Today was a great day. The seventh graders got a pile of graded papers back!! Then I collected their books..............no crying over that, for sure! Then at the end of every year I take a popular song and write a parody about the school year. Then I add pictures and make a dvd for the students, but also for myself. Each student is special and each class is special. Each class provides me with such wonderful memories. I have done this for over 20 years and Ron is wondering when the Greatest Hits Memory Box will be an infomercial on TV.... Anyway I played that for the students and then gave them all a copy. I hope they show it to you so you can get an inside look at all we have done this year. Then I showed them the one I made for the 8th grade so they could see what to expect next year. I think that made them very excited for the adventures in 8th grade. I love 7th grade and 7th graders, but the experience MSW provides to the 8th graders is beyond anything at any school. There are so many special moments and traditions, it is a great way to finish the MSW experience. Then we took the ducks and chicks outside and made a huge circle on the parking lot. We played with them one last time. They have been great pets and such a learning experience for the city kids of MSW. The students all had their favorite and some liked the chicks more and others the ducks, but those animals got off to a beautiful start in life by the care they were shown. Thanks to all the parents who welcomed them into their houses. This is the first year ever that I have had a class pet that no one wanted to keep. Believe me I love those ducks but I too would have a hard time keeping up with the care they need. The exciting news is they are going to a farm. I know the owners and the care and love they will get is exceptional.
Tomorrow is the picnic. The 7th grade can wear their tye dye t-shirt that they made in science. I will not see the 7th grade again so .................this is my last letter of the year, which makes me very sad. The hardest part of my job is the ending. The 8th grade ending is so final, those students move on to high school. I do love when they come back to visit or I run into them around town. The best part of the ending of 7th grade is I get to see them all next year....................................... I love summer and I mean I really love summer..........but, nothing makes me happier than teaching at MSW!
If I can help you over the summer please just send me an email. Please enjoy some family time and stay safe.
Take care, for the last time Mrs. Z
June 2, 2016
Dear Parents,
I do not know if anyone is still reading this since 8th grade is gone, but I will continue to write until the last day just in case.
The 8th grade graduation was beautiful. I was sad to see the students go, but I know they were ready and have been well prepared to make the step to high school. Please know that I am always here for all of you. You and your child. If I can ever be of help just call or email. Happy summer to all.
Also I hope you all enjoyed the dinner and dance. I thought both turned out really well. This class can always say we had the first dinner off site! i stayed through the dance and the kids had a blast, no question!!!! Then I rode the bus with them back to MSW and that was a teary ride. These students have a strong bond. I hope their friendships continue to grow on into high school.
The 7th graders did an amazing job dissecting the pigs. I was very impressed. I am happy to say no one fainted or got sick. I am happier to say many students who were completely dreading it found it to be amazing. They took out all of the major organs including the brain, eye, eye ball, vertebrae, liver, small intestine, large intestine, spleen, kidneys, stomach, gall bladder, heart and lungs. That was a lot in a short period of time. Everyone was on task and following strict safety procedures. We buy pigs that live in perfect solution which is low odor, but it still smells. The lab smell was pretty much gone by the end of today.
Today we finished body systems with a second lecture on reproduction. The students handled the information well. That is a tough topic, but it is so important that they understand how their body works, changes in their body and what causes them.
They also took a short test on the pig dissection. I am glad they had the experience of the dissection, but more than that I hope it helped them see how the inside of a human is. The body systems are very similar to ours.
Tomorrow is a super great day in science for 7th grade. We talk about chromatography which is the blending of colors to create colors and then we tye dye a t-shirt. I cannot wait. Usually this is one of their favorite labs of the year.
Just a heads up for you. There will be no more science homework or tests for the year. Tomorrow I will collect their books.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 25, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today the 8th graders had Mass, blessing and the awards ceremony. Tomorrow they have the Perry's farewell breakfast and graduation practice. The 8th graders can come out of uniform (casual, but appropriate please) . Remember do not take them to school in the morning, take the to Perry's! Be there at 8 or very close to it. After that it is on to many events. Prepics at the Kon's, dinner, the dance, and back to MSW or the Kon's. I really hope this is a very special night for you and your child. I still remember Allison's dinner. It was different then we went straight from the dinner to the Church for graduation. That was a busy night!
The end for me is so hard. I taught many of these students in three year old preschool. Some I just met this year and wow the addition of the OLD kids was amazing. I hope MSW was all you expected and more. You have all been such supportive parents and I have enjoyed getting to know you and appreciated your help. I love teaching at MSW and when I looked at the 8th grade today, sadly I felt it, they are ready for more. Time to move on........................ They will be missed, but each one will always will hold a special place in my heart. I hope some day they will look you in the eye and thank you for the sacrifices you made for them and their education. We have great public schools in Park Ridge, but I know there is a difference. I am different because I went to MSW and my daughter is. I wish I could say the magic was all MSW, but that is only part of the picture because I do believe it is an amazing school, the other part is you. It takes a certain type of parent to believe enough and to sacrifice enough to send their child to a Catholic School. I am still waiting for that thank you from my daughter, she loved MSW, but she still does not see the difference in who is she is because of it. So parents give your kids time. They will realize it. I did. I have told my parents the biggest and best gift by far that they gave me was my faith which began at home with them, but was then nurtured at MSW. The older i get the more grateful i am for that gift..
I did not see the 7th graders today........................BUT I moved all the junior high classes around just so I could see them TOMORROW!
Thanks for all, Mrs. Z
May 24, 2016 Dear Parents,
Now I am really rushing and I have so much to say. If you are an 8th grade parent tomorrow is dress up no shorts please. We have Mass, the blessing from the school and then right into awards. Students are dismissed quickly after award ceremony but they MUST go back to homeroom before they go home. Please remind your child, if they get an award to stop in the science lab to get the box it lives in. Thursday the students do not go to school they go to Perry's for hot breakfast. If your child did not turn in their permission slip it is due tomorrow for sure.....
Today in 8th grade science the students finished their bridges. Today in 8th grade religion I showed them a DVD which is made up of a song with the words changed to fit their MSW 8th grade experience and two other songs. It has over 500 pics of the year. Each child received a copy and they can show it to you if they want. It is a beautiful peak into their time in 8th grade science and religion.
Today the 7th graders learned about the reproductive system. They held up pretty good. It is a hard topic, but it is life, science and their body. This is all very important material for them to know and understand. One switch did not come to me because of the student council speeches. Those students will have the talk on Thursday. We are quickly approaching the end and the pig dissection. That will be next Wednesday. Because it is a long lab I will see one half of the 7th grade in the morning and one half of the 7th grade i the afternoon. Wednesday will be out of uniform for the 7th grade, due to the pig dissection.
One last fast note. The students who ran for student council all gave great speeches. Congrats to the winners................ I wish they all could have won. They all were very well prepared and really put their heart into this. Good luck to the new student council members.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 23, 2016 Dear Parents,
It is so hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of school for the eighth graders... Where did the year go? Time goes faster and faster the older you get... It seems like a few years ago they were my three year old preschoolers. It has been an awesome ride...
Today the 8th graders worked on their bridges which they need to finish tomorrow. They did not have Religion today because they had Spanish.
The next paragraph is for 8th grade parents mostly.... Tomorrow is regular school in their MSW uniform. Wednesday is 8:40 Mass, and after the Mass we have the awards ceremony. On Wednesday the 8th graders can come out of uniform in nice clothes. Watch the dress code please. After the awards the 8th graders go back to homeroom and then they can go home. On Thursday they do not walk to school. They go straight to Perry's Pizza. We meet there at 8. I know I do not have all the permission slips I need. Please try to turn that in. There is no fee on this, you paid for this in the graduation fee. The students will walk to MSW after breakfast as a class. Then we clean up the classroom, lockers etc and go to graduation practice. After graduation practice the students are dismissed. It is usually around lunch time. The students can wear casual clothes for the breakfast, but please no super short shorts....
Graduation dinner is Thursday night.....
Oh wait.........................one last thing..........the 8th grade play was amazingly super!!! Great job!!! I hope you all enjoyed it. Also I hope you had fun at the cast party!
In 7th grade we talked about many more body systems. I got called out to a meeting so they also had a chance to play with the ducks. The ducks are super adorable and getting big very fast. I hope you are all enjoying them at your homes.
I wish could write more, but I have a ton to get done......... Take care and email if you have specific questions, Mrs. Z
May 19, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today the 7th graders moved on through the body systems.
The 8th graders had play practice all day and then a presentation from Mr. O'Leary. He did an excellent job of helping to prepare them for high school.
I am very sorry I am being so short. I have to get to Wisconsin for a wake. I will be attending the funeral tomorrow and then coming back for the play. I really hope I make it.
8th grade wears out of uniform...........costumes for the play. The rest of the school is in uniform.
I passed out the permission slip for Perry's today. The students meet there next Thursday. They do not go to school. That breakfast is already paid for. I only need the permission slip back.
Tomorrow night is the 8th grade play and cast party. If you need details on the party call Mrs. Scalfidi. She is running it and by the way a huge thank you to her.............. That is usually a really fun event!
Take care and have a great night, again I am sorry to be so brief, Mrs. Z
May 18, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today the 8th graders had their Ribbon Ceremony and facing each one of my homeroom students and handing them a ribbon was very difficult. Some I have known since they were three, some since 7th grade and some new this year..............It does not matter each one has made an imprint on my heart and in my life. Now parents, you have heard me say it for the last two months....................the end is near.. very near!
Today I did not teach the 7th grade they had Spanish.
Today in the afternoon we did not have religion we had play practice. The students were all told what props they need to bring if they need any and what to wear. Tomorrow is dress rehearsal and our of uniform for 8th only.
Remember tomorrow is hot dog lunch!
I have to run there is much to get done before graduation.
Take care, Mrs. Z
May 17, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day. The 7th graders got their tests back and they did an awesome job on both the duck test and the Genetic Test. We moved on with the systems of the body today. We discussed the digestive system and began the muscle system.
The 8th graders began building bridges in their science class today. They can work alone or in teams and they seem to be super excited about the project.
They had play practice all afternoon, so I did not teach Religion.
Tomorrow is the Ribbon Ceremony. It is nice, but short. Hope to see some of you there!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 16, 2016
Dear Parents,
The flock has landed. Outside the science lab are many many many amazing CHICKEN skeletons. Good job to all. I know it falls on you at least as much as your child. We will be using those later this week as we compare our skeleton to the chicken............ Amazingly there are only about 5 bones different and we cannot fly! When you are in the building stop by it is very impressive. GREAT JOB, thank you and there is nothing like this in 8th grade science............................NOTHING, well really what is like a chicken skeleton? Nothing!
Today the 7th graders retook their test on genetics. They were too hard to read and correct. I will pass them out tomorrow. I hope the new format makes it a little easier on me. I have never done that before, but seriously they were impossible to correct. Then we moved into the body systems. Today we covered skeletal, nervous and began respiratory.
The ducks and chicks are growing quickly. They appear to be very happy and healthy. They have begun going home. We made a schedule today for them all the way to Labor Day weekend. Talk to your child, they should know their date. It takes a little effort to get them home and bring them back.....................but it is worth it!
The 8th graders had play practice in the morning so they did not have science. They had Spanish in the afternoon so they did not have Religion. I went to help out at play practice and get your cameras ready................It is coming around!
Just a heads up the 8th graders get their school ribbons this Wednesday at the 8:40 Mass. That is not as big of a deal as May Crowning or Living Stations, but you are welcome to attend and I thought you might like to know. While I am at it, the 8th grade blessing from the school is next Wednesday at the 8:40 Mass.
We are heading in the home stretch! Hot Dog Lunch on Thursday if you are interested, tomorrow is Lupus Day. I know Ms. Horan's sister has it and so does Mrs. Due's. If you know anyone who has it you already know there is so much suffering and so much more research needed. Tomorrow the students can wear purple and the money goes to Lupus research. I have nothing purple, but I will be making a donation to this very worthy cause. Also parents the 8th graders took on a service project of collecting plastic silverware for the food pantry in Des Plaines. Their goal that they made up is 2016 packages. The whole school is in on the collection, but we are not there. I think at last count we were 262 boxes away......................SOS, if you have donated already thank you, thank you, thank you...........if not please think about it. We are so close and it would be such a great memory for the kids if we made it. You can bring in a box of plastic knives, forks or spoons............ANYTHING will help. Thanks for all of your generous support to all of the service work we do at MSW.
Take care and have a great night, No one got homework, Mrs. Z
May 12, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today I went over the material that will be on the test tomorrow with the 7th graders. I also passed out the permission slip for students to take home the ducks or chicks. Please remember if you have them in your house they need to be kept away from all other pets. Also this is a family choice. i do this every year and some children and or parents do not want the responsibility or extra work. That is ok, they do not need to go to your house for the night. I will say honestly though most parents dread the event and then when they bring them back to school they say it was not so bad.... After our review I let the students play with the ducks and chick. They will not do that every day but they are so cute right now because they are small and they grow fast.
The 8th graders learned a dance during science that they are going to do tomorrow for Mr. Augustine who has been here studying to be a deacon. It is a very easy dance to his favorite song. They have been begging to play with the ducks and chicks. Those are really the 7th graders pet, but I had to give in to the begging.................
In religion they made card for Olivia who is out sick. I found out last night that I had a meeting to attend during their Religion class. I thought that would be quick and easy for my sub.
All my weeks at MSW are great, but Teacher Appreciation is really a special time. I feel very honored and privileged to teach at MSW. I never take that for granite and try every day to be better then the day before. It is a fun, happy, and caring environment. I love the teachers/administration that I am friends with, I have met some amazing parents and the students make me smile all of the time.......... Thank you all for your support and for sending your child to MSW. I hope when you look back on this year you are happy with your child's growth and progress. During this week many parents and students have thanked me. Many parents and students have written me special notes or gotten me a special treat. I honestly have to say I love it at MSW, and it is great to feel appreciated. I want to especially thank the Mom's who came to school during lunch so I could have a longer break. Mrs. Lymperis, Mrs. Nemetz and Mrs. Kons stopped what they were doing in the middle of the day and came to MSW to keep the students safe while there was a faculty lunch. That was amazing....................... Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who showed your support this week and throughout the year.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 11,2016
Dear Parents,
Oh my goodness........................... I stood in the back of Church and watched each child do everything they were asked at practice perfectly.............flawlessly................respectfully...............with such dignity, pride and FAITH. It was by far the most beautiful May Crowning MSW has ever had including the year I was in it and the year my daughter was in it.
Now, let me tell you......................my heart sank to my knees when they put on the graduation gowns. The little three year old preschoolers I have watched from a far and taught for two years, and the precious new comers to MSW.................how will i ever say goodbye to them or you? I cannot think about it. I just will make each moment I have with each one of your children the best I possibly can. I care so deeply about each one of them....................so deeply.
I did not teach ANY classes today................oh my I was at school all day how is that possible? The 7th grade had Spanish, then we went to May Crowning, then the students got ready for lunch, then the 8th graders had play practice. I did attend those events, but I did not have any classes................WOW!!!! Speaking of play practice. I have seen glimpses of super talent on the stage, I am very excited to see the show.
Thank you for letting me be such a special part of your child's life. Your support makes teaching so much easier. Maybe saying good bye to all of you will be as hard as seeing the 8th graders move on....................
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 10, 2016
Dear Parents,
What a rainy day outside but the sun always shines in room 122!
We now have two chicks and three little ducklings.................so adorable. 7th grade parents get ready, they will be heading to your homes soon. Please think about this. They do no need much care, but if you have a dog, cat, bunny etc. they must not go near the ducks or chicks. I will be sending a permission slip home tomorrow.
8th graders will get to play with them only at school. Right now there is so much excitement for the 8th graders and this makes school a little special for the 7th graders.
In 7th grade science I finished the notes for their test on Friday on the ducks. They should be studying. I think they clearly understand the material.
The 8th graders finished their flashlights and many took them home. The wires are only held together by tape so if they giggled them in their backpacks they will not light. They do know how to fix them if they want to. I started making these twelve years ago, mine still works! A few 8th graders had a hard time getting them to work, so those are still at school and in the next science class I will help those students.
I did not teach Religion today the 8th graders pent the afternoon in Church and believe me that was really, really, really hard for them. It was a long afternoon, but they really could present the most beautiful May Crowning EVER EVER EVER EVER!!! I hope you all get to see it. When they step up the magic happens. I cannot wait!
I did arrange for them to be able to change into casual clothing after the May Crowning, but please talk to your child about bringing home all of their good clothing! I often find a stray shoe etc.
8TH GRADE PARENTS PLEASE PUT YOUR CHILD'S INITIALS IN THEIR GRADUATION GOWN BEFORE THEY BRING IT TO SCHOOL TOMORROW. THE GOWNS ARE ALL DIFFERENT SIZES BUT THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME IF THEY GET MIXED UP I CANNOT HELP THEM. I WILL TRY MY BEST TO KEEP EVERYTHING ORGANIZED...............BUT SOMETIMES THAT IS HARDER THAN YOU WOULD THINK. I clearly went over the attire again. Girls wear skirts or dresses and flats. The boys wear dress shoes, white (or light color) solid shirt with ties.
If it is raining out put the blue gown in a garment bag or a heft bag so it does not get water spots on it.
Feel free to email me if you have questions I check my email often after school and at night. I do not check it as much during the school day. I am very sorry for that. It is really hard for me to focus on the students and learning and check email. Science is very active and hands on and I know I often miss emails from you during the day, for that I am sorry. I really do try to respond to all emails after school and at night right away.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 9, 2016 Dear Parents,
First I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day celebration. I really, really, really did. I have not seen Allison since Christmas and it was the best weekend EVER.....................
Second, I do not know if you have heard but we hatched two chickens on Friday. A huge thank you to the Ciprian family for taking such good care of them while I was gone. And today a duck hatched. I think there will be more ducks soon, so this will be short, so I can go back to MSW.
Third, I heard that the 8th grade Cubs trip was great! Thanks to all who went.
In 7th grade science I went over the information for the test on Friday. It is a two part test. The first part is genetics with one essay, that I gave them today. They have a worksheet that is very very very similar to the test. If they can answer those questions they will get 100. The second part is on the life of a Pekin Duck. They took notes on that today. They do need to go over those notes.............. There will be no other homework this weekend.
In 8th grade we stared to make flashlights to finish our energy unit. The student's have to work on this, but somehow in the end we have 52 working flashlights. We will continue the process tomorrow.
I did not teach religion this afternoon, they have Spanish but instead of Spanish they had May Crowning practice.
Some information on May Crowning. Your child should have their gown by now. You need to hang it and try to get the wrinkles out. The 8th graders get dressed in nice clothing and come to school carrying their gown. No one wears gym shoes and you should have gotten a letter from Mrs. Cushing and Ms. Milito giving exact details on this event. The girls should not wear super high heels. Flats are the best because of their dance and the steps. The students will wear their gowns for May Crowning and typically they change out of their nice clothes at lunch I need to find that out for sure. I will let you know tomorrow. The GIRLS all have a white collar in their gown bag. SAVE that. YOU need to sew that on for graduation. The students DO NOT BRING the hat to May Crowning that is only for the night of graduation. The students also have a tassel and gold number 2016 in their bag. Those do not come to May Crowning only to Graduation. Please, please, please, put them in a safe place. Please also look for it in the bag now and let me know if you did not get one........ I still have time to get extras now, I will not have time to get extras on Graduation Day and that is always when parents discover it is gone...
Special note to the 7th grade parents. I have gotten many emails and texts explaining a variety of problems with the chicken project. Please if your dog at the bones, or they boiled or got moldy, just send me an email and your child will get credit for the attempt. That is what it is about, it is all a learning experience. Every day a few more come in and they are looking great! Thanks for your support in this project. I know some love it and some not so much, that is why it is an attempt.
I have to go back to school to check on the ducks. Have a great night and take care, Mrs. Z
May 5, 2016 Happy Cinco de Mayo....
Dear Parents,
Today started with a bus ride downtown and then an amazing event that created a life long memory for our entire school. The 8th grade leadership in altar serving, presentation of the gifts, and in readings was flawless. The entire student body's conduct and respect were amazing. I really appreciate Mrs. Romano and Mrs. Kons for helping with my homeroom. It was great that so many other parents were able to attend the beautiful Mass. If one grade would have gone, it would have been a great, but with the entire school there it truly is something so special and different they will never forget it. I am so glad that at MSW we push in the area of academics but I love that we always remember what sets us apart and that is God and our Faith.
I did not teach any of your students today. I taught Ms. Milito's classes while she took the court and girls to Church for May Crowning practice. I really enjoyed being with the fifth and sixth graders for a change.
Still no chicks hatching................maybe tomorrow! I cannot wait. I went to the pet shop after school to get supplies for them.
We did talk to the 8th graders about the field trip tomorrow. Remember the 4:30 home arrival is just a guess. Your child can bring their cell phone and extra money. Each student will get $15.00 towards food. They can wear shorts etc., but please no short shorts and it may be cool. They could be in the shade. I wish I was going I really do. I hate to miss, but I know they will be safe and have a great time.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that all the Mother's are treated in a very special way on Sunday.
Please keep Wednesday free for May Crowning................... I know it will be beautiful.
The graduation gowns went home today. Please pay close attention the students all have a cap, tassel and numbers. They need the tassel and the numbers on graduation day. They do not need them for May Crowning. The students will bring their gown back to school on Wednesday morning. They should wear dress clothes to school. They hang their gown in the science lab and put it on right before we head over to Church. They bring them home on Wednesday night so you can get them ready for graduation. There is a white collar that the girls wear for graduation. I will find out if they wear the collar for May Crowning and let you know. That needs to be sewn on or nicely pinned on the gown. PLEASE DO NOT LOSE THE TASSEL. I say that and say that and say that and then there are tears at graduation...................... Please help me with this. It is in the bag with the gown. If you do not see it email me right away. PLEASE! If your child did not get their gown today they will get it tomorrow or when their graduation fee is paid. Some students left before they were passed out today. I promise they will get them tomorrow. Ms. T did not pass them out today she will pass them out to her entire homeroom tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 4, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today we started with a Faith Partner activity. The second and eighth graders listened to a Bible reading, discussed it and wrote about it. I am always very impressed with the kindness and patience the 8th graders display when interacting with the second graders during these activities. The 8th graders also gave them a card they made encouraging them before they make their First Holy Communion this Saturday. This was also a chance for them to connect with their Faith Partners who will make up the Honor Guard for May Crowning. That is next Wednesday and for all the first time 8th grade parents that is an event to attend.............. It is just beautiful. Afterwards of course there is another photo op.... I love the May Crowning service we have and there have been a few additions to make it even more meaningful.
Tomorrow is our big Pilgrimage to Holy Name. I am looking forward with great anticipation and excitement to this event. This is the first time we have tried anything like this and I think it strongly enriches our Faith connection. More on that after we return tomorrow. Also, it is a pizza lunch if you have not ordered please get that in tomorrow.
The Cubs game is Friday and many students have not paid or sent in their permission slip. I feel like a banker with all of these collections as I am sure you are tired of writing checks.... I do get it, but please try to get that in. Also if you have not paid your graduation fee, that needs to get turned in.
I did talk to the 8th graders about the Cubs game. I want to give you some information too. First of all the students will all be getting $15.00 to spend on food. That is enough for a hot dog and pop! Wow, talk about inflation. If that is not enough food for your child they can bring extra money. They can bring their cell phone, but please remind them about PROPER usage. Please let's keep this a positive experience. The ending time is approx, if you look closely at the permission slip. It is always hard to judge what time we will be back. There is no way to tell what time the game will end, there could be extra innings, we are not sure on traffic it is a Friday etc. etc. etc. The students will call you when they are on the bus on their way home. The students can come out of uniform but they should be in appropriate clothing. It appears they will have a warm and sunny day... for that I am super happy! I really hope they have a great time. They will have all of their morning classes. We will be leaving around 11:30. And now in closing.... I will not be attending. I am going to see my daughter because it is Mother's Day weekend and she is unable to come home. She is doing her internship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and she is low on the medical staff totem pole... It takes five hours for us to get there and it just does not make sense for us to leave after the Cubs game. Also last week she passed her dissertation and won an award. So we have a lot to celebrate! I hate to miss this anything but sometimes there is not other choice. I told the students today and they are all fine...................this event is a time for them to have fun together, me being there will not change their FUN!!!!! I hope the Cubs win, there is sunshine and they make great memories.
I did not teach the 7th grade today due to Spanish. But the big news is the chicks should be hatching very soon, maybe tomorrow. I thought for sure today but not peeping yet and the ducks should hatch next week. Soon I will feel like Old McDonald! This really is a great thing for the 7th grade. This provides a little excitement for them as they so closely watch the 8th graders go through all of there big moments................
I do not know if you heard or not but the 8th graders are trying to collect plastic silverware for the Des Plaines soup kitchen.............. If you are out shopping please try to help they made up the goal of 2016 boxes of plastic utensils because they are the class of 2016. The entire school is helping and we are making progress....., but we are a long way from the goal!!!! A huge thank you to all of the families that have already donated.
The 8th grade had a science open note quiz. It was short and on material we covered yesterday.
They did not have religion in the afternoon they had play practice. It is a very ambitious play, but they are a talented group................... I am looking forward to seeing them shine on stage.
I am sure I am forgetting things, so if you have questions please feel free to email me.
May 3, 2016
Dear Parents,
Now I am getting sad.........................I feel it....................the year is ending............... This is truly the part I hate most about teaching 8th grade and this year especially. Some of these students were my 3 year old preschoolers and many are the end of the family................ I know they are ready to move on, I am just not ready to say good bye...
What a beautiful day! The weather is finally coming around again, and it should be a great day for the Cubs game!
Today the 7th graders pulled all of their understanding of punnet squares by solving complex word problems with their skills. They did a great job! They get it.
The 8th graders worked on electricity. This is an easy unit for them because once you understand the atom it makes understanding electricity much easier. They learned the difference between parallel and series circuits. Great job 8th grade. Their skills will soon be put to the test when we make our own flashlights.
I did not teach religion today because the 8th graders had May Crowning practice.
The day ended with the final robotics club meeting, the competition and the pizza party. The challenges this year were the most difficult with the highest level of success we have ever had. Great job 8th graders on your programming skills. This is not easy. There was a four way tie for third place....................... The tie was broken by how fast the robot moved. Students knew that was going to be the tie breaker. But the fact that there were four robots soooooooooooooo close showed that many students had mastered the skills. AMAZING!!!! I hope everyone had fun!
Everyone is on pins and needles waiting for the eggs to hatch. The chickens should hatch any day now................Maybe tomorrow!!! And the ducks will hatch next week....... I may be more excited then the students.
Remember don't stress over the chicken skeleton. The ones that have been turned in are very well done...................... The tradition of the chickens began when I was a seventh grader at MSW. And I have never forgotten working on my chicken. I know it is a little hard, but I have been trying to give less homework so you would have time.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
May 2, 2016
Dear Parents,
I hope all the 8th grade parents enjoyed the variety show... I think the 8th graders had fun and did a super job...
Wow, is all I can say about the weather.... what a beautiful day.............
The 7th graders did their DNA extraction from their check today. That is a big and complicated process. They did a great job. Hopefully their necklace made it home so they could show it to you.
I only had one 8th grade switch today and their learned about electricity. I hope tomorrow to see the other switch. We are getting ready to make flashlights... I cannot wait...............
I did not teach Religion today the 8th graders had Spanish.
This time of year is 8th grade begins to get a little crazy with a lot of schedule changes, but I am ready with lesson plans when I have the students and I am ready to pitch in to help make May Crowning beautiful and the play a success.....
Remember this Thursday is the Holy Name Field trip. Please turn in your permission slip, and the students wear their uniform and no gym shoes for sure. Also pizza lunch when we get back if you want to order....
Tomorrow is the robotics competition. Families and parents are welcome to come. The competition will start at 4:15, then there will be pizza and the winners will be announced.
Friday is the Cubs game in the afternoon for the 8th graders and it looks like super beautiful weather.... I already requested a win so that should be nothing but fun! Please get your money and permission slip in for that.
Remember 8th grade parents your 8th grade fees are due.............ouch... So much I know!
7th grade get ready the chickens hatch this week and the ducks next.
Please do not stress at home over the chicken skeleton and for sure do not fight about it. Remember they are graded on their attempt........................ Some people love it and some don't I get that. It is just an experience for some and for others it is a real family adventure....
No homework was given in 7th or 8th grade today.
Thanks so much, Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 28, 2016
Dear Parents,
The 7th graders worked on genetics and we prepared for a very exciting lab. I was hoping to fit it in tomorrow, but I am being called out for a meeting so I think we have to move the lab until next week. There will be a sub for me and the lab is too dangerous and complicated for them to do without me. I am very sorry about that change, I too was excited for tomorrow.
The 8th graders had the great egg drop this morning. It is a quick physic demonstration on the power of air. That is why we use bubble wrap... Anyway I was surprised at how many eggs were dropped from the gym balcony that did not break. Great job 8th graders.
In religion today we practiced for the Talent Show. I think that both the dance and the song are as good as they are going to get. I think you should plan to be at MSW by 1:45 if you want to be sure to see the 8th grade act. I am sure I am getting you there a little early and I am sorry, but if you miss it I will feel worse.............. The dance and song are the two closing acts of the show. For all you new parents this is a long standing tradition at MSW and a very emotional time. It really marks the beginning of the end for the students. When they sing the graduation song they start to understand that the count down is really on........
No homework was given to any of the students today.
Remember the costume is anything country and western attire and sunglasses.
I hope you all have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 27, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today we started with an assembly and the kick off of an 8th grade service project. The Des Plaines food pantry contacted MSW and explained that due to funding cuts they needed supplies. They are asking all of the neighborhood grade schools to help. The 8th graders decided to try and collect 2016 packages of plastic utensils because they are the class of 2016. I think that is ambitious, but I love their spirit.....
In 8th grade science the students had an open book quiz on energy. I have not looked at those yet..............but I am hoping for high scores. They do not have homework tonight.
I did not see the 7th graders today due to Religion...............
In 8th grade religion in teams of two the students made posters to bring to a homeroom to create excitement and awareness of our service project. Each day the 8th graders will go to that homeroom and check on how many boxes of plastic silverware they brought in. Every homeroom that brings in 80 boxes will get an out of uniform day!
A few words about Friday. This Friday is the all school Variety Show. Since I have been there we have had an 8th grade act. This is something simple that everyone can do and usually the kids really enjoy the practice and the show. I just think it is a great chance for all the students to do something together on stage. This year it is a dance to Life is A Highway. After that the girls sit on the edge of the stage and the boys stand behind them and together they sing The Graduation Song. It makes for a great memory and a super photo op. This closes the Variety Show. The students get to pick what they wear as a costume, and this year they are excited to dress in a country/Western theme. So anything like a plaid shirt, cowboy hat, bandana.... is great. Please do not feel like you need to buy something special for this............ I am hoping they all have something at home that works... Also they want to wear sunglasses......... I am ok with that. They were saying "aviator" style. That is ok with me too. I like it to be their act!!!!
Now the big question is what time will the acts be on stage. They will be the last two acts of the show and they will be in the afternoon for sure. The show will start in the morning and then break for lunch. It will pick up again in the afternoon. I cannot tell you for sure what time we are on. It just depends on how fast the show is moving along. You can never predict that exactly because sometimes things happen..... I would think we would be on around 2:30 but it could be 2:15 or 2:55 and I do not want any of you to miss it if you were planning on coming............ I will try to find out a more exact time tomorrow. I would think if you were there by 2 you would be safe. I hope that helps.
The permission slips are not all in for the Pilgrimage to Holy Name Cathedral. Please turn that in if you haven't already.
The permission slips have gone out for the 8th grade trip to the Cubs game next Friday.
Next Thursday is going to be a pizza lunch.
As you can see there is a lot going on............and we have a lot to fit in so pay close attention and email if you need information or have questions.
And in closing the weather...............not so sunny, but my day with your kids is always filled with sunshine.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 26, 2016 Dear Parents,
Today the 7th graders moved on in their study of genetics. We added the idea of probability. Some students may seem lost. That is ok, I will be going over the material in class again on Thursday. I did not give homework tonight, because I did not think they were ready for it. This material becomes very interesting once they start to understand all of the vocabulary.
Today the 8th graders took notes on energy during my lecture. Tomorrow there will be a very easy open note test. If they took notes they should have no problem tomorrow.
In religion we practiced for the Talent Show.
The permission slip for the Cub's game was passed out today. The game will be next Friday afternoon. I hope it is sunny, warm and a win!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
25, 2016 Dear Parents,
What a beautiful day!
The 7th graders worked on genetics and heredity. They are picking up the concepts quickly. They had two short worksheet for homework.
The 8th graders worked on their talent show act today. They will be doing two acts this Friday. The first is a dance to the song Life Is A Highway. The second act is the last song of the show and they sing the graduation song. Just a big heads up .........this is typically an event 8th grade parents go to and a huge photo op.... The dance act is short and easy... it is just for fun......a way to set them apart, give everyone a moment on stage and bring them together as a class.
Robotics update.... We were planning the competition for tomorrow but it is the placement Math exam at ND high school. I asked the students if we could move it until this Thursday and there is a softball game. So it will be next Tuesday no matter what.... The competition will be next Tuesday at 4 in the science lab. All families are invited!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 20, 2016 Dear Parents,
What a great day! We had an all school Mass that kindergarten prepared. They did a great job. It amazes me how far those little ones have come since Sept. At the same time it amazes me how far the junior high has come. I look out and see students ready to move on and I see the 7th grade ready to take on the new leadership role next year. This is such an exciting time. I try to focus on the excitement rather then the busy aspect....
I did not see the 7th grade today, but they all have two worksheets due tomorrow.
I only saw one science switch and they worked on different forms of energy.
During religion one switch had a free, because I saw them yesterday. Today the other group got caught up. Glad to say for a moment we are all at the same place.
The Fr. Clark Award assignment is due tomorrow. All students in 8th grade must submit something. Not all students have to enter their submission into the contest. I know some students get way more into this project than others. I understand, but they will all be getting a grade for this. These forms went out last week. I know it says they are due Monday, but they are due to the judges on Monday I have to correct them first and we do not have school tomorrow. Homework has been very light in both Religion and Science so I hope they put some time and effort into this. At this point in the year I am really trying to meet them half way...............but school is still in session, learning comes first and grades are important.
I hope you all remember to go for team pictures......... Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z April 19, 2016
Dear Parents,
What is going on with my site??? I write every night where are the missing entries??? I am so sorry, I published them and am just seeing 14 as the last one.... Something is going on. I will check that this one goes through. I am very sorry.....
Today the 8th graders had a great science class building roller coasters and using the theories of potential and kinetic energy. Their constructions were amazing and I think they really enjoyed it. The only complaint was class was too short.................When do 8th graders ever say that?
In 7th grade science we started the chapter on heredity and genetics. This is amazing and fun, but many terms need to be understood and there definitions are important. I will be stressing that with the students as we go on.
In 8th grade religion we worked on finishing up the awards packet, and wrote a letter to our second grade First Communion Faith Partner. Sad, very sad to say we had song practice for Mass tomorrow so my second switch did not have class. Oh no... we will have to play catch up tomorrow.................
Just a reminder tomorrow after school is team photos, I have forms for my homeroom that I will pass out at the end of the day.................I forgot to today. The 8th grader all should have gotten a blue form yesterday or today explaining May Crowning. If your child did not show that to you please ask them to give it to you. It is very important. The end of 8th grade is so hard and students are all slowly checking out. That makes checking this website for information very important................. Please spread the word and those of you who are faithful readers please pass on the information.
Thursday is a pasta lunch, if you are interested.
I just checked that my last letter was published and that it appeared so you could read it. I also saw that the other letters were not there for you to see.... I am very sorry. Just an fyi, if that happens again please email me right away. I do write every night. I am not sure why there are a few missing, my home computer may have a virus. I have been writing and publishing............. I will double check every day that they are being sent to you. I am very sorry.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 14, 2016
Dear Parents,
Just a quick note because I have mountains to climb before this day ends....
Today in 7th grade science the students finished up cellular respiration.... Yipee. There is no test planned for that material. We are moving on!
In 8th grade science the students got caught up on late work or missing work due to so many students missing class for a variety of reasons. We are all ready to move forward as a group now..............................
In 8th grade religion the students nominated and voted for some of the major year end awards. There are many awards/scholarships/recognition given at the end of 8th grade. All awards have set criteria for how the person is chosen. I cannot believe it is already time to work on awards.......................
So far three chickens skeletons have been turned in.............. You still have plenty of time please do not wait until the last minute.................
I do want to say a special thank you to all of you who contributed to the Lenten Bikes for Africa project. Fr. Gunderson and Mrs. Due sent a letter home to each child in the school today thanking them personally for their generosity. The response to this fund raiser errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlfrom the school community was overwhelming and way more than anyone ever imagined. I know it really starts with you so thank you, thank you, thank you. Also a very special thank you to all of the students in Kids Who Care and who just supported Kids Who Care in the Cycle Cross Weekend. I know the kids really did not want or need one more thing on their plate. I know weekends are busy for families............but many were able to come and many were able to get sponsor and big donors. We raised over $1,500.00 over that weekend. That was so far above and beyond..... I know it will help the people in Africa, but also to be very honest it made a huge difference to me and if your child was able to participate I really hope they had a great time.
Thanks so much for all you do, Mrs. Z
April 13, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today the students started with more Aspire Testing. I know the students will be so happy tomorrow when we are finished.
Classes were very short today due to the testing and the two o'clock dismissal.
I did not teach the 7th grade today they had Spanish. I look forward to seeing them tomorrow. I am keeping a close eye on the duck eggs and all is looking great.
The 8th graders started learning about energy. This is a fun, short, exciting chapter and something completely different than chemicals and bonding!
In 8th grade religion the students received the Brian Barry Scholarship Award Applications. Only students going to Catholic High Schools can apply, but there are very many students in this class that can participate. The award is one thousand dollars for four years, so it is well worth considering. I also went over the process for picking the other 8th grade rewards.
Another event in our busy day was the 8th graders met with their Guardian Angels in kindergarten. They did a quick mini Union League speech with the help of their 8th grade Guardian Angel. It was very heartwarming to watch the 8th grader support and encourage their little friend. Truly heartwarming to see the 8th graders kneel down, getting to their level, turning pages to help, and reading the words to them. You would have been proud of your child.
I know it is late, I am swamped so I am closing here, Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 12, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was day 2 of Aspire. They had the math portion today. During testing I am happy to say they are focused and silent. They have all been unusually load for the rest of the day.........................That is sad. I have so much planned from now until they end of the year. So many great and exciting activities and so much left to learn. Please remind your child that even though finally the weather is changing they are still in school................ I am hoping tomorrow is a quieter day. It is in both the 7th and 8th grade classes that students are having a hard time.
In 8th grade the big news is I passed out the information on the Fr. Clark scholarship. This is to be done by all 8th graders even if they do not want to win the $500.00. They have an information packet and it needs to be turned in to me completed by next Thursday. Of course if it is done earlier they can turn it in early. They will be graded on this as an assignment. Today at the end of the day I received the information on the Brian Barry award. That will be passed out tomorrow. That only goes to the students attending a Catholic High School. That is not counted as a graded assignment. It is your child's option. That too is a money award and will be announced at the 8th grade award ceremony. I just wanted you to know that it was being offered.
In 7th grade the big news is the duck eggs have been placed in the incubator. One egg came cracked so the best we can do is 11 ducks.................In 28 days we will see. The incubator is set at 55 per cent humidity and 100 degree so we now just have to wait and see what happens. It will be an exciting finish to our year! The eggs will hatch while the 8th graders are still in school so they will be part of the excitement.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Mrs.
April 11, 2016
Dear Parents,
The day started with the Aspire Test so classes were short. I did Friday Finales and passed out papers/tests. The 8th graders did an excellent job on their test and that was the hardest section of the year.................8th grade Great Job! I did not teach 8th grade religion today due to Spanish. As you can see not much big news. The students will not be getting homework from me all week or having any quizzes or tests due to the Aspire Testing. Please encourage your child to do their very best. I know they think since there is no grade going into power school that it does not matter..................THAT just is not true. They should try to get the highest score they can. Standardized tests are one piece in evaluating a student and an important one. Also the Aspire is a form of the ACT. You all remember from your college years how important your ACT score was.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 7, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today I missed the 7th graders I hope they had a great time and a good learning experience in Springfield.....................
In 8th grade we reviewed for tomorrows test and did more work on covalent bonds. Many students took advantage and stayed after school for extra review. I hope everyone is very successful tomorrow....................
The 8th graders had play practice today during Religion. I am excited to see the show!!!
This is short but I am working on some Friday Finales for tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
April 5, 2016
Dear Parents,
I did not see the 7th graders today due to Spanish. I will miss them tomorrow, but I hope they have a great adventure in Springfield tomorrow. But I do not want you thinking that I have forgotten the 7th grade. Today during my free period I set up the incubator. Now I am just waiting for the eggs to arrive.............................Sooooooo excited!
The 8th graders worked very hard on science concepts today. During the morning class I gave them a review sheet of what will be on the test. I went over it with them, and it is all filled in with the correct answers because the test is Friday. Then we worked on ionic bonds. During religion we had a second science class and during that period they started working on covalent bonds. They seem to be picking that up quickly. We will do more covalent bonds tomorrow. Again we will not have religion we will have science.... We have done so much religion I think it is ok....................
I told the students that I would stay after school tomorrow to help anyone who wanted to review for the test. I would do it at lunch except it is a pizza lunch. So all students are welcome to stay, but they need to be ready to work and learn................ This is a serious study session for students who want and need extra help. Most students do not need to attend.
Just a reminder tomorrow is pizza lunch/St. B!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z3w42
April 4, 2016 Dear Parents,
Wow, it is hard to believe it is already April. The year is speeding by. The days go too fast. I hope you all had a wonderful break.............from school, tests, homework, and got to enjoy some family time. Allison was writing her dissertation she defends it May 1, so she did not have time to visit..................that was sad, but we headed out to Wisconsin to see Ron's family and had a good time. We will see Allison soon! During the rest of break I got caught up on a lot of school work. That may sound sad to you, but I was grateful for the gift of time!
I have to take one minute and comment on the excellent job the 8th graders did in Living Stations, both times. Wow, on Good Friday when I looked around the Church people were crying............... The 8th graders really worked hard on that and it turned out so well! Great job 8th graders I was moved, impressed and proud of every single one of them.
Today in 7th and 8th grade science we had EASTER Science. I could not fit it in before break. It was a nice way to ease back into school. The students were amazed at all the things you could learn about an egg.
Big news for 7th grade tomorrow I am announcing the class pet! Since you are taking time to read this I will give you a hint............................it is not a monkey! I am very excited and think the kids will be happy too, at least I hope they are.
Big news for 8th grade.............not so fun, but true. We are having a test on Friday. I will be spending a lot of time in school getting them ready for it. If your child does not understand what we are working on..............chemical bonding please have them see me for extra help at lunch or after school. Usually when I help a student it does have a big impact on how they do on the test. We have been working on this for a long time and with stations I could not fit the test in before break.............and with Aspire next week I cannot test next week. That would mean holding the test off even longer. I decided to push forward. I think they will do fine! Also I will not be teaching religion this week. We did so much religion before break that I need to spend time here focusing on science. The extra classes will help them get ready for the test. Tomorrow I will go over what is on it. I think most of them are ready now!
No robotics tomorrow the 8th graders are involved with the talent show try outs and would not be able to come. We will be meeting again next week. Although I am going to ask them if they want to come on Thursday. If that works out we will meet then. I will let you know tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 23, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am very sorry I did not write yesterday. I had robotics after school, a wake and a meeting. The time just got away from me. I really do try to write everyday.
I know it is late tonight, but I had two funerals today. One that the 8th graders all went to with me at school for Margaret Burns who taught at MSW for 30 years who was a long time friend, and one tonight for a very close family friend. That just makes me want to enjoy every minute and never take health for granite.
I did not teach the 7th graders today.
The 8th graders worked on stations. I think we will be in good shape for Friday night. Everyone is working hard. We will polish things up tomorrow. I told them to bring a snack we get out at 1 and there is no lunch planned for tomorrow.
For stations I expect the readers to be in Church at 6:30 Friday night. They need to be dressed nicely NO GYM SHOES please. The actors may wear anything that will be comfortable under their costume. Less is best, it is often hot. Shorts and a t-shirt is fine with me. After veneration of the cross there will be a short photo op if you want to take pictures. It will all be over around 8:15. The actors need to be at MSW at around 5:30-5:45. It takes a while to get each costume perfect. I will be around the Church and Gathering Space to meet the students. They all need to be in their places at 6:30. There is a service before us, so they need to be respectful and well behaved. Thank you for your support and help on this very serious and major event.
I hope you all have a wonderful spring break and that you get time to enjoy family and rest.
The end is coming quickly and we have so much to accomplish before graduation. I am so grateful that I get the opportunity to be part of these special moments.
Thanks for all, take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 21, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am going to try to get you some info out to you, but my computer has a virus.... I will try to do my best. I will get it fixed over break, right now things are very busy.
The 7th graders got their tests back and I was pleased with their success. We will wrap up photosynthesis tomorrow. Now for the big news....... tomorrow they will be bringing home a frozen whole chicken. I went over the directions in class and each student got an information packet today. Relax, it is not due until May 16 and it is an attempt. I know how busy your lives are, but there is a lot of learning that comes from this experience. As I told the students today, they should try and do their best but any chicken turned is an A. We will look at the whole flock and discuss skeletal features. There are only four bones different between us and the chicken.
The 8th graders worked on their letters to Fr. Tim. Every grade is writing to a priest before Easter. How perfect that we got Fr. Tim who spent so much time helping them prepare for Confirmation. We do not have any religion classes left, it is all station practice. Due to that we needed to forgo science, but after Spring break we will have many days of double science to make up for missed classes.
The eighth graders did a beautiful and touching production of the Living Stations last Friday. I was so glad so many of you were able to come and see it. I was so happy and so very proud of each student. They all stepped and pulled it together. They were spot on perfect. They truly gave all they had and everyone who saw it felt that it was one of the best performances ever. The readers were clear, slow and full of emotion the actors all stayed in character, remembered all of the directions and executed it so well. This is not an easy task for the students they came a long way since our first practice. The expectations are high and the Church time is limited. Again, (because I cannot say it enough, I thought about it all weekend and smiled to myself) let me say Bravo, bravo, bravo and I want to thank them for their talent and effort it showed. Great job, well done graduation Class of 2016.....................the tradition lives on................... and now best of luck to Cast 2!
Take care, Mrs. Z
March 17, 2106
Dear Parents,
This will be short, this has been a busy and hard week. I want to get to a former students grandmother's wake.
The 7th graders took their test today. I am hoping they did great. They will get them back on Monday. You can check on line for their grades over the weekend. I am sorry I cannot get them corrected tonight.
The 8th graders in my science learned how to make ionic bonds in science. I was thrilled at how quickly they picked up this very difficult concept.
All afternoon was dress rehearsal for Living Stations. The students are all trying. They are getting closer and closer to conveying the feelings of the people and the emotion of the story. It is not easy to get there, but I think we will. Great job 8th grade.............. dig deep tomorrow, you have the talent no question.
The students who are reading tomorrow at 1 need to wear nice outfits. The boys do not need to wear suit jackets, but most wear dress shirts and ties. Most girls wear a skirt or dress. The students who are actors need to wear something that will not be too hot under the costume. Some of the costumes are heavy and hot, so the students need to wear something light and comfortable underneath. You child can wear shorts tomorrow ONLY. The 8th grade will not be going out for recess. If you or your child wants they can wear pants and bring shorts to change into. I am ok. I just want them to be comfortable during the stations and I want to reduce the amount of changing and clothing the students need to bring to school.
I am not sure how the stations will turn out. I never am, but I do know the students have worked very hard to prepare for this and are very excited. I hope to see you all in Church tomorrow at 1. You can take pictures during it if you like, but usually parents stay after in Church to take pictures.
I am sorry, I have to close here, Take care, have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 16, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day.
I did not see the seventh graders and I hope they study tonight because they do have a test tomorrow. I know they also have another test tomorrow too. I had their test on a clear no test day and they wanted Thursday..............no winning!
Both 8th grade classes are now on the same page and are ready to create ionic bonds tomorrow. I am very excited. It should be a great class.
We worked on stations all afternoon and I think some things got cleared up. I see a glimmer of hope...................but I am typing quickly because I want to go over my plans for tomorrow so we can make the best use of the time.
Tomorrow the MSW students come out of uniform in green. It is pasta day. I guess that is a good mix of the Irish and the Italians (St. Patrick and St. Joseph). My mom was completely Italian and my dad was Irish and Norwegian so my family celebrates both. The students may not wear shorts to school yet. BUT the 8th graders need to bring shorts and a t-shirt to wear under their costumes. We are having dress rehearsal tomorrow The girls can wear shorts and tank tops if they want.
On Friday....for stations...... just a reminder..... the 8th graders are split into religion groups, some are readers and some are actors. You need to ask your child which they are. If they are a reader they may not wear gym shoes. They need to dress up for the event. Most boys wear dress shirts and ties, most girls wear dresses or skirts. Please if you are a mother of a daughter, make sure the outfit is appropriate.................no tears on Living Station Day. I have a lot to deal with on that day. We need no extra drama! If your child is acting they should wear very casual clothing so it is easy for them to slip on and off their costume. We do not have a lot of time to get ready and they are a big class. I am not sure if they can wear shorts on Friday, I will find out and make an announcement tomorrow before the students go home.
Please keep the Georgantas family in your prayers. Vageli graduated last year. Very sadly his grandmother was hit by a car and killed. Also a good friend of the Loffredo family has a two and a half year old that was just diagnosed with leukemia. Send prayers off to that family..............can you imagine? Health is truly a gift we should never take for granted. Keep in your prayers also an alum of Mary, Seat who graduated with my sister, who is in the end stages of Lou Gehrigs disease. That family is going through the darkest days.
Oh, I almost forgot..........................................Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you....................Room 122 made it to the next round of March Madness. Great job Mom's and Dad's I know it was you.............you really came through and I truly appreciate it. We won by about 30, but I turned in every box top I had in so we are back to zero. We are competing against Ms. Chilver's homeroom............... a part of me wants to let the little ones win.
I am still deeply moved by the actions and response of the students and the parents at this weekends pedal-a-thon. Some students who were sick and unable to go made donations anyway, some students came both days, some students came after a sporting event, some came before a sporting event, some came in the middle of two sporting events. some students came with their parents and their parents cycled too, and some parents brought over a car load. Truly it is all completely appreciated. I know how busy you are and how busy your kids are. It really meant a lot and it is for a good cause. What a great lesson in life you gave to your child and what a act of faith..... giving from the heart, giving when it is hard, giving til it hurts, my father taught me that is truly the giving we learned from the life of Christ.
Sorry, but I better run. Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 15, 2016
Dear Parents,
I had robotics tonight. Came home and started watching and rewatching the Living Stations from previous years. I just looked at the clock and it is 10:15. I am sorry this is so late and is going to be very brief.
7th grade had science we reviewed and began the next section on photosynthesis. The students will have a test on Thursday.
The 8th graders worked on the periodic table. The classes are at two different spots, tomorrow I will get them back in sync.
We had a short stations practice and I know I am picky, bit it was pretty rocky.... We have our work cut out for us. It is not for me, it is for your child. They know when they get it right and when they mess up.............and they only get one shot, there is no redo on this. I am trying and they are too, but they have to step up. On Friday I cannot help them, they are way too dependent on me. I am praying tomorrow really brings them together as a class. They all have to be making it work. It is one hour of total concentration and focus for everyone. No part is small each person makes it happen. I hope I can send some good new tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 14,2016
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day.
The 7th graders had a quick review of the material that will be on their test which is now going to be on Thursday. They also completed their cornstarch lab, which was amazing. You need to ask them for the details, but believe me it was amazing. Mrs. Due heard about it and she thought I started teaching a magic class instead of biology.... The students do not have homework tonight but they should be studying. To help your child study they should reread their notes and the chapter a few times. That really strengthens their understanding of the concepts that I have on the review sheet. Sometimes students think that if they know those words they will get 100, it is a little more then that. They need to understand the words............. and that understanding becomes clearer when you reread the material you have been taught.
The 8th graders started to learn about valence electrons and the oxidation number of elements. I think they caught on. I did give them a short worksheet for homework to check their understanding.
We did not have religion today due to Spanish.....................but Living Stations Cast 1 presents this FRIDAY. This is typically a big event for 8th grade and 8th grade parents. There is a photo op after the Living Stations in Church. The stations take place at 1:00. I am counting on great practices tomorrow and Wednesday. Thursday is dress rehearsal. The students who are acting in the stations on Friday wear very cool and casual clothing so it is an easy change for them into their costume. The students who are readers are typically dressed up in nice clothes. They do not need to wear a sport jacket, but a dress shirt is very nice with a tie. The girls need to wear something appropriate for Church. Please help me on this one. I do not want any girls feeling bad that day. Please no gym shoes!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you...............for all of the box tops! They are collecting them again from me tomorrow. I hope we can beat the little preschoolers, but you never know those young mom's are often eager and excited...
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who made the cycle cross fund raiser a success. I know (believe me I really know) how busy you all are and your kids are..............Thank you for taking the time out of your weekend to drop off, pick up or ride. This is a very worthy cause. It really meant a lot to Fr. Gunderson. No official count, but it looks like we made some good money. I was pleased that boys who are not even in kids who care stepped up and went.....It was a good workout, maybe a little too intense for some, but I think some loved the challenge. I also think the kids being active made the difference. So often parents just write a check and the child never feels like they are doing anything but carrying in your envelope. This event caused them to do some giving..................... Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I better run I have a lot of work to do, I hope you all have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 10,2016
Dear Parents,
It was great attending the 8th grade volleyball night. Wow, there was a lot of talent on that gym floor. Both the boys teams and the girls teams played well, were good sports and had some amazing plays. Great job 8th grade............
In 7th grade science the students started an experiment that takes a few days to complete. The put cornstarch in a zip lock bag and then put the bag in a mixture of iodine and water. The amazing part comes in during the next 72 hours. The iodine will leave the water and enter the zipped baggie. Truly the first year I read the experiment I had to try it because I could not believe that the iodine could get into the zipped bag, but yes, it is semi permeable just like our cells. What a great example of diffusion. The students will check their bags on Monday and be amazed............. That makes you wonder about their daily lunches that you thought were safe, right? They did not get homework, but they do have a test on Tuesday of next week. They have a completed study guide that they can use to prepare for it.
The 8th grade worked on uses of the elements and I think they were amazed at the diversity of the products that the elements are in. They did not have time to finish, but I told them it was not homework. They can work on it again on Monday. Tomorrow is the retreat and then we are in the weekend. I am not a big supporter of weekend homework.
We went through the second half of the Living Stations today with the second cast. They did a pretty good job for the first time. The second half of the stations are much more involved and complicated then the first. I do believe they will get it. That was the last practice for the second class. They will only work on reading next week and the other group will work on the actions because they are presenting to the school on Friday. We will have a dress rehearsal next week. I cannot remember what day that is on, but I will let the students know tomorrow.
Remember this weekend is the fund raiser for the Bikes for Africa project that Fr. Gunderson started after his sabbatical. It is at Cross Cycle which is at 636 Busse in Park Ridge. That is next to Burger King near the Jewel at Greenwood, Busse and Northwest Highway. It is from noon to four on Saturday and Sunday. All students are welcome to join in. The students are asked to make a donation to the charity (this is a fund raiser) and then exercise in the gym for free. They can ride a bike or join in an aerobics class. All are welcome. There has been a sign up sheet outside the science lab for the students to sign up on to reserve a bike. If your child did not sign up yet they can just go on Saturday or Sunday. Any child/parent/alumni is welcome to join in this event. I am hoping for a huge turn out and that this is a big success. If you have any questions you can email me.
Tomorrow is Catholic Identity shirts because it is our all school retreat. Also, parent teacher conferences.
Have a great weekend......................and fyi, I am loving the warmer weather! Take care, Mrs. Z
March 9, 2016
Dear Parents,
I just got home from the Mission and am trying to write before it gets too late...
Yipee for my homeroom and thank you for all the box tops. We have advanced to the next round........................... You know all that means .... keep cutting and sending them in!
The 7th graders did not have science today due to Spanish, but I look forward to seeing them tomorrow.
The 8th graders learned about the energy levels of the electrons and I think they all get it.... Super job 8th grade.
We had Living Stations practice today. It was the first time for the second cast. They now all have an appreciation for how hard the practices are, how long the practices are and how much they all need to work together as a team. The first six stations are much easier than the ending ones................................................We will face that mountain tomorrow. YIKES!!!!
Tomorrow is pizza lunch, just a reminder!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 8, 2016
Dear Parents,
In 7th grade science the students filled out their study guide in class. I think they have a good understanding of this material. We will have a lab on Thursday, a short review on Monday and then the test on Tuesday.
In 8th grade science the students did an assignment on energy levels which I am eager to correct to check for understanding before we move on to bonding the elements.
In 8th grade religion we had the first practice of the Living Stations. I was anxious about it because it is a hard undertaking and you never know how each class will respond. I was very pleased and I going to sleep better tonight. The first class did the first six stations and they went very well. I was mostly impressed with the conduct in Church and the attentiveness of the students. If this work ethic continues..................this 8th grade class will deliver and not disappoint. Way to go Class of 2016, talent abounds!
Kids Who Care is holding a pedal-a-thon on Sat. and Sun. at Cross Cycle. I talked to the students about this many times and have sign up sheets in the hall. Very sadly there is only one student signed up. I am not sure why and am thinking I should cancel the event. This too causes me sleepless nights. The students in 7th and 8th grade are the leaders of KWC and I am concerned about their lack of support. This is also open to alums, so if you have an older child who would be interested in participating they are welcome and should tell their friends. I was hoping this would be a big boost to the parish fund raiser for bikes for Africa. Now I am just very concerned..................
Also just a reminder there is a pizza lunch on Thursday.
I have to run because I want to get to the mission.
Robotics new!!!!! We had a good class today. We had a very hard time getting the software uploaded because the system we use is now 7 years old. Last night I gave it one more push because I was not willing to give up.............we got it all to work. It should be clear sailing from here! Today they began programming and I think they quickly saw it was not all that easy. It takes time, patience, close attention and thinking. They will get it. I was thrilled to see so many happy faces during successes and failed attempts today. Thank you for your support and patience. We will hold a few extra sessions so the students have time to learn the programming and then develop their skills as they prepare for the competition.
I know Thursday night is the big volley ball night at the gym. I will try to attend. I feel bad I have missed the entire season, but things have been busy and time is getting away from me.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 7, 2016
Dear Parents,
I know it is late, I was at robotics and then a meeting and then the Mission.............
In 7th grade science the students learned about DNA and we finished active and passive transport. Their test is being moved. I do not think they will be ready by Thursday and Friday is the all school retreat. I do not like homework over the weekend, so the test will be Tuesday. We will review one more time on Monday. We have a lab to do this week today that I would like to get in before the test. They will have the study sheet completed by tomorrow so they can begin to prepare. As much as I do not like weekend homework, I do know for some students they love the weekend to get ready for tests.
In 8th grade science we reviewed everything they need to understand about the periodic table before we move to the next section. They started to learn about the energy levels of the shells. This is a little more complicated and I saw a lot of blank stares, so we will go back over that tomorrow with many examples. They will catch on. This is definitely high school material, but they are moments away from that big step.
I did not teach 8th grade religion today, because the students had Spanish and the mission presentation.
Tomorrow we begin working on the Living Stations in the afternoon with 8th grade. I know they are excited. I am too, but we are in Church and practice is long. This is not an easy time for them or me.......... The stations don't just happen, they are the culmination of many long hard practices, but it is worth it in the end. I am praying that tomorrow goes well and sets the tone.
No homework was given due to the mission. I am hoping that some students are able to go some of the nights. It runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I know it is a sacrifice going, it is for me too, but that is what Lent is all about.
I felt bad for the robotics students today. I had a root canal at 1:00, I left school and made it back by 3 to teach robotics and the software is no longer compatible with the new laptops. So we did not get much done............ When I got home from the mission I booted up my old computer and it is working on there. I will plug that into the promethian board tomorrow and we will move forward. I really do feel bad, but hopefully now it will be full steam ahead. I know the students are very anxious to get their robot going. If at the end of the class tomorrow things are still not going well, we may have to return the money and cancel. I am sorry, i am trying everything to make it happen.
The Kids Who Care is teaming up with the parish and having a bike-a-thon this weekend. I told the kids two weeks ago, but they seem very slow in getting motivated. I am not sure why. The bike-a-thon is next to Burger King in Park Ridge on Busse. The kids all got a pledge sheet and packet two weeks ago. Cross Cycle has been very helpful in allowing us to use their space and bikes to make this happen. I hope we have a great turn out. We are opening it up to alum Kids Who Care so if you have a recent grad who wants to join us on Sat. or Sun from one to five it is ten dollars and they are welcome! They should pass the word out to their old friends and join us.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
March 3, 2016
Dear Parents,
This will be very short. I want to run back to school to see the play again. I am a strong supporter of the MSW drama program and there are some junior high students in the play waiting for me.
7th grade science did not get homework. They are working on the study guide for next week's test which will be on Friday.
8th grade worked on the periodic table and they do have a test tomorrow. I gave them all the list of the most common elements earlier in the week. They need to be able to identify them with their symbol. They have been working on this in class and I am hoping they go over it again tonight.
Report cards went home. I will be sending you all a conference update on your child. Anyone can sign up for a conference and I will be happy to see you. Over the weekend I will send an email to any parent I want or need to see at this time. If you do not get an email by Sunday night, that means I do not feel a conference is necessary at this time.
Tomorrow is spirit wear!
Have a great night and take care, Mrs. Z
March 2, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am very sorry. I completely forgot to write yesterday. That does not happen often.
I am shocked that we are already in March....................it is all going so fast.
Today I did not teach the 7th graders because of Spanish. I am eager to see them tomorrow.
The 8th graders worked on the groups and periods of the periodic table. They did get two worksheets for homework. One is on that lesson for review and reinforce the other is a crossword puzzle to help them identify the names of the symbols from the periodic table.
In religion today we worked on who would have what part in the Living Stations. I know that no matter how hard I try and how I do it some students are not happy. There are only a few major roles and so many students who could do an excellent job. I hope at some point each 8th grader is able to embrace their part and give 100% to make this the most beautiful and meaningful Living Stations ever. Also, I hope they can work together as an 8th grade class encouraging and supporting each other as we go through this process. Please know I will do everything I can to make each part special and each child feel special. At the end of the day I overheard one of the 8th grade girls saying everything happens for a reason. Please have faith. That comment says a lot. Your child may not get this thing, I hope and pray that maybe there is something else later in the year that will be your child's bigger and more special moment. I do believe God works in mysterious ways and has a plan much greater than we will ever understand. The assigning of parts tugs at my heart, but now the task at hand is to accomplish our goal and that is a huge challenge. I don't want to do the stations I want to move every member in the Church on those two Friday's as we create the Living Stations put on by the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Graduating Class of 2016. We have a short time to climb that steep mountain, but these students are full of talent and energy...................here we go!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Feb. 29, 2016
Dear Parents,
The first day of trimester three.........ouch.............. For most teachers they start to get excited about the end of the year and for me it is just the reverse. I will be very sad to see this 8th grade class go. I hope we can make the most of every minute we have together for the rest of the year. I feel very fortunate that I can be part of the year end 8th grade experience. I am very grateful the 7th graders come back!!!!
It was great being back at MSW today. I missed Thursday and Friday last week because I attended a science/technology convention. The great news is I found it very valuable and learned a lot!!!
Today in 7th grade science the students put together their folder for conferences, did two review worksheets and then we began the next section on how things enter cells. They did not have homework tonight.
In 8th grade science the students put together their folders for conferences, and we reviewed all that we have gone over on the periodic table. The 8th graders will have a quiz on it tomorrow. They all have a study guide and this is material we have spent a lot of time on. I am just doing a quick check that they all understand this material before I move on. I am hoping for all 100's!!!!!
We did not have religion today because of Spanish. We will have it tomorrow and begin to pick parts for the Living Stations. We need to get the costumes organized so they can be washed and ironed for the big event.... Please talk to your child. If you have a son and you think it would be meaningful encourage him to play the role of Jesus. Some years it is harder to get the boys to step up, other years we have many who want the part. If you have a daughter please explain to them one of my favorite things is Living Stations, but the piece I struggle with is when nine girls come up to me and tell me they have been waiting since first grade to be Mary. That is an impossible situation for me to be in. If your daughter has a strong desire for one of the major roles, of course they should seek it, but they need to keep in mind there can only be two. I really do try hard to give as many students as I can the part they want. I was so lucky my daughter wanted to be a Women of Jerusalem and that is the part she got. That is a small role with a lot of other girls. So that is fun because you get to be with your friends and there is not too much pressure on them. I really do try to make each part special and to make each child feel special during this process. Thank you in advance for your help with this.
A special note to all the super parents of room 122, my homeroom..... PLEASE SEND IN BOX TOPS, I WANT TO WIN MARCH MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One more final note, there will be robotics tomorrow from 3-4:45.
Thanks so much for your support, have a great night! Mrs. Z
Feb. 24, 2016
Dear Parents,
We opened the day with a Catholic Identity assembly led by the fifth graders. They did a great job.
I did not see the 7th grade today due to Spanish.
I will not be in school until next week. I have a science/technology convention that I will be attending. I hope the students behave and follow along with the sub. I have left work for all of my classes.
The 8th graders worked on thank you notes for Confirmation supporters and worked on the periodic table. The science material we are working on right now is the most difficult and will be the most helpful to them as they enter high school.
I do not like to miss school, but this is a great opportunity for me to learn more to bring back to MSW.
Friday is the end of trimester two........... I cannot believe we only have one more trimester left.
Just a reminder tomorrow is out of uniform for one dollar if they want to participate, and it is the pasta lunch. They will be having the no child eats alone lunch. i am very sorry that I will miss that. I hope it all goes well and is beneficial. Even in the 8th grade after years of being told Christian values, students sometimes still struggle with this. I think we need to keep reminding children to watch out for the feelings of others.
I hope you all have a great night, take care, Mrs. Z
Feb. 23, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was another great day!
The 7th graders completed their lab about what foods are starches. I think they were surprised to see how many foods they eat are carbohydrates............ Interesting! They did not have homework tonight.
The 8th graders did two projects with the periodic table. One to help them understand why two groups are always below the periodic table and one to help the understand how many solids, liquids and gasses there are and how many metals, nonmetals and metalloids there are. If you don't remember what a metalloid is ask an 8th grader. I did not give the 8th graders homework tonight.
Fr. Tim taught religion this afternoon.
Robotics went well today. This class was only for students who did not finish building their taskbot last week. Everyone has a different level of skill in Lego construction. Some students can put the taskbot together quickly and others it takes a few attempts. You really want a stable body going into the programming session. By 4:45 today all the groups were finished with construction. On to programming next week. That is the part I really enjoy! But the secret to success is a well constructed taskbot!
Feb. 22, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day!
The 7th graders learned about lipids and started learning about protein. Tomorrow they will be having a lab. They need to bring in food. I went over the directions very clearly twice. They should bring in 25 of something about the size of a goldfish cracker. So if they bring in saltine crackers which are larger and they bring in 7 they can break each one into four pieces which would be 28 pieces which would be great. They can bring in anything cooked or uncooked it does not matter but it needs to be a solid. It is helpful if it is a very solid, solid like a slice of a carrot rather then pudding. They did not have any written homework tonight, but they will lose 10 points on their lab if they do not bring in a food.
The 8th graders worked on finding elements on the periodic table. This helps them get used to the location of the elements and helps to get them familiar with some more elements.
I did not teach religion today to the 8th graders because they had Spanish. Last week I sent home a letter asking about which Living Station presentation they could attend. I do not have all of the forms. That was a homework assignment and I do need that form back from you. It is very hard to plan the stations without that information. Some students have turned in the form and to those students I say THANK YOU.
I hope you all have a great night, take care, Mrs. Z
Feb. 18, 2916
Dear Parents,
Today was great! The 8th graders looked beautiful and handsome. The Mass was perfect followed by a nice hot breakfast/brunch. I hope they enjoyed their time with their friends.
Then we were off to class and nacho lunch. During the 8th grade science class the students moved from the Bohr model to the Lewis model. We will work on that more tomorrow. I think they are catching on! They may have one worksheet for homework, some finished it at the end of class.
I was sad that I did not get to see the 7th graders again today. I left some science reading work for them to do. It is very hard spitting myself between 7th and 8th grade. I am the 8th grade homeroom and religion teacher, so sometimes 8th grade comes first, but next year your child will be on the 8th grade end..............so I guess it all works out. If they did not finish the assignment it is homework. I cannot wait to see them tomorrow.
In religion we worked on some Catholic Identity things. I had to let that go a little bit, in order to complete the Confirmation book by the deadline. So we are doing a little catching up. Also I sent home a note on the Living Stations. That is the next big thing that we will be working on in religion. Please look over the form carefully and I need them back tomorrow.
I have a Friday Finale to prepare and I want to think about the big game tomorrow since I will be one of the coaches spurring the 8th grade basketball players on to VICTORY! That game is always a lot of fun...................
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
. 17, 2016
Dear Parents,
Wow, this year is flying by..............Feb. will be over in a minute, don't blink.
Yesterday with all the news I forgot to say we started Robotics. We usually do that in Oct. but this year we went to DC then, so I moved Robotics until now. It will end by Easter. We have the largest group ever............... I just could not figure out a way to cut students that is so not me. I have Mr. Ferraro helping and the first class went great. Students began building their robot. I think they were having a good time. The club is for students who want to spend time building, learning to program and then taking the programming to the next level. It is a challenging club. I love it and hope you child did too. Also, I forgot to say in the letter there is a sign up fee of $25.oo to cover the cost of the trophies and the pizza party. I am sorry. I told the students they have until next week to pay. If the payment is a problem just send me a note. I am sorry that information was not included upfront.
Today I did not have the 7th graders they went to Spanish.
The 8th graders worked on Bohrs models in Science class. I think they are catching onto the very difficult Chemistry material. They did have a worksheet for homework.
The 8th graders got information on the Mass/Brunch tomorrow. Yes, it is dress attire. They will be served a hot breakfast and this is a big treat. The students also go information on the Lenten projects. Each 8th grader got a box to take home to collect spare change in or to put money in that they earned doing chores around the house. This box and money should be returned to school during Holy Week. We will also be collecting as a class at school. The students from both Religion classes will be competing for no homework passes in Religion. Every Friday I will count the money and the group with the most will have a no homework religion pass the following week. The idea is bringing in a small amount of money each week is their homework. This all goes along with what they have been learning about in terms of giving during Lent. Fr. Gunderson did an assembly presentation to help the students see the need of our neighbors in Africa. The students know the money will be going to friends he made while on Sabbatical so they can have necessary transportation. I am not asking that you support this, I am hoping you encourage your child to support this.
Just a reminder tomorrow is Nacho Lunch!
Thanks for all you do, have a great night, Mrs. Z
Feb. 16, 2016
Dear Parents,
First off, the 8th graders did an amazing job Confirmation was beautiful both times. I was very happy and proud to present this group to the Bishop. They have worked very hard in school and at home preparing for this very sacred sacrament. I hope you all had a wonderful day.
Second, I hope you all enjoyed the very long weekend. That certainly makes up for the time we were together on the Sunday of CSW Open House. Ron surprised me with a night away in Wisconsin. We left right after the second Confirmation (which went very long) and returned on Sunday. I was glad to have the time away. Monday I did school work and was very grateful to have the day to get caught up.
Third, the year is flying by! It will be Easter before we know it. Sept. seems like yesterday to me.
The 7th graders started learning about the chemicals in their cells the chemical compounds that make up life today. More to come on that Thursday. They did not get homework. We did not cover enough material to move into homework.
The 8th graders worked on the periodic table and Bohrs Models. They are picking up this very difficult material. The 8th graders did not get homework.
Fr. Tim taught religion to the 8th graders today.
Just a heads up to all of you. Thursday is the nacho lunch, so get your forms in if you want to participate. This is a rush, because it is a short week. The 8th graders have their Confirmation Mass/Breakfast this Thursday. They can come out of uniform in dress clothes. A lot (not all) wear their clothes from Confirmation. This is a very nice and special event I started when I got moved into the junior high. We do this to celebrate the sacrament as a class because the group gets divided in half on Confirmation Day.
I have lots to do, so I better end here.
Take care and have a great night, I am anticipating wearing my flips this weekend...................yipee! Mrs. Z
Feb. 10, 2016
Dear Parents,
I missed the 7th grade today. They do have a test tomorrow. They got the review sheet last week. I hope they all do well.
8th grade parents the beginning of the end is starting. Tomorrow is 8th grade graduation picture day. The 8th graders can come out of uniform. Just a few reminders and information for you. The boys wear shirts and ties, some boys wear a suit jacket. It is up to you what your son wears. The girls usually get dressed up in a nice skirt or a dress. Remember they must be in something appropriate or they will be calling you. Their outfit cannot be too short, tight or spaghetti straps. If their outfit has spaghetti straps please have them wear a sweater and they can only take it off for the picture. I did talk to all the students about this today. They will get pictures taken in their outfits and in a cap and gown. The cap and gown is provided. I did tell the students they could change into something more casual at lunch, but THEY NEEDED TO BRING ALL THEIR CLOTHES HOME! Sometimes especially with the boys I find a shoe or tie in the classroom on Saturday and this weekend is Confirmation.
Speaking of Confirmation. I went over all the information they needed to know again in class today and will one more time tomorrow. They need to hold that information in their minds until................................SATURDAY! I will be there on Saturday to remind them of the important things, but I do not run the ceremony Religious Ed. does. The 8th graders have worked very, very hard this year preparing and I am very excited to share in the special day with all of you.
Again congrats to the 8th grade on their super Confirmation Test SCORES!
I have to run tomorrow I will try to fit in Valentines Day Science along with everything else going on..................................yikes!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Feb. 9, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am writing early because I still have a sore throat. It will be soup and bed for me!
The 7th graders looked at and drew skin and blood cells. They did not get homework but should be studying for the test on Thursday.
The 8th graders started to learn how the periodic table is arranged. They may have a little work to finish for homework.
In Religion Fr. Tim offered Reconciliation to all 8th graders in preparation for Confirmation. He will finish the students who did not get a turn today because of time tomorrow.
Happy Fat Tuesday to all!
Thanks to Gianna and Lexi for running the fund raiser today. They did a great job on their presentation and raised over $500.00 in one day................Way to go! A special thank you to all of the parents/students who supported this very worthy cause.
It was great seeing so many of you at Confirmation practice last night. It was long and seems confusing, but I know Sat. will be beautiful. I will go over everything with the students again on Thursday.
Just a reminder the sponsor says, Bishop this is ___________________(Confirmation name) then the Bishop says, to the child, be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the child says AMEN, then the Bishop says peace be with you and the child responds and with your spirit.
The ushers will be there to help everyone through the rest.
It is getting very close and is very exciting.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Feb. 8, 2016
Dear Parents,
I cannot believe I got the last date so incorrect................. sorry!
Today the 7th graders went over the review sheet for their test. The test is on Thursday because there is no school Friday. They got the review sheet last week. It is only on a few concepts so they should all do great! Then we did the Friday Finale from last week because we ran out of time.
The 8th graders took their Confirmation Test during science because they did not have Religion today, and I needed to fit that in.
The 8th graders also went on their Confirmation interview, so today was a big day. I just got in from Confirmation practice so this will be short.
The good news is all the 8th graders who took the Confirmation Test passed. A few need to finish, it was long. A few students were absent so they need to take it when they return to school.
Tomorrow is an out of uniform opportunity for all 5-8th graders. They need to bring a dollar and they can wear anything appropriate for out of uniform. They had a special presentation today during lunch created by two 7th grade students Gianna and Lexi. Your child can give you all the details on the fund raiser.
I am heading to bed.........sad to say I have a sore throat and I do not want to miss school.
Take care and have a great night, Congrats to the 8th graders! Mrs. Z
Feb. 4, 2015
Dear Parents,
Happy PJ Day! I wore regular clothes to school and carried my pj's.... I was not sure if I was going to put them on or not, but there was so much excitement in the school and spirit I had to join in the fun.......
In 7th grade science we went over the experiment for tomorrow. The students will be making plant and animal cells in class. This note will be short because I need to make 100 cups of yellow jello! Your student should know the jello is the cytoplasm which is the jel like substance the organelles of the cell lives in! Then we sang three youtube parodies on organelles and the cell.
In 8th grade science the students took a short quiz, filled out an evaluation of the Confirmation Retreat which I had to turn in to the Rel. Ed. Dept. and then took a survey for the Arch of Chicago on the Catholic Identity of MSW School.
We did not have 8th grade Religion today because we had the volleyball game. It was great to see so many of you parents there cheering your child on. That game is always fun, but very difficult because there are so many students to get in. I hope your child had fun.
I did move the Religion Confirmation Test to next Monday. I broke my most sacred rule, no homework on the weekend, but the students really said they had so much homework and other quizzes and tests tomorrow. I really am not sure if I made the right decision or not, but the test will be Monday. I hope they relieves some pressure for all of you tonight and that they really take some time to study and prepare over the weekend because this is very serious.
I did not give homework to the 7th grade this week because of the Constitution Test tomorrow. I hope they used their time wisely this week and that they all do a great job tomorrow! I still remember taking the Constitution Test and I know what a big deal that was!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Feb. 3, 2016 Dear Parents,
Today was a great day.
I did not teach the 7th grade they had Spanish.
We all started the day with an assembly and talk from Fr. Gunderson. I am very exited about our involvement in helping the people of Africa. I think this is a great way for us to prepare for Easter! You will be getting information on how your child's grade or homeroom will be working towards reaching their goal of providing one bike for the bike drive.
In 8th grade science I went over the material from yesterday on the history of the atom. They will be taking a short quiz tomorrow on just that information.
In 8th grade religion we finished up the review for the Confirmation test. We have gone over the material a lot in class, now your child needs to take some time at home and go over it.
