ST. AGNES CHURCH

April 8, 2018

Divine Mercy Sunday

2314 Third Avenue, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361 (308)632-2541 Mailing address: PO Box 349, Scottsbluff, NE 69363-0349 Fax: 308-632-2146 Website: www.st-agnes-church.com

Parish Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9am - Noon & 1pm - 4pm

Rev. Vincent L. Parsons

Pastor Rev. Michael E. Wetovick

Associate Pastor Sr. Vera Meis, C.S.J.

Pastoral Minister

Mass Schedule:

(October - May) Saturday: 4:00 pm

Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30 am (June - September) Saturday 6:00 pm

Sunday: 8:00 & 10:00 am Monday, Tues, Wed, Friday 7 am

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays one hour prior to evening Mass or by appointment (632-2541)

Sacrament of Baptism Please call the Parish Office

God Bless and Welcome Our Newest Catholics!

We welcome our newest Catholics who joined the faith through the RCIA program and those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation

at the Easter Vigil this year. Pictured (l-r) are Ty Corr, Clemente Enriquez, Elexus Johnston, Mike Jones, Phillip Black, Cara Tschacher,

Nick Marez, Jef Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Cathy Publow, and Debbie Vesper. Bless you all!

A four year old girl was asking her mother questions. She said, “Are we going to see

Granny in heaven?” (Her grandmother had died two years earlier. Yet the young girl watched videos and browsed through photos of her granny. She felt that she knew her granny.) Her mother replied, “Yes, honey, when we die we will see Granny in heaven.” The little girl asked, “Will we come back to our own house?” “No, honey, said the mother, “We will stay with Jesus and Granny forever.” That little girl then stood up, put her hands on her hips and sternly stated to her mother, “You mean we’re going stay dead?” A couple of weeks after the Resurrection someone asked Joseph of Arimathea, “Why’d you let them bury Jesus in your brand new tomb?” Joseph shrugged his shoulders as he answered, “He only needed it for the weekend!” During that weekend we are reminded that God weeps with us on Good Friday so that we’ll be able to laugh with him after Easter Sunday.” This weekend, we welcome all of our Second graders to the table of our Lord. Congratulations to all of you (and your parents) for the hard work you have done in readying for this special sacrament! Also, a thanks for all our catechists who teach our children the ways of the faith…your work is very much appreciated and does not go unnoticed. With the Easter season, we are reminded of new life – and for these young ones – they receive a new way of receiving life within Christ’s church. Blessed Easter.

Page 2 Year B April 8, 2018

Divine Mercy Sunday

Monday, April 9, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: †Zach Tompkins by Family Communal Rosary (4:45pm) Liturgy of the Hours (5:05pm) Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: Alice Zack by Jerry & Eileen Young Tuesday Discussion Group (8-9 am) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) RCIA (7pm) Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Daily Mass (8:15am) Intention: Delores Nelson by St. Agnes Students & Staff Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Contemplative Prayer Group (6:00pm)

Thursday, April 12, 2018 Daily Mass (9:30am) at the Veterans Home Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Friday, April 13, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00 am) Intention: †Jack Bussey by Bussey Family Liturgy of the Hours (7:00am) Saturday, April 14, 2018 Weekend Mass (4:00pm) Intention: †Mary Parks by Gene & Mari Schwarzkopf Sunday, April 15, 2018 Weekend Mass (8:00am) Intention: †Earl Langel by Family Weekend Mass (10:30am) Intention: For the Parish

This Week’s Schedule

S a i n t A g n e s

C a t h o l i c C h u r c h

Today’s Readings

Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 118 1 John 5 : 1-6

John 20:19-31

Parish Administration

(308) 632-2541 / (308) 632-2146 (Fax) office@st-agnes-church.com

www.st-agnes-church.com Pastor

Rev. Vincent L. Parsons (ext. 2) pastor@st-agnes-church.com

Pastoral Minister Sr. Vera Meis (ext. 4)

srvera@st-agnes-church.com Director of Religious Education

Mrs. Terri Calvert (ext.5) dre@st-agnes-church.com Church Office Manager Theresa Trevino (ext. 3)

office@st-agnes-church.com School Head Teacher

Mrs. Julie Brown (632-6918) office@stagnesonline.org School Office Manager

Teresa Johnson (632-6918) office@stagnesonline.org

Finance Corner Sunday Collections

& ATW Giving April Totals

Actual $20626.50 Holy Thursday $519.00 Budget $9000.00 Surplus (Deficit) $12145.50 Good Fri. (Holy Land) $818.50

