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Saint Pius X School
PANTHER PEN
Spring still seems so far away, that summer and beyond may feel like a distant dream! Yet much of
the work planning the 2015-16 school year has been underway.
Included with today’s newsletter is the 2015-16 school calendar. This calendar has been approved
by Monsignor Funk as well as our Diocesan office. You will note that the start of the 2015-16
school year is Wednesday, August 26. With Labor Day being late (September 7), we will have the
same number of school days prior to Labor Day as we did this school year.
Next year is the biennial Ohio Catholic Educators Association convention. While past conventions
have been held in October, the 2015 convention is mid-November in Cleveland. All Diocesan
Schools will be closed November 12 and 13, 2015 so teachers will have the opportunity to attend
the convention. This also impacts our Parent Teacher Conference schedule.
Once again, the students will have two full calendar weeks off for Christmas break and Easter
break will begin with Good Friday and continue through the following week.
After two years of trying morning conferences in February, most families prefer the evening
sessions. As such, February conferences are scheduled for a Tuesday evening and Thursday
evening.
March
2015
Special points
of interest:
 Update from the
Principal
 Family Service
Night
 Schedule
Changes
 Pizza with the
Pastor
 March Calendar
As was the case this year, next year’s calendar is based on a total number of hours. Our last day of
school is scheduled for June 3, 2016 and the calendar allows again for weather emergencies.
I am continuing to work on the school budget for the 2015-16 school year which ultimately
determines our tuition figure for next year. Monsignor Funk and I hope to announce tuition in the
weeks ahead.
Family Service Night
I am looking forward to our Family Service Night this Wednesday, March 4. Our teachers and students have been
busy organizing opportunities for all of us to express our faith by performing loving acts of service for others. The
evening will begin at 6:00PM and continue through 8:00PM. Please plan to join us for this special evening.
Schedule changes due to the school closings
To date, we have had five of our seven weather cancellations during the 3rd quarter. At our faculty meeting this past
week, we decided to adjust the end of the 3 rd grading period to Friday, March 27. This adds three days to the
grading period while not pulling too many from the 4 th grading period. Progress reports will be sent home, as
previously scheduled, on Thursday, April 2.
The SCAAP Day that was originally scheduled for February 20 has been rescheduled for next Thursday, March 5.
Ident-a-kid has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 3.
Please pray that winter’s worst is behind us!
Jon Cuniak
Page 2
Saint Pius X School
Congratulations to the following 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students who earned “Pizza with the
Pastor” for February. These students enjoyed a pizza lunch with Monsignor Funk on February
25.
1-111:
1-113:
2-112:
2-114:
3-213:
3-214:
Lauren D., Matthew G., Ian S.
Jeremiah E., Keegan M., Makayla G.
Landon C., Makayla G., Jaxson P.
Zachary S., Mackenzie T., Evan W.
Adah K., Mia M., An-Nam P.
Jody K., Eva M., Cooper R.
A Look Into
Kindergarten Lions, Tigers, and Bears
“Oh, My”
Valentine’s Day
We celebrated Valentine’s Day with many activities: graphed candy hearts, made valentines for
our 6th grade buddies, and practiced writing valentine sight words. We concluded our
celebration with our last class party for the year. We would like to give a special thank you to all
our volunteers who helped with our parties.
Although we did not have school on President’s Day we did want to learn about George
Washington and Abraham Lincoln. We read many books, watched two short biography videos,
played a sorting game on the SMARTBOARD and completed a Scholastic News- Let’s Find Out.
Math
We have now learned to write, count, and model numbers 11-19. We are working on mastering
our addition and subtraction facts 0-5 and beyond.
February is Dental Health month. The students have learned how to keep their teeth healthy
with many fun lessons. We read and discussed a Scholastic Let’s Find out where we learned a
fun song about teeth to the tune (If you’re happy and you know it.) We scheduled a dentist visit
at our school with Dr. Kirian to come and speak to all 3 kindergarten classrooms on dental
health. We watched a Colgate video along with a fun video called The Adventures of the Tooth
Kingdom. The student completed a fun activity on the SMARTBOARD where they sorted
healthy food from sugary foods.
Throughout the month of February we have spread love and kindness around our community.
We engaged in a Friends activity with our 6th grade buddies where the students had the chance
to reflect on what kindness is, how it feels to be treated kindly, and how it feels to treat others
with kindness, and the effect of kindness on the community. It has been very heart-warming to
hear kindergartners share their stories about their acts of kindness.
With the start of Lent this week, we learned about this new season of the Church. We are growing
closer to Jesus as we try to do good things for others, pray, and sacrifice. We are also praying the
Stations of the Cross together each Friday afternoon.
