I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing spring break! I went o Galena, Illinois for a couple of days with my sister Penny. We went last year and had such a good time, we had to go back. It was nice to get away for a few days!   

Calendar Dates:

Mar. 24- Spirit Day/ Fish Fry

Mar. 27- ACRE Testing

Apr. 2- Palm Sunday

Apr. 6- Seder Meal/ Cross Walk

Apr. 7- Good Friday/ No School

Apr. 9- Easter

Apr. 10- ISASP Testing Begins

Reading- This week they are reading a historical fiction story called Tucket's Travels by Gary Paulsen. This is set in the 1800s. Three kids are on their own after parents dying on the Oregon Trail due to Cholera as well as being taken by the Pawnees. They are struggling because another group called the Comancheros are after them. They are also in a desert area with no water or shade. It is a little survival story. They will test on Friday over the story and their spelling words. 

Dollars for Scholars- Next week they will be writing an essay for this contest. Each year they write an essay with a different topic. They will be doing this at school. The winners are usually announced after mass in May. 

Religion- We started a Lent chapter when we got back from break. Next Monday they will be taking the ACRE test. This is a standardized religion test given to the 5th and 8th graders every year. This is to see what they have learned from their religion classes over the years. It is done online. Typically, I read this test to them because there are some hard words in the questions and to force them to slow down when they answer. 

Math- We are still in our division chapter,but nearing the end where we need to review before the test. 

Spirit Day- Friday  they can wear sweat for $1!!! 

Seder Meal/ Cross Walk is set for Thursday, April 6. The students need to wear a white shirt that day for the big picture we take at church. If they don't have a plain white shirt, they can wear a white t-shirt and we will just flip it inside out.  You are welcome to join us for the Cross Walk. 

Thank you for all the birthday fun ! I felt so much love!!! The kids enjoyed the special treats as well.  I attended a ZOOM call to listen to 3 of my favorite authors discuss their books and how they were turned into movies or a series! 

Have a great weekend! I told the kids Lent is half over! Easter will be here before we know it! 

God Bless,

Miss Surma