Watch for monthly SOS notices coming home in the student's book bag. Insert them into the family folder. Please read and review often.

May

Time Management: We have been seeing quite an increase in late slips with children this quarter.  We know that the weather is very nice, and that sports are important to the children, however, homework does need to be first priority. Please remind your child to use their class work time, and study halls wisely.  Those that typically use their time wisely don’t take much work homeJ. 

Behavior: We had a long winter and are ready for the nice weather.  Understandably, spring brings excitement and energy.  But, we still have plenty of work to do.  Please encourage your child to behave appropriately in class and on the playground.  We have been experiencing a lot of interruptions during serious class time and work time.  This does not benefit anyone, and can hinder the fun activities planned for the rest of the school year. 

Summer: Please encourage your child to read over the summer break.  The web site list that was given last month is a super way to keep the mind on track and ready to go for the 2008-2009 school year! 

Important Dates:          Physical Fitness Day-                         May 16

                                    Social Studies Project due-                  May 19

                                    Class Picnic-                                       May 29

April

Home Enrichment- There may be days that your child has minimal homework.  Please encourage them to read a book, magazine, newspaper, or other appropriate media.  There are also many reputable web sites in which your child may engage in meaningful activities such as:  www.coolmath.com, www.brainpop.com, www.brainteasers.com, www.funbrain.com, and www.kidsites.com. 

Fourth Quarter- This quarter the children will be expected to show more independence with study habits, work ethic, and self-control in order to prepare for seventh grade.   As the weather becomes a bit more tolerable, and pleasing, it may be difficult for your child to stay focused, and keep on track with his/her assignments and responsibilities.  Gentle reminders of good study routines practiced this year, early bed times, and healthy eating habits can prove to be helpful. 

D.A.R.E. Graduation- Please mark your calendars for this important ceremony held on Monday, April 28^th @ 6pm in Sacred Heart Church.  Look for information to come home soon about parent volunteers and donations for the reception that follows the ceremony. 

Upcoming Mass Dates- 6M –Friday, April 4

March

• Just as a reminder, the third quarter ends March 14. A lot of missing work is still out from children being sick or gone on vacation. If your child has been gone recently, please encourage them to check and ensure all work is done.

• The research paper process has been going quite well! Please note that help will be needed with the proofreading soon. A parent signature will be required on the proofread rough draft.

• D.A.R.E graduation will be next month. Please look for information soon.

• March Mass Dates: 6C Friday, March 14; 6H Tuesday, March 18

February

SUPPLIES: Please check with your child to ensure he/she has the proper supplies for everyday class work and homework.  Many have been in need of loose leaf paper, red pens, and pencils. 

STUDY PLACE: Please make sure that your child has an appropriate place to do homework.  Many children need a quiet place without interruption.  If your child has a desk or place in his/her room, please make sure it is not cluttered and has the necessary supplies for focused, organized working time. 

HANDBOOK: This is the time of year when many need a review of the school rules regarding dress code, behavior, and late work or missed work due to an illness.  Many of us are starting to get ‘cabin fever’ J and could use some reminders.

January

Happy New Year to you and yours!  We wish you well in 2008J. 

Much work has been getting turned in late.  Please help your child by going over assignments from their assignment notebook each evening and check to ensure the finished product is placed in their folder.  When your child is ill, they have as many days as they were sick to catch up with their missed work and turn it in. 

Quarter two ends this Friday, January 11^th.  Please encourage your child to do their absolute best to end this quarter on a positive note.  Each Tuesday new grades are posted in all classes.  The children are encouraged to check their progress and to ask questions concerning their effort, assignments, and tests.

*FIELD TRIP TO BALD EAGLE DAYS THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 11^TH.*

Quarter three will bring:

·         A book project for Reading class. Your child will be required to read a book that is a mystery. We will be taking a look at our mystery selection in our library, but if your child has not chosen a book, please help them find one of their interest at home or from your local library.  I’d suggest looking for ideas now…the project (specifications coming soon) will be due January 28! 

·         Our research project in English class.  This will start in February…look for more information to come soon…

·         D.A.R.E. program begins!  Information coming soon!

·         Catholic Schools Week is the week of January 27. 

Upcoming Mass Dates:  Catholic Schools Week Mass, Friday, February 1

December

We extend a HUGE thank you to all families for their gifts of prayer, gently used clothing, monetary donations, and gifts certificates for the family in need!  They certainly appreciate your generosity. 

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

DAILY WORK - The work load will be heavier this quarter, and could be harder to manage, especially with a lot of holiday happenings. Please review with your child the necessary time management skills to help them complete their work to the best of their ability.   New vocabulary, terms, or spelling should be taken home periodically to review or study.  If no homework is given during the day, or work is completed; at home reading and review of current subject matter is encouraged. 

SETTING GOALS - It is important that your child set goals for themselves each school year.  We encourage your child to revisit their goals for this year.  Are they meeting their expectations?  If not, what can they do, or what help do they need in order to reach their set goal?  If so, what new goal would he/she like to set for him or herself? 

Upcoming December Mass: 6M-December 14 @8:30    

For upcoming projects, Mrs. Colon is asking for donations of these items please:  note cards, small scissors, old magazines, baby wipes, crayons, colored pencils, and yarn.  J                     

Mrs. Colon, Mrs. Hawkins, and Ms. McCracken would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year! 

November

• Report Cards- This year the report card looks much different!  Please go over each section of your child’s report card with him or her.  Discuss any questions either of you may have.  Go over any future expectations with them.

• P.R.I.D.E. Program- This program is new to your child this year.  Attached you’ll find a note explaining the program.  P.R.I.D.E. gives your child an opportunity to be acknowledged and earn WWYW passes for community service, respectful behavior, involvement in Seton and other activities and dedication to academics.

• Homework-   A lot of work is being rushed and not thoroughly done.  Please encourage your child to go over their daily work before handing it in.  Handwriting should be neat and legible, a heading should be present on each loose-leaf assignment or a name on worksheets, sentences should be complete when necessary, and directions need to be read and followed accordingly. 

• Time Management- The children are still learning how to study and when to complete work.  We encourage each child to use their class work time and study hall time wisely. 

October

This month your child will be learning to better utilize the skills of:

• Managing their time - Making a daily schedule, keeping a monthly calendar, prioritizing activities, being flexible with a schedule, avoiding an overloaded schedule, and making commitments.

• Using effective homework strategies - Having the proper materials to complete daily work, finding a comfortable space to complete work, going over completed work to ensure directions were followed, and using assignment notebooks as a reference.

• Being accountable - Recognizing when to ask for assistance, ownership of responsibilities and actions, and independence with regard to bringing belongings to school and each class. There is a 'one time only' office rule for the children requesting to call home for forgotten items such as P.E. clothes, snacks, homework, etc.

Please make note of two upcoming due dates for projects:

• Reading - first quarter book project due October 17

• Social Studies - historical person poster due October 22

Note - Mrs. McCracken is requesting that each child have a set of colored pencils and an 8 pack of crayons to keep at school for upcoming Science and Social Studies class projects.