March 9-20, 2020
Hi Parents,
Tuesday -- Elementary Science Fair
Wednesday -- End of the third quarter
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- Ultimate Spirit Dress Day! Green up your outfit as you want! Please apply your hairspray at home. No spray cans here, please. BRING SACK LUNCH! Early release at 1; Very Important -- no After School Care; thank you so much for picking up your children then.
March 16-20 --Spring Break; Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Monday, March 23 -- Classes resume.
Hi again, Parents,
This Week:
English -- Spelling is about adding and subtracting fractions. We continue with our Johnny Can Spell phonics program and parts of speech.
Reading -- Thank you, as always, for signing the reading logs. Just a reminder that the students need to bring them every day. We are covering the different genres in literature.
Math -- We are adding and subtracting fractions and continuing with our long division. Thank you for those important quick little drills on their multiplication tables. It really helps with all that we are doing in math.
Science -- We continue working on Heat and Light. We are also covering the importance of the tilt of the Earth. However, the big thing on Tuesday is our Science Fair. Students have been working very hard on their projects. Very important: Projects need to be here Monday.
Social Studies -- We are studying about the importance of railroads coming to Texas.
Religion -- Students will learn that the eighth commandment teaches the importance of learning and living the truth that comes from God.
Have a Great Spring Break!
March 2-6, 2020
E News March 2-6, 2020Judy Pfeifer <[email protected]>
Hi Parents,
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting, 7:45 am, in the cafeteria
Thursday -- Children's Liturgy
This Week:
English -- Spelling is about the sun. Parts of speech are also the focus. We are also stressing that written work will get better grades if students read over their work before handing it in.
Reading -- We continue with our class novel about a silverback gorilla. We are also working on consciously increasing our vocabulary through our bonus word wall and other sources.
Math -- Division with three-digit dividends is covered. Adding and subtracting fractions is also the focus.
Science -- We will start planets and space and also cover properties of light.Very Important: Science fair projects are due this Thursday, or at the latest, this Friday.
Social Studies -- The cattle industry and the importance of railroads will be covered.
Religion -- Students will learn that the Seventh Commandment calls us to live out the peace and justice of Jesus Christ.
Have a great week!
February 21, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday --Students need to wear Mass Attire since we will host the new superintendent on that day.
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting at 7:45 am in the cafeteria; Mass Attire for Ash Wednesday Mass
Thank you for signing the accompanying pink form for the student work sent home on Thursday,
This week:
English -- Spelling is on Reconstruction. We continue to work on parts of speech and verb tenses.
Reading -- We continue reading our class novel, The One and Only Ivan. Thank you for signing the reading logs Monday through Thursday.
Science -- Weather and Space are the focus this week. Just a reminder that the Science Fair will come up faster than we think, so keep working on it so the projects can be here ready to present in the classroom on March 5. Thank you for that.
Social Studies -- We will finish up the nineteenth century in Texas this week.
Religion -- Students will learn about the 6th Commandment, ways we show love for one another, and that Lent is the season in preparation of Easter.
Have a Great Week!
February 15, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday -- No School
Tuesday -- Classes Resume
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire; Grandparents' Day
Sunday -- Open House for new students after all Masses; Menudo after all Masses --Very Important: Parents, would you let me know if you would be willing to speak about our wonderful school during a Mass of your choice next Sunday for our Open House. Masses are at 7, 8:30,10, 11:30, and 1. Thank you so much!
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on Generals Lee and Grant. We also continue with parts of speech and verb tenses.
Reading -- We will be working on fact/opinion, inference, and sequence.
Math -- We are focusing on long division and also how all parts of math relate to each other and help everything make sense.
Science -- Weather and Uses of Energy are the topics this week.
Social Studies -- We continue with Reconstruction and the Nineteenth Century. Our surveys on the Civil War are on display outside of our room.
Religion -- Students will continue to learn about the Fifth Commandment.
Great Week!
February 10, 2020
Hi Parents,
Just a reminder that After School Care on Friday is only till 5pm.
February 10-14,2020
Hi Parents,
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire; Valentine Candy Gram order deadline
Friday -- Valentine's Day with Spirit Dress and Early Dismissal at 1 pm
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on Elephant Butte Lake to go along with our study of the water cycle in science. We also continue with parts of speech, verb tenses, and irregular verb parts.
Reading -- We continue with our novel, The One and Only Ivan. Expository reading is, as always, emphasized daily.
Math -- Division is the focus along with number lines and multistep problems.
Science -- We are concentrating on the water cycle and sources of energy.
Social Studies -- We are studying the Civil War. We will have a bio of Robert E. Lee. We are also working on surveys and reports related to this.
Religion -- Students will learn what it means to live the Fifth Commandment by respecting all human life.
Have a wonderful week!
Judy Pfeifer
,
February 5, 2020
Hi Parents,
Today the backboard format for the science fair project was sent home with the students. I didn't notice that the last sentence about the conclusion was not checked like all the others, but it should have been since the conclusion is one of the most important parts.Sorry for the inconvenience.
Take care,
Judy Pfeifer
February 3-7, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Candy grams go on sale.
Thursday --Children's Liturgy
Friday -- Students with Home and School passes can wear free dress.
On Wednesday, forms for the format of the science fair project backboard will go home. If you or you child have any questions, please ask me. Very important: since the Science Fair is on Tuesday, March 10, the projects need to be in class by Thursday, March 5, so students can present in class and students can shoot questions at each other to get them ready for the judges. Many of the questions the students ask each other are actually asked by the judges, so it's really good practice. Also, they get their science grade for the project with their presentation in the classroom.
Three weeks' worth of student work was sent home last week, so thank you for signing and returning the accompanying pink form to let me know you saw the work.
Thank you for the great turnout for the classroom visits last week!
Hi again Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling this week is on decision making. We are also working on parts of speech, irregular verbs and verb tenses.
Reading -- As always, reading comprehension in all subjects is the goal. Just a reminder that students can read out of science or social studies texts for the reading log instead of a challenging chapter book. By Wednesday, most of our new news reports will be on display. Also, there are now almost one hundred words on our bonus word wall!
Math -- We will start long division this week. As always, thank you so much for those quick times tables reviews. What needs to be avoided is that students are unsure of their multiplication skills as they go into long division. It makes it very difficult for them. Word problems, percents, and number lines are also covered.
Science -- We continue with the water cycle and how it affects weather.
Social Studies -- The Civil War with Texas seceding from the Union are covered. We will also have a bio of Abraham Lincoln.
Religion -- Students will take the Unit 2 test. They will also learn that the Four Commandment teaches us to respect and honor our parents, guardians, and all people of authority.
Great Week!
January 26-31, 2020
Hi Parents,
Catholic Schools Week starts Sunday.
Sunday -- Mass at 10 am--students are asked to wear Mass Attire.
Monday -- Very Important -- Fourth grade is attending 9 am Mass so we are asking that they come in Mass Attire-- they can change into their college shirts and jeans after Mass. Not all grades get to attend so it's an honor.
Tuesday -- This is the day for care packages for seminarians so fourth grade has been asked to bring disposable razors for today.
Wednesday -- Coffee and pastries for parents from 7:30 to 8:00 am and classroom visits from 8:30-9;30. Peter Piper Pizza Night is in the evening.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- Pajama Day--very important, no slippers. There's a cook-out and lunch is free! Family Game Night starts at 6 pm!
This week:
English -- Spelling this week is about the need for law. Our new compositions are now all on display. They are about how to do something, a process composition. We are still concentrating on parts of speech, but we are also reviewing irregular verbs.
Reading -- Students are truly enjoying our class novel, The One and Only Ivan. As always, the reading log needs to be signed and brought to school each day. Very important-- students can read their science or social studies text instead of a chapter book if they want to for their reading log.
Math -- Please know that those one-minute drills you give students after school on multiplication will help them so much! We will be starting long division in a few weeks and, if they don't know their tables before they start, it's really difficult for them. We are focusing on fraction, decimal, percent this week.
Science -- Fossils and also Electromagnets are the focus this week. Students are getting closer to knowing what they want to do for the Science Fair. I will be sending out information about the March 10 Science Fair at the beginning of February.
Social Studies -- The Mexican War and the beginnings of the Civil War are covered this week.
Religion -- Students will learn that receiving the Body and Blood of Christ nurtures and strengthens them to be active followers of Christ.
