Archive by Author

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on January 27, 2012, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

Happy New Year, and welcome back to all!   I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas.  Many thanks for all the wonderful gifts, cards, and well wishes during the holidays.   Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Thanks to all volunteers and shoppers who made our December Book Fair such a huge success.

Our school library will be very busy this month preparing for Catholic Schools Week. New books, including 100 newly purchased books from the recent Book Fair, are being processed and will be placed on the shelves this month for our students’ reading pleasure.

With the Science Fair coming up, students are reminded that the library is an excellent source for student’s research, including internet access for student use before school, during recess, and after school.  Please encourage your student to make use of the library’s numerous books, reference materials and project ideas for students to use when setting up their science projects.

February is a short month but extremely busy.  The library celebrates Groundhog Day, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month.  Library activities will revolve around fairy tales, legends, fables, and tall tales.  February, also known as Library Lovers Book Month, will feature the book display “Ice Cream for Books”. Students will add one ice cream scoop for each book read, creating the largest ice cream cone.

Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade will take their library books home to read.  They will share their reading experience with other students in their class during library time.  2nd & 3rd grade students will study fairy tales, legends, fables, and tall tales.  4th & 5th grade students will keep a reading log when we start reading Ramona’s World by Beverly Cleary and Hoot by Carl Hiaason together in the library.

Coming Soon:   Six Flags and Weekly Reader are once again pleased to offer the Read-to-Succeed Six Hour Reading Program for 2011-12. The goal of the program is to support efforts to educate students and to inspire kids to read on their own.  The reward for participating students is a free admission ticket to any Six Flags Park. This a great opportunity to earn a free student Six Flags ticket – 6 hours of recreational reading is the only requirement. More information, including reading logs and Program important dates to remember will follow in the Thursday folders.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – 3rd & 5th Grade Art

Posted on January 27, 2012, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“A sculpture is just a painting cut up and stood up somewhere”.  Frank Stella

Many thanks for all the wonderful gifts, cards and well wishes during the holidays.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Art classes have completed a study of Impressionism.  The students produced some awesome watercolor paintings in the style of Henri Matisse and Vincent Van Gogh. Paintings are hanging in the downstairs art gallery.

For the month of January, art classes will be making posters for Catholic School’s Week.  The posters will be judged in the Catholic Schools Week Art Poster Contest.  The winning art will be announced during the Awards Assembly on the Friday of Catholic Schools Week.  The posters will also be displayed in the school cafeteria during the Family Appreciation Spaghetti Dinner on Monday, January 30th.

Upcoming art projects: 3^rd & 5^th grade students will get a chance to work with clay, offering students the opportunity to be messy.

 

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on January 27, 2012, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

First, we would like to congratulate the newest members who were accepted into the NJHS this year: Johanna Alvarado. Josef Barrilleaux, Oscar Gurrola, Alex Leal, and Manon Williams. Members are chosen based on academics, leadership abilities, behavior, and community service.  Congratulations again!

In December, NJHS members acted as St. Nicholas’s helpers and delivered goodies into the shoes of our students, faculty and staff.

Keep an eye out for NJHS works of service as the group picks up trash on the school campus and serves as ambassadors during Catholic Schools Week.  Members are also gearing up for Valentine’s Day Carnation Sales. Be on the lookout for information on our most popular fundraiser!!

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on November 30, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

A special thanks to parents who dropped by the library during the recent Parent-Teacher Conference day!  I enjoyed meeting and talking with both new and veteran parents. 

Library activities and studies during December will revolve around Advent and Christmas.  PK and Kinder students will enjoy Christmas and holiday storytelling.  4^th and 5^th grade class activities and library studies will revolve around Christmas traditions and festivities from around the world.  As we celebrate this season of Advent and prepare for the Birth of Jesus, the students will research how Christmas joy takes many forms around the world.  

January will be a busy month in the library.  As the library prepares for Catholic Schools Week and Open House, new books will be processed and will be placed on the shelves for students’ reading pleasure.  Students in Kinder and 1^st grade will be able to take their library books home for the first time.  They will share their reading experience with other students when they give a brief book review on the book they took home for the first time.  2^nd and 3^rd grade students will study fairy tales, legends and tall tales.  4^th & 5^th grades will learn the fundamentals of the Dewey Decimal System. 

January is also Science Fair time.  A friendly reminder:  the library has numerous books, reference materials and project ideas for students to use when setting up their science projects. The library is an excellent source for research, including internet access and is open for their extended use before school, during recess, and after school.  Please encourage your student to make use of the library and its resources.

BOOK FAIR NEWS

To the Book Fair and Beyond: Reading is Out of This World!  Prepare to Blast Off – attend the library’s Annual Fall Book Fair, December 2-9.    Exciting and fun activities such as door prizes, raffles, contests, guessing games, and book scavenger hunts are planned.  The fair is a great opportunity for the library to add to its collection, grant teacher’s book wishes and serves as the major fundraiser for our library.

It’s about children, it’s about books and it’s about having fun.  From award winners and bestsellers to picture books and favorite series, the Book Fair is filled with hundreds of books that will take your student on adventures they will never forget.  Shop the fair for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. 