There is no 2nd collection next week

Page 3 Divine Mercy Sunday

Dates to Remember In 2018 April 7 & 8 First Communion April 15-17 Parish Retreat with Fr. Jim Sichko April 22 Confirmation May 6 High School Senior Mass/

Breakfast

New Stories, Preaching, Laughter and Songs!

With Rev. James Sichko

April 15th - 17th 7-8 pm at St Agnes Church

2018 Parish Mission

Known for his story-telling, Fr. Jim weaves every day life experiences with the rooted messages which lie within the Gospel.

Attention Students!!

Scholarship Opportunity!

St. Agnes Catholic School Foundation Alumni Futures Scholarship Applications are available online at catholic- schoolfoundation.com! If you’re an alumni of St. Agnes Catholic School, and a graduating high school senior, please consider applying (see our scholarship information online to determine if you meet our application criteria). If you have questions or need to request an electronic version of the application, please email Jackie at jseymour@stagnesonline.org. We look forward to reading your applications! Deadline: April 9, 2018

Server Schedule April 14 4pm Emma Marks Addison Peck April 15 8am Lucas J Moravec William Pieper 10:30am Megan Golden Adam Polk

Lector Schedule April 14 & 21 4pm Krystal Rodriguez April 15 & 22 8am Carol Herman 10:30am Steve Viessman

Remembering Loved Ones with Easter Altar Flowers

Rex Carr by M/M William Carr; Brian Bailey, Tracy Ford, & Earl Baily by Terry Baily; William R. Grandy, Beatrice B. Grandy, Joshua I Bullock, Nancy Skinner & Joe Loomis by Kathyann Bullock; Angus & Lois Madden by M/M Tim Madden; Fred & Helen Schaefer, David Flohr & Doris Flohr by Susan Flohr; Ellen Gion, Mary E. Gion & Michael Gion by Larry Gion; Gayle Johnson & Richard Hawes by M/M Robert Johnson; Bud & Betty Neifert & Harold & Bonita Brown by M/M Mark Neifert; Larry & Dolly Foxhoven & Jean Wolfe by M/M Jeff Wolfe; Tom E. Montague & Lee Tschacher by Lynda Montague; Fr. Jack Schlaf & John Saucedo by M/M Gale McGrew; Wilfred Herman & Joyce Herman by M/M Delton Herman; Eugene Guenin & D.L. Guenin by M/M Greg Schmid; Laurie Kohmetscher by M/M Rodney L. Ramig; Daniel Temple by Leo Temple; Hershel & Ester Dobbins & Wally Allison by M/M Jordan Colwell; Shane Malm by Laetner & Landon Malm; Joanne Krieg, Judy Waite, Robert J. Reilly, Lois Reilly & Gary Reilly by M/M Jacob Krieg; Roger Elley & Clem Wieczorek by M/M Charles Elley; Pedro & Florentina Cano & Manuel & Ermelina Urdiales by Roman Cano & Anita Urdiales; Ed & Marie Skoroph by M/M Spencer Tryon; Dick Forrstrom & Rusty George by M/M Rick Forsstrom; Ed

Moore & Mary Nance by M/M Patrick Brown; Marcia Prell & Lawrence Hiltgen by Jason Hiltgen; Carol Burbach by M/M Larry Burbach; Dick DeForge by Donna DeForge; Gerri Williams, Emily Stehlik & Gerald Stehlik by M/M Bryan Henderson; Steve McDonnough by Connie McDonnough; Richard Saucedo,

