QUE PASA--5/29/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       The 8th graders are taking their final steps towards GRADUATION!  We proudly share in their accomplishments as we—their families and teachers—have helped them to lay the foundation for their future.  When we celebrate their graduation, don’t forget to celebrate us as a whole school community as well!

Let us offer this prayer for our soon-to-be graduates:

       Loving God, we thank you for our graduates. You have   

       blessed them during their years at St. Peter’s School with

       wisdom, friendships, and skills. Continue to challenge

       them to make this world a better place because of their

       education. Help them to look forward to their next steps in

       high school. Give them faith and a sense of purpose in

       their next steps. Show them how to serve others in

       effective ways.  May they be aware in everything they do

       that they find fulfillment in doing your will, that you will

       be with them always, and that you will bring to

       completion the good work you have begun in them.

       AMEN.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU, CLASS OF 2019!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

FRIDAY—8th GRADE GRADUATION MASS

This Friday, May 31, we will honor our 8th graders with a graduation mass at 9:30 AM in church.  You are welcome to join in this special mass.  Students in grades Kinder through 7th should be in complete uniform—no gray sweats or free dress passes may be used on this day.

SUMMER LEARNING CHALLENGE

Today, students in grades Kindergarten through 7 received information about the Summer Learning Challenge.  Completing this Summer Learning Challenge will help prevent the “summer slide,” where students can lose 2-3 months of reading and math skills every summer.  This adds up—by 5th grade summer learning loss can make a student 2.5 - 3 years behind their peers who read during the summer.

Please look over the summer learning challenge with your child, and encourage them to complete the mandatory components of the challenge by the due date. 

YEARBOOK

The Yearbook is on sale NOW!  $25 for a full-color, hardcover memory book for this school year!  Supplies are limited.  Extra order forms are available in the office.

SPORTS PAYMENTS

Pending sports registration and uniform payment statements have been going home with your students the last couple of months. Please ensure that your payments are up to date to allow for your child's participation in our sports program next year 2019-2020. Failure to make all payments by June 3, 2019 will result in your child's inability to participate in sports next year. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping make our sports program a success!

Also—if your sports account is current, you may register your child to play sports for next year.  Complete your sports registration form and pay the registration fee by May 31, and pay only $80/sport—a discounted rate.

SOCCER COACH NEEDED

Aztecs! Do you play soccer? Are you interested in coaching?! We are very excited to announce that we will be starting a second-grade soccer team next year! The league is not part of CYO, as they do not begin team play until third grade, but we firmly believe that exposing our students to sports at an earlier age can only be beneficial! Please contact our Athletic Director Jim Sanchez at 415-722-3999 if you are interested in helping out!

NO AFTER SCHOOL SERVICES

There will be no BVCC after school services available on Thursday, June 6 (12:30 Dismissal) and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

The Computer lab will also be closed on Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6 (both 12:30 Dismissal days); and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

BVCC SUMMER PROGRAM

The BVCC Summer Program will be at St. Peter’s School from June 10 – July 26.  Registration forms are available in the school office and at BVCC.  If you have further questions, please call Rochelle at 415-713-0625.

UNIFORM SHOES

Beginning next school year (August 2019), we will a have new uniform shoe policy to help show our UNITY as a school.  Uniform shoes will be solid black or solid white rubber-soled shoes or sneakers; no boots.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.

MAY 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 – Amariz Araujo Ortega comes to school prepared, follows directions, and can be counted on to try her best. She is responsible, motivated, and eager to learn. Amariz is always polite and respectful and has developed positive relationships with her peers. She also has the KEYS to unite by engaging in weekly school Mass and morning prayer assemblies. For all those reasons and more, Amariz is May's student of the month!   

1A -  Isaiah Ferreira is wonderful example of what it looks like to live out St. Peter's KEYS. Isaiah is always kind and polite to those around him. He is brave and not afraid to stand up for what is right, even when others won't. Isaiah is a very hard worker, who loves to read and make his brain grow. For these reasons, Isaiah is first grade's student of the month.

2A - Ana Martins-Moreira always has a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She does not shy away from a challenge. She can summarize a story and find key details within text with a snap of her fingers! Ana helps out any way she can in the classroom and well as on the yard. She is a positive role model for 2nd grade!

3A – This has been a WONDERFUL year for Elleni Carreto.  She was baptized and received her First Holy Communion during the earlier part of the third grade.  She has grown tremendously in her self-confidence and her academic performance has increased greatly.  She has become an awesome friend to her classmates and a generous and trustworthy influence in our classroom. Elleni epitomizes what our St. Peter's KEYS are all about.  Keep up your positive growth mindset. It will serve you well in fourth grade.   

4A - Matthew Diaz has worked diligently this year to become the best classmate he can be. He has challenged himself in the classroom, respected classmates and adults, and brought a smile to everyone's faces with his great sense of humor. He has been able to accomplish so much this year because he works through each problem and takes his time with his writing. Thank you for being a great bucket filler, Matthew! Congratulations!   

5A - Isaac Perez is constantly setting new goals for himself and challenging himself to grow more as a reader and mathematician. Isaac has an exceptionally kind heart and is the first to offer help to anyone in need. He is always encouraging, treats others as Christ would, and truly exemplifies what it means to live out St. Peter's KEYS to success. Yay Isaac!

6A   Francisco Solorio has been a great example of a student with the KEYS to accomplish and love this year.  He asks meaningful questions in class and his curiosity inspires his classmates.  Francisco is a supportive friend and a helpful student to his teachers.  Thank you, Francisco, for sharing your thoughts, questions, and joy with 6th grade this year!

7A - This month's 7A Student of the Month is Yasmin Bello-Leon.  This is Yasmin's last year at St. Peter's School.  However, she has been a student who over the years has embodied St. Peter's School's KEYS.  She is intelligent, thoughtful, an amazing friend, and will be sincerely missed.  Good luck at your new school, Yasmin! 

8A -  Olvin Lopez-Reyna takes great responsibility for his schoolwork, and shows maturity in both his academics and his behavior that will serve him well in high school next year.  Congratulations, Olvin!

8B - Eduardo Olivera Diaz is our student of the month because he shows optimism and an open heart and open mind. Eduardo continues to set goals for himself and face new challenges. He demonstrates an appreciation for others around him and desires to be of service. He continues to grow into a faith-filled person who shares his positivity with others.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, students will do a research project with a partner to make a poster for an Earth display. We will make a list of ways that as good citizens, we can keep water and air clean, and keep animals safe. Then, students will choose one idea from their list and make a poster of it. In Math, we will continue to build shapes and review addition and subtraction.

1A - This week, we are reviewing and assessing the different skills we have learned throughout the year. In religion, we are continuing to thank those who have supported us. Please return field trip permission slips by Friday. Thank you for all of your help.

2A – We will read “Starry Night” and do a lot of math review with fractions, coins, telling time and measurement. We will wrap up things in the garden for summer and check our clay beads in science. We will continue to say prayers for loved ones, attend mass, and read children's favorite Bible stories. I hope your summer plans include lots of trips to the library, spending time with family, and reading to keep your brains sharp!

3A – This week in Social Studies class, we continue to learn about Memorial Day (also called Decoration Day or Poppy Day). We have begun our owl pellet investigation in the Primary Science Lab.  In ELA, we will continue to practice our handwriting, our contraction review, as well as completing our Dr. Tom Dooley biography, entitled "Doctor to the Poor." In Art Class, we will make caterpillars using egg cartons, pipe cleaners and tempera paint.

Parents please know that the "Summer Learning Challenge" paperwork is going home today.  The students are expected to work on it over the long summer break.  They will turn in the completed assignments on the first day back to school in August.  Let's help their minds GROW during the summer so that they can ACCOMPLISH great things in the fourth grade.  Also, keep them busy working on STMath to prepare them for the challenges of the fourth grade math curriculum. 

4A - It is hard to believe we are in single digits for days of School! This year has flown by. In Religion this week, we will be working on a memory book as a way for us to reflect on our year and growth. In Reading, we will continue to focus on our story, "The Earth Dragon Awakes." We will also be working on writing our paragraphs. In Math, we will finish with fractions and create our own ice cream shops! In Social Studies, we will be focusing on the changes to California since the Missions. In Science, we will be focusing on the phases of the moon. Please continue to check Class Dojo and homework folders!

5A – On Tuesday, 5th graders took a tour of Dandelion Chocolate’s new Mission factory and got to watch chocolate being made! We’ll continue discussing the history and science of chocolate in our classroom this week. We will also finish up our data conferences before the end of this week. On Friday, your 5th grader will bring home their STAR report and show you how much they've grown in math and reading this year!

6A  Religion – Students will be completing a five paragraph essay about the St. Peter's KEYS that they lived out the most during their sixth grade year and students will give detailed examples of how they lived out each KEY.   Language Arts – Students will finish reading their last novel, Ghost, by the end of this week, as well as complete final drafts of their response to literature essays. We'll also begin working on our exciting cross-curricular final project: the 6th Grade Olympics!  Math – This week, 6A will work on their final exams and final projects in Math.   Social Studies – Students will be playing the Ancient Greek Board Games they created!   Science – Students will work on their final exams and projects in Science.

7A   Religion – Students will work on their final exams and final projects in Religion.   Language Arts - Students will continue reading The Outsiders, and work on their final project for the novel.  Math - This week, 7A will work on their Math final exams and projects.  Social Studies – Students are finalizing their last writing project of the school year and they will begin to set 8th grade goals for themselves.   Science – Students wrap up their study of the organ systems by testing their knowledge of the circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, and endocrine systems!

8A/8B   Religion - Congrats 8th graders--it's the final week! It has been a great year GROWING in our faith. Have the best time in high school!  Language Arts - Students have finished their final essays for Of Mice and Men and will finish watching the movie based on the novel.  Math – This week, students will work on their final projects in Math.   Social Studies – Congratulations to the Class of 2019! It has been an absolute joy to teach and learn with each of you these last three years! God bless you all and remember to use the powers of your voice for good :)   Science - We prepare to bid farewell to our 8th graders. Eighth grade, thank you for having an open heart, an open mind, and playing a huge role in growing our programming in the middle school. We could not have done it without you all! Big hugs!

REMINDERS

May 30         8th Grade Picnic

May 31          9:30 AM, Graduation Mass

                      11:00 AM, 8th Grade Brunch

                      5:00 PM Graduation Ceremony

June 3           1:45 PM, Sports Awards Assembly

June 4           1A Field trip to Filoli

June 4           2A Field trip to Precita Park

June 5           Free dress for No Tardies in May

June 5           9:00 AM, Kindergarten Celebration

June 5           12:30 Dismissal

                      Computer Lab Closed

June 6            9:00 AM, Awards Assembly

June 6           12:30 Dismissal

                      Computer Lab and BVCC Closed

June 7           8:30 AM, End of School Year Mass

June 7           10:00 Dismissal – Last Day of School!

                       Computer Lab and BVCC Closed

QUE PASA--5/22/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       This Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day, a day where we take the time to honor and remember those who died in all of America’s wars.  These men and women sacrificed their lives as they were protecting others and protecting our rights and freedoms.  Let us offer this prayer for the soldiers who have given their lives for our country, and reflect on how we ourselves can peacefully work for justice in our world:
Dear God,
This Memorial Day, we pray for those who courageously laid down their lives for the cause of freedom.  May the examples of their sacrifice inspire in us the selfless love of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bless the families of our fallen troops, and fill their homes and their lives with Your strength and peace.
In union with the people of other nations, give us the courage to work for peace and justice, and seek an end to violence and conflict in our communities and around the world.
We ask this through your holy name.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

FRIDAY—8th GRADE PINNING MASS

This Friday, May 24, we will honor our 8th graders as they receive their St. Peter’s School Pins—a symbol of their time spent here at St. Peter’s.  You are welcome to join in this special mass and celebration at 8:30 AM.  Students should be in complete uniform—no gray sweats may be worn on this day.