If interested in volunteering your time and energy, we’d love to have you join in on the fun!  It’s a great fun way to earn those volunteer hours and get a 10% discount on your purchases.  Please e-mail Monica Connelly at mconnelly@saintspride.com to volunteer for the Book Fair.  The children would love to have you!

See you at the Book Fair!!

Thanks for your continued support and for letting me share my love of reading with your children. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Third & Fifth Grade Art

Posted on November 30, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“Great art picks up where nature ends.” – Marc Chagall

All 3^rd and 5^th grade students have concluded their unit on Line, Color, Shape and Form.  Students have completed Fall and Thanksgiving projects.  Art classes used both balance and symmetry in their designs of Day-of-the-Dead skulls, Harvest trees, Thanksgiving grids, Fall leaves and turkeys.  We have done a lot of painting using oil pastels, chalk pastels and watercolors.  Students also learned how colors can depict different emotions.   All projects utilized the elements of art we have previously studied and did an awesome job incorporating them into all our projects.

For December, students will put art basics they’ve learned to replicate work by other artists.  Classes will be learning about artists.  3^rd grade will study techniques and styles of Vincent Van Gogh and Marc Chagall.  5^th grade will focus on Henri Matisse.

For the month of January, classes will be looking at movement in works of art.  Each class will be showing movement in their work in different ways.  Later in the month, classes will be making posters for Catholic School’s Week that is later in the month.  Some of the posters will be entered into the Diocesan poster contest.

As the year comes to an end, I am thankful for many things, but most of all, for the opportunity to teach your children.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on November 30, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

The NJHS sponsored the hair painting and tattoo booth at the annual Fall Carnival.  All proceeds went back to the school.  Thank you to all who came out and supported us.

NJHS members sponsored the annual Turkey Feather contest.  For one week members sold feathers for 25 cents during lunch and recess.  The teacher with the most bought feathers would win the honor of “Turkey for a Day”.  This year’s winner with 410 feathers was Ms. Mikula 5B.  Congratulations Ms. Mikula – you were an awesome 2011 “Turkey for a Day”.  In second place with 100 turkey feathers was Ms. Houston, 7A and in 3^rd place, Mrs. Jurik, 2^nd grade, with 77 turkey feathers. We are proud to say that we raised over $250, all of which will go to a family in need here in the St. Elizabeth community.

Upcoming events sponsored by NJHS will be the annual St. Nicholas Day celebration December 6.  Members will be acting as St. Nick’s helpers and deliver goodies into the shoes of our students. 

In-service news: members will be helping with the Fall Book Fair, and help prepare for Catholic Schools Week in January. 

After the first quarter, eleven 8^th grade students, who are not currently in the NJHS and had an overall average of 90% or higher in their core classes, were eligible for the NJHS.  Congratulations to these students; eligibility is quite an accomplishment.  Results as to admission into the NJHS for these students will be announced soon.  

 

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – 3rd & 5th Grade Art

Posted on October 21, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“Sometimes I have resisted painting something that seemed to me so ordinary, hardly worth doing.  But when I do it and it’s done, it’s different from what other people see. It’s ordinary to me, but not to you.”  Georgia O’Keefe

Art classes are moving right along learning the Elements of Art.  We have completed LINE, COLOR and beginning SHAPE and TEXTURE.  Although our main focus was color (primary, secondary, warm/cool/complementary) many other elements were incorporated e.g. students experimented with how color can suggest certain emotions.

October Fun

3^rd Grade – Fall and Halloween projects.  Students will start using paint.

5^th Grade – Fall Harvest Tree.  Students will start using watercolor paint.

November

Classes study perspective, the art of Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse and will have several projects to complete using these themes.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on October 21, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

Library activities and events for October are:

• Birthday Book Club – celebrate your child’s birthday by donating a book to the library.  Enjoy a cupcake, a balloon, picture taking and fun.  September and October birthdays celebration and book presentations will be held Monday October 31 in the library 8:00am-8:20am.
• Teen Read Week – October 16-21 – Picture It @ Your Library
• October 17 – Library Read-a-Thon – students in grades 3-8 are invited to the library from 3:30-5:00 for the annual read-a-thon.  Students may bring a pillow, slippers, snacks, and of course, a book.  Those who participate will be awarded a reading certificate and ribbon.
• October 19 – NJHS Book and Bake Sale – buy books and baked goodies in the cafeteria 3:00-4:15.  Reasonable prices – 50 cents and under.
• October is Mystery Month – trick or treat in the library – students’ good behavior is rewarded with a library treat October 24-31.

Library activities and events for November are:

• November 1 – All Saints Day – biographies of saints will be featured
• November 2 – Dia de los Muertos
• November 4 – Parent-Teacher Conferences – the Humanities teachers will meet in the library
• November 11 – Veterans Day
• November 24 – Thanksgiving Day
• November 28 – Birthday Book Club honors November birthdays.
• ALL Month – preparations underway for the Fall Book Fair ( December 2-9).  Activities such as daily door prizes, raffles, contests, guessing games, and book scavenger hunts promise fun for all.  The fair is a great opportunity for the library to add to its collection, to grant teacher’s classroom book wishes and serves as a fundraiser for our school and library.  This is a wonderful opportunity for children, families, and teachers to come together.