In reading, we are focusing on comprehension and fluency as we continue to grow as readers.
Students are really enjoying reading books independently and taking quizzes on Accelerated Reader.
We just completed one of our author studies on Kevin Henkes! Students loved getting to know him
through his funny stories and lively characters.
In math we are learning about place value and comparing numbers. We are still working hard on
addition and subtraction facts and strategies.
In Social Studies we are learned about Black History month and the meaning behind President’s Day.
We also studied American symbols and what they mean to our country.
We just finished learning about the food groups and how to eat healthy meals with the My Plate
graphic.
Second Grade News
We are excited to be in full preparation for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
We will learn about the Last Supper and how we are united with Jesus and one
another through the Eucharist. The study of the celebration of the Mass will be
our focus during March. We will practice full participation at Mass as we go to
Mass once a week. We are also learning about Lenten practices and participating in
Stations of the Cross.
In March we will be exploring maps, landforms and bodies of water. Students
will create a landform booklet illustrating and defining the terms.
This will lead
us to our study of Earth Science and investigations of earth’s core and crust, rocks
and properties of minerals.
Second graders will work with time and money as part of the standard of
measurement in Math. Students are still meeting goals in Math Facts in a Flash
and making progress in Accelerated Math.
A unit on folktales will be our focus in Language Arts as we learn about
different countries and cultures as we read fables and folktales.
Family Service Night on March 4 will give us the opportunity to generously
give of ourselves to others as we participate in service projects to help those less
fortunate in our greater community.
Our “Night in Green” projects are completed and we are looking forward to
having parents view and bid on our works of art! A Night in Green is on March 14.
Science:
This month students have been learning
about kinetic and potential energy, work,
force, and friction. Additionally, students
learned about the six simple machines that
are used to help make work easier.
Language Arts:
This month students have been working
on learning how to spell words with the
soft g and c, compound words, and
inflectional endings –ed, -ing, and -s.
Additionally, students have learned about
singular and plural pronouns, subject and
object pronouns, and pronoun-verb
agreement.
Religion:
Health:
This month students have been learning
about God’s great love for us. We have
been discovering the meaning of some of
the sacraments and deciding how we will
love like Jesus Did.
Throughout the month of February
students have been learning about our
body systems. They have learned what
their functions are and how to protect
them.
Social Studies:
Throughout the month of February,
students have been learning about people
who have influenced the history of our
country. Students chose an individual
who they found to be inspirational and
read their biographies/autobiographies to
write a report and make a timeline.
Students then shared what they learned
with the class.
4th Grade News
Mrs. Mangan’s Class
Religion: We live with Joy in our hearts because of the sacraments.
The students have been brought into the church through Baptism.
They carry Jesus with them trough Eucharist and soon they will
proclaim this Faith in Confirmation. Lent leads the way to our
believing.
Math: Students see that a fraction of their life is learning about
proper, improper, mixed numbers and common denominators. When
will we ever be whole again?
Language Arts: Lots of reading on topics such as: Civil Rights,
Candidates, Government and Economy. Many skills will help us to
become better writers to express ourselves, and readers to
understand.
Health: It’s all about Me! The students are learning about what is
inside their body. The systems help them to be healthy people.
Ohio History: Disaster brings people together! War can do that. The
students have learned about people, equipment and sacrifice. It takes
everyone to help get through the hard times to bring back the good
times. The students have created a solders wall this month.
Miss Amnah’s Class
Religion: Students are preparing for the Easter season by developing
Lenten prayers, fasting practices, and community concerns to
support. Students understand that when we empty our lives of
things we don’t need, we are creating more space in our hearts for
Jesus.
Math: This month is all about fractions. Students can identify
fractions, put fractions into simplest form, and compare fractions
with equivalent denominators. I’ve been so impressed with how well
the students are catching on to this sometimes tricky topic! 
Language Arts: Our current novel study is Number the Stars. Students
are experiencing life through the eyes of a young girl during the Nazi
occupation of Denmark during World War II. The level of interest the
students have in the novel allows them to better comprehend the
text.
Science: Students have been working hard on their science fair projects
by completing their project questions, key words, research
paragraphs, and hypotheses. I can’t wait to see them present their
new found information at the fair in April!
5th Grade News
In Religion class, 5th graders have focused on the Holy Spirit. We have
learned the Holy Spirit helps the Pope and bishops teach clearly and
authentically what God has revealed through Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
We are working hard with decimals in Math class. The students are
now learning to divide them. Next we move into fractions!
Our study of space is nearing completion. The students will soon be
sharing their games and some of the projects they created. Next we will study
force and motion in Science.
