Student news network formed

By ANN GEISE

St. Richard Correspondent

"Good Morning St. Richard Crusaders" is not only heard each morning in the classrooms to begin the day's announcements - but it is seen as well thanks to the eighth graders and the new CNN (Crusader News Network) the "Ocho."

Matthew Lenz begins with the daily prayer and meditation, "Storm Chasin'" Charlie McCaw gives the weather and slips in a joke, "Laughin' Logan" Kuhlman reports on sports, the "Green Queen" Phoebe DeRosia passes on her best recycling tips, "Big Ben" Cook serves up the lunch menu and current events, and Jonathan Murray gives all the right angles as the camera man. Just as all great anchormen have their classic sign off, Matthew is not be remiss as he ends each broadcast with, "Remember Crusaders - keep on cruisin'!"

Field trips

St. Richard School students have enjoyed a few field trips over the past few weeks. Though the weather was cool, the kindergarten through fifth graders travelled to the Toledo Zoo on Oct. 14.

The cooler weather made for more active animals at the zoo and the students found it much more interesting to see all of the lively critters. Students were excited to see the various habitats and favorite sights included the reptile house, the polar bears, and the white lions.

The fourth graders traveled to the Fulton County Fairgrounds for the 4th Grade Ag Day. The students learned many interesting things about agriculture. The learned about farming in the past, draft horses, farm equipment, cider making, safety, bees, goats and other small farm animals.

Last week the middle school students had a most memorable field trip to The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus in Farmington Hills, Mich. The center is the first of its kind in America. While there the students learned about the history of the Holocaust and somberly visited the exhibits that pay tribute to the 6 million Jews that were murdered in the Holocaust.

Classroom news

In classroom news, the spotlight this month is on the kindergartners and fifth graders. In language arts the 5th graders are working on "How-to" articles. They are busy honing their multiplication skills in math as students are utilizing a new way of multiplying called "lattice."

In social studies, the fifth graders are turning their attention to the Northeast region of the United States. Their focus has been the study of the human body in science and they are learning what amazing machines our bodies are. With the first of November quickly approaching, the 5th graders are delving into their ancestry and studying the saints.

The kindergartners continue their prayer services with Fr. Dan Zak, and most recently celebrated God's Gift of the World. They discussed ways to be thankful and care for the Earth and All Creation. October's "Math for Success" activities found the young students working on patterns in addition to counting, sorting, and other skills and building on other skills from September.

They are already learning to read small words and sentences. Each week they learn more sounds and sight words to add to their reading repertoire. In science they are discussing the change of the season and learning more about our senses. They are learning about their neighborhoods and communities, reasons for rules and laws around us, and why and how people vote.

Rounding out their education outside of their regular classroom, students are enjoying art lessons with Sister Marilyn, computer and library time with Mrs. Pester, as well as running the half-mile, tumbling, and mat work with Mr. Robertson.

Red Ribbon Week

Last week St. Richard School celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Activities were held each day to reinforce the message of saying "no" to drugs. Monday was "Sock it to Drugs Day" and students wore crazy socks to kick off the week.

Tuesday was "Say No to Drugs Day" and all students designed a drug-free hat/cap to promote their own ideas about staying drug free. A winner was selected from each class.

On Wednesday all students were encouraged to wear as much red clothing as possible and on Thursday all students designed their own quilt pieces which will be assembled to show the school's unified commitment to stay drug free.

Friday was "Drug Education Day" and each teacher chose their own activity for the students in their classroom.

St. Richard School is wrapping up their cookie dough sale this week. Contact the school office at (419) 826-5041 or any St. Richard School student to place your order for holiday baking. Also available in the school office are shopping passes to Elder Beerman.

The booklets sell for $5 and include a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $10 or more as well as 7 other coupons for 20 to 30 percent off merchandise. The coupons are good for Elder Beerman's Community Day 2009 on Saturday, Nov. 14.