If anyone is interested in helping achieve our goals in the library whether weekly or with the upcoming Book Fair in December, and, if you have some free time and love working with children and books, come on in and volunteer. You can contact me via my email address  mconnelly@saintspride.com  The Children would like to have you!!!

 

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on October 21, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

Upcoming event planning, fundraisers and service projects are underway:

• October 19 – Book and Bake Sale – buy books and baked goodies in the cafeteria 3:00-4:15.  Reasonable prices – 50 cents and under.
• October 22 – Fall Carnival – visit the face and hair painting booth sponsored by NJHS. Be sure and visit the booth!
• Start saving those quarters!!! NJHS will be starting their annual Turkey Feather Sale, and your favorite teacher could be this year’s Turkey for a Day. J  More information coming via RenWeb.

Also, as the first quarter comes to an end, those 8^th grade students who have a 90% overall average in their core classes and all E’s in conduct for this first quarter will be eligible for the NJHS.  Letters will go home to those who are eligible shortly after the first quarter report cards.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – 3rd & 5th Grade Art

Posted on September 19, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

Welcome!

Artists of the month: 

Wassily Kandinsky  “Everything starts from a dot” and Paul Klee “A line is a dot that went for a walk.”

St. Elizabeth of HungaryCatholicSchool’s art program offers students the opportunity to understand, interpret and appreciate the visual arts and to explore their creative potential through hands-on art projects. The art program’s emphasis is on exploration and manipulation of art materials along with an exposure to a new visual language, perceptions, materials and the world of art and artists. 3^rd and 5^th grade students will view and discuss various works of art from different time periods and cultures.

As students learn to recognize, discuss and work with art, they will build a foundation for making judgments about its form, content, technique and purpose. Discussion, critical analysis and observation of art will provide a basis for understanding, supporting and enjoying the visual arts – now and throughout their lives.

3^rd & 5^th GRADE ART:  classes will be learning the 7 Elements of Art.   In the first quarter, art classes will review line, color, and shape.   We will begin with LINE.  Art would not be art without line, sometimes known as “a moving point.” It is absolutely essential as a concept to depicting objects and symbols and defining shapes.  All students are learning about the many different kinds of lines to create abstract designs.  Featured artists are Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee.

We will then move on to Color and a study of Henri Matisse.  We will study his use of color as well as positive and negative space.  Students will learn about primary and secondary color; warm, cool, and neutral colors; as well as value and intensity.

I am happy to be here with your children again this year.  Thanks for your support and have a great month!

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on September 19, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

Welcome!

A new school year always brings excitement to the library.  The first two weeks were spent welcoming all students, getting to know new students and presenting library procedures.

Once again the library will be open before school 7:30-7:50, during recess and after school 3:30-4:00 for student use.  There are 8 computers with internet access, as well as access to the Dallas Public Library Periodicals for research and the Dallas Morning Newspaper.  Students may take AR and Reading Counts tests on library computers, and research science articles.

During the month of September, library class activities will include checking out books, storytelling, learning how books are placed on library shelves, identifying authors, illustrators, publishers, title and copyright dates, and how to distinguish between fiction, biography, and non-fiction books.

September is:

• Library Card Sign-up Month
• September 6 – Read a Book Day
• Hispanic Heritage Month

Welcome back to returning and new library volunteers, who come and volunteer every week in the library:  Amy Solis, Pilar Dominguez, Euranie Williams, and Norma Gurrola.  The library is a success because of these wonderful, dedicated volunteers.  If anyone is interested in helping achieve our goals in the library, have some free time, and love working with children and books, come on in and volunteer.  If reading to children is your talent, we could use you as well.  It’s a fun way to earn volunteer hours.  Contact me at mconnelly@saintspride.com if you are interested.

Through the generosity of the Goza family and Georgine Guerrero, the library has added many new books to its collection.

Many fun-filled activities and events are planned for this Fall:   

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on September 19, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

At the first NJHS meeting of the new school year, NJHS members discussed meeting dates, possible fundraiser ideas and service projects for the year.  Plans are underway for the annual Books End Used Book and Bake Sale and the Fall Carnival booth.

Congratulations to the newly elected NJHS officers:

• President – Zach Jaffe
• Vice President – Kennedy Powell
• Secretary – Avra Salters

Elections for Treasurer, Historian, and Parliamentarian will be held September 13.

Regular NJHS meetings will be held the third Tuesday of every month.  Members are reminded to bring their calendars and ideas to all meetings.

Remember we will be looking at those 8^th grade students eligible for the NJHS after first quarter report cards go out.

 

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly-Library

Posted on May 27, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

It is unbelievable how fast the school year “whizzed by” and as it draws to a close, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to our many library supporters, St. Elizabeth organizations, students, and parents.  I would especially like to thank Book Fair volunteers who contributed so much energy, endless work and invaluable time.  This library school year was a success because of great teamwork and constant support; everyone working together for the good of the library.

