The Scientists Among Us

“Come, come, come to the fair” is a line from a poem which says it all, all that is about our Science Fair. Anyone attending had to be impressed by the many questions explored, tested, and answered by our students. Have you ever wondered if mass affects the momentum of a “dynamic cart?” Have you asked the question, “Can the life span of a soap bubble be extended?” Do you realize that solar power can be used to run boats, cars, yes even future space craft? These are just the “tip of the iceberg” of interesting subjects explored by our young Edisons.

Other interesting facts include:

1. Dogs are color blind.
2. 409 is a great cleaner.
3. Raisins can dance.
4. One can take a photograph with an oatmeal box.
5. Prang crayons are made of soybeans, which are good for the environment, etc. etc. etc.

This year we added a fantastic Art Exhibit. Thanks to all the families who came and supported our school. We are sorry that many of our new families didn’t come and see the outstanding work of our teachers and children.

Classroom News

In fifth grade, we’ve read about smoking and its negative effects. However, when two doctors come to present their case, the evidence takes on a new dimension. Dr. WAS and Dr. Maggie presented “Tar Wars”.

First, what does smoking do for you? Attractive, Thin? Rid stress? NO WAY!!!

Next, the price of smoking was calculated. Without “Burning up” your hard-earned cash, you could afford perhaps a vacation or tuition.

Did you know that there are over 5000 chemicals in a cigarette? Perhaps the worst: nicotine (the additive substance which keeps you hooked).

Perhaps the most impressive visuals were two large jars: one represented Phlegm and the other, tar – that so much disgusting material can enter our bodies never entered the minds of fifth graders.

We’re grateful to the doctors who made this presentation (and, by the way, they were impressed with the way our S.J.S. fifth graders read).

If these 5th graders keep all this in mind when offered items such as these, they will view them as they truly are: CANCER STICKS!!!

- Sr. Rita, C.D.S.

Can you believe this weather? That’s the question the first grade meteorologists are asking themselves. During the month of April, they will be learning all about the weather. They will learn about temperature and how to read a thermometer. They will also learn about the Water Cycle and the processes of evaporation and condensation. They will create a Weather Booklet listing important information regarding our daily weather – the daily high temperature, the times of the sunrise and sunset, and what the overall daily weather was. Watch out, Tom Atkins, there are some new meteorologists in town!

- Mrs. Norton

Keep Holy the Sabbath

“He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day.” (Genesis 2:3)

How special is your Sunday? With Lent upon us it is a good time to think about our weekend routine. Let Sunday be a family day, a day that begins with the entire family worshiping together at Sunday Mass and includes activities fostering family love and sharing. Too often we have let Sunday be a catch-up day, on which we hurry to complete tasks left undone during the week. We’ve lost the concept of rest and renewal of spirit. Monday morning finds us tired from the hectic pace of the weekend and far from ready to face the week ahead.

Plan ahead to make Sunday special. Involve the children in planning Sunday activities that all can share. Whatever you choose to do, the way you spend the day will make memories for your children. As adults, will they think of Sundays as holy days when the grass seemed greener, the sky more blue and the love of God and family a warm and comforting protection in an uncertain world?

High Standards

There is much talk today about core curriculum and high standards. What does it mean? What, if any, is the role of parents? How does it differ from the role of the school? How does it complement it?

Before a child even begins school, and even more so once the school experience has begun, the home should be a place of loving care and safety. It should be an environment in which there are good role models who set clear rules and are consistent in their affirmation of something well done and equally consistent in their reminders when there has been an infraction of the rules. Relationship to God should be an integral part of daily life. If parents choose to send their children to a religious school, religion should be seen by the child as important.

Healthy living should be practiced and advocated. A good balance between work and leisure predisposes the child to life in the school. Great care, too, should be taken of the child’s health: proper nutrition, sufficient rest, regular physicals, all contribute to the child’s success in attaining high standards.

When the child comes to school from an environment in which good music is available, good art is appreciated, visits to museums or historical places are valued, questions are asked, conversation is encouraged, achievement in school tends to be greater.

Parents need to convey high expectations. This, obviously, does not mean “Straight A’s or else,” but it does mean valuing what is taught, supporting the learning of each child, and ensuring that the child develops good habits so that he or she reaches the full potential God has given the child. It, too, means supporting decisions made by the school on behalf of the educational process.