D.A.R.E. class has begun. Officer Fulton from the Reynoldsburg Police
Department teaches our students once a week about the dangers of drug,
alcohol, and tobacco use. She will give them strategies to use to help them
now and in the future to resist such behavior.
Fifth graders are beginning to prepare for a wonderful experience at Junior
Achievement Biztown! At the end of March, students will run an entire city
for the day. Our city will include a bank, a town hall, a radio station, a
Donatos and so much more! Students will open up bank accounts and will even
be able to vote on important town issues. We will conclude our day at a town
meeting where our Mayor will deliver an important speech!
In Science we are discussing living things and cells. Math A & B
students are still working on ratios and rates. Hopefully, we will
be starting fractions, decimals and percents by the end of March.
In Religion, we are discussing the Holy Spirit and the mystery of
the Church. We have also been discussing our Lenten promises,
Holy Week and Easter. In the beginning of March, I hope for us
to finish our unit on the dangers of tobacco. The students will
have a project as a culminating activity. Also, we have had a
couple of guest speakers talking about tobacco’s dangers.
Toward the middle of March we will be start the unit on the
dangers of alcohol. The students will have a short project at the
end of this lesson, too.
For Language Arts, the students just finished writing a Response
to Literature about their mystery novels. They are now going to
share with the class to try to persuade us whether to read or not
to read their novel! We learned about the elements of mysteries in
our mystery unit. Next well tackle opinion speeches. Students will
research a topic and give their opinion to the class, working on
the skill of citing sources in their work. We are reading “Year of
Impossible Goodbyes” to correlate with our Social Studies Unit
about Asia. We just finished Central Asia and are moving into
Southwest Asia, Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Israel soon to
be followed by Eastern Asia and their ancient cultures.
Junior High Journal
Language Arts
Rounding out our And Then There Were None unit, eighth grade students created and played games
based on the novel. They were extremely creative, and the students enjoyed challenging each other to
win (or escape Indian Island.) We have moved into a speaking and listening unit. They are identifying
rhetorical strategies in public speaking, as well as persuasive techniques in advertising and speaking. We
have analyzed JFK’s Inaugural Address, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Lou Gehrig’s Retirement
Speech. As culmination projects, students are analyzing a famous speech from history and presenting it
to the class, andthey are designing and filming commercials for a product of their choosing. Those will
also be presented in class.
The 7th graders are working on a dystopian fiction unit. We are all reading The Giver together as a
class. Once we have read this together students will be put into lit circles and looking for
characteristics of genre. At the end of the unit, the students will be asked to apply the themes
presented in their novels to real-world issues and create their own ‘utopian society’. This is an
exciting unit for both them and me. It’s an excellent learning opportunity, and the students really
enjoy the literature. It has been AWEsome to watch the enthusiastic participation of this unit.
Seventh grade has also begun an English/grammar unit. They are focusing on the parts of a sentence that
will improve their ability to vary sentence length and structure. We are focusing work on noredink.com. These
practices are really fun and designed for students individually.
Mathematics
Math 7A and 7B
Math 7A and 7B is currently studying Chapter 6. Students are learning about the percent
proportion, percent equation, finding tax and discount, and finding simple interest. Following
this chapter, students will be studying linear functions.
Math 8B Pre-Algebra
Students in Math 8B Pre-Algebra are currently wrapping Chapter 8, where students have been
studying linear functions. Following this chapter, students are going to apply their knowledge of
finding linear equations to find lines of best using real world data they gather and that they are
given. Then they will use the line of best fit to make predictions.
Math 8C Algebra 1
Math 8C students are currently studying exponential functions, exponential growth & decay,
depreciation, compound interest, and geometric sequences as exponential functions. Following
this unit, students will study quadratic expressions and equations.
Religion
Every Friday the whole school will attend Stations of the Cross at 1:45pm. You are welcome to join
us! The Jr. High will lead Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 27. The students will read the
stations, cantor the entrance and recessional hymns, and carry the cross with candles to each
station.
Eighth-graders have completed their study of sexuality and the dignity of human beings. Now we are
entering specific preparation for Confirmation. There will be other topics of study as well, but
sacramental preparation will be a regular feature of our plans from now through May.
Confirmation-Related Dates:
Confirmation Retreat is Sat/Sun March 7/8.
Sponsor & Candidate reflection is Sunday, May 3.
Mandatory Confirmation rehearsal is Sunday, May 17.
Confirmation Mass is Monday, May 18. Students should report to the gym by 6:15pm.
Gospel means Good News! Seventh grade Religion has focused on the Bible as Sacred Scripture,
and now we are studying the four Gospel writers and the messages they were evangelizing.
