We are moving into the month of November which means Thanksgiving will soon be here. This is some people’s favorite holiday as they have the opportunity to spend time with their families and enjoy the peacefulness of the holiday. Our fall activities are winding down for the year. Our students who participated in Cross Country have finished their season. Congratulations to Noah Noecker, Anna Brodersen, and Anna Burbach who qualified for the state Cross Country meet which was held October 24. They and the rest of our runners had a great season winning several meets and placing high in several others. The volleyball team is currently involved in conference play and will soon be heading into sub-districts. They have shown steady improvement throughout the season and are looking for great things in the post season. The football team has qualified for the playoffs for the sixteenth consecutive year. This year it was a little more difficult due to the fact that only sixteen teams made the playoffs in our classification. We want to congratulate all of these students for all of the hard work they have put into their seasons. We want to congratulate Hannah Rembert and Jesse Kruse who were selected to All State Choir as well as Amber Leise who was selected as an alternate. Congratulations to these students. It is a great honor to be selected to receive this All State recognition. November 19 – 21 they will be rehearsing and have a performance at the Lied Center in Lincoln. We have several other groups preparing for activities in the month of November. On November 10 the chorus students will be participating in the Mid State Conference Choral Clinic held in Crofton. A concert will take place that evening. On November 17 the One Act team will be holding a community performance of their play helping them to prepare for the Mid State Conference festival on November 19. We hope to see a lot of people out supporting these groups as they perform. You may have read on Sycamore the changes that have been made with our closing and cancellation notification. Cedar Catholic, Holy Trinity, East Catholic and West Catholic will be listed on our public notifications as Cedar County Catholic Schools. Hopefully we will not have much severe weather over the next few months, but we want to make sure everyone is informed about these changes. School cancellations, late starts, or early outs will be broadcast on KK93 radio station, WNAX radio station, KTIV Channel 4 TV station, KCAU Channel 9 TV station, as well as on Cedar Vision in Hartington. The message of a school cancellation, late start, or early out will also be put on our sycamore website. We also send out a text message concerning any weather related cancellations. You may sign up for these text messages on sycamore. We try to make the decision to postpone or cancel school as early as possible. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather this is not always possible. The most important thing in determining this decision is the safety of our students and all of those that may be driving. As we approach November and the Thanksgiving Holiday, we at Cedar Catholic we recognize the many things that we have to be thankful for. We have an excellent student body, supportive parents and benefactors that truly understand the importance of Catholic education. We pray in thanksgiving for all of these things and all that God has given us. Mr. Koerting—Social Science Geography—The students did a great job throughout the first quarter. Much of their time was spent learning the rules of Geography and exploring a few maps. Now that we have the basics down we’ll begin our journey around the globe. Our next destination is Latin America. While here students will locate and identify all the countries that comprise Latin America, what makes Latin America a region unique from all the others, and why the success of Latin America is important for global success. American History—The students are beginning a new unit titled A Young Republic. We’ve won our independence from Great Britain, now what? We’ll write a constitution, acquire more land via the Louisiana Purchase and unfortunately engage in a very long and brutal civil war. Girls Basketball—In a few short weeks the girls will begin their 2014-2015 basketball season. I expect great things from this year’s group. Until then, please continue to support the girls as they compete in volleyball and the boys as we take our best shot in the playoffs! Mrs. Freeman—Social Science First, I’d like to thank all the parents and students for their well-wishes after the birth of our son, Lucas. I really appreciated the patience and hard work the students put forth while I was on maternity leave. Mrs. Thoene did a great job and made my transition back into the classroom seamless! The students of 118 continue to plug along as we enter second quarter. Government students have continued their foray into the three branches of government as they focused on the legislative branch. They were fortunate enough to get a close up view into politics with candidate Keith Kube when he came and spoke to them about running for political office. Students who are eligible are encouraged to register and vote for this year’s midterm election in November. This will go hand-in-hand with our examination of