"Our Lady of Guadalupe School fosters Gospel values, inspires academic excellence, and develops service and leadership. We face this as a sacramental community united and empowered by the Holy Spirit."
OLG Newsletter – Oct. 9th
October 9, 2014
Dear OLG Families,
Today, we had a wonderful all-school Mass, focused on the theme of “Life” and celebrating and treasuring its preciousness. Thank you to Mrs. Wilson and our fourth graders for their planning and leadership, as well as to Mrs. Sager and the chorus students for leading us in joyful song. We collected an abundance of food for our St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank!
If you have a student in K-5, have you heard your child talking about his/her teacher frequently asking, “Are you sure? How do you know that? Can you prove it? Class, do you agree?” as the class wrestles with new math concepts? Would you like to hear more about the concrete –
pictorial – abstract progression that is a foundational part of our new Math in Focus curriculum? Are you wondering what bar modeling is and why it works? Would you like to learn about the research and philosophy behind this program? Come next week for the Math in Focus Parent Night on Thursday, October 16th, from 6:30 – 8:30 in the School Hall. Childcare will be provided, thanks to our 8th grade students and parents. Watch for a sign-up email. Our teachers are working incredibly hard to implement this new program, and it has been exciting to hear their feedback about the increased depth of understanding of mathematical concepts that they are seeing, as well as the metacognition (“thinking about our thinking”) and students’ ability to articulate “why” they solved a problem a particular way. Earlier in the day on the 26th, our trainer will work with teachers to answer questions, demonstrate Math in Focus instructional strategies, and provide further in-servicing. Everyone is welcome to attend the evening session!
We’re so blessed at OLG to have a curriculum program and staff that support the growth of the whole child. I’m enjoying the sounds of the band playing that drift up through my office window, of children singing, and I am so impressed with the creativity, focused attention, and growing technique that are evident as I see Mrs. Bellia’s art classes in action. See her article below for more class-specific details!
Special thanks to Mrs. Forte who launched this year’s After-School Tutoring Program on Wednesday. We had a successful start and are so appreciative of all of our middle school and adult tutors
Enjoy these fall days…and get ready for the OLG Halloween Carnival, just around the corner.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Our OLG Students and Teachers Share Their 2014-15 Classroom Covenants…
Preschool/Pre-K
We will be friends and include everyone.
We will love and help God’s creatures.
We will raise our hands.
We will share.
Kindergarten
We promise to listen to each other, clean-up after ourselves, play kindly, share our toys, work as a team, help each other out, and focus on our own work.
First Grade
We will be safe.
We will be in charge of ourselves, do our own
work, and try hard.
We will listen respectfully to our teachers
and each other.
We will use kind words and gentle hands.
We will include everyone and have fun
together.
Second Grade
We, the Second Graders of OLG, Promise to…
Do our own work. Do our best. Don’t give up.
We, the 2nd graders of OLG, promise to…
Always apologize & forgive.
Be a good learning coaches & friends.
Be respectful.
Third Grade
We promise to let the teacher teach.
We promise to raise our hands.
We promise to listen to the speaker.
We promise to respect others.
We promise to use nice words.
We promise to be honest.
We promise to try our best.
Fourth Grade
How fourth grade will act:
Respect and include everyone.
Listen and follow directions.
Act appropriate for school.
No fighting at all.
Take care of your own stuff.
Have polite manners, especially at meals.
No messing around with food.
Fifth Grade
“The OLG Class of 2018 has established their classroom covenant as a promise to one another of the areas in which we, as a class, want to improve upon and uphold during the 2014-2015 school year. They are:
1. Respect one another, and all of God’s creation.
2. Be aware of each other- their feelings, their thoughts, needs. Etc.
3. Think before you speak and act, sometimes more than once if necessary.
4. Treat others the way you want to be treated, the Golden Rule.
5. Be helpful, and encourage others to be the best version of themselves.
6. Have fun, and enjoy learning.
7. Finally the fifth graders agree to be C.A.K.E, an acronym reminding each of us to be Caring And Kind to Everyone.
Sixth Grade
The 2014-2015 6th grade class would like to embrace the possibilities of middle school by being active learners. We will do this by participating in class, talking at the right times, being focused, focusing on the task at hand, studying, moving between classes quickly and quietly, and saving the loud craziness for recess!
The 2014-2015 6th grade class also wants to create a positive class environment by treating others as they want to be treated and being generous by going out of our way to make our environment better than it is right now.
Seventh Grade
Seventh grade…
Is determined to work hard and grow
Will continue to support each other and work as a team
Will try to act on our connection as a class, instead of bickering and competing with each other.
Will try to get out of our comfort zones
Will stay connected through humor
Eighth Grade
As leaders, we accept the responsibility to serve, be selfless, and be willing to help in any situation.
We will not only trust others, but give them reason to trust us.
We will support our class’s and teachers’ ideas and share a positive outlook.
