WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
APRIL 16, 2018
Faculty members treated to lunch at the second grade Spanish Cafe
THIS WEEK'S NEWS AND EVENTS
CARUTH RECEPTION THURSDAY
Each spring, Dallas philanthropist W. W. ("Bill") Caruth, III visits St. John's, bringing photographs and tales of his extensive travels. This year's exhibition brings us magnificent landscapes from all over the world. Mr. Caruth will be doing a special presentation to the fifth grade, which ties into their study of cliff dwellings. All families are invited to meet him and attend the opening reception of his exhibition Thursday, April 19, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. See the invitation. At right, Queenstown, New Zealand, taken by Bill Caruth in 2017.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FREE-DRESS DAY
StuCo will celebrate spring with a Middle School free-dress day Friday, April 20. See p. 43 of the handbook for guidelines.
NEW FAMILY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
St. John's is excited to welcome its new students and their families Saturday, April 21, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at the ice cream social. This fun tradition provides new families the opportunity to make friends and get to know the SJES community.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Whether you're on the hunt for classic kids' books or best sellers, Common Sense Media's "best books" lists are full of stories that are bound to spark kids' imagination and keep the pages turning.
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COMING UP
CTP 4 TESTING
Third through eighth graders will take the annual CTP 4 standardized tests the week of April 23. Second graders will practice test-taking strategies using CTP materials to help them prepare for taking the test in third grade. Please avoid scheduling morning appointments for your child on testing days, as opportunities for makeup testing will be limited. Make-up testing will be scheduled by the school and may include weekend testing. Help your child get plenty of rest and provide a good breakfast that includes a protein source.
QUEEN ANNE'S LACE WEED PULLING EVENT
The Blackland Prairie Service Learning Group will be holding the pulling of invasive Queen Anne's Lace plants on Thursday, April 26, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Participants will meet at the Greenspot and walk towards the lake. Snacks, water, gloves and temporary boots will be provided for all who attend. (Please bring your own boots if available.) Students who stay for two hours will receive service credit from For the Love of the Lake or National Junior Honor Society. All families are invited to come join this fun time on the prairie.
GAMES DAY: VOLUNTEERS, ASP AND T-SHIRTS
Our annual Games Day will be Friday, April 27. On Games Day, blue and gold teams compete in a series of challenges to earn the coveted awards for most points and most spirit.
- Order T-shirts: If you need to purchase a shirt, please place your order through the Crusader Shop by Wednesday, April 25. If you have questions about your order, please contact Eve Stephens.
- Volunteers: If you'd like to volunteer to help with setup Thursday, April 26 or to provide assistance at the event on Friday, April 27, please sign up.
- NO ASP: Please note that there will be No After School Program on Games Day. All students will be dismissed at regular times.
FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL
Kindergarten through third grade parents are invited to enjoy a folk dance showcase. Kindergarten, first and third grade will perform by grade level on Wednesday, May 9 on the green space, weather permitting. Second grade will participate, but their date will be Thursday, May 10 to coincide with the second grade poetry readings. The schedule is as follows.
- Wednesday, May 9
- 9:15-9:30 a.m. kindergarten
- 9:45-10:00 a.m. first grade
- 10:45-11:00 third grade
- Thursday, May 10
Barrera: 8:45-9:25 poetry, 9:30-9:45 folk dance
Specht: 10:45-11:25 poetry, 11:30-11:45 folk dance
May: 12:45-1:25 poetry, 1:30-1:45 folk dance
SUMMER AT ST. JOHN'S CAMP HIGHLIGHT: DISCOVER MAGIC
The Dallas Magic Academy will offer three different morning camp sessions: June 11-15, June 18-22 and July 23-27. Open to second through eighth grade students, each camp will feature new and different magic tricks and may be taken in any sequence. You will receive amazing custom tricks and props with full color instructions, top-secret file folders with bonus extras, and a cool messenger bag to carry your magic supplies. Learn the eight traits of a true magician and receive secret code key cards to unlock bonus magic effects and secrets online. Discover Magic builds self-confidence, teaches respect, inspires creativity and improves social skills in a safe and friendly environment. Register today.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
This year's theme is Splash Canyon: God's Promise on Life's Wild Ride! Life is full of thrills and spills. We may not know what's around the bend, but God does! At Splash Canyon, kids discover that when life is a wild ride, Jesus is by our side. VBS is for children ages 4 to 12, who will enjoy many fun things to do including sing-a-longs, crafts, games and snacks. Registration fee of $20.00 per child. Register now or for more information, please contact Jenee Echard.
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STUDENT NEWS
TEXAS HEROES
Fourth graders have recently completed a research project in Texas history. Each student researched a hero living during the time of the Texas Revolution. After completing the research, they created a slide show and presented their findings to the class. They became the teacher by sharing the lives and accomplishments of these important Texans.
Fourth graders have recently completed a research project in Texas history. Each student researched a hero living during the time of the Texas Revolution. After completing the research, they created a slide show and presented their findings to the class. They became the teacher by sharing the lives and accomplishments of these important Texans.
PRE-K RECYCLING PROJECT
In honor of Earth Day, pre-k teachers challenged their students and their parents to create a sculpture out of recycled items for the third and final family project. Projects are on display in the Lower School commons area this week. The students are eager to share their projects, so please be sure to take a look if you have the opportunity.
In honor of Earth Day, pre-k teachers challenged their students and their parents to create a sculpture out of recycled items for the third and final family project. Projects are on display in the Lower School commons area this week. The students are eager to share their projects, so please be sure to take a look if you have the opportunity.
