Newsletter - December 13, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

Please join us at Double Dave's tonight (please see flyer below)!  The restaurant is giving us 15% of all purchases (dine in, carry out, or delivery within their range).  Proceeds with benefit our Concordia Field Day trip in April and the youth of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Dress rehearsal for the Christmas program is Tuesday at 8:30 A.M.  Please wear the clothing that Mrs. Drefs has asked you to wear.  This is an important rehearsal and provides an excellent opportunity for pictures.

Please join us on Wednesday at 9:00 A.M. for the final chapel of the year.  Eighth grade students have done a wonderful job serving their chapel buddies.  Students have also been great readers, helped with sound, and PowerPoint.  We will continue this when we return in January!

We are doing a gift exchange on Thursday, December 16 as most students will be in attendance that day.  Boys should bring a boy gift and girls should bring a girl gift.  Please sign your name in the "from" label; indicate "boy" or "girl" in the "to" label.  The gift should be valued between $5 and $10.

Our Christmas Program is Thursday at 7:00 P.M.  The children have been working hard and it is showing during the rehearsals.  We look forward to seeing you at the program!

We are having a classroom Christmas party on December 17.  We will early dismissal that day at 11:00 A.M.  Students need to bring $1.30 for their breakfast kolache.  Mrs. Rosalez has graciously offered to pick up breakfast that morning.  Thank you to everyone that is bringing complimentary items such as juice, cookies, candy, music, movies, etc.  If you are interested in assisting (i.e. serving, facilitating, attending) with this event, please let me know.

Winterfest is scheduled for Saturday, February 19, 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Our class is being asked to help in three ways:  provide a game for the event, construct a theme basket, and to create a craft.  Please contact me with your ideas so that we can get our choices.  Thank you for your assistance with these projects.

Please support our chapel project for the final time this month through raising funds for Casita Benjamin.  Children in Guatemala are being provided with food thanks to our generous efforts.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Upcoming Events
Double Dave's - Mon., 12/13, 5:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M.
Christmas Pageant - Thurs., 12/16, 7:00 P.M.
Early Dismissal - Fri., 12/17, 11:00 A.M.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Double Dave's



Please support us as we raise money for the Concordia Field Trip and the youth of St. Paul.



Newsletter - December 6, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

The Bingo Social at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School on Sunday was fun!  There were opportunities for great fellowship, wonderful food tasting, and excellent prizes.  Thank you to everyone that helped with the event.

Please join us on Wednesday for the Christmas Feast.  This is a great opportunity to have lunch with your child and enjoy a scrumptious meal.  We plan to have our eighth grade assist in serving, so your child may join you afterwards for the meal.  We hope to see you there!

We would like to have a classroom Christmas party on December 17.  We will have chapel and early dismissal that day.  If you are interested in assisting with this event, please let me know.  We are planning to do a gift exchange on Thursday, December 16 as most students will be in attendance that day.  Boys should bring a boy gift and girls should bring a girl gift.  Please sign your name in the "from" label; indicate "boy" or "girl" in the "to" label.  The gift should be valued between $5 and $10.

A Bible Study exam is scheduled for Friday, December 10.  There will be more details from Pastor Otten and Vicar Burke soon.  Please prepare accordingly.

Please support our chapel project for the month of November through raising funds for Casita Benjamin.  Children in Guatemala are being provided with food thanks to our generous efforts.

Please join us for chapel Advent service this Wednesday at 9:00 A.M.

Upcoming Events
Washington D.C. Trip Meeting - Mon., 12/6, 3:40 P.M., 8th grade classroom
Winterfest Meeting - Wed., 12/8, 2 P.M.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Newsletter - November 29, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with their family and friends.  There are three weeks left until the end of the quarter, so students should stay focused on their academics.  Many events are also taking place during this time such as the Candlelight Posada (see previous newsletter) and Christmas Pageant. 

