February 13 - February 17, 2023 - Academy of St. Louis

Weekly Newsletter
February 13 – February 17, 2023

I look forward to seeing everyone for our Mardi Gras breakfast this Tuesday at 8:10. All parents and grandparents are welcome to join us for the school Ash Wednesday Mass at 8:30 A.M this week. Lent is upon us already, with the Dads and Donuts, Auction, May Crowning, and Graduation following shortly after. It certainly has been a quick year! Our staff will begin planning for the upcoming school year soon! If you have yet to turn in your registration paperwork, please do so if you plan on returning next year. I hope to see you all for the 2023-2024 school year!

A CHANGE FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR

With a saddened heart, I tell you that Mrs. Morales will not return next year as our Principal. Her husband has been transferred to New Jersey with his job, so she and her family will move with him in June.
Words cannot express how much Mrs. Morales will be missed by our staff, students, and our families. She has worked endless hours dedicating her time, wisdom, and love to making the Academy a school we are all proud of, knowing that with her leadership, we have provided the best education for each of our students. She is knowledgeable, dependable, and a team player while still being a forthright leader.

On a personal note, I feel extremely blessed to have gotten the chance to work side by side with her, planning, brainstorming, problem-solving, and rejoicing over the small daily miracles that take place here at the Academy.

From all of the staff and the Board of Directors, we wish her all the best in her new endeavors in New Jersey. May God bless her family with the love, strength, grace, and peace that can only He can give.

A CHANGE FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I welcome Mrs. Kathy Puettmann as our new principal beginning this 2023-2024 school year. Kathy brings over 20 years of academic experience to her role as Principal of the Academy of St. Louis. Her background experience includes building programs for students with learning differences and extensive experience with assessment, individualizing instruction, and innovative instructional techniques for all learners. Before coming to the Academy of St. Louis, Kathy was recently Head of School at Barat Academy. She was the founding Associate Head of School at Miriam Academy. Throughout her career, Kathy has created and implemented special education and project-based enrichment programs at several private schools.
Kathy holds her Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from Southeast Missouri State University and her Bachelor of Science in Special Education with an emphasis on Learning Disabilities from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Having been in contact with Mrs. Puettman during the past months, I’ve been impressed by her professional demeanor and leadership skills. She is a delightful woman of God with the experience and temperament to lead the Academy forward confidently!
Welcome to the Academy of St. Louis, Mrs. Puettmann!

The Academy of St. Louis is a Catholic school assisting K-12th grade students with cognitive learning disabilities, specializing in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delays. The Academy of St. Louis provides each student with a safe and nurturing environment, individualized and challenging curriculum, social integration skills and faith formation. The Academy of St. Louis aids each student in reaching their highest potential providing them with the confidence and knowledge to succeed in life. learn more

Principal’s Corner – Mrs. Morales

We had a fun assignment this week for all of our classes! With our focus on building good character at the Academy, each class prepared a presentation for the school, which was presented at our Valentine’s day party. Mrs. Hodge’s class chose a song and picture with each trait. Mrs. Richardson’s class attempted ventriloquy by using puppets and having Mrs. Richardson mouth the words the kids were saying! Eva and Samantha, from Mr. Houlihan’s class, came up with a script for each definition, while Mrs. Hartmann’s class made a creative candy poster that explained our ASTL goals. But the winner was…… Mrs. Ray’s class developed an ASTL store with products depicting each trait. They earned a party for their class! Way to work together, everyone!

A- Attentive listening with ears, eyes, and heart

C- Considerate to those around you

A- Attempting to be Organized

D- Demonstrating Respect towards adults and peers

S- Showing Self Control

T- Trying hard, Persevering when things are difficult

L- Loving all being Forgiving and Kind

Our Valentine’s day party was a (messy) success! Students watched their character trait presentations, and each made their VALEN-SLIME. It was fun to get away from food-based activities and instead get to make a sensory activity as a school!

Just a reminder that Friday and Monday, there is no school! Enjoy the long weekend!

