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School News
May 16, 2012
May 16, 2012
May 09, 2012
May 9th, 2012
May 04, 2012
Dear Parents
Principal's Reminders
May 16, 2012
May 16, 2012
Hello Everyone,
Thank you for being so understanding and cooperative as the glass door entrance is under construction. The children are getting used to using the bingo door entrance for dismissal and it seems as though the new accommodations have been working well. You don’t realize how much you miss an entrance until you can’t use it anymore. I must walk an extra mile each day as I take the long way to and from the cafeteria and Leo’s Den. It will be well worth it though. The linoleum in the hallway and the foyer has been torn down and work is steadily being done each day. I am looking forward to seeing it when it is all completed.
I just received word from the Home School Association that they have awarded a 3,000.00 donation to our school for the purchase of something on the school’s wish list. I want to thank everyone for your hard work and dedication. This couldn’t have happened without the diligent efforts everyone put into fundraising this year. This is the first year since I have been here at St. Leo’s that this has happened. Thank you everyone. You have worked hard. Please know of my appreciation and my gratitude. I will certainly put this gift to good use.
We had a very successful Father Daughter Dance last Saturday. The fathers and daughters danced the night away. Congratulations goes to Miss Trinity Faircloth and her father for winning the Saturday Night Fever Dance trophy, Miss Samantha Graesser for being the best limbo dancer, and Macayla Miller for winning the twist trophy. It was a spectacular event. Next year will be even better as we add an event for Mom’s and sons.
Just a reminder to everyone that Land’s End is our new Uniform supply company. I just received an email telling me that there is a promotion going on featuring free school logos and free shipping. I suggest everyone check periodically, or get on their email list so you can be notified when they offer these sales. You may also get free shipping if you order from a Sear’s store.
In a few short weeks, the children will be receiving their exam review sheets. The teachers have been asked to distribute all exam review sheets by next Thursday. Next Wednesday, the exam schedules will come home in the folders. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the teachers or the school office. Each review packet will consist of many sheets. Because of the expense of running these off for each student, each child involved with exams will only get one. If they lose it they must copy a new set of review sheets from a classmate.
Next week our eighth graders will take their class trip to Niagara Falls. They have many great events planned, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Jet boat tour, and lunch at the Hard Rock Café. When they return to school we will have a cookout to end the day.
Our fourth and eighth graders will take the Science Performance and Written New York State exam at the end of May and the Beginning of June. Please check the Principal’s Reminders for the specific dates.
If you have registered your little one up for St. Leo the Great Kindergarten, please call the school office to make an appointment for Kindergarten screening for next year.
Have a great week everyone,
Sincerely,
Carolyn Kraus
PRINCIPAL REMINDERS:
· MAY 17TH- MITE NIGHT FOR PRESCHOOL – FIRST GRADE- 6:00 – 7:30
· MAY 17TH – JEANS DAY FOR EIGHTH GRADERS
· MAY 25-MAY 28TH- NO SCHOOL
May 09, 2012
May 9th, 2012
Hello Everyone,
What a beautiful spring day it is today! There are only six more weeks of school left in this school year! The year has gone by so quickly. There is much to do before June 20th.
Tickets for Fantasy Island will be going on sale soon. I believe there is a small discount if they are purchased before hand. They can be purchased at the ticket gate as well. If you are planning on purchasing early, please be mindful of the deadline date. No tickets will be sold after it passes. Consider going with your child/children. It’s always a great and fun way to end the school year together. Stay tuned for more information.
This weekend will be our Father Daughter Dance. For all those who are attending, please enter the school through the bingo entrance as the glass door entrance renovations began today. All parents picking up their children will pick up at the bingo entrance at the end of every school day. For drop off, please use door three, the brown doors. These changes will take place until the work is finished.
Today the eighth grade class accompanied Msgr. to the Basilica and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. This trip is always a very special part of every student’s eighth grade experience. They will tour and learn about both buildings and then Msgr. will treat them to lunch before they return to school.
As the month of May is flying by, please don’t forget about your re-registration. June 1st is the deadline. Remember, you will get a 50 dollar tuition credit if you register by that date.
Our garden outside the school is beginning to grow. I don’t know if everyone knows, but Luke Gozelski and his dad planted potatoes in it this year. Hopefully we will have a crop big enough to serve at this year’s lawn fete during the pig roast. I checked the garden this morning and the potatoes are beginning to sprout. Mr. G., don’t get any ideas. We are not going to add pigs next year so we can say we grew them ourselves!
The warm weather is upon us and the uniform does include black dress shorts. Please remember, all shorts must be worn with a belt, they must be black, not blue, and they may not go past the knee. Some of the students have not been wearing the appropriate color socks. Grey, white, or black are the correct colors. I’ve been seeing navy blue, pink, orange, and this one takes the cake! I actually saw someone wearing one white sock and a pink sock the other day. They must have just had one eye open when they were getting dressed that morning. I had to chuckle.
This week is Teacher Appreciation week. I want to thank our Home School Association for the wonderful breakfast they served to all of the teachers yesterday. There was so much food. We will be eating for the rest of the week. Thank you!
Tomorrow night St. Leo the Great will have the parish May Crowning at 7:00 in the church. All are welcome to attend.
Happy Nurse’s Day to the best nurse in Buffalo, Mrs. Maxson!
Have a wonderful week everyone,
Mrs. Carolyn Kraus
PRINCIPAL’S REMINDERS:
· PARISH MAY CROWNING- 7:00 PM IN THE CHURCH
· KINDERGARTEN MOTHER’S DAY TEA- MAY10TH
· DIOCESAN TRACK MEET- MAY 16TH- ST. FRANCIS
· LITTLE SPROUT OUTING- MAY 17TH – HOT DOG ROAST, MAGICIAN, AND FIRE TRUCKS.
April 26, 2012
Third Quarter Lion's Roar
St. Leo the Great School Newsletter
3rd Quarter, April 2012
|
A Message From The Principal
Mrs. Carolyn Kraus
Dear St. Leo the Great Families and Friends,
As I sit here today writing my part of the third quarter Lion’s Roar, I can’t believe how fast the year has flown by. I know I say this every year but each year it seems as though it passes even quicker than before. When I walked the halls after Easter break, I couldn’t believe how much taller our kindergarteners and our eighth graders appeared. Did they just grow over the course of a week, or have I been so busy that I didn’t notice them growing right before my very eyes? In any event, this time of year is always so bittersweet. I am so proud of our teachers and students for the wonderful work they have been doing throughout the year, but I am also sad to think in a short time, the silence of summer vacation and the chance to say good bye to another wonderful group of young men and women will be upon me. I know all of our eighth graders will be as loved in their high schools as they have been here by all. I do miss everyone so over the course of those long summer months.
This year has been a year of old traditions and new beginnings. This past week we inducted four of our eighth graders into the Jr. National Honor Society, academia’s highest honor. In a few weeks our fathers and daughters will dance the night away at the Father Daughter Dance in May. Miss G. is busy getting our students ready for another wonderful spring concert, one that will feature songs from around the world. I hear preschool and Pre kindergarten children saying Hola to one another instead of hello when they are walking in the halls, as well as our older children praying the Our Father and the Act of Contrition in Spanish before they begin class every day.
Our focus for this year is on the Ten Commandments. We talk every morning as we begin the day about the importance of having kind hearts, “God, Neighbor, Self.” The students in grades fifth through seventh grade will receive their own Bibles, a gift given to them by a very generous parishioner as a gift for learning and memorizing the Commandments. They will be kept in class and used every day for Religion instruction for the remainder of this year and all of their years remaining here at St. Leo’s.
Our reading incentive program was a huge success this year. The zoo mobile came and our families competed in Olympic Games as we celebrated reading success with over 100 gold medals earned by all of our students in grades preschool through fifth grade. We have avid readers here at school. I see so many choosing to read instead of talk in the cafeteria and in Leo’s Den in the morning before school begins. This says so much!
Our students continue to do well academically. We had three perfect scores on the fourth grade English Language Arts New York State Exam and over 90 percent of our student body in grades three through eight has earned a spot on the honor roll these past three quarters.
I am very proud of all of our students and teachers. I am honored to be your principal. Thank you for all of your wonderful support throughout the year. We could not be a success without you.
Happy Spring Everyone and many Blessings,
Mrs. Carolyn Kraus
Pre-School
Mrs. Nicole Richard
I cannot believe how fast the school year is flying by! The pre-school and pre-kindergarten students are already planning for our annual field trip to The Buffalo Zoo. Before we know it, graduation will be here!
Currently in pre-school the students are working on the letter T. Before Easter break we worked on the letter S. The students enjoyed our special visitor for S week. Mr. Richard came in, and talked to the pre-school, and pre-k students about being a sheriff. Also before Easter break the students celebrated Dr. Seuss Week. During the week we learned about rhyming, and read a variety of books by Dr. Seuss.
Next week in pre-school, the students will be learning about the letter U. The students are currently working on decorating umbrellas with their families at home. We are almost to the end of the alphabet! This sure has been a wonderful year in pre-school; we have learned so much!
Please check out our new classroom website: http://classwebsiteformrsrichard.shutterfly.com/
Pre-K
Mrs. Patricia Downing
The Pre-K class has had a very busy and fun-filled February, March and April! We enjoyed so many wonderful activities during Catholic Schools Week. We also had a great time parading throughout the school in our costumes and masks for our Mardi Gras parade, handing out candy and beads to the whole school.
While learning about the letter Pp we had a fun pajama party in the evening and participated in a lot of "P" activities including eating popcorn and watching the movie Peter Rabbit.
We celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday by having a snack of our own Green Eggs and Ham to see if we liked it. We did! We also had many moms and dads come in our room to read a Dr. Seuss book to us or their favorite book. Even Mr. and Mrs. Kraus came in to read!
We had fun trying to find our Pre-K little leprechaun every morning. He sure hid in some funny spots.
We learned many things when the dental hygienist from Dr. Paul Weiss' office came in to talk to us about keeping our teeth healthy.
Students from UB came in to
discuss Poison Prevention with the boys and girls.
During Ss week Sheriff Richard (Mrs.Richard's husband) talked to the children about being a sheriff and staying safe.
In March we had fun keeping track of whether it was a "lion" or "lamb" day outside. I don't think I've ever had so many "lamb" days! It has been such a beautiful Spring. We have enjoyed several trips over to the playground already.
We had a very successful Catholic Schools Carnival. The boys and girls had so much fun.
During Tt week we are having a Teddy Bear Picnic and making tacos.
Yummy!
At the end of April we will have learned up to the letter Vv. Before we know it we'll be planning our end of the year trip to the Buffalo Zoo.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Sarah King
Happy Easter and spring everyone! The Kindergarteners continue to learn and grow.
In English Language Arts, we have learned and practiced several comprehension skills to help us understand stories better. We have compared and contrasted stories, and identified main ideas. We have used details in a story to help us understand it better, summarized and retold stories, drawn conclusions, talked about cause and effect and studied text and graphic features. We have learned how to organize information using “KWL” charts, a graphic organizer.
The Kindergarteners are continuing to learn more about different forms of writing. We have written letters, lists and science reports! We also journal and write about books we enjoy.
In Mathematics, we studied solid shapes (cones, cylinders, spheres and cubes), and plane shapes (squares, rectangles, triangles and circles). We talked about the features of these solid and plane shapes and learned how to identify them. We have also been studying numbers 10-30. We learned how to count and represent these numbers using ten frames.
In Religion, we talked about Jesus, the greatest sign of God’s love. We learned that Jesus loves all children, even those from different parts of the world. We discussed the Bible, God’s special storybook, and read several Bible stories about Jesus and his friends, the disciples. We talked about ways we can prepare our hearts for Jesus during the Lenten Season.
In Science we studied the Arctic ocean and rainforest habitats. We identified the physical characteristics of these habitats and some animal and plant life within them. In Social Studies, we have talked about American symbols of citizenship, like the flag and pledge of allegiance. We are also going to be studying the four basic needs of all people, and the difference between needs and wants.
We are looking forward to the rest of the year, and lots more learning and fun!
1st Grade
Mrs. Tracy Riegel
The first graders have been working hard and demonstrating wonderful progress. They continue to write about their own ideas and experiences and have been learning to proofread their writing. The children have also been using detail and descriptive words to help make their writing assignments more interesting and to provide the reader with greater information. After reading passages, the students discuss main characters, setting, and the author's purpose.
In Science, the children planted bean seeds and enjoyed watching them grow. They have learned about the different parts of a plant and the important function of each part. The students also discussed what a plant needs in order to grow healthy and how to take care of a plant. Parents are invited to check out the hallway to see the posters about "Trees" and their importance to both people and animals.
