Dear Parents,
As a reminder ten Serviam service hours are due on Friday, May 6th.
Your children have practiced praying this week. They made prayer boxes a few weeks ago that represented their spirituality. After taking a prayer survey, each student visited several stations throughout the room where they practiced many different ways to pray. They received small gifts at each station as a reminder of that specific way to pray. They will be bringing their prayer boxes home at the beginning of next week. Please encourage them to use the tools in their prayer box to dive deeper into the love of Jesus.
As you know, this week brought a little more change to our middle school. After much prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit, I have decided to accept the social studies position here at St. Francis. I am excited to share my background and gifts in social studies with the students in this way. I will always be grateful for my call to lead young people in faith for the past four years. It has truly been a joyous time for me. I have grown deeply in faith and learned much about myself, our Church, and the power or prayer. As our school transitions, I ask you and your family to please pray that the Spirit will move hearts to bring new life to our middle school through the gifts of a new teacher.
May your family have a Happy and Holy Easter.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Middle School Dance
Thank you so very much for all of your wonderful contributions for the SFA Middle School Dance! The dance was a great success thanks to all of the items you donated, help in chaperoning and serving snacks, etc. We all appreciate your help and the students had a fun evening thanks to you! Thanks again for your support.
SCIENCE FAIR - FINAL CHECKLIST!!!
Please review the Science Fair Grading Rubric in your science fair packet before you put your board together. Remember that we will have work days in class on Tuesday, April 26 and Wednesday, April 27. Please come with all materials you need (markers, glue, lettering, etc.) I will not be providing these items for you. Make sure to bring $4 for your board if you have not already done so.
Final checklist - Include all of these on your board:
_____________1. Problem, stated in question form.
_____________2. Hypothesis: Should answer the question and should be based on
your background information.
_____________3. Procedure: This includes Materials (what you used) and
Method (what you did). Each section should be clearly
labeled, in metric measurements and detailed. Method steps
should be numbered or bulleted.
_____________4. Data Collection (Observations): This is what happened in your
experiment. It should be documented by data in tables, pictures,
graphs, etc. Label this on your board as Observations or Data.
_____________5. Conclusion: This should answer your problem question. It is the
same as your hypothesis but based on what actually happened.
_____________6. Variables: Identify the independent variable and
the responding variable. Tell what variables you kept constant.
(controlled variables)
OTHER ITEMS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR DISPLAY:
* Background information report (should include a cover page and citation page). The cover page should have your name, class and a title.
* Some type of visual to set on the table in front of your board. For example, if you grew plants, bring the plant.
OTHER ITEMS THAT YOU WILL BE GRADED ON:
* Student knowledge: each student will be indivdually interviewed on Friday or Monday.
* Display: Items clearly labeled and shows detail and effort
* Neatness: Appearance of the board, grammar and spelling is correct, information is typed, items are straight and orderly.
Any questions, let me know. We will also go through this list on Tuesday.
Final project is due on Friday, April 29.
Final checklist - Include all of these on your board:
_____________1. Problem, stated in question form.
_____________2. Hypothesis: Should answer the question and should be based on
your background information.
_____________3. Procedure: This includes Materials (what you used) and
Method (what you did). Each section should be clearly
labeled, in metric measurements and detailed. Method steps
should be numbered or bulleted.
_____________4. Data Collection (Observations): This is what happened in your
experiment. It should be documented by data in tables, pictures,
graphs, etc. Label this on your board as Observations or Data.
_____________5. Conclusion: This should answer your problem question. It is the
same as your hypothesis but based on what actually happened.
_____________6. Variables: Identify the independent variable and
the responding variable. Tell what variables you kept constant.
(controlled variables)
OTHER ITEMS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR DISPLAY:
* Background information report (should include a cover page and citation page). The cover page should have your name, class and a title.
* Some type of visual to set on the table in front of your board. For example, if you grew plants, bring the plant.
OTHER ITEMS THAT YOU WILL BE GRADED ON:
* Student knowledge: each student will be indivdually interviewed on Friday or Monday.
* Display: Items clearly labeled and shows detail and effort
* Neatness: Appearance of the board, grammar and spelling is correct, information is typed, items are straight and orderly.
Any questions, let me know. We will also go through this list on Tuesday.
Final project is due on Friday, April 29.
Math Mrs Cindy Streff
8th graders have finished Chapter 8, Geometry. After working with all the angles associated with parallel lines they explored angles of differnet polygons. They were able to find the total sum of the interior angles of any polygon, as well as each angle of a regular polygon. The last part of the chapter had 8th graders finding the area of parallelogram, triangle, trapezoid, circle and the circumference of a circle. They did a great job on the chapter test.
