St. Patrick Student Page

Recent Work

Golden Birthday Party

The kindergarten class was invited to Garett Geiger's Golden Birthday Party. Garett turned 6 years old on the 6th of September. Rather than a birthday present for Garett, Garett and his family asked for donations for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The class donated $68 for this worthy cause. A special thank you to the Geiger family, Garett and the kindergarten class for their generous gift!

My Favorite Fieldtrip
By Joe Vicich

On my favorite fieldtrip this year, we did a lot of fun things. First we had a scavenger hunt. Then we went to the schoolhouse. Finally we went to the barn. I learned a lot of stuff. I was pleased with the trip.

We had a scavenger hunt. We had partners. We learned about World War I. We learned about the World War II. We learned about Abe Lincoln. That was my favorite part of the trip.

We went to the schoolhouse. We had a play. We did a math lesson. I learned that K-8 grade would be in one classroom. They used to not have erasers. They would use ink wells.

We went to the barn. I learned that they had to replace a wall because of a tornado. It was made of only beams and supports. It had no nails in it. It was moved from its original location. It has tools that they used a long time ago.

On my favorite fieldtrip this year, we did a lot of fun things. We had a scavenger hunt. We went to the schoolhouse. We went to the barn. I learned a lot of stuff. I was very pleased with the trip.

The Best Fieldtrip
By Sam Leake

I went to a fieldtrip to Utica. First, I went to the museum. Next, I went to the old barn. Finally, I went to an old one room schoolhouse.

First, I went to the museum. We did a scavenger hunt. It was fun. The class did all right. We went in the basement. We made a quilt pattern. We also got taught how to make a bed cover. We also now know how to pack a covered wagon. You mostly need food and water.

Next, I went to the old barn. At the barn I learned what held the barn together. What held the beams and posts together too. We also learned how to weed 144 acres. We learned a lot about farming. My favorite part was all the cool tools.

Finally, I went to an old one room schoolhouse. There we did a play and I was in it. We also did some math there. We saw what chores school kids did. We said the Gettysburg Address together. We saw what kids had to put their lunch in. It was cool!

I went on a fieldtrip to Utica. First, I went to a museum. Next, I went to the old barn. Finally, I went to an old one room schoolhouse. That was the best fieldtrip!

Hop-a-Thon
Preschool

Meet Wiley Wabbit!

Mrs. Rix’s Preschool class at St. Patrick School in Ottawa recently participated in a Hop-a-Thon for Muscular Dystrophy. The preschool class received special help from the Easter Bunny’s cousin Wiley Wabbit from Financial Plus Credit Union. Each student jumped for two minutes. Their “hops” were counted and recorded by Mrs. Meyer’s 7th grade class. The students surpassed their goal of $300.00. Afterwards the students enjoyed dancing the locomotion with Wiley Wabbit.

Alex is introducing himself to Wiley Wabbit.

Student Stories
Grades 2-4

Peanut Butter and Jelly Stories

How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. First you look in the frig and get the jelly. Next you look in your cabinet and get the peanut butter. Then, you look in another cabinet and get the bread and put it on a plate. Now take 2 pieces of bread and spread the peanut butter all over one piece of bread. Try to spread it all over the jelly on another piece of bread and smash them together. Last, you set it down and put the peanut butter and jelly away. And, finally you can sit down and eat it. So that is how you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Austin 2nd grade

Yum! Oh pardon me! I was just eating my delightful P.B. and J sandwich. I’ll tell you how I make one. First, you get 2 pieces of bread. Next we spread peanut butter. Then we spread grape jelly. Last we go to the dinner table and say prayer. Finally I eat it. I got to go to bed now. Thank you God, for PB and J.
Justin 2nd grade

Sr. Antonetta – The Story Weaver

I remember when Sr. Antonetta read a story. She read a book called The Fourth King. She read a book called The Man Who Walked Between The Twin Towers. Sr. Antonetta read a hat story. The man had a lot of hats. It was a very good story.
Sr. Antonetta read a story called The Fourth King. It is based on a myth. It is one of my favorite stories.
Sr. Antonetta read a story called The Man Who Walked Between The Twin Towers. It was scary at first. It is my favorite out of all books she read.
I remember stories that Sr. Antonetta read. Here are my favorites. She read a hat story. She read The Fourth King. She read The Man Who Walked Between The Twin Towers.
Joey 4th grade