Principal’s Corner – Mrs. Morales

(Student Interview)
MICHAEL RASMUSSEN

Michael Rasmussen lives in Saint Peters and was once Snoopy in the school play. He likes many types of music but only one type of sport: basketball. He knows a lot about basketball, his favorite thing to do on weekends is basketball games, and he would like to become a CYC basketball referee soon. Michael’s biggest decision in the past is switching schools, and his biggest decision in 9th grade is choosing a career. People say he is wise and honest, and he hopes to study psychology at college after high school. His favorite subject at school is writing; he likes to be busy and play with friends. Michael’s biggest challenge is keeping organized and managing his time. He uses a schedule and a planner and does his homework in his room.
Interviewed by Kenny Stethem

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 & 3
We are enjoying the book “The Janitor’s Boy” by Andrew Clements. Sam D did a great job of reading some of the chapters out loud to the class with expression and animation! We’ll continue to study comprehension and vocabulary for each chapter. This week we finished chapters 4 through 6.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 2
Students are working diligently on their lessons in sequencing and answering “Who, Where, When, and What” comprehension questions. I am seeing great progress in paying attention and task completion – way to go MS 2!

WRITING HIGH SCHOOL 2
Most of the class are fine-tuning their drafts and adding expert words and details to enhance their report. We will move on to the final revision and editing. The reports are looking fantastic!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MRS. DUNN!

This week we celebrated Mrs. Dunn’s Birthday! We are all so grateful for all she does for all the students and families at the Academy. Enjoy this video of our students wishing her a Happy Birthday!

Westminster Christian Academy has invited students interested in robotics to tour their headquarters after school hours. Please let us know if you are interested in this interactive opportunity, and we will organize a time on a weekday afternoon/evening or a Saturday.
This week middle and high school students started finding out if their career interests fall into the categories of: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, or conventional. Some have interests across all categories, while others focus on one or two areas. They all benefit from growing in self-awareness and your observations about their strengths.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1
This week, we are learning about how the British imposed new policies on their American colonies, sparking rebellion and, in time, the American Revolution.
MIDDLE SCHOOL 2
We are learning that Missouri’s state government has three branches. We are also learning that Missouri’s towns and cities have municipal governments.
MIDDLE SCHOOL 3
This week, we learned how counties are arranged and governed. We also learned how city government could be structured.
HIGH SCHOOL 2
We are learning to identify language writers used during the Renaissance. Also, to identify great writers from Italy, England, and Spain.

On Wednesday, we had a very HAPPY 100 DAY of school, starting with a delicious snack which consisted of 10 marshmallows, 10 skittles, 10 m&ms, 10 goldfish, 10 gummy bears, 10 chocolate chips, 10 teddy grahams, 10 pretzel sticks, 10 Fruit Loops, and 10 raisins. We practiced counting by tens to 100 as we ate our special snack. We made necklaces using 100 Fruit Loops and built towers using 100 cups. After finding 100 pennies hidden throughout our classroom, we were each given a one-dollar bill as a prize! We ran in place for 100 seconds and did 100 jumping jacks to get a little exercise. We heard two fun stories, Miss Bindergarten Celebrates 100 Days and The Night Before the 100th Day of School. As we counted bubble gum balls by tens, we enjoyed a piece of bubble gum and tried to blow bubbles. To end our celebration, we made a toast with sparkling apple juice and enjoyed a pizza party. We can officially say

WE ARE 100 DAYS SMARTER!

Elementary reviewed Jesus’s healing power.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES and HIGH SCHOOL 2
MS/HS reviewed the Beatitudes.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 & 3, and HIGH SCHOOL 2
This week, we worked on strengthening our problem-solving and independently using resources to understand previously taught skills differently. Students worked independently on math that fits their current skill level and met with me as needed to review concepts.
MIDDLE SCHOOL 2
We continue to work independently, working through problems before asking for help. We have kept improving each student’s math skills by meeting with me individually and in small groups to review concepts and teach new skills.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 2
This week, we learned about interdependence within habitats. Students studied consumers, producers, and decomposers from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We categorized primary and secondary consumers into herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores- including ourselves! Next week we will focus on food chains and webs as we wrap up our Ecosystem Unit.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 1 & 3
Students continue to work hard on their terrestrial ecosystem reports. We are learning a lot about the different land ecosystems and the relationships between organisms in those regions. We began inputting our data into a collectively written report with our designated teams and will work on finalizing our papers next week!