Just a heads up to 8th grade parents. I did not run the robotics program in Oct. this year due to the early DC trip. I will be sending home information, but the club will meet on Tuesdays starting after Confirmation. All 8th graders are welcome to join.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Feb. 2, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day filled with a lot of learning.
The 7th graders learned about all the organelles inside cells. We covered what they look like, what their functions are and the differences between plant cells and animal cells. A great question to see if they are catching on is, do animal cells have cell walls if no why not. The answer is animal cells do not have cell walls because we have bones which give us structure. The cell wall on a plant is what helps a tree stand straight and tall. I did not give homework tonight. I did pass back the microscope tests. The scores were great and those need to be signed and returned.
In 8th grade science we talked about the atomic theory and the history of the atom. This is the beginning of another very difficult section, but I know they can learn the material. They do need to work hard. Understanding this material will help them a lot in high school. I was pleased with how day one went. It is abstract and physics and chemistry are both hard subjects. I did not give homework tonight because this week I want them all studying for the Confirmation Test. I did pass out the last science test and the scores varied greatly. Many students did an excellent job. I consider any grade above a 90 on this material to be a great grade. Almost everyone else scored in the 80-90 range. That too was good given this was difficult material. Some students scored low. You really need to ask your child if they listened in class and if they prepared for the test. Some tests take more then one night to prepare for. Some students need to see me for extra help when the material is difficult. If your child did not do their best I said that I would help any student that wants to relearn the material, study again and retake the test. They need to follow through on this. i will not be giving out personal invitations. They can see me Thursday at lunch.
In Religion we finished the review with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We will go back to the beginning and review now in class. They need to be studying at home this is very important material. The more effort they put into their Confirmation the more meaning it will have. The test will be on Friday.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Feb. 1, 2016
Dear Parents,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your excellent support of our Open House. It was so nice to see so many of you and I was so glad I had the opportunity to catch up with some alumni. I thought the Mass was beautiful and then we had a super crowd through the entire event in the science lab. All the students did an excellent job presenting their experiment.
Today the 7th graders finished up the workbook section on the organelles of a cell and began learning about how groups of cells form tissue. They did not get homework!
The 8th graders did not have religion this afternoon because of Spanish. I decided it was a good idea to have religion during the science slot this morning. There is a lot of material to get through this week before the big test. After Confirmation we will take a few extra science classes to get back on track there. The 8th graders did not get homework, but they should be studying every night to prepare for this test.
I hope you all have a great night, Take care, Mrs. Z
Jan. 28, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today the 7th and 8th graders got final information and explanation on CSW Sunday project. Things are falling into place and I am super pleased with the number of students coming...............Thank you all for working to support this day! I know it is a Sunday and we are all super busy, but you making the effort to have your child there is really appreciated. Thank you all in advance.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday and hope you are amazed at the experiments and proud of your child's efforts. A big part of what makes MSW so great is you, your interest, and support. Sunday will give us a chance to all be together!
Your child should come only at their specified time, because so many students are scheduled. They should not be leaving the room or eating when they are expected to be presenting. They should wear their school uniform. If they stay in place and do their job.... there is 100 points waiting for them! Plus at least historically, this has been really a fun day for the junior high students who work with me in the lab.
In Religion we continued going through the review. These are the key lessons of the program. They really pull everything together. I am trying my best to clear things up and prepare them, but they have to do their part too. I am getting very excited for Confirmation, the students have been working very hard............It should be a meaningful and beautiful event!
I have to run I have some work to do for CSW.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 27, 2016
Dear Parents,
I again am rushing there is a lot to do with Catholic School's Week. Also I want to get the tests corrected and returned.
In 8th grade science we worked on getting ready for our presentations for Sunday.
In 8th grade religion we began preparing for the Confirmation Test. That will be at the end of next week. All students need to get a passing grade on this in order to complete their Confirmation. It is very serious and important material. The students got a study guide that we started filling out today. We will be working on that study guide every day in school from now until the test. Some students may have portions that they need to memorize before the test (i.e. the Ten Commandments or a list of the sacraments). This test is on major aspects of our Faith. It is all things they really should know and understand about being a Catholic and about the Sacrament of Confirmation. In six years of doing this no student in my class has ever gotten a grade below an 85 so I am not too worried about the passing. I cannot make the magic happen alone, students are expected to spend time preparing at home. I am not as concerned with the test score as I am that each child really understands this sacrament and our Catholic teachings. Most of the material we have been discussing this year and has been taught in school and at your home over the years, now we are just putting all of the pieces together. Science will take a back seat next week, due to the importance of this sacrament. After Confirmation the students will have a week of double science. The more we put into this preparation the more meaningful the day will be.
8th grade parents please read this paragraph very carefully. We need to work together! Every year after the 8th graders take their placement exams they begin the winding down process. It is normal and part of growing up. They are restless and ready for the change, yet they are scared at the same time (even if they wont admit it). I typically see a change in behavior, attitude and work ethic. Please talk to your 8th grader. They are all feeling this in one degree or another. It shows in their work and or their behavior. I want the end of their time at MSW to be productive and positive. Please remind your child that every day matters, and it does. We still have classes, homework, grades, report cards and a lot to learn. I want the last part of 8th grade to be a special memory, not just a count down to the end. Let's work together to make the most of the little time we have left.
I better get back to the Science Tests, take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 26, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am very short on time, but there is not much news because both science classes took a test today.
Some students did not turn in their Catholic School's Week letter. That is due tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 25, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am so happy with the thaw.................... and dreaming about spring!
Today the 7th graders did a lab where they made a microscope. They started with the "naked eye" as we say in science, then they used a magnifying glass with high and low power, and finally they combined two magnifying glasses and created a working microscope. Tomorrow they have a test on the microscope. They were given a typed study guide well over a week ago, so they should be in good shape.
The 8th graders reviewed for their test which is also tomorrow. I hate to do that because it makes for a boring morning for me and then a lot to correct all at once. It just fell that way. The 8th graders also have had a typed study guide with all the answers and information for well over a week, so they should be in good shape.
A letter went home today talking about the CSW Open House. Traditionally this has been a big event in the junior high science area. I know some of you already have commitments and are unable to attend, but for those of you who can I am excited to see you. This gives our older students a chance to present science information to the younger children, grandparents, parents, and friends. I am very excited about this years topic which is static electricity. It is very hard to find something that is suitable and that provides a variety of experiments. You should sign the letter and return it tomorrow.
There was no religion today, the 8th graders went to Spanish.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 21, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day for the 8th graders at the Confirmation retreat. You can get details from your child, but I was very impressed with their quiet attention and willing participation. I hope they enjoyed the day, and that it helped their religious development.
Just a brief note to the parents on Science Tests. The 7th and 8th graders will be having a test next Tuesday. They all have typed review sheets and have had them for a while, especially 8th grade. I hope they have been studying. The 7th grade test is on the microscope and the 8th grade test is on Boyle and Charles. If your child is having a hard time in Science they should see me so I can help them prepare.
I look forward to seeing the 7th grade tomorrow.
I hope hot dog day went well. That was the first fun lunch/pizza lunch that I have ever missed. Thanks to Mr. Wolff and Mr. Ferraro for making the magic happen!
Mark your calendars please, the Open House for Catholic School's week is next Sunday. I am hoping to see you at it and your child. More information will be coming home on this.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 20, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today I did not have the 7th graders they had Spanish. Sad to say I will be out of school tomorrow with the 8th graders on retreat. I left work for the 7th grade and if they finish they should start to study for their microscope test which is next Tuesday. I will see the 7th grade again on Monday!
The 8th graders took a quiz on graphing in science. It was only a 30 min. class so most of the students needed the entire class. They do not have homework tonight.
In religion I talked to them about the retreat tomorrow. Some still need to turn in a permission slip. I sent a new copy home with the students that did not have one in yet. I hope that helps. The 8th graders can come out of uniform in casual clothing. Yes, jeans are fine. Just whatever you think would be appropriate for an out of uniform day. We will be gone all day and the students will have a pizza lunch. I told the students that if they could not eat pizza or did not want to they needed to bring their own food. This is a very important piece in preparing for Confirmation. I am looking forward to sharing the day with them and I know they will get a lot out of the experience. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag...............but when they come home ask them about the Hershey's syrup! Then the 8th graders worked on a worksheet that is due next Tuesday. Confirmation is getting close and we are beginning to get to the exciting experiences of 8th grade!
Just a heads up to the 8th grade parents I did pass out a study guide and go over it on Boyle's and Charle's Laws the test will be next Tuesday. The 8th graders should be studying!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 19, 2016
Dear Parents,
Wow, we are flying through Jan. every day gets us one day closer to warm weather and sunshine!
Today was a great day.
In 7th grade we did some Friday Finales on Static Electricity. I did many because they were short. We also went over what will be on the test which will be next Tuesday. I passed out a typed review sheet and explained very clearly to them what the test would be like. I hope the typed review sheet/study guide is helpful. I did not give them homework tonight.
In 8th grade I went over the material we have been working on relating to graphing. The students have done three in class assignments on graphing and four homework assignments on graphing. I think they are ready for the graphing test. I went over the material again today so I am hoping they do a great job tomorrow. I know one night seems like a short time to study, but the 8th grade Confirmation retreat is on Thursday and this is only on one concept.
The 8th graders had Fr. Tim today for religion.
This is very short because as I am typing Allison is heading to Chicago. She finishes her internship at Cinci Children's in May, so she is look for a place to do her fellowship. She has an interview tomorrow morning at Rush/downtown so I will get to see her tonight! She will head back to Cinci after the interview tomorrow morning. I know short in and out, but I will take it.................. She has fifteen more interviews set and four offers already, so let's not get too excited about the possibility of her ending up here at Rush.................but who knows, right?? Mom's can dream! Not really I truly want her to find the best match for her she has worked hard for this. She needs to go where she will be happy.
A few reminders -- Thursday is Hot dog lunch for the school BUT do not order if you have an 8th grader we will be gone. A few of you have, I will return the money to you tomorrow. The 8th graders will be on retreat Thursday at Our Lady of Hope, and lunch is included. The students can wear casual but appropriate clothing. Jeans and sweats are fine. The retreat will take up the school day, the students will not be attending any classes on Thursday. If your child has already made their Confirmation they still are invited to attend the retreat. Some students have not yet turned in their permission slips.... I do need those. No student will be allowed to attend without a permission slip. Sorry parents there are no chaperones invited on this trip!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 14, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today was a sunny day! It was great to be back at MSW.
The 7th grade science class worked on the parts of a microscope and their function. They are working on a packet that will help them understand how to use a microscope and how it works. They will have a test on the parts of a microscope where they need to label the parts, a matching section where they need to match up the name of the part to the function, an essay on the development/history of the microscope, and a few question on magnification and resolution. We will finish the packet tomorrow in class so they can begin to prepare.
The 8th graders got a review sheet on the relationship between temperature, volume and pressure. We went over it today. I typed the review sheet up for them so they would all have accurate information to study from. The test is only from the one page typed sheet I gave them today. They do need to know and understand that material. We have gone over it in class in their workbooks, in lectures and in experiments. I am expecting to have some super grades! The students were working on a graphing worksheet at the end of class they may have that to finish for homework.
In religion the students worked on a worksheet that is due tomorrow. Many said that they were already done, but some may have to finish for homework.
Take care and have a great night, hang in there at 3:00 tomorrow we begin a three day weekend.............. Yipee, maybe I can finally get my Xmas decorations put away! Mrs. Z
Jan. 13, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am very sorry, I did not write yesterday and I did not attend school today. I hate to miss school.
Yesterday I went straight from school to a wake and came home too late and tired too write. Today, I went to a funeral and spent the day trying to support the broken family of a very good friend.
When Allison went to MSW, I met some wonderful parents of her classmates. That was one of the parts of MSW that I liked so much. Our friendship grew as our children graduated MSW, and continued as we sent them off to high school, college and beyond.
Today one of my friends (from that group) buried her second sister. She went from having two sisters to being an only child. This morning as I watched my friend and her parents stand by the casket it was beyond sad. Burying the first sister was sad, but more suffering and another loss, was more than they could handle. Over the last 20 years I got very close with her entire family. There were many times today my mind searched for happiness in the midst of the suffering I was surrounded by and my thoughts went to your children and the joy I experience every day at MSW. I wished I could have escaped the sadness and been at school, but at the same time I was so appreciative that I have a principal that understood how important it was that I be there with my friend and her family. I say it all the time, the greatest gift my parents gave me in life was my baptism into the Catholic Church. In my happiest moments and in times like today it is that faith that pulls me through and helps me give strength to help those around me when they are suffering so much.
I will be back in school tomorrow, and look forward to seeing the kids.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 11, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today the 7th graders got papers back and learned about resolution. They also learned the difference between a light microscope and an electron microscope. They may be a little spooked out over the huge picture of a dust mite in their book. I tried telling them how the dust mites are microscopic in reality, so tiny they are not visible to the naked eye, but they could not get the picture out of their mind. They did not get any homework tonight.
The 8th graders worked more on graphing. We also went over all of the labs we did last week. As I was correcting their homework some grades were a little disappointing. So they did get another graphing homework assignment. I hope they took time doing it and used some effort.... I love to see all 100%! It is hard at times to keep the 8th graders motivated, but there is still a lot I want to accomplish. The more they learn from me the easier it will be in high school. Please encourage your child to do their best everyday. The idea is not to get their homework done, it is to get it done well.
I did not teach the 8th graders religion today they had Spanish.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 7, 2016
Dear Parents,
I am very sorry to say tonight's note will be very short. A very good friend of mine who already lost one sister to cancer is going to lose another tonight. I want to get this out and head over to Lutheran General to be with the family. I know you will all understand.
The 8th graders come out of uniform tomorrow in whatever they want to wear. We will be having science outside, because the experiment involves snow. They should wear boots and have gloves for sure.... if your child does not have boots please do not buy them, just send two pairs of shoes so they can change if they need to. The 8th graders learned about graphing today and how to include the manipulated and responding variable from an experiment correctly in their graph. They have a homework assignment. The 7th graders did an experiment with water today! Yipee for 7th grade, because they have not done an experiment in a long time. I think they enjoyed it and learned through the hands on experience. They did not get homework.
In 8th grade religion the students learned that the Holy Spirit would fill them with what they need to become the best version of themselves. We also discussed how the Holy Spirit will give them strength in their darkest hours. They do have a worksheet that is due tomorrow. I passed it out to them on Wednesday.
I hope you all have a great night and I am sorry that I am rushing. I do not know what the night will bring, and I am really hoping to be in school tomorrow.
Take care, Mrs. Z
Jan. 6, 2016
Dear Parents,
Today flew by. We started with a great assembly lead by the 6th grade. Ask your child what we are doing in Feb. at lunch.............it is big, exciting and makes me very happy!!!!
I did not see the 7th graders today they had Spanish. They have a worksheet due tomorrow.
In 8th grade science I flipped things a little. They did an experiment that related to Boyle's law and on Friday they will do the on related to Charle's Law. I made the switch because the students need to go outside in the snow in order to do the experiment and I thought I should give a heads up so they could bundle a little better.... I know many 8th graders do not wear gloves etc. and they need to have them for the experiment. So Friday will be out of uniform for the 8th grade and they should wear/bring a hat and gloves/and boots.... I will remind them all tomorrow! The 8th graders had a lab write up to finish tonight.
In 8th grade Religion the students watched a video that explained that the power of Grace will fill them at Confirmation to help them make good choices as they move on in life.
Just a few reminders. Some students should come out of uniform in their basketball attire. Mrs. Due made the announcement today. Also tomorrow is pizza lunch.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 5, 2016
Dear Parents,
Another great day, although everyone was tired!
In 7th grade science the students learned about the microscope and the cell theory. The cell theory has three points one is cells come from other cells. It takes cells to get cells. Cells reproduce themselves. See if you child can memorize that one concept. Another idea is see if they can define the word magnification. These are key elements for the chapter and understanding of the material as we move through the chapter. The students did get a worksheet that is due on Wednesday.
In 8th grade science the students continued to learn more physics as we discussed Charle's and Boyle's Laws. Tomorrow we will do a test that demonstrates Charles Law. Also we covered material on graphs that vary inversely and are directly proportional. These are key concepts that will be on their next test. They also got a worksheet that is due tomorrow.
Fr. Tim taught religion today and the topic was icons. The students will be doing an icon project in Art. Confirmation is getting very close. Please turn in the retreat permission slip.
Take care and Have a great night, Mrs. Z
Jan. 4, 2016
Dear Parents,
WELCOME BACK
I hope you all had a Blessed Christmas, a wonderful break and that 2016 is a happy and healthy one for you and your families.
Wow, what a great break, Christmas, New Year's and First Day Back!!!! All good!!! All even better then good...........all really, really special. The only piece that is sad, is the year is flying by. My plan is to make the most of every minute.....
Thanks to all of you who donated to the teachers Christmas fund and for the gifts that your children gave me. I was very touched and sent thank you notes..., you may get them tomorrow. I really am grateful that I have a job at MSW. There is no other school I would teach at. The MSW school families make the school what it is and i am proud to be part of that.
I corrected the shields and the shield packet. I wrote back to the students on the packet and on the shield rubric. I tried not to write on their shields because they may want to save them. They were extremely well done. I was very impressed with the eye appeal and the content. Super job! I entered the students grade on their shield twice, because it was obvious how much time, effort and thought they put into their shield. This pulled up many students grades. The shields are hanging in the hall, I hope you get a chance to see them during Catholic School's Week. They will hang up in the hall with the Bishop letters until after Confirmation.
I corrected the 7th and 8th grade science tests and passed them back. All of the students need to get those signed and return them to me. They should be back tomorrow.
The 8th grade did not have Religion today, due to Spanish.
The 7th graders started learning about cells, their structure and function and the invention of the microscope. They will be making a microscope in class later this week or early next week.
The 8th graders started learning about the relationship between volume, temperature and pressure. This is a physics section. They seem to be catching on. This is a short section so the test comes around quickly.... I will keep you posted.
No homework was given today.
Just some reminders..... Pizza lunch is Thursday, forms due Wednesday, out of uniform on Friday the students can wear Spirit wear, Catholic Identity shirts for Wednesday, and this weekend is the high school entrance exam.
Just one last shout out for the 8th grade girls going undefeated all year!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that is a wow, wow, wowzer! So glad I was able to run over to Loyola to see the victory! And I know the 7th grade did great this season too, I will highlight you more next year.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
The 7th grade
December 16, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today I did not see the 7th graders they had Spanish.
I did not teach the 8th grade religion we went to the all school Christmas event!
In 8th grade science the students took a test. It was a short class today because it was a Wednesday, but it was the only day I could fit the test in. Several students came during lunch to finish. If anyone wants more time they can have it tomorrow. I know a few of the students were rushed, but most had no problem getting it done in the thirty minutes.
We started the day with a Faith Partner activity and at that the 8th graders gave their Faith Partner a necklace they made for them during Religion this week. It was very touching to see how excited the second graders were with their gift. Nice job 8th grade.
Thank you all for supporting all of the different things we have done this trimester in helping the less fortunate. We have all been blessed with so much it makes me feel good to be part of a community that is so concerned with the needs of others and so very generous.
I enjoyed the Christmas all school event at the end of the day. That is the first time we held an event like that and I was pleased and shocked at all of the parents/grandparents/alums etc that came to see it. Wow.....................that really says a lot about your love and attention for your child. I felt bad it was very hard to see all of the 8th graders when they were on stage. I was told they knew what to do, and I did not want to step on any toes..