8th graders are now in Chapter 9, Geometry and Measurement. This chapter has 8th graders working with three-dimensional figures. They are able to name many different figures, such as a pentagonal pyramid, cone, hexagonal prism, and a sphere. They are know finding the surface area of some of the three-dimensional figures. Many are doing a great learning the formulas and finding success with correct answers.
Have a blessed and joyful Easter with your family.
8th graders are now in Chapter 9, Geometry and Measurement. This chapter has 8th graders working with three-dimensional figures. They are able to name many different figures, such as a pentagonal pyramid, cone, hexagonal prism, and a sphere. They are know finding the surface area of some of the three-dimensional figures. Many are doing a great learning the formulas and finding success with correct answers.
Have a blessed and joyful Easter with your family.
Language Arts/Reading: Miss Mataloni
The 8th graders are finishing up their WWII/Holocaust Book Club books within the next week. They've been completing various tasks and discussion roles throughout the book. I have enjoyed listening to the groups' conversations and insight. The students have received their final project options/rubric for their novel which can be done independently or with their small group. These projects will be presented and completed by the first week in May.
Starting Tuesday, the 8th graders will begin researching for their research paper topic that also goes along with Mrs. Wallace's WWII/Holocaust curriculum. Topics were chosen today and the students seemed very eager to get started. They will be using the MLA citation format for this paper as well.
In addition to starting their research papers, the students are also starting a grammar unit in effective sentence structure. This should help them with implementing dynamic and useful sentences into their papers.
Lastly, the students have been reading independent selections. These books will be reported on by using a "techy" format. The students have those rubrics and should have been working on the report steadily for the past month. All 8th graders will be presenting these "techy talks" Tuesday-Friday of next week. The 8th graders should be practicing at home as public speaking skills are part of the graded rubric.
Thank you and have a Happy Easter!
Starting Tuesday, the 8th graders will begin researching for their research paper topic that also goes along with Mrs. Wallace's WWII/Holocaust curriculum. Topics were chosen today and the students seemed very eager to get started. They will be using the MLA citation format for this paper as well.
In addition to starting their research papers, the students are also starting a grammar unit in effective sentence structure. This should help them with implementing dynamic and useful sentences into their papers.
Lastly, the students have been reading independent selections. These books will be reported on by using a "techy" format. The students have those rubrics and should have been working on the report steadily for the past month. All 8th graders will be presenting these "techy talks" Tuesday-Friday of next week. The 8th graders should be practicing at home as public speaking skills are part of the graded rubric.
Thank you and have a Happy Easter!
Science: Mrs. Louise Mistry
The 8th graders are continuing their study of weather. Today they had a test on Chapter 3 Weather Patterns, which focused on wind and pressure systems, storms and weather prediction. We have also viewed footage of actual tornadoes and learned about current technology in weather prediction. The students are continuing to work on their science projects. Their final projects are due on Friday, April 29. Please see the separate post with the Science Fair Final Checklist. They may bring them to the Science Room beginning at 7:45 on Friday. The students will be with their project during their class time on Friday. You might want to check with your child to see when they have Science. Remind them that it is Mass day schedule. You are welcome to stop in and look at the projects between 7:45 a.m - 5:00 p.m next Friday. Hope to see you there and hope you all have a very blessed Easter!
Social Studies: Mrs. Wallace
The 8th graders have started their last and final unit: WWII and the Holocaust. They will be working on a research paper over WWII and the Holocaust which will be graded by myself and Ms. Mataloni. I will be discussing the paper with the students today and giving them my grading rubric for the paper. I will be essentially be grading the content of their paper. The 8th graders will also have to do an informative speech about their topic to their social studies class. I think that they will really enjoy this unit and it will be a great one to end the year on.
Have a wonderful Easter weekend with your families!
Have a wonderful Easter weekend with your families!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Religion/Faith Formation
Hello Eighth Grade Parents,
Last week we posted the end of the year dates for the eighth graders. We are still looking for volunteers to help with the Service Day on May 17 (May 20 rain date.) If you are able to help please contact me.