the function of Congress and its membership. The American History College Credit class continues to focus on the early half of the 19 th century as they examine the social, political, and economic changes that followed the War of 1812. They soon will be approaching the Civil War and its fallout. The 8th graders have been discussing the European colonization of America. Soon they will study the individual colonies and the beginnings of American discontent with England. The Civics class just had a great (and delicious) day where they used their various talents to display the three branches of government. Soon they will focus on the individual branches functions and powers more in-depth. Ms. Thoene—Foreign Language Hola desde la clase de Español: We have been working hard in Spanish Class. In Spanish 1, we have finished talking about our favorite activities and are now on to describing what we are like with adjectives. In Spanish 2, we are discussing our after school activities, how long we´ve been doing them and comparing objects and descriptions. Soon we will be starting the “how to prepare ourselves” using reflexive verbs. In Spanish 3 and 4, we are continuing to read about La Llorona and have watched and read stories about the Weeping Women from the Mexican and Latin American culture. In Middle School, we are discussing telling time as well as telling our favorite animals and foods. It´s been a busy time in Spanish Class. Mission Trip information: I had originally thought of the Peru Trip but without much interest due to cost, I am looking now at a Young Neighbors in Action Trip to Tijuana, México! It costs right around $750 (in total). Information will be sent out to parents. Mrs. Neuhalfen—Business Ed; Dance Team INFORMATION APPLICATIONS The students have just finished up with the Microsoft Office Excel unit and are now moving onto Microsoft Office PowerPoint. At the end of that unit students will be able to create an effective multimedia presentation for future speeches/projects they may have throughout high school and college. WEB DESIGN Students are stepping into the shoes of professional photographers and are learning to edit photos using the Adobe program Photoshop. Students have started with very basic techniques and throughout this semester they will build on those techniques and will be able to execute advanced techniques of the program. If there are any family photos you would like your student to edit send them with your student and they can work on them in class! MARKETING It seems that this particular group of Marketers really understands the concept of marketing. They are continuously realizing that marketing is all around them. I am amazed each and every day with our class discussions. It is fascinating seeing the material click with the students; they seem to relate back to previous experiences and can compare those experiences to the material we are discussing in class. We are currently covering the process of the sales presentation and with the hit show Shark Tank the students get to see sales presentation come alive when we view an episode. KEYBOARDING The seventh graders have now worked through every letter on the keyboard. They know the correct finger-key placement and should still continue to increase in their keying speed and accuracy. The rest of the year will consist of Microsoft Office programs and web research skills. DANCE TEAM Thank you for all of your support during the dance teams performances. So far it has been a great year! The girls are having fun and I enjoy watching them grow and challenge themselves as well as others with their skills and techniques. We are all looking forward to performing at the home basketball games. **Make sure to mark your calendars for February 21st-22nd. The girls will take their fourth consecutive trip to Grand Island for the 2015 Nebraska State Dance Competition. It would be great to see some Cedar fans there! Mrs. Christensen—Theology I/III, Senior Info, Student Council Theology III—We are finishing up our Sacraments of Initiation with the Eucharist. In November, we will be studying Penance/Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. The juniors are doing a good job of learning the essential elements, requirements for reception, and the effects of each sacrament. Don’t forget to keep working on your service hours. Theology III and Theology I students must have at least 10 hours completed by Christmas break. If a student fails to have 10 hours, he or she will be losing points on the semester test. Theology I—The freshmen are currently studying the Old Testament with Moses, Jacob, Joseph, the Judges, and the Prophets. In November, we will move into the four Gospels. We will discuss what is common among them and their differences. We will also study Jesus’ teaching and His miracles. March for Life—There are approximately 30 students interested in the pilgrimage this year. We are in need of a male chaperone, since I already have a couple of ladies interested in being a chaperone. If anyone is interested, please contact me. The students attending the March for Life will be helping with the Knights of Columbus chili feed. I want to thank the Holy Trinity Pro-Life group for offering 3 scholarships – 1 - $100 and 2 - $50. The winners will be announced the first week