January 15, 2026

Dear Parents,

Happy Thursday!! Here we are back into a routine. Again I feel like I just did this not long ago. I have to say I am little disappointed in this January. We need at least one snow day! We have been praying for snow. It is not working. I know we just got off a break but a little snow day is a good morale booster. They have been a bit silly then they have returned from break. I think they think the work will slow down if they are silly, but.....it doesn't. They just find they have more homework to take home.

I feel like I have a lot of information today. I hope I don't forget anything.

Language Arts

This week we finished our last story in Unit 3, so we are taking a Module 3 test. I will have the results for the last story in Module 3 and Module 3 test in next week's folder. I am working on getting those scored. They also were assigned their next book report. We went over the directions in full and they have the scoring rubric to guide them also. They are all on the hunt for a book that has more pages or same amount as the last book report book. I told them they are not allowed to read less, that to me is not showing progress. We also started working on an informational writing project. They are choosing an animal to write about and finding 3 facts about it's habitat, body and what it eats. Tomorrow we will begin putting the facts together into an essay.

Math

This week has been more practice on the Area Model for double-digit multiplication. Tomorrow we will start Partial Product. It is the same thing but we eliminate the area box. I like to have the visual but the kids want to do whatever is quickest. The funny thing is this text does not have me teach them the standard algorithm for double-digit multiplication like you and I learned. It just moves on to division. But we have talked as a staff and decided it is important for me to teach that before we leave the topic.

Social Studies

We are finishing up Chapter 6, which is the first chapter on the Southeast states. ON Tuesday of next week they will take a map test over the 12 states of the Southeast. I will give them a map of just those states and they will need to correctly label each state. Tomorrow they will take their test over chapter 6.

Enrollment

Our enrollment is a little different this year. You have from January 25 - 31 to get signed up. We do have waiting lists for some classes so be sure to enroll so you ensure your child's spot for the 26-27 school year. It is important to be sure you meet the deadline.

Catholic Schools Week Mass

There is a form today for the Sunday Mass at the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. This is our kick off Mass. If your child is able to show up and participate please fill the form out a return it to school. If they can not make it , it is now necessary to fill it out.

Candy Grams

There is a form for another fundraiser for our Outdoor Classroom. You do not have to do anything but fill out the note and put it and your money in an envelope. The 8th graders will take care of everything and make sure your child gets the delivery on the 13th.

Grandparent/Special Guests

There is a form in the folder to fill out letting us know who will be attending the Grandparent Mass with your student. Please fill it out and return.

Monday, January 19th

We do not have school on Monday! It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The teachers will still have to be at work but the kids do not.

The cold is finally here, do we think it is here to stay? We have been spoiled with the warmer temps for sure. The kids are enjoying taking their turn at the diamond art project we are working on for our silent auction item. We are moving right along. Once I peel the relief paper off I really can't re-stick it. So whatever they do not get done in that particular square I finish after school. They have been doing a great job.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I have plans with my mom for a little trip to Des Moines. Just light shopping and of course food! This is all weather permitting. If it's as cold as they say she may back out.

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels