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