STAR TESTING

Our final STAR tests for Reading and Math are now complete.  As a school, our results show that students have shown the most growth this year since we began taking these STAR tests five years ago.  That is a great accomplishment for our school community, especially for our students and teachers!  In particular, 4A and 5A grew tremendously in Math, and 5A, 6A, and 8A showed awesome growth in Reading.  Our students are proof of our KEY that KNOWLEDGE FEEDS GROWTH!

Even through the summer, we want students keep practicing math and reading.  To help keep our positive learning trend going, next week we will be sending home information on our SUMMER LEARNING CHALLENGE!

YEARBOOK

The Yearbook is on sale NOW!  $25 for a full-color, hardcover memory book for this school year.  Supplies are limited. Extra order forms are available in the office.  Pre-order now to guarantee your copy!  

SPORTS PAYMENTS

Pending sports registration and uniform payment statements have been going home with your students the last couple of months. Please ensure that your payments are up to date to allow for your child's participation in our sports program next year 2019-2020. Failure to make all payments by June 3, 2019 will result in your child's inability to participate in sports next year. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping make our sports program a success!

Also—if your sports account is current, you may register your child to play sports for next year.  Complete your sports registration form and pay the registration fee by May 31, and pay only $80/sport—a discounted rate.

SOCCER COACH NEEDED

Aztecs! Do you play soccer? Are you interested in coaching?! We are very excited to announce that we will be starting a second-grade soccer team next year! The league is not part of CYO, as they do not begin team play until third grade, but we firmly believe that exposing our students to sports at an earlier age can only be beneficial! Please contact our Athletic Director Jim Sanchez at 415-722-3999 if you are interested in helping out! 

NO AFTER SCHOOL SERVICES

There will be no BVCC after school services available on Thursday, June 6 (12:30 Dismissal) and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

The Computer lab will also be closed on Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6 (both 12:30 Dismissal days); and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

BVCC SUMMER PROGRAM

The BVCC Summer Program will be at St. Peter’s School from June 10 – July 26.  Registration forms are available in the school office and at BVCC.  If you have further questions, please call Rochelle at 415-713-0625. 

UNIFORM SHOES

Beginning next school year (August 2019), we will a have new uniform shoe policy to help show our UNITY as a school.  Uniform shoes will be solid black or solid white rubber-soled tie shoes; no boots.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - We will continue to talk about ways to protect the environment. We will use Panda Kindergarten to discuss why it's important to care for Earth's animals. By the end of the week, students will learn that protecting and caring for the environment is an important part of being a good citizen. In Math, we will learn to build shapes.

1A - This week, we are reading, writing, and learning about how the weather affects people. In religion, we are continuing to thank those who have helped us this year. In math, we are continuing our work on regrouping in addition. In science and social studies, we are presenting our salt maps and showing what we've learned about landforms. 

2A – We will read the fable “The Boy who Cried Wolf” and learn about a lesson. We will review 3-digit subtraction, fractions, shapes, arrays, as well as the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction. We will check on our seeds in the garden, our compost jars, and make some clay beads in science. We will continue to say prayers for loved ones, and attend mass.

3A – This week, we are very busy reviewing many of the lessons that we have learned this school year. In Language Arts, we will revisit the biographies of Thomas Alva Edison, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Patsy McLeod, and Oscar Romero. It will be interesting to see how many facts we have remembered for each famous person. In Math, we continue to work on word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In Science, we have learned about the habitats, species, nesting habits and range of a variety of owls. Next, we will decide which species of owl to report on. 

4A - Thank you for a great spirit week! Our STAR testing is complete; we are very excited about the progress and the student's growth. In Religion and Social Studies this week, we will focus on our Partner Mission Project. Students will create their own missions, decide the location, and talk about how to spread the good news of God in peaceful ways. In Math, we will continue to focus on fractions and begin working on our fraction ice cream project! In Reading, we will read our story about Earthquakes as well as begin our in-class book report project. In Science, we will take a test on Pollination. Please continue to read each night for 20 minutes! We want to continue to build our knowledge.  

5A – This week, 5th graders are celebrating the end of their Harry Potter novel study with a special field trip to the Roxie theater. We'll be watching the first Harry Potter movie there on the big screen! In class, we have wrapped up STAR testing and will be focusing on our data conferences. I'll show each student the progress they made so far this school year, and we'll talk about the things I'm going to ask them to work on over the summer. They will bring home their data to show you after our conference in class. Thanks for your support with all of this! 

6A  Religion – Students are working on their essay about St. Peter’s School Core values: Grow Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite.   Language Arts – Students will continue reading their novel, Ghost, by Jason Reynolds, and completing comprehension materials for the chapters.   Math – This week 6A will be presenting and teaching a Math lesson in class as part of their 4th Quarter project.   Social Studies – Students continue to work on their Ancient Greece Board Game Project.  Science – Students will present a Science lesson as part of their 4th Quarter project. 

7A   Religion - This week, 7A will be presenting and teaching a Religion lesson in class as part of their 4th Quarter project. Language Arts - Students will continue their reading and analysis of The Outsiders.   Math – Students will present a Math lesson as part of their 4th Quarter project.  Social Studies – Students are writing their essay reflecting on the film, The Road to El Dorado.   Science – Students are researching the eleven organ systems and beginning to test on the following: skeletal, muscular, integumentary, and digestive. Tomorrow they begin to research some more difficult systems: the endocrine and lymphatic systems.

8A/8B   Religion - Students will be presenting their social justice projects this week!   Language Arts - Students have finished reading Of Mice and Men and will write an in-class essay about the novel as their final exam. They will also watch the movie adaptation of the story and compare the two different forms.   Math – 8A and 8B will be presenting a Math lesson in class as part of their 4th Quarter project. Social Studies – Students are watching the Civil War movie Glory and completing reflections based on a movie guide.  Students are also completing a “Class of 2019 Lessons Learned” project.   Science - Students are wrapping up their academic time with us here at St. Peter's! They had their science final today, comprising of a post lab report and physics final!

REMINDERS

May 23          5A Field Trip to the Roxie Theater  

May 24          8:30 AM, 8th grade Pinning Mass  

May 27          No School, Memorial Day Holiday

May 28          5A Field Trip to Dandelion Chocolate Factory

May 29          9:00 AM, 8th Grade Awards Assembly

May 29          Summer Learning Challenge Kickoff

May 30          8th Grade Picnic

May 31          9:30 AM, Graduation Mass

                       11:00 AM, 8th Grade Brunch

                       5:00 PM Graduation Ceremony

*BVCC closed June 6 (12:30 Dismissal) and June 7 (10:00 Dismissal)

**Computer Lab closed June 5-6 (12:30 Dismissal) and June 7 (10:00 Dismissal) 

QUE PASA--5/15/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       It’s SPIRIT WEEK at St. Peter’s School--a special week where we can celebrate our unity and school pride!  As parents, some ways we can show school spirit are by supporting our children as they learn new things at school, guiding them to have open hearts and open minds, attending school events and sports games, and volunteering to help at school.  As we take part in this fun week recognizing the different ways we can show our school spirit, let us take time to pray as a community to the HOLY SPIRIT for guidance and strength, especially in these final weeks of school.

COME, HOLY SPIRIT,

And fill our hearts with your gifts.

Let our love be true and our charity be generous.

Help us in all our needs 

and grant us the knowledge to do what is right.

Advise us in our doubts, 

strengthen us in our weaknesses, 

protect us when we are tempted, 

and console us when we are afraid.

Graciously hear us, O Holy Spirit, and pour your light into our hearts, minds, and souls.

Guide us to live holy lives and to grow in goodness and grace.

AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

FAMILY LOTERIA NIGHT

Thank you to all those who volunteered and donated to make last week’s Loteria Night a success! We had a fun evening together while raising funds for the 7th grade Caritas Creek Camp trip.  To help out with future school events, please contact Mrs. Jimenez in the office or at sjimenez@sanpedro.org.  We depend on volunteers to make events like this happen! 

SPIRIT WEEK

Here are the remaining days of Spirit Week:

5/16 – THROW-DOWN THURSDAY – Dress in sports attire! Plus, a Student vs. Teacher volleyball game!

5/17 – FORMAL FUN FRIDAY – Dress in fancy attire!

**5/17 – Middle School Dance, “Under the Stars” from 3:30-5:30!  (Only for current St. Peter’s middle school students; $5 admission)

SPORTS PAYMENTS

Pending sports registration and uniform payment statements have been going home with your students the last couple of months. Please ensure that your payments are up to date to allow for your child's participation in our sports program next year 2019-2020. Failure to make all payments by June 3rd, 2019 will result in your child's inability to participate in sports next year. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping make our sports program a success!

SOCCER COACH NEEDED

Aztecs! Do you play soccer? Are you interested in coaching?! We are very excited to announce that we will be starting a second-grade soccer team next year! The league is not part of CYO, as they do not begin team play until third grade, but we firmly believe that exposing our students to sports at an earlier age can only be beneficial! Please contact our Athletic Director Jim Sanchez at 415-722-3999 if you are interested in helping out! 

NO AFTER SCHOOL SERVICES

There will be no BVCC after school services available on Thursday, June 6 (12:30 Dismissal) and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

The Computer lab will also be closed on Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6 (both 12:30 Dismissal days); and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

UNIFORM SHOES

Beginning next school year (August 2019), we will a have new uniform shoe policy to help show our UNITY as a school.  Uniform shoes will be solid black or solid white rubber-soled tie shoes; no boots.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will use sound boxes to pronounce the initial, medial vowel, and final sounds in three phoneme words. We will focus on blending phonemes to make words. In Math, we will learn to identify shapes as flat or solid.

1A - This week, we are reading, writing, and talking about the people who help us. In religion, we are making thank you cards for those who have helped us throughout the year. In math, we are working on regrouping in addition. In science and social studies, we are making topographic maps of landforms using salt dough.

2A – We are reading “Taking Care of Pepper” and wrapping up multiplication with 2's, 5's, and 10's. We will review three-digit subtraction as well as the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction. Will check on our seeds in the garden, our compost jars, and also some clay in science. We continue learning mass responses and saying prayers for loved ones.

3A – This week in Language Arts class, we will be reading our last textbook story, “Dr. de Soto.” In Religion, we will read a short biography of Dr. Tom Dooley and his life of treating the poor in Southeast Asia. In Math, we will complete our unit on Geometry and then review cardinal and ordinal numbers before we move on to word problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

4A - Welcome to Spirit Week! We are very excited for our themed days, and showing great school spirit. In Religion, we will continue to focus on the life of Mary and the Rosary. In Reading, we will take our STAR Test as well as begin our next novel studies. In Math, we will complete our fractions unit! We will begin working on adding and subtracting fractions. In Science, we will complete our pollination unit. In Social Studies, we will focus on current California. Please continue to check your child's planner each night for classroom updates. 

5A – Today, 5th graders took a field trip to tour St. Mary's Cathedral! We'll be finishing and presenting our fraction pizza projects in math and starting a special writing project.  Please let Ms. Storms know if you can join us for the Harry Potter movie field trip on May 23rd...we still need a few more chaperones!

