 6A will multiply decimals by decimals.   Social Studies – Students are exploring the physical geography of Ancient Egypt.  

7A   Religion – 7A is preparing for their retreat coming up on October 22-26!   Language Arts - Students continue to read Walk Two Moons. They are finding the connections to their reading—text-text, text-self, text-world—which furthers their comprehension of the novel's content.   Math - 7A will add and subtract fractions with like denominators.   Social Studies – 7A is taking their Arabia Quest.   Science - Students can now explain where trees acquire their mass. Now it's time to take a look at the form and function of cells.

8A/8B   Religion – This week students will be able to make comparisons between the Eastern and Western churches and make suggestions on how to build bridges between the two today.  Language Arts - Students continue to read Mockingbird and completing assignments related to their reading.   Math - 8th graders will write two-step equations.  Social Studies – 8th graders will be interviewing two community members and will begin identifying which events or conflicts caused the American Revolution.   Science - Students are done exploring what makes up an atom and now it's time to explore how atoms make molecules.

REMINDERS:

Oct.9-12    8th Grade Hot Cocoa Sale

Oct.11       3A Field trip to Petaluma Pumpkin Patch

Oct.11       Riordan and Mercy High Schools presentation to 8th graders      

Oct.16       School Mass, 8:10 AM

Oct.17       5A Field Trip to Mission Branch Library

Oct.17       LAST DAY to order St. Peter’s Gray Sweats

QUE PASA 10/3/2018 (English)

Dear Parents,

Tomorrow, October 4, we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, and our city’s saint as well!  As St. Francis loved and cared for animals and nature, let us remind children of their own (and our own) responsibility to be stewards of God’s creations.  Continue to examine habits that might harm our Earth and take action towards caring for all of God’s gifts.  St. Francis is also remembered for devoting himself to a life of prayer and for his generosity to the poor.

Although the identity of the author of the following prayer remains a mystery, it is often referred to as The Peace Prayer of St. Francis.  It is one of my favorite prayers to reflect on, and I hope that you will pray take the time to share it with your family. 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy. 

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive, 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.   AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

ST. PETER’S ATHLETIC SWEATS

The last day to order the gray athletic sweats is October 17!  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

We are still collecting the 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 return your completed survey right away.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are being sent home with students who have a C-average or below or an “N” in a subject, or a 3 or 4 in Behavioral Expectations or Learning Skills.  If your child receives a Progress report, it must be signed and returned by this Friday, October 5.

140th ANNIVERSARY

St. Peter School’s 140th Anniversary celebration is just one month away!  Join us for a special mass on Sunday, November 4 at 2:30 PM, which will be followed by a reception in the parish hall. If you are available to help with the set-up or clean-up of the event, please contact the school office.   

SCHOOL UNIFORMS 

Please ensure that your child is following the uniform policy as stated in the Parent and Student Handbook.  Also, several students have already reported missing school sweatshirts, so check that your child’s sweatshirt is labeled with his/her name and grade. 

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, students will work in pairs to create a display that will give information about how we learn from our senses. It will also have sentences that tell which sense students used and which object they explored. It's going to be a fun week exploring our five senses. In Math, we will count to tell how many and work on writing numbers 0 to 20.

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 continuing to talk about what it means to be a good community member.

2A - 2nd Grade will be reading “Sled Dogs Run” and adding 2-digit numbers without regrouping (practice!).  We will talk about giving praise and thanks to God, what it means to be people of God, and discussing sacramental preparation.

3A – This week 3A will learn about St. Francis of Assisi whose feast day is Thursday. We will also continue to practice our Mass responses. Thursday is also picture day. Please remember students must be in complete uniform. In math class, Mr. Pico (our BVCC assistant) and I will begin using STMath. We will use our tablets two times a week to boost our math proficiency using this program. 

4A – This week in 4A, we will continue to learn about the corporal works of Mercy. We will also be learning about St. Francis of Assisi. In Reading, we will finish up "My Brother Martin" and look at other community organizers who have made a difference in the world. In Math, we will use our addition and subtraction strategies to focus on multi-digit problems. We will continue learning about map skills and geography in Social Studies. We will also continue learning about rocks, soil, and landforms in Science. Let's have a great week!

5A - In math this week, 5th grade will practice rounding decimals to different place values. In ELA, we're continuing to expand our use of the Daily 5 system. We're focusing on the proper letter format in writing and possessive nouns in grammar. In science, 5th graders will learn about the difference between mixtures and solutions. Finally, we'll wrap up our explorers unit in social studies and prepare for Indigenous Peoples' Day by discussing the controversy around Christopher Columbus.  

6A   Religion – Students will be reading about Sacrifices and Promises in Chapter 2 of Blest Are We.  We will explore the story of Isaac and how it relates to the Eucharist.  Language Arts – Students continue to analyze narrative point of view and will read a short story with an unreliable narrator: "The Tell Tale Heart." We will also begin looking at plot structure and have our first unit spelling test.    Math - 6A will multiply decimals by decimals.    Social Studies – Students will take a Mesopotamia Test and will begin learning about Ancient Egypt!Science – Students will describe several methods used to date rock layers relative to other rock layers.

7A  Religion - 7A will discover the rich symbolism found in the Rite of Baptism.  Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Walk Two Moons. They are in anticipation of what will happen next to the Winterbottom Family!   Math – 7A will work on a project and presentation focused on comparing and ordering rational numbers.  Social Studies – Students will research the inventions and achievement of Medieval Arabia.   Science - Students have completed their explorations on cellular processes and now it's time to look at the special parts inside of cells that allow for those functions to happen.

8A/8B   Religion – Eighth graders will be working on a project that focuses on the Twelve Apostles and how they shaped the early Church. We will also begin our new unit on the Growth of Christendom.  Language Arts - Students are continuing to read Mockingbird and completing assignments related to their reading.   Math - 8th grade will continue their projects on solving two-step equations.  Social Studies– Students are finalizing their Colonization Unit and finishing some interviews with St. Peter's alumni and community members.  Science - Students now know the parts of atoms, their history, and the different ways of symbolizing them. It is now time to prepare to test on these building blocks of matter.

REMINDERS:

Oct. 4       LifeTouch School Picture Day; Complete Uniform

Oct. 8       School Holiday—Indigenous People’s Day

Oct. 9       School Mass, 8:10 AM

Oct. 11     3A field trip to Petaluma Pumpkin Patch

Oct. 11     Riordan and Mercy High Schools presentation to 8th graders