Sunday, September 26, 2010

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

Sunday, September 19, 2010

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

Sunday, September 12, 2010

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

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

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.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

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