Note to freshmen and sophomore parents:

Many students believe that studying for a test is not considered homework. That is incorrect. They also believe that reviewing notes or going over the questions either in the morning or at lunchtime is enough studying.  It is not for most students.  I have gone over many ways to study for quizzes or tests.  If you know that your child has a test the next day, make sure that they put the time and the energy to study.   Saying that they are old enough is not sufficient.  Students needs to know that you really care and that you take the time to make sure they know the required work.

Freshmen Class:

On Monday we will have a special prayer service for ‘All Souls Day.’  After that we will continue with the work assigned on Friday (open book quiz which cannot be brought home.)  Anyone not completing will be required to stay after school either  Monday or Tuesday.

Tuesday will be given over to study the definition of ‘inspiration’ and to learn the names of the twelve apostles.  There will be a quiz on this on Wednesday.  Thursday will be a test on the major definitions they have been taught:  bible, inspiration, 12 apostles, New Testament, Old Testament, Revelation.  I want them to know that one does not know something just for one day, but it must be a part of the person.  It is also a great help in preparing them for the exam in January.

After the quiz, students will be given a worksheet to find different items in the bible.

Sophomores:

On Monday the student will participate in a special prayer service for “All Souls Day’.  Then we will continue with taking notes on Chapter 4.  Hopefull this will be completed today.

On Tuesday the students will work in groups (2 students to a group) .  They will each be given a topic to locate what is said in each of the four gospels:

Geography and Climate:   Food and Sharing of Meals: Family Life and Tradition  Housing and Occupations:   Social Class:  They will continue on Wednesday only if needed.

Wednesday: If students have completed the assignment, they will get together to discuss their findings.  The  notes they hand in will be their grade.  If need be, this assignment will continue on Thursday.

Thursday: Students will be given a worksheet on all the notes that they have taken on chapter 4.  This will be done individually.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I have had many emails from my parents and I try to answer them faithfully.  If I have missed you please contact me again.  Sr. Judy

Freshmen Class:

I want to thank all the freshmen parents who came out last Thursday to enjoy an evening of just getting together.  I am so sorry that I did not get to greet all of you in person.  It was an evening to remember.  I want to personally thank Mrs. Gumble and Mrs. Santos for all the work they did to make this evening memorable.

During the evening I misplaced the set of vases that were on some of the tables and a red notebook.  If any one can shed some light on their whereabouts, I would be very grateful.

The students did not get to enjoy their cake so I am planning to let them have a piece during their class period as well as write their names on the banner and sign thank you cards for all those who gave of their time and money to make that evening great.

This week we will view a DVD on “So Who Is This Jesus” .  On Tuesday we will be correcting the assignment on the gospels and begin to memorize the definition of ‘inspiration.’  On Wednesday, I will dedicate the time to review for the test on the gospels that will be given on Thursday.  So Thursday, hopefully, will be test day. Any student who wishes to get extra help on Wednesday for the test can come after school.

On Friday if all goes well, we will begin the open book quiz for chapter 7.

Sophomores:

On Monday, the students will view the third part of “So Who Is This Jesus?”  and afterwards complete the questions from the DVD. Homework: complete the last question in their notebook on p74.  Also notesbooks will be collected on Tuesday so students must make sure their notebooks are up to date and nearly organized.

On Tuesday,, I plan to complete the work on chapter 3 and let the students complete the open book quiz.  Any study that cannot finish must either stay today or tomorrow to complete this quiz.

On Wednesday, if all goes according to plan, we put  a closure to chapter 3 and introduce chapter 4 which includes the geography, food, family life, housing, occupation and social classes of Jesus’ time.  Assignments will be given depending on how much can be accomplished in class.

Thursday and Friday will continue with the chapter and notes will be taken.  There will be a test on the first two sections: Geography and foods of Jesus’ time taken from the notes.

Homework:  test sometime next week.

As usual, if you have any questions, feel free to email me.  I try to answer as soon as I can do so.

Sr. Judy

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To Freshmen Parents:

In general, the students did very well on Friday’s test.  Any student that forgot the definitions of the vocabulary words will have to write them ten times each. I am trying to make the students realize that what they learn is not  just for the test but for good.  I believe that many of the students are using the study skills that I have taught them.

This week will be devoted to two important items:

1. Teaching students how to correct an assignment given in class.         Last week the students began with an assignment that included looking up information on Chapter 7 between pp 169 – 183.   I am not concerned as to whether they completed the assignment but I will grade them on how they listen and pay attention to correcting the work with me. Hopefully we will have time to begin an overview of the four gospels.

2. The second item is getting all their pictures placed on the poster.  Viewing each other as little children has helped them get to know each other better.  You will get to see these posters on Freshmen Night.

I would like to thank  in advance those parents who have offered to bake or buy some goodies for Thursday’s ‘Freshmen Night.’  I do hope to see all of you.  As I mentioned to the students, if there is a problem not knowing what to do  with younger children, please do not let that keep you away from a good time.   We can always accommodate a few more.  Just let me know.

Sophomore Parents:

In general, students have not yet put the required effort in studying for tests.  I do not review as much as last year as they  have been taught different study skills and must apply them.  Any student who did not know the two vocabulary words given on the test will be required to write them ten times on Monday night.

I have ordered and received a number of good ‘DVD’s on the life of Jesus that will help them to better understand the chapters and make it a little more enjoyable.  However, they will be responsible for completing questions on any DVD shown.

On Monday we will have a short DVD on The Samaritan Woman.  They already know the story but this will show them another way of viewing the story and understanding how people can be dismissed due to their race, nationality or way of life.

On Tuesday  the students will view an excellent DVD on “So, who is this Jesus?”   There are three sections to the DVD and after each section students will be given a set of questions that they will first complete, then get into groups to discuss what they wrote.  Finally they will share what they wrote with the class.  This will probably take the whole week. I hope to have them participate in helping set up for ‘Freshmen Night’ if their work in completed.

My goal this semester  is to have the students look at Jesus in a new light.  I also hope to aquaint them with the stories of Jesus in the New Testament.

Freshmen Class:

I am asking all freshmen students to bring in by Thursday pictures of themselves and their family when they were young, in grade  school, etc. for Freshmen Night Oct 22nd.  It is enjoyable seeing each other ‘the way they were.’  If anyone would like to bake or buy some goodies or dessert for the evening, it would be greatly appreciated.  If you have any questions about the evening please email me  at   jboisvert@stmaryhs.org and I will answer any questions you may have.

As for the schoolwork, we will be reviewing the three stages of how the bible was written and also the eight sections of the bible.  Hopefully I will give the students a test on Friday.  I have noticed that a good number of students have acquired better study habits.  They are a pleasure to teach.

Sophomores:

The students are ending chapter 3.  They will be receiving a new set of vocabulary words for chapter 3 and will be given a quiz on Friday that will include both Chapter 2 and 3 vocabulary words.  After the quiz, the students will begin the open book quiz for this chapter.

I have ordered some good DVD’s on the life of Jesus which will help them understand a little better what they are studying.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me and I will answer you as soon as I can.