During Religion class the children have been reading about how the Last Supper was the special meal Jesus shared with his friends. They also understand that the Eucharist is a meal that Jesus shares with us today and that we receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
In Math, the students are practicing three digit addition facts, fractions, counting coins, and double digit addition and subtraction facts. The class is getting more proficient at problem solving and critical thinking skills.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!
2nd Grade
Mrs. Kammy Ciesielski
Spring has sprung and what a beautiful sight! The 2nd grade class is learning about all different animal and plant lifecycles. We are making a book about what we have learned with a few projects. The students really love this amazing unit.
We are finishing our History unit and moving on to Economics! The students will be learning about needs and wants, taxes, laborers, service workers, and many more interesting things about economics. Should we save money or should we spend it on a need or a want? are some of the things we will be discussing. Everyone’s opinion matters on this topic.
Ask a second grader about genres and they can tell you about all different kinds. We just reviewed the different types and the students know the difference between fiction, nonfiction, realistic fiction, and humorous fiction. Biographies, informational texts and autobiographies are also in review. We have learned about fantasy, fables, folktales, and legends. What is your favorite?
Second grade has finished the units on time and money. We headed straight for making our own graphs including labeling titles and axis. After the graphing unit we will use nonstandard and standard units of measurement in weight, capacity, and length. Using center activities to review all of the measurements will be an exciting leaning activity.
I can’t believe it is already spring. We have more to learn and only 2 months left of school!
3rd Grade
Miss Lynn Lococo
As the season of Spring has sprung, we see signs of new life all around us. It is a time for fresh, new beginnings. At this time, Jesus has invited our Third Graders to receive his Body and Blood. Students are preparing to receive for the first time the Sacrament of the Eucharist on April 28th. In preparation, they have learned about the different parts of the Mass, both the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. They have to come to understand that Jesus is really present in the Consecrated Bread and Wine. Jesus’ offering of himself on the cross was his greatest sacrifice to us, and the greatest gift that Jesus gave us was the gift of himself in the Eucharist. Please remember the third graders in your prayers on April 28th as they receive the greatest gift that Jesus has given us. I am honored to have helped in preparing the children for one of the most important celebrations in their journey with Jesus.
3rd graders have spent a great deal of time preparing for the New York State English Language Arts and Math tests. I am confident that with all the practice and work they’ve done, they will be successful as always. They have really worked diligently!
Our class is taking a voyage to yet another country…can you guess? Here are a few hints that we’ve discussed so far: It is a mountainous place, it is a peninsula, it’s shaped like a boot, they make delicious cheese and fine leathers…give up? If you guessed Italy, you are right!! Students are so very excited to learn about the geography, history, government, and culture of this beautiful country. In addition, among many other activities, they will have a chance to make pizza and enjoy watching Pinocchio, the story of the marionette that originated in Italy. It will be an exciting journey with much to discover along the way!
4th Grade
Mrs. Sharon Domin
In math we just finished discussing fractions! We are now able to do much more than just identify basic types of fractions! We can add and subtract fractions with like denominators. Another skill we learned is to make equivalent fractions. Besides working with fractions we geared up for the New York State Math Assessments.
In Religion we have been talking about the importance of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments. As a class we have been discussing ways that we can live out these three important commandments and the responsibilities there are between parents and children. "Five Alive" is a way we have been thinking about and remembering that ALL life is sacred!
In ELA/Reading we have also been doing A LOT of practice on different reading and writing strategies for the ELA's.
In social studies, we are learning about why settlers were encouraged to move to western New York. We have also been discussing the transportation revolution with the steam engine, canals, locks and steamboats.
The past few weeks in science we have been looking at the physical and chemical properties of matter and also physical and chemical changes. We are getting ready to start gearing up for one more big state test in fourth grade. We have been talking about and discussing some of the things we will have to do on the science performance test. We hear this is a “fun” test to take because we get to do some hands on things!
5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Grade
Social Studies,
5th Grade Science
Mrs. Debra Feger
5th Grade Science
Fifth Graders did an awesome job in our Invention Convention. I was very proud of them. We had inventions for the kitchen, the bath, and for men, women, and children. We also had inventions that helped in the winter, in school, and even the environment. The class recently completed the D.A.R.E. Program that the Amherst Police Department runs. They graduated on April 18th. Now we are studying the wonderful world of plants.
Social Studies
5th- We are now studying our neighbor to the north. Their new project will be to design an ABC book about Canada.