Some news..... Allison (my daughter) is doing her internship at Cincinnati Children's hospital. She is so low on the totem pole that I did not think I would see her for the holidays...................... When she called tonight I was sort of afraid to answer the phone. I knew I could handle her not coming in, but I was not sure she would be happy about spending Christmas alone................ Every year since my mother died I have had Christmas, and I could not tell my Dad I wasn't having it.... When she could not come home for Thanksgiving we went there, but I knew I couldn't do that again. Well after the fourth ring I swallowed hard and picked up the phone, I heard her voice shaking and I thought oh no here it comes..................but then she said Mom, I'll be home for Christmas! (With tears in my eyes) I replied that is the best gift you could give the family. I guess I am sharing this with you because I want you all to have that feeling over the holiday too. Please enjoy this very special time in our Faith with all those you love. Rest, enjoy, eat, give to others and make a million beautiful memories. I will miss all of the MSW students who so beautifully fill my life, but the break and family time will be good for all of us.
A special note to the 8th grade parents................... When the students come back things start to move slowly at first, then the pace picks up and it is one event after the next. Enjoy this very special part of your child's life starting with their last MSW Catholic School's Week and moving quickly into their Confirmation.
Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas and a healthy 2016 to all of you and your families.
Tomorrow is chicken nugget lunch and of course I will take late orders.
The Kids Who Care only are out of uniform. They are singing at lunch and can wear fun holiday clothes, but when they go to Church they need to take off elf hats etc!
I have to close here because tomorrow is Christmas Science and I have to get ready for it. It is one of my favorite days of the year!
Take care, and more MUCH more to come in 2016! Mrs. Z
December 15, 2015
Dear Parents,
Wow, ten days til Christmas. I don't know about you, but my list of jobs keeps growing just as fast as the clock keeps ticking.
Today the 7th graders took their test. I am sorry, but I will not be able to correct those papers tonight. The entire test is in an essay format. The 7th graders did not get homework tonight.
The 8th graders signed their Bishop Letters, got measured for their graduation caps/gowns, Confirmation gowns, wrote a quick thank you message to Fr. Tim, got their beaded necklace ready for their faith partner and guardian angel, and took their Aspire practice test. They have a science test tomorrow morning.
I am very excited because tomorrow the school is doing a special Xmas music presentation. The students come out of uniform in nice clothes, holiday colors! Also Thursday is a chicken nugget KWC lunch.
I better run still lots to get done!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
December 14, 2015
Dear Parents,
I had a very short time today with the 7th graders due to the pig race from the magazine drive, but we made the most of the time we did have. I decided that since it was a short class and spirits are getting high to make the test be open note. I hope that helps! They will have a test on bacteria and viruses tomorrow using their notes only on their notes. I hope they spend some time preparing tonight.
I reviewed the science material for the 8th graders for their test on Wednesday. They all know what to expect, which is great. They do need to study for this and they all have a study guide that I went over in class. I hope they all do well. They have a religion assignment due tomorrow.
The 8th grade did not have religion today because they had Spanish.
The 8th graders will be taking the pretest for the Aspire Test tomorrow in the computer lab. We went over test taking tips today also in science to help prepare them. The 7th graders took it last week and I do not have all the results yet, but what I have seen is very encouraging.
Congratulations to the 8th grade girls who are still undefeated in basketball. Nice job and great coaching Mr. Kons!
On a happy or sad note...............the 8th graders will be getting measured for their caps and gowns tomorrow........................the beginning of the end!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
December 10, 2015
Dear Parents,
This has been a long week with a lot of extras and tonight is no exception. I am writing quickly because I want to get to the band concert. I love to hear our students perform.
Today the 7th graders took an open note quiz. We will go over that on Monday and they may need to add some things to their notes that they did not write the first time. Then they can prepare for the test on Tuesday.
I know that I divide this up into paragraphs for 7th and 8th grade, but all parents should read the paragraph below. This information will help the 7th grade parents know about tomorrow and the 8th grade parents know what is coming next week.
The 7th graders are taking a computer test tomorrow during class. It is the practice for the science portion of the Apsire test. The real test will be given in spring. All Chicago Catholic Schools are changing from Terra Nova to the Aspire Test. I gave some general tips and pointers today. I have not seen the test, but in reading about it, I learned that the students need to be able to read, do simple math computations and answer questions from the information they are given. The students were very concerned about if the practice test scores counted. I tried to explain to them that it is a strong indication of the student they are, not the only indication by any means, but the results are very important. They should push themselves and try their very hardest to read each question, look for the answer and give the best response. The 8th graders will be taking the practice portion of the test next week. In the past the 8th graders did not take the Terra Nova, but this year they will be taking the Aspire.
The 8th graders went to hear the St. Viators Chior today, so I moved science into the afternoon.
In the afternoon the 8th grade students did experiments with a non-newtonian substance called oobleck. It is made of cornstarch and water. This sometimes acts like a solid and sometimes acts like a liquid. This goes along with their understanding of states of matter and changes in states. I know they had fun............well, at least until clean up. It is beyond...............MESSY, ask your child! We will go over the results of the experiment tomorrow and check for understanding. Then we will go over their study guide for next week's test. The study guide should be completed by tomorrow. I think when we go over the oobleck lab and the study guide things will fall into place for them nicely.
I have to run I am heading over to ND to hear the MSW band. I am running out of steam I am grateful tomorrow is Friday!
Take care, and have a great night, Mrs. Z
December 9, 2015 Dear Parents,
I just walked in the door it is 9 and I am sorry this is so late. Tonight was 8th grade basketball night and I really wanted to see the kids play.
Tomorrow the 8th grade can come out of uniform. They should wear old clothes. They will be doing a messy science lab. I left work for them to complete today in science I had to go to an offsite meeting..........Ugh, I hate to miss my time with them.
I did not have the 7th grade today because of Spanish. They do have a quiz tomorrow. I hope they looked over the material. They take notes in class which is a skill they need in high school. That piece they get, but they need to understand those notes have value. It is not just about taking the notes it is about what they do with the notes after class that really counts.
In 8th grade religion we worked on the importance of the Bible and the value in reading it. I am sure they are not too interested in reading it at this point in their lives. I get that, but the invitation is life long.
I have to run Bishop Letters still not done.
Have a great night, take care, Mrs. Z
December 8, 2015
Dear Parents,
In 7th grade we worked on the notes for the test on Tuesday. The students will have a quiz on Thursday and they can use those notes. They need to read them over though and think about the material. They will not have enough time to look up every answer if they are not familiar with their notes and the information. They need to learn that we take notes to refer to and then they need to know that information.
The 8th graders worked in their interactive workbooks covering the material on changes of states that they took notes on yesterday. If they did not complete the work it is homework.
Fr. Tim taught them religion today.
Yes, I am rushing because in one minute I have to go downtown to Ron's office Xmas party.
Thursday 8th grade can come out of uniform................OOBLECK in the afternoon!
Gotta go, take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
December 7, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today was good, but hectic because the students all went to Reconciliation which sometimes fell in the middle of my class....................Oh no!!! That's ok that is part of why we are in a Catholic school. I am glad the students had the opportunity to go during school, because for many that is the only time they go.
In 7th grade science we started creating a review sheet of the important facts on viruses. We are heading towards a quiz and test. The quiz will be Thursday and it is straight from their notes. The test will be next Tuesday. I am hoping they learn how to find information from text through this experience as well as pull together the last two short chapters.
In 8th grade science the students learned about changes of states. We covered a lot quickly and will go more into detail on it during the next few classes. They will have a test on exothermic changes, endothermic changes, states of matter, changes of states and the oobleck lab next Wednesday. We will be working on preparing for this in class. I passed out the review sheet today. I know this is a busy time and they should begin reviewing at home on their own.
i did not teach 8th grade religion, but I reminded them they have a quiz tomorrow from Fr. Tim. They have a study guide to look over. His tests are not easy, but they do come right from the study guide. I hope they all do well. I gave them a religion worksheet that is due next Tuesday on Chapter 6 in their religion book.
Tomorrow is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception so we will all be going to Mass. I have to go now, because I have many more Bishop Letters to correct and the deadline is approaching.......... I will be happy when those are in the mail.
I had planned on doing the oobleck experiment tomorrow, and having the 8th graders come out of uniform in old clothes. I put that in my newsletter last week, but when I was doing my lesson plans over the weekend I realized that Tuesday was a Church day and I did not think it was a great idea to have the students wear old clothes to Mass, so I am moving that experiment to later in the week. There are many interruptions this week and that is making it difficult for me to find a good day to do it on. It might be Thursday or Friday. I will let you know. Thank you for your understanding and patience on this.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
December 3, 2015
Dear Parents,
Not my best day...........it was good, but not my best day.
I had a cold two weeks ago, and it is back.... that alone is an issue. It just makes the day harder, and I don't want to carry on because I am grateful it is only a cold.
The 7th graders finished the section on bacteria. They will be preparing for a writing project on bacteria and viruses. This will count as a quiz score. As we prepare we will be creating the study guide for a test on the material. We are taking the Aspire Test this year as a school and the students will be graded on their writing as well as their ability to think scientifically. I want to be sure we work on all skills needed to be successful on the Aspire test. Also I think students in 7th and 8th grade should be able to compare and contrast, and explain their thoughts through writing as well as speaking.
The 8th graders took a quiz on states of matter. I am anxious to correct them and see how they are understanding this material. Then we moved into the explanation of the next lab, which is very complex, on oobleck. The lab will be next Tuesday and that will be an out of uniform, wear old clothes day for the 8th graders. The lab is messy and it may get on their clothing. Ooobleck washes right out, but I don't want you to have to do wash that night for sure.
In the afternoon I noticed an odd thing outside the Cumberland doors. A purple blown up lab glove. I knew someone had to have taken it from the lab, blown it up and that somehow it was played with to end up outside. The boy who took the glove admitted it, the boy who blew it up admitted it, and then many students were involved in playing keep it up with it, until it got caught in the wind and blew away. I respect the boys for their honesty but what they did was wrong. First there is no going through my things. I never go through students backpacks, pockets, pencil cases. Those things do not belong to me. No one should ever go through my things or another teachers things ever. The gloves were not out today they were on the shelf in the box. I know it was only a glove, but there are so many things that are so dangerous in the lab I could not just let this go. Everyone's safety is my biggest concern. The boys were punished. I talked to all of the 8th graders, and I was disappointed. I hope all the students learned from this. Please talk to your child. I hold class in the lab this year, due to the opening of a new preschool. In all the years past the lab was locked during the day. The rule is very simple I do not touch their things ever and they should not touch mine. It does not matter if it is on a shelf or in a drawer. I often have to set up labs a day early and many things will be out on the shelves, no one should touch those things. It is about safety. I will talk to the 7th graders tomorrow and I am asking all the parents to please go over this with their child. If they see someone touching something or playing with it, they should tell me or leave me a note on my desk without their name. I know the code of silence between students is very strong, but it matters of safety there is no code of silence.
I know with the Bishop Letters I have fallen behind on correcting. Those are so important, need to be so perfect and have a deadline. I was going to correct and record papers tonight, but I may go to bed, due to my cold. I do not want to miss school. I promise to get to grades as fast as I can. I know how important it is to keep up on that. I did decide though that with so much going on and such a short time before Xmas the shields would be put on hold. I will grade them over Xmas break so I can put the time into them that I feel the students have deserved. I hope you all understand.
Speaking of the Bishop letters, the students are doing the best job ever. I am pleased with their quality, grammar, interest and thoughts about their faith.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
December 2, 2015
Dear Parents,
We started off with an all school Mass.... I just love that! Wish we started that way everyday and today the singing was so beautiful I decided not to give the 8th graders a quiz on the homily..................So I asked them the question out loud and we discussed it. Merry Christmas 8th grade that was a gift!
After school I went to the store to pick up some toys and some things for Lydia's house. Tomorrow is the toy deadline and remember if you bring in a toy you can come out of uniform.............. I hope everyone can help a little on these projects. Also tomorrow is pizza lunch!
I did not see the 7th grade today..............................
The 8th graders learned a lot about force, pressure and area! You should ask your child to explain about why a ladies high heel smooshes way down in the football field at the same time a football players gym shoe does not................Amazing isn't it...no it is scientific! If they cannot explain it you, they better study because there is a quiz tomorrow.
In Religion I passed back their graded first draft of the Bishop Letter. They were pretty good for a first draft. I can tell they put some thought, time and effort into it. That is all I can ask. They started to make changes and will get to edit more tomorrow UNLESS they are helping out with the Nutcracker. If they are they need to turn it back to me in the morning tomorrow and I will correct it and get it back to them during the day so they can do their final edit tomorrow night. I want to have them all completed by Friday............... It may be a dream at this point.................but I am going to try to turn it into a reality.
MSW is an amazing school, filled with special people from the youngest to the oldest. Everyday I learn ways to be a better person by observing the people around me. I want to take one minute to explain my motivation behind going to the store to buy toys after school. This morning in the broadcast room a little second grader came down. She recently had a birthday party and got 40 new toys. She asked her mom if there was a local orphanage she could donate them too.................... All the toys!!!! She did not keep one. They are all being shipped to Su Casa to make many other people happy on Christmas morning. I was in awe of her kindness and thoughtfulness at such a young age. There are many angels among us.....................if we keep our eyes open!
Take care and have a GREAT night, Mrs. Z
December 1, 2015
Dear Parents,
Here we go and the count down is on. Everyday I get jobs done and a lot accomplished in school and every night I look at all that is left to do..................... We will get there!
The 7th graders continued learning about bacteria and have a worksheet to complete before I see them on Wednesday.
8th grade did a super job turning in their first draft of the Bishop letters. I will be looking them over tonight! They had Fr. Tim for Religion and sad to say I had to attend a meeting during the classes so I missed the session. I know it was a very meaningful class. Fr. Tim works very hard to help the students and they really enjoy their time with him.
In 8th grade science we reviewed states of matter and the 8th graders had a worksheet that is due tomorrow. They will be getting a states of matter quiz on Thursday.
I have to go read Bishop letters..............Thursday toys are due, don't forget Lydia's house and Thurs. is Pizza lunch and out of uniform.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Nov. 30, 2015
Dear Parents,
I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Allison and a great break! I count my blessings everyday and give thanks for all that I have been given. One of the greatest gifts is being able to teach at MSW the school I went to, my daughter went to and that teaches the Catholic Faith through words and actions, holds a high standard on academic excellence while remembering our focus is always on the whole child and each child's unique gifts.
Last night as I wrote the broadcast room announcements for the week I realized tomorrow is December! Usually my plate is so full I don't even have time to think about the date..........................December, Wow!! I knew it was coming but tomorrow! There is so much to get done in such a short amount of time. We will move fearlessly together making the most of every moment.
Thank you to all that came to parent teacher conferences. That seems like so long ago now. It was great to connect and discuss each child's progress, both their strengths and weaknesses. I know I could not see all of you, but for those I did not see I send a conference report home, today with your child. Spend some time looking at it tonight and please discuss your child's progress with them. It is a great time to set new goals! Those reports should be signed and returned. After you go through the information if you want to meet, just let me know.
In 7th grade science we discussed the great bread mold lab, and moved forward on the interesting life of bacteria.
I did not take 8th grade science today instead I had religion with them. They usually do not have religion on Monday due to Spanish but I flipped my classes. Right now we need to move forward on the Letter to the Bishop. We will be working on it all week in school, but I did ask that they start it tonight at home. We went over the material that needs to be included and they should be able to get some type of draft typed tonight. This is a rough copy and will be edited many times during the week. We will be using the Collins writing format as we move through on this important letter. I do not have the 8th grade for religion tomorrow because Fr. Tim comes on Tuesday. I felt that missing class on Monday and Tuesday would make it impossible to get the letters completed by the deadline. We will have Science tomorrow. Over break I started to correct the packets for the shields. They are done well. I read each one and make many comments to the students. This will take awhile to complete and then I will begin the shields. Please have patience with me on the correcting. I know the students worked very hard on these and I want to give quality feedback to each child.
Some quick reminders, Thursday is a pizza lunch/St. Boneventure, and Thursday all students can come out of uniform if they bring a toy in for Englewood. Save box tops of course. Remember to support Lydia House the service project that the Loffredo Family/Julia has brought to MSW. This is a great way for all of us to make the difference in someones life. I know we are asking a lot of the students at this time, but in religion we are always talking about giving to others and now we can put those words into action! I really hope that you have your child do their part in supporting these worthy causes. Please do not just buy the toy and ask them to turn it in. Help them to learn that it is in giving we receive.
I better run..................... Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Nov. 19, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today was a great day!
I enjoyed being with the 7th grade. We started the next section which is on bacteria. I think this content is so interesting and important for the students to learn. It is part of their daily life. I hope they are all working on their mold lab. Those need to be turned in next week. They need to return the box, the bread and the lab write up.
In 8th grade the students did a lab on viscosity. It was great so many students remembered to bring in a liquid. That made the experiment more exciting. They created raceways and saw what was more or less viscous. The thicker something is like ketchup the higher the viscosity.
In 8th grade religion the students finished a sections and we moved right into the next one. It is very difficult to get all the information in before Confirmation. We need to keep moving. Today we read and discussed the poem A Solitary Man. It is so interesting to think that one man Jesus had such an everlasting impact on our world. Even today so many years later. When I think of sports figures that were household names that people don't even remember in my life. Then I think of how long ago Jesus lived and his story lives on. We also discussed the Serenity Prayers because our next section is all about prayer.
I did not give homework to anyone today. BUT EIGHTH GRADERS PLEASE WORK ON YOUR SHIELD. Tomorrow in the morning is Junior Achievement and then in the afternoon they have a regular schedule. It is not an out of uniform day. The students got their report cards today. You should look it over, sign the envelope and return it to their homeroom teacher. Take some time and talk about your child pay close attention to areas they could improve on and then give praise for the great grades. Report cards are one form of assessment. If you have signed up for a conference that will give you an even clearer picture. I am excited to see so many of you next Monday and Tuesday. Remember, you can always see me after school or before if something comes up.
I am heading out to dinner with my father, and his wife, because I will not be spending Thanksgiving with him. I am going to Cincinnati to be with Allison who is working at Cinci Children's Hospital. She does not get Friday off so I thought it would be easier for Ron and I to go there. She will be home for Christmas. I am so grateful for the family that I have been blessed with and love the time spent with each of them.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Nov. 18 Dear Parents,
This is so weird. I just saw Nov. 12, where are my other notes??????????? I guess they were not published. Well, that is sad because I did write. Oh well, I am very sorry about that and I will check after I publish to be sure they go in the system. That has never happened before.
I did not teach the 7th grade today they had Spanish.
In 8th grade Science I explained how to do tomorrows lab. Each 8th grader needs to bring in one cup of a liquid. I hope they all remember. I am taking points off if they do not because that was their homework for tonight. This is a super great experiment, but it only is as great as their participation! I hope they remember.
In 8th grade Religion we talked about the unconditional, selfless love called agape. That is the love that God has for each of us, and as I told the students that you have for your child. They will understand and believe that someday when they have children of their own. We also discussed how important it is for all of us to love on another. We may not like an action, but that does not mean we do not care for and love the person. Imagine if for one day everyone on earth lived out that love....................
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Nov. 12, 2015 Dear Parents,
Wow, did the additional wind add to the chill factor!!! No more flips for me til April.
I had a great night with Allison and her Phd friends. It is so interesting to listen to them as they were preparing for the big Psychology Conference in Chicago. And it is a super treat for Allison that it is here!
Today the 7th graders began learning and understanding about a virus. The chapter starts with some pretty intense examples like a dog that has rabies. Lots of great learning going on in 7th grade.
In 8th grade we reviewed the entire chapter on chemical and physical changes. I know many students were on a shadow day. I will go over the material with them on Monday at lunch so they are not behind.
In 8th grade religion we discussed the foundation of our Faith and they do have a test tomorrow. They should all study tonight. It is only on the definitions from the last chapter. The words and the definitions are part of the crossword puzzle on page 55. I hope they all get 100 tomorrow! It is only 13 questions!