Frank & Louise Marquez & Colby Saucedo by Margaret Rood; Bill Dailey & Bernie Adams by M/M Wayne Adams; Richard Rojas by Gayle Rojas; Alfred A. Magallanes, Alexandra E. Vasquez, Irene Hansen, Izabella Arellano & Christopher N. Vasquez by M/M Marcus Vasquez; Alfred Magallanes by Glenda Magallanes; Charles & Charlyne Scheinost by M/M Jeffrey Scheinost; Toni & Goldie Murphy by M/M Ben Castinado; Carl & Anna Strobel, Mike Holbert & Jim Curtis by Elizabeth Curtis; Felipe A. Medina & Tony Ybarra by M/M Daniel Guzman; Daryl & Barbara Armeson, Harold & Barbara Calvert by M/M Michael Calvert; Mollie Marie Morris by Krissa Richards; Mollie Morris by M/M Rudy Torres; Mary Diane Nance by Jan Nelson; Chuck Bender Family by Jacque Bender; John & Irene Konz, Jerry Konz & Kay Konz by M/M Vince Bjorling; Don Wagner by Rita Wagner & Family; Ignacio Alderete & Raul Ayala by Gigi Alderete; Bo & Benny Williams by M/M Spencer Tryon

Page 4 April 8, 2018

We now have audio and video capabilities in the Garden Room

during mass. Please know that this is available if you have children and

need to remove yourselves from the main body of the church

during mass.

L i v i n g O u r C a t h o l i c F a i t h

Monday: Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Ps 40: 7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Jn 3:7b-15 Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn 3:16-21 Thursday: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20; Jn 3:31-36 Friday: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Jn 6:1-15 Saturday: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4- 5, 18-19; Jn 6:16-21 Sunday: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Ps 4:2, 4, 7-9; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; Lk 24:35-48

This Week’s Readings Rest In Peace John J Smith, husband of Karen Smith, Paula Lager Martin, daughter of Dick Lager & Cynthia Little, Leo Temple, husband of Phyllis Temple

March 2018 100 CLUB WINNERS

$200: Ligia Brittan; $100: James Macken, Doug Wheeler, David/Kerri Schaff; $60: Paul Mailander; $50: Kay Busekist, Lynda Montague, Connie McDonnough, Doris Holloway, Larry Gion, Patricia Garcia, Allen/Beth Lonowski & Jodene Burkhart

CONGRATULATIONS!

Finding support for life with Parkinson’s

Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is a life changing event for the person with

Parkinson’s and their family. A new support group is being formed to provide help navigating this difficult transition and empowering those living with Parkinson’s to take control of the disease and define their life rather than letting the disease

define them.

Where do we gather? Regional West Medical Plaza South

3911 Avenue B First conference room across from the

pharmacy

When do we meet? Third Tuesday of every month at 10 am

For further information call: 308-632-8023 or 308-632-7773

There will not be a Young at Heart meeting for the month of April. Please mark your calendars!

Lost and Found! A jacket has been

turned in to the office that was left at the Gering Civic Center

during the 2017 Premier. It is a grey and olive green Jack

Wolfskin brand jacket. If this is yours, please come into the office to identify it. We would like to

get it back to it’s rightful owner!

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Sometimes children acquire nicknames in childhood that stalk them through adulthood: “Pinky,” “Boo-boo,” and the like. This Sunday was once called “Low Sunday,” a step down from Easter glory, and an unfortunate nickname since Easter rejoicing goes on for fifty days. Traditionally this is the day when the newly baptized put away their white baptismal robes and returned to their everyday life after a week of intense celebration. Of course, the goal was to take up everyday duties with a very new point of view. A long title for the day was Dominica in albis deposito, or “The Lord’s Day for Putting Away the Albs,” so no wonder the nickname “Low Sunday” arose. In the old calendar it was also called “Quasimodo Sunday,” after the first word of the opening chant, Quasimodo geniti infantes, or “As newborn infants,” a reference to the newly baptized taken from the Epistle of Peter. Victor Hugo’s bell-ringing hero in The Hunchback of Notre Dame was abandoned as an infant on the threshold of the cathedral of Paris on Low Sunday, 1467, and named “Quasimodo” for the feast. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Page 5 Divine Mercy Sunday

“As a gift to humanity, which sometimes seems bewildered and overwhelmed by the power of evil, selfishness, and fear, the Risen Lord offers His love that pardons, reconciles, and reopens hearts to love. It is a love that converts hearts and gives peace. How much the world needs to under‐stand and accept Divine Mercy! Lord, who reveals the Father’s love by Your death and Resurrection, we believe in You and confident‐ly repeat to You today: Jesus, I trust in You, have mercy upon us and upon the whole world.” (St. Pope John Paul II)

This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter as we continue to celebrate the Risen Lord and His Mercy for us. Jesus revealed His Divine Mercy through His daughter, Sr. Mary Faustina, so that we may know that we poor sinner are forever within His forgiving Hands. In today’s Gospel, Jesus appears to his disciples, coming through locked doors and says "Peace be with you" breathing upon them the Holy Spirit and communicating His authority to forgive sins.