6th- Sixth Grade just completed research projects on Ancient Rome. I learned so many new and interesting facts. They are now focusing their attention on the Islamic Civilization.
7th-Seventh Grade is working on a new project. They are researching a famous person who lived between 1700-1800. They will be dressing up in character to give their presentations.
8th- Eighth Grade just had their Great Depression Games on display for Open House. Now they will be viewing a 12 part series on WW II that uses diary entries and letters along with video clips to help give a clearer picture of what everyone experienced during the war.
5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Grade
English Lanugage Arts
Miss. Heather Belmont
I would like to start by saying I am very glad that the NYS ELA exams are finished. All of your children worked very hard to review and prepare themselves as best they could for this test. I wanted to thank all of you for assisting your children in preparing for these exams.
Although this is a big hump to get over, I still plan to get through another book before the end of the year for each grade. I am a firm believer that the more you read and write not only does it become easier, but it also becomes more enjoyable.
For 5th grade we are going to begin a realistic fiction novel of their choice for their next book report along with continuing through the reading series.
The 6th grade is going to finish out the novel we are currently reading and then go back to the Literature text book to finish out the year.
The 7th grade is going to tackle a play after we complete Woodsong.
The 8th grade is going to finish with a short unit on short stories and poetry as well as read one of my all-time favorite books.
With the weather getting warmer I know it will be tempting to put homework on the back burner, but we still have a bit of work to do before we can relax and enjoy the summer weather. Take your book outside, read and enjoy!
7th & 8th Grade Math
6th, 7th and 8th Grade Science
Mr. Bernard Wdzieczny
I was very impressed with the wonderful, creative ideas that the
upper grade students came up with for the St. Leo's Invention
Convention! The students put a lot of thought and effort into their
creations. They came up with many interesting, unusual, inventive ideas. One of them might even be the next million dollar idea that we see on television.
Grade 6 students are currently finishing up a section on the
atmosphere and wind patterns. The students are examining the
difference between sea breezes and land breezes. The main types of clouds and what they mean are also being discussed.
7th grade is working on their last major project of the year.
They are testing or experimenting on a topic of their choice. In
class, they are comparing and contrasting exotherms and endotherms.
The class is also working on an in class assignment on vertebrates.
Grade 8 students are finishing up a chapter on chemical reactions. We are also discussing how technology has changed within the life span of our young students. The class is speculating on how technology will be even more advanced in the future.
Finally, I would like to thank Grade 7 & 8 students for the wonderful job they did on selling tickets and running the games at the Catholic Charities Carnival! I have received many comments on how well the games were run and decorated.
Religion, Library and Computer
Mrs. Kristie Filonczuk
Library
Here is what my classes have been working on in the Library:
PreSchool and PreK – We have read stories and watched books on DVD that relate to the Letter of the Week.
Kindergarten – The Kindergarteners
have enjoyed reading the books of Eric Carle. They love his animal stories that I have read to them!
1st Grade – We have read nonfiction books about flowers and how a sunflower grows from seed to a huge flower.
2nd Grade – When our Tomie dePaola author study ended, 2nd grade read some nonfiction books about Spring and how plants grow.
3rd Grade – We have performed some Reader’s Theater plays. I think we have a few future actors and actresses in the class!
4th Grade – We used atlases to learn about cardinal and intermediate directions, scale, map keys, and time zones.
2nd Grade Religion
Most of this quarter we focused on preparing for First Reconciliation. It was a wonderful day, celebrating God’s love and forgiveness. Now we are learning about the gift of the Eucharist and how we should carry on the work of Jesus in our lives.
5th Grade Religion
We studied the different vocations: single life, married life and the priesthood. Then, we took a closer look at the sacraments of Matrimony and Holy Orders. The students planned and celebrated a “wedding”, with some of their stuffed animals as the brides and grooms. I think this was their favorite class of the year!
6th Grade Religion
6th grade continues to study Salvation History, working their way through The Old Testament. We have learned about The Judges, such as Gideon, Samson and Deborah. Now we are moving on to study the Kings of Israel: Samuel, Saul and David. We will be able to describe their roles and we will learn the importance of anointing in history and in the Church today.
7th Grade Religion
The 7th graders have discussed some topics concerning life that are challenged in our world today, relating to the 5th Commandment. Also, we have studied The Beatitudes and the 6th -10th Commandments.
