Newsletter - January 10, 2011

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome back to the first full week of school!  Please be sure to note deadlines for high school applications as some are in January.  Check with your children regarding school supplies and other materials because some may need replenishing after the first half of the year.

Our school theme for January is "Free to Shine."  "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in Heaven."  Matt. 5:16

Please support the middle school and youth of St. Paul Lutheran Church & School by dining at Chili's (521 E. Nolana St. in McAllen) on Sundays in January.  You must present the flyer (see image at the end of Jan. 5 newsletter) so that our school can receive credit.  This is an excellent opportunity to raise funds for the Concordia Field Trip and support the youth of the church.

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.  The crafts will include sand vases and decorated candles.  These items will be created with Mrs. Drefs in art class.  We are asking that you bring in vases or jars that are big enough to hold flowers.  Also, we need plain colored candles that are in the shape of a cylinder.  Construction of these projects will begin soon and we could use parent volunteers as well.  We appreciate your assistance with these projects.

Tickets have been ordered for the Washington D.C. trip for those who have turned in deposits.  Please turn in yours A.S.A.P. if you have not so that everyone can have the same flight and arrangements.  All flight arrangements should be final by February 1 so that trip planning can continue.  Parents wishing to join should be registered by then.  Thank you.

Please support our chapel project:  Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation.  Learn more about this wonderful organization by visiting: http://www.vanniecook.org/

Upcoming Events
Basketball Games - Mon., 1/10 and Wed., 1/12
Winterfest Meeting - Wed., 1/12, 2:00 P.M., Mr. Pool's Office
McAllen IB High School Rep., Fri., 9:45 A.M.
Geography Bee - Fri., 1/14, 1:00 P.M., Church
Spelling Bee - Thurs., 1/20, 1:00 P.M.

In His Name,

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