Thanks, Thanks, Thanks

            We are grateful for the 5th grade parents who help us in the cafeteria, playground and library etc. –

                        Mrs. Bonnie Casane

                        Mr. Ken McCurdy

                        Mrs. Maria Dinner

                        Mrs. Lisa Filutze

                        Mrs. Chris Kruszewski

DON’T FORGET

            Star applications for tuition assistance.

Easter Vacation

            March 27 – April 2

Classroom News

Grade 2 has been working hard since the beginning of the new year. We are subtracting 2 digits in Math. We have been working on our writing of how to articles. Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs everywhere in our classroom. We have been learning about all kinds of dinosaur interesting and fun facts. The students worked on a recyclable dinosaur project. They had to make a dinosaur out of anything that is recyclable. They did a Dino-mite Job! They all turned out awesome. Super job second grade!

Mrs. Keinath

In a recent science lab class 7th graders learned how to use a microscope. They were then placed in groups of three which rotated using various kinds of microscopes. Students had to draw at least 5 specimens that they observed. Their reaction was absolute amazement.

“Looking at objects far away is nothing compared to what is under the microscope.” - Linden Hoover

“ A feather looked like it was knitted together.” - Molly Hammer

“I never thought there was another world to see.” - Alyssa VanSlyke

Sr. Mary, C.D.S.

The 6th graders have worked diligently the last several months on a Computer assignment titled BIZWORLD. BIZWORLD is a hands-on program to teach the children how to run a business. Throughout the process, students had to work together to design, manufacture, market, and sell a product. Each of the four groups had a President, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Sales, Vice President of Marketing, Vice President of Design, and Vice President of Manufacturing.

The students “manufactured” bracelets. Although groups only had to make thirty bracelets each, most groups produced more than forty. After bracelets were finished, bagged, and priced, the students sent out notices to every class about the sale.

The sale was held in the cafeteria on Thursday, February 14th, 2013. All of the bracelets were sold in less than a half hour. This was quite a learning experience for all involved.

Mrs. Pacinelli

It may be the shortest month of the year, but there are many things to cover in February.

We start with Groundhog’s Day and predict whether or not he will see his shadow. Seven of us predicted he would not see his shadow and we would have an early spring. Next, we celebrated the 100th day of school. Most of our activities throughout the day revolved around the number 100. We then celebrated Valentine’s Day with a few games and treats. February is also Dental Health Month and we have been learning how to take care of our teeth.

On February 1st, we started a daily math journal. Everyday, we have a problem that needs to be solved in our journal. I am sure you have heard of a writing journal, but what about one that you use to help reinforce your math skills? The students enjoy solving their Problem of the Day.

Let’s hope our March is as successful as February.

Mrs. Ladaika

We Care

Many schools have mottoes or themes like – Honor, Respect, or Loyalty. Here at St. James – WE CARE! It’s painted on our walls, written in our classrooms, posted on our bulletin boards, and hopefully, by the end of this year, it will be a part of our lives. By showing each other that “we care” about God, others, our world and ourselves we can make a difference in the way we live. With all the violence and pain around us, there is so much we can do if “we care” to do it. So here at St. James, our entire faculty, staff and student body dedicate themselves to caring and try to make each day a little better – maybe by sharing our time or selves, helping our neighbor or just giving a smile. Remember, at St. James, WE CARE! Won’t you?

Congratulations to Saint James robotics team for an outstanding performance!  The team, called the “Super Senior Squad,” competed in the LEGO League Regional Tournament at The Behrend College on November 10.  They won the 2^nd place Championship Award for overall performance for their skit, and for showing gracious professionalism.  Out of 35 teams, they also won the 2^nd place Performance Award for their robotic skills.  We give special thanks to Mr. Alan Madura who has shared his skill and expertise to coach for 3 years now.

This year’s theme was “Senior Solutions.”  The team had to adopt a senior citizen and discuss the problems of aging.  They then had to come up with a solution to the problem.  SJS team adopted Mr. Tony Lastowski, a faithful cafeteria volunteer.  With the ingenuity of Mr. James Zielinski they have a laundry basket that clips on to the stairs banister to avoid falls.  It received many comments of “Awesome!” 

