March 3, 2022

Dear Parents,

Happy Thursday! Well, only 5 more school days until Spring Break can start. It is hard to believe that we are at this point. I am glad! I am traveling to Blanco, Texas to my cousin's house for break. It is just north of San Antonio. I have not seen her in a couple years and we decided it was time! I am very excited. BUT I will say when we return we are on the downhill slide! Yes to me the year is coming to a quick close. It has been a big year for most of the students. I know you probably think I am crazy saying the end is near, but I spend the rest of the year planning and praying I get everything I want in before they leave me. The pressure will be on.

Language Arts

This week we started by finishing last week's story with a post test and end of the week test over Hercules. The kids really enjoyed learning about Greek Myths and hearing a different version of Hercules.

Then we moved on to a new story called Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. This is a biography about Cesar Chavez whose family became migrant workers due to a huge drought that made them lose their farm. The migrant workers were being overworked and underpaid. Cesar decided to hold a nonviolent protest. He started a march from Delano, CA to Sacramento, CA. He began with 66 marchers but by the time he reached Sacramento the march was over 10,000 strong. The migrant workers were then offered their first ever contract, which guaranteed them better conditions and better pay. It is an interesting story for sure. We have worked on dependent and independent clauses in sentences, which can be tough. The spelling list this week deals with suffixes. They didn't do as well on this one as they did last week on prefixes. We will be back on track to have our spelling post test and end of the week test tomorrow. Please be sure your child studies their yellow packets.

Math

We have been working on reviewing for a test over Topic 4. My intent is to be finished with the testing process by the time we leave for Spring Break. Now, this topic on double-digit multiplication does not have me teach the students the standard algorithm. This is the method you and I learned to use. After I get all the testing complete, I plan to teach them this strategy anyway before we begin Topic 5 on Division. After Division I will be focusing on everything fractions until the end of the year. You child has been working on Successmaker which is a math online program that is to help fill in the gaps and they have been doing a lot of fraction work already. Plus a little geometry! I am happy to see them doing different things that what we are doing in the book.

Social Studies

We checked a study guide today, so they will take a test tomorrow over Chapter 7. Monday they will correct their tests and then work on some map skill pages. On Tuesday they will have their 2nd map skill test. This will be their last one over the Southeast. Please help your child study those states. It is so important that they learn them. I gave them some more practice maps today to help them study. When we return from break we will begin the Midwest states. I will begin to move a little quicker through the chapters to ensure we cover all 5 regions and all 50 states.

Auction Basket

I would like to thank all who helped with the 3-5 Auction Basket. We received enough donations to get a 3-D printer, 5 rolls of filament, and a $100 gift card to Amazon. We also have a very awesome Silent Auction item, Cornhole Boards with bags. The students actually sewed the bags together and signed the boards. So, I know I need to thank Tiffany Johnson, Beth Knutstrom, Jenny Studer, Alisha Stehr, and Anita Studer for all their help. If I didn't name someone I am sorry, these are the people I have seen or talked to about both items. Also, a big Thank you to all of you who sent a donation to make these items possible.

Conferences

Conferences are next week. I have some on Tuesday, Wednesday, and the on Thursday. All parents are signed up for time and ready to go. I am anxious to talk to everyone. I have things to share about academics and behavior. If you have a conflict pop up just go in and delete your original time and sign up for a new one. There are plenty of open slots so you have a choice.

Lunches

Just another reminder that lunches brought in on Fridays during Lent need to be meatless.

Shorts

Yes, according to the dress code shorts are allowed starting March 1. As I told the students I hate this one. March is usually not warm enough for shorts. Well, we have had some warm days but that is going to change. I told them I hoped they paid close attention to the forecast because next week is not going to be fit for shorts like today was not. The student will be expected to go outside no matter the temperature or what they are wearing.

Spirit Day

Tomorrow is a Spirit Day! Again wear those sweats for $1.00 and help raise money for our Pay-It-Forward Committee. It always feels good to help a family in need and have it come from the students and the staff. There is more ownership in it. I am on the committee and we sign all our cards with "Students, Faculty and Staff at St. Malachy School."

Spring Break

Spring Break for the kids begins Thursday, March 10 and there will be no School March 11- 18. Classes will resume on Monday, March 21st. Have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break.

Well, we all have about 5 more days to survive before we can celebrate with a nice long break. I hope everyone gets a way even if for just a day. I will pray for everyone to return with fresh minds eager to finish the year on a positive note with lots of learning. There will not be a blog next week since I will be meeting with each of you personally.

Have a Great Weekend!

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels