Check out the unique program we offer for parents!

The first session of parenting classes at Annunciation have started! Throughout the year the school offers a variety of classes to assist parents in the important role of raising their child(ren). From conflict-management, to nutrition classes, we hope to offer something for everyone.

The first session, Second Step,  is a program that has the unique feature of informing parents how their children are being taught to get along with others. 

The curriculum for both students and parents includes three major components:  

1.    Empathy means identifying and understanding others’ feelings in order to be a more caring person.  The skills include listening, acknowledging others’ feelings and using “I feel” messages.

2.    Impulse Control.  Most children benefit by learning to slow down and think through options when faced with difficult situations or problems.  Impulse Control means using problem-solving skills.

3.    Anger Management.  In most families anger and conflict are a normal part of family life.  The point is how anger is dealt with.  Anger in itself is not bad.  The Anger Management steps can help all of us recognize, understand and control anger.

This family program allows parents to reinforce the skills their children are learning at school. 

All classes are taught in both English and Spanish.  Sheila Karpan, LCSW,

Annunciation’s school social worker will be facilitating the English segment and Juana Becerril, parent and trainer will facilitate the Spanish class.  Parents also share their wisdom and learn from each other.  We are all looking forward to five weeks of animated discussions, input and exchanges. 

Please contact the school office if you would like more information on this program. 

Studying the seasons by creating an apple tree book.

The first grade has started making an apple tree book.  Once a month they will go outside and observe how the school's apple tree has changed, and will write about the changes.  They will also illustrate their book with drawings of how the tree looks during each season. This project is multi-discipline and will give the first graders a clear understanding of the changes that occur to living things in different seasons.

Towers of Self-Control

The 6th graders built "Towers of Self-Control" in Religion class earlier this month. The students have been discussing this Fruit of the Holy Spirit in Religion class for a number of days, and this was one of the activities that they completed to both "test" their self-control and to create a visual representation of their self-control.

It was fun to watch each student create their own unique towers. The students were required to build a stable tower that could withstand pressure, and were asked to build high. Each student created their own tower, which added well to the lesson that we are each working on self-control in different parts of our lives, and it requires different personal skills to reach our goals.

At the end of the lesson, it was fun when our self-control paid off and we had some treats to munch on at the very end of the day!

First Grade has fun working on the calendar

Every morning the 1st grade starts the day with calendar activities.  We recite the days of the week, and continue a pattern for the month, as well as talk about yesterday, today and tomorrow.  However, the most fun is counting the days of school.  When we get to 100 we will have a special celebration.

Engineering sketches with 3rd & 5th grades.

3rd and 5th grade art students worked on engineering sketches. Without the ability to communicate well, engineers cannot function in a team and are of limited value to industry. Technical drawing and sketching are essential communication tools for engineers. Using established sketching conventions (orthographic projections and isometric sketches), students learned how to quickly convey their design ideas to others.

Jr High Social Studies Blog Active

The 7th and 8th graders have begun posting on their Social Studies blog! Each week three students will be creating posts about what is occuring within their class, within the school, or within the world. Through this blog, the students have the opportunity to actively explore Social Studies further and post about their personal learnings and insights. Check it out!

The Cardinal Buzz