The boys have been meeting in the evenings for months to develop a robot that performs a series of given tasks in 2 and a half minutes.  The robot is “Awesome!” also.

Special thanks to Mr. Serafin who provided classy Superman shirts so the team stood out.  Thank you to all the parents who gave support in numerous ways.

The team will now compete at states in Pittsburgh in January.

Team members:

• Kevin Bello
• Joseph Campbell
• Justin Cooper
• John Groshek
• Peyton Kedzierski
• Ryan Kruszewski
• Daniel Serafin
• Adam Zielinski

BLEST

For the benefit of new families St. James School participates in the diocesan initiative, BleST (Building Level Support Team).  BleST offers strategies to help students succeed in school when they have exhibited academic, behavioral, and/or social problems.  BleST also provides an opportunity to address group concerns if necessary.

The BleST team meets on a regular basis and is comprised of the principal, faculty representatives, and support staff as needed.  Our entire faculty has participated in BleST inservice training.  On-going staff development will continue to be provided by the diocese to ensure that all schools are meeting the goals of BleST.

With this additional resource in our school we are able to continue to work hand in hand with you for the success of your children.

Report Cards

Why have report cards?  What do they really tell? Surely their purpose cannot be to foster pride in some families and cause dissension and trouble in others!  If progress reports are to be justified, they must be viewed as information to be used.

How can you use them?  First, review the report with your child in a calm, relaxed atmosphere.  Notice first the positive things and recognize the effort involved.  If some grades are less than expected, find out how your child feels about them, and together explore ways the problems can be corrected.  Be positive in your approach, showing your interest and support.  In this way you can help your young person achieve the most he or she is capable of doing.  A parent-teacher conference may be in order.  As one who knows the student best, you may be able to offer valuable insights to the teacher.

The progress report can be a valuable tool to help parents and teachers plan appropriate goals for the student.  Let’s let it be just that – a tool, not a judgment.

Did you ever hear anything more than the tune of a musical piece?  Grades 7 & 8 experienced the weather on a recent visit to hear the Erie Philharmonic.  The title of the show was Storm Chasers.  Just as it implies, the musical pieces were written by composers to imitate a storm.  The students were entertained by compositions written by Vivaldi, Strauss and Beethoven, each one mimicking a storm.  Tom Atkins was also a guest speaker who explained to the audience how a storm is created.  After conductor Daniel Meyer introduced the percussion section he assigned audience sections with the job of creating storm sounds. During the final musical piece, the conductor would turn to tell the audience to create their sound.  What a thunderous musical storm filled the Warner Theater.  This delightful experience left the audience with a new perspective of music.

Mrs. Blaszczyk

Essay Contest

Kudos to Alexis Hitchcock who recently won the Veterans Day Essay Contest.  The title was “How You Should Honor Our Veterans.”  For her efforts Alexis presented her essay at a ceremony at the Erie VA Medical Center on November 10, 2012.  The ceremony included a processional led by Bagpipes, guest speakers, a choir singing patriotic songs, a 21 gun salute, a bugler playing taps, and the recitation of the winning essays.  Local leaders, including the Mayor, attended this event.  Along with the public, Lexi’s family and friends attended this auspicious, patriotic program; Congratulations Lexi!

Mrs. Blaszczyk

Prayerful Gratitude

We express our appreciation for the members of the St. James School Board and Advancement Committee. So much of your limited free time is given to assistance with school activities. To give so much of your personal time to our school demonstrates your commitment to the importance of Catholic education. Your expertise in so many fields greatly contributes to the fine school that we have. Thank you for your generous donation of time and talent and for your concern for quality education.

We salute our School Board and Advancement Committee members.

