December 8, 2025 **** Second Trimester Begins ****

Dear Parents,

Happy Second Week of Advent! This week, we will light last week's purple candle for "hope" and this week' purple candle for "peace".  The class has been learning about the meaning of the season and the symbolism of the  evergreens, circle shape, candles, and berries.  Students are also writing down their daily acts of kindness and adding their links to our classroom display. I hope this helps them deepen their understanding of the true meaning of this special time of year.

Last Tuesday, we enjoyed our trip to People's Light to see  A Christmas Carol.  On Friday, we welcomed a visit from Saint Nicholas who filled our shoes with treats. The day continued with a school-wide Advent retreat that included a prayer-partner activity (Countdown to Christmas Advent wreath),  writing Christmas letters to parishioners, designing ornaments with students' school photos for the Christmas tree, and watching  a Story Keeper's Movie (A Christmas Story).  As a special treat, each child received a cross-shaped pretzel for snack.  

Looking ahead, there are several schedule changes for the upcoming week. Mass for the Immaculate Conception will be held on Monday and an Advent Penance service is planned for Wednesday.  Friday brings the exciting SANTA SPECTACULAR,  which will also be a pajama day and include Chick Fil A lunch (for those who ordered).

Despite the craziness, academics will continue. Here is a look at the week ahead:

Religion:  Chapter 7 (The Church Teaches Us)  ***focus on Advent

MathChapter 6 - Multiplication Facts (6 - 7 - 8);  it is imperative these are practiced every night; SS quiz Thursday (Lessons #57-60)

SpellingUnit 3 - Week 2 words ("r" controlled vowels); list can be found on my website;  test Thursday

Grammar: Simple Solutions lessons #55-#58; Practice Book pages 133-136 (present tense verbs; subject-verb agreement)

Writing:  Santa Brings the Perfect Gift is our writing prompt this month

Reading:  Unit 3 - Week 2; "Earth"; skills and story; vocabulary can be found on my website

*Daily short reading passages each day in hopes of improving the overall comprehension strategies and skills. These will be graded this week.

Social Studies:  complete geographic regions of the United States

Science: see Mrs. Seinz's website


Upcoming tests:

Reading: daily comprehension passages; Earth test (open book)

Math: SS quiz (Lessons #57-60) Thursday

Spelling: Unit 3: Week 2 ("r" controlled vowels)  Thursday


Looking ahead:

12/8:  Mass 9:15am  Feast of the Immaculate Conception

12/10:  Advent Penance Service 

12/12:  Santa Spectacular, Movie Day, CHOP $1.00 PJ Day, Chick Fil A Day

12/15:  School Christmas Show at 7:00pm


I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead.  If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Mrs. Pennacchia

sue.pennacchia@scjnschool.org