HIGH SCHOOL 2
Our Physical Science class began the week with a thorough study of the physics of bowling. We learned how to calculate the CoF of the oil patterns on any given set of lanes and that they use up to 12 different patterns of oil disbursement in professional bowling. We also discovered the trick behind the perfect curve ball, the use of asymmetrical weights within the ball itself, and the trajectory of your release to knock down the specific PINs that will ensure a strike every time! Of course, we had to put this theory to the test- so we ended our short week with a trip to the Main Event for an hour of bowling! We also began research for our upcoming physics reports, which we will continue working on this upcoming week. Topics include how physics relates to climate change, health, and medical professions and whether machines will replace humans in the workforce.

Our Physical Science class began the week with a thorough study of the physics of bowling. We learned how to calculate the CoF of the oil patterns on any given set of lanes and that they use up to 12 different patterns of oil disbursement in professional bowling. We also discovered the trick behind the perfect curve ball, the use of asymmetrical weights within the ball itself, and the trajectory of your release to knock down the specific PINs that will ensure a strike every time! Of course, we had to put this theory to the test- so we ended our short week with a trip to the Main Event for an hour of bowling! We also began research for our upcoming physics reports, which we will continue working on this upcoming week. Topics include how physics relates to climate change, health, and medical professions and whether machines will replace humans in the workforce.

MEDIA CLUB Staff Spotlight #1 MR. JACK JEFFRIES
We are grateful to introduce Mr. Jeffries as our first staff spotlight. Mr. Jeffries is from Scotland. He is 27 years old. He loves to eat pizza and drink root beer. In Scotland, they don’t have root beer, so he loves that America has it to offer. When he goes out to eat, he loves Imo’s Pizza!

STARS
Supporting Teachers and Reaching Students
*******************************************************
School Dance
Saturday, April 1, 2023
More details to follow next week
Just a reminder, raffle tickets, and gift cards may be turned into the office but all other auction items including liquor must be taken to Ann Dunn’s house.

Just a reminder, raffle tickets, and gift cards may be turned into the office but all other auction items including liquor must be taken to Ann Dunn’s house.

ACADEMY OF ST. LOUIS
FAMILY AUCTION CONTRIBUTIONS
Our Physical Science class began the week with a thorough study of the physics of bowling. We learned how to calculate the CoF of the oil patterns on any given set of lanes and that they use up to 12 different patterns of oil disbursement in professional bowling. We also discovered the trick behind the perfect curve ball, the use of asymmetrical weights within the ball itself, and the trajectory of your release to knock down the specific PINs that will ensure a strike every time! Of course, we had to put this theory to the test- so we ended our short week with a trip to the Main Event for an hour of bowling! We also began research for our upcoming physics reports, which we will continue working on this upcoming week. Topics include how physics relates to climate change, health, and medical professions and whether machines will replace humans in the workforce.

FEBRUARY

- Goal: Obtain items for 5 Silent Auction Baskets

($150 min/basket-stand-alone items or a group of themed items)

and

- 1 Extraordinary Item (>$250),

OCTOBER

- Goal: Obtain 3 bottles of liquor & sign up for a committee.

(Only purchase liquor on the Sign-Up Genius & please keep liquor until after January 5, 2023.)

NOVEMBER

- Goal: Obtain $250 (multiple denominations) in Gift Cards

(Bring into the office in an envelope marked “Auction.”)

JANUARY

- Goal: Obtain 3 Ads/Sponsorships

(See Donation Form)

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

- Each day the entree includes fruit, chips, and your choice of chocolate or white milk.
- You can select additional items a la carte.
- Please be sure to place your order by midnight the night before.

Please call Mrs. Cantareira with any questions at 636-534-5099.

DECEMBER

- Goal: Sell 25 Raffle Tickets ($10/Ticket) Prize $1000

(Bring into the office in an envelope marked “Auction.”)

LATE ARRIVALS/EARLY PICK-UPS VISITORS

- All students and visitors arriving after 8:30, please enter through Door 15.

Absent/Late – Call 636-534-5099

SNACKS
DON’T FORGET SNACKS!

Each day every class has a mid-morning snack. Please remember to send in a snack with your child each day.

FEBRUARY LUNCH MENU

Academy of St. Louis

505 St. Joseph Lane

Manchester, MO 63021

Acadstl.org

636-534-5099

Follow the Academy of St. Louis