Debbie Gleason – Thanks for the memories!  All of us here at St. Elizabeth, especially me and the library, will miss seeing your smiling face.  If you are ever in the neighborhood, drop by and say HI!

All library books must be returned and library fines paid by June 1^st.

Also, the library is once again accepting donations of any AR or Reading Counts books that your child has finished reading.  We welcome books in good condition and appreciate all titles.

This has been a fantastic year!  I’m looking forward to next year already.  Have a great summer!

 Print

No Comments

Art – First – Eighth Grade

Posted on May 27, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

What a creative year we’ve had!!  I’m so proud of all our young artists!!

St. Elizabeth’s 2^nd Annual Art Fest was a tremendous success.  School hallways and stairways as well as cafeteria windows proudly displayed students’ artwork.  Paintings and art projects looked absolutely awesome.

Individual Art Portfolios will be going home next week so please be on the lookout for these.  Please keep the art department in mind if you decide to clean out any closets, attics or garages this summer. If you think we might be able to use any of your findings, please send me an email.  It never hurts to ask.

Thank you all for a successful, colorful ART year!  And THANKS for sharing you talented art students with me and St. E.  I hope everyone has a restful and fun-filled summer.  See you next year!

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on May 27, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

The members of the 2010-2011 National Honor Society have worked tirelessly and devoted the majority of their service this year to the school.  They have been tremendous role models and were able to maintain high academic standings while doing so.  Each member should be proud of her achievements this year.

Congratulations to the NJHS 2011 Graduation Class:   Rosa Araiza, Marcella Barrilleaux, Lizette Burciaga, Krystal Garcia, Victoria Glasco, Sara Hightower, Gabrielle Jones, Regina Kier, and Brittany Pierce.

The following students were inducted in St. Elizabeth’s Chapter of National Junior Society 2011-2012: Nathan Escanuela, Zach Jaffe, Matthew Martinez, Zoie Montoya, Marissa Munoz, Kennedy Powell, Alexandria Rose, Avra Salters, Sydney Solis. Carina Villarreal, Morgan Walker, and Curtis Walkley

Congratulations to all!!!

 Print

No Comments

Grounds and Facilities

Posted on April 18, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Grounds & Facilities.

 Print

Grounds and Facilities met April 7 in the teachers lounge. The next meeting is Monday, May 2 at 6:00pm  Thanks to the volunteers who helped prepare the field for softball/baseball games.

A special invitation is extended to anyone interested in joining the G & F committee.  Meetings are short.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on April 18, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

The library celebrated National Library Week, April 10-16 with various library activities using the Smart Board.  Libraries are where stories are read, retold, written and created every day.  This year, National Library Week celebrates the role our nation’s libraries play in inspiring stories of all kinds.

The month of April is also recognized as National School Library Media Month, National Poetry Month, and National Kite Month.  Earth Day (April 22) celebrations will include activities using the Smart Board.

PK-1st Grade students will read The Legend of the Bluebonnet.  2nd grade students will participate in several fun activities based on The Day Jimmie’s Boa Ate the Wash.  Weather permitting all students in Grades 3rd-5th will enjoy quiet reading in the school’s courtyard.

A Spring Carnival Book Fair is coming to our school!  Mark your calendars – April 29-May 6.  Look in Thursday folders and RenWeb for information and updates concerning the Fair.  As usual, volunteers will be needed.  It’s a great and fun way to get in those last-minute much-needed volunteer hours.  If you are interested in volunteering at the Fair, please email me at mconnelly@saintspride.com. Enjoy shopping, browsing, storytelling, as well as daily acitivites, door prizes, games, and contests.

Happy Easter!

 Print

No Comments

Art 1st-Eighth Grade

Posted on April 18, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“?No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination” Edward Hopper – American Realist Painter

What an exciting month we have had in ART!!  Throughout the year St. E’s talented artists have been working very hard to produce the wonderful and fantastic works of art that they will present at the 2nd Annual Art Fest, May 19, 2011.

1st and 2nd Grade students are learning about color schemes using oil pastels and watercolors.  3rd and 4th Grade students are creating a self-portrait using oil pastels.  This project  will represent their unique personalities.  5th Grade students will paint a Pointillism landscape to reinforce their understanding of primary colors producing secondary colors.  I know that they will be just beautiful when they finish this art project.  6th and 7th Grade students will begin a study of Pop Art.

Have a beautiful Easter break!!

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on April 18, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

I have been so impressed with this year’s NJHS members and their commitment to service.  The students have volunteered, tutored, and have never complained when asked to help a teacher or the school in general.

Their last project will be a bake sale Wednesday, May 4, in conjunction with the Spring Carnival Book Fair.

Their final act will be participating in the NJHS induction ceremony on May 20th directly following Mass. Those chosen for next year’s NJHS will be notified upon the completion of their applications.

Thank you, NJHS members for being such positive role models for our school!!

 Print

No Comments

Grounds & Facilities

Posted on March 7, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Grounds & Facilities.

