Hello Parents,

I hope you're having a great week and are staying warm! I think winter is near!  

Calendar Dates: 

Nov. 21- PTO Meeting 

Nov. 22- Spirit Day

Nov. 27-Dec. 1 - Thanksgiving break

Dec. 4- Christmas Concert

Dec, 6- Spirit Day/ St. Nick's Day 

Dec. 12- 5th Grade sings at Holy Spirit

Dec. 18- 5th grade mass 

Reading- They took their spelling test on Wednesday as well as their weekly module test. On Thursday they will take their module/unit test.  We aren't going to start a new story before Thanksgiving. I am going to have them write a narrative story. I use the book The Mysteries of Harris Burdick  by Chris Van Allsburg. He is the author of Polar Express and Jumangi.  In it are 14 different titles and each one has its own drawing and caption. They have to use the title for their story. The caption will be used somewhere in their story. It can be in the opening, the middle, or the end. We will work on this in class every day until Thanksgiving break. So... no spelling tests until after break! 

I finished the book I was reading out loud to them- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! It has been made into a movie and is in theaters now! It looks great! The kids told me it was a great book and that I should read it next year! 

Spirit Day on Friday, November 22!! 

Math- This week we worked on multiplying numbers in the hundreds and thousands by two digits. We are also working on some story problems dealing with multiplication. When we get back from Thanksgiving break, we will be finishing up our chapter with reviews and a test. 

Religion- We are working on learning about the Beatitudes- God's plan for us to find true happiness. We have had some great discussions on them too. They were introduced to Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati as well. He lived in Italy, but dedicated much of his life to God and helping others. For graduation he was offered a car or money from his father. He chose the money and then gave it away to help others. He is a such a great example to them, but really to all of us especially as we get close to the Advent season. 

Biz Town- What a GREAT day! The kids had a great time and wish they could go again next year! I told them they will go in 8th grade to the Financial Center. We did have a good discussion about the importance of why they were told to spend their money so that the businesses could pay back their loans and stay open. Thank you to all the parents that went with us! I love that you get to help them and see what a wonderful opportunity it is for them! 

Lots of information sheets in the take home folder today! Don't forget about the Read-A-Thon! The kids can wear pajamas on Tuesday! I said they can wear slippers and a robe as well, but need to have shoes for recess. Sweatpants are fine too. I know some wear that to bed! 

I hope you have a great weekend! I plan on watching Loras Soccer in the Sweet Sixteen from my warm house while I do report cards! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! If you're traveling, please have a safe trip! I am heading to Windsor, Colorado with my brother and his family to go see my niece Grace! 

God Bless,

Miss Surma