Thank you for the Christmas class gift of gift cards to Steak and Shake, Subway, Bergner’s, Barnes & Noble, and Bernardi’s. These are perfect and cover all the aspects of my life. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.
The Springfield class trip is set for Tuesday, May 8, 2012, the day before the May procession. We will go to 7:00 a.m. Mass, eat a quick bite in the gym, and then depart for New Salem. We will eat sack lunches there and go on to Springfield. We will eat dinner in Bloomington (or Springfield) and then come back to Pontiac, about 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. We have room for more parents, so if anyone else is interested in going, please send a note and I will gladly add you to the list. Any chaperones that go must have completed the requirements for the Safe Environment Program.
The students are reading a fiction book and have a report (poem, diary entry, or advertisement for the book) due by January 17. Then they will be reading a biography, and presenting an oral book report in a costume depicting the person they just read about. The reports will be presented the week of February 21 through February 24. We started reading To Kill a Mockingbird this week. Hopefully, you may hear the students talking about it. Also, 7th grade will take a diocesan writing test on a persuasive writing prompt between February 6 and February 17.
The Kevin Casson 5th and 6th Grade Tourney starts Friday, February 3. Each 7th grader must work two shifts selling raffle tickets and bring 2 cakes, cookies, or other food item (not cream pies or anything that needs to be refrigerated) for the cake raffles that will be held every game during the tournament. Each student will need to work a second shift and donate a second item for the cake raffle because of our class size. Students will sign up for their times later this month when they know dates of their games, etc. Then the schedule will be posted on the 7th grade section of the SMS website. We are going to raffle cakes, a fun basket with a blanket, 4 White Sox tickets (compliments of Rich Olson), and a 50/50. Anyone have any more ideas?
Thanks to those of you who drove for our Christmas caroling – Joan Duffy, Cindy Kridner, Christine Stark, and Lori Carranza. I think the students, the drivers, and the people we sang to enjoyed the afternoon. We’ve received several thank you notes from the “shut-ins”. I appreciate your willingness to help.
Some of the 8th grade students from St. Mary’s take algebra at Pontiac High School. I have asked for students who are interested to write me a note telling me why they want to take algebra in 8th grade. Requirements include the student’s desire to take algebra as an 8th grader, parental approval, high achievement test scores in math, A’s in math in grades 6 & 7, and participation on St. Mary’s math team. I have several students interested right now. Just because the student desires to take the class does not mean that they are automatically enrolled in the class. If your child is interested in this academic opportunity, tell them to write me a note telling me why they want to take algebra as an 8th grader. Some of the interested students have already done this and do not need to do it again. I will talk to you before I sent his/her name to the high school, which must be done at the beginning of February. If a student takes algebra as an 8th grader, the subject counts as an 8th grade math class. So when the student begins high school they take a sophomore level class as a freshman, a junior level class as a sophomore, and so on.
7th grade will prepare a nursing home Mass for Asta Care for Monday,
February 13. We will need drivers at St. Mary’s by 9:40 a.m. to get to the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Please let me know if you can drive. Thanks.
Since we are beginning a new 9-week period, students really need to keep track of assignments and get them in on time. We have had a greater than normal number of students on the eligibility list during the second quarter. If students need help I am at school by 7:30 a.m. and can help them then and/or at noon. When math team starts (next week) my after school time will be limited because of math team practice. Also, Progress Reports are February 8.
Thank you for your help and support this year. It is said that is takes a village to raise a child. With everyone’s help and encouragement, home and school working together, the job is made a little easier. Thanks for the help!
Sincerely, (Mrs.) Katie Wille kvwille@yahoo.com 1/815/842-1233