 Print

The Grounds & Facilities Committee met on February 3. Volunteers are needed for several projects around the school. Help is needed with painting and electrical projects planned for this school year.  If any parent is interested in helping with these projects, please contact Monica Connelly at mconnelly@saintspride.com.  Grounds & Facilities meetings are planned for March 3 and April 4.

 Print

No Comments

Box Tops for Education

Posted on March 7, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Fundraisers.

 Print

St. E can turn Box Tops for Education into cash to upgrade the Reading Counts program and other services offered through the school library.  Just clip Box Tops coupons from hundreds of your favorite products and send them to your child’s homeroom.  A new campaign for Box Tops for Education is coming to St. Elizabeth.  New incentives and monthly goodies will be offered.   Look for information in Thursday folders regarding the onset of the Box Tops for Education campaign.

Mrs. Isabel Elias has graciously accepted the responsibility of collecting and counting Box Tops each month.  She will be looking for parents wanting a great cup of coffee and needing volunteer hours for “Clip & Coffee Mornings” to help clip, count and package Box Tops each month.  Anyone interested in helping please email mconnelly@saintspride.com , and I will forward the information to Mrs. Elias.

Remember: You can make a difference every time you buy groceries!

 

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on March 7, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

February was a short month but extremely busy.  The library celebrated Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month.  Library activities revolved around fairy tales, legends, fables, and tall tales.  February was also known as Library Lovers Book Month.  Besides checking out library books for Reading Counts and AR tests, circulation was lively with students checking out books for reading pleasure.

Six Flags and Weekly Reader once again offered the “Read to Success” Six Hour Reading Program for students in K-6^th grades.  Congratulations to students who successfully read 6 hours for Six Flags Tickets.  The reading logs have been mailed and tickets should arrive sometime in May, just in time for summer fun.

March promises to be another busy month in the library.  Among the many activities, students will celebrate Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Women’s History Month.  March 2, students celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday with Green Eggs and Ham and Seussville learning activities featuring all of Dr. Seuss’ wonderful books.  In observance of Women’s History month, 5^th grade library students will research a famous “Woman who made a difference”.  During weekly library lessons, 3^rd and 4^th grade students will begin keeping a reading diary while reading Ramona’s World by Beverly Cleary and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli respectfully.

As always, the library welcomes donated books in good condition.  We are especially in need of Reading Counts and Accelerated Reading books when your students are finished reading the book.  If you and your student can help, please consider donating to the library.

Mark your calendars in April for another exciting Scholastic Book Fair.  Look for promotional flyers announcing this year’s theme and all the other thrilling plans underway.  Volunteers will again be needed.  If interested, please contact Debbie Gleason at 972.217.2807 or Monica Connelly mconnelly@saintspride.com.

Teen Tech Week

The library is once again hosting Teen Tech Week, March 6-11 sponsored by the American Library Association.  This year’s theme is “Mix & Mash @ Your Library”.  Teen Tech Week is a national initiative aimed at students, teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults.  The purpose is to ensure that students are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through the library, such as databases, audio books, DVDs, and video games. Week-long fun activities are planned: video contests, Solitaire, Dewey Decimal Bingo, type-off contest, Pinball Contest, and scratch projects. Prizes, ribbons and certificates will be awarded at the closing of the week, Thursday March 10, with an ice cream social.

Have a wonderful, fun-filled and restful Spring Break!

 Print

No Comments

Art-First-Eight Grade

Posted on March 7, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“Of all the arts, abstract painting is the most difficult. It demands that you know how to draw well, that you have a heightened sensitivity for composition and for colors, and that you be a true poet. This last is essential.” Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944)

What an exciting month we have had in Art!  Congratulations go to the following students in the Catholic Schools Week Poster Contest:  6-8 Grades: Johanna Alvarado; 4-5 Black History Month by looking at 20^th century African American paintings, by such artists as Jacob Lawrence, Philip Everman, and Faith Ringgold.

The lower grades, 1^st & 2^nd, completed the study of value, pattern, and balance while designing colorful fishes using chalk pastels.  This month students will experiment with tempera and watercolor techniques in producing “fun time” paintings similar to Pieter Bruegel’s colorful multifigured painting style.  3^rd grade students completed 3-dimensional mummy cases.  This month, students will develop an appreciation for art that depicts events from the founding of our country.  The program “Picturing America” will be featured.

4^th grade students will finish symmetrically balanced African Masks using glitter, beads and feathers.  This month students will study Wassily Kandinsky’s color palette.  5^th grade students will learn and examine Pointillism and Surrealism.

In February, 6^th and 7^th grade students finished their stain-glass window designs using an oiled crayon technique.  Sketchbook activities revolved around Chinese New Year, drawing sketches of Chinese etchings.  Cityscapes will be the focus during March.  Students will learn how to draw a dazzling, towering skyline in five steps.

Thanks for your continued support and for letting me share my love of art with your children.

Have an enjoyable spring break!

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on March 4, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

Congratulations to the newest NJHS members: Lizette Burciaga and Sara Hightower.   Both students were selected on the basis of an overall GPA of 90 or higher in their core classes, leadership, character, and service to both school and the community.

