Dear Parents,
The Penance Prayer Service was nice. The students did a nice job. I talked to Fr. Pat later on and he said everyone did a good job. Thank you parents for sending your child to Our Lady of Mercy School.
I need to remind you, parents, to be sure and check your child's homework. I know sometimes things get busy at home but I have noticed that homework has been coming back to school with lots of errors on it. The Spelling homework has lots of errors. Especially when your child has to write their words 5 times each. The Math homework has errors. Your child has not completed all the steps in Regrouping thus ending up with the wrong answer. Please take the time to check your child's homework. Thank you for your help.
The Christmas Program is Wednesday December 9, at St. Patrick's Church at 6:30 pm. The 8th Grade class, 5th Grade class and 1st Grade class have been working hard on the program. The school band is also performing. If you have not had a chance to hear the band play now is your chance. They do a good job. The Christmas program is always a nice way to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Have a wonderful week.

Dear Parents,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Back to school on Monday. The count down to Christmas begins. Remind your child that Christmas is not always about receiving gifts but about the wonderful event of Jesus' birth. Help your child understand that everyday can be a "Christmas" if we invite Jesus to be born into our hearts. At morning prayer each class will present a part of the Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree activity helps us to remember during Advent that each person's way of living adds something special to Jesus' coming.
Please remember that Tuesday, December 1 is the celebration of First Penance. Please be at St. Patrick's Church by 6:40 p.m. A letter was sent home on Thursday, November 19, 2009 with all the information regarding First Penance.
Have a wonderful week.

Dear Parents,
Welcome to the week before Thanksgiving. Remember, Wednesday, November 18 is the Thanksgiving program at St. Patrick's Parish Hall. Have your child at the hall by 6:15 p.m. On Thursday, November 19th we have a FREE DRESS day. On Tuesday, December 1, is First Penance. The Penance Service begins at 7:00 p.m. Have your child there by 6:40 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles brothers and sisters. This is a big step in your child's Catholic faith. I am sending a note home with your child regarding First Penance. Have a wonderful week.

Dear Parents,
It was good to see you at conference time. Several events are coming up. On Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. there will be a Veterans program. Each class will be performing a song. If you can attend, it would be greatly appreciated. We want to show our appreciation for all the Veterans who served our country so that we could be free. On November 18, 2009 the Second Graders will be performing at St. Patrick's Parish Hall in the Thanksgiving Program. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. Have your child at the hall no later than 6:15 p.m. The dress for the program, is something nice. Remember the Parent's Club is having a Thanksgiving dinner the same night as the program. The dinner is always a very tasty one. Thanksgiving vacation is November 23 through the 27.
On Tuesday, December 1, 2009 the Second Graders will be receiving their First Penance. First Penance will be at St. Patrick's Church and will begin at 7:00 p.m. We have been discussing the Ten Commandments in class . We will also role play the proper way of going to confession. Role playing will ease some of the stress of going to confession.

Dear Parents,
Welcome to Red Ribbon Week. Lots of activities will be happening during the week.
Remember Friday , October 30th is the day that the students come to school in their costumes. A costume parade will take place in the morning (Friday). The carnival is on Saturday at the school. Come to the school and have a good time. The carnival is from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The following week November 2 - November 5 is Conference Week. Dismissal during Conference Week is 12:30 p.m. The Library will be having a Book Fair during Conference Week. There is always lots of good books. Have a wonderful week.

Dear Parents,
Welcome to the Second Quarter of Second Grade. Report Cards go home on Friday, October 16 16, 2009. Please go over the Behavior Rubric with your child and keep reminding them to work quietly in class. I will continue to remind them in the classroom to work quietly and not be so disruptive . You will notice on the Report Card that there is no Science grade. Science will be covered in the Second Semester of school. Right now we are working on Social Studies. The Thanksgiving Program is scheduled for November 18, at St. Patrick's Parish Hall. The Second Graders are in the Thanksgiving Program. Please read the Penance Phamphlets with your child. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.
Have a wonderful week.

Dear Parents,
We made it through all the ITBS Testing. I am sure your child is glad it is all over with. Maybe not, because they didn't have any homework. We're back to the routine of homework on Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Snack sale on Friday during recess. Also on Friday is the Mass for the Feast of St. Francis. Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be held outside. If you have a pet bring it to the Mass for a special blessing. Dismissal on Friday, October 2, is 12:30 p.m.
Have a wonderful week.

