Announcements

November 24, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with your families!

A few important pieces of information:

  • Students received permission slips to help with Breakfast with Santa. Please return them by December 2. This is always an enjoyable to earn service hours!
  • Bowling permission slips were due today. I only have bowling permission slips for the following students: Bonnie, Elisa, Kiara, Nick, Alicia, Cristina, Colleen, Shamar, and Andrea. Thanks to the Gomez, Gorres, and Chavez families for offering to drive. I still need additional drivers. No permission slips will be accepted after November 30.
  • Students know that they must be current with all work by November 30 in order to participate in the field trip. I have posted a list of missing work for my classes so students are aware of what they need to turn in for my classes. I have reminded students to make sure they have all the materials they need to complete work over the break.
  • For the day of HSPT, students may wear appropriate tag clothes. They need to bring in 3 sharpened pencils, a book to read, a snack, and a bottle of water. (Pencils should be sharpened at home; otherwise, we spend a lot of time lined up at the sharpener!) Students must arrive at school on time.
  • For the HSPT, scores will be sent to those schools you marked on the choice form. If you have made any change in plans, please inform me in a signed note by November 30. (An e-mail or comment from a student is not acceptable.) For those sending scores to St. John’s Catholic Prep in Frederick, two ADW schools must be entered in order for the scanner to read SJCP’s code. If you have not selected two ADW schools, your student will be instructed to enter the code for another ADW school. This does not mean that you must apply to those school.
  • Help is still needed for the two hot dog sales in December. Please check your calendars and let Mrs. Jackson know if you can assist. Once again, these sales benefit all students and make our end-of-year celebrations possible.

    November 19, 2008

Reminders:
  • Permission slips and High School choice forms are due on Tuesday. Students who have not turned in a choice form received another copy today.
  • The Catholic Business Network Scholarship Essay must be postmarked by December 12. I reminded students of this today.
  • I will not give homework for my classes over Thanksgiving. This is a great time to finish up applications and prepare for the HSPT. I’ve suggested to students that they review Section 3 three in their HSPT book.
  • Please keep Mrs. Jackson updated about your availability for hot dog sales. The success and ability to enjoy several end-of-year events depend on this fundraiser.
  • Lord’s Table is this Wednesday. I’ll meet students in front of the school at 3:00.
    Angelo, Kiara, Daniel, Monica, Victoria, Andrea, Nick  
    Parent Volunteers: Mrs. Cruz

 

November 17, 2008

Tomorrow is an Open House at St. Martin's. Students who are trained tour guides should wear their Mass uniforms.

On December 2, the HSPT test will be administered in the morning. Students not taking the test will follow their regular class schedule. In the afternoon, the class will have a stress-reducing field trip to Bowl America on Clopper Road. We will need parents who are in compliance with the Child Protection Policy to chaperone and to drive students to Bowl America. Please let me know if you are available and the number of students that will fit in your car. As always, students must be current with their class assignments to participate in this eighth-grade privilege.
 
November 11, 2009

Many thanks to the wonderful Halloween donations for our party and especially to Sally Nalley, Manolita Gorres, and Elida Gomez for their finishing touches that day.  There were many leftovers stashed away for future study sessions.

 

The following parents volunteered the first Hot Dog Lunch on November 3rd– THANK YOU!!!!

Gigi McClure, Corby McClure, Val Borsody, Aida Robles, and Maria Chavez

 

Volunteers November 17th :

Marcelo Guillen

Liz Lopez

Need One More Volunteer

 

Volunteers December 1st

Need 3 Volunteers

 

Volunteers December 15th

Maria Guillen

Need 2 Volunteers

 

Hot Dot Lunch Shopping:

Elida Gomez  assisted by Aminta Binger

 

Please contact Sheila Jackson AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to volunteer for these and future dates!!!  Please check this website to see which dates are covered as we will update it with volunteers as we get them.  Thanks!

 
October 30, 2009

Below is a note from Sheila Jackson. The hot dog sale directly benefits every 8th grade student. In the past, the profits from 8th grade fundraising covered the cost of the Hershey trip (bus, lunch, and tickets), the cost of our 8th grade Communion Breakfast, an expanded graduation reception, and more. Last year, the Hershey Park trip was about $100 per student. By having this fundraiser, we make sure that all students are able to attend. (For graduation diplomas, flowers, programs, etc., a graduation fee is charged in January.)

 

Since this fundraiser helps all families, please check your calendars and let Sheila know how your family can help. For this Tuesday, we only have one volunteer.

 

From Sheila Jackson:

 

Thanks so much for your Halloween party donations!  BUT WE STILL NEED HELP WITH HOT DOG SALES!!  If we do not get parents to sign up for each date of hot dog sales, we will need to cancel these sales, which is the biggest and only fundraiser that we have for ALL eighth grade events for the year.  We have a significant number of sales this year (Pre-K orders are leading the pack!) and we really don’t want to cancel this great fundraiser.  Please check your calendars and get back to me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE regarding covering the following  lunch dates:

 

THIS UPCOMING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3rd

Tuesday November 17th

Tuesday December 1st

Tuesday December 15th

Tuesday January 5th

Tuesday January 19th

 

Please contact Sheila Jackson at (202) 409- 6410 (c) or ssjackson55@comcast.net.