of November. Senior News—Seniors need to be handing in their formal senior pictures to Mrs. Christensen before Thanksgiving break. Formal pictures are the head and shoulder pictures for the yearbook and class composite. If anyone has any questions, please let me know. Student Council—Thank you to everyone who took part in the Dig Pink event at the October 16 volleyball game. We sent $100 to the Side-Out Foundation for Breast Cancer awareness and research. There will be a Blood Drive on Monday, November 17 from 9 am to 1:30 pm. Student Council members may be asked to bring snacks for those who donate. Student Council may be taking part in the Toys for Tots program. Last Christmas, we chose a child’s name from the tree at the Hartington City library and purchased nice gifts for the child. Mr. Cattau—Football I want to again thank everyone for their support throughout our season. As I type this, we are preparing for the Sutton game. The team has prepared as hard for this game as any that I can remember in the past. Each of the players has really grown throughout the season as both people and as athletes. Their commitment to this team and school is second to none. All of their time and efforts are greatly appreciated. I hope we are able to continue our season beyond the first round of the playoffs and the players are rewarded for all their hard work they have put in. Mrs. Larson—Language Arts, Junior Class Fundraising 7TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS—In language arts, we are focusing on vocabulary, parts of speech, descriptive & creative writing and reading this month. The vocabulary lessons are from the Vocabulary Workshop textbook. The text also has review activities and flashcards on their website (www.vocabularyworkshop.com). Students will review and build their knowledge of parts of speech by identifying the subject, verb, articles, adjectives and then adverbs in sentences. Students will learn to diagram sentences. Through diagramming, students will practice their knowledge of parts of speech, as well as, seeing how they can build more complex sentences. The next part of speech that we will be learning about is direct objects. Then, we will compare and contrast sentences with compound parts with compound sentences. When not working on vocabulary and parts of speech, students will be working on their independent reading project for the year. Students will be either reading, writing a Book Review, or giving a Book Talk. Students are responsible for reading three books per quarter. (However, during 1st and 2nd quarter, the students will listen and journal to a book that I will reading aloud. Students may turn in their journals for one of their Book Reviews per quarter.) The Book Reviews and Book Talks are counted as test grades, so it is really important that students work toward their deadlines and not procrastinate. Students may work ahead in this project. The quarterly deadlines are: 2nd quarter = by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 3rd quarter = by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 4th quarter = by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. During November, students will also experience some creative writing experiences. Students will see how using adjectives and adverbs add dimension and details to their writing. They will also look at incorporating their senses in to their descriptive writing. The students will also begin a creative writing project that has a Christmas theme. ENGLISH I—Students recently finished their typed 1st draft of their historical fiction research story/paper. They will then focus on editing and revising their stories, as well as, making sure that they have followed the MLA format for internal citations for all and any information in their stories that came from any of their resources. Students must give credit whether the information is word-for-word or if the idea is put in the students’ words. Just a quick reminder - Students are responsible for reading one independent reading book each quarter. The selection of books is as follows: 1. Holocaust related historical fiction or non-fiction book, 2. literature books from the Omaha Archdiocese & Cedar Recommended Reading List for grades 9-12, and 1 free choice book. While reading their books, students will need to complete Reading Response Logs. Students may work ahead in the project. The due dates for each quarter are: 2nd quarter = by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 3rd quarter = by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 4th quarter = by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Students will continue in the Vocabulary Workshop textbook series. Students will make flashcards and complete text assignments for each unit. For extra practice, there are supplemental games and activities for each unit online at www.vocabularyworkshop.com. SPEECH—Students are finishing learning their speeches and making their PowerPoint presentations for their informative speech which must be between 5 and 8 minutes in length. Students needed to create a speech with both verbal and internal citation using the MLA format. Students will practice aloud while standing numerous times before presenting. Informative speech presentations will begin on Tuesday, November 