Pinwheels For Peace 2009

Imagine "whirled" peace! In today's world, peace needs to be more than just a word. All over the world millions of pinwheels were spinning in the wind on Monday September 21, the International Day of Peace. Everyday we are bombarded with video games, television images, music, and newspapers that give us evidence of the conflict in the world. Violence has become commonplace and accepted in our society. Students at OLPH School took time to make a sign that peace is not political but simply a state of calm; free of anxiety. Peace be with you~

Literature Circles in 6th Grade

This year in 6th grade Ms. Lucas has introduced literature circles in Language Arts. This collaborative and student-centered reading strategy begins with students reading a book together and then meeting together in groups with each student having one of four jobs in the Literature Circles: Discussion Director, Literary Luminary, Vocabulary Enricher, and Checker. Last week Ms. Lucas invited Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Forcey and myself into the classroom to model the task for each of the four roles. My job was to read about 40 pages and then find vocabulary words I thought were interesting or did not know the meaning to, mark them with a post-it note in the book, and write a definition for each word. Well you guessed it, my job was Vocabulary Enricher. The class will continue to practice the strategies we modeled for them as they read and learn more about literature circles. Enjoy the book!

Iowa Test of Basic Skills

This week our 2nd-8th grade students are taking the ITBS standardized test. For most students, the scores provide feedback about how much they know and how effective their efforts to learn have been. Like the results from classroom assessments, the results from the ITBS can help students determine how complete their learning has been, which areas can be regarded as strengths, and which areas may need the most extra attention. Such feedback is essential if students are expected to be partners in managing their own instructional time and effort. Results from tests like the ITBS are one type of useful information students can draw upon in their decision-making. Results will be available to parents at Parent Teacher Conferences in November. Make sure to eat and sleep well this week!

Free Dress on your Birthday

Just a reminder that all students may have a Free Dress day on their birthday or the day closest to their special day. Summer Birthday people may arrange a Free Dress day with your teacher. Free Dress is a privilege and students should still come to school dressed appropriately and following guidelines in Parent Student Handbook. Happy Birthday Cristian!

Chess Club

Seqouia Chess Club is back on campus with Morgan as Lead Instructor for our 20 eager chess team members. Our top ranked chess player is Matthew in 8th grade. This year we have more girls on our team than ever before and we look forward to our first official team tournament to be held at the Newman Center.

We Remember

On Friday September 11th our school flag flew at half mast in honor of all people that suffered during the tragedy that occured eight years ago and those that still suffer because of their grief. From one side of the world to the other we have all been affected by the shocking events of 9-11-01. At OLPH School we pray for all men and women who continue to put their lives on the lines in our war on terrorism. We pray that moms and dads, sisters and brothers, uncles and aunts sent overseas return safely to their families. We pray for the opressed peoples in nations at war that they may be able to find peace, rebuild their lives, their towns, and their countries. May God break the cycle of violence to make a difference for His Peace and Grace in this sinful world. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

Prayer to Our Lady

Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we turn to you, O Virgins of virgins, our Mother. To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in your mercy hear us and answer us. Amen.

A Surprise for Sister Isabel

On Saturday our OLPH School and Church Community celebrated with Sister Isabel on the occasion of her 50th Anniversay of her Profession of Faith. In 50 years she has touched so many lives and we are all blessed to know her and have her love us as much as we love her. The day began with mass celebrated by Bishop Steinbock at 2:00pm. With many priests and the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception from both Madera and San Francisco in attendance, the mass was a beautiful celebration. We thank Sister Pilar, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Forcey and our students for planning and reading at mass. We also thank Mrs. Vela and our choir for the beautiful music during mass. After mass everyone in attendance was invited to visit the backyard of the convent to see the art on tiles painted by my mom, Rose Hull, and Krisann Esquivel. The two spent the last few months completing the tile for Sister Isabel. Dennis Esquivel set the tile on the wall and what a great he did as well!. Sister Isabel will continue to enjoy the artwork given as a gift from the school.

Lots of Smiles

Mr. Washington and his 3rd graders did a great job preparing and singing for our first school mass. Mr. Washington and Sister Monica share the 3rd grade class with Mr. Washington teaching in the morning and Sister in the afternoon. This class of 3rd graders are enthusiastic and love to learn. Mrs. Cochran is wearing our new Thursday Spirit shirt! This year we welcomed back many of our old friends and many new ones. We are looking forward to a great year filled with all our students in grades Kindergarten to 8th grade.