The theme for the month of December is FREE TO GIVE!  The theme is derived from John 3:16; "For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only-begotten Son, that whoever believed on Him will have everlasting life!"  Please join us for chapel Advent service beginning this Wednesday at 9:00 A.M

Please attend the Bingo Social at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School (Fellowship Hall) on Sunday, December 5 at 12:30 P.M.  There will be fabulous prizes, homemade foods, beverages, and treats available.  Seating is limited; for reservations and tickets call 683-9676.  There is a $10 donation to benefit staff and students for Concordia Field Day.

We would like to have a classroom Christmas party on December 17.  We will have chapel and early dismissal that day.  If you are interested in assisting with this event, please let me know.

Upcoming Events
Basketball Home Games - Tues., 11/30
Winterfest Meeting - Wed., 12/1, 2:00 P.M.
Candlelight Posada - Fri. & Sat., 12/3 & 12/4, 5-10 P.M., Archer Park in Downtown McAllen
Bingo Social - Sun., 12/5, 12:30 P.M., St. Paul Lutheran Church & School (Fellowship Hall)
Washington D.C. Trip Meeting - Mon., 12/6, 4:00 P.M., 8th grade classroom

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Manhattan Piano Trio with Eighth Graders

Manhattan Piano Trio with Eighth Graders

Newsletter - November 15, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

The Manhattan Piano Trio was excellent!  We are so thankful that we were able to watch these talented musicians perform.  The eighth grade class was privileged to take a picture with the performers.  I hope to post this picture soon for all to enjoy.

Thank you for attending our Thanksgiving Feast.  The eighth graders did a great job serving their fellow students and other visitors.  This class continues to be a collection of wonderful role models for our younger students!

The Mid-Quarter has concluded and Mid-Quarter reports will be distributed on Wednesday, November 17.  Please compare your child's progress to the first quarter, so that timely adjustments can be made.  As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.  I appreciate the great communication with the eighth grade families.

The City of McAllen will be holding its annual Candlelight Posada (a celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ) on Friday and Saturday nights December 3 and 4 in Archer Park, Downtown McAllen.  St. Paul Lutheran School will be sponsoring a booth in the Little Town Child area from 5-10 P.M. each night.  We are in need of volunteers to assist children in craft projects for 1 1/2 hour shifts each night.  Children will be making simple projects, with materials provided by the school and volunteers are able work with school staff members attending to share school promotional items with the parents and children.  A sign-up for this will come home with the next Eagle Express on November 29.  We are also in need of yarn and beads (any spare yarns of any lengths and colors) for the children’s projects.  Yarn may be dropped off in the school office any time.  Thank you for your continued support.

Please support our chapel project for the month of November through raising funds for Casita Benjamin.  Children in Guatemala are being provided with food thanks to our generous efforts.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Upcoming Events
Basketball Home Games - Tues., 11/16
Flu Shots - Thurs. 11/18
Early Dismissal - Fri., 11/19, 11:00 A.M.
Spirit Day/Activity Shirt & Jeans - Fri., 11/19
Thanksgiving Break (No Classes) - 11/22 - 11/26
Washington D.C. Trip Meeting - Mon., 12/6, 4:00 P.M., 8th grade classroom

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Newsletter - November 8, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

The Manhattan Piano Trio will visit our school on Tuesday, November 9.  They will be playing for us at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel.  This is an excellent opportunity for the students to listen to some talented musicians.  For more information please visit:  http://www.manhattanpianotrio.com/

Our annual Thanksgiving Feast is Wednesday, November 10.  Please join us as we enjoy a wonderful lunch prepared for us by our cafeteria personnel.  Our lunch is scheduled for 11:30 A.M., but you may want to arrive a little early as we generally have many parents attending.

We are approaching the end of the Mid-Quarter.  Students should continue to strive for the best grades possible in all subjects.  Mid-Quarter reports will be distributed on Wednesday, November 17.

Please support our chapel project for the month of November through raising funds for Casita Benjamin.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Newsletter - November 1, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

Parent-Teacher Conferences were great!  Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss the progress of your child.  Please contact me at any time to ensure that your eighth grader is meeting his academic potential.

Fall Festival was a blast!  Your continued support through volunteering and baked goods helped make this event a success.  As soon as everything is accounted for, credit value will be determined for the Concordia Field Trip.