4th. After the presentations, students will begin working on their persuasive research paper. IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ORDER MAGAZINES AND/OR GIFT ITEMS. We usually have a couple more weeks when students/supporters can still place orders ONLINE. So, you have time to still support the junior class. (Paper orders were due the last week of October.) The Great American Fundraising for magazines and other food, clothing, jewelry, wrapping paper items has ended except for online orders. The goal for each junior student was 12 subscriptions or gift items. (All online orders count as double for the students.) If you have not been asked by a junior, please shop online and give credit to one student from the junior class. It’s not too late to place an online order for magazine or gift item. Simply go to http://www.gaschoolstore.com/. Forty percent of your purchase will come back to our class/school. The GA School Store has gift accessory items, jewelry,college apparel, in addition to magazines at great prices. This is a great place to do some of your holiday shopping. Be sure to enter our school ID __2535326__ when you place the order so that we can be credited for the sale. You may also use the school/organization finder to locate our school if our ID is not provided. We still have trash bags in all of the sizes still available. These bags will be sold for $11 per roll. The junior class took orders for trash bags over the last month, and there was a “cash & carry” day for customers to pick up and pay for their orders on Monday, September 23rd. Very few students have sold trash bags thus far, so you may still be contacted about purchasing trash bags. If you weren’t asked and need trash bags or just want to support Cedar/the junior class, please contact a junior student, stop by the Cedar office, or contact Mrs. Larson or Ms. Thoene. The goal is for each junior student to sell 10 trash bag rolls. Again the size and number of bags per roll are as follows: (white) tall kitchen trash bags ---15 gallons ----65 bags per roll (yellow) garbage can bags ---35 gallons ---- 25 bags per roll (blue) yard or commercial size bags ---55 gallons ----16 bags per roll The final fundraiser, a Schwan’s Sale, will be in November. Schwan’s had changed last year from their truckload sale to an online sale. Instead of having to come pick up your order at a designated site and time, online orders are handled through the corporate office and local Schwan’s representatives deliver the products straight to your door. You choose the day and time for delivery when you check out online. Through the change, the class can earn 20% during the campaign. During the campaign, customers can order as many times as they wish. Then, we still can make 5% on any online orders over the next 11 months. This fundraiser gives people the opportunity to stock up on their favorite food items, gives people a chance to try something new, and/or gives people a chance to try Schwan’s if they haven’t ever ordered from Schwan’s before. Thank you in advance for supporting the junior class and for helping them plan and host an awesome prom banquet, grand march, and dance. COMING EVENTS Mrs. Bailey—Math FOR The algebra students are going to get started on linear equations. In this chapter we learn to write equations of lines from given points, graphs and even write equations of lines that have parallel and perpendicular slopes. NOVEMBER 3rd------------------------VB Subdistricts, 5 p.m. CC vs. Crofton @ Laurel Cedar hosts D1-6 Subdistricts The 8th grade math students are working with negative exponents. This is usually a very foreign concept to the students, but the kids are handling it very well this year! They have good study habits and are good about asking questions! 4th -------------------- VB Subdistricts continue 6th ----------- Speech Parent’s Night Info Mtg. 7th --------- FB CC vs. Freeman, 5 p.m. Home VB District Final Mass 8:05 ACT Registration Deadline The 7th graders are just finishing up on decimals. We will be starting to work with operations and solving equations with fractions. Their Archdiocesan Assessment will be coming up in late December or early January. This assessment is based on their ability to work with decimals, fractions and percents. 8th --------------------------Cedar Dev. Fall Blitz 10th --------- Conference Choral Clinic, Crofton 11th --------------- Veteran’s Day Program 2:45 12th ------------------------- FFA Fruit Sales End 13th ------------- JH WR @ Madison, 4:30 p.m. State Volleyball 14th ---------------------------------- FB Semifinals State Volleyball Mass 10 a.m. 15th ------------------------------- State Volleyball 17th ---------------JH WR @ Randolph, 4 p.m. Bloodmobile, 9-1:30 p.m. Pop, Popcorn & Play, 7:30 p.m. 18th ------------------ FFA Degree Night, 7 p.m. Midquarter 19th -------------------------- Conf. 1 Act, Norfolk 19th-21st-------------------------- All State Music 21st---------------------------------------- Mass 2:40 Candlelight Parade 22nd---------------- JH WR @ Winside, 10 a.m. 25th ---------- JH WR @ Norfolk Cath., 4 p.m. Mr. Weier—Math, Computer Science The AP Calculus students are beginning a unit on finding derivatives of trigonometric functions. They will also be working with derivatives of logarithmic and exponential