Next week, Wednesday, April 13 is our Lenten School-wide service project. As you know we are bringing Meals from the Heartland to St. Francis Parish Hall. The students will be participating in this service event throughout the day in religion class. You are more than welcome to come and volunteer to serve with the kids during their scheduled service event. Joni Schnoes is working on coordinating volunteers, please contact her if you are interested. Joni Schnoes: jschnoes@dowlingcatholic.org
Also a few weeks ago, Deacon Bill invited all the Confirmation candidates to join the SFA Youth Group traveling to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in November of 2011. NCYC registration and deposit is due next week. I know this seems like a long way out, however, for a conference of this size an early commitment is essential. I know many of your families collected information from Deacon Bill regarding this event. Please strongly consider sending your child to this life-changing weekend. I went as a high school student and was inspired to make faith an important part of my life. We have had many SFA graduates who have attended NCYC and they would all tell you it was worth their time and money. Please be sure to contact Deacon Bill if you have any questions. Bill Richer: bricher@saintfrancischurch.org
Kathy Lang also would like to announce an 8th Grade Class Party:
8th Grade Class Party
Friday, June 3rd 6-10pm
Connor Lang's House
31281 Champagne RD
Waukee IA
The SFA eighth grade students will be taking their Confirmation test on Thursday of next week in religion class. Each student has been given a study guide, scavenger hunt, and Confirmation lessons to help guide their study. Essentially the test will be composed of multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions regarding the basic teachings of the Catholic faith.
Eighth graders are also working on their Confirmation project which is due Monday, April 18th. Their last workday in class will be Friday, April 15th. During Holy Week students will be participating in a diversity of prayer stations. They will each receive gifts at the prayer stations in order to remind them of the many different ways to pray. Please continue to encourage daily prayer at home.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, all Serviam hours are Due on Friday, May 6th. Please use the following link if the students need ideas as to where to serve.
http://saintfrancisschool.org/Academics/Sixth%20Grade/service/Service%20Organizations.pdf
Lastly, many parents and sponsors contact me each year about gift ideas for Confirmation. My strongest suggestion is to give something that can help them continuously grow in their Catholic faith or something that will help them connect with universal Church. Below you will find a few ideas. Many of these gifts can be found at the Catholic bookstore Divine Treasures on Hickman or online.
Cathlic Books
The Catholic Youth Bible, Third Edition: New American Bible Translation (Hardcover)
Blessed are the Bored in Spirit: A Young Catholic's Search for Meaning - Mark Hart
Do I have to Go? - 101 Questions about the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life
Did Adam and Eve Have Belly Buttons?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers
Did Jesus Have a Last Name?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers
365 Saints: Your Daily Guide to the Wisdom and Wonder of Their Lives by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker
Catholicism For Dummies
My Life with the Saints - James Martin
I Choose God - Chris Cuddy and Peter Ericksen
100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know. - Mark Hart & Todd Lemieux
Rediscovering Catholicism - Matthew Kelly
Other Gift Ideas
Patron Saint medal or icon
Palm of Your Hand Crosses
http://www.catholicsupply.com/christmas/conf.html
Miscellaneous
http://www.findgift.com/Occasions/Confirmation/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/34354/ten_memorable_confirmation_gift_ideas.html
Last week we posted the end of the year dates for the eighth graders. We are still looking for volunteers to help with the Service Day on May 17 (May 20 rain date.) If you are able to help please contact me.
Next week, Wednesday, April 13 is our Lenten School-wide service project. As you know we are bringing Meals from the Heartland to St. Francis Parish Hall. The students will be participating in this service event throughout the day in religion class. You are more than welcome to come and volunteer to serve with the kids during their scheduled service event. Joni Schnoes is working on coordinating volunteers, please contact her if you are interested. Joni Schnoes: jschnoes@dowlingcatholic.org
Also a few weeks ago, Deacon Bill invited all the Confirmation candidates to join the SFA Youth Group traveling to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in November of 2011. NCYC registration and deposit is due next week. I know this seems like a long way out, however, for a conference of this size an early commitment is essential. I know many of your families collected information from Deacon Bill regarding this event. Please strongly consider sending your child to this life-changing weekend. I went as a high school student and was inspired to make faith an important part of my life. We have had many SFA graduates who have attended NCYC and they would all tell you it was worth their time and money. Please be sure to contact Deacon Bill if you have any questions. Bill Richer: bricher@saintfrancischurch.org
Kathy Lang also would like to announce an 8th Grade Class Party:
8th Grade Class Party
Friday, June 3rd 6-10pm
Connor Lang's House
31281 Champagne RD
Waukee IA
The SFA eighth grade students will be taking their Confirmation test on Thursday of next week in religion class. Each student has been given a study guide, scavenger hunt, and Confirmation lessons to help guide their study. Essentially the test will be composed of multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions regarding the basic teachings of the Catholic faith.