We are looking for room representatives for the Spring Event (auction). If you are interested, you would need to meet with the planning committee on Wednesday, November 3 at 2:00 P.M. in the cafeteria. You would be in charge of helping our class prepare projects for the event.

Please join us for an Awards Assembly today at 2:30 P.M.  We will be recognizing students for various achievements such as Honor/Merit Roll, School Attendance, and Church Attendance.  The students have worked hard and they deserve to be honored.

Please join us for a Pep Rally on Friday, November 5 at 2:30 P.M.  We are concluding volleyball season and kicking off basketball season.  The teachers/staff will be playing the students in a volleyball game.  I hope the students take it easy on us!

Please support our chapel project for the month of November through raising funds for Casita Benjamin.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Baked Goods

Items for the bake sale/cake walk may be brought to school on Friday (most of the day) and may be placed in Mr. Pool's office.  You may also bring items on Saturday (10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.) to the cafeteria.

Newsletter - October 25, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

Parent-Teacher Conferences continue this week.  The meetings thus far have been a blessing.  I look forward to more meetings this week so that we can plan for continued success for your child throughout the year.

There is no school on Friday as it has been set aside for Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Please remember to bring your baked goods!

Eighth grade still needs volunteers to man the water sale, pizza sale, and karaoke booths for Fall Festival (Sunday, October 31).  This is the schedule so far:

Water Sale
3:30 - 4:30 - Daniel, Blythe, Mrs. Burke
4:30 - 5:30 - Hamilton, Steffy, Mrs. Burke
5:30 - 6:30 - Ricky, Dong, Mrs. Burke
6:30 - 7:30 - Karen, Runa, Mrs. Burke
7:30 - 8:30 - Hamilton, Javier, Mrs. Burke

Pizza Sale
3:30 - 4:30 - Camila, Steffy (1 adult needed)
4:30 - 5:30 - Camila, Daniel (1 adult needed)
5:30 - 6:30 - Catalina, Steffy, Mrs. Carrera
6:30 - 7:30 - Ricky, Abrehe, Mrs. Carrera
7:30 - 8:30 - Daniel, Abrehe, Mrs. Carrera

Karaoke
3:30 - 4:30 - Joseph, Hamilton, Mrs. Romero
4:30 - 5:30 - Avery, Joseph, Mrs. Rosalez
5:30 - 6:30 - Hamilton, Thomas, Vicar Burke (tentative - dunk tank)
6:30 - 7:30 - Thomas, Dong, Vicar Burke (tentative - dunk tank)
7:30 - 8:30 - Steffy, Catalina (1 adult needed)

Credits can be earned for the Concordia Field Trip that will minimize the cost of the trip for students.  Spaces not filled by the end of today will be made available to sixth and seventh grade students.

We are looking for room representatives for the Spring Event (auction).  If you are interested, you would need to meet with the planning committee on Wednesday, November 3 at 2:00 P.M. in the cafeteria.  You would be in charge of helping our class prepare projects for the event.

Please support our troops through raising funds for Bible Sticks.  The goal is to collect $300 to sponsor 12 soldiers.  This is a great opportunity to spread the Word and provide inspiration as the soldiers protect our freedom.  For more information please visit: http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/military/military-outreach

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Spirit Day

Spirit Day is Friday, October 22.  Students may wear jeans and their St. Paul Lutheran School activity shirt.

Basketball

Come sign up for basketball! 
There will be a boys and girls team. 
Coach Romero is excited to get started.

Oct. 25 (Mon.) - parent meeting in gym at 4:15 P.M.
Oct. 26 (Tues.) - first practice

Newsletter - October 18, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

We are looking for room representatives for the Spring Event (auction).  If you are interested, you would need to meet with the planning committee on Wednesday, November 3 at 2:00 P.M. in the cafeteria.  You would be in charge of helping our class prepare projects for the event.

The first quarter has ended and report cards will be issued on October 20.  Teachers will meet this afternoon to schedule parent-teacher conferences.  I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the progress of your child.

Eighth grade is in charge of manning the water sale, pizza sale, and karaoke booths for Fall Festival (Sunday, October 31).  We still have plenty of slots available to work.  The times begin at 3:30 P.M. and end at 8:30 P.M. and each lasts one hour.  Credits can be earned for the Concordia Field Trip that will minimize the cost of the trip for students.  Fall Festival is a great event for our students and children in the community!