What is mercy if not the boundless love of God, who confronted with human sin, restrains the sentiment of severe justice and, allowing Himself to be moved by the wretchedness of His creatures, spurs Himself to the total gift of self, in the Son’s cross …Who can say that he is free from sin and does not need God’s mercy? As people of this restless time of ours, wavering between the emptiness of self‐exaltation and the humiliation of despair, we have a greater need than ever for a regenerating experience of mercy. (St. Pope John Paul II) However, "Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:24‐29)

God´s Mercy worked wonderfully, for when that doubting disciple touched his Master´s wounded flesh the model of a true believ-er. We are invited to become living witnesses today to the reality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thomas touched the wounded side of beloved Savior to heal the wounds of our own disbelief. At the Liturgy of Canonization for Sister Mary Faustina Kowalski, Sunday, April 30, 2000, the late Servant of God John Paul II pro-claimed: Jesus shows his hands and his side [to Sr. Mary Faustina]. He points, that is, to the wounds of the Passion, especially the wound in his heart, the source from which flows the great wave of mercy poured out on humanity. From that heart Sr Faustina Kowalska, the blessed whom from now on we will call a saint, will see two rays of light shining from that heart and illuminating the world: "The two rays", Jesus himself explained to her one day, "represent blood and water" Divine Mercy reaches human beings through the heart of Christ crucified and Risen.

My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of grac‐es upon those souls who approach the Fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. … Let no soul fear to draw near to Me. … It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Sr. Mary Fausti-na Diary, no. 699)

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

For more information please contact: Rev. Neal Hock, Vocations Director (308)234-1539 vocations@gidiocese.org

Free of

Charge!

APRIL 14-16, 2018

Grade School (Pre-K - 5th grades) Formation Sessions Meet from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the school building. Mar. 25th, Apr. 1st - No formation sessions, Apr. 8th, Apr. 15th, Apr. 22nd, Apr. 29 - last session Middle School Formation Sessions (grades 6th-8th) meet from 7-8:15 p.m. in the school building. 28th - No formation sessions, Holy Week ,

High School (CYM) Formation Sessions Youth gather in catechist’s homes from 7-8:30 p.m. Mar. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th - No formation sessions, Holy Week , Apr. 4th, Apr. 11th, Apr. 18th, Apr. 25th - Last formation session 11th CYM Schedule: Apr. 4th - Confirmation-Garden Room Apr. 11th - CYM - Leader’s home Apr. 18th - Confirmation - Practice Apr. 22nd - Confirmation at 10:30 a.m.

Save the Dates: First Communion

April 7th & 8th all weekend Masses

Confirmation April 22nd - 10:30 am Mass

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families

Second Sunday of Easter Gospel: John 20:20b-23

On the Way to Mass: How do you think the disciples felt when they saw Christ again? On the Way Home From Mass: What does it mean for the disciples to forgive or retain sins? Living the Word: Gather the family in your prayer space and guide them through the following meditation: Take a deep breath in as you allow your eyelids to gently close. Notice how your eyelashes rest gently on your cheeks, the rise and fall of your breath, and the beating of your heart. For a moment, imagine yourself in a beautiful place in nature (the leader can elaborate here) and as you look to your right you notice a kind person beckoning you. As you approach, the person paces his/her hands on your shoulders and gently breathes on the top of your head filling you with a warm white light. As you soak it in, notice every muscle, every cell feeling more relaxed and more alive.

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families

2017-2018

Find Us On

Facebook Twitter: stagnes-church

Instagram: st.agnescatholicchurch Parish Website

www.st-agnes-church.com

Pick of the Week Brother Francis: The Bread of Life Join

Brother Francis in the delightfully inspirational and instructive presentation that teaches children all about he sacrament of the Eucharist!