Nacho lunch went well today. A huge thank you to Kids Who Care who work so hard to make the magic happen. And a shout out to Joey Urbanczyk the only 8th grade boy who has stepped up to join the club.
Tomorrow is the final day of the first trimester. I am amazed that it is over already. Two more for 8th grade. The end is coming quickly. I looked at my conference schedule form and the slots are filling up quickly. I hope any parent who wants to see me is able to get a time. Let me know if you are having a problem.
I helped a few students after school, so I got a late start on my errands. I was heading home and decided to catch the end of the 8th grade boys basketball game. The boys played so hard.................and they were right there! You will get them next time! Super effort by the entire team.
Take care and stay warm, Mrs. Z
Nov. 11, 2015 Dear Parents,
Swamped no news letter tonight. Get all info from your child. Allison is on her way home. She is speaking at a convention in Chicago and I am lucky to get to spend a few hours with her. I am sorry, but I am sure you understand. Thanks, Mrs. Z
Nov. 10, 2015
Dear Parents,
What a great but busy day.
The 7th graders worked on the review and test prep assessments. We go over this material together. It helps prepare them for standardized testing.
The 8th graders did a lab with liver. The exciting part of the lab was working with wood splints and watching them magically relight when exposed to extra oxygen created by hydrogen peroxide. I think they were amazed!
Fr. Tim taught religion today.
After school 22 of the 8th graders went to the Fenwick science competition. It was great to have such a strong team. They did not place, the competition is fierce. There were over 600 students participating. It was a great experience for all of them, and I hope they had fun!
Tomorrow is wear red, white and blue. The students should dress nicely to show their respect for Veterans.
I had a meeting after the Science Competition and I am just getting home it is 9:15 so I am ending here.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Nov. 9, 2015 Dear Parents,
What a great day except I missed all the Loyola shadow students.... Tomorrow will even be better when they are back.
The 7th grade took notes on the section about evolution and Charles Darwin and they do have a worksheet for homework. I am excited to be moving on into the chapter on fungi!
The 8th graders did an experiment that demonstrated an exothermic reaction and a chemical change. The proof of the exothermic reaction was the temperature rose and the proof of the chemical reaction was the creation of a new substance which was rust. So you can talk to your child about that and see if they understood or learned what was going on. I hope they got it! Tomorrow is an amazing lab and I cannot wait! I saved it because so many students were gone today......................... I am not sure that I will be able to sleep, but I will tell you that I am running out to get liver. Yep, liver for the experiment! I just love, love, love science.
I did not teach religion today because the 8th graders had Spanish, but please get going on the Shield. I told you it is a big assignment and it counts for a lot of their next trimester grade. It is really not about the grade though, it is about the learning that can take place as they pull all they key elements in Confirmation preparation together. I do not care if you help them and you do it together. What a great way for you and your child to talk about the important parts of our Faith. When do you get a chance to do that?
Just a few reminders.............Nacho lunch this Thursday, Pizza lunch next Thursday, Red, White and Blue dress up this Wednesday for Veteran's Day. And be on the alert parent teacher conferences are coming. Sign up is started or is starting soon. I am happy to meet with any or all of you, or if you have no concerns at this time you do not need to see me, but you can see me ANYDAY!
I better run, take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Nov. 4, 2015 Dear Parents,
Today was a great day. I really enjoyed the Saints Mass put on by the third grade. I love the feeling I get when we are all together praying in the Church.
The 8th graders took a quiz on endothermic and exothermic reactions. It also covered the material taught in our scientific graphing section.
In 8th grade religion we talked about the great gift of Hope!
I did not see the 7th graders today for science, they had Spanish.
Sorry this is so short, but I just walked in from school and I have other work to get done before tomorrow. Tonight was a Kids Who Care service project a very special thank you to all the kids that helped, and then the Confirmation meeting.
We also opened the broadcast room. The students did a great job on day 1. It is not easy making the magic happen.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
November 3, 2015 Dear Parents,
Not sure why but the 7th grade was 100 percent better today...................... Yippppeee!! We started the next section on evolution and its relationship to classification. No homework was given today.
The 8th graders did an experiment with sour candy like what is inside a Pixie Stick, and one using chalk. It was so interesting to me being a life long Catholic school student, and then teacher that last night I had to go out and buy white chalk. There was not one piece in the building. I guess "the times, they are a changing". The students were looking for endothermic and exothermic reactions and chemical and physical changes. Tomorrow they have a short quiz on endothermic and exothermic reactions and graphing with two sets of information. I hope they all do well.
Tomorrow is the Saints Mass and the first day of the broadcast room.
Tomorrow night is Load the Truck for Julia Center. All Kids Who Care were invited and got a form with information to give to you.
Tomorrow night is also the sponsor Confirmation meeting. Students need to go with their sponsor and if their sponsor is unable to attend a parent may attend. I think the girls have a basket ball game, but I have been assured that the meeting will end in plenty of time for them to make their game. I will be at the meeting so I may just go to the game................
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
November 2, 2015
Dear Parents,
What a great day, it felt like spring again and I am so grateful for the extra hour we had over the weekend.
The 7th graders worked on starting their big bread lab. Please help them remember to look at it everyday, even on the weekend. It should take them about five minutes a night to complete their study of their bread and fill out the lab sheet. It is important for them to see that labs take time and that continual data is important. Thank you for your help on this project. Sad to say................the 7th graders were a bit chatty today and we did not accomplish all I had planned. I am hoping for a more focused day tomorrow. I am not sure what happened, this was the first time I struggled getting them focused. It was both classes................ugh!
The 8th graders learned about scientific graphing and the skills it takes to merge two sets of data to one graph. They will be having a quiz on the material taught today on Wednesday.
I did not teach the 8th grade Religion today because they had Spanish, but instead I took a group of students and helped them get ready for the opening day of the broadcast room. If all goes as planned the first live morning announcements from the broadcast room will be on Wednesday. I am very excited to get that up and running.
Sad to say Room 122 did not win in the Box Top World Series, but we did great! We did better then my homeroom has ever done, and that in part is thanks to you! It was a great effort and I truly appreciated coming so close! The Box Tops do help raise money for our school.
If you have any extra Halloween Candy please send it to school. We will be bringing it to Dr. DiFranco who will be sending it to the soldiers as part of Operation Gratitude. We appreciate his support on this. Shipping the candy is a very pricey venture!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
29, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today the 7th graders took their open note test. I will grade them over the weekend and put scores online if you want to see how they did. I am hoping for great grades across the board!!!!
The 8th graders did the second part to their endothermic-exothermic lab. On Monday we will be learning how to pull all of the results together on a graph. This is very important material and they will have a quiz using what they have learned.
We did not have 8th grade religion today. Instead the 8th graders helped their Faith Partner carve a pumpkin. We get to do this very special activity because it is a very holy year for both grades. We are getting Confirmed and they are making their First Holy Communion, and receiving Reconciliation for the first time. We also share in May Crowning together. This has been the tradition for many years. I think both the little ones and the 8th graders really enjoyed it.
Mac and Cheese was a big success. Thank you to all who supported it!
The Pink Hair line lasted until 4:30 and we made over one thousand dollars!!!! Great job MSW I know it will help to fight for the cure.
Tomorrow the students can wear Halloween Costumes, but they need to be appropriate, no masks or weapons. You should talk to your child about passing out candy, I know in my homeroom it will be allowed. Each child should follow their homeroom teachers plans on that. Also as a treat we will be seeing many of our MSW students in a very cute Halloween play. When I was leaving school I watched one act......................AMAZING simply AMAZING! I hope they all break a leg. The show will also be at 7 pm. I plan on going to that for sure!
I have a big science meeting tomorrow, but..................I will be teaching my morning classes for sure because it is Halloween Science. I have some work to do to prepare so I better end here.
No homework was given in any of my classes. I remember how hectic it was getting costumes together.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 28, 2015 Dear Parents, Tomorrow is Mac and Cheese, 8th Grade Pumpkin Carving and Pink Hair Extensions for Breast Cancer. Friday is Halloween Science, a Science Meeting and Halloween Celebrations. I am very sorry. I am swamped. I will try to write tomorrow night. Thanks for understanding. Mrs. Z
October 27, 2015 Dear Parents,
Today sped by. I just walked in from school and running errands and it is already 7:30.
I went over the material for the test for 7th grade. They have a worksheet that is due on Thursday for homework. I think they will be ready for their open note test on Thursday.
In 8th grade we talked about thermal energy, temperature, endothermic reactions, exothermic reactions and the Law of Conservation of Mass. That is a lot of heavy material, but we will be doing some hands on labs which will help them understand those concepts.
In religion we talked about how hard it is to make the right choice and how much more complex the choices become as they get older. I think the new series we are using presents the material in a much more interesting way. Also, there is much more dialogue and much less writing which I think the students like. I hope your child has shown you the packet on the shield. The shield is due the last day of school before Thanksgiving. It is a very big project and takes a lot of time. I will not be giving much Religion homework during this time so they can work on their shield.
All of the Fenwick letters are due tomorrow. If you don't know what this is and you are an 8th grade parent you need to ask your child.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 23, 2015
Dear Parents,
Wow, Halloween, every science teachers favorite day is coming and I am brewing up one special class...............I don't know if I can wait!
Today in 7th grade science we reviewed all of the material and started preparing for a open note test. They can use their notes and they can use a guide sheet that has a chart on it. The test will be Thursday. I usually give much more time for the students to prepare, but since there is no memorizing involved they don't need as much time to get ready. The pieces I am evaluating in this test are first do they have the information and secondly can they process it. I am hoping for great results!
Today in 8th grade science it was very hard to move forward with so many students shadowing. We did a few enrichment topics and then they explored some special hands on material that I don't have enough of to keep the whole class engaged.
I did not teach Religion today the students had Science.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for turning in box tops today. I don't think we have a chance competing with the little ones................but for sure this has been the best effort ever made by an 8th grade homeroom! I do appreciate it and maybe we will win.
Today I passed out a sheet to all 7th and 8th graders about volunteering to help for service hours. That form needs to be signed and returned if you child wants to participate.
Today I passed out an invitation to all 8th graders! It is for a science competition at Fenwick High School. No one has to go, but the entire class is invited. That form needs to come back if your child is participating and if your child is not participating. That way I know all of the parents have considered this exciting opportunity. I will say it is very steep competition, but a great experience for all. I can take 20 students, so it will be the first 20 to sign up. The preparation for the competition is guided by me, but done at home. Those forms will be due on Wednesday and returning that form will count as a homework assignment.
I hope to see all the 7th graders and 8th graders tomorrow..................All you shadowers I missed you!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 22, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today the 7th grade went on a field trip and the one class that I was going to teach had a bus evacuation drill during science. We will move forward together tomorrow. I hope they had a great day today.
The 8th graders worked on chemical and physical changes, and they have a quiz on that tomorrow. They also started learning and understanding the Law of Conservation of Mass and endothermic and exothermic reactions.
In Religion today the students all got a very important packet that explains the Confirmation shield. I went through and explained all of it and passed around samples for the students to look at. It will be due the day before they get out for Thanksgiving. If your child is having a hard time with the project tell them to see me for help. It is a very large and involved project so they should not save it until the last day. If your child cannot find one or two pieces of information needed ie date for birth of saint, or cause of death of saint, they should just write in their packet I could not find that information. I know this is a lot, but they have gotten very little religion homework all year!
I have to go because I need to practice the Friday Finale.............tomorrow should be a big day!
I hope you all have a great night, Go HAWKS............. Mrs. Z
October 21, 2015
Dear Parents,
This does not happen often, but you will have to get the news from your child today.........I am sorry, but it is my Dad's birthday and that trumps everything............. A few 8th graders had a card to finish for homework and no one else has homework. I am trying to make it to the basketball games tonight, hopefully I will be back. Go Cubs and I promise I will fill you all in with more news tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 20, 2015 Dear Parents,
What a great day!
The 7th graders are starting to understand the difference between a kingdom and domain and what kingdoms and domains there are. This is very exciting to see so much learning all coming together. They are getting the meaning behind eukaryote, prokaryote, unicellular, multicellular, autotroph and heterotroph! I am very pleased with their effort and progress. No homework was given tonight in 7th grade.
The 8th graders worked on identifying chemical and physical changes. We went over many in class and talked about what makes something a chemical change vs a physical change. They did have a short homework assignment tonight. Check your child for understanding ask them if cutting wood is chemical or physical, then ask them if exploding fire works is chemical or physical. Now for the money ask them to explain WHY!
Father Tim taught the students Religion today. They took a short quiz and then he explained that in life they may be exposed to different occult practices and what our Church teaches about those practices.
Please keep Fr. Tim and his family in your prayers. I got an email from him tonight and he told me he is now in Champaign because his father had a stroke. We will be praying in school.
I have to run because tonight it is all about the CUBS!!!!! Go Cubs Go........
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 19, 2105
Dear Parents,
Wow, already almost the end of Oct. The days are flying but.........but I am so happy with the warm front heading our way! Now we just need a win from the Cubs!!!
This will be short tonight because I want to get back to MSW to attend the High School Night. I hope many of you are going.............Many high schools represented.
Today the 7th graders started their kingdom chart in the hallway. It is going to be the best ever. Their diagrams are amazing! We will use that as we proceed through the chapters. They began to understand what the characteristics are of organisms in the bacteria, and archaea domains. They did get a short worksheet for homework. If you want a good topic to discuss at dinner tonight ask them to explain why it is so important to finish taking their antibiotics? Also have them tell you where archaea are found!
The 8th graders got their tests back. The grades overall were good. Some were amazing, and some students need to spend more time studying or see me at lunch for extra help. I think many lost focus due to DC, but they need to buckle down now! We are moving into the next chapter. We started today with physical and chemical changes. The 8th grade did not get homework tonight.
I did not teach 8th grade Religion today the students had Spanish.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 15, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today was a rough day. I am fighting a cold and there is so much to do.... no time to be sick. But no complaining I am so grateful it is only a cold and I am sure I will be back in action on Monday.
The 7th graders worked on understanding more about the classification of the Kingdoms of Life and binomial nomenclature. Tomorrow we will do a Friday Finale and create our wall chart in the hall.
The 8th graders took a test in science. I was looking them over, but did not correct them yet. I will get to that I hope on Saturday.
The 8th graders continued on our secret project during Religion.
Tomorrow students who have 5K shirts can wear them and come out of uniform.
The 8th graders are going to meet at Maine South at 7:30 for MAP testing. I will meet them there to walk them back to MSW with other faculty. Many parents have had concerns over the students walking back to MSW with their backpacks. If this bothers you I think it is ok to drop them off at 8 or at 11:30 at MSW so your child does not have to carry them. The students need pencils and calculators. I wish them the best! 8th grade is a busy year.
Today progress reports were passed out. They need to be signed and returned to your child's homeroom teacher. I hope all parents encourage their child to do their best everyday, make the most use of their time in school and please have your child see me for extra help if they are confused. I offer help at lunch and after school.
I really enjoyed watching the two boys basketball teams play last night. They have a lot of talent........................Wow.. Two strong teams! I am expecting many wins! I know they can do it and thanks to the coaches for the help and support. I have to end here because I want to see the 8th grade girls play in their first game also. I cannot wait to see the cheerleaders I know they are very excited too!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 14, 2015 Dear Parents,
It was great seeing so many of you at the Confirmation meeting last night. I know how hard it is to fit one more thing in your day.
What a great day starting with 8:40 Mass together as a whole school. Fr. James did a great job helping the students see that it is what is on the inside that counts. Ask your child about the smooshy pumpkin!
The 8th graders worked on density problems as a review for tomorrows test. I know the boys have basketball tonight and some of the students were at ND shadowing today....But I moved the test from last week to this due to the Championship soccer game/DC/and other tests. I can not push it out any further. We reviewed together on Tuesday and I hope they do a great job tomorrow.
Speaking of basketball I hope to get to MSW tonight to watch the games.... both 8th grade teams are playing. Good luck to all of the boys!
I did not have 7th grade today, but they do have an assignment due tomorrow. They need to finish their picture/diagram of an organism.
In 8th grade religion we worked on a special project that is a secret.... I will let you in on it in a few days. They did not get homework.
I am thrilled with the success of the Cubs and hope it continues.....
Take care and have a great night! Mrs. Z
October 13, 2015 Dear Parents,
I am back from DC! What a great trip. The kids were really good and the chaperones were amazing. When you see one of them please thank them, it is a hard, but very fun trip. I have been there so many times, yet each time I take home new memories and gain so much information on our great country.
I was so happy to be back at MSW with the 7th graders! They picked up right we left off learning about the kingdoms of life. They all have a picture of an organism they are drawing for our class kingdoms of Life wall diagram. If they finished it while I was gone they have no homework and will not be getting any for the rest of the week.
The 8th graders had a review again for the test which was scheduled for last week that I moved because of the Soccer Championship. It will be this Thursday. They only have studying to do for homework.
Fr. Tim taught Religion today. He gave them a study guide for a test which will be next Tuesday. His tests count in their religion grade.
Tonight is the Confirmation meeting from 7-8:15. One parent and each student who is getting Confirmed should attend. I will be there.....................if I am still awake!
Just a reminder this Thursday is Pizza Lunch!
Mr. Potempa announced today that the 8th graders can wear their graduation sweat shirt all week because they were so good in DC and every Friday for the rest of the year!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 7, 2015 Dear Parents,
What a beautiful Grandparent's Day. Grandparents truly are a blessing in our lives and I am so glad that MSW celebrates them with such honor and respect.
The 8th graders were flawless today. Every single one of them. I was grateful for all of the early morning help and their willingness to pitch in and do whatever needed to get done. They did an amazing job on their Grandparent's Day tribute song! The Mass was absolutely beautiful................ I remember these same students as three year old's and that just seems like yesterday!
A little plug for the 7th graders............ they did a super job greeting and getting the Grandparent's from one place to another.
I have to say a huge thank you to Mrs. Nemetz who appeared out of no where unasked and was willing to do anything to help. It was not just her kindness that I appreciated it was her skill and patience also!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to our cooking team! Mr. Kons was not able to come, but he sent an experienced replacement, Mr. Nedza and Mr. Ciprian were flipping pancakes from the wee hours in the morning to get the job done.........And Mr. Michi worked all night and came straight from work to join the kitchen crew! Thank you, thank you, thank you because truly you made the breakfast possible.......see you next year, (I hope!)
I have to run and get my stuff together it is getting late.
I am excited and proud to be traveling with this group to DC! I know many memories will be made! Parents beware the students come home hungry and tired. They really are looking for a home cooked dinner after a few days of making their own meal choices....not to mention the hotel snacking they do!
Have a great night and take care, Mrs. Z
October 6, 2015 Dear Parents,
I was totally and completely amazed and in awe of the 8th grade students who stayed after school today. It is an unbelievable amount of work to get Grandparent's Day together but...................with the team of 8th graders we had they far surpassed my expectations. Anyone who knows me knows I can have fun and love it, but when there is work to be done, I want it done and done well. I am very grateful for the help of those students and I know the team that comes early tomorrow will work just as hard. This is a very special 8th grade class and I am thrilled to be their teacher.
8th grade parents tomorrow is a very special day. Your child will be taking another step in their commitment to their Faith and to leadership in the school. I hope to see you all at Church, the ceremony will be beautiful. I hope there are many grandparents able to attend the breakfast. After the Mass there will be a short photo op for you in the Church. The 8th graders will be serving the breakfast and performing a short song before Church. In the afternoon we will handle last minute DC details. My cell phone number is 8473083480 feel free to contact me if you have any concerns while we are in DC. The students will get their hoodie/noodie tomorrow and they need to bring it on the trip for the class photo we take on the trip.
