Christmas Gifts for Others

In Acts 20:35, St. Paul reminds us that “we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Traditionally each year at Christmas students exchange names and buy a gift for one an-other. We will not be following that practice this year, but instead we are going to think of those who have real needs. Our children have so many things to be thankful for, blessings too numerous to count. To help them recognize how blessed they are and demonstrate our love for our Savior this year the class will take a collection for the St. Jacobi Almoners’ fund. These gifts are used to help both St. Jacobi members as well as those in need from the community who request help with food, fuel, and the like. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to show Christian love to others during a difficult time in their lives. Your gifts can be brought to school any time through December 15. If you’d like to participate in this collection, your gift should be placed into a sealed envelope clearly labeled something to the effect of “Grade 5 Almoners’ Fund”.

Our collection goal is $150. With your help, we can reach this goal quite easily.

Thank you so very much for supporting the things we do here at school in your home. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Serving the Savior with you,

Mr. Scharf

Great Time to Follow Up...

Now is a great time to follow up from our recent PT conferences by checking your child's progress on PowerSchool. In general, there has been a huge advance in students' motivation and work ethic, which often results in increased scores and improved grades. Many students who were "sliding" during our first quarter have sparked a blaze and are beginning to turn in much better quality work. They are fired up about getting their school work done and staying on top of their assignments. This shows the beginnings of real growth. I'm hoping to soon shift the informal classroom theme from "Completion" (Get it done) to "Pursue Excellence" (Do your best in everything you do)!

Special Theater Troupe presents "Aladdin"

We have the special treat of watching some live actors present "Aladdin" on Monday afternoon. The Windy City Players often select additional actors from the audience, so volunteer if you'd like to be a part of the action. Our afternoon schedule will change slightly. The performance is from 2:00 to about 2:45PM. We will have to miss music and science classes.

Complete the Survey

Fifth graders, be sure to complete the brief survey at the bottom of the blog. You only have one week. :)

Drawing Assignment Link

Students who want more practice drawing the horse, eagle, or super hero can visit the following link to again view the artists drawing them: http://www.professorgarfield.org/pgf_ArtBot.html

Bring Your 5th Grader to P-T Conferences

It's nearly parent-teacher conference time again! Parents, as you consider scheduling a time to meet with me, please choose a time when your fifth grade child will be able to attend our conference. I would strongly urge you to bring your fifth grade child along. Having your child attend our conference will better enable you, me, and your child a chance to discuss issues from each of our unique perspectives. We are also better able to discuss not only academic performance, but also behavioral issues, social growth, and organizational skills.

Thank you so much for your continued support and cooperation.

Mission Festival 2008

This Sunday, October 12, is Mission Festival here at St. Jacobi. Students are to be in their seats on the bleachers in the gym by 12:25PM.

I am unable to be at Mission Festival this year. Mt. Calvary-Grace Lutheran School in La Crosse, one of the schools I served for 19 years, is celebrating their 50th anniversary. I have four parents who will help chaperon the fifth graders. Please listen to Mr. & Mrs. Stuedemann, Mrs. Daniels, and Mrs. Plaski.