6A  Religion – Students are working in groups on a Sacrament project to learn more about how Catholics worship and prepare for these special events.   Language Arts – Congratulations to 6A for showing amazing growth on their last STAR Reading test! On average, 6th grade students grew almost a full 1½ grade levels this year! That's incredible! In class, we are completing our Response to Literature essays and beginning our last novel unit. We will be reading Ghost by Jason Reynolds, a book of realistic fiction that looks at how a boy uses sports and friendship to escape a troubled past.   Math – This week 6A will take their final STAR Math test of the school year. Additionally, students will be working on group and individual math projects for the fourth quarter.  Social Studies – Students have begun an Ancient Greece Board Game Project as a final for the Ancient Greece Unit.  Science – 6A will be working on group and individual science projects.

7A   Religion - Students will be working on Religion projects for the fourth quarter.   Language Arts - Students have finished their nonfiction unit and are now reading The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton.   Math – 7A will take their final STAR Math test of the school year. Additionally, students will be working on group and individual math projects for the fourth quarter.  Social Studies – Students are finalizing their research about the Aztec Empire and will begin to list differences and similarities between the First American Civilization.  Science – Students continue to learn about the 11 main organ systems and will test their knowledge on Friday.

8A/8B   Religion - This week, students will be working on their Social Justice Projects!   Language Arts - Students have finished their final project for Romeo and Juliet and have moved on to reading Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.  Math – This week 8A and 8B will take their final STAR Math test of the school year. Additionally, students will be working on group and individual math projects for the fourth quarter.   Social Studies – Students are researching about a topic they are interested in about the American Civil War: Causes, Battles, Leadership, Resources, Outcome, etc. as a way to begin the Civil War Unit.   Science - Students set up their mousetrap car data tables and have begun their runs today. They will track both distance and speed.

REMINDERS

May 8-17       Final STAR Testing Window

May 13-17     SPIRIT WEEK

May 14          8:10 AM, School Mass

May 16          2:15, Teachers vs. Students Volleyball game

May 17          1:30, SPIRIT WEEK finale

May 17          3:30-5:30 PM, Middle School Dance

May 23          5A Field Trip to the Roxie Theater  

May 24          8:30 AM, 8th grade Pinning Mass       

QUE PASA--5/8/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       This Sunday, we celebrate Mother’s Day. We recognize the important role that mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and all mother-figures play in our lives!  We are thankful for the love they show us and sacrifices they make for us.  During this month of May, we also dedicate time to pray to our Blessed Mother Mary.  We look to Mary as an example of faith, love, and courage as she said YES to God!  Let us pray in thanksgiving for our Blessed Mother Mary and for all mother-figures in our lives.

Heavenly Father, 

We Praise You and we thank You for the gift of our mothers, through whom You give us life and through whom we experience love. We thank You for Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, a mother so gracious and a woman of example in motherhood for all of us. May our prayer warm the hearts of all mothers. May they know that they are loved and precious. May mothers all over the world feel in their heart the joys of being called a mother and in all their goodness and all their failings, be blessed in Your love and forgiveness. 

We pray in Grace they belong close to You Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN.

(Prayer by Geevetha Mary Samuel)

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

CONFIRMATION

Please join me in congratulating many of our 8th graders who received the Sacrament of Confirmation this past Saturday!  They have been “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit!” This is an important step in their faith journey, and they were able to reach this point thanks to the loving support of their families and teachers.  Special thanks to Mrs. Ria Fresnoza for preparing students for this day.

STAR TESTING

Beginning this week, from May 7 – May 17, students will be completing their final STAR standardized tests of the school year.  These tests help identify areas of strength and growth so that teachers can meet students’ needs, and results are also shared with the Department of Catholic Schools at the Archdiocese of San Francisco.  To help students do their best, please make sure that your child is getting a good night’s rest and eating breakfast.  Also, providing your child with a recess snack would be helpful.  Please help the teachers in encouraging the children to do their best on the last STAR tests of this school year.

FAMILY LOTERIA NIGHT

This Friday, May 10, join us for Family Loteria Night!  You can pre-purchase Loteria cards to play for prizes from the prize table and bigger prizes including a $50 Target gift card, $50 Safeway gift card, and SF Giants game tickets!  Plus, we’ll have a snack bar with food and beverages. See the attached flyer for more details.  All proceeds will benefit the 7th grade Caritas Camp trip for October 2019! 

SPIRIT WEEK

Next week, May 13-17, is SPIRIT WEEK at St. Peter’s School!  A flyer was sent home last week and also shared on Class Dojo, but in case you missed it, here are the themes of each day:

5/13 – MIRROR MONDAY – Dress as twins, triplets, etc. with your friends! 

5/14 – TIME MACHINE TUESDAY – Dress from a different decade!   K-1st: 90’s / 2nd-3rd: 80’s / 4th-5th: 70’s / 6th-7th: 60’s / 8th: 50’s

5/15 – WAIKIKI WEDNESDAY – Dress with Hawaiian spirit!

5/16 – THROW-DOWN THURSDAY – Dress in sports attire! Plus, a Student vs. Teacher game!

5/17 – FORMAL FUN FRIDAY – Dress in fancy attire!

SPORTS PAYMENTS

Pending sports registration and uniform payment statements have been going home with your students the last couple of months. Please ensure that your payments are up to date to allow for your child's participation in our sports program next year 2019-2020. Failure to make all payments by June 3, 2019 will result in your child's inability to participate in sports next year. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping make our sports program a success!

SOCCER COACH NEEDED

Aztecs! Do you play soccer? Are you interested in coaching?! We are very excited to announce that we will be starting a co-ed second-grade soccer team next year! The league is not part of CYO, as they do not begin team play until third grade, but we firmly believe that exposing our students to sports at an earlier age can only be beneficial! Please contact our Athletic Director Jim Sanchez at 415-722-3999 if you are interested in helping out! 

YEARBOOK

The 2019 school yearbook is now on sale! You can place an order by submitting a yearbook form and $25 payment.  Yearbooks are limited, so order early!

NO AFTER SCHOOL SERVICES

There will be no BVCC after school services available on Thursday, June 6 (12:30 Dismissal) and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

The Computer lab will also be closed on Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6 (both 12:30 Dismissal days); and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week in Kindergarten, we will work in pairs to identify and read initial medial vowels in three-phoneme words. Then, students will discuss who they want to thank and write a thank you note. For example: Dear _____, Thank you for _______. From, ____. In Math, we will identify and compare solid shapes. Parents, please help your child learn the names of these shapes: cylinder, sphere, cube, and cone. 

1A - This week, we are reading, writing, and discussing how we can work together to make our lives better. In religion, we arecelebrating Mary and her important role as Jesus' mother. In math, we are beginning our unit on regrouping or "carrying" in addition. In science, we are making sound using cups and rubber bands. In social studies, we are using our understanding of maps and cardinal directions to direct each other to specific locations. 

2A – We are reading Taking Care of Pepper. We are wrapping up multiplication with twos, fives, and tens. We will check on our seeds, our compost jars, and check out some clay in science. We continue learning mass responses and saying prayers for loved ones.

3A – Finally the week has come when our book author, Gloria St. Joy, will visit our classroom. She is bringing us copies of her book, Addie's One Wish to the Brightest Star. We will show her our published book as well. In Math, we continue to explore, identify and label geometric shapes. We continue to measure inches to the half inch and measure in centimeters. During the month of May, Mary's month, we will be crowning her statue at the grotto as well as in our classroom. The students have been making their crowns at home with family help. They are using a variety of materials. When you stop by to say a prayer to Mary, see how lovely she looks.

4A - Happy May! It is hard to believe that it is our last full month of school. We will continue to work on testing strategies as our last round of STAR testing is coming up. In Religion, the students will focus on the Rosary and the life of Mary. In Reading, we will focus on comprehension skills with short reading passages. We will also work on independent paragraph writing! In Math, we will continue to focus on fractions. This week, we will compare like fractions as well as add and subtract fractions. In Social Studies, we will continue learning about the legacy of the Missions in California. In Science, we will focus on pollination. We will also be going to the Exploratorium this Friday! We are very excited!

5A – 5th graders have been reviewing all of the key math and reading skills we've learned this year in preparation for our final round of STAR testing this week! Please make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast before these tests. We'll continue working on our fraction pizza projects, learn about the creation of the U.S. Constitution in social studies, and talk about why and how we honor Mary during May in religion.

6A  Religion – Students continue to learn about the Easter Season gospel stories and events. They are also learning about the Miraculous Medal and stories about Mary for the Month of May.  Language Arts – 6A will continue their writing workshop on literary response essays, focusing this week on finding and quoting textual evidence and incorporating transitional phrases to have our essays flow smoothly. Students will also focus on test taking strategies in preparation of our final STAR test.   Math – Students will continue to find the areas and missing dimensions of triangles.   Social Studies – Students will complete their group activities about Ancient Greek government and will begin learning about Alexander the Great and the decisions that he made to influence the Greek Empire.   Science – Students will describe how “El Niño” affects the climate.

7A   Religion - Students will learn to recognize that God created us to live in harmony with one another, and that the greatest virtue we are called to develop is charity.  Language Arts - Students have completed their nonfiction unit and are starting to read their final book of the year, The Outsiders.  Math – 7A will continue to find the area of circles.   Social Studies – Students continue to read about Early American Civilizations and will learn specifically about the achievements of the Inca Empire.   Science – Students have studied genetics, and now it's time to turn our attention to what that creates in tissues, organs, and organ systems! 

8A/8B   ** 8th GRADE REMINDER--Graduation Fee ($140) and any Outstanding Bills (such as tuition, AZTEC Trek)—NOW PAST DUE! Please make payments in the school office.**

Religion - This week, students will be examining different views on how to get to heaven.   Language Arts - Students are completing their final project for the play Romeo and Juliet, and will be starting to read their last book of the year, Of Mice and Men.   Math - 8A and 8B will continue to find the volumes of cylinders.   Social Studies – Students will begin to make predictions about the US Civil War by learning about the resources that the Northern States and Southern states had at the beginning of the war.  Science - Students are building their mousetrap cars all week long for next week's races!

REMINDERS

May 7-17       Final STAR Testing Window

May 9            Ice Cream Field Trip to Garfield Park (Summer Learning Challenge Prize)

May 10          4A Field Trip to the Exploratorium

May 10          5:00-7:00 PM, Family Loteria Night 

May 12         Mothers’ Day

May 13-17    SPIRIT WEEK

May 14         8:10 AM, School Mass

May 17         3:30-5:30 PM, Middle School Dance

QUE PASA 5/1/2019 (ENGLISH)

Dear Parents,

       I hope you had a blessed Easter with your family! It’s hard to believe that we are now in the month of May and in the liturgical season of Easter, but what does living the spirit of the Easter season mean? Here are three suggestions from, “Be Fearless, Be Joyful, Be Renewed: Living the Spirit of Easter” (www.loyolapress.com).

Live With Joy.  The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus teach us that suffering is transformed through faith in the Risen Christ. With this faith, we are able to hold on to an enduring sense of joy even in the midst of the sadness we experience from the loss of a loved one, a failure to achieve an important goal, or a setback during recovery from an illness.