Great Week!
January 21, 2020 later
Hi Again Parents,
The enchiladas are on for this Thursday. The kitchen is in operation now. Sorry for this inconvenience.
Judy Pfeifer
January 21, 2020
Hi Parents,
Very important: Tomorrow Wednesday there is After School Care till only 5 pm.
Also, if you ordered enchiladas for Thursday, this will have to be postponed till our cafeteria kitchen is fixed. Stay tuned for when it will happen--sorry for the inconvenience. Lastly, there are still openings for the parent-teacher conference tomorrow between 3 and 4 pm. Just let me know when to sign you in. Or feel free to meet with me when it works better for you.
Take care,
Judy Pfeifer
Hi again Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling is about the upcoming Science Fair on March 10. I will give more information at the beginning of February. We are still working on parts of speech. Come and check out our third type of composition, the process composition. Compositions will be displayed in our classroom starting Wednesday.
Reading -- We are reading a class novel together now, The One and Only Ivan.
We continue to stress that reading is a skill we need in all of our subjects including our expository texts for math, science, and social studies.
Math -- The relationships between fractions and decimals, multiplication and division, reading and multistep word problems continue to be emphasized.
Science -- The relationship between electricity and magnetism along with changes to landforms on Earth are the focus this week.
Social Studies -- We are covering the difficulties Texas faced as a new state.
Religion -- The Third Commandment and the Eucharist are the focus this week.
Have a Great Week!
January 20-26, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday -- No school in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Tuesday -- Classes resume
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting in Cafeteria at 7:45 am; Spirit Dress with early release at 1 pm; Parent/Teacher Conferences from 1:30 to 5:00. You can let me know when you would like to come for your conference if you haven't already.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Sunday -- Mass at 10:00 am to start Catholic Schools Week. Students who can attend please wear Mass Attire.
January 12-21, 2020
Hi Parents,
Sunday -- Menudo and Pan Dulce Sale; come and enjoy some!
Wednesday -- Group pictures-- wear Mass Attire.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire.
Monday, January 20 -- No school in honor of Martin Luther King.
Tuesday, January 21 -- Classes resume.
This week:
English -- Spelling is about parts of speech. We continue to work on our process compositions.
Reading -- We continue to discuss different genres of literature. We also are covering how accompanying artwork enhances the basal stories.Thank you for continuing to sign the reading logs since there are unannounced spot checks from time to time.
Math -- Division, multiplication, multi-step problems and simply trying to relax about math and ask questions right when there is confusion are all worked on this week.
Science -- The changing Earth is covered.
Social Studies -- We continue to focus on the challenges the new Republic of Texas faced.
Religion -- Students will learn about the Third Commandment and the ways we observe the Lord's Day.
Great Week!
January 7-10, 2020
Happy New Year, Parents!
First of all, thank you for all the lovely gifts and well-wishes for the Christmas season. I hope you are having a great time off.
Tuesday, January 7, students return to class.
This week:
English -- Spelling is on a new beginning.We are working on our third type of composition where we write about how to do something. We will also start learning how a correct sentence is put together.
Reading -- Students will start a new reading log. As always, we want to increase our skill of constantly monitoring our understanding of what we are reading. Key to this is asking ourselves regularly through the passage we are reading if we are staying on track or if we need to go back and reread. Also, it is really helpful to write our thoughts down about what we have read if it has really impacted us and caused us to think in a new way.
Math -- We will review multiplication tables and relate them to fractions, division, and daily life situations.
Science -- We will start learning about changes in the Earth's surface and also magnetism this week.
Social Studies -- Texas finally gets to be part of the U.S.A. after waiting nine years.
More information as I get it.
Hi Again Parents,
Wednesday -- Parental Involvement Event at YISD offices from 8:30-11:30 am
Thursday -- Children's Liturgy
Friday -- Free dress for students with Home and School pass
Sunday -- Parents can get volunteer hours by helping to sell menudo in the cafeteria.
Religion --We will continue our lesson celebrating the Christmas season which also includes the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.
Great Week!
December 16-20, 2019
Hi, Parents!
Hard to believe our year is half over!
Thursday -- There is Mass with Mass Attire in the morning and the Posada at 1:30 in the gym.
Friday -- At 9 am, we will have our Christmas program. Fourth grade is singing a German song. The students truly know the meaning of each word. The title of the song is roughly translated to "Softly Falls the Snow" and is about the coming of the Christ Child and how it makes us feel. Very important: We are asking for each student to wear clothes in shades of blue with white. Thank you for that.
There is Early Release at 1 pm and no After School Care.
English -- In Spelling there will be a review. We will start our third type of composition--the "How To" composition. We will finish it up in January.
Reading -- Reading for understanding in the content areas is emphasized more and more as we approach the second half of the year, remembering that reading is a skill that we use in all subjects, rather than a separate subject.We need to have all our news reports finished by Monday, ready to present. Come and check them out on display in the classroom. There were some really cool articles the students chose to report on.
Math -- It's all about fractions! Thank you for the continued quick drills on the multiplication tables at home. Students still need help with them.
Science -- Electricity and the rock cycle are both continued this week. We will also have a bio of Ben Franklin.
Social Studies -- We continue with the Texas Republic and the problems involved in forming a separate country.
Religion -- We will continue to celebrate Advent and the coming of the Son of God. Students will learn that we follow the Second Commandment by respecting and honoring the name of God.
See you at the Posada and the Christmas Program! I wish all of you a wonderful, blessed Christmas Vacation! See you in January.
December 8-13, 2019
Sunday -- Cookie Walk and Menudo Sale
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- 4th and 5th Grades have their Christmas Party. Students have chosen what they each want to bring. Please feel welcome to attend. It will be in the cafeteria from 1:30 to 2:45.
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on the importance of dirt. We continue to concentrate on capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and handwriting. Parts of speech are also the focus.
Reading -- We are writing news reports with news articles we have selected. There are now over fifty bonus words on the bonus word wall and students know and use them! We are also covering different genres of literature.
Math -- We are really working on fractions and number lines.Just a reminder that multiplication tables are still so important in all math.Any short drills at home are always welcome!
Science -- We are starting the chapter on electricity as we continue with our study of rocks.
Social Studies -- The forming of the Texas Republic is covered this week. Check out the new survey reports and graphs on helping our environment that are displayed on the board outside our classroom.
Religion -- Students continue to celebrate Advent with decorating ornaments for the Jesse Tree. They will also celebrate the Son of God's coming into the world.We will learn that we follow the Second Commandment by respecting and honoring the name of God.
Great Week!
December 1-8, 2019
Hi Parents!
We start again!
Sunday -- First Sunday of Advent
Monday -- Classes resume.
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting is at 7:45; Twelve Days of Christmas begins.
Thursday -- Children's Liturgy; After School Music Recital at 4:30
Friday -- Two dozen homemade cookies for Sunday's Cookie Walk are due in the San Pedro Room; also, it's the Feast of St. Nicholas.
Sunday -- 11th Annual Cookie Walk and Menudo Sale
Hi Again!
This week:
English -- Spelling is on what we are working on in math this week: Fraction, decimal, percent. Grammar and verb tenses also continue. We also continue working on improving neatness and handwriting in written work.
Reading -- We will begin a new news report soon. Students need to cut out or print out a news article that they are really interested in. Students also need to continue to read aloud at home for their reading log and always remember to have it in their binders, signed and current.
Math -- The relationship between fraction, decimal, and percent, along with double-digit division are the focus this week.
Science -- We finish up with food chains and start Earth Science this week.
Social Studies -- The Texas Revolution is covered this week.
Religion -- We will be preparing for the coming of the Lord through the season of Advent.
Great Week!
November 18-December 2, 2019
Hi Again Parents,
This week:
Thank you for sending the signed pink papers. Please ask me about your child's work if you have any questions.
English -- The Mexican Revolution is the topic for spelling.We are really emphasizing legible handwriting in all work. We are also concentrating on correct capitalization, spelling and punctuation.
Reading -- We now have sixty high-end bonus words on our word wall. The students are noticing them everywhere and using them! Come and check them out. Just a reminder that students can use any challenging text for their reading log work.
Math -- We are starting to work on double digit division and the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percents.
Science -- Energy transfer along with forces and motion are the focus this week.
Social Studies -- Stephen Austin comes to Texas this week. We will also have a Daniel Boone bio.