NJHS would like to thank students, parents, and teachers for buying Valentine’s Day carnations.   Over 800 red, pink, and white carnations were sold and delivered this year.

Enjoy Spring Break!

 Print

No Comments

Auto Draft

Posted on February 28, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Uncategorized.

 Print Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on January 18, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

Happy New Year!  Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and a restful holiday.  Many thanks for all the wonderful gifts, cards, and well wishes during the holidays.  Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.

Our school library will be very busy this month preparing for Catholic Schools Week.  New books purchased from the Book Fair are being processed and will be placed on library shelves.  Students in Kinder and 1^st grade will be able to take their library books home for the first time.  All students will study fairy tales, fables, legends, and tall tales.

With the Science Fair coming up, please remember that the library is an excellent source for students’ research including internet access for student use before school, during recess, and after school.  Please encourage your student to make use of the library’s numerous books, reference materials, and project ideas for students to use when setting up their science projects.

Six Flags and Weekly Reader are once again pleased to offer the 2010-2011 “Read to Success” Six Hour Reading Program for students in K-6^th grades.  The goal of the program is to support efforts to educate students and to inspire kids to read on their own.  The reward for participating students is a free admission ticket to any Six Flags Park.  More information will follow in next week’s Thursday folders.

Fall Book Fair News: Thanks for the wonderful support from parents, students, parent volunteers and school staff.  Both the library and classroom teachers added new books.  Special thanks to Debbie Gleason for being our Book Fair chairperson once again.  We owe so much to the many volunteers who gave of their time, effort and dedication:  Delia and Gonzalo Aillon, Rosa Araiza, Toni Aranda, Dolores Beltran, Anna Burciaga, Karen Burdett, Frances Byrd, Angelica Cardoza, Pilar Dominguez, Sonia Duarte, Sandra Escanuela, Lisa Facen, Angelica Fajardo, Linda Gonzales, Andy and Susan Goza, Eric Jackson, Marybeth Jones, Patricia Larkin, Joe Ledesma, Viana Lozano, Delila Macias, Becky Quintanilla, Leticia Rangel, Pati Reyes, Sonya Rose, Donna Sliter, Amy Solis, Laura Stratton, Joan Supan, Sandra Ventura, Isaac Villanueva, and Kenneth Washington. THANKS!

 Print

No Comments

Art-First-Eighth Grade

Posted on January 18, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

Through his eyes, Marc Chagal saw the world bubbling with life, color, tenderness and happiness.  Marc Chagal July 7, 1887 – March 28, 1985 (January Artist of the Month)

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and a nice restful break. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the wonderful Christmas gifts, well wishes, and thoughtfulness. It is truly a blessing to teach here and to have your children in my art classroom. That is the greatest of gifts!

For the month of January, classes will be making posters for Catholic School’s Week, January 31-February 4.  The theme is “St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School: Growing Hearts and Minds”.  Our school’s winning posters will be entered in the Diocesan poster contest later this month.

The lower grades will complete the study of value, pattern, and balance while designing colorful fishes using chalk pastels.

Intermediate grades will continue their study of balance.  3^rd Grade students will complete three dimensional mummy cases. 4^th grades will finish their own symmetrically balanced African Masks, and 5^th grade students will continue making their paper-formed totem poles.

The upper grade students finished their own stain-glass window designs using an oiled crayon technique and will present them to the class for critique.

Thanks for your continued support and for letting me share my love of art with your children.

 

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on January 18, 2011, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

NJHS students have been kept busy tutoring students in math, English and various other school subjects.  There is still time to ask NJHS for tutoring services, one-on-one.  Email Mrs. Connelly if interested, mconnelly@saintspride.com.

Proceeds from the sale of turkey feathers in November were donated to charity; this year a needy family was the recipient.  Another charity will be chosen at the end of the year with proceeds from Valentine carnation sales.   Carnations will go on sale soon.  Watch for information in Thursday folders.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Librarian

Posted on December 8, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

This month, library activities and studies will revolve around Advent and Christmas.

Thanks to all the faithful and dedicated volunteers, parents, grandparents and students, who gave of their time and talents to the Fall Book Fair, “Here’s to Our Heroes; Reading Saves the Day!”  The Fair is underway as this newsletter is published.  A full report will be given in the January Newsletter.

November library activities revolved around the season of autumn and Thanksgiving, National American Indian Heritage Month, and the National Election Process.   Students enjoyed D.E.A.R. (drop everything and read) time, participating in Smart Board activities, and checking out Reading Counts and AR library books for reading pleasure.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 Print

No Comments

Art – First – Eighth Grade

Posted on December 8, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination” Edward Hopper – American Realist Painter

1^st and 2^nd grade students will study value, pattern, and balance.  Students will work with watercolor creating snowflakes.

3^rd grade students will develop an understanding of symmetrical, or formal, balance and produce their own three-dimensional mummy cases.

4^th grade students will develop an understanding of balance as a basic principle of art.  Students will produce their own symmetrically balanced masks using a fold over technique.

5^th grade students demonstrate the principle of symmetrical/formal balance in their paper formed totems.  Students studied the totemic art of the Northwest Coast Indians in order to appreciate its symbolism.