Live Without Fear.  The Resurrection teaches us that God can overcome anything, even death. When the Risen Christ appears to the women at the tomb and later to his disciples, his first words are “Do not be afraid!” (Mt 28:5). These words speak to our hearts, helping us cope with fear. Our faith allows us to trust that God can overcome our most serious problems.

Live With New Eyes.  Just as the return of spring makes us feel like the whole world is new, the Resurrection of Jesus makes “all things new” (Rev. 21:5).  The Easter spirit is a spirit of renewal that enables us to show up at work with a positive attitude, to renew relationships that have been taken for granted, and to express appreciation and affection to those closest to us. It means to see the world through new eyes—God´s eyes!

We can celebrate our faith by feeding our Easter spirit—embracing joy, living without fear, and seeing the world again—as if for the first time.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

RE-REGISTRATION FEE FOR 2019-2020

The completed orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year and Registration fee of $475 per student are now past due. Both are required to hold your child’s spot in a class for the upcoming school year.  Please call the office if you have any questions.

FAMILY LOTERIA NIGHT

Save the date for Friday, May 10 and join us for Family Loteria Night!  $3 to purchase a Loteria card for unlimited play and for a chance to win a prize from the prize table.  $5 for a Loteria card to play to win a $50 Target gift card or $50 Safeway Gift card.  Plus, we’ll have a snack bar with food and beverages. See the attached flyer for ways that you can help at this event.  All proceeds will benefit the 7th grade Caritas Camp trip for October 2019! 

SPORTS PAYMENTS

Pending sports registration and uniform payment statements have been going home with your students the last couple of months. New statements will be going home with this week's Que Pasa (5/1/19). Please ensure that your payments are up to date to allow for your child's participation in our sports program next year 2019-2020. Failure to make all payments by June 3rd, 2019 will result in your child's inability to participate in sports next year. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping make our sports program a success!

SOCCER COACH NEEDED

Aztecs! Do you play soccer? Are you interested in coaching?! We are very excited to announce that we will be starting a second-grade soccer team next year! The league is not part of CYO, as they do not begin team play until third grade, but we firmly believe that exposing our students to sports at an earlier age can only be beneficial! Please contact our Athletic Director Jim Sanchez at 415-722-3999 if you are interested in helping out! 

NO AFTER SCHOOL SERVICES

There will be no BVCC after school services available on Thursday, June 6 (12:30 Dismissal) and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

The Computer lab will also be closed on Wednesday, June 5 and Thursday, June 6 (both 12:30 Dismissal days); and Friday, June 7 (10:00 Dismissal).

APRIL 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 - Tiffany Escobar is kind, responsible and a self-motivated learner. She comes to school with a smile on her face and shows excitement for learning. She enjoys writing, learning about God and leading a prayer. Tiffany works hard not only herself, but to help her peers as well. She has the KEYS to embrace new experiences with an open heart and open mind. For all those reasons and more, Tiffany is April's student of the month.

1A - Hilary Benitez is an excellent example of a student living out St. Peter's KEYS. Hilary always practices kindness by treating others as she would like to be treated. She shows love through her patience for others and her ability to forgive, even when it is difficult. Hilary also shows how much she loves to grow her brain by coming to school ready to learn and always trying her best. For these reasons, I am very happy to announce Hilary as first grade's student of the month.

2A - Layla Diaz is our student of the month! Layla tries her best and does not shy away from a challenge. Layla is peaceful and helps others with conflict resolution. Her family really supports her and helps her to succeed. Second graders know they can go to Layla if they need help. Thanks, Layla!   

3A - Isabella Coreas is a hard worker that focuses on her classwork and homework.  She is a responsible student and offers to help other students regularly.  When she finishes her class assignments she frequently asks if she can help by doing jobs in the room.  Keep up your Growth Mindset, it will serve you well, congratulations! 

4A - Gizzele Johnson has worked hard in the classroom all year long. She strives to reach her goals, and works diligently master each skill. She believes in herself and she believes in her classmates! She has also grown as a bucket filler, respecting classmates and teachers. Gizzele has an awesome imagination, and has built confidence public speaking this year. As a class ambassador, she provides a welcoming smile to all our guests. Congratulations, Gizzele!

5A - Karen Hernandez Gallardo is always open to new challenges, which is why she’s made huge academic growth in her STAR scores. Her scores have already gone up by 2 grade levels this year! Even more importantly, she shares her gifts with the school community by welcoming others with a kind spirit, respecting all school rules, and helping others. Congratulations Karen!  

6A - Brenda Hernandez has been a wonderful example of a student with the KEYS this year.  She has the keys to grow as she faces challenges with positivity and faith, she has the keys to love as she shows appreciation for what others do, and she has the keys to unite as she supports and encourages others.  Thank you, Brenda, for your courage while facing challenges and sharing your talents and ideas this school year! 

7A - Angela Miranda is a student who truly lives out St. Peter's School's KEYS.  She is thoughtful, creative, kind, and courageous. And it is for these reasons why she is 7A's Student of the Month.  Good job Angela! 

8A - Santiago Santes has been diligent and consistent in completing his work well, and on time. He is respectful towards his peers and teachers alike, and is a reliable classmate and friend. 

8B - Matthew Jimenez demonstrates critical thinking and optimism when confronted with new challenges. He is trying his best to GROW both mentally and spiritually. His work in student council has SERVED our school and he is committed to making his community a better place for others. His teachers are certain that he will continue to ACCOMPLISH great things as he ventures away from St. Peter's and on to Lowell High School. 

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break! This week, students are learning about working together in groups. We will sing "When We Work Together" and read What's the Big Idea, Molly? The story is about a mouse who works with her friends on a project. After, students will write their own stories that will have characters talking to one another. Students will work in pairs to complete this task. In Math, we will learn to name cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres.

1A - Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful Easter! This week, we are reading, writing, and learning about how things get built. In religion, we are thanking God for all of the gifts he has given us. In science, we are continuing our study of sound. In social studies, we are continuing work on our mapping skills.

2A – We are reading King Midas and the Golden Touch--lots of poetry!  We are learning about multiplication by creating arrays in math (twos, fives, and tens).  We will check on our seeds in the garden and learn about rocks in science.  We continue learning mass responses and saying prayers for loved ones. 

3A – Welcome back from Easter vacation. I hope it was restful. I am also hopeful that the students worked on their tablets to complete the 20-minute daily requirement that was an integral part of their homework during our vacation.  This week in Reading, we will complete our unit on the chapter book, Addie's One Wish to the Brightest Star. We are preparing questions to ask author Gloria St. Joy when she visits our classroom to discuss her book.  In Math class, we are beginning our unit on geometry. We will also learn about lines, rays and line segments. 

4A - Welcome back to School! We are back into the swing of things! In Religion, we will be learning about the Easter Season as well as beginning our Unit on Mary, during the month of May. In Math, we will continue with fractions. We will focus on adding and subtracting fractions. We will be spiral-reviewing for our next STAR Testing day. In Reading, we will begin novel reading groups. We will focus on a group novel and work to answer comprehension questions based on our novels. In Social Studies, we will be listening to our Mission Project presentations. Our Mission Writing and Project was due yesterday--Tuesday, April 30. In Science, we will continue to focus on the planets and solar system. 

5A – Welcome back from Spring Break! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter celebration and relaxing week with family. 5th grade will be easing back into the school routine this week. In math, we’ll review the addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers. In ELA, we’ll be diagramming the plot structure of Harry Potter. Students will also be finishing and presenting their math pizza fraction projects this week! Check Class Dojo for more updates and photos! 

6A  Religion – Students will be reading about witnesses to Jesus' resurrection to celebrate the Easter season. Language Arts –Welcome back and I hope everyone had a restful Easter Break. 6A has finished the novel Tuck Everlasting and will work on two culminating projects this week: creating a Ferris wheel to represent the stages of their lives and writing a literary response essay, analyzing the theme of the novel. Students will learn to state a clear thesis statement and support their claim using evidence from the text.   Math – 6A will find the areas and missing dimensions of triangles.  Social Studies – Students are researching Greek gods and goddesses and will begin a group board game for our Ancient Greece Unit.  Science – 6A will discuss what causes seasons.

7A   Religion -  7A will define almsgiving and learn how giving alms and imitating Christ can help us grow in certain virtues. Language Arts - Students are continuing with their nonfiction unit, specifically focusing on text structures and text characteristics. Math – 7A will find the area of circles.   Social Studies – Students are continuing their research of the First American Civilizations: Olmec, Maya, Inca, and Aztec.  Science – Students have completed their work on genetic disorders and now it's time to discuss the systems that make up the human organism.

8A/8B   Religion - This week students will be comparing different accounts of the Resurrection of Christ!  Language Arts - Students are finishing reading the last parts of Romeo and Juliet and are completing a culminating assignment for the play.   Math – Students will find the volume of cylinders.   Social Studies – Students are researching inventions of the 1800s that led to changes in the United States before the Civil War.   Science - Students are building their mousetrap car! This is the final project of their time here at Saint Peter's! Good luck!

REMINDERS

May 2        Free Dress for No Tardies in April

May 2        USF Tutoring Field Trip

May 2        6:00 PM, 8th Grade Confirmation Rehearsal at St. Peter’s Church

May 4        10:00 AM, 8th Grade Confirmation at St. Mary’s Cathedral 

May 6-17   Final STAR Testing Window

May 8        8:30 AM, May Crowning Prayer Service and Student Council Officer Installation

May 9        Ice Cream Field Trip to Garfield Park (Summer  Learning Challenge Prize)

May 10      4A Field Trip to the Exploratorium

May 10      5:00-7:00 PM, Family Loteria Night 

QUE PASA 4/17/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       Throughout Lent, the students have been learning and acting upon different ways that they can grow closer to God.  Now that we find ourselves in the middle of Holy Week, I hope you find that your journey through Lent has brought you and your family closer to God, and that together, you can share the love that God the Father has shown us.  Remember Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for us on Good Friday so that our sins could be forgiven. Together, take time to say a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s love as we await Jesus’ resurrection on Easter. 

We pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of everlasting life brought about by the resurrection of your son from the dead! This dark night is enlightened by a glimpse of the greatest mystery.  Our minds could never have conceived how you would save us, Lord, nor can we ever fully understand the depths of your love in choosing to do so.  We thank you for all that you have done for us throughout Lent. Now, throughout Easter, grant us the fullness of life.  AMEN.

(Adapted from “The Joy of Lent: Encouragement and Daily Prayers”)

Have a joyous Easter!

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez  

RE-REGISTRATION FEE FOR 2019-2020

The completed orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year and Registration fee of $475 per student are now past due. Both are required to hold your child’s spot in a class for the upcoming school year.  Please call the office if you have any questions.

STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Congratulations to all the students who showed courage and leadership as they ran for Student Council Office.  Here are our newly-elected Student Council officers, who will serve as our student leaders in the 2019-2020 school year:

President – Gabriel Sembrana

Vice President – Achella Ramirez

Secretary – Justin Abregana-Reyes

Treasurer – Jose Contreras 

Commissioner of Religious Affairs –  Guadalupe Gonzalez-Cabrera

Commissioner of Safety – Briana Alvarado

Commissioner of Sports – Mariah Castellanos

Commissioner of Communications – Jazmin Gamez

8th Grade representatives – Elijah Langlois and  Angela Miranda

 STEAM FAIR 

Last Friday, our Middle School students all shared their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Projects with the whole school!  We had Guest Judges at the Fair, and below are all the STEAM Fair winners!

