A Message From the Princpal
Tuesday, May 6th 2008 Tuesday Memo
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Parents and Guardians,             The end of the year is nearly upon us and we have much to be proud of this year. The students are progressing well under the nurturing guidance of their wonderful teachers. Our kindergarteners are beginning to read and write sentences. They are also very adept in adding and subtracting numbers to 20, understanding the properties of fabric and wood,  and knowing the basic geometric shapes. Our first graders are all reading well, writing paragraphs, and adding and subtracting single digit numbers.  In science they are learning the properties of solids, liquids and gases. Our second graders have learned to research topics, take notes and write reports. They can work well independently and in groups. They can borrow and carry and know their math facts.  In science they have learned about balance and motion and are currently learning about the properties of soil and plant growth.  Their vegetable garden is flourishing.   They are deepening their relationship with Christ and in a couple of weeks they will be making their First Holy Communion.  The third graders are very good with addition, subtraction, multiplication, problem solving, and critical thinking. They can write reports in social studies and science, and write paragraphs, and poetry. The fourth graders are excellent writers and can easily produce masterpieces using their formatting and word processing skills on the computer. They are also great mathematicians who can easily multiply 3 or more digit numbers and divide by two digit numbers. The fifth graders are skillful researchers who can use resource materials and the Internet to complete an in-depth report for social studies. In math they can add, subtract, and multiply decimals, and are beginning to add and subtract fractions with like and unlike denominators.  The sixth graders are able to discuss and analyze the various aspects of good literature. They are learning much about the earth’s surface, volcanoes, plate movements, and faults in their unit on Catastrophic Events. They also work very well collaboratively in groups to complete projects in various curricular areas. The seventh graders are wonderful writers and can easily prepare a research project on the African American literacy traditions. The seventh graders in the honors math class have completed their pre-algebra book and will begin working in the algebra book very soon. They are all proficient science scholars and are learning much about the diversity of life. The eighth graders are well prepared to enter high school next year. They are proficient at completing in-depth reports on many topics, can write great essays and wonderful poetry, and know their way around the computer well enough to complete a variety of projects such as, power point presentations, newscasts and DVD’s on various topics. In math they are learning sines, cosines, tangents, rational expressions and irrational expressions. Some of our eight graders are taking Algebra I this year and progressing very well.  They are completing the Algebra books and will soon start Geometry. In science they are learning about physics through their unit on Force and Motion.             Academically the children are progressing very well. Likewise, their spiritual and moral development has also deepened. The students are very aware of recycling and taking care of the earth, and reaching out to those in need by collecting canned food and money throughout the year for GRIP and the children in Haiti.            We are very proud of our students as they have come a long way to becoming Christian leaders, Academic Achievers, and Responsible Citizens who are active in their community and make a difference in the world by following Christ’s example.             Have a wonderful week and may you be blessed abundantly for all your support to the school and our children.                                                                                                 Sincerely,                                                                                                 Terry Barber, Principal
REGISTRATION FOR RETURNING STUDENTS Recently students were given their Registration Packets last week. The registration fee is $300.00 per child. All fees and registration papers are due by Wednesday, June 11.  As per the Contract for Tuition no fees for 2008-2009 will be accepted until all 2007-2008 fees (PPP hours, delinquent tuition, daycare) have been paid in full.   SCHOOL BOARD NEWS St. John's School Board Nominating Committee is currently accepting nominations for the Spring 2008 elections.  If you are interested in being nominated or would like to nominate someone to the Board, please review the criteria outlined in this week's envelope.  Complete the nomination form and return it to School Board Nominating Committee c/o School Office.  Nominations must be received by Tuesday, May 13, 2008.   