Divine Mercy In the Second Greatest Story Ever Told Renowned speaker and author Fr. Michael Gaitley tells the dramatic history of God's love and mercy as interwoven through the transformative message of St. Faustina, the miraculous appearance of Mary at Fatima, the witness of Maximillian Kolbe, and the world-changing papacy of Pope St. John Paul II. Featuring the brilliant cinematic artistry of the Augustine Institute's film studio, the vast panorama God’s work of mercy in the world unfold as a story to be experienced. If you haven’t signed up yet go to www.saintagnesscottsbluff.formed.org Enter your email and create a password.

Page 6 Divine Mercy Sunday

R_ligious E^u][tion Progr[m Email—dre@st-agnes-church.com Religious Education Office—308-635-1362

Page 7 April 8, 2018

Pray for the following children as they receive their First Holy Communion this weekend

Saturday, April 7th at 4 p.m.

Elena Blanco Henry Blanco Issac Banco

Sahraya Gross Coraline Hill

Annie Mikoloyck Emilano Ramirez Alyck Rodriguez Lilian Seymour Jayden Welch

Sunday, April 8th at 8 a.m.

Traxton Adams

Morgan Celli Lucas Esselstein Aaden Gonzales Breanne Lilley Zachary Mark

E’owyn Merrigan Luis Wheeler

Sunday, April 8th at 10:30 a.m.

Trenton Gion

Kalleigh Golden Quinten Gould William Green

Charlotte Lewis Camilla Linz Emmy Smith

Elliette Verbeck Kellan Zulkoski Logan Zulkoski

Higher Ground is a five-day Catholic youth program for those who will be juniors or seniors in high school. This program is sponsored by the Diocese of Grand Island's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, with John Burks as the Diocesan Director

and Fr. Josh Brown as the Diocesan Spiritual Director.

The purpose of Higher Ground is to create an environment where Christian community may be experienced. The activities provide an enjoyable opportunity for the young people to develop a better sense of self, to build positive relationships with others and to grow closer to God.

At Higher Ground, 20-40 participants and 10 adult staff, gather in an informal atmosphere to have a lot of fun and build relationships of trust. The group is encouraged to experience the joy of playing, praying and working together as a community of faith.

The week begins at 7:00 PM MDT, Sunday and ends at 10:00 AM MDT the following Friday. The program runs three successive weeks, beginning the last week in May (Memorial Day Weekend) at Ft. Robinson, near Crawford, NE.

The cost of the week is $150. The non-refundable round-trip bus fare is an additional $80.

Each week, a bus travels round-trip between Grand Island and Crawford, stopping along Highway 2 at predetermined locations. To register go to www.gidiocese.org Meet the Confirmation Candidates My name is McKenna Hackett and I’m 16 years old. I have one older brother, Mikey, who is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. My parents are Mike and Erika Hackett. Our family has been regularly attending St. Agnes Church for around 16 years. I’ m a junior at Gering High School and participate in Speech and One Acts in addition to working at Domino's Pizza. My goals for Confirmation are to become closer and more involved it he Church. Eventually, I would like to become a religious education teacher and help teenagers to become confirmed, just as so many people have helped me this far. The sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 22nd.

Page 8 April 8, 2018

April 8, 2018

St. Agnes Catholic School 205 E 23rd, Scottsbluff, NE

Ph: 308-632-6918

Monday, April 9th

Pre-K /K Visita on 6:00-7:00 Tuesday, April 10th

Used Book Sale Wednesday, April 11th

Mass @ 8:15 3rd Grade leads Used Book Sale

Thursday, April 12th Midwest Theater- 4th & 5th Gr.

Harlem Gospel Choir

Easter Egg Hunts Excitement filled the air as a number of egg hunts and fun

Easter activities took place during the school day on Wednesday, March 28th. Pre-K – 2nd grade students hunted

for eggs hid by their 4th & 5th grade buddies. Students found both real eggs and plastic eggs filled with candy. The 4th

grade hunt was a bit trickier as they hunted for synonym and antonym egg pairs. All enjoyed the fun, especially because

the weather for the event was amazing!