Strongest Take Away Lesson:

Water Filtration” by Angely (6A)

“Corn Snake & Bearded Dragon” by Yasmin & Sophia (7A)

“Changing Flower Colors” by Victoria, Priscilla, & Kathy (8th)

Most Visually Creative:

“Jet Powered Boat” by Jordan, Mariah, & Tatiana (6A)

“LED Light Throwies” by Achella, Miranda, & Gisele

“Claw Machine” by Daniel, Angel, & Eduardo (8th) 

Exemplary Teamwork:

“Marble Maze” by Brenda & Catherine (6A)

“DIY Rain Cloud” by Jackie & Anadela (7A)

“Dancing Markers” by Amaya & Alondra (8th)

Most Original Project:

“Water Based Piano” by Gio, Gaby, & Alaysha (6A)

“Music & Sound Performance” by Adrian, Braulio, and Elijah (7A)

“Starlite” by Matthew, Emilio, & Kalven (8th)

Best Presentation to Judges:

“Water Powered Wheel” by Aavey, Guadalupe, and Veronica (6A)

“Water Rocket” by Jose, Carlos, and Josiah (7A)

“Moo-moo Milk Machine” by Bianca, Delisa, & Nathalee (8th)

**Special thanks to Mr. Suarez, Ms. Land, Mr. Guzman, and Ms. VanConas for preparing the students and coordinating this event!

BVCC SPRING CAMP

The BVCC Program is hosting a Spring Camp at St. Peter’s School from Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, April 26.  On those days, services will be available from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.  Activities include cooking, sports, and STEM, and lunch and snacks will be provided.  Registration forms are available in the school office and in BVCC.  Please call Rochelle at 415-713-0625 or Sheri at 415-850-4812 if you have any questions.

FAMILY LOTERIA NIGHT

Save the date for Friday, May 10 and join us for Family Loteria Night!  $3 to purchase a Loteria card for unlimited play and for a chance to win a prize from the prize table.  $5 for a Loteria card to play to win a $50 Target gift card or $50 Safeway Gift card.  Plus, we’ll have a snack bar with food and beverages. See the attached flyer for ways that you can help at this event.  All proceeds will benefit the 7th grade Caritas Camp trip for October 2019! 

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we are learning about things in nature that can be used to create new things. We will make a list of natural resources that can be used to create food. After, students will work in pairs to name two foods that are made from things in nature. In Math, we are identifying and comparing flat shapes.

1A - This week, we are reviewing our work on words with the /ar/, /er/, and /or/ sounds. In religion, we are celebrating Holy Week and preparing for Easter. In math, we are reviewing money, time, and measurement. In science we are starting our study of sound. In social studies, we are continuing our unit on mapping skills. Thank you for all your help. Have a wonderful Easter break. :)

2A – We are reading “Money Madness” to learn why money came to be.  We are learning about multiplication by creating arrays of 5’s in math.  We harvested our lettuce and will check on our seeds in the garden; and we’ll learn about rocks and study worms in science. We will read “The Easter Story,” attend Holy Thursday prayer service, and continue to prepare for Easter. Have a restful Spring Break!

3A – 3A is studying about the holiest week of the year for all of us as Catholics. We look forward to watching the 4th graders act out the passion of Jesus through the Stations of the Cross on Wednesday. We will attend our Holy Thursday Prayer Service as we prepare for the events leading up to and including Jesus' resurrection. We continue to do random acts of kindness for our classmates, schoolmates and families. We have collected money for the Missionary Childhood Association and we continue to read the Gospels of St. Matthew. We want to wish all of our families and friends a joyful, blessed and restful week of vacation. 

4A - This week, we will be focusing on the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. We are very excited for our Stations of the Cross today. In Reading, we are all Easter theme. We will be reading stories about Spring, discussing how we have grown during the year, and writing an expository essay! In Math, we will continue to work with fractions and learn how to make fractions in a garden. In Social Studies, we will continue to focus on our Missions projects. In Science, we will switch our focus to flowers. Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter and a nice break!

5A – In religion this week, 5th graders are learning about the Triduum and preparing to lead the Holy Thursday prayer service. We’ll also be combining religion and art for a special egg decorating activity. In math, we will be subtracting mixed numbers. In ELA, we’ll be reading chapter 17 of Harry Potter and discussing characters’ internal conflict. Check Class Dojo for more updates and photos! 

6A  Religion – Students will be interpreting Stations of the Cross and reading about the events during Holy Week in preparation for the Triduum.  Language Arts – 6A continues to analyze text structure and will have a final review before taking our assessment this week. We are also near the end of our novel, Tuck Everlasting, and are diving into deep discussions on the purpose of life, change, and death, using both the lens of our Catholic faith and science.  Math – 6A will continue to find the area and missing dimensions of parallelograms.  Social Studies – Students will be sharing their written myths, viewing the film Hercules, and reading the myths about Hercules' tasks to compare myth to the film.

7A   Religion -  Students will take a chapter and unit test in Religion.  Language Arts - Students are continuing their unit on nonfiction. Currently, they are reading articles and determining the author's point of view based on word choice and tone.  Math – 7A will continue to find the circumference of circles.   Social Studies – Students will begin learning about the First American Civilizations and the physical geography of the Americas.  Science – Students continue to present their genetic disorder presentations and models. 

8A/8B   Religion - Students will be learning about each of the days of Holy Week!  Language Arts - Students are well into their study of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. They are currently reading the play in class, and analyzing important quotes and themes from the text.  Math – 8A and 8B will continue to use the Pythagorean Theorem.   Social Studies – Students will be researching significant events from 1800-1850 and presenting their research to the class--Texas Revolution, Mexican American War, Gold Rush, and Slavery—at that time.  Science - Students continue to work on their laws of motion while preparing for their final project of the year: the mousetrap car project!

REMINDERS

Apr. 18      8:30 AM, Holy Thursday Prayer Service

Apr. 18      12:30 Dismissal

Apr. 19      Good Friday, Easter Vacation Begins

Apr. 20      Easter Sunday

Apr. 29      School Resumes, 12:30 dismissal

May 2        Free Dress for No Tardies in April

May 4        10:00 AM, 8th Grade Confirmation at St. Mary’s Cathedral 

May 10      5:00-7:00 PM, Family Loteria Night 

QUE PASA 4/10/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       We are fast approaching the beginning of Holy Week this coming Sunday, which is Palm Sunday.  At school, children have been preparing their hearts for Jesus’ death and resurrection by receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation, making special donations to the Missions, learning about the Stations of the Cross, and writing special prayers. During your Lenten journey, I pray that you and your family have grown closer to God, and continue to strengthen your faith and service towards God during Holy Week and throughout the year.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we enter into Holy Week so that we might accompany you through your passion to your death. We have to remember that your story does not end in sadness. Rather, your story is the greatest love story that we could ever know. Holy Week gives us an opportunity to participate in that love story in a profound and personal way. We pray that you give us a special attentiveness during Holy Week, Lord. Shower us with your grace!  AMEN.

(Adapted from “The Joy of Lent: Encouragement and Daily Prayers”)

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez  

PALM SUNDAY FAMILY MASS

This Sunday, April 14, join us for Palm Sunday Family Mass at 9:30 AM at St. Peter’s Church. A reception in the Parish Hall hosted by Kindergarten, 5A, and 8A will follow mass.  Plus, students who come to Mass in school uniform will receive a free dress pass for the following Monday. 

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY and SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

As part of our upcoming WCEA (Western Catholic Educational Association) school accreditation process, faculty and staff examined our school mission statement, philosophy, and Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs)—all available on our school website at  http://www.stpeterssf.org/about. These are guides on how we can help our students and ourselves live out our Core Values to Grow, Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite. 

RE-REGISTRATION FEE FOR 2019-2020

The completed orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year and Registration fee of $475 per student are now past due. Both are required to hold your child’s spot in a class for the upcoming school year.  Please call the office if you have any questions.

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.

STEAM FAIR

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.  This Friday, April 12, our Middle School students will be presenting their STEAM Fair exhibits from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.  Parents are welcome to see the exhibits as well! Special thanks to Mr. Suárez and Ms. Land for coordinating this event, and to Mr. Suarez, Ms. Land, Mr. Guzman, and Ms. VanConas for helping students prepare their exhibits.

STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

This week, Student Council officer candidates have been campaigning and preparing for elections, which will take place tomorrow!  Prayers to all our candidates who are willing to serve on Student Council and who are showing us all that Every accomplishment needs courage!

BVCC SPRING CAMP

The BVCC Program is hosting a Spring Camp at St. Peter’s School from Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, April 26.  On those days, services will be available from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.  Activities include cooking, sports, and STEM, and lunch and snacks will be provided.  Registration forms are available in the school office and in BVCC.  Please call Rochelle at 415-713-0625 or Sheri at 415-850-4812 if you have any questions.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will discuss ways to be good citizens! First, we will begin by reading Hen Hears Gossip and find out how the characters in the story could have been better citizens. We are also going to be blending words with long i: rice, dice, mice, bike, nine, etc. In math, we will go over names of shapes and count their corners.

1A - This week, we are reading, writing, and learning about different sounds and how they are made. In religion, we are discussing the different ways that we can give thanks to God. In math, we are measuring and comparing the lengths of different objects. In science, we are continuing our study of kites and wind. In social studies, we are learning about cardinal directions and working with a compass rose.

2A – We are reading “An Astronaut Handbook’ to learn what it's like to live in space.  In math, we are moving onto arrays to prepare for multiplication. We will check on our seeds in the garden and learn about rocks in science. We continue to pray for loved ones during Lent and prepare for Easter.

3A – This week, we will begin a class read of Addie's Wish to the Brightest Star by Gloria St. Joy.  Upon completion of reading her book, she will visit our classroom to tell us about her writing experiences.  She will also answer our questions about her book and what it is like to be a writer.  In Religion, we continue to focus on the Stations of the Cross after going to church and walking and praying the Stations. In Art, we have completed our clothespin crucifixes and look forward to showing them off to our parents and schoolmates. 

4A - We have another exciting week in 4A! As we prepare for Jesus' death and resurrection, the students are preparing the Stations of the Cross. We are also learning about various parables that Jesus taught his disciples as well the miracles that Jesus performed. In Reading, we are reading our new story, “The Screech Owl Who Liked Television.” We will focus on fact and opinion. In Math, we will continue learning about fractions. In Social Studies, we will complete our unit on Father Serra and the Missions. Our Mission Project research is due this Wednesday! Our Mission Projects are due the week after Easter break. In Science, we will learn about the sun, moon, and earth. 

5A – 5th grade is now on chapter 16 of the first Harry Potter, and we're still loving the book! We’re using this chapter to review homophones and discuss cause & effect pairs. We’ll be learning how to subtract mixed numbers in math. In social studies, we’re working with groups to summarize the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. In science, we’re going to do a very special investigation inspired by Harry Potter’s “Potions” class. Make sure you check Class Dojo for more updates!

6A   Language Arts – 6A is diving into the reading strategy of identifying text structure. Looking for cues in text will really help our comprehension skills and make challenging text more accessible. We're using this strategy as we continue to read the novel Tuck Everlasting.   Math –6A will find the area and missing dimensions of parallelograms.  Social Studies – 6th Grade students are preparing for their first STEAM fair! They have been putting together their projects that connect to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and/or Math to present to guests and volunteer judges this Friday!  Science – Students will describe how organisms adapt to particular climates. 