Please support our troops through raising funds for Bible Sticks. The goal is to collect $300 to sponsor 12 soldiers. This is a great opportunity to spread the Word and provide inspiration as the soldiers protect our freedom. For more information please visit: http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/military/military-outreach

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Fall Festival - pink sheet

We need your pink Fall Festival sheets returned as soon as possible.  The information obtained from the sheets will allow us to better plan for the event.  We want our children to have a great time at our annual Fall Festival!

Fall Meeting - Concordia Field Day

Quick Overview of Trip
Thursday, April 7 - Leave at 6:00 A.M.  The Witte Museum in San Antonio and IMAX in Austin.
Friday, April 8 - Concordia Field Day at Concordia University in Austin.  Rollerskating in the evening.
Saturday, April 9 - Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.  Return by 10:30 P.M.

Opportunities/Rewards/Benefits
Last year:  47 ribbons and 3 academic scholarship winners!

Fundraisers
We need adults to coordinate the Walk-A-Thon (in February) and Family Night (Chick-Fil-A, Chili's, etc.).  These are excellent opportunities to help reduce the cost of the trip.  If you have any other ideas, please submit them by Friday.

The Snack Committee and T-Shirt Committee need your assistance.  If you are able to help with snacks for the trip or organize the Concordia Field Day t-shirts, please let me know.

We need male and female chaperons for the trip.  Adult volunteers will be paid for as they will be responsible for three students during the entire trip.  Let me know if you are able to assist.

Eighth grade is responsible for 3 booths at Fall Festival on Sunday, October 31.  Shift times start at 3:30 P.M. and occur in1 hour intervals until 8:30 P.M.  We still need adults and students for the water sale, pizza sale, and karaoke room.  Please contact me if you are interested.

Newsletter - October 11, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

The fall Concordia Field Day meeting is today at 6:30 P.M.  Please join us as we discuss the critical elements of the trip that will ensure an enjoyable experience for all.  Afterwards, please stay for a brief presentation regarding a possible eighth grade field trip to Washington, D.C.

The first quarter ends this week and report cards will be issued on October 20.  Students should earn the best grades possible as the week draws to an end.  Please make sure you have returned your parent-teacher conference form, so that I can schedule your conference.  I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the progress of your child.

Two forms (pink and green) went home recently with your child in reference to Fall Festival.  If you are able to volunteer or sponsor in some fashion please let us know.  This is a great event for our students and children in the community!

Please support our troops through raising funds for Bible Sticks.  The goal is to collect $300 to sponsor 12 soldiers.  This is a great opportunity to spread the Word and provide inspiration as the soldiers protect our freedom.  For more information please visit:  http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/military/military-outreach

In His Name,


Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

October Chapel Project

Support the Troops

For the month of October we will be collecting money to support our men and women who serve our country in the military.  We will be purchasing audio bibles (Bible Sticks) for those soldiers and chaplains who request them.  Each Bible Stick is small enough to be carried with them wherever they go.  Each Bible Stick is $25 per soldier.  Our goal for the next four weeks is to collect $300 so we can sponsor 12 soldiers.  God's Word can help soldiers through the tough times.  Please consider giving this project!

Mrs. Leal's first grade class
Ms. Matasovsky's third grade class

Newsletter - October 4, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

Picture orders are due today!  Treasure your child's last year at St. Paul Lutheran School by purchasing this wonderful keepsake.

We have scheduled the fall Concordia Field Day meeting for Monday, October 11 at 6:30 P.M. Please join us as we discuss the critical elements of the trip that will ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

The eighth grade class is still seeking donations for at least two classroom umbrellas. According to weather channel, we are expecting a beautiful week with little chance of precipitation.  Anything we can do to reduce the risk of our children becoming ill is well worth it.

Thank you for supporting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.  The school supplies collected will benefit young children as they learn to their fullest potential in the classroom.  It is a great feeling to know that our monetary donations will provide thousands of nutritional meals to families in our community.  Information about the October chapel project will be made available to you soon!