 
October 25, 2009

Lord's Table
This Wednesday is our Lord's Table service. The following students have volunteered to help: Kiara, Sarah, Daniel, Thomas, Cristina, Michael, Aleks, Elisa, and Monica. Our parent volunteer is Mrs. Cruz. If any other parent or student would like to help, please let me know. 
 
End of First Quarter
This Friday marks the end of the first quarter. In order to participate in our Halloween celebration, students must have all assignments completed and turned in.
 
October 22, 2009
 

HELP WANTED FROM OUR PARENTS TO SUPPORT OUR GRADUATING EIGHTH GRADERS!

 

HALLOWEEN PARTY

This year there will be three parties held throughout the entire school year so we only need donations from 6-7 families at each party.  We’ll take donations of drinks (NON-caffeinated soda and juices), cups, small plates, napkins, and food.  The food can be baked, nut-free goods or some fruit (grapes, melon, pineapple), Halloween candy.  A halloween theme is encouraged as this is their last chance to dress up and really enjoy the holiday!!  If you would like to come and set up, take pictures and join the party, stop by after lunch – enjoy it while you can!!!!  Please email me at ssjackson55@comcast.net if you are going to donate and what you are going to donate so that I can track it and let everyone know when we have enough donations.

 

HOT DOG LUNCHES

 

As you all probably noted, the hotdog lunches will begin in November.  Elida Gomez has volunteered to be our shopper – THANK YOU!!!.  We now need volunteers to help warm up the hotdogs and serve on the designated two Tuesdays per month that we will be holding this event.  THIS EVENT IS THE ONLY FUND RAISING EVENT THAT WE PLAN TO DO TO FUND ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR OUR EIGHTH GRADERS.  It is critical that we get enough volunteers for every date so that we can make this an effortless event.  For planning purposes please review the following dates and email me with dates you are available through at least January 2010.  We need to be there from 10 a.m. through the last lunch and clean up by approximately 1 p.m.  That is 3 hours of banked volunteer time each time you help!  The dates are all Tuesdays:  Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 15, Jan 5, Jan 19, Feb 2, Feb 16, Mar 2, Mar 16, Apr 20, May 4, May 18.  Your child will notice and appreciate your presence at these lunches!!!!!  Please email me at ssjackson55@comcast.net by Wed, October 28th with your available dates in Nov, Dec and Jan.  THANKS!!!

 
October 14, 2009
We have received information about a dance at St. Elizabeth's on October 23. In order to attend, there needs to be a parent to check in St. Martin students. If anyone is interested, please let me know and I'll forward the informaiton.
 
Over the next few weekends, the Catholic high schools will be holding their Open Houses. This is a great way to learn more about each school. Additionally, make sure you have shadow visits scheduled since those slots can fill up quickly. The schools' websites are also good sources of information about art, band, drama, and academic scholarships. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
 
October 7, 2009
I just wanted to let you know that your students were awesome today! They did a wonderful job at Mass, and they sang their class song with so much spirit. I have received many notes and e-mails from teachers and parents complimenting them on the job they did. I'd especially like to thank the parents who joined us today. It was great to see you there. You should be proud today of the gift your students shared with the school! 
 
October 5, 2009
Interims were sent home today. Please sign and return them for tomorrow.

HSPT registration is due on Friday.

The Wednesday is a school Mass. The eighth grade class has been preparing for this celebration. Please join us if you are able. Many thanks!
 
September 22, 2009

Lord's Table

Last week, we had our first trip to The Lord’s Table. The students did a wonderful job serving the hungry. Many thanks to Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Everett for their assistance.
 

Confirmation

English Confirmation is May 18 at 6:00. The rehearsal for student and sponsor is May 13 at 7:00. If the sponsor can’t make the rehearsal, a parent may stand in.

High School Forms and Recommendations

On Monday, students were given a blue and tan piece of paper. The blue paper is the form to register for the High School placement test. It is due Friday, October 9. The cost of the test is $40 and the check should be made to St. Martin’s School. If you would like scores sent to St. John’s Catholic Prep, the fee is $55. This test is open to all students and is good practice for tests such as the PSAT and SAT. If your  student is not going to take the test, please indicate that on the form and return it to me.

The tan sheet indicates where test scores, records, and recommendations should be sent. That form due by November 24. All teachers will fill out their portion of the ADW recommendation forms and they will be sent to the schools you select. If additional recommendations for scholarships are needed, please have the student ask the teacher in person, provide the teacher with a list of activities or other helpful information, and supply a stamped and addressed envelope to the scholarship committee. Please allow two weeks for this process.

