WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOMS

October 2017

Issue 28

Fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

WHAT’S NEW St. Bernard’s Elementary School News

Inspired by the motto, “Deeds not Words,” St. Bernard’s Elementary School is committed to providing a quality Catholic education by teaching the Gospel values of charity, responsibility, dignity and respect in a faith-centered community.

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Pre-K Our youngest Bernardians are settling into their day very well and the happy sounds of 3 and 4 year olds are filling our classroom! In October, our children are working on the Letter O, the color orange, and learning about spiders and other creepy crawly things in anticipation of Halloween. They are also learning about this beautiful season we call autumn or the fall.

Kindergarten We welcomed 19 students into our Kindergarten. They are happily making new friends and settling into their day with Sr. Irene and Mrs. Richard. There’s so much excitement learning about their relationship with God, the sounds and shapes of letters in Reading, and how objects are alike and different in Math!

Grade 1 First Graders are looking forward to lots of things this year! Learning to read, playing with friends and even doing homework are just a few. We are already off to a great start getting to know each other and settling into our classroom routines. It’s going to be an exciting year filled with learning and fun in Grade 1!

Grade 2 Our young scientists are learning about habitat. They are loving learning about clever beavers and are amazed at how they build their dams that not only

create the ponds they

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swim in, but are the homes that keep them safe and warm.

Grade 3 Third Graders have begun their study of the Church and the role of all the sacraments in their lives. Having made their First Communion last spring, they can fully participate in the liturgy here at school and in their parishes.

Grade 4 Oreo cookies in Science? Yes, it’s true! Our 4th Graders will show their mastery of the phases of the moon by constructing models using… Oreo cookies. A sweet activity that combines Science and America’s favorite cookie! Milk, anyone?

Grade 5 Mrs. McCue, Mrs. Terho and the 5th Graders off to a great start! They are meeting new friends and reconnecting with others, while busily exploring their new Reading series, Wonders, and settling into Grade 5. “God is good – All the time!”

Grade 6 Sixth Grade Religion students have embarked on their study of the Old Testament. They are beginning to meet the Hebrew people—our ancestors in faith.

Grade 7 Our Seventh Graders are learning a new language! It’s time for them to

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learn more about the wider world, another culture and listen to the sounds of a beautiful language. Our students are beginning their study of French and are becoming very good at basic conversations. Tres bien mes eleves!

Grade 8 The tradition continues! Our 8th Graders have completed their annual mural on the brick wall at the back of our building. Together they chose a quote that they found meaningful to them—“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” The class artists then created a design with the quote which also includes all of their names. Amid laughter, and some spattering of paint, they worked to transfer the design to the school wall and completed their day with dinner together. Stop by and see this year's mural!

Computers/Technology K–8, Science, Music and Art are now equipped with an LCD projector, a document camera and an IPEVO system to support interactive learning across all grades and subject areas. The Computer Room has 27 student stations with a SMART Board used by all grades for their Computer classes on Thursdays and Fridays. The Computer Room is available for use by teachers Monday through Wednesday for a

COMING EVENTS!

STB School News October 2017

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOMS CONTINUED

Teacher’s Professional Day Friday, October 6

- No School -

Columbus Day Monday, October 9

- No School -

Hebert Candy Sale Ends! Tuesday, October 10 - All returns are due! -

PTO Meeting Thursday, October 12

7:00 PM

Pumpkin Sale for Decorating Contest

Monday, October 16 – Friday, October 20

$2 per pumpkin Grade 8 D.C. Fundraiser

Grandparents and Special Loved Ones

Luncheon Friday, October 20

Please submit your meal forms! Questions? Contact Joanne Novelli:

978-342-1948 jnovelli@stbernardselementary.org

Pumpkin Contest Judging today! Friday, October 27

STB Middle School Dance - Sponsored by Grade 8 -

North County Catholic Elementary Schools Friday, October 27 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

- STB Cafeteria -

Halloween Wednesday, October 31

Students are out of uniform and in black & orange!

Be sure to look for the next WHAT’S NEW monthly insert on the first Sunday of every month!

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Our Second Graders are preparing to receive their First Communion this spring. A meeting for the parents of all children who will be in our First Communion class will take place at St. Camillus Church Hall on Sunday, October 15 at 9:00 AM.

Drama Club The competitions have begun! The Middle School students are busy practicing for the Interclass Competitive Plays that will take place on Friday, Nov. 3rd at 6:30 PM. Each class strives to win the coveted trophy for Best Play! Mark your calendars and join us for this fun & exciting night!

Sports If it is fall, it is Field Hockey and Flag Football season! Students from Grades 5 through 8 have taken to the field and

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the sounds of their games fill the air after school. Come down and cheer on our athletes!

After School Program The ASP has a “full house” most afternoons. Under the direction of Mrs. Robin O’Donnell, our Bernardians are busy and focused as the day ends. Making new friends across the grades, doing homework, snacking, playing games, doing art activities and helping each other makes the time fly! Everyone’s favorite activity is playing games outdoors in the warm fall sun!

Eighth Grade Leadership Congratulations to the newly elected 8th Grade Class Officers! President – Declan Fluharty Vice–President – Angela Dumford Secretary – Dominic Bilotta Treasurer – Michael Dumford

~ BERNARDIAN LIFE AT STB ~

Automated External Defribulator STB is now equipped with an AED located in the main hallway of our building—easily available for faculty, staff, students or guests should the need ever arise. Our school community is grateful to the Groton Country Day School of the Holy Union for their gift of the AED to our school. We are equally grateful to Mr. Marty Babineau, GM of North End Subaru of Lunenburg, and Atty. Jerold G. Paquette for their

donations to provide support for our faculty and staff. Currently ten members of our faculty and staff are being certified in First Aid and CPR/AED.

Grandparents and Special Loved Ones Luncheon Mark your calendars! This very special event has a new date…October 20. This new date will allow more of our “snow bird” grandparents and special loved ones to share this time with the children they love.

Save the Date! November 30th will be STB Elementary Night at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Watertower Plaza in Leominster. Lots of wonderful events are being planned for the evening. More information to follow!

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variety of educational activities. Our faculty has learned to book early as these days fill up quickly!

Music Students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 are filling our school with their singing. Lessons are so much fun when Mr. Beck sets them to music! Band lessons began the first week of October under the direction of Mr. Charlie Cook of Paul

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Effman Music Service. Our young musicians continue to master the violin, clarinet, trumpet and drums.

Art Our artists started the year by talking about and drawing sunflowers. A beautiful subject for sunny September days. Grades 3–8 will begin a project to design an STB Christmas card, while the lower school children work on Apple Art!