Newsletter - January 31, 2011

Dear Parents and Students:

The February theme is "Free to Love."  "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”  John 15:12

Author Tom Couser will be at St. Paul on February 9 at 7 P.M.  He will be covering various topics that relate to parenting and peer relationships among children.  I am offering extra credit (replace lowest daily grade in algebra and science with 100%) for attendance!  You may read more about him on his blog:  http://www.tomcouser.blogspot.com/

Learning Fair term papers are being composed under the direction of Mr. Pool.  There are numerous deadlines ahead, so please note the important dates.  Excellent topics have been approved and we look forward to seeing these ideas develop.

Winterfest is scheduled for Saturday, February 19, 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.  We are joining seventh grade in the theme basket which is an art basket.  Our game/activity will be creating drink holders with children.  They are clear cylinders in which a paper can be inserted which will serve as decoration.  We can use parent volunteers for the construction of the candles and vases.  Please contact us if you are available.

Please let Mr. Pool know of final decisions on the Washington D.C. trip as soon as possible.  There is an excellent opportunity to earn some funds for the trip by serving a meal at St. Paul before the Ash Wednesday (March 9) Lenten worship service.  Help is needed from 4 - 7 P.M. from students and parents (anyone else you might recruit to help).  We will cook and serve about 150 meals (food will be provided).  Please make a note of this and whether you would be able to volunteer.

Upcoming Events
Mid-Quarter Reports Issued - Wed., 2/2
Soccer Parent Meeting - Thurs., 2/3
Winter Texas Orchestra Concert - Fri., 2/4, 2 P.M.
Soccer Season Begins - Thurs., 2/17

In His Name,

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

Soccer

Parenting Meeting - Thurs., 2/3, 3:45 P.M., Gym
Season Begins - February 17

Mrs. Romero will be providing more information as it becomes available.

Newsletter - January 24, 2011

Dear Parents and Students:

We are blessed to share in welcoming a bundle of joy for the Alvarez family!  Dr. and Mrs. Alvarez had a baby boy on Saturday evening and we look forward to seeing pictures soon.  Catalina Alvarez will be a wonderful big sister to her little brother!

Learning Fair packets were sent home last week.  Topics should be turned in today so that students may have their idea approved.  We are looking forward to working with the students on their Experimental Science and Theology projects.

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.  Thank you to everyone that has sent vases and candles so far!  Construction of these projects will begin soon and we could use parent volunteers as well.  We appreciate your assistance with these projects.

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

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.  Sunday marks our final opportunity for the Chili's fundraiser, so let's have a great turnout!

Upcoming Events
Mr. Pena Study Hall/Detention - Thurs., 1/27, 3:30 P.M.-4:15 P.M., 8th Grade Rm.

In His Name,

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

Newsletter - January 17, 2011

Dear Parents and Students:

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.  Thank you to everyone that has sent vases and candles so far!  Construction of these projects will begin soon and we could use parent volunteers as well.  We appreciate your assistance with these projects.

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

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.

Upcoming Events

Spelling Bee - Thurs., 1/20, 1:00 P.M., Church
Mr. Pena Study Hall/Detention - Thurs., 1/20, 3:30 P.M.-4:15 P.M., 8th Grade Rm.

In His Name,

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

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

Newsletter - January 5, 2011

Dear Parents and Students:

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 this 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.

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

In His Name,

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

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