A Note from Mrs. Jackson

Many thanks to Mrs. McClure, Mrs. Cruz and Mrs. Chavez for volunteering last week at the bake sale and to the many bakers in the class!  We had enough baked goods to have a two day bake sale.  Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities to support our biggest fundraiser of the year:  Hot Dog Lunches!  We will need many parents to make this an effortless way to earn money for the entire class to enjoy their eighth grade year full of fun trips and opportunities.  Thanks again for supporting our class!
 

September 24, 2009
Mary of Nazarath has invited St. Martin's to their Halloween Dance. In order for our students to attend, we need a parent volunteer to coordinate this activity. Please let me know if you are interested, and I will supply you with the contact information.
 
September 22, 2009
This Wednesday is our first Lord's Table. The following students and parents have volunteered: Jay, Shelby, Alicia, Cristina, Kiara, Sarah, Colleen, Thomas, Jack, Nick, Mrs. Everett, and Mrs. Jackson.
 
This Thursday is our first HSPT class. Students may bring a snack and drink. They should have their own copy of Kaplan Catholic High School Entrance Exams 2010 Edition by Kaplan. ISBN-13: 9781419552809
 
For Thursday's bake sale, please send in two dozen goodies. This way we'll have enough for all the students!
 
Please send in your Family Life form if you haven't already done so. They were in the back-to-school folders.
 
September 18, 2009
This upcoming Thursday, September 24th the 8th Grade is responsible for the first Bake Sale of the year.  Gigi McClure has volunteered to be at the sale and we need two more volunteers to help her staff the sale during lunch from 11 until 1 pm.  Please email Sheila Jackson (Colleen’s Mom) at ssjackson55@comcast.net if you are able to help out.  We need all the children to participate to kick off the Angel Fund for the year!  This year they are now old enough to warm those ovens and mix those ingredients themselves!  Please send the baked goods in on Thursday morning.  Please get involved in volunteering this year!  You will be receiving more details about volunteer opportunities shortly!  THANKS!
 
September 14, 2009
HSPT Class
HSPT classes will begin next week since TV training is this Thursday.

 

Shadow Visits

Once students have scheduled their shadow visits, they are to mark the dates and schools on a calendar in our room. 

 

Lord's Table

The students have been signing up for their shifts at the Lord’s Table. Each student should have signed up for at least two slots. If a student switches slots with another student, please let me know. We still have a need for parent volunteers. Please let me know if you are able to help. The updated Lord’s Table schedule can be found on the Lord’s Table page of this website.

 

Parent Volunteers

The eighth grade class has many activities during the year that require parent assistance. If everyone pitches in, we can have a very successful year. One of the highlights of the year is our annual Hershey Park trip. Once we pay for the bus, tickets, and lunch, this becomes a very expensive field trip. To ensure that everyone can attend, the eighth grade traditionally holds fundraisers such as the hot dog hot lunches to offset the cost. In recent years, money from these fundraisers also paid for the eighth grade parent/student communion breakfast and an expanded graduation reception. These fundraisers directly benefit all eighth grade students and so we ask that all families help and support them. (For graduation diplomas, flowers, dvd, programs, etc., a graduation fee is due in early spring.)

 

Guidelines for Graduation Attire

I know it’s early, and there is still a lot of work to do . . . but I know some parents like to get an early start on this! Remember photos will be at the beginning of May. Please have all clothes in order by then.

• Girls—White dress of appropriate length and style for Church—NO mini-skirts, strapless dresses, spaghetti straps (straps must be at least 1 inch wide), halters, low-cut necklines. (Most girls wear long dresses, but this is not required.) Girls should wear dress shoes.

• Boys—Suit or dress trousers and jacket, dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes.



September 1, 2009

·         Welcome to the new school year!

·         Please have all books covered by Tuesday, September 8.

·         If you are interested in Catholic high schools, check the high schools’ websites for shadow visit guidelines. It is important to schedule visits as early as possible.

·         Religious Ed sent a letter this summer with important dates. The first is the Confirmation meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m.

·         Please review uniform code with your student. The eighth grade students should be an example to the rest of the school. Boys should remember to wear a belt. Girls should make sure their skirts are not shorter than two inches above the knee. All students should wear crew socks, not ankle socks.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at hredmond@smsmd.org.
 
June 30, 2009
 
Welcome students and parents of the Class of 2010. Please enter your e-mail address on the News Flash page to receive notifications about Announcement updates.
 
Students, if you are interested in applying to Catholic high school, try out the following websites for HSPT practice and review:
 

http://www.testprepreview.com/hspt_practice.htm

http://www.studyguidezone.com/pdfs/hsptteststudyguide.pdf

In the fall an HSPT review class will be offered. Participating students will need a copy of the following book:
Kaplan Catholic High School Entrance Exams 2010 Edition by Kaplan 
ISBN-13: 9781419552809
(It is often easier to order this book online since there are limited quanities in bookstores.)