Dear Parents,
     Happy Thursday!!!  Well, Winter is definitely here!  Would you like some snow?  Hope so cause we have some and looks like we will be getting some more.  The kids were sure hoping for an early out yesterday.  I told them my prediction was, no we would not be getting out early.  They quickly forget we have to make those hours up.  I will be at school until 11 today due to taking Molly to Des Moines for a wisdom teeth consult.  I will see what I think about weather and I may have to cancel.  Molly may not like it because her mouth hurts but safety first.  Mrs. Bearden will be in the room from 11 on.  

Language Arts -  Well this week and next will be very crazy when it comes to language arts.  We finished last week's story on Tuesday of this week.  On Wednesday we took our "areading" portion of the FAST testing.  Today we are starting a new story, so it is like a Monday but on Thursday.  We will have a spelling pretest today and I will introduce the next story.  Since our stories are based on 5 days we will have the posttest and end of week test the following Friday a week later.  Since next week is Catholic Schools week we will have language arts on on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  So its a bit crazy.   Our language arts week will be Thursday, Friday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  It will be very spread out.

Math - We have completed the first half of chapter 3.  The kids worked on their Mid Chapter Check Point.  We will get that checked and then begin learning the standard algorithm of double-digit multiplication.  That is the strategy that we all learned when we were young.  They will struggle with this in the beginning but it will grow on them.  We will end up spending 3-4 days on this strategy. I try very hard to make sure all students have mastered this lesson before I move on.  I apologize for all the struggles you will have at home.  Remember they can always come in before school for extra help.  I am in my room by 7:50 ready to help.  

Social Studies- We are finishing a chapter and the Northeast today.  We will begin the Southeast next week.  We will move a little faster through these chapters.  Your student may want to start studying their southeast map.  I will get them a practice map in the next couple of weeks.  Some of the students learned a valuable lesson of studying when it comes to these maps.  They learned that when you study you really can do well.  We will also begin putting the Southeast states into the interactive notebooks.  That will start tomorrow!  In this unit we are also going to do Vocabulary words differently.  I will have them make Flash cards.  They will put the word on one side and definition on the other side of a notecard that I will provide. We will keep this in their expanded File.  I will provide paper clips or rubber bands for them to keep them together.  This chapter will be a fun one to go through.  So much history in our south.  We will only skim the surface of many topics.

Spirit Day - Since we missed our Spirit Day last Friday we get a redo and get to do it this Friday.  Bring your dollars and wear those sweats.

Here is all the Catholic Schools Week Events:

Sunday January 26th Opening of Catholic Schools Week

Eucharistic Celebration 9am at Holy Spirit Church

Breakfast in Parish Hall following Mass provided by our PTO

Monday January 27th Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day
11:30-1pm Lunch for faculty and staff provided by PTO
Parent Volunteers please arrive by 11:15
SACK LUNCH (milk is provided) and eat with Angel
Spirit Week Dress: St. Malachy Spirit Day

Tuesday January 28th Student Appreciation Day  - Talent Show

10am show & 1pm show - we will post a schedule of performances Spirit Week Dress: PJ Day

Wednesday January 29th Community Appreciation Day  

Chamber of Commerce Coffee 9am in gym 

1st Grade Presentations 

8th Grade Presentations  

Angels -Make Valentine cards for Servicemen and women 

Spirit Week Dress: Era Day - dress from any time period

Thursday January 30th School Appreciation Day  - YMCA Day - detailed schedule to come

Students will need swim suits 

LUNCH - SACK LUNCH milk not provided

Spirit Week Dress:  Workout Day (sweats)

Friday January 31st Grandparents/Special Guest Day 

Mass begins at 1:30 pm at Holy Spirit Parish 

Cookie and Punch Reception following Mass 

Students will dismiss from Holy Spirit

Spirit Day Dress: Dress Up Day

I am looking forward to next week. It is my favorite time of year. We have a lot of fun things planned for the kids to celebrate being in a Catholic School. We begin the week at Mass on Sunday and end the week with Grandparents/Special Guest Mass on Friday in the church. If any questions about any of the dress up days please email me, call or text. I will be happy to help. I love to see everyone participate on those days.

I hope that all of you enjoy your weekend!! We are prom dress shopping on Saturday. My last kid's first prom. To her older sisters this is a big deal! I am just going to sit back and relax and enjoy the show and watch my three girls do their thing. i hope we come find one she wants.

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels