St. Paul's News: St. Paul's Community Newsletter

WE’RE WINDING UP!

by Liz Barnes

Schools do not wind down – they wind UP in the last few weeks. There are more programs, activities, culminating units, field trips, and celebrations. There is more energy and restlessness. There are more tests and final projects. There is more warm weather that promises all the joys and freedom that summer will bring. Our stamina seems to be waning as that of the students appears to be growing. So our school year is, appropriately, winding up!

There is too little time right now to reflect on the successes and challenges of this school year but one of the best parts about our work is that we do have time in the summer for that reflection – and planning for the new year. It’s a great gift to our profession – a change of pace that allows time for research, reflection, and renewal.

My wish for you and your family is that you take time to allow yourselves the same gift. I have heard several parents mention that, with swim practice, ball games, tennis lessons, and other commitments, the summer schedule is more frantic than the school schedule! I sincerely hope this will not be true for you or your children. I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to slow down and enjoy this break.

Our summer reading as a faculty will focus on The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains, by Nicholas Carr. This book delves into the major changes that are happening as we become more enamored with and dependent on our technological devices. It is well researched but easy, interesting reading. It likens the changes happening in our world because of this technology to the changes experienced with the invention of the clock and movable type. I highly recommend it. The other selection that a number of our early childhood teachers have selected is Play, by Stuart Brown, a book that explores the power of play in our everyday world. Sounds like a perfect summer read!

We also hope to read a lot that is for pure relaxation or on topics other than our work, as these distractions often help clear our heads and refocus our thinking. Again, I wish for you these simple pleasures!

As always, thank you for entrusting your children to us for the school year. We enjoy working with them and learning from them, and hope that you and they have benefitted greatly from that work. We are proud of them and their accomplishments this year and have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow and demonstrate the many talents they possess. Enjoy your summer!

Hope For Haiti

On Friday, May 4th, 2012 the first grade classes took part in the 2nd annual lemonade and cookie stand for Haiti. The planning was integrated into first grade’s social studies curriculum. The students brainstormed names for the stand and they created their own flyers. The students also learned about the concept of supply and demand as they discussed the purchase price of the lemonade and cookies which sold for 50 cents a piece. It ended up being a beautiful spring day for the HAITI’S HOPE: Lemonade Land & Cookie Country. With the help and support of many parents, the first grade raised a grand total $2,694.60, which was well above the goal that the students set at $900! Thank you to all who helped and supported the first grade in this amazing endeavor. We could not have done it without you! The children had a great time and most importantly we were able to support our sister school in Haiti.

We are studying poetry in first grade and the students, with a little help, came up with the following Limerick:

There once was a class in first grade,
They sold lots of yummy Lemonade.
They sold cookies too, by the time it was through
Lots and lots of money was made!

Endowment Campaign News

The 50th Anniversary Endowment Campaign is rapidly marching toward the $2 million threshold. For all the news, click here.

First Grade Science

Hands-On Science was a hit in first grade! The famous Diet Coke and Mentos experiment was completed. What a great chemical reaction! We are certain your first grade children will tell you all about it!!

Nature Hike With Mrs. S!

This is the 3rd year we set out on The Hickory Grove Trail at Burr Oak Woods, and still we have not been disappointed with the beauty of this trail, the plants and animals we saw, and most importantly the joy and genuine excitement that it brings the kids. While it was quite warm and humid, we walked, skipped, and ran down the trail as it followed a river, around corners, over bridges, up and down hills. We saw flowers, birds, animal prints, dragonflies, butterflies, and even a native Missouri Black Rat snake! Stopping half way to have a little trail mix gave us all an energy boost that helped us get back to the beginning of the trailhead.

Sixth Grade Visits Burr Oak Woods

Sixth graders also visited Burr Oak Woods on Thursday, May 17, for a field study day to conclude the study of Missouri Aquatic Ecosystems. Students looked for macroinvertebrates in the pond and went on a nature hike. The highlight of the day for most students was fishing. Nearly everyone was successful, thanks to the help of several dads and a grandfather.

National Spanish Exam Awards

In March many of the eighth grade Spanish students took the National Spanish Exam. This is a difficult and comprehensive test used to rate proficiency of students who study Spanish nationwide. At the high school level, this test is used as a basis for scholarship awards. This year in Level 1, Max S. received the rank of Honorable Mention, and Veronica L. received a Silver medal in the national competition. Some of our alumni also take this test, and we congratulate the following students who also placed in the chapter competition: Veronica R., who received sixth place in Level 4, Sarah K., who received first place in Level 4, and Andi F. who received third place in Level 5.

Eighth Grade Showcase

On Wednesday, May 9th, the 8th Grade French students showcased their French talent for their parents. The students sang Frère Jacques, Allouette, and La Corde à Sauter. Patrick (Philip W.) played the Marseillaise on his trumpet. The students also performed a two act play about a French and American classroom. Quel spectacle formidable!

World Culture Night

On April 26th, Mr. Stewart’s eighth grade World Geography classes invited

family and friends to the annual World Culture Night presentation. Throughout
the 3rd floor, the sights, sounds, and fragrances of our greater global community
were everywhere, including cultural “ambassadors” from, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Switzerland, France, England, Scotland, India, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Australia, Jamaica, Ireland, Sicily, Serbia, Mexico, and Italy. The students’ presentations included traditional costumes and foods, displays, and student- created websites. Congratulations to the eighth grade for their hard work in creating such a wonderful evening.