Dear Parents,
Starting Monday,September 21 and continuing through Thursday, September 24 is the ITBS testing. Your child will only be testing in the morning. We start at 8:30 a.m. and will finish at approximately 11:30 a.m. Between each test we take a break. We will do some dancing, exercising and stretching. Two tests will be given before recess and one after recess. There are no Spelling words this week and no story for the week which means no Vocabulary words this week.
We need to continue doing Math during the week, so there might be some Math homework this week.
Have your child get plenty of rest during week. Remember this test is not to determine the intelligence of your child but a tool for the teachers to get an idea of your child's needs throughout the year.

Dear Parents,
I was pleased to see so many of you at the Open House on Sunday, September 13. I hoped you enjoyed visiting your child's classroom.
On Tuesday, September 8th I sent home the Christian Behavior Rubric for Conduct. We talked about the different levels of behavior. We talked about what kind of behavior was expected of them if they wanted an A, B,C, or D grade in Conduct. I would appreciate it if you would go over the Rubric with your child. If you have already discussed it with your child, thank you for doing that.
Progress Reports go home on Friday, September 18th. The Progress Report is to give you an indication of your child's growing skills and maturity in his/her grade level and not their academic future. The report is a part of the communication between school and home in terms of their current progress. Try not to compare your child with their classmates. Many children and parents have been discouraged and hurt when comparing, forgetting that the progress of one child can in no way compare to the progress of another. Everyone is an individual and is evaluated as such.
Several of you mentioned at the Open House that your child really liked doing the First In Math
computer program. As a school we hope to see some progress in Math computations.
Have a wonderful week.

Dear Parents,
We are starting our Fourth week of school. Just a few reminders. SAFE ENVIRONMENT MEETING On September 22, and October 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the Audidtorium a Safe Environment Meeting will take place. If you are interested in driving for any Field Trips you need to attend. This also applies if you are going to volunteer in the classroom or help out with lunch Yard Duty. Remember, when you are working around children you need to be Finger Printed.
PLANNERS: At our Faculty meeting on Friday, September 4 a discussion of signing the Planners on Fridays was brought up. A few of us teachers were under the impression that if you did not assign homework on Friday the Planners did not have to be signed. Mrs. Blackburn wants the school to be uniform, so from now on the Planners need to be signed on Fridays.
MATH: A letter is going home on Tuesday regarding the First In Math computer accessed program. For some reason the Second Grade log on and password list was not sent. I received the list on Friday morning. The internet address is : www.firstinmath.com
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Have a wonderful week.

Homework

Dear Parents,
Your child started Homework last Monday. Most of the children were okay with the homework. A couple of the children were a little overwhelmed by the work. Homework has a definite place in the educational process. It is an extension of the learning experience children have during the instructional day. Homework is designed to aid the students in achieving classroom and school goals.

When your child has homework please look it over with your child. Show genuine interest in the work. Instruct your child to complete homework as early in the afternoon or evening as possible. Insist that homework be done away from the television and other disstractions. Take an active interest in your child's schoolwork. Assist your child when he/she has trouble understanding something, try to help. Lastly, when your child brings home their Reader or Small Reader, read with your child. Discuss what your child has read.
All of the above suggestions are ways you can help to support your child's education at home.
As always, I appreciate your support.

Dear Parents,
On Monday, August 24, 2009 homework assignments will begin. Your child will have Reading, Spelling, and Vocabulary on Monday. There will also be some Math homework during the week. A letter is going home explaining the homework. Homework days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. No homework on Friday. The weekend is for family. I will always explain the homework assignments to your child in class. Remember, homework assignments are used to reinforce classroom learning.
Please encourage your child to do their homework before doing any extra curricular activities.
Together, you and I can help your child become a responsibility person.
Have a wonderful week.