Music
Ms. Lacey Golaszewski
As usual, this year’s third quarter in music was a very busy and productive one. Students in Grades K-8 have been diligently preparing for the Spring Concert, which will take place on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 7pm.
Grades K-4 have learned a spiritual (This Little Light of Mine), several folksongs, Haitian Kyrie (which is in three languages – English, French, and Greek), and music from Church. Grades 3-4 have also learned two pieces on recorder.
Grades 5-6 mastered a number of pieces in two-part harmony, including Frere Jacques, Shepherd’s Hey, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Grades 7-8 prepared music in two-, three-, and four-part harmony, including O Sacred Head Surrounded, The Great Gate of Kiev, and St. Louis Blues.
All students in Grades K-8 have prepared a song from Leo’s Den, as well as a Church song for the Finale. As part of their preparation for the concert, Grades 3-8 took their juries (playing exams) on concert music at the end of March.
Students in Grades Preschool-8 learned new music for Church this quarter as well. Students learned the Lenten Gospel Acclamation from the Mass of Awakening, plus new psalms and hymns for the Lenten and Easter Seasons.
We have also had several new students join the choir as vocalists, instrumentalists, cantors, and announcers for school Masses.
Students in Grades 1-8 have continued to develop their musical vocabulary, learning more tempo, articulation, description, and style words, including molto, poco, accent, and marcato. Grades 1-2 had quizzes on their new vocabulary.
In Grades Preschool-Kindergarten, students learned about instruments in the Keyboard Family (including electric keyboard, piano, and organ) and the String Family (including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harp, and autoharp).
Preschool and PreK students learned new rhythm and movement activities to go along with new songs such as Old Joe Clark, The Ants Go Marching In, Look to the Window, and Here is the Beehive.
Finally, many students in various grades performed instrumentally and vocally at Barnes & Noble in March, and all students in Grades 3-6 attended a great concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall on March 14.
Spanish
Miss Holly Harp
The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and all of the Spanish students have been working towards a strong finish. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to –
April 24, 2012 April 24
Dear Parents,
We are very busy here at St. Leo’s this week! As everyone knows we are in the midst of New York State testing for the remainder of this week and part of next week. The Mathematics will begin on April 25th and conclude on Friday, April 27th. I have talked to the students every day this week reiterating the importance of enough sleep and a good breakfast for these days. If you could support us at home it would be greatly appreciated.
As you know, the implementation of the new Common Core standards for next year will be upon us before you know it. Our teachers have been learning the new CCS throughout the year and have been implementing them within their weekly curriculum planning since September. When the summer reading lists come home in June, you will see a different type of list than in years past. In order to continue getting our students used to these more rigorous standards we feel this is a necessity. You will notice mandatory reading for grades fifth through eighth in the area of nonfiction, accompanied by other books the students may choose from before they return to school in the fall. Of course this will all be explained by Miss Belmont to all of her students and their families before the end of the year. We are in the middle of compiling the lists for each grade. Barnes and Noble has contacted me asking for our list. They have told me our books will be available in their stores in June.
In addition, St. Leo’s will be adding an advanced English Language Arts class for students in grades 6-8 who are worthy of taking a more rigorous reading and writing curriculum. Miss Belmont and myself will decide which students will be offered the opportunity to take these courses using these parameters, the outcome of their performance on this year’s New York State Tests, their ELA grades over the past year, and through Miss Belmont’s recommendation. If your child is eligible for placement into advanced ELA, of course it would be your decision whether you would want him or her to travel down this path for their remaining years at St. Leo’s.
There will be some changes to the lunch program beginning on Monday. With the push toward healthy eating, I have asked the district lunch supervisor to eliminate the chips and chocolate chip cookies from the snack stand. In replacement, she has assured me she is going to offer more fresh fruit and fresh fruit slices with yogurt dippers. The ice cream will remain and they are working on getting us a 100 % juice slushy machine for the cafeteria. In addition, we are going to try out a salad and sub bar once a week. If it goes well this year, we will continue it next year.
I continue to get calls for next year’s registration. We are setting up our Kindergarten screening. If you plan on sending your child to kindergarten here please call the office to schedule an appointment for screening.
Just a reminder, registration deadline for the discount is June 1st. I thank everyone who has sent in their commitment form for next year. I am very appreciative as it truly helps in planning for next school year and the ordering of text books for your child/children. REMEMBER THE DEADLINE FOR BISON RECOMMITMENT FORMS AND INITIAL REQUEST FORMS IS APRIL 30TH. Everyone received a form when the new registration forms came home. If you need another just contact the office and we will get one to you.