There were three phases of development for the Gospels, and Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
have specific symbols to represent them. Ask your child if he/she can explain them to you. In
conjunction with Lent, we started talking about our call to almsgiving, prayer, and fasting in
preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Science
Any time I shop for Science supplies at Lowes, we have a good week! Eighth-graders will build
marble sliders out of foam tubes, and then use these creations to practice measuring speed. So fun!
This whole spring will be about different types of energy and energy transfer: potential & kinetic,
gravitational, elastic, electrical, etc. We will spin off last year’s Rube Goldberg machine projects
toward the end of the year.
Seventh-graders are starting to know the Periodic Table just through use and repetition. We will
engage in some labs and demonstrations to reinforce the difference between physical properties and
changes v. chemical properties and changes. Balancing chemical equations will be taught as
enrichment. Many students can use the ‘math without much math’ methods to figure this out! 
Social Studies
Seventh Grade Social Studies
Currently students are finishing up Chapter 6 which includes the decline of the Roman Empire
and the Rise of the Byzantine Empire. Following this unit, students will be studying several
different ancient civilizations which include the Islamic civilization, African civilizations, and
Imperial China. They will learn the history and contributions of each civilization.
How well do you know the Constitution? The eighth graders should be able to inform you about the
three branches of government, checks and balances, separation of powers, and their rights and
responsibilities. They are showing this knowledge by creating a pamphlet that depicts the main
concepts of the Constitution. We have also returned to the 18th century to see George Washington
inaugurated as our first president. He faced many difficulties in this role. Ask your child about the
precedents that Washington set during the federalist era. We are looking forward to seeing the
Jeffersonian era soon!
Health
Being a smart consumer of products and services is a valuable life skill. Eighth-graders have
evaluated different advertisements and practiced identifying the persuasive techniques used in these
ads. Later, we will look at different types of health-care providers and the influence of culture on
health-care choices. This is relevant, given the recent controversy over measles immunizations. If
you see it mentioned on the news, why not start a conversation with your 8th grader?
Seventh graders are investigating the correlation between physical activity and well-being (physical,
mental, and social). Students will look for opportunities within our communities and ways to promote
that lifestyle to others.
Time to start thinking about our Spring Musical. If you
have any interest in helping with the scenery (helping
design or just painting inside the lines) feel free to let
me or Mrs. Smith know and we’ll get you on board.
Any help with supplies would greatly be appreciated!
Once again, we had another wonderful art show. Every
student was represented and from these works of art, I had
the incredibly hard task of selecting 18 works to go to the
Diocesan Art Show to be held at Holy Spirit in March. I
picked one piece from each classroom so each class will
have a representative in the show. I tried my best to give
those who have not been selected previously a chance (I
can’t guarantee I didn’t select any art show alums...but it’s
hard to keep track over the years who’s gone and who hasn’t.) Back to our art show, it was just a great opportunity
and self-esteem builder that I want as many people as possible experience.
Bus Loop Reminders
Just to be fair with those who are patient and wait their turn
in line, please do not skip to the middle unloading zone immediately when entering the parking lot.
 THE BUS LANE SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE THE
RIGHT OF WAY. Please wait a minute or two for the
loop to stop on it’s own, then exit down the drive.
 You should only be using the center of the parking
lot when your student(s) need assistance (like a project or injury) or if you have business with the school.
 If you do need to use the BUS drop off area, park in the
4th row, so as to not interfere with busses unloading
students. IT IS A BUSY and DANGEROUS AREA
and you will need to escort them to school.
 Please do not park in front of the church and walk
your students in from there. Although it is nice and
comforting to escort your student(s) in, it is a long distance to walk and you’ll have to cross a busy exit lane.
 Please have your student ready to exit the vehicle
when it comes to a stop. It’s more than halfway
through the year and we still have parents getting out of
the car to put on a student’s backpack
Kindergarten through second grade students have
been discussing and reading about all the various
celebrations in February and March. This month we will be
reading books about Saint Patrick's day as well as
discussing Lent.
We are covering “Digital Citizenship” in all the
Media Skills Classes, grades 3 to 6. Third grade lessons
will involve topics such as being good digital citizens,
protecting oneself by thinking carefully about shared
information, and being an “Upstander” when it comes to
cyberbullying.
Fourth through sixth grade lessons include how to
identify the features of phishing scams and schemes.
Check out the bulletin board in the Media Center for our
Digital Citizenship Pledge.
The junior high will continue
to use their time in the Library
Media Center as a resource time
for Accelerated Math, Accelerated
Reading, research, and other
class work.
