Did you know that there is some pretty powerful magic in first- and second-grade art?
I don’t know about you, but I found December’s weather to be pretty dreary. There is nothing I hate more than winter rain. It’s definitely not pretty and it soaks through multiple layers of clothing. And I find it really irritating when I am standing out in the aforementioned rain and someone cheerfully says to me, “At least it isn’t snow.”
Grrr! Suffice it to say, I have been suffering from a lack of the fluffy white stuff, so I decided that if we weren’t going to have snow outside, we could at least have some inside. I thought maybe Mother Nature would take the hint. So for the first art class after Christmas vacation, my students made paper snowflakes to hang from the ceiling and snowmen to adorn the bulletin board. I love making snowflakes with my students. I always have them fold the paper together and then instruct them on making various cuts. After all the children have finished, I have them open up their snowflakes at the same time. “Ooohs” and “aaaahs” and “Look at mine!” erupt throughout the room. I duly hung all the snowflakes and snowmen after school that Friday and, well you know what happened this week! We not only got snow, but also a significant blast of Arctic air which resulted in two delays and one snow day. Wow! In the future, I plan to be a little more careful with my art lessons!
Classes resumed on Jan. 4. It is amazing how the class of highly distracted students who left my classroom on December 22 came back so focused after the break. Everyone seemed ready to get back to the routine. Of course, the routine lasted one week until the snow and cold came to rearrange it.
On Jan. 6, the second-graders received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. They had been formally preparing for the sacrament since the end of October. This week, they began formal preparation for First Holy Communion, which will be on March 19. First Reconciliation was late this year due to the parish mission that was held the first week of December. As I was planning the follow-up lessons for First Reconciliation, I decided to count the weeks until First Holy Communion and was shocked to learn that I needed to begin formal preparation for First Communion. I don’t know if I am just getting older or what, but it seems as if the school year flies by more quickly each year. First semester ended Jan. 15. That means the school year is half over.
Candid shots and group pictures for the yearbook will be taken on Friday and the Geography Bee will be held on Jan. 27. The science fair will be held on Jan. 29. Students from grades five through eight will participate. In the past the science fair was part of our Spring Spectacular which featured the science fair, art fair, and music. Last year, the judges were so impressed with the students’ science fair projects, that they suggested we hold our science fair earlier in the year in order that the students would be eligible to enter their projects in the District Science Fair which is held at Edison College.
Catholic Schools Week will begin the weekend of Jan. 30/31. Special events and activities are being planned. Students will be participating at the weekend Masses as readers and in the processions. The “Cherub Choir” will sing at the 10:30 Mass.
On Feb. 9, the school will host its annual Mardi Gras and Reverse Raffle. Tickets are on sale now. If you would like to purchase a ticket or two, just call the school office at 548-2345. You need not be present to win, but the evening is lots of fun. Since Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, there will be a plethora of delicious desserts to enjoy.
I hope that everyone had a blessed and enjoyable Christmas and New Year’s. If you like snow, enjoy the weather, if not, spring is just around the corner.
