NewsletterSchool_02_15

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St. Henry School Newsletter

February 15, 2008

“Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.”

Psalm 51: 4

Heard the nicest things about our students this week that I should pass on to you parents since we are in this venture together. The presenter for the “Six Traits Plus One” mini-workshop that the kindergartners through fourth graders attended on Tuesday said to me afterwards something to the effect, “I give these presentations all over the United States and I have to tell you these youngsters were among the best behaved audiences I have ever had. I really mean that.” My response: “We work on that.” Please understand the students laughed, clapped, participated well, and had a really good time. But we here at St. Henry feel that all that can happen with controlled, respectful behavior – and it does. Our expectations ARE high but reasonable – and it often pays off. Three cheers to all of us -- parents, staff, and children!

The other “make my day” praise came in an email from one of the eighth grade boys basketball team coaches. And I quote – exactly this time: “They (the boys) should be praised for their great Christian Sportsmanship, Extra Effort, and outstanding Teamwork. The team placed 3rd in the Central States Catholic Basketball League this past weekend but that does not describe really what mattered. This team had a maturity the coaches were proud of. . . . They played . . . as a whole team, with positive attitude, to their strengths, avoiding their weaknesses, and counting on each other to do their job. We were proud!” Sure sounds like it. How special.

Which reminds all of us who know how much the youngsters enjoy and learn from their participa-tion in our athletic program to again THANK all those who make it possible: the coaches, their many helpers, and the Athletic Board. These seasons don’t happen by magic but because of the hours and hours given to it by these priceless volunteers. God bless you – a lot! And speaking of volunteers, the Athletic Board really needs to have three or four new members to make this happen again next year. Please leave a message for Kathy Van Duser, current president, both at 920-988-6055 and 262-1841, if you are considering answering this urgent call. If not you, who?

In a recent Love and Logic Journal article entitled “Out of Control Teens: Steps for Helping Them Avoid Destroying Their Lives,” Dr. Charles Fay shared some important advice to parents of younger children to up the odds their youngsters don’t grow into the kinds of teens described in the title.

“At the heart of ‘Responsibility Deficit Disorder’ is the belief that someone will always make sure that nothing bad happens. Isn’t it tragic that so many young people believe that they can do drugs, have sex, quit school, etc., and everything will turn out peachy? Is it possible that many of these young people started believing this early in their lives when their parents gave them more money each time they wasted their allowance, intimidated their teachers to give them better grades than they earned, bought them candy bars every time they threw fits in the store, and brought their lunch to school every time they forgot it? If you’ve rescued your child too frequently from the consequences of his small mistakes, he may believe that you will always be there to do the same when he makes life-threatening, large mistakes.”

Dr Fay, by the way, is going to be in Madison for a conference on March 3. If you want more information, call 800-338-4065 or go to their website www.loveandlogic.com.

97 - 98 - 99 – 100!

Celebrating the 100th day is a favorite tradition in first grade. Unfortunately due to three (must be a record for Watertown!) yes three snow days -- 100th day fell on the same day as Valentine’s Day! So, in order to celebrate both days – first grade celebrated the “99th” day of school. We enjoyed a snack made from the “100”ingredients that each child brought. What an interesting snack made from a large variety of snack foods! We wrote from 1 – 100 in 5 minutes and found numbers on a 100 chart to make a hidden picture. We also used our imaginations to decide what we would do if we had 100 dollars, 100 mosquito bites or even 100 eyes. The students ended the day by creating a picture of themselves at the age of 100! Look for our self-portraits in the hallway.

Valentine’s Day was another celebration this past week. We read Valentine stories including Valentine rhymes and riddles. Making our own Valentine heart card holders was a creative part of the day.

Another exciting step in first grade has been using missals and song books in church. The children are very excited to find the songs and mark them with bookmarks for Wednesday Mass. Parents, please help your child find the songs and readings at weekend masses and help them follow along. This step of learning to follow along and participate more in Mass will help the children get ready for second grade and the sacraments celebrated then.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Mrs. Fortlage

WE ARE ON OUR LENTEN JOURNEY

We have been studying and researching living organisms and their habitats in science. Each third grader will be making their own habitats and displaying them. Look for the information to come home today about this project.

In social studies immigration is the focus. When our ancestors came to America, they left their homeland for different reasons. Where did your ancestors come from? Why did they come to America? These are some of the questions the third graders will need to know as they journal their voyage to America.

Our Lenten journey includes sacrifices as well as using words and actions that draw us closer to God. May you all experience a meaningful Lenten season and a truly BLESSED EASTER season!

Mrs. Zache

Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

FEBRUARY

Monday 18 Grade 8 students to Golden Living 12:45 to play

“Do You Know Your Presidents” with residents

Wednesday 20 Grade Eight students fill liturgical roles at 8:15 Mass

Morning retreat for grades five and six at St. Henry in AM with Camp Gray personnel

Thursday 21 First set of third quarter AR points due today for grades 4-8

Grades 1-4 attend Maranatha College’s “Young People’s Concert in the afternoon

Friday 22 NO SCHOOL (Same as Watertown Public Schools)

Monday 25 Maryknoll Missonaries speaker assembly in afternoon

First Communion orders due in to the Religious Education Office

Tuesday 26 PENNY WAR begins! To battle for God’s Poor we go.

Wednesday 27 Grade Six students fill liturgical roles at 8:15 Mass

Thursday 28 SET ASIDE NOW! St. Henry HASA PARENTS ONLY Free Homemade Chili or

Soup Supper with “hotlunchmade” Italian bread, drinks, and brownies.

In PC Serving 5:45 --6:15 pm Speaker will start after most served.

Topic: Common Sense Approach to Discipline at Both Home and School.

Presenter former teacher, principal, superintendent William Anderson.

Friday 29 Stations (Way of the Cross) and Benediction devotion in church, 2:20 pm for Grades 1-8

Mid-quarter progress reports go home.

MARCH HASA sponsored “Open Gym,” 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Saturday 01 School Children’s Cantor Choir lead congregation at 4:30 pm Mass

After Mass in PC: Potluck in honor of Misako Sensei – who

flies home on March 22 – in PC.

Bring dish to pass. Helpful if bring own serving silverware. Paper plates

and plasticware here but feel free to bring own dishes and silverware if

you prefer. Coffee and some drink will be provided by HASA.

Monday 03 NO SCHOOL -- Staff Development Day (Same as Watertown Public Schools)

Meeting at High School for PARENTS and Grade EIGHT students, 7:00 pm, auditorium

Memory verse for week of February 18-21

“For I acknowledge my offense and my sin if before me always.”

(continued from last two weeks ) Psalm 51: 5

Reminder: Have you made your reservations for Mt. Olympus (Treasure Island) for St. Henry School Families Dells Weekend of May 16-18? Call 800-800-4997 and ask for Beth at extension 601. See October 5 newsletter for more information. Available in school section of parish website: sainthenryparish.org