We will be active members of our community by participating in school and class activities.
We promise to respect the dignity all of God’s creation, near and far, human, animal and nature.
Halloween Carnival: Last Saturday of October
10/25 4-8pm.
Cakes, Advance Purchase, Volunteer Spot, & This Week’s ASK
Cakes
Great big THANKS to Preschool/Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade, & 5th grade, who have filled all the spots for cake/cupcake donations. Yikes! 4th Grade you still need to donate 10 cakes. 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 6th grade, & 7th grade – These classes have only a few cake spots left grab those sweet & frosted commitment hours. 2 cakes is equal to 2 hours. Can I donate cupcakes? Absolutely! Packaged in bunches 6 is best. Where & when do I donate the cakes? Bring your cakes to the Lunchroom before noon on Saturday, the day of the carnival.
Advance Purchase – Order Early
Advance Purchase forms for Wristbands and Tickets were sent home last week. More can be found with Ms. Clare if needed. Save money this year & order in advance. $11 for 1, $10 for 2 or more. Tickets are $.50 a piece/buy 10 & get 2 free. These prices are good until the Friday, October 17th deadline; wristbands will be $15 & no freebies on tickets. Please return your form early! What does a wristband include? Wristbands give you unlimited access to the Haunted Hall, Bouncy House, Zombie Tag and Vomitron. Where do I pick-up my Advance Purchase? The gym at “Will Call/Tickets.”
Volunteers
Calling all Volunteers! We desperately need parents & middle school student to fill all shifts for their classes. Paid bouncy house supervisors have been hired this year; but there are many other opportunities to help out.
Volunteer now to make sure YOUR class is well represented and to ensure that shifts are short and manageable for everyone! Together, we can make this a memorable and fun night for our kids!
Contact your PO class representative, Gretchen Hill or Chloe Nichols with any questions. Please attend the PO meeting next Tuesday, 10/14, to better understand your class’ carnival responsibilities.
ASK-Shopping/Borrow List
We still need candy, extension cords, twinkle lights, & goldfish crackers. Reimbursement is available for your purchases with receipt. Any items on loan need family name & contact information for prompt return.
Do you have questions about our new commitment hours tracking system? Click here to find your answers!
Save the Date
Next Tuesday, October 14th – Parent Org Meeting at 6:30 PM in the school math lab (located across from the front desk on the main floor). Everyone welcome! This is a great platform for the Parent Org Committee to share with you the latest happenings and also hear your thoughts and opinions. Please join us!
Thursday, October 16 – Math-In-Focus Parent Information Night – Childcare will be provided!
Art classes at OLG are off to a strong start as students show their enthusiasm to use their creativity in new, challenging and exciting ways. As we began the school year we discussed the importance of creativity, not only in art, but also in most everything they do. We talked about thinking outside the box and how outside the box thinkers can make an enormous difference in the world. Art is their place to learn how to become and continue to be outside the box thinkers.
To begin the year, we are working on a number of drawing projects with emphasis on seeing line direction when drawing a subject. That means looking for the basic shape and overall contour before adding detail and seeing the subject as a line moving in different directions rather than what it actually is.
The lower grades (pre-k-3rd) are working on drawing sea turtles using black Sharpie pens and a full range of crayons to color with. The higher the grade the more detail is added to the overall work. When all the drawings are completed the students use a full range of color, beginning with the lightest, to add color to their work. The completed work will be crinkled and painted over in blue watercolor. The older students will be adding salt resist to create bubbles to the watercolor.
The older grades (4th – 8th) are working on drawing birds on black paper using white pencil (4th grade is drawing insects). The students use a bird subject to draw from as inspiration for their work. They begin with a drawing pencil to get the basic shape and then use a white colored pencil to outline, shade and add details. Emphasis is on showing a full range of value and texture marks for details. The second part of the project is mounting the completed drawing using patterned and colored paper in a creative way to compliment the work.
The work the students have done shows a great deal of creativity and their overall line work is beautiful. They also are all entirely different showing their unique approach in how they see. The completed works will hang outside each grade after the week following the Halloween Carnival.
I am, once again, very excited to be teaching your children art. I want to thank you in advance for encouraging creativity in your children as they do art with you at home and I appreciate all the support and positivity you provide. This school demonstrates a high level of excitement towards art and I find it an absolute privilege to teach each of the students at OLG. I am in awe of the amazing works of art they create.
The Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death: Where Justice and Mercy Meet
We invite you to attend this Death Penalty Discussion Night on Monday, October 27th at 6:30pm in the Walmesley Center. This evening is designed to create an interactive discussion about the Death Penalty and Catholic Social Teaching. It will feature table discussions, a presentation from Sr. Charlotte Van Dyke,SP, and information from Danielle Fulfs, Outreach Coordinator for the Washington Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Presented by the Sisters of Providence, OLG’s Life, Peace and Justice Commission, and Holy Rosary’s Voices for Life committee.
Mass of Remembrance: For Children Who Have Died and the People Who Love Them
You are invited to join together in community to pray for children who have died and for those who mourn them. At this Mass on Sunday, October 19th at 5pm, we remember those who died before we had a chance to meet them, especially those lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion. We also remember and honor our sons and daughters who died too young. All are welcome to join us for this reflective evening of remembrance, healing and prayer, lifting us toward God’s promise of hope and eternal life. If you know of someone who would like to attend this Mass, please pick up a personal invitation for them, located in the back of the church on the tables behind the last row of pews. Invitations are available in both English and Spanish.
Cornerstone Catholic Conference
The Washington State Catholic Conference, the Public Policy Voice of the WA State Bishops, is hosting a major, statewide gathering on October 24th and 25th called “Cornerstone Catholic Conference: Building a Culture of Life”. The conference will feature a variety of speakers, including the Washington State bishops, Bishop McElroy from San Francisco, Immaculee Ilibagiza from Rwanda, Annapatrice Clarke, and Abby Johnson. Topics will include Human Trafficking, Building a Church for the Poor, a Personal Story of Faith, Forgiveness and Healing and much more! For more information or to register, visit the website or call 206-301-0556.
If you are 4th grade or older and interested in being a youth lector for our Family Faith Sunday masses and other liturgies during the year, please contact Helen Oesterle, 206-935-0358. Training will be provided.
Altar Server Training
Are you interested in being an altar server? Children 4th grade and older, and adults are invited to attend one of the two upcoming trainings: Tuesday, October 21, 3:15-4:15 pm, or Saturday, October 25, 10:00-11:00 am, in the church. This is a great opportunity for families to serve together. Information: Helen Oesterle, 206-935-0358.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Beginning this weekend, children (1st-4th grade) are invited to participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word during the 11:00 Mass. Fr. Jack dismisses the children after the greeting where they gather in the DeMazenod Room where the Sunday’s readings are proclaimed in a way that is more accessible to our younger parishioners. They will also participate in a short activity connected to that week’s theme. They will then rejoin their families during the Offertory.
Are You Interested in Learning More About the Catholic Faith and/or Becoming Catholic?
You are invited to participate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), a process of initiation into the Catholic community of faith. It encompasses the study of Scripture, Catholic teaching, and Christian values – the development and deepening of a life of prayer and action -all with the support and involvement of the parish community. We welcome new inquirers throughout the year on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm in the Pastoral Center. For more information, please contact Helen Oesterle at 206-935-0358, x 108. You can also find more information at our parish website.
RSVP (Ritual, Scripture, Verse and Prayer)
In preparation for Advent, we are offering a six-week, parish-wide series designed to build closer relationships in community and foster a deeper spirituality. Small groups will gather in parishioners’ homes or at the parish to pray and reflect on the readings for the upcoming Sunday’s Mass. If you are new to the program, lease fill out the form in the back of church or on our parish website and returning it to the office or placing it in the collection basket. You will be contacted about the meeting time and place. RSVP groups will be arranged to meet once a week from October 20-November 23. For more information, please contact Helen Oesterle at 206-935-0358, x 108. You can also find more information at our parish website.
Renewal and Renovation #’SUPWITHLITURGY
All parishioners are invited to our annual Liturgy Day on Saturday, November 8th from 9:00-12:00 Noon in our Parish School Hall. On the 50th Anniversary of the Second Vatican Council you will have an opportunity to learn more about its efforts to renew the liturgical life of our Church and its current influences here at OLG, especially as we prepare to renew and renovate our own sacred space. All liturgical ministers are strongly encouraged to attend but everyone is welcome!
Confirmation Preparation Classes Have Begun for youth and adults. It is not too late to sign up. Classes meet on alternating Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm in the Pastoral Center. For more information, please contact Helen Oesterle at 206-935-0358, x 108. You can also find more information at our parish website. [Note: We offer these classes every other year, so the next opportunity will be in 2016.]
Click here to Find out the latest CYO News and more information about the CYO ANNUAL ITALIAN DINNER – November 15, 2014.
Parent Org Meeting
October 14, 2014 Tuesday
6:30 pm
School Commission Meeting
October 15, 2014
Wednesday
6:00-7:30 pm
Math In Focus Parent Information Night
October 16, 2014
Thursday
6:30-8:30 pm
School Hall
Childcare provided
NOON DISMISSAL
October 17, 2014
Friday
Staff Solar Energy Education Training
OLG Halloween Carnival
October 25, 2014
Friday
NOON Dismissal
October 29, 2014
Conference Prep.
NO SCHOOL
October 30 & 31, 2014
Conferences
Please continue to keep Brianna Nelson, 2014 OLG graduate, and her family, in your prayers. Brianna has been diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital. We pray for speedy healing for Brianna and strength and comfort for her family at this difficult time.
Our Lady of Guadalupe School & Parish acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present, and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.