Upcoming Tests/Quizzes

History
Oct. 6 (Wed.) - Tests and notebooks due

Algebra
Oct. 5 (Tues.) - Quiz 7 (4.1-4.7)
Oct. 8 (Fri.) - Quiz 8 (4.8-4.12)

Science
Oct. 7 (Thurs.) - Quiz 6 (pages 148-159)

In His Name,
Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Sports Update

Volleyball Schedule

Oct. 4 (Mon.) - No volleyball practice.

Oct. 5 (Tues.) - Varsity home game against St. Luke at 4:30 P.M.  No JV game, but JV may stay and cheer on Varsity.

Oct. 6 (Wed.) - Varsity and JV practice until 5:15 P.M.
Oct. 7 (Thurs.) - Last away game for Varsity and JV against St. Paul Harlingen.  Team will leave at 3:15 P.M.  Drivers still needed - please contact Mrs. Romero (361-815-5125).  Bring money for Cici's pizza after game.  Home between 8:00 P.M. and 8:30 P.M.
Oct. 16 (Sat.) - Lasts about half of the day.  Drivers needed for this day.  More details soon!

Cross Country
Join the 5K run with Pastor Otten!  Parents are invited to participate!  Meeting for runners and parents is on Monday, October 4 at 4:15 P.M. in the gym.  Practice times and event information available at this meeting.  The 5K takes place on November 6.  This is a great opportunity to represent St. Paul Lutheran School in the community.

Newsletter - September 27, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

The eighth grade did an amazing job with See You at the Pole!  The support received from parents and church/school staff was outstanding.  It is special to see everyone working in unison to create such wonderful events for our school community.

We have scheduled the fall Concordia Field Day meeting for Monday, October 11 at 6:30 P.M.  Please join us as we discuss the critical elements of the trip that will ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

The mid-quarter has passed and it is important to remind your child that they still have an opportunity to raise their grades for the first report card.  Some eighth graders will be applying to a high school next year and it is imperative that they post their highest possible grades in all subject areas.  Please remember to look at possibilities for high school now and check for application/registration dates.  Teachers will appreciate ample time for letters of recommendation when the time arrives.

The eighth grade class is seeking donations for at least two classroom umbrellas.  According to channel five news we are not anticipating precipitation this week, but it is best to be prepared.  Our students must walk from the portable building to the main school several times during the day and in that short distance one can become soaking wet.  Anything we can do to reduce the risk of our children becoming ill is well worth it.

This week marks our final opportunity to support the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.  They are accepting school supplies, canned food, and monetary donations.  We have raised over $587 so far!  There are numerous school supplies and canned foods in storage on campus.  Let's continue to support this great organization.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Newsletter - September 20, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

The lock-in was a huge success!  Thank you to everyone for assisting with the event.  The middle school students are off to a great start this year.

See You at the Pole is Wednesday, September 22.  Please make sure you bring your items for the breakfast soon.  We are looking forward to this special time of fellowship presented by the eighth graders on Wednesday morning.  Please try to join us for prayer and breakfast at 7 A.M.  Students may wear their See You at the Pole t-shirt (from any year) and jeans.

There will be a meeting for parents regarding the gala on Wednesday, September 22 at 2:00 P.M.  If you are able to lend a helping hand, please attend this meeting. Your continued support is what makes our school successful.

Mid-quarter reports will be issued on Wednesday, September 22.  Please review the report with your child, sign, and return the report by the end of this week.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Spirit Day is Friday, September 24!  Students may wear their St. Paul Lutheran School activity shirt and jeans.

Please continue to support the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. during the month of September.  They are accepting school supplies, canned food, and monetary donations.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Newsletter - September 13, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

The lock-in is Thursday!  We are looking forward to great activities and fellowship among the middle school students, parents, and school/church staff.

It was great seeing everyone at Pastries for Parents on Wednesday.  It is a wonderful feeling when the families visit the campus.  Please join us on Wednesday mornings throughout the year for chapel.

On Friday Mrs. Katie Drefs' great grandmother passed away.  Please pray for her family as they deal with the loss of a loved one.  We also pray for safe travel as Mr. and Mrs. Drefs attend the funeral this week.

