I hope you and your darling children are well!

Last week was a big week for our Middle School students.  The students, teachers, and chaperones went on a three-day retreat to the John Paul II Outdoor Lab at Camp Santa Maria.  The retreat was not only a learning experience, it was also a wonderful bonding opportunity for the Middle School students.  They were able to come together as a student body committed to their education, service, and faith.  They spent their time experiencing the beauty of our planet and learning about the local habitat.  As Ms. Alkayali reported to the Middle School parents, "The first night of our trip included a campfire, s'mores, and a spectacular sight of the Milky Way.  Many students couldn't remember a time when the stars were so brilliant and numbered so many."  Nothing could be better than that!  In addition, students participated in faith activities including adoration, reconciliation, and Mass.  We give thanks to God that our students had this opportunity and that they had such a special time.  We have already begun discussing what next fall's Middle School trip!

Thursday we will have student-led conferences.  Teachers and students alike have been preparing for the meetings.  We are looking forward for the students taking an active role in their conference.  While conferences are being conducted, the specials teachers, three substitute teachers and yours truly will be facilitating the International Day.  The curriculum for the day is a compilation of countries and cultures curricula from the University of Chicago, HistoryAlive®, and Rite of Passage; and adheres to the Archdiocese of Denver learning objectives. Each class will research a given country and generate a tri-fold poster of the country (containing specific criteria) and create an International Day passport.  At 2:15PM students will display their posters and stamp student International Day passports.  The activities will be scaffolded to meet the grade-level of the student.  We are looking for this rich experience for the students.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to educate your children.  I am extending my invitation for you to visit classrooms with me; you won't be disappointed!

God Bless you and your children,

Carla