Ms. Washburn and Pre-Kindergarten
The Pre-K class has been exploring dinosaurs! They identified five different dinosaurs and completed many activities on that theme. The students matched numerals to amounts (11-20) using buttons and dinosaur pictures. They also made a pattern in which they used their fine motor skills to peel the back part of a dinosaur sticker and stick the dinosaur onto their paper. The students practiced tracing, cutting and gluing, which are all fine motor activities. The Pre-K began using SPARK, which is a program for early childhood that focuses on gross motor development, spatial awareness and locomotor skills. The program also integrates literacy and music. The students enjoy it! In Science the students observed a toy egg hatch and predicted what toy animal would hatch from it. The animal was an alligator! The students continue to observe the toy alligator as it grows in the cool water.
Ms. Tomasulo and Kindergarten
The Kindergarten learned about equality and respect. They learned and read about Dr. Martin Luther King and other historical people who have changed the ways of living. They also discussed the Inauguration and our new president. In addition they read about the Chinese New Year and the traditions and celebrations that are a part of their holiday.
Ms. Sattler and Grade 1
In Reading the first grade learned about “Good Friends” and the importance of having good relationships. They wrote letters to their friends telling them what they like do with them. In Math they learned how to write and solve addition and subtractions facts (inverse operation). They learned in Science the importance of being healthy by eating the right foods and exercising. In Social Studies they watched Martin Luther King’s speech, “I Have a Dream,” and wrote about how Dr. King fought for peace, equality and love.
For Catholic Schools Week the students wrote what they liked about Saint Margaret of Cortona School on mittens. The mittens represented the warmth that Saint Margaret’s provides for each and every student.
Mrs. Hund and Grade 2
The Second grade is reading a unit on "Growth and Change.” They learned about the growth and change in themselves, animals, and they even studied the life cycle of the butterfly which coincided with their Science studies. They are going to do a Research Report and compare the similarities and differences between two types of butterflies.
In Math, they learned two digit addition with regrouping ("we old folk" call it carrying!), and two digit subtraction with regrouping ("we" call it borrowing). It is a bit challenging for them but their motto is to keep trying until they get it!
In Social Studies, they studied the United States of America. They learned about the states, their capital cities, special places in our country, how many stripes and stars are on the flag and what they represent, and much more. They watched the Inauguration of our new President on their classroom computer.
The Second grade is preparing for their First Penance and learned about the Ten Commandments. Mrs. LaFuentes, their wonderful Music Teacher, taught them a song to help them remember the commandments. Mrs. Hund learned the same song when she was in 2nd grade! They not only learned what the Ten Commandments are, but how to live them in their everyday lives. They made a Ten Commandments Booklet to illustrate this.
During Catholic Schools Week the students did a Service Project for the parish shut ins. They made candy baskets and cards for them. They hope their little gift brought some happiness into their lives.
Ms. Nixon and Grade 3
In Language Arts the third grade students began writing expository paragraphs. First, they did a class paragraph and then each student wrote their own "How to" paragraph. In Math they started to learn their multiplication facts. They have been listening to a multiplication rap CD to help them memorize their times tables.
What great inventors they are! In Science each student presented their original inventions.
Mrs. Guttman and Grade 4
The Fourth grade has been involved in a flutter of activity. They recently completed their New York State ELA test and midterms. In Science, they worked with graduated cylinders to find the volume of objects. In groups for Social Studies, they completed reflection collages on our new President. To enhance both their writing and computer skills, they spent time in the computer lab typing a “How To Essay” and used clip art to illustrate it.
Mr. Hamilton and Grade 5
The Fifth grade will continue to discuss the Sacrament of Reconciliation and make sketches of the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man.
The Eighth grade will read the book, “A Soldier's Heart” by Gary Paulsen. Since they are studying the Civil War this will be a good insight into the mind of teenagers like themselves. They also will give an oral presentation of the Gettysburg Address.
Mrs. Berical and Grade 6
As we enter the second semester, the sixth graders will be working on a variety of topics. In Literature class our new theme will focus on conflict resolutions. Readings of allegories and selections from WWI will help students to understand that resolving conflicts without violence can be achieved with understanding and determination.
In Social Studies class they will embark on the glories of Ancient Greece through geography, art, government, and mythology. They will be using their technology skills to build virtual temples and tour the sites of this interesting early civilization. The Old Testament's Book of Kings brings students into the lives of the Chosen People of Israel as they continue along on their journey to keep the message of the Savior alive amidst the hardships of the times in which they lived. In Religion class they remembered that the struggle of the Israelites was the foreshadowing of the Christian struggle to keep God's message alive in our world today.
In continuing to work on their Service projects, the sixth grade students volunteered to help with shoveling snow for elderly residents, worked on Midnight Run food collections, and will continue to work on the St. Margaret's food pantry, stocking it as necessary. We are a busy group!
Ms. Scott and Grade 7
Black History month will be commemorated in the literature read in the seventh and eighth grade classes. They will read the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird and study the poetry of Langstan Hughes as they examine the African American experience as the American experience.
Ms. Fitzgerald and Grade 8
The Fifth grade math class learned how to add and subtract fractions. They created their own songs about fractions and performed them in front of the class. The Sixth grade math class reviewed adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions. They created their own word problems with diagrams and worked together as teams to solve logic problems. The Seventh grade math class began a unit on statistics and graphing. They will create their own surveys and display their data on various graphs. The advanced Seventh grade and Eighth grade math classes are starting a unit on percents. The students will go "shopping" as they calculate various discounts, sales tax, and simple interests.
All math classes will have more "online" homework where they will practice their mathematical skills using their computers. Put down your pencils and have some fun with math!!!
Special thanks to the 7th graders who continue to devote their free time to tutor the 5th graders!!! :)
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