Religion -- The students continue to learn about God's covenant with Moses and the Israelites, the promise God kept by sending His Son, and Jesus' teaching about God's Law.
Have a Blessed and Enjoyable Thanksgiving, Everyone!
Hi Parents,
Tuesday -- Touching Safety video for kids showing.
Thursday -- Lifetouch pictures with Santa; Mass with Mass Attire.
Friday -- Spirit Dress, Dismissal at 3, No After School Care, Thanksgiving Vacation!
Monday, December 2 -- Classes resume.
November 11-15, 2019
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Veterans Day Ceremony at 8:30 am
Tuesday -- Scoliosis Screening; Annual Parent Safety Training, 4 pm Spanish and 5 pm English
Wednesday -- World Kindness Day! Thanksgiving Luncheon--students may leave with parents after luncheon, but must sign out before leaving.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire; scoliosis makeup day
Friday -- Annual Parent Safety Day, 4 pm Spanish, 5 pm English
Hi Again, Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling is on learning those multiplication tables. We will also focus on capitalization and punctuation.
Reading -- Reading for understanding in all sorts of texts is our big goal. Our bonus word wall is getting larger; students are working hard to make each word their own. As always, thanks for helping with the reading log for the reading at home.
Math -- We are applying our knowledge of our times tables to single and double digit multiplication problems, both in board work and word problems. Fraction, Decimal, Percent is also covered again.
Science -- Human influence on ecosystems continues to be the focus. We are also covering Forces and Motion.
Social Studies -- U.S. settlers are invited to settle in Coahuila y Tejas, first by the Spanish and later by the Mexican government.
Religion -- Students will learn about God's covenant with Moses and Isrealites, the promise God kept by sending His Son and Jesus' teaching about God's Law.
Great Week!
November 4-9, 2019
Hi Parents!
Monday, November 4
Notices for spinal screening will go out today for girls ages 10 and 12 and boys ages 13 and 14
Wednesday, November 6
Veterans' Day RSVP deadline
Annual Parent Safety Training @ 8:00 a.m. and 12 noon
Thursday, November 7
Children's Liturgy-Students do not need to be in Mass attire
Annual Parent Safety Training 4:00 in Spanish and 5:00 in English
Friday, November 8
Spirit Dress/Early Dismissal @ 1:00
NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE
3rd Annual Irish Gala 6:00 p.m.-- MIdnight @ the Coronado Country Club
Saturday, November 9
LOLA's Annual Cattleman's Dinner 6:00 @ Cathedral High School (to benefit all Catholic schools.)
Hi again, Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling this week is on living and nonliving things affecting the ecosystem. We continue to work on irregular verb parts and how they relate to tenses. Johnny Can Spell, our phonics program, continues.
Reading -- Just a reminder that expository reading is constantly stressed. Students can absolutely read in their social studies or science texts instead of a chapter book for their reading logs from time to time.We will be reading poems that we write to honor veterans for Veterans Day. Foreshadowing, flashback and personification will be reviewed.
Math -- We will begin multiplying with two-digit numbers so those times tables drills really help. We will also introduce fractions.
Science -- We continue with ecosystems and all the aspects that affect them positively and negatively. Forces of the universe and motion are also covered.
Social Studies -- Spanish heritage and the importance of sources, both primary and secondary, are the focus this week.
Religion -- This week we will learn that throughout the liturgical year we remember and celebrate Jesus Christ.
Have a Great Week, Everyone!
October 28-November 1, 2019
Hi Parents,
This week is Red Ribbon Week.
Wednesday -- Parent/Teacher Conferences 130-5pm, Early Release 1 pm/Spirit Dress, Deadline to RSVP to the Gala
Thursday -- Halloween/ Costume Parade at 9 am
Friday -- All Saints Day (Holyday of Obligation)/Mass with Mass Attire
Hi Again Parents,
This Week:
The students' work was sent home Friday with the pink form for you to sign so I will know that you saw their work. Thank you for that.
English -- This week's spelling is on Native Americans. We will have our new descriptive compositions on display.
Reading -- Just a reminder that students can read out of expository texts instead of chapter books for their reading logs if they choose .Recognizing hyperbole and bias are emphasized this week. There are now forty words on our Bonus Word Wall.
Math -- Finding averages using simple division along with multiplying with two-digit numbers and multi-step word problems are the focus this week.
Science -- How living and nonliving things affect each other and the environment are covered this week. We will also continue to concentrate on Forces and Motion.
Social Studies -- The Spanish come to Texas and influence the lives of the Native Americans. We also continue with the bio of John Smith.
Religion -- This week students will learn that throughout the liturgical year we remember and celebrate Jesus Christ.
Have a great week and thanks for all you do!
Judy Pfeifer
October 21-25, 2019
Hi Parents,
Tuesday, October 22
Annual Parent Safe Awareness Training
4:00 in Spanish and 5:00 in English in the San Pedro Room
Wednesday October 23
Lifetouch Picture retakes for any who were absent or didn't like their pictures.Bring your original pictures.
Thursday, October 24
Living Rosary
Don't forget your rosary! Students do not need to be in Mass attire.
Friday, October 25
Fall Foliage Festival
After school care will only be open until 5:00. Parents who pick up their children should be responsible for them even if they are helping with the festival. This mean there shouldn't be any students running around. If they are unattended, they will be placed in after school care.
Hi Again, Parents,
This week:
English -- We are finishing up our descriptive compositions. This week, spelling is about starting a new quarter.We are also working on parts of a sentence.
Reading --We continue to work on literary devices such as flashback and foreshadowing. A new reading log starts Monday.
Math -- Finding averages, multiplication tables, and multistep word problems are the focus this week.
Science -- Ecosystems and also Forces and Motion are started this week.
Social Studies -- The Conquistadors come to the Texas area.
Religion -- Celebrating Penance and Reconciliation are covered this week.
Great Week!
October 13-18, 2019
Sunday -- Guadalupana Gordita Sale after Masses
Monday -- No School!
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- End of the Quarter
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on adaptations of animals and plants. We are still working on our descriptive compositions of our fantasy place. We are incorporating our Johnny Can Spell phonics program into our spelling knowledge.
Reading -- We continue with our literary devices of foreshadowing and flashback. Just a reminder that students can read out of challenging, expository reading instead of an enjoyable chapter book if they choose to for their reading log which they need to do Monday through Thursday. They need to always have an adult in the house sign the log and always have it with them, just in case it is randomly checked.
Math -- We are working on elapsed time, along with simple algebra, word problems and, as always, those pesky multiplication problems.
Science -- Fossils and animals from long ago as compared to those of today are concentrated on this week.
Social Studies -- We are getting into the European exploration of the New World and how it affected the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Religion -- Our Conscience, Our Guide will continue this week.
Great Week!
October 7-11, 2019
Hi Parents,
Monday through Friday -- The Book Fair will be here all week.
Tuesday -- Fall Foliage Festival tickets go on sale.
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting will be in the cafeteria at 7:45 am.
Thursday -- There will be Mass with Mass Attire.
Friday -- Wear pink shirt with jeans for Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
This week:
English -- This week's spelling is on irregular verbs. Also, we will start our second composition-- the descriptive. We continue with our phonics program, Johnny Can Spell.
Reading -- We are emphasizing understanding what we read in expository texts, such as our science and social studies texts. We are also continuing with literary devices, such as flashback and foreshadowing. Sequencing as a reading skill is also covered.
Math -- Multiplication facts are used as we start simple algebra. It really holds students back if they are struggling to remember their facts as they are trying to solve problems. We have short quizzes each day, but it really helps if they get those two-minute long drills at home, too. Thank you for that! Functions of numbers are also focused on this week.
Science -- Adaptations of living things to their environments are the focus this week.
Social Studies -- We continue the study of the various Native American groups that inhabited the Americas before European exploration.
Religion -- Our Conscience, Our Guide emphasizes that God calls us to be close to Him.
Have a Great Week!
September 30 -October 4, 2019
This week, the elementary grades are starting to have a Student of the Week. The criteria are the following:
Turn in homework on time.
Show effort consistently on classwork and homework.
Be on time to class and have no tardies.
Follow school uniform attire.
Have no detentions.
Be respectful of classmates and teachers at all times.
This week:
English -- Spelling is on Beringia. We are working on parts of speech, especially irregular verbs. Cursive handwriting in class is getting better each week. Thanks for any help you have given with that.
