St. Luke Light
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October 21, 2020FROM MRS. BUHRMAN
Dear St. Luke Community,
Not long ago, I had the distinct pleasure to serve our youth as a Reading Specialist. I learned a lot about how our brains learn, how our unique brains learn differently, and some secrets about how you can give your child the advantages they need to excel in reading and communication.
There is an easy way to give your children the best advantages in reading. It starts on the lap, by parents reading to their children. There have been so many studies done and how this not only impacts their reading abilities, but also in language development. The more children are exposed to book language, the more they understand language. They enter into a whole new world of imagination, a world of endless possibilities, a world of beautiful language and imagery. By reading to your child when they are younger, you are also setting the habits of becoming a life-long reader.
Another way you can give your child the best opportunities to become a great reader is by requiring additional reading every night. Studies show that concentrated 20 minutes a day of reading can improve their reading in so many ways. At St. Luke, we don’t do things average, so I highly recommend trying to double that statistic, and here is why. By reading every day, your child will not only encounter different worlds, they will encounter different vocabulary. When vocabulary becomes more sophisticated, so do thoughts. Having the words to express ourselves enables us to think more deeply and more critically. Our world has become so manipulative in marketing and media, that critical thinking skills are adamant. Our children need the exposure to language, so they can think about things and use critical thinking to decipher through all of the manipulations.
Reading daily will also expose your child to how language works in writing. So reading allows for more sophisticated vocabulary, and it also gives exposure on how to express those thoughts through the written word. Reading daily will improve writing, as well! It is like a little bonus! The gift of writing will enable them to share their amazing thoughts in a way that can be shared by many. The art of writing seems to be a forgotten treasure, but by exposing our children to many different styles of language, we are giving them a rare treasure, indeed.
So, please, require your child to read every night. Take advantage of the time to sit down together as a family and read together. Read the same books and share your thoughts with your children. Read books that were made into movies and watch the movie after you have read the book. Get audiobooks and listen to them in the car. Give your children one of the best gifts, the gift of language and thought. The dedication to reading daily will result in transformations to your child that will amaze you! Jump on the reading train!!
Nadine Buhrman
Interim Principal
COUNSELOR’S CORNER . . .
Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.
Red Ribbon Week 2020 October 26-30
This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” Below are some highlights of the week’s events. Thank you for supporting the mission of Red Ribbon Week by encouraging participation and discussing these events with your students.
THEMED DAYS
Mon., Oct. 26. Red Out Day
- Students/faculty/staff will wear red shirt with jeans
- Students/faculty/staff will wear crazy socks with school uniform
- Students will wear school uniform
- Students/faculty/staff will wear their favorite team jersey with jeans
- Students/faculty/staff will wear a Halloween shirt and jeans
ACTIVITIES FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
PK- 1st grade
Short drug prevention video with discussion question and Drug Free Pledge
Make your own red ribbon activity (lesson and materials will be provided by counselor)
2nd-5th grade
Counselor will present Red Ribbon Week Lesson during regularly scheduled guidance counseling time
Middle School
Drug prevention video with discussion questions
Make your own red ribbon activity (lesson and materials will be provided by counselor)
Science classes will make Red Ribbon Week themed posters to be displayed around the school
BETA CLUB INDUCTION
Congratulations to the newly inducted members of the Beta Club: Jaylin Abrego, Gabriella Ahumada, Diego Driskill, Eamon Garcia, Luke Garcia, Olivia Lopez, Bella Magaro, Octavio Martinez, Arianna Medina, Chau Nguyen, Dylan Orozco, Vainavi Patel, Marisela Peña, Emma Ponce Mata, Eleanor Pope, Isabella Puente, Luke Ray, Samantha Rodriguez, Liliah Teniente, Fiona Whelan, Isabella Villarreal.
The National Junior Beta Club is a student-centered organization that focuses on nurturing students by providing opportunities to demonstrate ideals of character, achievement and service. The St. Luke St. Thomas Aquinas Chapter of the National Junior Beta Club has chosen service as their main focus. These student leaders coordinate school-wide service projects throughout the year. The club’s motto is “Let us lead by serving others.”
PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINION!
Please complete our survey and let us hear your voice!
We are considering adding an additional three days of early release (noon dismissal) this year. These three days were chosen during long stints without a break. After-school Care will be available. The dates are 11/6, 1/29, 4/9. Students would be learning asynchronously, so there is no need to make these days up. It will be a nice break for everyone. Please click HERE to complete our one question survey and share your opinion. Thank you!
NOON DISMISSAL, FRI., OCT. 23
After-school Care will be available until 6:00 pm. Please pack a sack lunch for your child if they are staying for After-school Care. The cafeteria does not serve lunch on noon dismissal days.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HONOR ROLL ASSEMBLY
The Middle School Honor Roll Assembly will take place next Thursday, October 29 at 2:00 pm in the church. Middle school students will attend; the assembly will be live-streamed on Facebook for parents to view.
Click on the image for ticket information.
THANK YOU CLASS OF 2023
The St Luke Class of 2023 collected $600 and made a donation to AnaLea’s family to help them during her mother’s cancer treatments. The funds were given to Lea Zarazua. Candice Gallegos organized this fundraiser on behalf of 6th grade. We have beautiful hearts in 6th grade (and a very special third grade sibling heart who made the card).
PARISH CONTRIBUTIONSA reminder that the contribution to the parish due by November 1 is $425.00. The parish contribution will enable a family to receive the in-parish tuition rate for the 2021-2022 school year. You can make your parish contribution online by visiting the online giving site.
SCHOOL SHOES UNLIMITED – STORE CLOSING SALE
The store will close effective November 30th. All uniform shoes, socks and hair accessories are 40% off while supplies last. The store is located at 2019 Vance Jackson.