ELA 

We have officially completed our study of Prince Caspian. We are waiting to begin another novel after the Easter break.  We will be focusing on novel study in this next book.  The Lion, Witch & Wardrobe and Prince Caspian were very good a teaching about Christ and virtue.  Our next novel is a more modern setting (Wonder by RJ Palacio) that teaches a more modern version of showing our virtues and the difficulties that go along with today’s world.  I know the students will enjoy it. 

Math 

Measurements, conversions, fractions, decimals -  ALL of it.  This unit is very good at showing the students the progress and understanding they have made (and also need to review and revisit) when it comes to understanding measurement conversions.  We even get to listen to a few YouTube songs to help break up the monotony that can be math.  They are all doing well. .  

Science 

The Water Cycle, the Water Crisis, and a Quiz.  As our population density starts to grow toward more and more urbanization, having a efficient and sufficient water supply will be critical in the next 50 years.  This includes conservation and understanding the impact global warming and waste can play in our ability to obtain clean water that we need to survive.  Having students have an awareness that we are stewards of this gift God has given us called “Earth” is so important as they grow older and will be facing these global situations. 

History

Abraham Lincoln -  a (literally) dirt poor kid on the expanding westward front of America - though providence, luck, love, and fortitude becomes President of the United States and, as we will learn next week, places our nation in the middle of a Civil War over the issue of slavery that we have been putting off dealing with since the Declaration of Independence (Jefferson wanted to include the END of slavery in his original draft of the Declaration of Independence).  The Civil War is THE turning point in the history of the United States that defines us even today as we seek to live out the declaration that "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness". 

Religion 

We focused on Palm Sunday, Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and the symbolic and prophetic climax that this moment IS for all the world - Christ our King and Savior.  

We also watched a video of a school in Kenya - as I try and get the students to focus on how BLESSED we are - that, in a very impoverished country, they find JOY in God our Father (“Bawo").  That, even today, there are fellow Catholic schools there where children have to wake up at 4AM to walk to get fresh water for their family for the day, and make that same journey AFTER school for the evening with their families.  And we complain about having to brush our teeth or get out of bed to pick breakfast in an amazing home with a full pantry and fridge…..thankful and grateful for this upcoming Holy Week. They are filled with joy that we should be giving off as well - in our abundance and blessings. 

Mr. Maldonado