Reading -- Our bonus word wall gets bigger each week. The students truly know them! Come and check them out. Also, check out our news reports. They are all up now. Foreshadowing is also worked on this week as a literary devise. Understanding what is read in the content areas of science and social studies is stressed this week as always.
Math -- We are starting to work with "unknown numbers" which is really the start
of algebra. Multiplication tables are more important than ever. Thanks for any short drills you can help them with. We will also cover function rules.
Science -- Direct Development vs. Metamorphosis in living things is covered this week.
Social Studies -- Asian hunters crossing the land bridge, Beringia, is the focus this week.
Religion --" Sin in Our World" is continued this week.
Great week!
September 23-27, 2019
Hi Parents,
Wednesday -- There will be a Home and School Meeting at 7:45 am.
Thursday -- There is Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Tuesday through Thursday -- and possibly Friday-- we will have IOWA testing this week. As always, students will do better on the tests if they get a good night's sleep, a good breakfast every morning, and a calm week. There will be no homework this week. Monday we will have a regular schedule and Friday we will have academic work when we are finished with the testing. Students can bring chewy candy snacks for during the tests.Thank you so much for getting students to school at least by 8 am, especially during testing, but really, every day.Students miss so much if they aren't here from the very beginning of the day. It puts them in 'catch up" mode for the rest of the day.
There will be no tutoring this week.Also, three week's worth of student work will be sent home again. Thank you for sending back the accompanying pink form so I will know you saw their work.
This week:
English -- There will be a review in spelling. We will cover irregular verbs as we have time this week.
Reading -- We will work on our news reports as we can. Students were given a form to use, but they can certainly ask for help on the report if they need it. Students don't need to read for the reading log this week.
Math -- We will continue to work on multiplication tables as we have time.
Science -- Again, as we can, we will work on life cycles of plants.
Social Studies -- We are getting to the coming of Asians to the Americas over the land bridge. We will probably just start to cover it this week.
Religion -- Monday and Friday, Sin in our World will be covered.
Have a Great Week!
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Red, white, and green shirts with jeans can be worn for the 16th of September holiday.
Tuesday -- Students wear Sunday best for pictures.
Thursday -- There is Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Friday -- We have Spirit Dress, Early Release at 1, and After School Care till only 5.
This week:
English --Spelling is on Texas regions. We have started the Johnny Can Spell Phonics program which helps with both spelling and handwriting.
Reading --Thank you for continuing to sign the students' reading logs Monday through Thursday. Just a reminder that students can read chapter books, science or social studies texts, or any other challenging reading.
Math -- Memorizing multiplication facts continues to be very important. Adding and subtracting large numbers is also the focus.
Science -- Classifying living things and heredity are covered. We are also focusing on more simple machines. On Tuesday students are bringing an edible cell model with joghurt or pudding cytoplasm, their choice of candies for the various parts of the cell--mitochondria, vacuoles, nuclei, chloroplasts,and cell walls. An explanatory paragraph accompanies the yummy cell.
Social Studies -- Check out our survey graphs and reports on scary natural disasters that are displayed on the hall board.We continue to learn about the four Texas regions this week.
Have a Great Week!September 16-20, 2019
September 9-13, 2019
Hi Parents,
Wednesday is Patriot Day.
Thursday, we have Children's Liturgy.
Friday, come to Family Movie Night from 6-9.
This week:
English -- Spelling is about scientific classification of living things. We have started working on phonics with Johnny Can Spell. We are also working on verb parts of irregular verbs.
Reading -- We are working on drawing conclusions in our expository reading in Science and Social Studies.We will begin reading our survey reports on natural disasters to the class.
Math -- We are working on adding, subtracting, and rounding whole numbers.We continue to work on multiplication facts. Thank you so much with your help on that!
Science -- Classification of Living Things and Simple Machines are the two focuses this week.
Social Studies -- Endangered species and Texas regions are covered. We will finish up our surveys on scary natural disasters.
Great Week!
Hi Again Parents,
Religion this week will be Chapter Two, Jesus Leads Us to Happiness.
September 2-7, 2019
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Labor Day, no school!
Tuesday -- Classes resume; Family Movie Night tickets go on sale.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Saturday -- Virtus Training in English from 9-12 in the San Pedro Room.
This week:
Early in the week, I will send home the work of the students for the first three weeks of school. Accompanying the work will be a pink form for you to sign so that I will know the students showed you the work. Can you please sign the pink form and send it back; thank you that. If you have questions about any assignment, please ask me--very important, can you please bring the specific assignment with you when you ask about it so I will be able to discuss the specific aspects of the paper.
English -- Spelling is on learning multiplication facts. Please come and see the narrative compositions that are now on display in the classroom. We continue to work on improving our cursive writing.
Reading -- We are working on digging out important details in our expository reading in science, social studies, and even in math word problems. Come and check out our bonus word wall--there are twenty words there now and student tell me they enjoy using them in their writing. Thank you for signing the reading logs Monday through Thursday. Students now have chapter books from the library if they want to read them for their reading logs.
Math -- Multiplication facts are so crucial to be successful in math. Thanks for any help you can give with those at home! We are also working on showing all our work neatly on our written math assignment.Very important-- students need to ask me immediately if they don't understand something in math class.
Science -- We are starting to cover living things and how we need to appreciate all life. We are also learning about simple machines and how they are the basis for all machines.
Social Studies -- We are focusing on disastrous weather. We will start a survey on the subject this week. Another focus will be Texas regions.
Religion -- Mrs. Jones will cover Jesus-- The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Throughout the year she will focus on the lives of the saints.
Great Week!
August 26-30, 2019
Hi Parents,
Just a reminder that students need to remain in the cafeteria in the morning till teachers lead them into the gym.
Please do not park in the parking lot of the building on Stanton. It's not safe due to construction. The parking lot on Arizona is recommended.
Wednesday -- Home & School Meeting is at 7:45 am.
Virtus Training is 5:30-8:30 pm in Spanish, San Pedro Room.
Thursday -- Mass is with Mass Day Attire.
Friday --Spirit Dress is with Early Dismissal at 1 pm --Very Important, After
School Care is only till 5 pm.
Hi again Parents,
This week:
English -- This week's spelling lesson is on science and using our curiosity to learn about the world around us. We are also working on our narrative compositions so we can display them. Irregular verb parts were also introduced.
Reading -- We now have fifteen bonus words on our word wall. Students are bringing their reading logs daily for that random check that can happen any day. Thank you for helping with that when possible. All year, we will be working on expository reading for understanding in the content areas that is so much more difficult than reading for enjoyment. By the way, they can certainly use their science text for their reading log at home.
Math -- We are really concentrating on explaining why we got an answer in our word problems. Our multiplication tables need a lot of work, but we are practicing every day.
Science -- We are going to focus on the scientific method to help us understand the world around us. This will get us thinking about what we want to do for the Science Fair that is a long way off, but not too early to start thinking about.
Social Studies -- Our beautiful state's resources are the focus this week. Students also brought home an out-of-adoption social studies book that they need to keep at home all year for homework assignments from time to time.
Have a Great Week!
E-News August 19-24, 2019
Hi Parents!
Thursday, there is Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Very Important--Saturday, there is Virtus Training in the San Pedro Room from 12-3. Check with the office beforehand to get set up for it if you want to attend.
This week in class:
English -- Spelling is on facts about the Lone Star State. We are also starting our narrative compositions.
Reading -- We will start our reading logs this week. Students need to read for twenty minutes at home Monday through Thursday in any challenging material they choose. It can be a chapter book they like or science or social studies reading that they want to study for a homework assignment. Very important--an adult in the household needs to initial or sign the reading log each night and the student needs to have the signed log in their binder all times, just in case I check to see if they read the night before. I don't tell students when I will check it.
Math -- We will be working on multiplication tables throughout the year since they are so crucial for all phases of math. We will also work on understanding the importance of place value. Everyday math will also be the focus.
Science -- We will start learning about inquiry tools to discover information about the world around us.We will also start classifying living things.
Fourth Grade Social Studies -- Texas regions and Texas' place in the country and in the world will be covered this week.
Third Grade Social Studies -- Different types of communities in the world will be the focus.
Have a Great Week!