Music Notes
Kindergarten is working hard on comparative music skills like fast/slow, loud/soft and high/low. They will
work on keeping a steady beat by singing songs and listening to music from various composers while keeping
beat motions. They will continue to practice singing in their head voice and matching pitch.
1st and 2nd graders are working on quarter note and eighth note rhythms using ta and ti-ti, as well as writing solmi on the lines and spaces of the staff. We will be learning about and listening to music from our Composer of
the Month: Beethoven.
3rd, 4th and 5th graders have begun reviewing and/or learning how to play the recorder. We will begin with
simple folk songs learned in class and work our way up to harder concept songs. We will use a Recorder Karate
system to keep track of their progression on the recorder. Each time they correctly play a recorder karate song
on their own, they will receive the corresponding colored belt to tie onto their recorder to show off their
accomplishments.
6th, 7th and 8th graders are taking a look at how music has an impact on movies. We will look at how adding
music to movie scenes can change how we feel about what is going on in a positive or negative way.
Both the Blue and Gold choirs are working hard on learning new music! The Blue Choir is hard at work
learning their songs for the Honor Choir Concert on March 25th at St. Matthew.
Rehearsals for the spring musical, Roger and Hammerstein’s G2K The Sound of Music, have started! I am
looking forward to the performances on April 17th at 7pm and April 18th at 1pm in the SPX gym.
I am very excited for the second half of the school year full of singing and music making!
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at karsmith@cdeducation.org
Mrs. Karen Smith
Physical Education
Thank You!
Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart is wrapping up this week. I am so thankful for
the support of the St. Pius family. St. Pius has been such a strong supporter of The
American Heart Association for many years. Today was our first day for Jump Rope for
Heart and I am so impressed with the number of students who participated in the event,
and it looks like it will continue on for the rest of the week. Thank you again for
helping such a wonderful cause!
Next Unit:
K-4 – Students worked very hard in the jump rope unit. I saw a lot of improvement in their technique and the
number of jumps they were able to accomplish. Juggling and dance will be the next units for the K-4 grades.
5-6 – Students will learn the fundamentals of floor hockey.
7-8 – We will finish our basketball unit, and move on to cooperative games.
Sarah Hennessey
shenness@cdeducation.org
February 26, 2015
Spanish notes for March…
Kindergarten will be finishing a special gift for their
families and continuing to learn numbers 1-20.
First and Second grades have finished learning about
classroom object vocab and are moving onto family
words!
Third and Fourth grades will be creating their own
weather forecast maps using Spanish weather
expressions and their own weather symbols!
Fifth grade has been reviewing calendar vocab and
will start integrating weather information now!
Sixth grade is practicing how to tell time in Spanish
and will soon learn how to describe their daily
schedules!
Seventh grade is currently discussing different
spring & summer festivals that occur in Spain! We
will end the unit by discussing Semana Santa (Holy
Week).
Eighth grade began practicing the uses of Ser- an
irregular verb that means “to be”! We will continue
learning vocabulary to use with ser until it is time for
us to meet its partner verb Estar!
March 2015
(Trainer)
The 1st Grade students use computer time as an
extension of their regular class work. The students have
taken Accelerated Math, and they have been working on
their addition and subtraction facts using Math Facts in a
Flash.
(Trainer))
The 2nd Grade students use computer time as an
extension of their regular class work. The students
have taken Accelerated Reading tests and
Accelerated Math practices and tests during their
class period. The students have finished their Ten
Commandments books using Microsoft Publisher.
(Adzima)
The 5th Grade students use computer time as an extension of their
regular class work. Currently, the students are learning
about File Maintenance. Students will organize their
files, create folders, copy and move files and folders,
and learn how to use their jump-drives.
Please remember that your student should continue
to regularly practice their keyboarding. All 5th grade students
must be able to type two pages of text in a thirty minute period
by the end of the school year. In order to help them achieve
this goal, I have created several lessons within Ellsworth, that
allows the student to practice the 5th grade keyboarding test at
home.
(Adzima)
(Adzima)
The 3rd Grade students have moved from the in-class program,
“All the Right Type” to the online keyboarding program,
Keyboarding for Kids by Ellsworth Publishing
(http://login.keyboardingonline.com/epco/ ).
Because this program can be accessed from
the Internet, the student is now able to practice
at home. Students have daily keyboarding
homework.
Keyboarding is a skill that requires regular and
frequent “good practices.” This program can be used on iPads that
has a standard keyboard attached to it as well as any PC or MAC
computers. Please supervise your child’s practice as much as
possible. Make certain that they practice with their hands
covered. If you have any problem accessing the program, please
call the number located on the login page. This company is
more than happy to answer any of your questions.