August 2009
Dear Parents,
First of all I want to welcome you to an exciting year in Second Grade. Second Grade is a special year. Your child will be celebrating First Penance and First Holy Communion. Along with celebrating the Sacraments of Penance and Communion your child will be learning many new and exciting academic concepts.
Our Lady of Mercy School has been a part of my life for 30 years. I became a part of the O.L.M. School family when my daughter, Marsha entered preschool in 1979. I was a Mom helper in kindergarten with my sons, Mark in 1983, and Ryan in 1984. In 1985 I became a teacher aide in kindergarten and worked with Mrs. Tresidder for 13 years. I began teaching Second Grade in 2000 and have enjoyed every year.
The classroom environment I plan to maintain is positive and pleasant in which your child will be treated with fairness and respect. I expect your child to behave appropriately and to be self-disciplined, honest and to accept responsibility for his/her own behavior and to treat others with respect.
I expect your child to try their best, to use their time in the classroom productively, and to use school materials and property in a responsible way. I assure you that your child will clearly understand what is to be expected of him/her. Your child deserves the most positive educational climate possible for academic growth and I will work hard to be consistent in that capacity.
Your child will receive a wonderful Catholic and academic education at Our Lady of Mercy School as my children did. I know we will all have a great year together. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding Second Grade. I plan on making your child’s year in Second Grade productive and enjoyable.
I look forward to a wonderful year.
Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Carroll

Dear Parents,
Welcome to our last month of school. My how time flies when you're having fun! this has been a busy year of school. Lots of things happened in Second Grade. First Penance and First Holy Communion were the big events of the year. Lots of new academic concepts were learned and we will continue to learn. On Monday, May 11, 2009,we will start working on our Times Tables.
Please work with your child at home and most importantly work on the Times Tables during the summer. I was talking with Mrs. Marasti regarding Times Tables and she told me that the students who worked on Times Tables during the Summer knew them going into 3rd Grade. These students were not having any trouble with Times Tables because they already knew them.
On Tuesday, May 12, 2009 we will be going to Cherish. We will entertain the Seniors who go there for lunch. On Wednesday, May 13, 2009 we will go on our Field Trip. We should return to OLM School in time for lunch. So if your child wants to have hot lunch he/she can sign up for it. In the afternoon I plan on having an ice cream treat.
We were scheduled to go to Day Out on May 26, 2009. Mrs. Mills volunteered to take her class on that day. So if you have it marked on your calendar to drive to Day Out you can make other plans. Thank you Mrs. Mills for volunteering to go to Day Out.

Dear Parents,
I hope everyone had a very Happy Easter. My Easter was very nice and my break was a very restful one. I hope you and your child have been working on your banner. Banners are due on Wednesday, April 22. If some of you are having problems with them let me know and so we can work something out. If for some reason they are not ready on Wednesday, please bring them in on Thursday. They need to be hung at St. Patrick's Church Friday morning.
I'm sending a note home on Monday regarding the rehearsal at St. Patrick's. At the bottom of the permission slip are places for you to sign up to volunteer. If you or a family member would like to volunteer please let me know. Your child has been preparing for this very important day and it is always good to see parents and family members involved in this celebration.
If you have any questions regarding First Communion do not hesitate to ask.

Dear Parents,
First of all thank you for attending the Follies this past weekend. The teachers had a lot of fun dancing on stage. I hope you enjoyed the show. First Communion is just around the corner. I know the children are getting excited. I'm sending home a note with Banner information. Hopefully you and your child can work on the Banner over Easter vacation. I borrowed a few Banners from last years students so that you can take a look at them and get some ideas as to what they look like when completed. They are in the classroom, come on by and take a look.
Thank you for all that you do for the school. Have a Happy Easter.

Dear Parents,
Quarter 3 of this school year has finished and now it is Quarter 4. Can you believe it! We have been working hard in the classroom for First Holy Communion. We have been going over the different parts of the Mass, the clothing that the Priest wears. Next we will be talking about the altar and the many different vessels the Priest uses to prepare the bread and wine for communion.
On Tuesday, March 10 we will go to Cherish to entertain the people who eat lunch there. Tuesday is also the day the Daughters of St. Paul have their Book Fair in the library.
The Spring Program is March 11 at 7:00 p.m. The Crab Feed is Friday, March 13 at St. Pat's Parish Hall.
During the week of March 16 through March 20 the Library will have a Book Fair.
Conference Week is March 17 through March 20. Dismissal will be at 12:30 for those 4 days.
The Second Graders will be in charge of the Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 20. Please try to attend. Everyone in the class will have a job. Some will be reading, some will be holding up a card with one of the stations on it.
On March 24th the Second Graders will be going to Day Out. Some of you volunteered to drive way back in August. I will be contacting you to find out if you are available on March 24.