functions. The precalculus students are starting a unit on graphing trigonometric functions. Since quite a few of the juniors took the ACT test in October we covered some trigonometry topics out of sequence in order to give them some review before taking the test. They will begin doing some calculator based labs on generating sound waves and velocity curves. The geometry students have been working with parallel lines, transversals, and related two-column proofs. They will also be using Sketchpad software to sketch optical illusions and verify some theorems graphically. The trigonometry students have been using both the TI-84 graphing calculators and their own personal calculators on a daily basis to evaluate values for the six basic trig functions. They are being introduced to some of the many trigonometric identities. They are also beginning to switch angle measuring from degrees to radians. The Visual Basic students are working with decision structures to create applications. They are writing some basic game programs which use the random number generators. Their main project will involve writing a MasterMind application. FB Finals Mass 8 a.m. 26th -------------- No School, Teacher Inservice 27th ------------------- No School, Thanksgiving 28th ----------- No School, Thanksgiving Break Mr. Johnson—Business Education Business Finance: We just got done with a chapter on consumer purchasing and protection. We talked a lot about opportunity costs as well as timing purchases in order to save money. The next chapter we will be working on is banking. We will talk about managing your cash, and the costs and benefits of different saving plans. Accounting: The students just finished up the chapter on preparing a worksheet. The worksheet is a valuable tool because it shows that the accounts are in balance after you figure the net income or net loss for a business. We will start working on preparing financial statements. Intro to Business: We are continuing our unit on leadership. This chapter we are focusing more on managing employees. PE: We are currently playing whiffle ball. Mrs. Sedivy—Instrumental Music The Jazz Band will be performing on November 8, at the Cedar Fall Blitz. Students are asked to meet in the Holy Trinity music room at 6:30p.m., in band uniform. Our performance is approximately at 7:00p.m. November 11 will be our Veterans’ Day program in the Activity Center at 2:45p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Auditions for the Nebraska Class C band are coming up soon. Band members in grades 9-12 are eligible to try out. Please encourage your student to try out. Class C band will be held in Kearney on March 28, 2015. Sister Brigid—Science, Theology 8 7TH GRADE SCIENCE —“It’s alive!” is all the students can say when viewing cells through the microscope. They will be progressing from lettuce and onion epidermis to bacteria in November after unwinding the intricacies of cell division and cell reproduction. 8TH GRADE SCIENCE—Visualizing the outside of Earth by maps and satellites may seem simple. The 8th graders will also be peering into the depths of the planet to uncover the secrets of plate tectonics and the effects of that plate motion (volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building, and ocean floor spreading) on modern civilizations. PHYSICAL SCIENCE—After 6 weeks of solving algebraic equations for work, speed, acceleration, potential and kinetic energy, power, and specific heat, the Physical science students are beginning to study electricity as a form of energy. They will be constructing parallel and series circuits, measuring voltage and amperage, and calculating resistance. Magnetism is the topic they will study at the end of the month. This will include the relationship of magnetic fields to electrical fields in operating generators and motors. THEOLOGY 8—This month the students begin the transition from Confirmation curriculum to Theology of the Body. This is a class dealing with how self-esteem and self-image are a part of who God created us to be and how to express both in light of our Catholic values. This first and second week though, they will be completing the Archdiocesan assessment. Mr. Stone—Science Environmental sciences: The students will start researching alternative energy soon. They will look at new ways to create energy, and how we can manage the energy sources we have now. Anatomy : The class is finishing the bones of the upper body. They will move on to the bones of the lower body and also learn about fractures. We will discuss the steps for repairing a fracture and some of the more common fractures. Physics: The students have just finished learning about Newton’s three laws of motion and about the force of friction. Momentum will be the next topic in the class. Students will look at changing momentum and work with equations for the conservation of momentum. Biology: We will be finishing up the unit on matter soon. Carbon molecules will be the last thing covered in that unit. The cell and cell structures will be the focus of the next chapter. This will also include cell division. Mrs. Weier—Math, Science During November, Algebra2 students will be working with the laws of exponents, the different methods of factoring, and the operations with complex numbers. This prepares them