50th Day of School

Selena, Lily, Jackson, Brooke, and Jacob celebrate the 50th day of school

Have we been in school for 50 days already-whew the first quarter has zoomed by!  The students have settled in and are working hard as their excellent report cards reflect.  Parents, thank you for your support and encouragement.  Please continue to make an early bedtime and a healthy breakfast a priority.  You would not believe the difference a well rested and well fed child makes in the classroom -just ask today's hula hoop champs!

Classroom Guidance Lessons

K-3's Reading Mean Soup

Would you like to add "Mean Soup" to your recipe file?  Just ask the three year olds how to make this easy recipe!  While talking about good ways to handle their angry feelings we read  a delightful book,"Mean Soup", by Betsy Everitt.  We discovered that laughter and exercise are two great ways to handle our mad feelings.  The K-4's also discussed feelings and the importance of using our words to talk about emotions.  Thinking for yourself and not following the crowd were topics covered in the K-5 classes.  Using the stories and puppets in the DUSO series are fun ways to cover important topics for these younger students.  1st graders met best friends, EG Eagle and Turtle, as they faced bullies and discovered that each person is special.  The 2nd graders are beginning an important unit on teasing.  Learning to get along with all different sorts of people and respecting others are topics we will cover often and in depth. 

I wish you could hear how insightful your children are and how enthusiastically they participate in our counseling classes.  If you see me with a smile on my face you can be sure a student put it there! Thanks for your support and please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

BUCKET FILLING AND THE TROOPS

Last week the 2nd grade students in conjunction with their unit on "Bucket Filling" made cards to send to troops serving in Iraq.  Principal's Assistant, Mrs. Norman's, husband and his 1/131st Aviation Battalion have been stationed in Iraq since May. Mrs. Norman shared pictures and information with the students so they would have a clear understanding of  the work and living conditions of these troops. The students' sincere heartfelt cards are sure to bring much delight and comfort to these soldiers.  Hope you are seeing bucket filling going on at home! 

2nd Graders Support Troops in Iraq

Update on Classroom Guidance Lessons

Having the opportunity to visit each classroom for a weekly guidance lesson is one of my favorite activities.  It allows me a chance to get to know the students and watch them interact with each other.  In addition, the lessons are used to introduce and reinforce certain topics that support a healthy successful student.  Here's what we have been working on lately:  K-3's and K-4's respecting differences, K-5's understanding feelings, 1st grade developing understanding of the consequences of their choices and the 2nd graders are becoming "bucket fillers".  We read the wonderful book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud.  This book is based on the premise that we all carry invisible buckets and our buckets are filled by kind words and actions.  We can also be "bucket dippers" when we say unkind words.  Our goal is for all the students to have full buckets and be "bucket fillers" every day.  This book would make a great addition to your home. Their website is http://www.bucketfillers101.com/ for more information.



Francis Radiff & Erin Grigsby are Bucket Fillers!







Trojan Cheerleaders and Football Players Welcome Elementary Students to School

Hakan Sahinglu, Beth Oakley, Countess Johnson, Ashley Williamson and Matthew Alter greet sisters Julia & Ali Bremner 

Fall Friday mornings are made extra special in the elementary by the spirited welcome to school offered by the high school football players and cheerleaders.  The players and cheerleaders pictured above have been attending STJ since they were in elementary school. It has been so much fun to watch these fine students grow up!

Wonderful Parents



K-5 Moms Volunteering at Teacher Appreciation Lunch




Moms Cooking, Serving and Cleaning at the September Teacher Appreciation Lunch

Many thanks are due to all the wonderful parent volunteers that work so hard to make our school the best!  The STJ teachers and staff certainly appreciate the delicious monthly meals prepared and served by the parents.  In addition, the parents helping with each class insure that the teachers have the chance to enjoy an "adult lunch" at least once a month. It was hard to tell who was having the most fun- the parents with their children or the teachers!  Thanks to all.