I’m sure many of our families have noticed the beautiful new sign outside our school. It was installed over break. We are so proud of it. It will surely serve as a great advertisement piece for our school. I want to thank Msgr. once again!
I have heard the work on the new entrance will begin before the end of the month and is expected to conclude before the end of the year. We have so much to be excited about and grateful for!
I want to congratulate Miss Hawkins and her accelerated math students. They participated in the Brother Martin Math competition at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. Matthew Mayer received highest score for our school and Luke Murphy received Honorable Mention over all. Congratulations to them! This is a testament to our great teachers and the high expectations that have been set at home and in the classrooms.
This year is flying by. Third quarter report cards will come home next Thursday on the 26th of April.
Have a wonderful week everyone,
Mrs. Carolyn Kraus
PRINCIPAL REMINDERS:
· APRIL 19TH- LAST DAY OF ELA EXAM
· APRIL 20TH – NO SCHOOL MASS
· APRIL 23- SCHOOL MASS- JR. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MASS AND RECEPTION
· APRIL 24TH-FIRST EUCHARIST PRACTICE- 6:30- 8:00 PM
· APRIL 25-27- NEW YORK STATE MATH ASSESSMENTS
· APRIL 26TH – REPORT CARDS GO HOME
April 03, 2012
Blessed Easter Everyone
Happy Easter Everyone,
I’m sure this is a busy week for everyone. If you are not making last minute plans for a spring break vacation, I’m sure you are contemplating what needs to be done to celebrate the Easter Holiday here at home. In any event as we walk through this Holy Week, Its story is very powerful and it can mean different things to different people. Our fifth graders were asked to write poems about what the Easter message meant to them. This poem was written by James Moore:
Christ is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
He has given us a chance to live again.
We mourned the day he died.
We were joyful the day he rose.
The apostles felt doubtful, until they saw him.
Thank you for giving your life for us.
He is risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!
What does the Easter message mean to you?
Tomorrow we will celebrate mass as a school family before Easter break. The Catholic Charities Carnival will begin around 9:30. The children will be purchasing pizza and drinks at the carnival, so school breakfast will not be offered tomorrow morning. I would like to thank everyone who made prize and candy donations for this event. Our families here at St. Leo’s are very generous. Please know of my appreciation for all that you do. A thank you goes out to Mr. Wdzieczny, the seventh and eighth graders, as well as Mrs. Feger for all of their hard work in getting the carnival ready for tomorrow. Please remember, students in grades kindergarten through seventh grade may wear their gym uniforms. The eighth grade, because they do not have to wear a gym uniform this year must dress in their dress uniforms and then change when they get back from mass.
Tomorrow is a half day of school with dismissal at 11:30. The Easter break will begin on Thursday and end on the fifteenth of April. When we return back to school we will begin our New York State Testing in English Language Arts. Many of the ELA teachers will be sending home some work with the students to keep them connected to what they have learned all year long. Please encourage your child/children to complete this work, and certainly read and do a little bit or writing to keep them refreshed for that big week ahead. Once ELA is over, the next week is mathematics. The teachers need your support at home in order to ensure your child’s success here at school during this important time.
This Friday we will have an eat-in family fish fry for our school. It is the last fish fry of the year. Pre orders were taken over the past two weeks. I want to thank Mr. Felong, Mr. and Mrs. Taft and all of their helpers for their hard work and dedication.
We had a wonderful and busy open house last Thursday. I received so many nice complements from prospective families. They were impressed with how well spoken our students were as they toured families around the school and how nice and welcoming everyone was. Another thank you goes out to all of our tour guides and parents who took the time to come out and tour the Invention Convention. It’s always nice to have prospective families meet our existing families. You are all such a special group.
Remember, you are the best ambassadors for our school. There is a 150.00 tuition award for every family that registers at our school because of your recommendation.
I want to wish everyone a very special and blessed Easter. You will all be in my prayers.
Happy and Blessed Easter!
Mrs. Carolyn Kraus
PRINCIPAL’S REMINDERS:
· APRIL 4TH- 8:30 – SCHOOL MASS
· APRIL 4- 9:30 – CATHOLIC CHARITIES CARNIVAL
· APRIL 17TH- APRIL 20TH -NEW YORK STATE TESTING