Dear Parents,
I hope everyone enjoyed their week off. I know I did. After having a week off we will be in school for three and a half days this week. Half day of school on Thursday, February 26th, 12:30 dismissal. There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 27th. Enjoy your long weekend.
On March 10th the Second Graders will be going to Cherish and on March 24th we will be going to Day Out. Way back in August or September some of you signed up to drive. I will be contacting you to find out if you are still available to drive. On March 20th the Second Graders will be leading the Stations of the Cross at morning prayer. Please try to attend.
All school mass for Ash Wednesday, February 25th at 8:15 a.m is the beginning of Lent. Lent is about prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Prayer can be a spontaneous expression of thanksgiving to God for what we have or formal prayers such as Stations of the Cross. Fasting, can be denying ourselves of something such as candy, soda or T.V., or we can "fast" from bad habits like saying unkind things about others. Almsgiving, does not mean we have to open our wallets ,instead, a kind word, a compliment or a smile can be a rich expression of alms. Remind your child that Lent is an important part of the Catholic faith.

Dear Parents,
International Night was fun. It was good to see so many of you there. Your child liked learning about Morocco. I talked to several parents that night and they enjoyed learning about Morocco too. My daughter Marsha had a good time and she enjoyed sharing her experiences about Morocco with you.
Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is almost here! A couple of students have asked about valentine exchange. In order to make the exchange work smoothly and easily, I would like you to have your child sign his or her name on each valentine, but do not write a name on the envelope. In this way, your child can pass out their valentines quickly, without fuss over which one belongs to whom. Candy attached to a valentine is fine, but please note that many children do send candy, and too much candy can cause an upset stomach.
The Valentine Party will be in the afternoon. I have mentioned to the room mom that I would like something simple. Not to many sweet things.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents who drove students back from St. Patrick's Church to the school after our Catholic School's Week mass. The Mass was wonderful. I know your child enjoyed watching one of their classmates being baptized. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to help out.
Remember that there is no school next week, February 16 thru February 20.

Dear Parents, Happy Catholic Schools Week!
Lots of activities this week. On Monday students write appreciation letter to parents. Basketball games after school. Game starts at 4:00 p.m. McSwain vs OLM. Try to attend. Show your support and have a snack while you cheer for OLM.
Tuesday, students perform service around the school. Song practice. After school Livingston comes to OLM for a basketball game. Game time 4:00 p.m. Go to the game and have a snack.
Wednesday is Cherish Luncheon. All students need to bring their lunch today.
NO HOT LUNCH TODAY. Weaver comes to OLM for a basketball game. Another game another snack and more fun cheering for OLM.
Thursday is BUDDY DAY/SPIRIT DAY/ Everyone wears Blue and White for Free Dress . Everyone needs to bring their lunch today. No hot lunch today. We are paired up with Mrs. Elam's 5th Grade class. Please remember to not spend too much for your child's buddy. Try to spend only $2.00 or so for a gift. We don't want any feelings hurt.
Friday - Mass at St. Patrick's Church. Your child needs to be dropped off before 8:00 a.m. Mass starts at 8:15 a.m. Please remind your child to be respectful when they enter the church.
At 1:30 p.m. the teachers play volleyball against the 8th graders. This is always a fun time.
On Saturday don't forget the OLM Auction.
Busy week at school.

Dear Parents,
A couple of you are having trouble finding some information on the Morocco topic. I have found some information on Google and Wikipedia. Wikipedia is a free Encyclopedia on the internet. I found art in Wikipedia. Try those sites. Google had food, religion, language, weather, and government and from there I found customs, culture, history , holidays and way of life. If you are still having trouble finding information I'll give you another topic.

Dear Parents,
Happy New Year. Can you believe we're starting our second half of the 2008-2009 school year. How time flies! International Night is on Thursday, February 5, 2009 in the school auditorium. The country I have chosen is Morocco. We started learning about Morocco. We completed a flag and have located Morocco on the continent of Africa. On Monday, January 12, 2009 your child will bring home an index card with a topic on Morocco . I have explained to your child that he/she could have their parents help them with a report on their topic but that they had to write the paper in their own handwriting. I am only asking for a one page report. If all you can find is one paragraph on your topic that would be fine. The report will be due on Tuesday, Januiary 20, 2009. If you find a picture to go along with your report staple it to the
report.
We are also starting to prepare for First Holy Communion. We will be learning about the different parts of the Mass. I encourage your family to attend Mass on a regular basis. The flu season is upon us. Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest and wears a sweatshirt or jacket on these cold days.