7A   Religion -  Students will pray the Lord's Prayer with a greater understanding of its seven petitions.   Language Arts - Students are continuing their unit on nonfiction, transitioning from author's purpose to author's point of view.   Math – 7A will find the circumference of circles and participate in this week's STEAM Fair.  Social Studies – Students will be researching significant pieces of artwork that were created by Renaissance artists and analyzing them as primary sources.  Science – Students will present their genetic disorders presentations and models.

8A/8B    Religion - This week in eighth grade religion students will prepare for Holy Week by learning about what each day signifies! Language Arts - Students are starting their unit reading and analyzing Romeo and Juliet.   Math – Students will use the Pythagorean Theorem.  Social Studies – Students continue to use evidence to respond to the question: Indian Removal--Is it justified?  Science - Students will begin working on their next project: The Mousetrap Car Project!

REMINDERS

Apr. 11      Student Council Primary Elections

Apr. 12      STEAM Fair

Apr. 14      9:30 AM, Palm Sunday Family Mass and Reception

Apr. 17      8:10 AM, Stations of the Cross Prayer Service

Apr. 18      8:30 AM, Holy Thursday Prayer Service

Apr. 18      12:30 Dismissal

Apr. 19      Good Friday, Easter Vacation Begins

Apr. 20      Easter Sunday

Apr. 29      School Resumes, 12:30 dismissal

QUE PASA 4/3/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       We are now in the fourth week of Lent.  How are you and your family growing closer to God? Reflect on what makes you unwell, not necessarily physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually. What unhealthy thing takes up the space in your heart, mind, and soul that belongs to God?  As today’s Psalm says, let us remember that God is merciful and always present, especially in our times of need.

The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
The LORD is faithful in all his words
and holy in all his works.
The LORD lifts up all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
The Lord is gracious and merciful.

-Psalm 145:8-9

Merciful Lord, thank you for sending us your Son to free us from sin and make us new.  Help us to look forward in hope to the life that you have planned for us.   AMEN.

(Daily Reflections for Lent 2019, M. Poust)

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez  

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY and SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

As part of our upcoming WCEA (Western Catholic Educational Association) school accreditation process, faculty and staff examined our school mission statement, philosophy, and Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs)—all available on our school website at http://www.stpeterssf.org/about. These are guides on how we can help our students and ourselves live out our Core Values to Grow, Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite.  

RE-REGISTRATION FEE FOR 2019-2020

The completed orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year is now past due.  Extras are available in the office. The Registration fee of $475 per student is also now due.  Both are required to hold your child’s spot in a class for the upcoming 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 15, 2019.  Applications and documents must be approved by TADS by April 15, 2019.

SF GIANTS OPENING DAY

This Friday, it’s opening day for our hometown baseball team, the San Francisco Giants!  Students may come to school wearing a Giants t-shirt or sweatshirt, or an orange and black t-shirt or sweatshirt.  However, students must still wear their uniform pants, skirt, or gray sweats.  

BVCC SPRING CAMP

The BVCC Program is hosting a Spring Camp at St. Peter’s School from Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, April 26.  On those days, services will be available from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.  Activities include cooking, sports, and STEM, and lunch and snacks will be provided.  Registration forms are available in the school office and in BVCC.  Please call Rochelle at 415-713-0625 or Sheri at 415-850-4812 if you have any questions.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, students are going to blend words with long a such as cake, made, bake, and rake. Next, students will write an opinion about a book they have read. They will work in pairs to generate sentences with adjectives and edit their writing. In Math, we will sort and count objects. Words to go over in Math are: heavier, lighter, taller, shorter, and longer. Parents, please help your child learn their sight words! Thank you! 

1A - This week, we are reading, writing, and learning about inventions. In religion, we are continuing to work on kindness. In math, we are beginning to work on telling time. In science, we are continuing our study of wind. In social studies, we are starting our work on mapping skills.

2A – We are reading “My Light” (an expository text) about solar power.  We are continuing with fractions (halves, thirds, fourths) of circles and rectangles.  We will observe what happened to our seeds in the garden and make tea in science. We will pray for loved ones during Lent and prepare for Easter. We are working on being more kind and loving to others.

3A – Welcome to April!  This week, we will move back into our reader after completing several chapter books.  We have successfully learned how to summarize chapter by chapter.  We have also been successful at ACCOMPLISHing our comprehension and vocabulary quizzes. For Math class, our percentage has GROWn with our tablet work in STMath as well as moving forward with our multiplication and division basic facts memorization.  A large part of this process is teaching about fact families and arrays. In Religion, we will again plan a visit to church and walk the Stations of the Cross.  I hope to soon do a meditation with 3A as part of our Lenten offering. 

4A - Happy April! This week in Religion, we will be focusing on the parables that Jesus taught us. We will also begin working on the Stations of the Cross. In Reading, we will finish our story “Me and Uncle Romie,” and begin focusing on our next story “The Screech Owl Who Liked Television.” We will focus on the strategies of Fact/Opinion as well as making inferences. In Math, we will continue to focus on fractions and common factors. In Social Studies, we will focus on our Missions Project and St. Junipero Serra. In Science, we will learn more about the sun, moon, and planets. We will have our progress monitoring in STAR Reading and STAR Math this week. Our Missions Project research is due on Wednesday, April 10th. Thank you for all your help!

5A - This week, 5th graders will use Harry Potter to practice sequencing plot events. We will continue investigating the concentration of solutions in science and map out Paul Revere’s ride in social studies. In religion, 5th graders will learn about the five main categories of prayers. In math, we’ll work on adding fractions with unlike denominators and begin a special pizza fraction project!

6A  Religion – Students will use their Bibles to compare different Lenten stories in the four Gospels.  Language Arts – 6A ended our poetry unit by writing beautiful and powerful lyric poems. We are now moving on to our next novel unit, Tuck Everlasting, a richly written work of fantasy. We'll continue to analyze the text for figurative language, carrying over many of the concepts we learned about in poetry.   Math – 6A students will begin finding the area of parallelograms.  Social Studies – Students are learning about the beliefs and traditions of Ancient Greece and will be writing their own myth.

7A Language Arts - Students are finishing their final poetry portfolios and sharing their work with their class. They are also continuing their study of nonfiction.  Math – 7A will find the area of a circle.  Social Studies – Students are identifying major scientists from the Scientific Revolution and explaining how their inventions and beliefs were revolutionary.    Science – Students continue putting their STEAM projects together while working on their genetic disorder research projects.

8A/8B   Religion - This week, students will be participating in Lenten Reconciliations and will discuss their role in salvation.   Language Arts - Students are finishing their final poetry portfolios and sharing their work with their class. They are also starting to read Romeo and Juliet.  Math – Students will examine angle relationships formed by parallel lines and a transversal.   Social Studies– Students will be reading documents from the removal of Native Americans in the 1830s and deciding if the removal was unjust.  Science - Students continue putting their STEAM projects together while studying the three laws of motion.

REMINDERS

Apr. 3      Free Dress for No Tardies in March

Apr. 4      8:30 AM, 8th grade Lenten Reconciliation

Apr. 8      Student Council Campaigning begins

Apr. 9      8:10 AM, School Mass

Apr. 9      Kinder and 2A Field Trip to Mission Branch Library

Apr. 10    8:30 AM, Student Council candidate speeches in church

Apr. 10    2A Field trip to Cinderella at Mercy High SF

Apr. 11    Student Council Primary Elections

Apr. 12    STEAM Fair

Apr. 14    9:30 AM, Palm Sunday Family Mass and Reception

QUE PASA 3/27/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       We are more than halfway through our Lenten journey.  At school, we guide students to open their hearts and minds; how have you opened your hearts and minds with your families during Lent? Here is a Lenten reflection from the Third Sunday of Lent (adapted from Daily Reflections for Lent 2019, Mary Poust):

Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. (Exod 3:5)

So often, we listen to Scripture stories, and brush them off as an event meant for different people in a different time, but the Word of God is alive and meant for us today, right now. Look around your life. Where is your holy ground? During this Lenten season, can you rekindle a sense of awe for the divine and begin to take note of the ordinary moments that provide extraordinary insights? Where is God in those moments? Or perhaps more accurately, where are you? There is a saying circulating in spiritual columns that seems to fit here: If God feels far away, guess who moved?

Praise to you, God of all creation! May we always be mindful of the holy ground on which we tread, and may we be attentive to your call and open to your invitation.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez  

SCHOOLWIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

As part of our upcoming WCEA (Western Catholic Educational Association) school accreditation process, faculty and staff examined our Schoolwide Learning Expectations, also known as SLEs.  The attached flyer contains our revised SLEs, based on our Core Values to Grow, Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite.

3rd QUARTER REPORT CARDS

Today, report cards are being sent home with each student.  Report cards should be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to your child’s teacher by this Friday.  If you have any questions regarding your child’s report card, please send the teacher a message (email or Class Dojo) or leave a message in the office, or schedule an appointment with your child’s teacher so that he/she may plan accordingly.

RE-REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020

The completed orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year is now past due.  Extras are available in the office. Please return the re-registration as soon as possible in order to help plan for the new school year.  The $475 registration fee per student is due on Friday, March 29.

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.

BVCC SPRING CAMP

The BVCC Program is hosting a Spring Camp at St. Peter’s School from Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, April 26.  On those days, services will be available from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.  Activities include cooking, sports, and STEM, and lunch and snacks will be provided.  Registration forms are available in the school office and in BVCC.  Please call Rochelle at 415-713-0625 or Sheri at 415-850-4812 if you have any questions.

MARCH 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 - Gabriella Oliva is a very responsible, motivated, and hard-working student. She has the KEYS to accomplish by listening and communicating effectively in social and academic environments. She is a remarkable learner and challenges herself to be at her very best. For all these reasons and more, Gabriella is March's student of the month!    

1A – Aaron Mendoza is an excellent example of a student who is living out St. Peter's KEYS. Aaron comes to school everyday ready to learn and make his brain grow. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are contagious and he is a great motivator to those around him. Aaron is extremely kind and is always eager to help a friend in need. For these reasons, I am happy to announce that Aaron is first grade's student of the month.  

2A - Maria Espinoza is 2nd grade's student of the month. Maria has made so much progress this year. She tries her best and is not afraid of a challenge. She works well with others. Maria knows the importance of friendship and supports her friends and classmates in any way she can.   

3A - Angelo Moctezuma Bocanegra has been steadily improving during this third quarter. He works hard on staying focused on his classwork and consistently turning in his homework. He has made great strides at being neater and is aware that our room needs to be orderly and organized. Thank you, Angelo, for showing LOVE for your classmates.  Thank you for UNITING us by giving us reminders to be organized and tidy. 3A is ACCOMPLISHING and GROWING because of your example.

4A - Matthew Chirino-Sandoval is a dedicated and hard-working student. He works diligently through each problem, and applies himself in all areas. He believes in growth mindset and never stops trying! He is kind to all of his classmates, and shows his caring spirit in the way he interacts with others. He is a true bucket filler and an aspiring mathematician. He uses his critical thinking skills to solve our most difficult problems. Congratulations, Matthew!   

5A – Jayden Grajeda has accomplished incredible academic growth this year because he is open to new challenges. He always completes high-quality homework and classwork and is a great leader within his groups. We enjoy the clever jokes and intelligent questions Jayden brings to 5th grade. Keep it up Jayden!

6A - David Rojas has displayed several character strengths this year.  He has shared his artistic and creative talents in art elective, he has set an example of a student who follows technology use expectations, and has been honest with his teachers.  We enjoy his sense of humor and the joy that he brings to our classroom! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, David!