Advancement Committee

• Kim VanSlyke
• Carrie Althof
• Kelly Kienholz
• Mary Beth Brady
• Derek VanSlyke
• Robert Duma
• Natalie Rose

School Board

• Sandy Benek
• Greg Breski
• Aaron Chase
• Mark Dalton
• Thomas Forish
• Karen Groshek
• Adam Ladaika           
• Randy Pristello
• Lisa Repko
• Tricia Thompson
• Beth Zielinski

Persuasive Speeches

The campaign is over and our President has been elected. There is much to learn from persuasive arguments as our 8th graders found out. The topic for their original persuasive speeches was: “I want to be your next President, vote for me!” In Grade 8 the students have been studying and practicing the characteristics of good persuasive writing. All the ideas in good persuasive writing work toward convincing an audience to share the writer’s viewpoint. The final speeches were generally written well and delivered in a powerful way. The students also made effective posters that highlighted their speeches. After presenting them in the classroom they tried their persuasive techniques on the students in other grades. Here are two of their closing statements:

“So why you waitin’? Vote for Peyton!”

“If you want a serious change in your country, vote for Morgan Rospierski. Just Do It!”

They sound very convincing to me.               

Sr. Martha, CDS

Souls in Purgatory

During the month of November the Church remembers in a special way souls who have died but need further purification before they may enter Heaven. We are encouraged to pray for these holy souls throughout the month. We should not only remember our own dear relatives and friends, but we can pray for souls who are no longer remembered by anyone else. If because of our prayers souls enter Heaven and enjoy the happiness of Heaven, we can surely expect their grateful help in our own life and death. The children at St. James School pray and offer daily for the holy souls in Purgatory.

Based on Research:

A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons.

Grade 6A recently completed a science unit in which they studied rocks and minerals. Students had several lab classes observing our numerous rock collections. They made charts of the rocks’ characteristics and classified them according to a kind. At the conclusion of the unit there was a forum on fracking led by 6A’s own “Professor” Eric Duma and “Professor” Mitchell Razanauskas. They taught us about the Marcellus shale, the wealth of gas beneath Pennsylvania, and debated the pros and cons of using fracking to tap the rich deposits. They did a fine job sharing their research.

Sr. Mary, CDS

“Calling all disciples – looking for a few good men and women.” Grade 8 has been studying the disciples of Jesus. They learned that these men were responsible for spreading the Good News, from about A.D. 50 to A.D. 100. The students then prepared a description of the job and qualities of those disciples. In small groups the students designed a classified ad for a job for today’s disciple. The ad listed what the job entailed and the qualities needed by the person applying. The students displayed their ads in the classroom. On their classified ad wall you’ll see items for sale and many job ads. See if you have the experience and qualities to be a disciple.

Mrs. Blaszczyk

We love to read! We started with read-aloud, Indian in the Cupboard. We’d come to a crucial point and the bell would ring – “we can’t stop now” – but we had to. Now we are into the Return of the Indian and this seems just as exciting. On the side – on our own – we’re reading other books as well for book reports, accelerated reading, and Book It! We just hate to put our books away!

Sr. Rita, CDS

If you like boat races and colorful ships of all kinds, you would have enjoyed the 8^th graders’ boat project. For science students had to build a boat less than 16 cm in length that could carry a cargo of 20 pennies 1.5 m across a wading pool and be powered by a non-petroleum source of energy.

When the day for sailing came, it was very cold outside, but the race went on anyway. The most common type of boat was a rubber band paddle boat. Tyler Skelton built an innovative design with double paddles. There was Daniel Serafin’s boat powered by a mousetrap, while Michael Dinner and Alexis Hitchcock used a balloon. Meghan McCurdy used a burning candle/steam boat.

Congratulations to the winners:

Sr. Mary, CDS

Congratulations to Gr. 3 in making their First Communion on Oct. 21, 2012. It was the smallest Communion class with only 23 children. Many students had a special task to do during Mass. The weather was beautiful and everyone gave their very best to make this a day that they will never forget.

When is the last time you had a fire drill at home? Do you have a special meeting place? October is Fire Safety month and we are learning how to be safe all year round. State Farm Insurance Company has an educational fire safety program called “Smoke Detectives.” The students enjoyed the Halloween theme in the video as they learned how to become a smoke detective. Once they go home to complete a fire safety checklist they can receive their own badge. Congratulations to all the students who have already earned their badge.

Gr. 3 is having fun with the Addition/Subtraction 24 Game. The object of the game is to win points by being the first to pick the correct wheel that can make the target number on the card. Only 1 wheel will work. Each card can be worth 1,2, or 3 points, rated by difficulty. You must use all the numbers in a wheel, but you can use each number only once. An added challenge is to time them to see how many cards they can get right when they are practicing alone. With each game the students are paired with different people. This helps each child find success to build up their confidence along with their speed.

Mrs. Case

YEAR OF FAITH

What is the Year of Faith? At certain times in the history of the Church, popes have called upon the faithful to dedicate themselves to deepening their understanding of a particular aspect of the faith. In 1967, Pope Paul VI announced a Year of Faith commemorating the 19th centenary of the martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul. The 1967 Year of Faith called upon the Church to recall the supreme act of witness by these two saints so that their martyrdom might inspire the present day Church to collectively and individually make a sincere profession of faith.

The upcoming Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world” (Porta fidei 6). In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him. The pope has described this conversion as opening the “door of faith” (see Acts 14:27). The “door of faith” is opened at one’s baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and his Church.

IMPORTANT:

On October 22nd at 1:30 we are having a Rosary Prayer Service with the children. You are most welcome to come and join the children in prayer for many intentions.

If you are in need of extra white shirts, stop in as we will have them on a table.

Please remember to put names in your children’s sweatshirts, gloves, etc.

We deeply thank our 2012-2013 Room Mothers. We are happy to have you as part of our St. James School Family.

            Gr. 1 -              Mrs. Chase

            Gr. 2 -              Mrs. Eastbourn

            Gr. 3 -              Mrs. Taylor

            Gr. 4 -              Mrs. Mosko

            Gr. 4A -           Mrs. Amann

            Gr. 5 -              Mrs. Popoff

            Gr. 5A -           Mrs. Barnes

            Gr. 6 -              Mrs. Schau

            Gr. 6A -           Mrs. Serafin

            Gr. 7 -             Mrs. DeDionisio, Mrs. Forish

            Gr. 8 -              Mrs. Groshek, Mrs. Zielinski

Many thanks to all who voted for St. James School on the Target Web site “Give With Target”. We received 2 nice gift cards as a result.

Soon we must send our “Box Tops” for reimbursement. If you have any at home, please send in tomorrow.

September 20 was an historical day at SJS- our first videoconference with another school using the large screen television and conferencing equipment. In conjunction with a diocesan wide e-learning course for teachers, Grade 7 science class is paired with the 7th grade science class at St. Leo’s in Ridgeway in a yearlong partnership of sharing. Currently St. James students are working on “Go Green” recycling projects and St. Leo’s are doing lab safety projects. At a videoconference soon we will share our projects with each other.

First of all, we had to learn where Ridgeway is, since none of the students have been there. Students were surprised to learn it is about 100 miles away. Likewise, few St. Leo students have been to Erie. The first videoconference was spent getting to know each other. After self-introductions, we exchanged information about school size, school mascot, sports programs and academics. Students enjoyed making new friends…and being on TV. The teachers have already taken several courses via videoconferencing---very convenient. Learning for the 21st century!

Sr. Mary, C.D.S.

On September 17, 2012 we observed Constitution Day, for it was on this date in history, September 17, 1787, that the first three words of our Preamble became a reality for all of us – “We the People…”. Grade 6A learned some interesting facts about one of our most cherished documents thanks to Mitchell Razanauskas. He researched the Constitution and gave a short presentation to the class each day for a week. One of the most interesting things that we learned was that at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin observed the symbol of a half-sun on George Washington’s Chair and remarked, “I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.” The students are also working on learning the words to the Preamble by heart. “We the People…” – something worth thinking about and something worth working to preserve.

Sr. Martha, C.D.S.

At the opening of the school year, Gr. 6 students were asked to “Go for the Gold” this year. Our original bulletin board featured athletes from the 2012 Olympics. In sticking with this theme, students were asked to write a paper on his or her favorite sport.

What a mix of athletes we have! Sydney Benes is a fan of Tae kwon do. She has her black belt and is presently going for her yellow belt. Ben Bokshan enjoys golf and the challenges it brings. Many students are fans of basketball and the NBA. It might get quite heated in our classroom this season as we have a mix of Cavaliers’, Celtics’, Lakers’, and Heat fans.

Hopefully my students will prove to be just as driven in their academics this year as they are in their sports.

