December Newsletter

 
All Things Are Possible Through Christ

  

December 1, 2009

Dear Fifth Grade Parents,

	As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, it is my hope 
that each of your families are blessed with happiness and peace. 

The Real Reason
Excitement and joy are filling the air;
The lights add special decor.
We're shopping for Christmas gifts everywhere,
But are gifts what Christmas is for?
The wreaths and the trees and the parties
Aren't what we need to convey;
It's the birth of our Savior, Jesus,
The real reason for this holiday.
By Karl and Joanna Fuchs

	Please read below about some upcoming events in the month of 
December.  

PLEASE READ-VERY IMPORTANT
	In an effort to reduce the cost of outdoor education camp in your 
students 6th grade year, Pizza Monday was established.  This fundraiser was 
put in place for the sole purpose minimizing the cost of camp for each 
family.  Mrs Willis and Mrs. Woerner have been working very hard organizing 
classrooms, pizza delivery and volunteers.  The fifth grade students also 
volunteer their time to help with Pizza Monday.  
	Unfortunately many parents that have signed up to work on given 
Mondays are not showing up for their shifts.  Needless to say when feeding 
between 250-300 students in a span of 10-15 minutes, when one volunteer does 
not show up for their shift it puts a strain on the whole system.  
	I know that unexpected things do come up but please cover your 
scheduled shifts.  Please call another parent from the fifth grade class to 
cover your time.  Please contact Mrs. Willis or Mrs. Woerner with any 
questions.  Thanks in advance for your support!

Welcome Mrs. Christy Corral
	Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Christy Corral to the Fifth Grade.  
Mrs. Corral will fill in as the Instructional Aide while Sr. Anna Marie 
continues her Chemo treatment.  She will be here Tuesdays, Wednesdays and 
Thursdays full time.  Please stop by to introduce yourself and to say HI!

Thank you and Congratulations
	A huge thank you goes out to our first trimester officers.  President 
Katie O’Sullivan, Vice President Rylie Powelson and Secretary Holden Wright 
did an amazing job as our first ever officers of the fifth grade.  
	Congratulations to our new officers for the second trimester, 
President Rebecca Millena, Vice President Claire Storti and Secretary Richard 
Seeno.  These students were voted into office by their peers.  I know they 
will do a great job. 

Advent Prayer Service
	Please join the Fifth Grade class for the Advent Prayer Service in 
the courtyard on Wednesday December 2nd at 8:00am.  This service should run 
about 20 minutes.  

ITBS Test Results
	ITBS Test results were sent home recently with the first trimester 
report cards.  If you would like to discuss your student’s results, I would 
be happy to meet with you.  Please request a conference via email or drop me 
a note.  

Christmas Show
	Please join the St. Francis school community for the 2009 Christmas 
Performance on Thursday December 17th at 7:00pm.  Students should be in the 
classroom by not later than 6:45 pm.  The show will take place in 
the church.  If your student will not be attending for any reason, please let 
me know ASAP so I can plan accordingly.  I am asking that students wear 
costumes of biblical time.  The basic costume is an oversized long-sleeved 
tunic that usually worn with a fabric belt or cord.  Costumes are always a 
fun addition but not necessary if they are not available.  I will provide 
something for their heads.  
	 
Geography Bee
	Congratulations to the following students Lara Milward, Richard 
Seeno, Jeremy Willis and Connor Pierce for qualifying for the upcoming 
Geography Bee.  This event will take place on Friday December 11, 2009 from 
8:10 am to 12L45 pm in the multi-purpose room.  You are invited to attend at 
any time to support the students and their efforts.  Way to Go Grade 5!

Reading Logs
	Students and parents are doing a great job with the recent addition 
to the reading logs.  Please let me reiterate that this is not an optional 
assignment.  Thanks to those students that have consistently been completing 
this assignment.  If your student reads for pleasure on a regular basis and 
can complete the logs without reading to you, please drop me a note.  Those 
students will be excuse from reading to a parent but will continue to write a 
brief summary and date each entry.  Please continue to sign each entry.   All 
completed reading logs are due each Monday morning.  

Bikes for Tikes Project
	The Bikes for Tikes project is a service project serving all people 
in the community.  This year, the 4th and 5th grade students will perform 
service at home and at school.  Thank you to all students that have already 
turned in their completed forms.  Students will be cleaning classrooms desks 
as well as selling ice cream during lunch recess.  Money raised will assist 
the fire department in purchasing bikes for this program.  Any Questions?? 
Please contact Mrs. Willis at 827-5741 or juliewillis@comcast.net.  

Due dates for upcoming reports:
•	Saint Report- Each student was given a Saint to research and paper 
doll template as well as guidelines requirements to complete this report.  
This report is due no later than December 10th.  Students are welcomed to 
turn in early.  Students will also present their completed Saints to the 
class with a brief explanation about their given saint.  

•	Explorers Report- Students have been working on this assignment in 
the computer lab for the past couple of weeks.  This is an oral report with 
specific guidelines.  Students will start this oral presentation the week of 
December 7th.  

Reconciliation
	Reconciliation is scheduled for all students in grade 3-8 on 
Wednesday December 9th.  


Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

It is a pleasure and joy teaching each of your children.

Take care, 
Mrs. Patti Calton