March 100 Club Winners $200 - Ligia Brittan; $100 - James Macken, Doug

Wheeler, David & Kerri Schaff; $60 - Paul Mailander; $50 - Kay Busekist, Lynda Montague, Connie

McDonnough, Doris Holloway, Larry Gion, Patricia Garcia, Allen & Beth Lonowski & Jodene Burkhart

Monday, April 9 Sloppy Joes on a Bun French Fries Carrots w/ Ranch Mandarin Oranges Helpers: George & Crystal Kildow

Tuesday, April 10 Tacos Potatoes Ole’ Peas 1/2 Banana Helpers: George & Crystal Kildow

Wednesday , April 11 Chicken Nuggets Baked Beans Steamed Carrots Pineapple Roll & Margarine Helpers: George & Crystal Kildow

Thursday, April 12 Corn Dog Scalloped Potatoes Steamed Broccoli Fruit Cocktail Helpers: George & Crystal Kildow

Friday, April 13 Pancakes Scrambled Eggs w/ sautéed spinach & red pepper Potato Triangle Orange Wedges Helpers: George & Crystal Kildow

What’s Happening at St. Agnes School...

Hot Lunch Menu for April 9nd - April 13th, 2018

SHS Musical “Into The Woods”

Kindergarten – 5th grade students attended the Scottsbluff High School Musical, Into the Woods, held on Wednesday, April 4th at the SHS auditorium. The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales including: "Little Red Riding Hood", "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Rapunzel", and "Cinderella", as well as several others. The musical is tied together by a story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, and their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters during their journey. Our congratulations to our St. Agnes alumni involved in the performance. We enjoyed the production and applaud these student’s outstanding efforts.

MAP Testing Spring MAP testing will take place for students in 1st -5th grades during the week of April 23-27. These tests are an important synopsis of individual student learning for the year. It is important that students are at their best for these tests including a good night’s sleep and a quality breakfast. As well, it is important that students are at school on time and ready to give their best effort. Please do not schedule appointments, trips and other activities that will take your child out of school on these days.

A Visit to the UNL Extension Center

1st, 2nd and 4th grade students enjoyed a visit to the

UNL Extension Center on Friday, April 6th. Our adopt-a-school friends prepared a number of stations involving hands-on activities associated with soil. It was an

exciting and educational day for the students, and we are so grateful to the extension agency for the

wonderful partnership we’ve experienced this

year.

Classroom News...

First Grade Class By Brooke Lacy

We have been taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather already this month! We have spent a few days outside while we do our work.

Our reading keeps improving! Every single one of us received an award this quarter for outstanding reading achievements! We continue to learn about long vowels, but are not getting into different vowel pairings as well as blends. This is a little hard at times, but I’m so impressed with their ability to apply these sounds when they are reading! They are very good at finding many words that use our new rules while they are reading!

We continue our poetry unit into the month of April. We are finding out that it is a hard task to write poems and we have to take our time and not rush ourselves through our work. They are doing awesome though and can’t wait to share these with their families in May!

3rd Grade Class By Amanda Brill

Wow! I am so proud of all of my third graders! Another quarter has ended and time is flying by! We celebrated the students who earned enough classroom incentive points with a nacho bar! It was fun to eat lunch in our classroom! We are trying to be on our best behavior until the end of the school year so we can earn 100 points and go on a field trip to Jax’s Snowcones! These third graders have come so far and

matured so much! We are starting our new science unit on Natural Resources. We are learning about how we use natural resources and how we conserve them! We are fraction crazy in math right now. We are comparing fractions, adding and subtracting them, as well as simplifying them.

We are still working hard on our dictionary skills and alphabetizing words. This can be a tricky task if all the words we are alphabetizing start with the same letter. We are really working hard on this skill so we can “wow” Mrs. Becker next year in 4th grade! In religion we are talking about the process and steps of the Mass. We are learning that everything we do and Father Vince does is for a reason, or symbolizes something that Jesus did. We have discussed the Eucharist and how receiving it is a big honor as a Catholic. In this last quarter of school we are really focusing on ourselves and helping others. Easter has arrived but that doesn’t mean almsgiving, praying, and bettering ourselves has to come to an end!