(Adzima)
The 4th Grade students use computer time as an extension of their
regular class work. The students have been learning how to use
MS-Word. Both Mrs. Mangan’s class and Miss Amnah’s class are
using this information to type several-in class essays.
Please remember that your student should regularly practice
their keyboarding. All 4th grade students must be able to type
one page of text in a thirty minute period by the end of the
school year. In order to help them achieve this goal, I have
created several lessons within Ellsworth, that allows the student to
practice the 4th grade keyboarding test at home.
Last month 6th Grade students were using their computer time to
study the format of a mystery by creating a mystery cube on the
computer.
Please remember that your student should continue to regularly
practice their keyboarding. All 6th grade students must be able
to type three pages of text in a thirty minute period by the end
of the school year. In order to help them achieve this goal, I
have created several lessons within Ellsworth, that allows the
student to practice the 6th grade keyboarding test at home.
(Adzima)
The 7th Grade students use computer time as an
extension of their regular class work. This month the
students have been using their computer time to research
a famous person from Ancient times. The students will
produce a “Time” magazine article about this famous
person by using MS-Publisher. They will learn how to
control all of the features of Publisher.
(Adzima)
The 8th Grade students use computer time as an extension of their
regular class work. During this month, the 8th grade students have
completed several projects that satisfied classroom requirements.
They have investigated and produced a report about their
Confirmation saint. The students have also composed and typed
several essays during their technology time.
News from Mrs. Signoracci’s Classroom
6
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MATHCOUNTS 2015
Math League Contest
Pi Day Celebration
Regional Spelling Bee
Metric Olympics
Advanced Math and 8A Math
Grades 2-4 Enrichment
Enrichment Opportunities
The following students with listed grade level represented St. Pius X School at the Regional MATHCOUNTS competition at
Columbus State Community College on February 21:
Team
Caroline B. (6)
Braeden C. (7)
Adam G. (8)
Lauren M. (7)
Individuals
Jacob C. (7)
Pailyn G. (6)
Eric L. (7)
Aidan P. (7)
Chris W. (8)
Anna W. (6)
Alternates
Grace C. (7)
Leah H. (7)
Julie L. (6)
Megan L. (6)
Congratulations on a job well done!
Advanced Math students in Grades 6-8 participated in the Ohio Mathematics League Contest on February 24. The names of the
students in each grade scoring in the top five will be reported next month.
The 5th-7th Grade Advanced Math and 8A Math classes will participate on Friday, 3/13, in
activities designed to celebrate our favorite number, 3.1415926535897932384626433… Pi is
an irrational number-it doesn’t terminate or repeat. Pi has been calculated to over ten trillion
decimal places to date! Students in each class will compete to determine who can recite the
most digits of pi. Look for more details about Pi Day in next month’s Panther Pen.
Congratulations to our St. Pius X Spelling Bee champion Piper O., Grade 6. Piper completed an on-line spelling
and grammar test in January and qualified to be one of 52 participants in Ohio University’s Scripps College of
Communication Region II Spelling Bee to be held on March 14 in Athens, Ohio. We wish Piper luck as she
represents St. Pius X School in the regional bee.
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 1, the date of our Fourth Annual Metric Olympics for all students in Grades 5-8. The students
will be divided into teams and participate in outside events during the morning that will help them use and understand the metric
system and get to know students in other grades. Most of the favorite activities will be back, such as the 400 meter relay race, bean
bag toss, disc throw and noodle toss. Volunteers are needed, so if you are eligible to volunteer at St. Pius X and can assist from 8:00
-11:00 that day, please contact Mrs. Signoracci at 614-866-6050 ext. 230 or jsignora@cdeducation.org.
Last month the fifth-grade students developed fluency in adding and subtracting fraction and mixed numbers with like and unlike
denominators, and began to multiply fractions.
The students in sixth grade finished a unit on linear functions in February, exploring topics such as relations, functions, rate of
change, slope and direct variation, and started to explore probabilities and predictions.
The seventh-grade students completed an in-depth study of linear functions and graphing last month, and learned to multiply and
divide monomials, to evaluate numerical expressions containing negative exponents, to compute with scientific notation, and to
identify nonlinear functions.
The 8A Math class studied ratios, proportions, similar figures and dilations in February, and began a unit on percents.
The last PEP groups for Grades 2 and 3 meet this month through the end of the school year. Grade 4 PEP students will continue
to work with partners to complete challenging math extension activities, such as identifying the number of triangles in a complex
figure.
Check out the following opportunities for your child. Cost, dates, application deadlines and requirements vary, so check the links for
more information.
