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