I like Sr. Antonetta. She did a magic trick when she took a rope and she snapped it straight. It was so cool!
Sr. Antonetta took a rope from out of her bag. She said I’ll make this straight. She held it and said a magic work.
She snapped it. Her hand went up and down. It went straight and flat. It was so cool! There was no way that I could do it. That’s how it’s so cool!
I like Sr. Antonetta magic trick when she took a rope and she snapped it. It went straight. It was so cool!
Sam 4th grade

Snowflakes

How do snowflakes form? First, a snowflake begins as bits of water inside a cloud. Did you know when the temperature drops to 32 degrees the little bits of water freeze? That means it’s freezing outside. Now the bits of water start to stick together. Soon it forms a beautiful ice crystal or snowflake.
Soon there are more and more snowflakes. It gets really heavy. They start to fall. It’s snowing!
I love playing in the snow. Those snowflakes sure look pretty all over the ground.
John 2nd grade

Do you see snow in the sky because I do? I like snow. It is fun to play in the snow. I like to throw snowballs and make snowmen. I like to make snow angels. I play in the snow with my brother.
Sometimes when I am playing in the snow with my brother I wonder were snow comes from. A snowflake begins as tiny bits of water inside a cloud. Now the temperature gets cold the bits of water freeze. The bits of water freeze and start to stick to each other. Then the snowflakes get heavy and fall from the sky! Yea! I get to go outside now and play.
Logan 2nd grade

Fieldtrip to Meadowlands Farm
Grades K-4

St. Patrick School students in grades kindergarten through fourth grade recently took a fieldtrip to Meadowlands Farm. Meadowlands Farm is located on County Line Road in Newark, Illinois. They have a corn maze and activity area where the children can go pumpkin bowling, use a pumpkin slingshot, take a wagon ride and climb a hay pyramid. Some of the other activities the children can enjoy are launching rockets, burying themselves in a corn box and tangling themselves up in the “Webs in the Corn”.

Mrs. Novak and her fourth grade class take turns in the “Topple a Pumpkin Game” at Meadowlands Farm in Newark.

5th grade girls place 1st at the Holy Family basketball tournament!
September, 2008

My Heroes
By Lisa and Sam Grade 4

[Lisa]
Some of my heroes are my mother and my father because my dad helps me with swim team. My mom helps me with my homework.
The police and firefighters are my heroes because they risk their lives to save people.
The people who give food, and the people who let people spend the night for no money are my heroes.
People who are helping other people, but not just to people they know, but to people they don’t know are my heroes.
Some of my heroes are fighting for freedom.
My last heroes are people who save lives, like people that do the ambulance.
These are my heroes.

[Sam]
My dad is my hero because he was a fireman, and I look up to him because he’s brave and trustworthy.
My hero is my sister because she is responsible for watching me and my brother, and helping with homework when our mom isn’t home.
My mom is my hero because she does lots of work for the family.
My hero is Jesus because he died for us.
My hero is God because he gave life to everyone.
My hero is the fire department because without them our houses might catch on fire.