Be Wise Day Camp is a math/science camp for girls entering grades 7 or 8 in the Fall of 2015. Application deadline is April 1. A
description of all classes, dates and fees is available at www.bewisecamp.org.
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has a variety of ongoing special events and workshops. Go to www.cosi.org to learn
about them and to get more information.
The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the premiere national science competition for students in grades 5 through
8, is now open for entries. Students must complete
a video entry and submit it online by April 21, 2015. Go to www.youngscientistchallenge.com for additional information and
official rules.
Mrs. Rogich’s Reading Room
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!
March 2, 1904.
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
— Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"
Skill of the Month: Reading With Ease/ Fluency
 Children who read word by word often don’t understand what they’re reading. They miss the meaning
of the story as they focus on each individual word. Fluent readers read whole sentences smoothly and
with expression. They recognize words quickly and comprehend easily.
 How does a reader go from learning single words to reading entire stories with ease? Through practice
and repetition.
 Try the following suggestions to improve your child’s reading fluency and comprehension.
o
Listen to Books on Tape

o
Learn Sight Words

o
As your child comes across new words while reading, have him/her write the words in interesting ways.
For example, he/she could write them with his/her finger on a steamy bathroom mirror, in sugar, or flour
on a cookie sheet, or in washable glue on a piece of paper (sprinkle glitter over the glue, and shake off the
excess once the glue dries). Using his/her sense of touch will help your child remember the words more
easily.
Try Choral Reading

o
Help your child hear the difference between an exciting reading voice and a boring one. Read a paragraph
or a page aloud in a monotone voice. Then, read it with expression by changing the tone and volume of
your voice. For instance, speak in a low, growly voice if the character is a bear, or in a high pitched voice
for a bird. Ask your child to tell you which way sounds better and why. Have him/her try reading both
ways. Which method does he/she think makes reading more enjoyable?
Build Vocabulary/ Spelling practice

o
Fluent reader recognized and read sight words, so as “a,” “you,” “they,” “have,” and “because,” without
sounding them out. A good way to practice sight words is to point them out in the books your child reads.
For example, ask him to count how many times he can find the word “saw.” Which word is used more
frequently in his book- “and” or “the”?
Add Excitement to Reading

o
Enhance your child’s reading fluency by giving him/her books on tape. Audio books, as they’re also called,
are available at libraries and bookstores. Often the book is included with the CD of the story being read
aloud. Encourage your child to read along in the book while listening to the recording. He/She will hear
examples of smooth, effortless reading that he/she can imitate when reading aloud.
Reading aloud together can improve your child’s reading fluency. Choose a book that is slightly more
difficult than what your child is used to reading. If he/she stumbles on a word, help him/her figure it out.
Then, encourage him/her to concentrate on reading smoothly as you reread the sentence together.
Perform a Play
 To practice expressive reading, pick a book with lots of dialogue. Example: a book in Arnold Lobel’s Frog
and Toad series. Each of you choose a character. Tell your child to pretend he/she is an actress in a play
reading her character’s lines with a great deal of expression. Take turns being the narrator and reading
the non-dialogue parts of the story.

Note: While doing these activities, choose books that are appropriate for your child’s reading level. If he/she
know every word in a book without hesitation, the book is probably too easy. On the other hand, books that are
too hard may make him/her want to give up, and he/she won’t be able to focus on understanding the story. If a
book is just right, your child will be able to read most of the words fairly easily, and it will have just a few tricky
words to keep him/her challenged.
Mrs. Rogich 
Classroom Guidance Updates for February:
Kindergarten – We discussed our fifth rule, in our I-Care Rule series: We Are Responsible for What
We Say and Do. As a class, we read the story, My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook and discussed
how we can demonstrate self-control. Be sure to ask your child what they can do to keep their words
from “erupting!”
1st grade - This past month, we discussed how to be a good friend. Using the book, You’re Mean Lily
Jean by Frieda Wishinsky, we discussed the character’s behavior and how she treated her friends.
The students and I discussed how to handle common friendship problems and practiced positive
things to say and do.
2nd grade – Second graders learned what to say and do to stand up for others when they see
someone bothering another student in a hurtful way. Together, we read, The Juice Box Bully by Bob
Sornson and Maria Dismondy and discussed the “promise” that the characters made in the story.
Each student then decorated their own juice box with ways that they can stand up for others. Be
sure to ask your child what an “upstander” is!
3rd grade – We finished up our book series by reading, “Tough!” by Erin Frankel. This story was told
through the perspective of the bully. In the story, the main character was able to develop an
awareness of her behavior and realized that by hurting others she was also hurting herself. Be sure
to ask your son/daughter about the boomerang theory!