Judy Pfeifer
Hi Parents,
Tuesday -- Elementary Science Fair
Wednesday -- End of the third quarter
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- Ultimate Spirit Dress Day! Green up your outfit as you want! Please apply your hairspray at home. No spray cans here, please. BRING SACK LUNCH! Early release at 1; Very Important -- no After School Care; thank you so much for picking up your children then.
March 16-20 --Spring Break; Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Monday, March 23 -- Classes resume.
Hi again, Parents,
This Week:
English -- Spelling is about adding and subtracting fractions. We continue with our Johnny Can Spell phonics program and parts of speech.
Reading -- Thank you, as always, for signing the reading logs. Just a reminder that the students need to bring them every day. We are covering the different genres in literature.
Math -- We are adding and subtracting fractions and continuing with our long division. Thank you for those important quick little drills on their multiplication tables. It really helps with all that we are doing in math.
Science -- We continue working on Heat and Light. We are also covering the importance of the tilt of the Earth. However, the big thing on Tuesday is our Science Fair. Students have been working very hard on their projects. Very important: Projects need to be here Monday.
Social Studies -- We are studying about the importance of railroads coming to Texas.
Religion -- Students will learn that the eighth commandment teaches the importance of learning and living the truth that comes from God.
Have a Great Spring Break!
March 2-6, 2020
E News March 2-6, 2020Judy Pfeifer <[email protected]>
Hi Parents,
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting, 7:45 am, in the cafeteria
Thursday -- Children's Liturgy
This Week:
English -- Spelling is about the sun. Parts of speech are also the focus. We are also stressing that written work will get better grades if students read over their work before handing it in.
Reading -- We continue with our class novel about a silverback gorilla. We are also working on consciously increasing our vocabulary through our bonus word wall and other sources.
Math -- Division with three-digit dividends is covered. Adding and subtracting fractions is also the focus.
Science -- We will start planets and space and also cover properties of light.Very Important: Science fair projects are due this Thursday, or at the latest, this Friday.
Social Studies -- The cattle industry and the importance of railroads will be covered.
Religion -- Students will learn that the Seventh Commandment calls us to live out the peace and justice of Jesus Christ.
Have a great week!
February 21, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday --Students need to wear Mass Attire since we will host the new superintendent on that day.
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting at 7:45 am in the cafeteria; Mass Attire for Ash Wednesday Mass
Thank you for signing the accompanying pink form for the student work sent home on Thursday,
This week:
English -- Spelling is on Reconstruction. We continue to work on parts of speech and verb tenses.
Reading -- We continue reading our class novel, The One and Only Ivan. Thank you for signing the reading logs Monday through Thursday.
Science -- Weather and Space are the focus this week. Just a reminder that the Science Fair will come up faster than we think, so keep working on it so the projects can be here ready to present in the classroom on March 5. Thank you for that.
Social Studies -- We will finish up the nineteenth century in Texas this week.
Religion -- Students will learn about the 6th Commandment, ways we show love for one another, and that Lent is the season in preparation of Easter.
Have a Great Week!
February 15, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday -- No School
Tuesday -- Classes Resume
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire; Grandparents' Day
Sunday -- Open House for new students after all Masses; Menudo after all Masses --Very Important: Parents, would you let me know if you would be willing to speak about our wonderful school during a Mass of your choice next Sunday for our Open House. Masses are at 7, 8:30,10, 11:30, and 1. Thank you so much!
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on Generals Lee and Grant. We also continue with parts of speech and verb tenses.
Reading -- We will be working on fact/opinion, inference, and sequence.
Math -- We are focusing on long division and also how all parts of math relate to each other and help everything make sense.
Science -- Weather and Uses of Energy are the topics this week.
Social Studies -- We continue with Reconstruction and the Nineteenth Century. Our surveys on the Civil War are on display outside of our room.
Religion -- Students will continue to learn about the Fifth Commandment.
Great Week!
February 10, 2020
Hi Parents,
Just a reminder that After School Care on Friday is only till 5pm.
February 10-14,2020
Hi Parents,
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire; Valentine Candy Gram order deadline
Friday -- Valentine's Day with Spirit Dress and Early Dismissal at 1 pm
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on Elephant Butte Lake to go along with our study of the water cycle in science. We also continue with parts of speech, verb tenses, and irregular verb parts.
Reading -- We continue with our novel, The One and Only Ivan. Expository reading is, as always, emphasized daily.
Math -- Division is the focus along with number lines and multistep problems.
Science -- We are concentrating on the water cycle and sources of energy.
Social Studies -- We are studying the Civil War. We will have a bio of Robert E. Lee. We are also working on surveys and reports related to this.
Religion -- Students will learn what it means to live the Fifth Commandment by respecting all human life.
Have a wonderful week!
Judy Pfeifer
,
February 5, 2020
Hi Parents,
Today the backboard format for the science fair project was sent home with the students. I didn't notice that the last sentence about the conclusion was not checked like all the others, but it should have been since the conclusion is one of the most important parts.Sorry for the inconvenience.
Take care,
Judy Pfeifer
February 3-7, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Candy grams go on sale.
Thursday --Children's Liturgy
Friday -- Students with Home and School passes can wear free dress.
On Wednesday, forms for the format of the science fair project backboard will go home. If you or you child have any questions, please ask me. Very important: since the Science Fair is on Tuesday, March 10, the projects need to be in class by Thursday, March 5, so students can present in class and students can shoot questions at each other to get them ready for the judges. Many of the questions the students ask each other are actually asked by the judges, so it's really good practice. Also, they get their science grade for the project with their presentation in the classroom.
Three weeks' worth of student work was sent home last week, so thank you for signing and returning the accompanying pink form to let me know you saw the work.
Thank you for the great turnout for the classroom visits last week!
Hi again Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling this week is on decision making. We are also working on parts of speech, irregular verbs and verb tenses.
Reading -- As always, reading comprehension in all subjects is the goal. Just a reminder that students can read out of science or social studies texts for the reading log instead of a challenging chapter book. By Wednesday, most of our new news reports will be on display. Also, there are now almost one hundred words on our bonus word wall!
Math -- We will start long division this week. As always, thank you so much for those quick times tables reviews. What needs to be avoided is that students are unsure of their multiplication skills as they go into long division. It makes it very difficult for them. Word problems, percents, and number lines are also covered.
Science -- We continue with the water cycle and how it affects weather.
Social Studies -- The Civil War with Texas seceding from the Union are covered. We will also have a bio of Abraham Lincoln.
Religion -- Students will take the Unit 2 test. They will also learn that the Four Commandment teaches us to respect and honor our parents, guardians, and all people of authority.
Great Week!
January 26-31, 2020
Hi Parents,
Catholic Schools Week starts Sunday.
Sunday -- Mass at 10 am--students are asked to wear Mass Attire.
Monday -- Very Important -- Fourth grade is attending 9 am Mass so we are asking that they come in Mass Attire-- they can change into their college shirts and jeans after Mass. Not all grades get to attend so it's an honor.
Tuesday -- This is the day for care packages for seminarians so fourth grade has been asked to bring disposable razors for today.
Wednesday -- Coffee and pastries for parents from 7:30 to 8:00 am and classroom visits from 8:30-9;30. Peter Piper Pizza Night is in the evening.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- Pajama Day--very important, no slippers. There's a cook-out and lunch is free! Family Game Night starts at 6 pm!
This week:
English -- Spelling this week is about the need for law. Our new compositions are now all on display. They are about how to do something, a process composition. We are still concentrating on parts of speech, but we are also reviewing irregular verbs.
Reading -- Students are truly enjoying our class novel, The One and Only Ivan. As always, the reading log needs to be signed and brought to school each day. Very important-- students can read their science or social studies text instead of a chapter book if they want to for their reading log.
Math -- Please know that those one-minute drills you give students after school on multiplication will help them so much! We will be starting long division in a few weeks and, if they don't know their tables before they start, it's really difficult for them. We are focusing on fraction, decimal, percent this week.
Science -- Fossils and also Electromagnets are the focus this week. Students are getting closer to knowing what they want to do for the Science Fair. I will be sending out information about the March 10 Science Fair at the beginning of February.
Social Studies -- The Mexican War and the beginnings of the Civil War are covered this week.
Religion -- Students will learn that receiving the Body and Blood of Christ nurtures and strengthens them to be active followers of Christ.
Great Week!
January 21, 2020 later
Hi Again Parents,
The enchiladas are on for this Thursday. The kitchen is in operation now. Sorry for this inconvenience.