7A - Abigail Becerra has been a shining example of a student who's living out St. Peter's School's KEYS.  She has shown courage in participating and sharing what she knows in class. She is an amazing friend who has shown qualities of kindness and forgiveness to others.  Keep up the good work Abigail!

8A - A responsible and diligent young lady, Nathalee Estrada is consistent both in her schoolwork and her dependability as a member of the class and school community. She is a team player who doesn't always seek attention, but works hard and is a positive influence on those around her.

8B - With optimism and an open heart and open mind, Odalis Alvarez continues to set goals for herself and face new challenges, like playing on the basketball team for the first time. She demonstrates an appreciation for others around her and continually serves the school, our classroom, and her community. She continues to grow into a faith-filled person who brings light and positivity to others.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we are learning about objects we can see in the sky during the day or at night. We will read about what a little mole sees in the sky. Students will make predictions to guess what will happen next in the story and confirm or revise their predictions. In Math, we will sort, count, and compare measurements of objects.

1A - This week, we are reading, writing, and learning about what you can see in the sky. In religion, we are talking about the importance of kindness. In math, we are learning the values of different coins and practicing counting up different amounts. In science, we are using wind vanes to determine the direction the wind is blowing. In social studies, we continue to compare and contrast things from long ago and today. 

2A – We are reading “The Golden Flower,” a Taino Myth from Peru. We are eating fractions this week, and we will be observing what happened to our seeds in the garden. We will pray for loved ones during Lent, and talk about how we can be more kind and loving as well as donate to others.

3A – This week 3A will focus on The Annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel and The Stations of the Cross.  We will visit our church to walk the Stations and pray The Passion of our Lord. In Language, we will complete our review of compound words and take a 12 sentence dictation test which will assess short and long vowels as well as compound words and high frequency words for the third grade.  BIG testing week for the class.  Parents, please spend time practicing these very important language areas with your child.  We can only GROW and ACCOMPLISH with study and parent help.  Thank you, I know that they will do well because we're working together!

4A - Welcome to the 4th Quarter! We are now 5th Graders in Training. In Religion this week, we will focus on the parables. Parables are stories that Jesus taught us to help us learn a lesson about our faith and the way we treat others. In Math, we will transition to studying different types of graphs and fractions. We will continue to use our critical thinking skills through word problems! In Reading, we will begin our story of Me and Uncle Romie. During our station work, we will complete our book report on Wonder. In Social Studies, we will continue to learn about the Missions in California. We will be researching our Mission in class. In Science, we will focus on the planets, sun, and moon. We will begin to use our Reading logs again this week.

5A - Last week, 5th graders used pizza to start practicing the addition of fractions. This week, we'll build on that by learning how to add fractions with different denominators. In Language Arts, we'll be using the next stage of our Harry Potter novel study to discuss setting and how it affects stories. In social studies, our class is comparing and contrasting the life of regular people in the U.S. Colonies and England during the Revolutionary War. Make sure you're checking Class Dojo for photos and more updates from our classroom!

6A  Religion & Social Studies – 6th Grade will be starting off the 4th Quarter by setting personal and academic goals that will lead to a successful ending of the school year.    Language Arts – 6A is wrapping up our Poetry Unit this week, as we continue to analyze poems by great authors like Langston Hughes and Emily Dickinson. We will continue to review by playing poetry bingo, Kahoot, and Jeopardy in preparation for our final exam.   Math - For the start of the 4th Quarter, 6A will continue to express positive and negative fractions as decimals.  Science – Students will describe what determines the climate of an area.

7A   Religion -  Students will explore the Beatitudes as a guide to the values of the Kingdom of God.  Language Arts - Students are compiling all of their original poems they have composed over the past few weeks to create their final portfolio.  Math - 7A will continue to subtract linear equations.   Social Studies – Students are continuing to learn about the Renaissance, this week they will focus on the Protestant Reformation.  Science – Students continue to work through their genetics research projects and models!

8A/8B   Religion - This week, students will be analyzing about the "Trolley Car Dilemma" as part of their morality lesson.   Language Arts - Students are creating their final poem for their Poetry Portfolio, an unstructured poem.   Math - 8A and 8B will continue to solve system of equations algebraically.  Social Studies – Students will set 4th quarter goals and begin 4th quarter with a History Passion Project.   Science - Students are done with their egg drop projects and were VERY successful! Now it's time to start on the evaluation phase of our project!

REMINDERS

Mar. 27    Report Cards sent home

Mar. 28    8:30 AM, Lenten Reconciliation for 7th grade

Apr. 2      8:10 AM School Mass 

Apr. 3      Free Dress for No Tardies in March

Apr. 4      8:30 AM, Lenten Reconciliation for 8th grade

QUE PASA 3/20/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

       With all the different responsibilities we have as parents, it is very easy for us to feel overwhelmed and tired. Yet let’s not forget how Jesus can be a source of strength and a loving comfort to us, and how we can follow his example to spread that love and be a positive example for our children. 

How true are Jesus’ words, which invite those who are tired and weary to come to Him to find rest! His arms outstretched on the cross show that no one is excluded from his love and his mercy, not even the greatest sinner: no one!

-Pope Francis, 11/12/16

Heavenly Father, your son’s death on the cross stands as a testament to your endless love and care for all of us. No one who seeks you out is excluded from your love, no matter what we have done. No one is cut off from your mercy, no matter how great our suffering. Give me the courage, Lord, to always look to Christ crucified as the promise of mercy for me. In this Lenten season, give me the confidence to trust that your love for me will never die. AMEN.

(from “The Joy of Lent: Encouragement and Daily Prayers”)

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez  

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

As part of our upcoming WCEA (Western Catholic Educational Association) school accreditation process, faculty and staff examined our school mission statement and philosophy.  The attached flyer contains our revised mission statement and philosophy, based on our Core Values to Grow, Accomplish, Love, Serve, and Unite.

RE-REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020

The completed orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year is now past due.  Extras are available in the office. Please return the re-registration as soon as possible 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

Renewal families will be filling out their BASIC Fund Renewal Application at school on the following days:

·       Monday, March 25 from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM

·       Tuesday, March 26 from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM

·       Tuesday, March 26 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

·       Wednesday, March 27 from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM

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!

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will learn about the symbols and places that represent the United States. We will sing the song, "You're a Grand Old Flag" and go over the colors in the U.S. flag. Then, we will read about a girl named Ana who travels to Washington, D.C. and discuss how symbols and special places represent our country. In Math, we will continue to count by ones and by tens to 100. After, students will learn to describe measurements of objects.

1A - This week we are reading, writing, and learning about how we classify and categorize things. In religion, we are continuing to celebrate the Lenten season. In math, we are completing our geometry unit and beginning our unit on money. In science, we are constructing kites and using what we've learned about weather to fly them. In social studies, we are comparing and contrasting how things are today and long ago. 

2A – We are reading “Setting the Rules.” We are measuring in inches and centimeters, and finding the difference between objects.  We will be observing what happened to our seeds in the garden. We will pray for loved ones during Lent and think about how we can be kinder.

3A – This week, we will mail our Animal Bio Book to the publisher. We are excited to see our work published. We should receive our completed book by the middle of April. It will be available for purchase by teachers, parents, and students for the low price of $20.00. In math, we will be taking our multiplication assessment and then moving on to division. In Religion, we will continue to learn about the Lenten season and Lenten practices. This means we'll pray more frequently, learn about and do more almsgiving and continue to try our hardest to keep our Lenten promises. Those may be performing random acts of kindness or making a sacrifice of some kind during this holy period. 

4A - I hope you had a nice long weekend! In Religion this week, we will continue to focus on the season of Lent and working to prepare our hearts for Jesus. We will be tested on our Lenten knowledge this week. In Reading, we will finish our novel Wonder. It has been a great unit for us, and we look forward to reading more novels together. We will complete an in-class book report on Wonder. In Math, we will be learning about the metric unit of length and working with meters, centimeters, and millimeters. In Social Studies, we will talk about the founding of the Missions. In Science, we will conclude our unit on Glaciers. Please continue to read each night for 20 minutes! 

5A - In science this week, 5th graders are investigating how different solutions reach their saturation point. In social studies, students will be mapping out the path of Paul Revere's famous ride. We'll also be adding and subtracting fractions in math and learning about relative pronouns in grammar. 

6A  Religion – Students will be preparing for Thursday's Lenten Reconciliation by reviewing the Act of Contrition.  Language Arts –6A is continuing the poetry unit and will be focusing on annotating poetry in order to identify poetic devices and themes. We will read poems by a diverse group of authors, such as Maya Angelou, Gary Soto, and Shel Silverstein. Students will also familiarize themselves with different poetic forms by writing haikus and odes.   Math – Students will express positive and negative fractions as decimals.  Social Studies – Students are finalizing their compare-and-contrast activity for Christianity and Judaism as part of the Ancient Hebrews Unit.   Science – Students will describe what determines the climate of an area. 

7A   Religion -  Students will pray for the grace to love others, using a meditation on a parable about the Kingdom of God.  Language Arts - Students are continuing to explore and develop their creativity in their Poetry Unit. They are finishing ballad poems, and will move on to the last style of poetry for the unit, limerick poems.  Math – Students will subtract linear expressions.  Social Studies – Students will end 3rd quarter by presenting their Renaissance research videos.   Science – Students are researching for their genetics research project and will begin building their Slides presentation and model.  

8A/8B   Religion - This week are learning about the Stations of the Cross and listening to some words spoken by Pope Francis on salvation!  Language Arts - Students are continuing to explore and exercise their creativity in their Poetry Unit. They have finished elegy poems and are moving on to romanticism poems.   Math – Students will solve systems of equations algebraically.   Social Studies – Students are ending 3rd quarter with a discussion and essay about different documents from George Washington's presidency.   Science - Students are completing prototypes of their egg drop protection devices, refining designs based on initial tests, and completing a final build for Friday's 30-foot egg drop!

REMINDERS

Mar. 21     8:30 AM, Lenten Reconciliation for 5th and 6th grades

Mar. 21    4A Field trip to Garden for the Environment

Mar. 22    END OF 3rd QUARTER

Mar. 24    9:30 AM, Sunday Family Mass

Mar. 25    12:30 Dismissal

Mar. 26    8:10 AM, School Mass

Mar. 27    Report Cards sent home

Mar. 28    8:30 AM, Lenten Reconciliation for 7th grade

QUE PASA 3/13/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

        As parents, we strive to be role models of open hearts and open minds for our children.  Here at school, we encourage each other to develop a growth mindset and live our St. Peter’s School KEYS so that we can open our hearts and minds.  Lent pushes us to dig out of our souls all the things that have clogged our hearts, the little sins that we clench in our fists, keeping us from opening our hands, hearts, and minds freely. God is offering to not only lift the burden from our shoulders, but also to help in rebalancing our load in the future. Tossing those small bad habits, pushing aside bitterness and resentment so that we might love God with our whole heart, and with all our strength.

What is weighing you down? How might you prayerfully sort through what takes up room in your heart and mind? What habits and grudges can be cleared out, left behind?

God, take away what clutters our hearts, feed us with your Word, so that we might have the strength and freedom to love you with all our hearts, all our souls, all our being.

(Adapted from Daily Reflections for Lent: Not By Bread Alone)

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

AZTEC TREK

We appreciate all families who turned in all their AZTEC TREK fundraising money on time! Our Aztec Trek walk-a-thon and Game Day last Friday was a fun day filled with school spirit and the spirit to GROW, ACCOMPLISH, LOVE, SERVE, and UNITE! 