6^th and 7^th grade students reviewed analogous and complementary color schemes, split-complement, triadic and monochromatic color schemes.  Students will incorporate color schemes into their own stained-glass window designs using an oiled crayon technique.

For the month of January, classes will be making posters for Catholic School’s Week that is later in the month.  Some of the posters will be entered in the Diocesan poster contest.

As the year comes to an end, I am thankful for many things, but most of all, for the opportunity to teach your children.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on December 8, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

NJHS members sponsored the annual Turkey Feather contest.  For one week members sold feathers for 25 cents to students during lunch and recess.  The teacher with the most bought feathers would win the honor of “Turkey for a Day”.  This year’s winner, with 596 feathers, was Mrs. Patton 1B.  Congratulations Mrs. Patton.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on October 28, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

1. November 1st is National Author’s Day.
2. November 1st is National Family Literacy Day.
3. November 3rd is Election Day.
4. November 10th is Young Reader’s Day.
5. November 11th is Veteran’s Day.
6. November 15th through 21st is American Education Week.
7. November 26th is Thanksgiving Day.
10. November 29th is Louisa May Alcott’s birthday.
11. November 30th is Mark Twain’s birthday.
12. November is National American Indian Heritage Month.,

Excitement is building as the library prepares to host another Scholastic Book Fair, December 3-10.  This year’s theme is “Read for the World Record”. Activities such as door prizes, raffles, contests, guessing games, and book scavenger hunts are planned.  The fair is a great opportunity for the library to add to its collection, grant teacher’s book wishes and serves as a fundraiser for our library.

It’s about children, it’s about books and it’s about having fun.  From award winners and bestsellers to picture books and favorite series, the Book Fair is filled with hundreds of books that will take your student on adventures they will never forget.  Shop the fair for Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.  Look in November’s Thursday folders for Book Fair flyers which will include all the information you will need.

If interested in volunteering your time and energy, we’d love to have you join in on the fun.  It’s a great fun way to earn those volunteer hours and get a 10% discount on your purchases.  Please call Debbie Gleason (972.217.2807) or e-mail Monica Connelly at mconnelly@saintspride.com to volunteer for the Book Fair.  The children would love to have you!

In November all students will continue learning essential library skills, participate in Smart Board activities, and check out library books for reading pleasure.

Teen Read Week, October 17-22 was a huge success.  NJHS sponsored a “Books End” Used Book and Bake Sale in the cafeteria.  The 7th annual Read-a-Thon was held in the library.  Participants received a Reading Certificate and Ribbon.

Happy Birthday to the newest members of the Library Birthday Book Club: Kimberly Fontillas, Benjamin Jones, Armando Medina, Justin Mills, Kaci Mills, Faustina Ostrowski and Mia Stowe.  Donate a book and celebrate your student’s birthday in the library.  The library welcomes donations of books, videos, and DVDs. The only pre-requisite is that the donations are in good condition.

 Print

No Comments

ART – First-Eighth Grade

Posted on October 28, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“Seek the strongest color effect possible.. Creativity takes courage” Henri Matisse

During the month of November, Art classes will continue learning the basic elements of art with a deep understanding of color and shapes.  Primary students will make animal collages. Intermediate students will work with watercolors.

Continued study of Pre-historic and Ancient art will have primary students investigating cave animal art and catacomb wall art.  Intermediate students will focus on Southwest Indian designs and Northwest Indian Art.  Middle School students will continue designing Egyptian art pieces and working on an Autumn still life in their sketchbooks.

October art classes have been very busy and productive.  Primary classes learned all the wonderful things about lines and what they do.  1^st and 2^nd grade students designed geometric abstract drawings.  3^rd & 4^th grade students finished line landscape paintings using chalk pastels.

5^th and 6^th grade students studied pre-historic art, focusing on cave dwelling paintings.  Student drawings depict pre-historic events.  7^th grade students designed Egyptian cartouches.

3^rd grade experienced “Stories in Art” and 2^nd grade enjoyed “Searching for Faces” through the Go Van Gogh Art Program. Presentations were also made to 4^th grade students “Art of the Lone Star Sate” and “Me and My World” for 1^st grade.  Upcoming November visits will include: “Picturing American History” for 5^th grade and “African and African-American Art” presented to 6^th grade.

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on October 28, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the 2010 NJHS: Marcella Barrilleaux, President; Gabrielle Jones, Vice-President; Rosa Araiza, Secretary; Krystal Garcia, Treasurer; Brittany Pierce, Historian.

The NJHS members will be sponsoring a popcorn and slush booth at the Fall Carnival.  Drop by Saturday, October 30 and taste our delicious goodies.

Once again it’s that time of year when NJHS sponsors the teacher Turkey-For-A-Day Contest.  NJHS members will be selling turkey feathers during lunch/recess for 25 cents.  The teacher with the most feathers wins the distinguished honor of being 2010 Turkey-For-A-Day.  Dates and Times for the sale of Turkey Feathers TBA.  Look for a informational flyer in Thursday folders, November 4.

