Greetings,
As we reach the conclusion of our Red Ribbon Week, it has served as a good reminder for students about how to make healthy choices for both their bodies and their minds. Pope John Paul II expressed in Theology of the Body the concept of one’s body being a gift from God to be used to serve and love God and each other. Speaking of Pope John Paul II, the 8th Graders watched a video about him last week in honor of his feast day. We witnessed the charisma that he displayed throughout his many visits to North America, and how he inspired – and continues to inspire – Catholics around the world. Several members of my family, most notably my parents, are still in awe of being in his presence at Five Holy Martyrs Church in Brighton Park decades ago. How special it was to be in such close proximity to an eventual saint!
Speaking of saints…. We have our beautiful ofrenda that Mr. Ochoa assembled in the Morrissey Hall lobby. Admittedly, I froze for a moment when I saw Mrs. Reckwerdt’s image on display. It almost did not seem real to me that we are remembering someone who was such a constant presence in our lives at St. Cletus. Let’s remember to pray her and her family as well as all of those who have gone before us. As we approach the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, let’s especially remember those who have passed who do not have anyone to pray for them.
In Eighth Grade, we have concluded our Horror Story unit in which we read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving and both The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe. Seventh Graders read The Devil and Tom Walker and The Cask of Amontillado by the aforementioned authors. All readings that are fitting for the Halloween season. Both grade levels are nearing the end of Unit 9 Grammar which focuses on nouns.
The Civil War continues to be covered in Eighth Grade Social Studies. Currently, students are composing a Google Slides presentation on prominent women of the Civil War. In Seventh Grade, continue to cover the American Revolution. Most recently, we have focused on the Declaration of Independence. Nearly all History Fair Thesis Statements have been approved. We will begin the step in the next few days. That being the annotated bibliography and research.
I believe we are all set for our field trip to Cantigny Park next Friday. Those who were randomly selected to serve as chaperones have been notified. Thanks to all of those parents who offered to volunteer. Please remember to pack a lunch with students and avoid ordering hot lunch that day.
Wishing all of you a safe and fun Halloween!
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!” – St. Catherine of Siena