We Pray for Vocations
SCHOOL THEME 2009-2010
SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 10TH, 10:30 A.M. - We will perform our annual Third
Grade Nativity Play!
November 29, 2009
Today is the first day of Advent and so a new church year begins. I pray that
everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and celebrated with family and friends.
I know we here at the Neumann household are thankful for so many blessings
this year. I am truly thankful for the gift that the community of St. Mary's
has been for me these last four years. I am blessed to be surrounded by such
wonderful students and families.
The week of November 16th saw the start of a new trimester. We began with a
couple of tests in Religion and Math and as a class we are off to a good
start. Every trimester we begin anew so as I tell my students, everyone
starts off with an A and it's their job to keep that A going! I am pleased
with our first trimester grades and believe the students are working hard. I
know that they now understand how the grades work and what to do to be the
best students they can be.
Also during that week, we practiced our lock down procedure. In a letter
posted by Mrs. Mielzynski several weeks ago, you should have read that we will
be participating in a school lock down with the Downers Grove Police
Department on this coming Monday, November 30th. Needless to say, during our
practice the students had many questions and concerns. The concept of having
to hide if someone dangerous is in the building was very frightening to the
class. We spent nearly an hour discussing all of their fears and questions
before we actually practiced. Please know that I will do whatever it takes to
have your child feel safe and loved when they are at school. Every school in
the country has been required to have a procedure since the terror attacks of
9/11. The police department has informed us that all schools in Downers Grove
have practiced and have a procedure in place. Please be sure to discuss
Monday's actual lock down with your students when they come home. They need
to be assured that you feel safe having them at school.
I enjoyed meeting with all of you during our conferences this past week. It
is always good to sit down and discuss questions and concerns as a team. Know
that I am available to do that with you at any time you feel the need. Do not
hesitate to contact me with any questions and concerns. We are in this
together.
To begin our Advent season as a school, we will participate in a
Reconciliation service tomorrow morning. Needless to say, Monday is going to
be a busy day.
Our Secret Reader for Friday November 20th was Mrs. Parney. She began reading
to us the "The True Gift, A Christmas Story" which is a new book by Newberry
winning author Patricia MacLachlan. Mrs. Parney kindly donated this book to
our classroom and we look forward to completing this beautiful story.
You are now up to date! Please take time this Advent season to prepare your
hearts and homes for the coming of our Lord.
Your Partner in Education,
Mrs. Neumann
e-mail: sneumann@stmarygostyn.org