MRS. BOYD'S CLASS LEARNS ABOUT POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM
In Chapel Applied, Mrs. Boyd's class watched a video called Cupcake about positive self-esteem. The class then discussed what self-esteem is and examples of ways in which students can encourage each other when they feel down. They completed a handout entitled "Three Ingredients that Make You Special" and shared their traits. After the activity, Mrs. Boyd treated her class to cupcakes.
In Chapel Applied, Mrs. Boyd's class watched a video called Cupcake about positive self-esteem. The class then discussed what self-esteem is and examples of ways in which students can encourage each other when they feel down. They completed a handout entitled "Three Ingredients that Make You Special" and shared their traits. After the activity, Mrs. Boyd treated her class to cupcakes.
SPANISH CAFE
Senora Martinez's second grade students just finished a PBL that included researching, designing and decorating a restaurant. Then they opened their restaurant doors in the Lower School science lab with faculty as their customers. After taking reservations, students worked in the restaurant using their Spanish skills and serving a full Mexican menu that was muy delicioso!
Senora Martinez's second grade students just finished a PBL that included researching, designing and decorating a restaurant. Then they opened their restaurant doors in the Lower School science lab with faculty as their customers. After taking reservations, students worked in the restaurant using their Spanish skills and serving a full Mexican menu that was muy delicioso!
BUDDY DAY
Students met with their buddies last week for the final Buddy Day of the school year. They enjoyed breakfast together with a theme of "friendship." They then made "fortune cookies" with positive messages for one another.
Students met with their buddies last week for the final Buddy Day of the school year. They enjoyed breakfast together with a theme of "friendship." They then made "fortune cookies" with positive messages for one another.
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PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
CRUSADER CLUB CARPOOL
Dads are invited to assist with morning carpool April 23 - 27, 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. This is a fun, quick way to support the school by helping the little ones out of the cars. Choose a shift.
TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
Lights, camera, action! Our annual teacher appreciation luncheon is in production. We are excited to announce the theme of this year's teacher and staff appreciation luncheon, to be held Wednesday, May 2 in Parish Hall. This year our theme will be movies! This fun luncheon is to thank our wonderful faculty for all they do for our children throughout the year. Interested in donating? We are seeking raffle items as prizes for the teachers and staff. Examples include spa gift certificates, sports tickets and NorthPark gold. Our talented team will package items together, so even if you think an item may not be enough, it can be! Your gift is greatly appreciated by one of our guests and a meaningful way of saying thank you. Please contact Shannon Cahalan if you would like to donate an item for the luncheon.
CRUSADER CLUB GOLF CLASSIC
Save the date for the 17th annual golf tournament Friday, May 11 at Stevens Park Golf Club. Find details and registration and sign your team up today. Plan to spend a morning on the links with friends in support of St. John's. If your family or business is interested in supporting the tournament, the Crusader Club's largest effort in support of the school, check out the sponsorship levels and benefits.
"LOVE SJES" SOCIAL
Please join us on Friday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the final St. John's social of the school year, Love SJES. All guests will enjoy two hours of fun tennis play, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by lunch at Lakewood Country Club. All proceeds from the ticket sales benefit St. John's. This social event is graciously hosted by: Kristi Bare, Lauren Christensen, Becky Clarke, Melissa Eakes, Stephanie Howells, Kerri Johnson, Amy Laczkowski, Claudia Magee, Aimee McMillan, Nicole Motley, Lane Olson, Mae Reeves, Kathy Row and Blair Wittneben. Buy your tickets and join the fun.
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SPORTS
The seventh and eighth grade track athletes attended the Warriors Relay Meet in Argyle, competing against eight area schools. The seventh grade boys placed fifth overall and the eighth grade boys placed fourth overall in their individual grade levels. The seventh grade girls placed fourth overall and the eighth grade girls placed fourth in their individual grade levels. Congrats, coaches Isbell and Jennings and athletes!
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CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
A college professor once decided to study the religious and cultural mythology of an isolated tribe of people on a small island. He first learned their language and read every book ever published about them. Then he travelled to the island to spend a week with the people. The week stretched into months as he built relationships and listened to their stories, diligently cataloguing every detail in his notebooks. When he got home, he began teaching classes about this group and their culture. For years he made regular pilgrimages to the island to keep up his relationships and his knowledge. After the professor had spent fifteen years writing and lecturing about this group, on his next trip the tribal elders invited him to a meeting. He went, greeted them according to their custom, and sat patiently waiting for the oldest leader to speak. "You have been a friend to our people for many years," the elder began. "You have learned all our stories." The professor prided himself on this. "But now," the elder continued, much to the professor's astonishment, "we want to tell you what our stories mean."
In chapel we have heard what Jesus said and did, and the powerful narrative of his passion and resurrection. But in the spring we make the transition from stories about Jesus to meanings – meanings passed down from generation to generation in the Christian community. This year we look closely at St. Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth, because there Paul uses a number of vivid and concrete metaphors for understanding the Christian life. We will hear how the people of God are a fragrance, a letter, a promise, and people raised from the dead. We let the ancient Christians speak for themselves in our readings, knowing that their voices blend with our own experience over two thousand years of community to help us understand who the risen Lord Jesus really is.
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St. John's Episcopal School is dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train
the mind, strengthen the character and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment.
St. John's Episcopal School | 214-328-9131