Mrs. Pacinelli

Happy Fall everyone! The Book It Program has started again for this year. The second graders each have a number of books that they have to read each month at home. Our goal is for 100% each month. Each student receives a pizza certificate when they complete their goal each month. Here is a reading recipe for parents at home–

Mix Together:
½ hour of special reading time each day
some colorful age appropriate books and magazines
a few fun reading games or puzzles

Fold In:
one enthusiastic child and one special reading buddy (parent, grandparent, older sibling etc.)

Place all together in a quiet comfortable location and enjoy the reward of a child who loves to read!

Mrs. Keinath

Did you know that the paper from which you read daily is made from trees? Or that the table at which you are sitting may be made from trees? During the month of October preschool children have been exploring the theme of trees. They have learned about the important parts of a tree, the different types of trees and, most importantly, the many uses of trees. Trees are not only a beautiful thing to have in our back yards, but they provide us with so many things! They provide us with fruits, nuts, and many types of furniture and shade – just to name a few. And we are not the only ones who need and enjoy trees. Many animals do as well. We have learned during our week that trees are a wonderful blessing from God and we most definitely appreciate it.

Mrs. Brady

MAKING YOUR HOME THE PLACE TO BE!

It is important for the home to be a warm, inviting place for your child. Consider the following ideas to make your home the place to be:

1. Spend time together as a family.
2. Listen to your child.
3. Talk with your child, not at him/her.
4. Let your child learn through life experiences such as success, failure, adventure, challenge, etc.
5. Give reasonable responsibilities to your child.
6. Set a good example for your child.
7. Don’t be afraid to correct your child when necessary.
8. Let your child solve his/her own problems. Be there when the need arises.
9. Teach your child right from wrong.
10. Don’t get caught up on material things.
11. Don’t assume that your child is always right.
12. Support your child’s school and school-related projects.
13. Above all pray together.

Your home should be a place for both relaxation and learning for your child. Parents should provide positive experiences for a child in the home. If you are one who is always negative, always complaining and criticizing, it is pretty definite your child will model you.

IT FLOATS

It was a perfect morning. The temperature was just right and the sun was shining. Grades 5 – 8 gathered in the back of the school to watch our eighth graders launch a solar air bag. In this science experiment a 50 ft. long bag made out of a light weight plastic material is launched into the air. You begin by holding the bag open and running around to scoop up air. Then the sun warms the air molecules in the bag and their movement begins to speed up. The heated air inside the bag is less dense than the cooler air on the outside of the bag and so the Solar Bag will float. And float it did – all over the field. It went up and down like a kite in March winds. The students took turns jumping up to touch the bag. Running after it as it floated in the air was just as much fun. What a way to learn a scientific principle!

Sr. Martha, CDS

Thank you for saving aluminum cans. We use the money to pay for buses for our field trips!

Please save all of your computer cartridges for us. We can exchange them for the many cartridges that we need for our computers.

IMPORTANT – We begin our Standardized testing on September 28 – October 4. Please make sure the children are present.

CLASSROOM NEWS

“I am special, I am special, just you look, you will see! Someone very special, someone very special, yes that’s me!” Preschool is back in session and one of the first things we focus on is how special we are since we are God’s children. God’s love and His gifts make us very special children to our families, our teachers and our friends. Throughout our year at school we will remember His love and gifts as we work hard to learn many new things and make new friends. Welcome back to a new school year!

The students of Grade 4 are excited as we begin this new school year. As a class, they will be experiencing many “firsts” together. This is the first year that they are allowed to use a pen for all subjects (except for Math), and this is their first year using notebooks to take down their own notes. We also are excited to be using brand new Math and Social Studies textbooks that support our curriculum. Throughout the year, the students will be encouraged to become more independent, and will learn the study skills necessary to be successful as they approach middle school. We look forward to a year of learning, growing, and experiencing many successes together!

Grade 6 is in the process of reading their first novel this school year. We are reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. This is an historical fiction book that takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark during World War II. The students are learning the difficulties the Jewish people experienced when the Nazi’s moved into their country. Because one of the main themes of the book is “Bravery”, the students are creating collages based on that topic. If you get the opportunity (or during Parent-Teacher Tea), stop into our corridor and check out the beautiful job the class did on this project.