Judy Pfeifer
January 21, 2020
Hi Parents,
Very important: Tomorrow Wednesday there is After School Care till only 5 pm.
Also, if you ordered enchiladas for Thursday, this will have to be postponed till our cafeteria kitchen is fixed. Stay tuned for when it will happen--sorry for the inconvenience. Lastly, there are still openings for the parent-teacher conference tomorrow between 3 and 4 pm. Just let me know when to sign you in. Or feel free to meet with me when it works better for you.
Take care,
Judy Pfeifer
Hi again Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling is about the upcoming Science Fair on March 10. I will give more information at the beginning of February. We are still working on parts of speech. Come and check out our third type of composition, the process composition. Compositions will be displayed in our classroom starting Wednesday.
Reading -- We are reading a class novel together now, The One and Only Ivan.
We continue to stress that reading is a skill we need in all of our subjects including our expository texts for math, science, and social studies.
Math -- The relationships between fractions and decimals, multiplication and division, reading and multistep word problems continue to be emphasized.
Science -- The relationship between electricity and magnetism along with changes to landforms on Earth are the focus this week.
Social Studies -- We are covering the difficulties Texas faced as a new state.
Religion -- The Third Commandment and the Eucharist are the focus this week.
Have a Great Week!
January 20-26, 2020
Hi Parents,
Monday -- No school in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Tuesday -- Classes resume
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting in Cafeteria at 7:45 am; Spirit Dress with early release at 1 pm; Parent/Teacher Conferences from 1:30 to 5:00. You can let me know when you would like to come for your conference if you haven't already.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Sunday -- Mass at 10:00 am to start Catholic Schools Week. Students who can attend please wear Mass Attire.
January 12-21, 2020
Hi Parents,
Sunday -- Menudo and Pan Dulce Sale; come and enjoy some!
Wednesday -- Group pictures-- wear Mass Attire.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire.
Monday, January 20 -- No school in honor of Martin Luther King.
Tuesday, January 21 -- Classes resume.
This week:
English -- Spelling is about parts of speech. We continue to work on our process compositions.
Reading -- We continue to discuss different genres of literature. We also are covering how accompanying artwork enhances the basal stories.Thank you for continuing to sign the reading logs since there are unannounced spot checks from time to time.
Math -- Division, multiplication, multi-step problems and simply trying to relax about math and ask questions right when there is confusion are all worked on this week.
Science -- The changing Earth is covered.
Social Studies -- We continue to focus on the challenges the new Republic of Texas faced.
Religion -- Students will learn about the Third Commandment and the ways we observe the Lord's Day.
Great Week!
January 7-10, 2020
Happy New Year, Parents!
First of all, thank you for all the lovely gifts and well-wishes for the Christmas season. I hope you are having a great time off.
Tuesday, January 7, students return to class.
This week:
English -- Spelling is on a new beginning.We are working on our third type of composition where we write about how to do something. We will also start learning how a correct sentence is put together.
Reading -- Students will start a new reading log. As always, we want to increase our skill of constantly monitoring our understanding of what we are reading. Key to this is asking ourselves regularly through the passage we are reading if we are staying on track or if we need to go back and reread. Also, it is really helpful to write our thoughts down about what we have read if it has really impacted us and caused us to think in a new way.
Math -- We will review multiplication tables and relate them to fractions, division, and daily life situations.
Science -- We will start learning about changes in the Earth's surface and also magnetism this week.
Social Studies -- Texas finally gets to be part of the U.S.A. after waiting nine years.
More information as I get it.
Hi Again Parents,
Wednesday -- Parental Involvement Event at YISD offices from 8:30-11:30 am
Thursday -- Children's Liturgy
Friday -- Free dress for students with Home and School pass
Sunday -- Parents can get volunteer hours by helping to sell menudo in the cafeteria.
Religion --We will continue our lesson celebrating the Christmas season which also includes the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.
Great Week!
December 16-20, 2019
Hi, Parents!
Hard to believe our year is half over!
Thursday -- There is Mass with Mass Attire in the morning and the Posada at 1:30 in the gym.
Friday -- At 9 am, we will have our Christmas program. Fourth grade is singing a German song. The students truly know the meaning of each word. The title of the song is roughly translated to "Softly Falls the Snow" and is about the coming of the Christ Child and how it makes us feel. Very important: We are asking for each student to wear clothes in shades of blue with white. Thank you for that.
There is Early Release at 1 pm and no After School Care.
English -- In Spelling there will be a review. We will start our third type of composition--the "How To" composition. We will finish it up in January.
Reading -- Reading for understanding in the content areas is emphasized more and more as we approach the second half of the year, remembering that reading is a skill that we use in all subjects, rather than a separate subject.We need to have all our news reports finished by Monday, ready to present. Come and check them out on display in the classroom. There were some really cool articles the students chose to report on.
Math -- It's all about fractions! Thank you for the continued quick drills on the multiplication tables at home. Students still need help with them.
Science -- Electricity and the rock cycle are both continued this week. We will also have a bio of Ben Franklin.
Social Studies -- We continue with the Texas Republic and the problems involved in forming a separate country.
Religion -- We will continue to celebrate Advent and the coming of the Son of God. Students will learn that we follow the Second Commandment by respecting and honoring the name of God.
See you at the Posada and the Christmas Program! I wish all of you a wonderful, blessed Christmas Vacation! See you in January.
December 8-13, 2019
Sunday -- Cookie Walk and Menudo Sale
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- 4th and 5th Grades have their Christmas Party. Students have chosen what they each want to bring. Please feel welcome to attend. It will be in the cafeteria from 1:30 to 2:45.
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on the importance of dirt. We continue to concentrate on capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and handwriting. Parts of speech are also the focus.
Reading -- We are writing news reports with news articles we have selected. There are now over fifty bonus words on the bonus word wall and students know and use them! We are also covering different genres of literature.
Math -- We are really working on fractions and number lines.Just a reminder that multiplication tables are still so important in all math.Any short drills at home are always welcome!
Science -- We are starting the chapter on electricity as we continue with our study of rocks.
Social Studies -- The forming of the Texas Republic is covered this week. Check out the new survey reports and graphs on helping our environment that are displayed on the board outside our classroom.
Religion -- Students continue to celebrate Advent with decorating ornaments for the Jesse Tree. They will also celebrate the Son of God's coming into the world.We will learn that we follow the Second Commandment by respecting and honoring the name of God.
Great Week!
December 1-8, 2019
Hi Parents!
We start again!
Sunday -- First Sunday of Advent
Monday -- Classes resume.
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting is at 7:45; Twelve Days of Christmas begins.
Thursday -- Children's Liturgy; After School Music Recital at 4:30
Friday -- Two dozen homemade cookies for Sunday's Cookie Walk are due in the San Pedro Room; also, it's the Feast of St. Nicholas.
Sunday -- 11th Annual Cookie Walk and Menudo Sale
Hi Again!
This week:
English -- Spelling is on what we are working on in math this week: Fraction, decimal, percent. Grammar and verb tenses also continue. We also continue working on improving neatness and handwriting in written work.
Reading -- We will begin a new news report soon. Students need to cut out or print out a news article that they are really interested in. Students also need to continue to read aloud at home for their reading log and always remember to have it in their binders, signed and current.
Math -- The relationship between fraction, decimal, and percent, along with double-digit division are the focus this week.
Science -- We finish up with food chains and start Earth Science this week.
Social Studies -- The Texas Revolution is covered this week.
Religion -- We will be preparing for the coming of the Lord through the season of Advent.
Great Week!
November 18-December 2, 2019
Hi Again Parents,
This week:
Thank you for sending the signed pink papers. Please ask me about your child's work if you have any questions.
English -- The Mexican Revolution is the topic for spelling.We are really emphasizing legible handwriting in all work. We are also concentrating on correct capitalization, spelling and punctuation.
Reading -- We now have sixty high-end bonus words on our word wall. The students are noticing them everywhere and using them! Come and check them out. Just a reminder that students can use any challenging text for their reading log work.
Math -- We are starting to work on double digit division and the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percents.
Science -- Energy transfer along with forces and motion are the focus this week.
Social Studies -- Stephen Austin comes to Texas this week. We will also have a Daniel Boone bio.
Religion -- The students continue to learn about God's covenant with Moses and the Israelites, the promise God kept by sending His Son, and Jesus' teaching about God's Law.