Congratulations to our individual fundraising winners!

1st place – Rio Rangel in 1A

2nd place – Wyatt Baldago in 5A

3rd place – Dominic Leonor in 1A and Isaac Leonor in 4A

Congratulations to our AZTEC TREK Class winners!

1st place – 4A

2nd place – 1A

3rd place – 3A and 7A

Raffle winners:

Movie tickets – Aurora Ramirez in 6A

$25 McDonald’s gift card – Isaac Leonor in 4A

Golden State Warriors gift pack – Mariah Ibarra-Febo in 3A

SF 49ers gift pack – Mariah Ibarra-Febo in 3A

Retro board games – Jaykob Offril in 4A

Sports board games – Jesus Lopez in 8A

Free Dress Passes – Amariz Araujo Ortega in KA and Wyatt Baldago in 5A

**If you have not yet turned in your mandatory minimum AZTEC TREK collection of $100, please do so immediately. Thank you for your cooperation! 

NO SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY

Since all teachers will be attending an In-Service this Friday, March 15, there is NO SCHOOL for this Friday.  

RE-REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020

The orange re-registration form for the upcoming school year, along with the new tuition rates for 2019-2020, was sent home with Que Pasa.  Extras are available in the office. Please return the re-registration as soon as possible 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 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.

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will read about a boy whose daddy drives a big truck. We will make predictions to guess what will happen in the story. Then, as we read, we will stop to confirm our predictions and see if we were right or wrong. We will also learn about transportation and the vehicles people use to get from one place to another. In Math, we will focus on counting up to 100. Students will use their 100 chart for support during partner work.

1A - This week we are reading, writing, and learning about how people work with animals. In religion, we are continuing to learn about the significance of Lent. In math, we are sorting different solid objects by their attributes. In science, we are constructing pinwheels to measure the speed of the wind. In social studies, we are continuing our study of the US government. 

2A – We are reading “The Woodcutter's Gift” and measuring in inches, centimeters, and sometimes using yardsticks.  We will be observing what happened to our liquids in science. Students are so excited to go to mass and receive the Eucharist!

3A – In Math, 3A continues to practice multiplication and division facts for mastery.  We are also learning about fractional parts and symmetry.  In Language Arts, we will complete our books about our favorite animals and will send the finished product to the publisher at the end of this week. The students are really proud of their writing efforts.  In Religion, we are reviewing the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for our Lenten Reconciliation this Thursday. 

4A - As we continue our Lenten journey with Jesus, we will be focusing on the different symbols of our Lenten season. We will also start to brainstorm an in-class service project. In Reading, we will finish our novel Wonder. The students have done a great job using comprehension skills and strategies for answering comprehension questions, comparing characters, and making connections to other texts, the world, and ourselves. In Math, we will continue to work on our Measurement Unit by learning about capacity and the metric system. In Social Studies, we will finish our mini-unit on the explorers: Francis Drake, Juan Cabrillo, and Sebastian Vincainzo. In Science, we will complete our study of glaciers and earthquakes. We look forward to our next unit of the Sun, Moon, and Planets.  

5A - This week, 5th graders will be examining compound predicates found within Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Students will also challenge themselves to improve their writing by adding more "vivid verbs" and strong concluding sentences. We will learn about mixed numbers and begin adding fractions in math.

6A  Religion – Students are keeping track of Lenten promises and will begin preparing for next week's sacrament of Confession.   Language Arts – 6A has confronted their fears of public speaking, and students have been doing a great job on their presentations. We will finish the rest of our presentations on 20th century figures this week. We're continuing our introduction to poetry and will focus on identifying sound devices in both classic and modern forms of poetry.   Math - 6A will begin expressing positive and negative fractions as decimals.   Social Studies – Students are learning about Judaism as the religion of the Ancient Hebrews and will compare the traditions of Judaism to those of Christianity.  Science – Students will describe what determines the climate of an area.  

7A   Religion -  This week, students will take a Chapter Test in Religion.   Language Arts - The students are continuing to analyze and create their own poetry in their Poetry Unit. This week they've finished metaphorical poems and will move along with ballad poems.   Math - 7A will subtract linear expressions.   Social Studies – Students are finalizing their Renaissance research and group video project to present to the class.   Science – Now that they have tested their knowledge of genetics, students will now begin work on their genetics research project!

8A/8B   Religion - Students will be learning about forgiveness and how the Church responds to conflict.  Language Arts - The students are continuing to exercise their creativity as they progress in their Poetry Unit. This week they've finished ode poems and will move along with elegy poems.   Math - 8A and 8B will solve systems of equations algebraically and by graphing.   Social Studies – Students are teaching the class about the social, political, intellectual, cultural, and economic contexts of their assigned time period after the Constitution was written.  Science - Students will be hard at work learning about the laws of motion while working on their egg drop project!

REMINDERS

Mar. 14     8:30 AM, Lenten Reconciliation for 3rd and 4th grades 

Mar. 15     No School, Teacher In-Service

Mar. 19     8:10 AM, School Mass

Mar. 21     8:30 AM, Lenten Reconciliation for 5th and 6th grades

Mar. 21    4A Field trip to Garden for the Environment

Mar. 22    END OF 3rd QUARTER

QUE PASA 3/6/2019 (English)

Dear Parents,

        Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning Lent. This is a special liturgical season when we take time to pray, reflect, repent, and renew so that we can grow closer to God as we prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Here is a reflection (from Daily Reflections for Lent: Not By Bread Alone 2019) to help us begin our journey through Lent with each other and with our children.  

Ash Wednesday is marked with a somber sign of our faith.  The cross on our forehead is meant to leave a lasting imprint deep within, like a spiritual tattoo that will linger long after we complete the 40-day course.  The sacrifices and prayers of the season help us clear a path, but we can’t stop there, not if we want to experience real transformation. God wants nothing less than our hearts broken open so that he might find a resting place within and make us whole. Yes, the exterior practices are important, but what matters most is what happens unseen within our hearts and souls. 

Heavenly Father, guide us in the right ways as we begin our Lenten journey. Give us the courage to allow ourselves to be transformed by your love. Help us to use our Lenten sacrifices to dig deeper into our spiritual center and carve out a space for you alone.  AMEN.

--Mrs. Sandra Jimenez

CONGRATULATIONS!

22 students on our St. Peter’s School family received the sacrament of First Holy Communion this past Saturday! We welcome them to God’s table as we begin our Lenten journey together.  Special thanks to Mrs. Schusteritsch, Sr. Lucy, Mrs. Toni Ortenzo, and Sr. Marian Rose as they prepared our First Communicants!

WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL FAMILY

Mrs. Fuaau, our 8A homeroom and 7/8 Language Arts teacher, gave birth to a baby boy—Gael Martinez Fuaau—on Monday, March 4!  Mrs. Fuaau and baby Gael are both doing well!

We warmly welcome Mr. Jack Casey to our school faculty.  Mr. Casey comes to St. Peter’s with a variety of teaching experiences, and he will be taking over Mrs. Fuaau’s teaching duties while she is on maternity leave for the remainder of this school year.  Thank you, Mr. Casey!

AZTEC TREK

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 immediately.

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! 

FREE DRESS FOR NO TARDIES

Tomorrow, March 7, is the Free Dress prize for students who had no tardies in the month of February. Your child’s teacher has notified students who have qualified for this prize.

RE-REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020

The re-registration form for the upcoming school year, along with the new tuition rates for 2019-2020, were sent home with Que Pasa in February.  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!

IN THE CLASSROOM

KINDER - This week, we will find out about more places where animals live. We will read "Bear Snores" and find out one kind of animal habitat. Then we will learn how to write questions and answers about where animals live. In Math, we will review subtraction and write numbers 19 and 20.

1A - This week we are reading, writing, and learning about insects. In religion, we are continuing to prepare for the Lenten season. In math we are beginning our unit on shapes. In science, we are continuing our study of air. In social studies, we are continuing our study on the branches of government. 

2A – We are reading “Brave Bessie,” and in math we are measuring in inches and centimeters. We will be checking out all kinds of rocks in science. Students will be going to mass and receiving the Eucharist as well as ashes on their foreheads on Wednesday as we begin the Lenten season. 

3A – In Language class, we are in the final stages of  our book project which will be published for purchase before the end of the school year. In Math, we are continuing to practice our multiplication facts through the use of flashcard study, STMath tablet work, homework study sheets, and classroom instruction. In Science, we are learning about women who have made contributions in education, medicine, art, and science. In Social Studies, we are learning about "The Father of Our Country," George Washington, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. 

4A - Happy March! In Religion, we will continue to focus on the Beatitudes. We will work on ways to act out the Beatitudes in our daily lives. In Reading, we will continue to focus on our novel Wonder. We are over halfway through our novel study, and have been working on comprehension strategies as well as developing our vocabulary. In Math, we are beginning our next unit of Measurement. We will continue to focus on our multiplication and division facts each day to make sure we retain the information. In Science, we will focus on earth's changing surface by studying glaciers and earthquakes. In Social Studies, we will continue learning about St. Junipero Serra and the founding of the Missions in California. Please encourage your child to read every night and to use STMath as a way to improve and challenge our Math skills. 

5A - This week, 5th graders have officially been accepted to Hogwarts! We're continuing our Harry Potter novel study by reading chapter 6 together and completing a special math activity. 5th graders will learn the conversion rate for Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts, and go school supply shopping! We're also going to use our knowledge of character traits to describe the book's 3 main characters. In math, we're learning about Least Common Multiples (LCMs) and Least Common Denominators (LCDs).  

6A  Religion – Students will be preparing for Lent by learning about the different types of Lenten promises and setting a personal Lenten promise.  Language Arts – We will be diving into the rich and beautiful world of poetry this week. Students will begin by analyzing the difference between literal and figurative meanings in language and an overview of poetic terms. Students will also try out their public speaking skills by presenting on their historical figures. We're excited to see all of the hard work students have put into researching and creating their Google Slides.   Math - This week 6A will begin comparing and ordering integers.  Social Studies – Students will be beginning their Ancient Hebrews Unit.   

7A   Language Arts - Students are continuing with their poetry unit. They had fun writing about themselves and a struggle they have faced in their "Selfie" poems. Now they are writing metaphorical poems as they also construct a poetry portfolio.  Math - 7A will add linear expressions.  Social Studies – Students are starting a Late Middle Ages stop motion video project about different events during the Late Middle Ages in Europe.  Science – Students are getting ready to test on genetics and heredity as they prepare to begin their research on genetic disorders.  

8A/8B   Religion - Students will brainstorm possible things they can do for this Lenten season and will learn about the history of the sacrament of penance.   Language Arts - Students are progressing with their poetry unit. They enjoyed writing and sharing about themselves and their heritage in their "Where I'm From" poems. Now they are writing ode and elegy poems as they continue to create their poetry portfolio.   Math - 8A and 8B will solve systems of equations by graphing.   Social Studies – Students are starting a SPICE (social, political, intellectual, cultural, and economic) context project about the first 5 presidents of the United States.  Science- Students will be introduced to the egg drop project...a project that introduces them to our physics semester.

REMINDERS

Mar. 7      Free Dress for No Tardies in February

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

Mar. 12    8:10 AM School Mass

Mar. 14    8:30 AM, Lenten Reconciliation for 3rd and 4th  grades 

Mar. 15    No School, Teacher In-Service

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