Welcome to our brand new school year! Grade 4A is going to have a great year. We will be exploring our brand new Math and Social Studies books. Also we have a book this year about Pennsylvania History. The students will learn about many interesting events that happened in our very own state. Something else new to our classroom will be note taking. One of the things they love to do the best is highlighting! We have many new adventures awaiting us this year. Welcome back and here’s to an awesome year!

What’s your address? Most people respond without hesitation. Fine – but, do you know your global address? Grades 5 and 6 have found that latitude and longitude can pinpoint your home as well! Our new geography cart includes an atlas, a globe, and maps for each one in class. Since Social Studies includes Time, People, and Places, this study helps us locate the places we are studying. Do you know your global address? Ask anyone in 5, 5A, or 6!

Welcome back second graders and parents! We are excited for a brand new school year with lots of learning. This first month of school we will be dong a lot of reviewing skills we learned last year. One reminder please practice those addition and subtraction facts any chance you get and keep reading. Looking forward to a great school year.

Through Saint James halls walk the finest children in the world. It was a warm “Welcome Back!” and an exciting first day on August 27, the first day of school. Enrollment is stable. Our faculty is not only known for DEDICATION, but EXPERIENCE.  The same teachers are back. All have taught for over 10 years, and most for over 25 years. We are all looking forward to a great school year!

Preschool - Mrs. Mary Beth Brady

Kindergarten - Mrs. Denise Cox

Kindergarten A - Mrs. Joni Ladaika

Grade 1 - Mrs. Lisa Norton

Grade 2 - Mrs. Melissa Keinath

Grade 3 - Mrs. Patricia Case

Grade 4 - Mrs. Gina Brennan

Grade 4A - Mrs. Tammy Sigler

Grade 5 - Mrs. Yvonne Astemborski

Grade 5A - Sr. Rita Ouska, CDS

Grade 6 - Mrs. Paula Pacinelli

Grade 6A - Sr. Martha Cadden, CDS

Grade 7 - Sr. Mary Babik, CDS

Grade 8 - Mrs. Gail Blaszczyk

Teacher-Aide - Mrs. Sandy Benek

Music - Mr. Ryan Kraus

Computer - Mrs. Amber Wildfire

Art - Mrs. Kathy Schaaf

Phys. Ed. - Mrs. Kathy Schaaf, Mrs. Sandy Benek, Mrs. Mary Beth Brady

Reading/Math

Specialist - Mrs. Stephanie Forish

Language

Development - Mrs. Sue Wisniewski

Nurse -  Mrs. Julie Michalski

Principal -  Sr. Colette Hilow, CDS

Secretary - Mrs. Judy Jaglowski

Maintenance - Mr. Tom Blais, Mr. Tom Michalski, Mr. John Hoderny, Mrs. Norma Jaroszewski, Mr. Dave Jaroszewski

Cooks - Mrs. Cathy DiLullo, Mrs. Debbie Hitchcock, Mrs. Trish Thompson, Mrs. Michelle Samson

God bless you,

Don't forget about our Family Fun Night on Saturday, July 28. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with a corn hole tournament. The outdoor movie will begin at about 8:30. The parish will provide the movie and the popcorn. Families are asked to bring their own non-alcoholic drinks. This is a family friendly event and is open to all members of our parish, especially family and children. There will be no charge. For further information, contact Adam Ladaika at 460-4772 or by e-mail at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Families That Care

Educational research confirms that when families show they care about learning, children take learning seriously. When families show that learning is important, children work harder. When families help children with schoolwork at home, children do better in school.

And when families are involved constructively with the work of the schools, whole schools improve their performance.

Spelling Bee

The Diocese held their annual Spelling Bee on Friday, May 4, 2012 at St. Mark’s Center. Alyssa VanSlyke from Grade 6 was the winner from St. James School. She faced twenty other students from the Erie Diocese.

After thirty-two rounds there were four players remaining. At this point they went to a list none of the students had seen before. Alyssa spelled TUNGSTEN correctly and then went down on the word ANCHOVY.

We are very proud of Alyssa for placing third in this spelling bee. She is a winner in our eyes.