Have a Blessed and Enjoyable Thanksgiving, Everyone!
Hi Parents,
Tuesday -- Touching Safety video for kids showing.
Thursday -- Lifetouch pictures with Santa; Mass with Mass Attire.
Friday -- Spirit Dress, Dismissal at 3, No After School Care, Thanksgiving Vacation!
Monday, December 2 -- Classes resume.
November 11-15, 2019
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Veterans Day Ceremony at 8:30 am
Tuesday -- Scoliosis Screening; Annual Parent Safety Training, 4 pm Spanish and 5 pm English
Wednesday -- World Kindness Day! Thanksgiving Luncheon--students may leave with parents after luncheon, but must sign out before leaving.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire; scoliosis makeup day
Friday -- Annual Parent Safety Day, 4 pm Spanish, 5 pm English
Hi Again, Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling is on learning those multiplication tables. We will also focus on capitalization and punctuation.
Reading -- Reading for understanding in all sorts of texts is our big goal. Our bonus word wall is getting larger; students are working hard to make each word their own. As always, thanks for helping with the reading log for the reading at home.
Math -- We are applying our knowledge of our times tables to single and double digit multiplication problems, both in board work and word problems. Fraction, Decimal, Percent is also covered again.
Science -- Human influence on ecosystems continues to be the focus. We are also covering Forces and Motion.
Social Studies -- U.S. settlers are invited to settle in Coahuila y Tejas, first by the Spanish and later by the Mexican government.
Religion -- Students will learn about God's covenant with Moses and Isrealites, the promise God kept by sending His Son and Jesus' teaching about God's Law.
Great Week!
November 4-9, 2019
Hi Parents!
Monday, November 4
Notices for spinal screening will go out today for girls ages 10 and 12 and boys ages 13 and 14
Wednesday, November 6
Veterans' Day RSVP deadline
Annual Parent Safety Training @ 8:00 a.m. and 12 noon
Thursday, November 7
Children's Liturgy-Students do not need to be in Mass attire
Annual Parent Safety Training 4:00 in Spanish and 5:00 in English
Friday, November 8
Spirit Dress/Early Dismissal @ 1:00
NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE
3rd Annual Irish Gala 6:00 p.m.-- MIdnight @ the Coronado Country Club
Saturday, November 9
LOLA's Annual Cattleman's Dinner 6:00 @ Cathedral High School (to benefit all Catholic schools.)
Hi again, Parents,
This week:
English -- Spelling this week is on living and nonliving things affecting the ecosystem. We continue to work on irregular verb parts and how they relate to tenses. Johnny Can Spell, our phonics program, continues.
Reading -- Just a reminder that expository reading is constantly stressed. Students can absolutely read in their social studies or science texts instead of a chapter book for their reading logs from time to time.We will be reading poems that we write to honor veterans for Veterans Day. Foreshadowing, flashback and personification will be reviewed.
Math -- We will begin multiplying with two-digit numbers so those times tables drills really help. We will also introduce fractions.
Science -- We continue with ecosystems and all the aspects that affect them positively and negatively. Forces of the universe and motion are also covered.
Social Studies -- Spanish heritage and the importance of sources, both primary and secondary, are the focus this week.
Religion -- This week we will learn that throughout the liturgical year we remember and celebrate Jesus Christ.
Have a Great Week, Everyone!
October 28-November 1, 2019
Hi Parents,
This week is Red Ribbon Week.
Wednesday -- Parent/Teacher Conferences 130-5pm, Early Release 1 pm/Spirit Dress, Deadline to RSVP to the Gala
Thursday -- Halloween/ Costume Parade at 9 am
Friday -- All Saints Day (Holyday of Obligation)/Mass with Mass Attire
Hi Again Parents,
This Week:
The students' work was sent home Friday with the pink form for you to sign so I will know that you saw their work. Thank you for that.
English -- This week's spelling is on Native Americans. We will have our new descriptive compositions on display.
Reading -- Just a reminder that students can read out of expository texts instead of chapter books for their reading logs if they choose .Recognizing hyperbole and bias are emphasized this week. There are now forty words on our Bonus Word Wall.
Math -- Finding averages using simple division along with multiplying with two-digit numbers and multi-step word problems are the focus this week.
Science -- How living and nonliving things affect each other and the environment are covered this week. We will also continue to concentrate on Forces and Motion.
Social Studies -- The Spanish come to Texas and influence the lives of the Native Americans. We also continue with the bio of John Smith.
Religion -- This week students will learn that throughout the liturgical year we remember and celebrate Jesus Christ.
Have a great week and thanks for all you do!
Judy Pfeifer
October 21-25, 2019
Hi Parents,
Tuesday, October 22
Annual Parent Safe Awareness Training
4:00 in Spanish and 5:00 in English in the San Pedro Room
Wednesday October 23
Lifetouch Picture retakes for any who were absent or didn't like their pictures.Bring your original pictures.
Thursday, October 24
Living Rosary
Don't forget your rosary! Students do not need to be in Mass attire.
Friday, October 25
Fall Foliage Festival
After school care will only be open until 5:00. Parents who pick up their children should be responsible for them even if they are helping with the festival. This mean there shouldn't be any students running around. If they are unattended, they will be placed in after school care.
Hi Again, Parents,
This week:
English -- We are finishing up our descriptive compositions. This week, spelling is about starting a new quarter.We are also working on parts of a sentence.
Reading --We continue to work on literary devices such as flashback and foreshadowing. A new reading log starts Monday.
Math -- Finding averages, multiplication tables, and multistep word problems are the focus this week.
Science -- Ecosystems and also Forces and Motion are started this week.
Social Studies -- The Conquistadors come to the Texas area.
Religion -- Celebrating Penance and Reconciliation are covered this week.
Great Week!
October 13-18, 2019
Sunday -- Guadalupana Gordita Sale after Masses
Monday -- No School!
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Attire
Friday -- End of the Quarter
This Week:
English -- Spelling is on adaptations of animals and plants. We are still working on our descriptive compositions of our fantasy place. We are incorporating our Johnny Can Spell phonics program into our spelling knowledge.
Reading -- We continue with our literary devices of foreshadowing and flashback. Just a reminder that students can read out of challenging, expository reading instead of an enjoyable chapter book if they choose to for their reading log which they need to do Monday through Thursday. They need to always have an adult in the house sign the log and always have it with them, just in case it is randomly checked.
Math -- We are working on elapsed time, along with simple algebra, word problems and, as always, those pesky multiplication problems.
Science -- Fossils and animals from long ago as compared to those of today are concentrated on this week.
Social Studies -- We are getting into the European exploration of the New World and how it affected the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Religion -- Our Conscience, Our Guide will continue this week.
Great Week!
October 7-11, 2019
Hi Parents,
Monday through Friday -- The Book Fair will be here all week.
Tuesday -- Fall Foliage Festival tickets go on sale.
Wednesday -- Home and School Meeting will be in the cafeteria at 7:45 am.
Thursday -- There will be Mass with Mass Attire.
Friday -- Wear pink shirt with jeans for Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
This week:
English -- This week's spelling is on irregular verbs. Also, we will start our second composition-- the descriptive. We continue with our phonics program, Johnny Can Spell.
Reading -- We are emphasizing understanding what we read in expository texts, such as our science and social studies texts. We are also continuing with literary devices, such as flashback and foreshadowing. Sequencing as a reading skill is also covered.
Math -- Multiplication facts are used as we start simple algebra. It really holds students back if they are struggling to remember their facts as they are trying to solve problems. We have short quizzes each day, but it really helps if they get those two-minute long drills at home, too. Thank you for that! Functions of numbers are also focused on this week.
Science -- Adaptations of living things to their environments are the focus this week.
Social Studies -- We continue the study of the various Native American groups that inhabited the Americas before European exploration.
Religion -- Our Conscience, Our Guide emphasizes that God calls us to be close to Him.
Have a Great Week!
September 30 -October 4, 2019
This week, the elementary grades are starting to have a Student of the Week. The criteria are the following:
Turn in homework on time.
Show effort consistently on classwork and homework.
Be on time to class and have no tardies.
Follow school uniform attire.
Have no detentions.
Be respectful of classmates and teachers at all times.
This week:
English -- Spelling is on Beringia. We are working on parts of speech, especially irregular verbs. Cursive handwriting in class is getting better each week. Thanks for any help you have given with that.