BE AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF PTG Studies show that students are more successful in schools when parents are involved in their education. Parent involvement and support makes a great deal of difference in a child’s school performance. Children respond positively to school just knowing that their parents are an active part of their school. One avenue for parents to truly make a difference in the school community is to be a member of the PTG Board. The PTG Board has been very instrumental in generating funds for plant improvement and enrichment programs for our children.  All of these contributions and the many more behind the scene acts of volunteerism are a valued asset that makes our school so successful. Your continued support and involvement in the school can be seen in the successes of our children.             If you are interested in being an active member of PTG and becoming a part of its governing board, please attend our next PTG meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 7PM in the Library. Thank you for all your support in our school. Please seriously consider becoming a part of the PTG Board and continue the tradition of strong parental involvement at St. John School.                                                                                     ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS Enrollment applications for new students are now in the office.  If you know of a family interested in sending their children to St. John’s, please have them call or come by the office for an application.  We are currently accepting applications and testing for kindergarten.  Please call the office to schedule testing for new students in other grades (510) 234-2244.   Spread the Word: St. John School is a wonderful place to learn! St. John's is a great place. You know it better than anyone else, so who better to help recruit new families to our school than our existing parents?   This spring, PTG will give 10 PPP hours for every new family you recommend to the school that enrolls! We especially need kindergartners.   So be sure to spread the word about St. John School to your friends, family, coworkers...anyone who's looking for a great place for their kids to learn!   For additional information contact Principal Terry Barber at 510.234.2244 or tbarber@csdo.org.   For additional information to share regarding the school, visit our website at www.stjohnec.org.   PPP NEWS  Families who have not completed at least 2/3 of their PPP contract hours will be billed this month.  If you have earned PPP hours that have not been recorded or acknowledged, please request the chairperson of the event to send me documentation of your earned hours.           To chairpersons of upcoming events in April, May and June, please send me a list of families who expect to earn hours helping in your respective events so that we can avoid billing these families.     Please SAVE THE DATE for this event! We will be hosting a Family Dinner Dance for our St. John's family (all ages, adults & children).  This is not a fund-raiser, but simply a great time to celebrate life, share good food, fun and enjoy each other's company!  We also realize this is the day before Mother's Day, so please feel free to come and celebrate with Mom! Saturday, May 10th (evening) St. John's Family Dinner-Dance Rockefeller Lodge, Richmond Attractive Indoor - Outdoor Facility Dinner, Music, and Dancing  (DJ Don) Beer & Wine Bar Prize Raffles $15.00 per adult and $10.00 per child (Space is limited so tickets are on first come bases) If you have any questions, please contact Grace Durden 520-5686, Cat Zarragoza 222-4925, or  Kimberly Patterson 223-7497.   Feel The Power! We've got the solution for summertime boredom...Send your kids to Power Lab, where they'll discover Jesus' miraculous power!  This is the spot that is oozing with fun!  Each day kids will take part in fun Scripture-themed activities where they will see, hear, touch, and even taste!  Bible Point Crafts, team-building games, lively songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the Power Lab activities that help connect their faith to real life.  St. John's Children's Religious Education Program is having their 7th Annual Vacation Bible Camp for Pre-K to 6th grade.  Morning Program is 9-12:30 ($60) All Day Camp is 9-5 ($160) Ask about our Family and Early Bird Discounts!  Look for registration forms at your school office or at St. John's church exits and Rectory office.  Questions? Call Pam Vincent 510-233-6486.   8TH GRADERS VS. COACHES BASKETBALL GAME 3rd ANNUAL 8TH GRADERS VS THE COACHES GAME – MAY 30TH @ 6PM  IN THE SCHOOL GYM – ALL ARE INVITED TO COME AND SEE THE 8TH GRADERS AND THE COACHES PLAY A GAME OF VOLLEYBALL & BASKETBALL . ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL CATHERINE ZARAGOZA 510-2224925 OR LELTON GIBSON 510-6527577 DAYCARE REMINDER Please remember that your form and check for Daycare hours in May/June must be received by May 16th.  We regret that on May 19th we will be unable to accept any child in the program who has an outstanding balance or whose Extended Care fees are not prepaid.  There will be no exceptions to this policy.  Please contact Rita at (510) 234-1797 before May 19th if you have any questions.  Thank You.