There will be a meeting for parents regarding the Fall Festival on Wednesday, September 15 at 2:00 P.M.  If you are able to lend a helping hand, please attend this meeting.  Your continued support is what makes our school successful.

Please continue to support the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. during the month of September.  They are accepting school supplies, canned food, and monetary donations.

We are having our first tests in algebra and science this week.  If you post a comment to this posting on Monday by 11:59 P.M., I will give your child bonus points on each test!

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Parent Meeting for School Volunteers

Thursday, 9/9 at 2:00 P.M. - 3:15 P.M. in the cafeteria.  This meeting is being held to help you understand ways you can help out at school this year, and to determine ways you would like to see parents be involved to help your child's education.  If you attended Wednesday's meeting, you do not need to attend again.

Accelerated Reader (AR)

St. Paul Lutheran School, in conjunction with World Vision, will be helping five families in other countries plant gardens.  Our school goal for the year is 8,500 AR points!  Each time a student earns a point, I will place a bean seed in our classroom jar.  Please encourage your child to read as they will build skills such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling.  Most importantly, through this process we will be assisting needy families around the world.

Newsletter - September 7, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

Middle school lock-in forms are due by Friday.  There are only nine days until this fun filled event!  We are looking forward to great activities and fellowship among the middle school students, parents, and school faculty.
 
Thank you for helping our eighth grade class set a good example for our school dress code.  There are just a few areas in which we can improve:  boys need to have their hair cut around and above the ear, a simple (free of a design) brown or black belt must be worn each day, and the belt may only feature a simple buckle in the front.  We appreciate your assistance as our eighth graders serve as role models for the younger children.
 
We would like to have a mid-morning snack as the eighth graders have shared that they are hungry prior to our 11:30 A.M. lunch.  Please feel free to bring a simple, healthy snack such as granola bars or fruit.  A bottle of water each day is also important, especially after recess due to the recent high temperatures.
 
Join us for Pastries for Parents on Wednesday morning, 7:30 - 8:30 A.M.  Meet the St. Paul family as you enjoy a little breakfast with your child.  You are invited to stay with us for chapel at 8:30 A.M.  Looking forward to seeing you there!
 

Please continue to support the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. during the month of September.  They are accepting school supplies, canned food, and monetary donations.  I am offering one point (maximum 5 points) per can of food brought to class by Wednesday.  These points will be applied to the next quiz in science.
 
In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Upcoming Events

No School - September 6
Volleyball Game - September 7
Pastries for Parents - September 8, 7:30 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.
Picture Day - September 8
Parent Meeting - September 9, 2:30 P.M. - meeting for parents that would like to help with Fall Festival.

Newsletter - August 30, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

A middle school lock-in is scheduled for September 16-17.  A permission slip was sent home with your child on Friday.  This is an excellent opportunity to build relationships among students, parents, and the staff at St. Paul Lutheran School!  At the bottom of the permission slip there is an area in which you can indicate how you would like to assist in this event.  Thank you for helping to make the lock-in a success.

We had a meeting this past week regarding See You at the Pole and it was very productive.  We broke into committees for public relations, food, music, etc.  We are in the developmental stages of this event, so there is still time to get involved if you would like to do so.  Please feel free to contact us with any ideas or suggestions.

See You at the Pole t-shirt order forms are due by Tuesday, August 31.  The shirt is a sapphire blue and looks great!  Please indicate the size on the form and enclose $11 if you would like to purchase the t-shirt.

Please continue to support the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. during the months of August and September.  They are accepting school supplies, canned food, and monetary donations.  If you would like to make a donation, please send it by Wednesday.

I am offering five points towards Algebra Quiz 2 (1.6-1.8) for parents that read and comment on this posting.  Please be sure to identify yourself and your child so that I can record the extra credit properly.  The comment must be posted by Monday at 11:59 P.M. to be accepted.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Spirit Day - Fri., Aug. 27

Students may wear jeans and their St. Paul Lutheran School activity shirt!