Eighth graders are also working on their Confirmation project which is due Monday, April 18th. Their last workday in class will be Friday, April 15th. During Holy Week students will be participating in a diversity of prayer stations. They will each receive gifts at the prayer stations in order to remind them of the many different ways to pray. Please continue to encourage daily prayer at home.
Finally, as mentioned earlier, all Serviam hours are Due on Friday, May 6th. Please use the following link if the students need ideas as to where to serve.
http://saintfrancisschool.org/Academics/Sixth%20Grade/service/Service%20Organizations.pdf
Lastly, many parents and sponsors contact me each year about gift ideas for Confirmation. My strongest suggestion is to give something that can help them continuously grow in their Catholic faith or something that will help them connect with universal Church. Below you will find a few ideas. Many of these gifts can be found at the Catholic bookstore Divine Treasures on Hickman or online.
Cathlic Books
The Catholic Youth Bible, Third Edition: New American Bible Translation (Hardcover)
Blessed are the Bored in Spirit: A Young Catholic's Search for Meaning - Mark Hart
Do I have to Go? - 101 Questions about the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life
Did Adam and Eve Have Belly Buttons?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers
Did Jesus Have a Last Name?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers
365 Saints: Your Daily Guide to the Wisdom and Wonder of Their Lives by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker
Catholicism For Dummies
My Life with the Saints - James Martin
I Choose God - Chris Cuddy and Peter Ericksen
100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know. - Mark Hart & Todd Lemieux
Rediscovering Catholicism - Matthew Kelly
Other Gift Ideas
Patron Saint medal or icon
Palm of Your Hand Crosses
http://www.catholicsupply.com/christmas/conf.html
Miscellaneous
http://www.findgift.com/Occasions/Confirmation/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/34354/ten_memorable_confirmation_gift_ideas.html
Friday, April 1, 2011
End of the Year Dates!
8th Grade Dates – April-June 2011
Friday, April 15 7th and 8th Grade Dance at St. Francis 7:00 – 9:00 P.M.
*If you volunteered to help we will be contacting you early next week. If you would like to help and didn’t volunteer please contact Mrs. Mistry. If you can donate a case of water, Propel or Gatorade to sell at the dance or healthy snacks (baked chips, granola bars, etc.) please let Mrs. Mistry know. All proceeds from the dance after expenses go toward 8th grade expenses, such as service trip, Adventureland trip, t-shirts, etc. If the dance does not cover expenses students will have to pay for the Adventureland trip and service trip bus.
Saturday, April 16 Confirmation Retreat 4:30 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.
Tuesday, April 26 Confirmation Interviews - You will be receiving a letter in the mail from Mrs. Ryan regarding your child’s specific time.
Friday, April 29 Science Fair – bring projects to Science room at 7:45-8:15a.m.
Open for viewing all day, your child will be with their project during their class period.
Thursday, May 5 Confirmation Rehearsal 5:30 L-Z, 6:30 A-K
Friday, May 6 8:45 a.m. Mass, May Crowning: 8th grade students are asked to bring at least one bedding plant for the Mary Garden. Any of the following would be great: impatiens, petunias, snapdragons, lilies, alyssum, geraniums, marigolds, any color or size. Send plants on Thursday, May 6 with your child. We will plant the garden the following week. If you signed up to help Mrs. Mistry will contact you.
Friday, May 6 All Service Hours are due. Students who do not complete hours or do not turn in forms by this date will be required to do service at school on Friday, May 28.
NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!
Friday, May 6 Confirmation for L-Z
Saturday, May 7 Confirmation for A-K
Tuesday, May 10 7th/8th Music Program and Talent Show 2:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 14 Confirmation Dance at St. Theresa’s 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Mid-May (date not finalized) Service Day, House of Mercy
Chaperones and volunteers needed, please contact Ms. Nennig.
Tuesday, May 31 No Classes – Grade 8 only
Make up day for missing work or service hours
Work must be completed by the end of the day.
Tuesday, May 31 Graduation Mass 7:00 in church, reception to follow
Pictures begin at 5:30, group picture at 6:30
Wednesday, June 1 Adventureland *see below for requirements
Thursday, June 2 Last day, clean lockers, turn in books, activities with
Kindergarten Buddies, clap out at 1:00 p.m.
Adventureland Trip Requirements – Students must complete ALL of these to attend.
- All work must be turned in and any tests must be completed.
- Service Hours completed and turned in by May 6.
- Active participation in the 8th grade service trip.
*PLEASE NOTE: IF STUDENTS HAVE SERVED 2 IN-SCHOOL OR ANY OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO GO TO ADVENTURELAND. ADMINISTRATORS WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN THE TRIP.
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