Reading -- Our bonus word wall gets bigger each week. The students truly know them! Come and check them out. Also, check out our news reports. They are all up now. Foreshadowing is also worked on this week as a literary devise. Understanding what is read in the content areas of science and social studies is stressed this week as always.
Math -- We are starting to work with "unknown numbers" which is really the start
of algebra. Multiplication tables are more important than ever. Thanks for any short drills you can help them with. We will also cover function rules.
Science -- Direct Development vs. Metamorphosis in living things is covered this week.
Social Studies -- Asian hunters crossing the land bridge, Beringia, is the focus this week.
Religion --" Sin in Our World" is continued this week.
Great week!
September 23-27, 2019
Hi Parents,
Wednesday -- There will be a Home and School Meeting at 7:45 am.
Thursday -- There is Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Tuesday through Thursday -- and possibly Friday-- we will have IOWA testing this week. As always, students will do better on the tests if they get a good night's sleep, a good breakfast every morning, and a calm week. There will be no homework this week. Monday we will have a regular schedule and Friday we will have academic work when we are finished with the testing. Students can bring chewy candy snacks for during the tests.Thank you so much for getting students to school at least by 8 am, especially during testing, but really, every day.Students miss so much if they aren't here from the very beginning of the day. It puts them in 'catch up" mode for the rest of the day.
There will be no tutoring this week.Also, three week's worth of student work will be sent home again. Thank you for sending back the accompanying pink form so I will know you saw their work.
This week:
English -- There will be a review in spelling. We will cover irregular verbs as we have time this week.
Reading -- We will work on our news reports as we can. Students were given a form to use, but they can certainly ask for help on the report if they need it. Students don't need to read for the reading log this week.
Math -- We will continue to work on multiplication tables as we have time.
Science -- Again, as we can, we will work on life cycles of plants.
Social Studies -- We are getting to the coming of Asians to the Americas over the land bridge. We will probably just start to cover it this week.
Religion -- Monday and Friday, Sin in our World will be covered.
Have a Great Week!
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Red, white, and green shirts with jeans can be worn for the 16th of September holiday.
Tuesday -- Students wear Sunday best for pictures.
Thursday -- There is Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Friday -- We have Spirit Dress, Early Release at 1, and After School Care till only 5.
This week:
English --Spelling is on Texas regions. We have started the Johnny Can Spell Phonics program which helps with both spelling and handwriting.
Reading --Thank you for continuing to sign the students' reading logs Monday through Thursday. Just a reminder that students can read chapter books, science or social studies texts, or any other challenging reading.
Math -- Memorizing multiplication facts continues to be very important. Adding and subtracting large numbers is also the focus.
Science -- Classifying living things and heredity are covered. We are also focusing on more simple machines. On Tuesday students are bringing an edible cell model with joghurt or pudding cytoplasm, their choice of candies for the various parts of the cell--mitochondria, vacuoles, nuclei, chloroplasts,and cell walls. An explanatory paragraph accompanies the yummy cell.
Social Studies -- Check out our survey graphs and reports on scary natural disasters that are displayed on the hall board.We continue to learn about the four Texas regions this week.
Have a Great Week!September 16-20, 2019
September 9-13, 2019
Hi Parents,
Wednesday is Patriot Day.
Thursday, we have Children's Liturgy.
Friday, come to Family Movie Night from 6-9.
This week:
English -- Spelling is about scientific classification of living things. We have started working on phonics with Johnny Can Spell. We are also working on verb parts of irregular verbs.
Reading -- We are working on drawing conclusions in our expository reading in Science and Social Studies.We will begin reading our survey reports on natural disasters to the class.
Math -- We are working on adding, subtracting, and rounding whole numbers.We continue to work on multiplication facts. Thank you so much with your help on that!
Science -- Classification of Living Things and Simple Machines are the two focuses this week.
Social Studies -- Endangered species and Texas regions are covered. We will finish up our surveys on scary natural disasters.
Great Week!
Hi Again Parents,
Religion this week will be Chapter Two, Jesus Leads Us to Happiness.
September 2-7, 2019
Hi Parents,
Monday -- Labor Day, no school!
Tuesday -- Classes resume; Family Movie Night tickets go on sale.
Thursday -- Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Saturday -- Virtus Training in English from 9-12 in the San Pedro Room.
This week:
Early in the week, I will send home the work of the students for the first three weeks of school. Accompanying the work will be a pink form for you to sign so that I will know the students showed you the work. Can you please sign the pink form and send it back; thank you that. If you have questions about any assignment, please ask me--very important, can you please bring the specific assignment with you when you ask about it so I will be able to discuss the specific aspects of the paper.
English -- Spelling is on learning multiplication facts. Please come and see the narrative compositions that are now on display in the classroom. We continue to work on improving our cursive writing.
Reading -- We are working on digging out important details in our expository reading in science, social studies, and even in math word problems. Come and check out our bonus word wall--there are twenty words there now and student tell me they enjoy using them in their writing. Thank you for signing the reading logs Monday through Thursday. Students now have chapter books from the library if they want to read them for their reading logs.
Math -- Multiplication facts are so crucial to be successful in math. Thanks for any help you can give with those at home! We are also working on showing all our work neatly on our written math assignment.Very important-- students need to ask me immediately if they don't understand something in math class.
Science -- We are starting to cover living things and how we need to appreciate all life. We are also learning about simple machines and how they are the basis for all machines.
Social Studies -- We are focusing on disastrous weather. We will start a survey on the subject this week. Another focus will be Texas regions.
Religion -- Mrs. Jones will cover Jesus-- The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Throughout the year she will focus on the lives of the saints.
Great Week!
August 26-30, 2019
Hi Parents,
Just a reminder that students need to remain in the cafeteria in the morning till teachers lead them into the gym.
Please do not park in the parking lot of the building on Stanton. It's not safe due to construction. The parking lot on Arizona is recommended.
Wednesday -- Home & School Meeting is at 7:45 am.
Virtus Training is 5:30-8:30 pm in Spanish, San Pedro Room.
Thursday -- Mass is with Mass Day Attire.
Friday --Spirit Dress is with Early Dismissal at 1 pm --Very Important, After
School Care is only till 5 pm.
Hi again Parents,
This week:
English -- This week's spelling lesson is on science and using our curiosity to learn about the world around us. We are also working on our narrative compositions so we can display them. Irregular verb parts were also introduced.
Reading -- We now have fifteen bonus words on our word wall. Students are bringing their reading logs daily for that random check that can happen any day. Thank you for helping with that when possible. All year, we will be working on expository reading for understanding in the content areas that is so much more difficult than reading for enjoyment. By the way, they can certainly use their science text for their reading log at home.
Math -- We are really concentrating on explaining why we got an answer in our word problems. Our multiplication tables need a lot of work, but we are practicing every day.
Science -- We are going to focus on the scientific method to help us understand the world around us. This will get us thinking about what we want to do for the Science Fair that is a long way off, but not too early to start thinking about.
Social Studies -- Our beautiful state's resources are the focus this week. Students also brought home an out-of-adoption social studies book that they need to keep at home all year for homework assignments from time to time.
Have a Great Week!
E-News August 19-24, 2019
Hi Parents!
Thursday, there is Mass with Mass Day Attire.
Very Important--Saturday, there is Virtus Training in the San Pedro Room from 12-3. Check with the office beforehand to get set up for it if you want to attend.
This week in class:
English -- Spelling is on facts about the Lone Star State. We are also starting our narrative compositions.
Reading -- We will start our reading logs this week. Students need to read for twenty minutes at home Monday through Thursday in any challenging material they choose. It can be a chapter book they like or science or social studies reading that they want to study for a homework assignment. Very important--an adult in the household needs to initial or sign the reading log each night and the student needs to have the signed log in their binder all times, just in case I check to see if they read the night before. I don't tell students when I will check it.
Math -- We will be working on multiplication tables throughout the year since they are so crucial for all phases of math. We will also work on understanding the importance of place value. Everyday math will also be the focus.
Science -- We will start learning about inquiry tools to discover information about the world around us.We will also start classifying living things.
Fourth Grade Social Studies -- Texas regions and Texas' place in the country and in the world will be covered this week.
Third Grade Social Studies -- Different types of communities in the world will be the focus.
Have a Great Week!
Judy Pfeifer