Our Kindergarteners are so excited to be with the big kids at St. John’s! They have been working really hard to learn the rules and the ways of school. They are practicing their letters and sounds and even starting to write words and sentences. Since the beginning of the school year, the Ks have been preparing for Daily Mass. They participated for the first time on Friday.

The first graders are working really hard on their reading and math skills. They are getting better at seeing numbers in picture form and quickly adding them together. They are also working on their phonics sounds and trying to develop their independency in reading. They are growing in their faith with God each and every day.

Our second graders are an energetic bunch! They have begun to learn about life cycles in Science class and are even growing their own butterflies. They are so excited to watch the different stages of the butterfly. The students have taken their first tests in Math, Reading, Spelling and Science – and they all did very well.

Our third grade class has also been hard at work. In Religion class, they are learning about how each of us is unique and that God creates everything for a purpose. They expanded on this lesson by visiting our beautiful outdoor garden. The students are also working on improving their reading abilities through added responsibilities at Daily Mass and in the classroom. The class welcomed a new student this year and they are having a great time getting to know each other.

Our fourth graders have completed their first round of book reports. You can find them hanging up on the walls outside the classroom in the west wing. This month the fourth grade boys will be learning how to serve at Mass. They are so excited to learn from the older boys!

Our fifth graders were also excited to welcome a new student this year. They are nervous, but also excited, to begin writing their speeches for their first speech contest later this year. Many of the students have joined band and are learning to play musical instruments.

The sixth graders just completed a story in Literature titled, “The Dog of Pompeii” and are learning about the disaster of Pompeii. In Science class, they are studying earth’s fresh water and will be exploring a wetland environment at our city pond.

Both the fifth and sixth grade students are beginning to prepare for Confirmation in the spring. They have been studying the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, and giving their time by serving others in our community.

The seventh and eighth graders are becoming great leaders of our school! In class, they are learning about the American Revolution and preparing for the annual Science Fair. The students recently attended a field trip to the “Tree Rush Adventures” at Fontanelle Forest and participated in many activities, including a zip-line. They said it was the BEST field trip ever!

A number of extracurricular activities are also underway. Many of our students are participating in Walking Club, Art Club, Student Council and Children’s Choir. Volleyball season is also underway for our “fourth/fifth grade” and “junior high” girls. Both teams are having a great season and continue to improve on their skills.

On Friday, we celebrated a special day at our school – Grandparents Day!

We kicked off the day by attending Mass, followed by a performance in the gym by our students. We concluded the morning in the classroom, working on fun activities together. We were truly blessed to have so many grandparents with us— some traveling many, many hours to be here. And, of course, we missed all those who couldn’t be with us.

In closing, we want to THANK YOU for all you do to make St. John the Baptist School successful … and THE BEST PLACE TO BE!