for the study of quadratic equations and quadratic functions. Geometry students will be studying the properties of triangles during November. They will be using this information to prove triangles congruent. They will be reviewing the operations with square roots which will prepare them to work with one of the most famous geometric theorems – The Pythagorean Theorem. They will apply this theorem to special right triangles also. Chemistry students will be working on writing chemical equations for chemical reactions, balancing them, and classifying chemical reactions. They will be learning about stoichiometry, which is the study of the quantitative relationships that exist between the products and reactants in a chemical reaction. Lab work will include observing chemical reactions, predicting the theoretical yield and testing their calculations in the lab. Mrs. Fallon—Language Arts It was so nice to meet so many of you during Parent-Teacher Conferences. Just a reminder that your “homework” assignment will be due by December 5, 2014. My email address is [email protected] if you would like to email it to me. Please call me with any questions or concerns at 254-3906. Those parents who were not able to attend conferences, I sent your student’s progress report and your homework assignment with your student on Thursday, October 23, 2014. If you would like to schedule a conference, I would be happy to set up a time. Please call the number above or send me a pass-a-note. We have been very busy in English Language Arts this month. We continue to work on our writing, reading, speaking and listening skills every single day. Book Club projects will be due on 12/5 this quarter, so you should see your student working on that a little bit every week. Journals will continue to be due every Friday. Seniors are plugging away through the Tale of Two Cities. Sophomores are finishing with To Kill A Mockingbird and will be taking their big unit test next week. Then they will be writing their first critical analysis essay of the novel as we examine the award-winning film. Sophomores should be organizing their Job Shadows. All Job Shadows should be completed by January 1 st. College Credit students are finishing their syllabus assignments. Speech: The Speech Parent- Student information night will be on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 6:30 PM in the Monsignor Werner Center. Come one, come all! School Improvement Steering Committee: Cedar Catholic is continually looking to improve the quality of education that we offer here. A Steering Committee is currently in place that assists in directing these improvements. We meet on the first Monday of the month at 7:15 AM in Mr. Kathol’s office and there are also sub-committees in the areas of Catholicity (Chair: Sister Brigid), School Climate (Chair: Mrs. Christensen), Assessment (Chair: Mr. Bengston), and Reading (Chair: Mrs. Hegge) that are very instrumental in making decisions about the direction our school is taking. Please contact Mr. Kathol or Mrs. Fallon if you would like more information. Mrs. Hamilton—Vocal Music 7TH GRADE CHOIR: - The 7th grade choir has been studying the voice. We have been looking at the vocal folds or voice box and the resonators and articulators. They came to the realization that we are wind instruments. Just as any instrument functions when air is blown through it so also does the voice. We also looked at the dangers of damaging your voice. We studied that vocal abuse can happen from too much whispering, of course shouting and yes smoking. It is such a great instrument and we need to take care of it. We will wrap up our study of the voice in November and work hard on learning music for the Christmas Concert. 8TH GRADE CHOIR: The 8th grade had a great time and learned so much from attending CELEBRATE CREATIVITY at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha on October 28th. We have so much creativity in our students that we need to celebrate. The students were so very well behaved and we enjoyed the day. I invite you to discuss the experience with them. The 8th grade will also start preparations for our Christmas concert in November. I am excited about this group and the good singers we have. HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR: CONGRATS to Jesse Kruse and Hannah Rembert who were chosen to participate in the 2014 All State Nebraska Chorus. Also to Amber Leise who was chosen as an alternate. Sandra Dickes and Mark Kathol also tried out and did a fine job. So very proud of all of them. They will be singing one of the All State songs at our Christmas concert. Jesse and Hannah will attend the Nebraska All State Chorus on Nov. 19-21st in Lincoln and will give a final concert at 4 p.m. at the Lied Center on the 21 st. CONFERENCE VOCAL CLINIC: The Cedar Catholic Choir would love to invite our friends and family to the Mid States Conference Choral Clinic Concert on Nov. 10th in Crofton at 6:30. It is open to the public and would love to see a lot of you there. Please help your student remember to bring their dress clothes that day along to school to change into later on that night. They also need to make sure I get the money they owe for the lunch and supper they will receive that day. Thank you.
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