NJHS members would like to thank all those who helped raise $140.00 at the recent “Books End” used book and bake sale.

 Print

No Comments

Mrs. Connelly – Library

Posted on September 29, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under Library.

 Print

October 17-23 is recognized as National Teen Week.  In celebration of Teen Read Week, plans are underway to host several fun events:

• October 20 – NJHS book and cookie sale (reasonable prices – 50 cents & under)
• October 18 – Library Read-a-Thon (students in grades 4-8 are invited to the library from 3:30-5:00 to join in the 5^th Annual Library Read-a-Thon – they may bring a pillow, slippers, snacks, and of course, a book.  The first 30 minutes will be time to snack and get settled into a comfortable place in the Library and then one full hour to read quietly.)  Those who participate will be awarded a reading certificate and a ribbon.

The month of October is recognized as Mystery Month.  The library offers a good selection of mystery books.  The library hosts Trick-or-Treats for good behavior.  Good student behavior is rewarded with a library treat throughout the month.

During the month of September, library class activities included checking out books, storytelling, learning how books are placed on library shelves, identifying authors, illustrators, publishers, title and copyright dates, and how to distinguish between fiction, biography, and non-fiction books. The first two weeks were spent welcoming all students, getting to know new students and presenting library procedures.

Once again the library will be open before school, during recess and after school for student use.  Students may use the library’s 8 computers with access to the Internet, Dallas Public Library Periodicals for research, the Dallas Morning Newspaper, AR and Reading Counts tests.

Welcome back to Debbie Gleason and Amy Solis who volunteer every week in the library.  The library is a success because of these wonderful, dedicated volunteers.  If anyone is interested in helping achieve our goals in the library, have some free time, and love working with children and books, come on in and volunteer.  If reading to children is your talent, we could use you as well.  It’s a fun way to earn volunteer hours.  You can contact me through my e-mail address: mconnelly@stelizabethofh.org.  The children would love to have you!

Please check the library web site for library information, upcoming activities, reference information available through the school web page. Look for the link with my name.  My web page also includes links to homework help, reference and educational game links. This year all overdue library notices will be sent to parents via RenWeb.  This procedure should expedite taking care of student overdue library books and fines.

Many fun-filled activities and events are planned for this Fall:

• Birthday Book Club
• Teen Read Week – October 17-23
• Fall Book Fair – dates and times to be announced

 Print

No Comments

Art – First – Eighth Grade

Posted on September 29, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under Art.

 Print

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”

~Georgia O’Keefe (artist of the month)

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School’s art program offers students the opportunity to understand, interpret and appreciate the visual arts and to explore their creative potential through hands-on art projects. The art program’s emphasis is on exploration and manipulation of art materials along with an exposure to a new visual language, perceptions, materials and the world of art and artists. This year students will view and discuss various works of art from different time periods and cultures.

As students learn to recognize, discuss and work with art, they build a foundation for making judgments about its form, content, technique and purpose. Discussion, critical analysis and observation of art provide a basis for understanding, supporting and enjoying the visual arts – now and throughout their lives.

First-Seventh ART: classes will be learning all the Elements of Art this year and we will begin with LINE. Art would not be art without line, sometimes known as “a moving point.” It is absolutely essential as a concept to depicting objects and symbols and defining shapes.  All students are learning about the many different kinds of lines to create abstract designs.  Featured artists are Joan Miro and Wassily Kandinsky.

Next we will move on to Color and a study of Henri Matisse.  We will study his use of color as well as positive and negative space.

The Dallas Museum of Art is once again bringing the Go van Gogh program to our school for students in 1st through 6th grade.  Programs will begin September 28 with 2nd grade exploring “Searching for Faces”, followed by 3rd grade students learning about “Stories in Art”.  “African and African-American Art” will be presented October 13th to 6th graders.

I am excited about the opportunity to get to know all the students through art, and I’m looking forward to a happy and productive school year.  Thank you all for your support in creating a successful art program at St. Elizabeth.

 Print

No Comments

NJHS

Posted on September 29, 2010, by Monica Connelly, under NJHS.

 Print

This year’s National Junior Honor Society members had their first official meeting September 23^rd.  On the agenda for the meeting is the election of officers and discussion of ideas for the coming year.  Members will be hosting a bake and used book sale October 20^th in the cafeteria after school. All NJHS meetings will be held the third Tuesday of each month.

 Print

No Comments

« Older Entries  

• Welcome Saints

  

  Welcome to the parents' online newsletter for St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School. Published monthly from September to June, this is the place to read all the updates from our teachers, school administrators, and organizations.

• Mission Statement

  Our mission at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School is to serve God through our ministry of educational excellence and to develop the spiritual lives of our youth within the framework of the Gospel and the tradition of the Catholic Church.

• Philosophy

  Our fundamental task is the education of the whole child, combining learning with faith, Catholic doctrines and moral teachings. We strive to instill in our students a lifelong commitment to learning, to Christian values and citizenship, and like our patroness, to community service. We are dedicated to achieving these goals within a supportive and diverse Christian community and to living our faith daily with the understanding that education is a process that never ends.