Mrs. Pacinelli

Cell phones can be just as dangerous as weapons.” “5.7 million students in the U.S. have been bullied.” These are very strong words spoken to students of Grades 6 and 7 on May 9 ^th. Special Agent Elaine Surma has been in law enforcement for thirty-five years dealing with narcotics, violence, and cyber bullying and her warning to the students was loud and clear. If you bully, you are breaking the law. Her focus was on the use of the computer especially, the social media sites. She said that any message put on the Internet leaves a trail and can be traced by going back to the cell phone company. She showed three short videos to the students that showed all too clearly the effects of bullying. Those who did the bullying or harassment by communication were taken to Juvenile Detention Centers. Those who were bullied were so hurt and frustrated that they took desperate measures. Her suggestion – First of all, follow the Golden Rule and second be part of the solution, not the problem. We are grateful to Special Agent Surma for her informative presentation and her words of caution. May God Bless her in her difficult work.

Sr. Martha, C.D.S.

Many thanks to all who faithfully saved aluminum cans for us. The money was used to pay for buses for our field trips. God bless you!

One hundred years from now,

it will not matter…

What kind of a car I drove -

How spacious the house I chose –

How much money I had saved

Nor what my clothes looked like.

But the world may be a

little better because I was

important in the life of my child.

Classroom News

They’re coming. What? You may ask. Purple Martins. They have already built nests in the gourds at St. James Manor and they’ll be in our back yard soon. These purple martin houses are a gift to us from Mr. Craig Kern, a parishioner of St. James and father of three former students. Mr. Kern is on the board of the Purple Martin Conservation Association at Presque Isle. He spoke to our 7 ^thgraders about the project on May 14 ^th. These large American birds of the swallow family with bluish-black plumage nest in the homes we make for them. Their favorite home is gourds. If we can get a colony started in the houses on our property the birds will stay for the spring and summer and come back every year. That is if they survive the 5,000 mile flight to Brazil for the winter and the trip back. These birds won’t just be pretty to look at. They’ll do us a big favor. Their specialty is eating big bugs like wasps and dragonflies. Not only that, they are people friendly. They won’t mind if you look into their homes while they are nesting. When they arrive we will all know it because they are very noisy birds. When that happens Mr. Kern will come back and lower the houses so we can see them. Hurry and come, purple martins, we eagerly await your arrival.

Sr. Martha, C.D.S.

The second grade had a Zoo-rific time at the Erie Zoo! We saw and learned many things. The children went to a presentation called “Amazing Adaptations”. There we learned that adaptations are special characteristics of an animal that help it survive in its environment. They can include their size, coloring, and coverings. They got to do different activities like the touch boxes where they just put their hand in and felt what the object was. They learned how an animal’s legs are an adaptation. The activity they did was can you try and jump as far as a giraffe walks among others animals. We enjoyed seeing all the animals in the Zoo and learning about them.

Mrs. Keinath

The month of May has arrived and spring has sprung. Grade 4A will continue to work on many concepts in our classroom. Here is a little that we will be working on. In PA History we have been learning about the French and Indian War. Mathematics has been interesting as we have been exploring decimals. In our Health class we have been learning about infectious and noninfectious diseases and ways to prevent them. We will begin our unit in English on adverbs and prepositions. These are just a few of our subjects and the information we are covering. As we finish up the school year we are hoping to be even more prepared for our next year. Fifth grade here we come!

Mrs. Sigler

Did you know that soap was discovered 5,000 years ago? Ever since then, blowing bubbles has been an enjoyment for people of all ages around the world. Grade 3 discovered some creative ways to use bubbles in experiments. We all made bubbles with a big and small wand, wire, a funnel, a straw, and our hands to see what object was the easiest to make bubbles with. We were able to make bubbles inside of bubbles and even drive a toy car inside a bubble. Now that our curiosity has opened our eyes to other experiments to try, we have many fun activities to try during the summer. Can you make a soap bubble frame and hold it like a tray to bounce a bubble on the film like a trampoline? Can you freeze a bubble? If you had a bubble in a jar, how long can it last? (The record was over a year.) Maybe you might even do some research to find out why a bubble is a circle no matter what shape of the object you use to make the bubble.

Tips:

• Distilled water works the best. Ordinary tap water is hard because it contains lime so the softer the water the better.
• Bubbles last longer when the humidity is high. When it is too hot the water evaporates faster from the bubble.
• Wind is harmful so find the most sheltered area.

Mrs. Case