Newsletter - August 23, 2010

Dear Parents and Students:

We are off to a blessed school year!  We have high expectations for this eighth grade class. I am pleased that I am going on three years with most of the students. This will allow me to better assist them because I understand their strengths and deficiencies.  Let’s work together to monitor your child’s progress so that we can ensure their success.

The chapel project for August and September is Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. and the eighth grade class is sponsoring it.  The organization is accepting school supplies, canned food, and monetary donations.  You should receive more information in the form of a short letter with an offering envelope.  If you would like to make a donation, please send it by Wednesday.

The eighth grade class expressed interest in organizing the annual See You at the Pole event on Wednesday, September 22.  Students started brainstorming this past week and I am happy to report that parents have already offered to facilitate.  We would like to meet with parents later in the week to discuss the event in more detail.

St. Paul Lutheran Church has two great events on Saturday, August 28.  They are having a picnic at Los Lagos Golf Pavilion and a night out at Edinburg Stadium to see a Roadrunners baseball game.  For more information you may contact Fred Karle at 956-874-8515.  The youth (6th - 12th) grade are going to Schlitterbahn on South Padre Island.  For more information you may contact Matt Drefs at 956-682-2345.  It is going to be an exciting weekend!

I am offering five points towards Friday's Algebra Quiz (1.1-1.5) for parents that read and comment on this posting.  Please be sure to identify yourself and your child so that I can record the extra credit properly.  The comment must be posted by Tuesday at 11:59 P.M. to be accepted.

We are planning a lock-in in September for middle school students.  The event will be held on the church and school grounds.  The agenda I have been privileged to see looks like a lot of fun!  More details on this fellowship event soon.

In His Name,

Jesus T. Pena, M.Ed.
Eighth Grade Teacher
8thgrade@stpaulmcallen.org

Cottage Meetings

Parents are invited to attend the following cottage meetings with Mr. Pool:

Monday, August 23 at 7:00 P.M.
Wednesday, August 25 at 7:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 26 at 8:15 A.M.

A note will be sent home regarding the meetings.

Parental Involvement

Tonight at Open House I was asked to provide more information regarding parental involvement opportunities:

Room Parent - coordinates activities such as classroom parties and field trips.  This may include calling other parents to ensure that we have all needed supplies or that we have enough drivers for a trip.  The room parent may also help with tasks such as making copies or tearing out workbook pages.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

PTLS - a wonderful opportunity to get to know other parents in the community while helping to improve the overall success of our school.

See You at the Pole - a student led event that requires adults the afternoon before and the morning of the event.  Adults would facilitate students as they prepare food in the kitchen and distribute the food to guests in the morning.

Fall Festival - an annual event that is an alternative to Halloween.  Parents are usually asked to help with booths, collecting tickets, distributing food/drinks, etc.  It is a fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating.

Christmas Party - parents may help plan and coordinate activities and types of food.  Assistance in distributing food to students and clean up afterwards would be appreciated.

Annual Benefit Gala/Spring Auction - last year each class was asked to create a basket with a theme for the silent auction.  Additionally, a parent helped in creating trinkets that were to be individually sold.  Lastly, parents assisted in the development of a class project that was entered into the live auction.  Mr. Pool has plans that would be less taxing on the parents and possibly more profitable.  More details later as they become available.

Alleluia Party - parents may help plan and coordinate activities and types of food. Assistance in distributing food to students and clean up afterwards would be appreciated.

Concordia Field Day - a three-day annual trip that includes visiting museums, exhibits, and other educational sites that are tied into the school curriculum.  The second day involves competing in academic, athletic, and fine arts events against other Lutheran schools in Texas.  The final day is spent at Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.  Parents are needed to chaperone and sponsorships are welcome to help meet expenses.

Eighth Grade Graduation - parents are needed to decorate, plan, and coordinate for this special event.

If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me.

Purpose of the Blog

In an effort to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of communication between parents, students, and the teacher I have decided to try blogging in lieu of a paper newsletter.  Each week I will be posting pertinent information regarding St. Paul Lutheran School and the eighth grade class.  Please "comment" each week so that I know you are receiving all the information provided.  Thank you for joining me in this adventure into 21st century communication!