I taught the 7th grade today. We worked on classification of living things and I explained what they should work on while I am gone. I am very sad that I will not have them tomorrow due to Spanish, Thursday and Friday because I will be gone, and Monday because there will be no school. I look forward to seeing them again next Tuesday. They will not have homework in my absence, but they will be moving forward in Science.
The 8th graders did not get homework tonight in Science or Religion.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 5, 2015
Dear Parents,
This will be short. It is late. I just got home from the Championship Soccer Game and no surprise MSW won! Super game played by all. Congrats!
The 7th grade got their tests back today. They were good. They need to get those signed and turn them in tomorrow. They are starting the next section on classification of living things. They did not get homework.
The 8th grade test was moved, due to the soccer game and the students have many other tests and quizzes. They will take it after DC. I hope this helps them. The 8th grade did not get homework tonight.
I did not teach the 8th grade Religion today they had Spanish.
I am asking that the 8th graders stay after school tomorrow to help set up for Grandparent's Day or come early on Wed. morning. This is a big undertaking, but it is also a lot of fun.
Take care, Have a great night, Mrs. Z
October 1, 2015 Dear Parents,
The 8th grade did not have science today because they had a DC meeting. During that meeting Mr. Potempa, Mrs. Due and myself went through our expectation of the students on the trip. I think the meeting went well. The students have a form that you need to read and sign. Please have your child return that to me as soon as possible. I think there are some key things to discuss with your child. First this is an EDUCATIONAL trip. This is not a vacation. They are a large class and this is a big responsibility on the chaperones and for me and Mr. Potempa. That said I want this to be a safe trip, great experience, a bonding opportunity, filled with great memories, fun times and learning.
7th grade science was great! I passed out many graded papers and explained some concepts to help prepare them for the test tomorrow. I think it really helped to clear some things up. The 8th graders had a sub for religion I was called into an important meeting.
No homework except studying was given in my classes today.
I hope the kids win their soccer game, it is not that I do not care..........I do this is just a very busy time with Grandparent's Day and the DC trip. I am sure you all understand. I will be at the Championship game and I am sure the MSW team will be playing.
Tomorrow the students can wear their light the night t-shirts. Thank you for supporting this fund raiser. I saw the t-shirts and thought they were a pretty cool color. I know the 8th grade was not happy with their t-shirt color for Catholic Identity... I am sorry! I have no say in that and I know the committee works very hard on that.............so we will make the best of it! Speaking of t-shirts. The 8th grade sweatshirt/hoodie/noodie will be in soon. All 8th graders going to DC must bring that. We get a class picture taken in it...yes, it is tradition. Those will be in soon. If you see Mary Kons thank her for getting that together for the 8th graders so quickly. The amazing thing is she was able to order hoodies and noodies.............I hope all are happy, she really tried.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Sept. 30, 2015 Dear Parents,
Today I did not see the 7th graders they had Spanish. I hope they are preparing for our first test which will be Friday. That gives me one more day to answer questions and offer help. If your child is having a hard time understanding something they can see me at lunch tomorrow. They should come to me and let me know that they want to see me. This offer holds for all year.........any student............anytime unless I have a meeting or am running something for KWC.
The 8th graders did a lab changing the density of water. Then I gave them the directions for the more complicated lab that we will be doing on Friday. We were going to do it tomorrow, but we will be having an important DC meeting tomorrow morning instead. Just a heads up the 8th graders have a science test on Tuesday of next week. I helped students today at lunch, if anyone else wants extra help they should see me.
In Religion we talked about how happy you can be if you are living a life that follows God's plan for you and how sad you can be when you don't. Then we discussed the connection between happiness and holiness. I shared with them a time that I did not follow God's plan and that one time taught me a lesson that I have lived by ever since. We are human, we all make mistakes, but through it all God never leaves us orphaned.
I am very sorry to say I did not make it to the soccer game. I planned on going but I had many meetings after school and just got home. This team has so much talent I am sure they are going to end up number 1!
Please remember Room 122 still needs Boxtops!
Grandparents Day is next Wednesday and that is a huge event for 8th grade. We serve the breakfast and there is a Guardian Angel Ceremony during the Mass. I hope you go online and register!
Friday night is the 5K, I will be there and I hope to see all of you there too. Many students from my homeroom are attending. Today I asked that any student who is not attending bring a note explaining you had a previous commitment. I know how busy everyone is and understand sometimes there are other obligations.
A special invitation from me to all new students to MSW and their parents. This is a great event and opportunity for you to meet some other MSW families! Please think about joining us. If you need more information or have questions please email me.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Sept. 29, 2o15 Dear Parents,
Well, now you will not hear me talking about the weather until we get back into the 70's it is no secret........................ I love the warm weather!
In 7th grade science the students did their first lab. They did a great job! I was shocked however with how many students did not have their blow dryers. The students shared and it all worked out. The 7th graders did not get homework and I moved their test until Friday. I wanted to have one more class with them before the test. The first test gives the students the most apprehension because they do not know what to expect, so I like to be sure they are very prepared. As I said there is no written homework, but I am expecting that they are getting prepared for Friday.
In 8th grade science we went over the review sheet so everyone would have the correct information to study. The 8th graders test is Tuesday. I want to get it in before DC! They did not get homework tonight.
In 8th grade religion we reviewed the first chapter and they have a crossword puzzle to do. At the end of each chapter there is a crossword puzzle that reviews all the key information.
A reminder for my homeroom parents...........please keep those box tops coming! It helps the school and it would be great for an 8th grade homeroom to win! Thanks for your support.
I hope you all have a great night, Take care, Mrs. Z
Sept. 28, 2015 Dear Parents,
Today was a little mixed up because of Picture Day, but I think in the end it all worked out pretty good....
The 7th graders did a lab using the balance. I think they are ready for their first real lab. That will be tomorrow and it uses a balance and a hair dryer. I told the students they all had to bring in a blow dryer or a note that states they asked you and you said no they could not bring it. They will all be getting a grade on that as if it were real homework. That ensures we have enough blow dryers to conduct the experiment. It is very rare that I ask you to send something to school for science, but in this case I have to. The blow dryers will only be used for five minutes and will be sent home tomorrow. I hope this does not cause you any inconvenience, and it is ok if you say no. I did announce today the 7th grade test is going to be this Thursday. They did get a worksheet for homework tonight. It is a great test review. They will not be getting written homework on Tuesday, or Wednesday night. I hope they use that time to study.
The 8th graders worked on filling out their review sheet for their first science test. We will go over the correct answers tomorrow. They will have their test next Tuesday. The only homework the 8th graders got is to complete their review sheet if they did not finish it in class. Some students had pictures during science so they did not have as much time.
I did not teach religion today, because of Spanish but the 8th graders did get an assignment last week that is due tomorrow on Saints.
Enjoy the warm weather............I hear it is changing!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Sept. 23, 2015
Dear Parents,
Today was the most beautiful day outside........... I love this weather!
Yipee Room 122 won the box top round so we move on in the World Series... Please, please, please clip, clip, clip. It would be so fun to WIN and it helps MSW! The next round is going to be super tough..........the motivation in the lower grades is super high. How will we ever beat Ms. Chilver's Room?
No school for the students on Friday!
Check for info on Grandparent's Day online. This is a big event for the 8th graders they are serving the pancake breakfast. If your child does not have a grandparent they can invite a special guest. All are welcome. During the Mass the 8th graders and the kindergarten have their Guardian Angel ceremony. That is always beautiful!
Some reminders.........first tomorrow is nacho day we will take last minute orders...
I did not teach the 7th graders science today they had Spanish. They do have a worksheet due tomorrow.
The 8th graders went over density and reading graduated cylinders one more time today, and I am very confident they understand these concepts now. No homework was given, but I told them a quiz was brewing, and to look over the worksheet we did today.... That is a big hint!
In Religion they learned about the use of virtues and self control as they try to live out their best possible life. I did give them an assignment on researching three saints. It is due next week on Tuesday. They should be thinking about who they want as their saint in preparing for Confirmation. They all need to pick a saints name. I am hoping this assignment is the gateway into their decision, if it has not already been made.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Sept. 22, 2015 Dear Parents, I know it is late, but I have been running since school got out. This is my first chance to sit down, and I have not had dinner yet............so this will be a little shorter.
Tomorrow is an assembly so the students should wear their CI t-shirt from last year or another shirt of that color.
Thursday is nacho day!
The 7th grade class is a delight. I love getting to know them, and they are so eager to learn the material. They are doing very well. We finished the review sheet for the test so they can start looking it over. We have covered the material and recovered it. They should have a good understanding of it. Then we moved into preparation for our first really big lab. It is one of my favorites. It will be next week. The students are learning how to use a balance correctly, because we use the balances on the lab! They did get one worksheet for homework, it is due on Thursday!
The 8th graders worked again on density problems and reading a variety of graduated cylinders. They seem to be catching on. A quiz is brewing on these two topics... a hint for you not tomorrow.......but soon!
The 8th graders had Fr. Tim today in religion.
I am sorry I missed the soccer game tonight............. I will try to make the next one.
I am not sure that I will be able to sleep tonight, tomorrow at the assembly Rm. 122 finds out how we are doing on the box top world series................... Your support has been amazing! Keep it up, I love to win!
I hope you all registered for the 5K, I know it is your child's last year............but it is a fun event and I plan on being there!
Take care, Mrs. Z
Sept. 21, 2015 Dear Parents,
Just a reminder you need to sign up for the 5K today if you want the t-shirt! I am hoping my entire homeroom is at the 5K!
Another reminder...............Thursday is NACHO DAY! If your child is planning on participating please get your order in as soon as possible.
8th graders don't forget to sell your Yankee Candles because the money will help defray your graduation costs.
I had a great day on Sunday........starting with the 11 o'clock Mass at MSW. I often go with my Dad to Mass in Island Lake on Sundays but this week was special. There was a blessing for all religion teachers. I appreciated the blessing and know the Holy Spirit will help me guide your child through the Confirmation preparation.
I did not teach religion today the students had Spanish.
In 7th grade science the students did not get homework. We finished the section on the needs of life, and began to fill in the study guide for the first test. The test will not be until next week, but I want them to have time to study. We fill out the review sheet in class together so they all have the correct information to study. As we fill it in, I feel it is a great review and another chance for explanation and questions.
In 8th grade the students worked on how to read different size graduated cylinders and then we moved into density problems. Density is very important in science and it pulls together a lot of skills. We will be working on density problems in class and on homework for the next few days. Density is the relationship between the mass and the volume of an object. The 8th graders did not get homework tonight. Some students have a very hard time with this section because they struggle in math, those students should see me for small group help tomorrow at the first half of lunch. I will be offering that again in a few days.
Thanks to everyone who sent box tops to my homeroom............we should make it to the World Series! It will be announced on Wed. if we do................ we will need more!!!!!!!! Great job parents!
Take care and enjoy this beautiful weather, Mrs. Z
9-17 Thursday
Dear Parents,
Well the weather was great until I headed home from MSW. I had some meetings after school and left right as the rains were heading into Park Ridge.......... Luckily the weather held out during the school day and many science classes had the Friday Finale today because rain is predicted for tomorrow.
Things got a little mixed up because I was at a meeting for part of one of my 7th grade science classes, but I will get everyone on the same page tomorrow. We will be talking about the things needed to allow life to exist. The 7th graders did a super job of remembering to do their homework even though they did not see me yesterday.
The 8th graders had the Friday Finale because tomorrow they are doing a big lab and they will need the whole 45 minutes. The experiment is called the sludge test and they will get a cup full of a mixture. They need to use the steps in the correct order that we discussed in class to determine what is in their sludge. This is a great experiment that tests a lot of the things we have been learning since school started and it is pretty exciting for the kids. Finally.........real labs!
In 8th grade religion we continued on with the lessons about choices and the students understand that they have many gifts from God that help them make the best choice. God has given us all Free Will, but with that he has given us a conscience and the ability to reason to help us make a good choice. We discussed how one choice can change the outcome of your life and sometimes a road of many choices can create or destroy your life.
I hope you all have a great night and that the soccer team won. I hope to get to see them play again because they are AWESOME! No one got homework tonight in any of my classes. You should all have gotten your powerschool login information so you can check grades online.
Take care and have enjoy the weekend! Mrs. Z
9-16 Wednesday Dear Parents,
Wow, another beautiful day. This weather is amazing!
The 7th graders did not have science today, but they do have an assignment due tomorrow.
The 8th graders went over their lab from yesterday on mass, and volume of regular and irregular shaped objects. We also covered a lot of 8th grade business. They needed to sign the 16 for the back of their graduation hoodie/noodie. We are rushing so they will hopefully have them to wear on the trip to DC. I also passed out the Yankee Candle information and explained to them that each student will get credit for whatever they sell. That will help defray their graduation fee. Thank you to our 8th grade Super Room Mom's for taking charge of that. They will be getting you more information on Sunday Mass sales. I also explained to the students the policy on wearing sports attire the day of a game. They may wear their jerseys, but they must also wear their MSW uniform. They cannot come to school in their jersey and jeans. I hope they all understand the policy.
In 8th grade religion we talked about the morning Mass and they were again told quizzes on the Mass will be coming so pay attention. Then we moved into the new book and watched a kick-off video on navigation through life. They learned that they will be facing many choices and decision as they grow up and they need to listen to God, the Holy Spirit and their conscience to make the decision that would be pleasing to God. If they follow that path they will be living the life they were meant to and it will be pleasing to God. We also discussed that no matter what happens throughout their life good or bad, God will always be with them. He promises to never leave them orphaned. There was no religion homework, but I am asking the students to start thinking about the name they want to pick for Confirmation. They need to take some time and do some research on the saints. We will be talking about that more tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night! Mrs. Z
9-15 Tuesday Dear Parents,
I thought if I started with the date, it might help you keep track of when I am writing. Sad to say some days are super busy, so I write late, but I try really hard to write each day.
7th grade science was great............. I am getting to know and understand the students. I truly enjoy their energy, spirit, and talent! It is great starting my day with their two classes back to back. Today we worked very hard on the steps to scientific inquiry and I think they are catching on................ Three gold stars for them. We also talked about the visit from Mrs. Due and their observations. I don't know if your child told you or not but she came to the lab (it was all planned) dressed oddly, with coffee, popcorn, her cell phone ringing etc. They were supposed to write about their observations of that on their last night's homework assignment. I cannot wait to read them! They did get homework tonight, but it is not due until Thursday. There is no science class on Wed. usually to make up for that they will get a larger assignment which is due on Thursday, so they keep thinking Science!
The 8th graders had Fr. Tim for religion today.
The 8th graders had a lab in science. The lab was using the concepts that we talked about in class to find the mass and volume of objects. The students needed to use many skills and put in serious work in order to be successful. The labs in 8th grade are much more difficult. I did not grade them yet so I am not sure how they did. As you go to power school watch for lab improvement. Some typically have a rough start, but it all comes together. They did not get homework tonight.
I have a minute so I just wanted to say I really enjoyed Snake Road and I hope your child did too. It is a long day, but this group had plenty of energy on the bus ride home! It was a great way to start to tap into the talent of the individuals to see what they could do as a group. The site is beautiful and the zip line is everyone's favorite part. It was great seeing students cheering each other on and working together.
The information on Yankee Candles is going home tomorrow. Your child will be given credit for any candles they sell, and that will go towards the graduation costs. The room moms are running this. Please pay close attention to the due dates because late orders are a problem.
One last thing....................just two reminders as a school we are collecting new school supplies during the month of Sept. for St. Bonaventure and Su Casa so if your child has not brought anything in it is not too late. We do a lot of charity projects and I know everyone cannot always give, but this one is sponsored by the eighth grade. Thank you to all of the students who have already brought items in. Secondly, we need box tops. There is a contest going on and I would love if the 8th graders won. Thanks to all the parents who remembered to turn those in at the Back to School night.
I better go, I have some other work to get done, Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Dear Parents,
What a beautiful day!
Today the 7th graders learned about qualitative and quantitative observations. We also reviewed making good observations using their senses. The 7th graders have homework tonight reviewing those concepts.
The 8th graders did not have Religion today they had Spanish.
In 8th grade science the students reviewed the difference between weight and mass. Then we moved into volume. The students learned how to find the volume of a regular shaped and an irregular shaped object. We also reviewed how to find the mass which they learned last year. They too have a worksheet reviewing these concepts.
Tonight at 6:30 is the final meeting for DC. The students are expected to be there with a parent. I will be short tonight because I am heading over to that too.
I am going to close here because the computer man is here to give me service. More news tomorrow.
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Dear Parents,
I was thrilled that so many students came up to me and said Sept. 12. Those students will get 5 points extra on a science assignment in both 7th and 8th grade. I will be doing that again so keep reading.
It was great seeing so many of you at the Back To School Night. I enjoyed reconnecting with the families that I already know and getting to know some of the new families. I want this to be a great year for everyone so please keep in contact with me.
Tomorrow I am going to Snake Road with the 8th grade so the 7th grade will have a sub. I hate to miss school, but I am an 8th grade homeroom teacher..............so I will be with them tomorrow. I left plans and they 7th graders will be working on what we have been learning this year in science. Today we talked about the steps of the scientific method starting with a hypothesis...........going through the experiment and ending with a conclusion. We have also been talking about the characteristics of life. How do you know something is alive?
No one got homework from me today. Speaking of homework, it has been light so far this year. There will be homework, not every night but often.
The 8th graders had a review of all the new vocabulary today and started learning about the difference between weight and mass. The mass or amount of something does not change on Neptune or Mars, but the weight does!
The 8th graders had Fr. Tim in Religion today. They went over a review sheet from him on important facts of our Faith and they will be having a test on that material later in Oct.
Tomorrow is Snake Road and I just hung up the phone with them. We are on...rain or shine. The students should meet at Barry Gym tomorrow morning at 7:15. We are leaving at 7:30. It was pouring rain outside this afternoon and now the sun is shining....Our weather changes quickly. Due to that students should wear layers and be prepared to spend the day outside. If it is a thunderstorm we will do inside events. If it clears up we will move outside. I am hoping that it ends up being a beautiful day! Students should all wear gym shoes, and comfortable clothing. We are out in the woods. This is not a dress up event. Students will have a hardy lunch at Snake Road at 12, but by 4:30 they will be hungry again. I told them they could bring a sandwich or something to eat on the ride home. Please do not send anything messy because I do not want to clean the bus. Just a heads up, usually the students have a great day and come home feeling VERY tired. If your child has allergies and uses an epi-pen please send that to school tomorrow morning with them. If you are picking up your child from Snake Road please have a note you can hand to me and they will be released from the group. We plan on leaving Snake Road at 4:30 and it is an hour and a half away. Remember it is a Friday, and we may be caught in traffic. We will have all the students call home when we are 15 minutes from MSW. If you have any questions that were not covered in this please email me. Usually the students do large and small group team building activities in the morning and then become their personal best in the afternoon by climbing a rock wall and riding down a zip line. This is an amazing day.....................and usually one of the best memories of 8th grade.
I will not be writing again until Monday night.............I always take Fridays off!
Take care and have a great night, Mrs. Z
Dear Parents, Thanks so much for checking my blog. Thanks for coming to Back To School night. It was great seeing so many of you there. If you were not able to attend I will give your child a hand out and you can read to catch up. More new tomorrow... Remember tomorrow is Pizza Lunch and it is never too late to order. Take care, Mrs. Z P.S. Hello Mr. Ciprian P.P.S If you tell your child you read this and tomorrow they say Sept. 12 to me which happens to be my daughters birthday they will get 5 points extra credit in Science... I told you this was good to read!
Dear Parents, I am sooooooooooooo happy!!! I just tried to read what I wrote to see if it got published and YIPEE.... there it was! I will be writing to you every night, from here on out! Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! Mrs. Z
Dear Parents,
I am just testing this to see if my website is all in order. I will start writing my blog after our big meeting tomorrow night.