4th grade/5th grade – We discussed how to de-escalate conflicts. 5th graders learned two ways to
express feelings in a non-threatening way – using I-Messages and the sandwich strategy. Be sure to
ask them about both! 4th graders were introduced to I-Messages as well and played a fun roll-a-dice
game to practice and role play.
6th/7th/8th grades – Time management and “putting first things first” was the topic of discussion. The
students learned a way to prioritize their tasks by first identifying their “big rock” activities, followed
by “pebble” and “sand” activities. Be sure to ask your child to explain the demonstration and
encourage them to use this strategy at home when planning ahead!

Mrs. Sullivan
Intervention Intersection
by Shelley Shoemaker, Intervention Specialist
The Straight Scoop about ADD/ADHD
While children with Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder can
be overly active and rambunctious, they may also be sitting quietly
looking right at you while their thoughts are a million miles away.
When those children enter school, these behaviors may greatly inhibit
their learning. People may unfairly label them as lazy, impulsive, a
troublemaker, or lacking motivation without knowing that these may
be symptoms of a condition that is very difficult to control. My hope in
writing this article is to dispel some untruths about ADD/ADHD, and
provide facts and information for you should you have concerns about
your child. Information is power, while accurate, helpful information is
empowering.
Myths about Attention Deficit Disorder
Myth #1: All kids with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive. Some children with ADD/ADHD are
hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADD/ADHD, who
are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated.
Myth #2: Kids with ADD/ADHD can never pay attention. Children with ADD/ADHD are
often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy. But no matter how hard they try, they have
trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive.
Myth #3: Kids with ADD/ADHD choose to be difficult and could behave better if they
wanted to. Children with ADD/ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit
still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re
acting out on purpose.
Myth #4: Kids will eventually grow out of ADD/ADHD. ADD/ADHD often continues into
adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child
learn to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Myth #5: Medication is the best treatment option for ADD/ADHD. Medication is often
prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child.
Effective treatment for ADD/ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home
and school, exercise, and proper nutrition.
ADD or ADHD - What's the Difference?
Clinically, the term ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
A person may either be diagnosed with ADHD or ADD depending on whether
they are hyperactive or not. It is possible for someone to have ADD without
being hyperactive. There are generally three types of AD(H)D:



Combined Type (hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive)
Inattentive Type
Hyperactive, Impulsive Type
Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a
biologically based condition causing a persistent pattern of
difficulties resulting in one or more of the following behaviors:



Inattention – Children with this aspect of ADD might display
difficulty attending or focusing on a specific task. People with
Attention Deficit Disorder may become distracted within a matter of
minutes. Inattentive behavior may also cause difficulties with
staying organized (e.g. losing things), keeping track of time,
completing tasks, and making careless errors.
Hyperactivity – Children with the hyperactivity piece of attention
deficit may have difficulty inhibiting their own behavior. These people
are in constant motion. They may engage in excessive fiddling, leg
swinging, and squirming in their chair.
Impulsivity – These children often have difficulty controlling their
impulses. Frequently, they do not stop and think before they act.
They say and do whatever comes into their minds without thinking
about the consequences. They might say something inappropriate
and regret it later, blurt out a response to question before a person is
done speaking to them, or have difficulty waiting for their turn in
line.
If you have concerns about your child, speak to his/her teacher and feel
free to contact me by email or phone.
Excerpted from www.helpguide.org, www.ldonline.org, and www.ldpride.net
March 2015
Sun
1
Mon
2
Tue
3
Wed
4
Thu
5
Fri
6
Sat
7
PSR 1:30-2:30
Rescheduled
Ident-A-Kid
SPX Reconciliation
Workshop
8
9
10
Family Service Night
6PM
11
No School
K-Screening
SCAAP
12
13
14
PSR 5-6:30
Home & School
meeting 6:30 PM
Confirmation
Retreat
7th & 8th
Stations 1:45PM
17
18
19
School Advisory
Board 7PM
Spring Pictures
No PSR
23
PSR 5-6:30
24
25
26
Honor Choir
St. Matthew,
Gahanna
Kindergarten To
Franklin Park
Conservatory
Pizza with the Pastor
29
30
PSR 5-6:30
31
20
Reconciliation
Service
Gr 2-8 9:15am
Market Day Pickup
22
“A Night In Green”
Gym, 7:00 PM
Pi Day
16
15
Confirmation
Retreat
7th & 8th
21
Stations 1:45PM
27
5th Grade to
JA Biztown
28
Stations 1:45PM
End of 3rd Report
Period