Patriotism—The Spirit of America
By Ethan grade 8

Freedom and loyalty, equality and justice, respect and pride is how I describe Patriotism. Our country is made of many people of all nationalities, who all have their own hopes and dreams. But one dream shared by all is to live in a country where freedom rings.
Did our fore fathers have a vision as to what they were fighting for would become so powerful? Could they foresee the change for men and women in the years to come? That this one simple word, freedom, would have such a powerful meaning? Our government leaders want us to voice our opinions and share our ideas. We are very lucky. Other countries’ leaders don’t want to nor care to hear ideas, opinions, or thoughts of their people. Whereas, our leaders do care and want to know what can make our country stronger and more powerful. When you have leaders that work for the people, the people become more loyal. We become more prosperous and want to see the country grow and work together to become one great nation.
Equality and justice for all mankind; not just one kind of man. Our country is made of many people. The laws of our country are for everyone. They are not forced upon us as a punishment, but rather to protect us. These laws are also for children, the elderly, and the poor. We allow our children to laugh and play. We like to see children grow, experience life, and just be a kid. Some countries don’t allow this. They expect the children to work for a small wage before the age of 10. This is not right. As for the elderly, we learn from their experiences. The elderly teach us, and we respect what they have accomplished for us. We don’t forget about the elderly just because they reached a certain age. Some countries forget their elderly and feel they are worthless because of their age and don’t feel they can contribute anything anymore just because they are old. We protect the rights of the elderly. As for the poor, we don’t discard them just because they have no money. Our country has programs that help the poor find jobs or learn a trade. They have hopes and dreams too. Our justice system protects us all, no matter your age or how much money you have in your bank account.
Pride and respect for our country is in all of us. We all stand proudly when we hear the National Anthem or even say the Pledge of Allegiance. I have a lot of respect for the soldiers of today and years ago. I can’t imagine how this country would be if it were not for them and the courage they have shown. They have given us strength that has enabled us to fight for a country that fights for us. We can proudly and respectfully say, “Thank you”, and show our Patriotism everyday in every way we can.

Why My Teacher Should Go To Hawaii
By Eddie Grade 4

Mrs. Novak should go to my state of Hawaii because of the beaches. She should also go to Hawaii because of the great food. Finally, she should go there because of the beautiful ocean and under the sea wild life.
The beaches there are some of the most beautiful in the world. On the beaches she could relax with a Diet Coke and a good book. The weather is warm and sunny all year round.
Mrs. Novak should go to Hawaii because of the food. They have the best pineapples that are grown right there in Hawaii. The seafood is freshly caught and sent to the restaurants every day.
The Pacific Ocean is one of the best parts of my state. She could go snorkeling and see all the interesting sea wild life under water. She could rent a boat and go for a cruise on the beautiful water.
These are the reasons why my teacher should go to Hawaii. All of the beaches are beautiful. All the food there is very good and fresh. There is plenty to do in the Pacific Ocean. Aloha, Mrs. Novak!

What I Like About Sister Antonetta
By Biancia Grade 1

I like the stories that Sister Antonetta reads to us that she writes. I like that she brings her necklace, hat, and glasses to become “Story Sister”! I like all the stuffed animals and puppet people that she brings with her that go along with her stories. One time she read us a story about a boy who had talent to juggle. I loved the story! Sometimes she lets us juggle. I loved Pajama Day when Sister Antonetta dressed like a leopard. I like that she brings us Holy Cards that we get to keep. I like Sister Antonetta being at St. Patrick School very much! When I grow up I want to be a Nun like Sister Antonetta and Sister Joan.

Lisa, a 3rd grade student explains why Grandparents are wonderful.

My loving sweet & caring grandma is awesome. First, my grandma makes me small pillows. Then, teaches me how to make a towel. Last, she comes over to see us at least once a month.
Next, when ever i go over to her house she lets me eat cookies & pancakes. Also, she gives me flowers and they are very pretty. Last, she plays games with me and we always have fun and laugh.
Then when I don't feel good she takes care of me. She helps me. Also, she even helps me with homework.
Oh boy I like it when grandma comes over. We watch a lot of TV. We also talk a lot. My grandma is awesome. She is loving, sweet & caring.

Above: Students working on their own "Stone Soup".
Below: A student explains the process with art and text.

"We made stone soup. First we put in water. Next we put in juicy meat. Next we put in a big stone. Then we put in onions, tomatoes, carrots, celery, corn, potatoes and green beans. It was yummy. Soup from a stone. Fancy that. It was fun making stone soup!"

7th Grade Student Ryne recently wrote a poem about Jesus

Below: 4th Grade Student Madelyn writes about her Landfill, shown on the right.

The day I built my first landfill. I first gathered garbage. Next I built my landfill. Then I took it home and watered it over vacation.
At home I gathered garbage scraps after dinner. I found a lot of it. I put it all in a bag so I could bring it to school.
When I built my landfill I put tinfoil in my shoe box. Then I put soil in my box. After that I put my garbage in it then kept repeating it over.

Over Easter break I watered my landfill. I wrote the date in my journal. Then, I brought my landfill back to school.
The day I built my landfill. I first gathered my garbage. Next I built my landfill. Then, I took it and watered it over vacation.
Making a landfill was fun!