San Jose Christian School | October 19, 2015

Jenn’s Penby: Mrs. Jennifer Thompson

Extra, Extra. There’s a Town Hall meeting on October 26, 2015 at 6:30 pm. In the SJCS Auditorium. Way back in the day when I was growing up in Vermont, I always looked forward to Town Hall Day. We didn’t have school! That Town Hall meeting was a chance for the town leaders would update the community on what was going on in town, present new ideas and legislation for the upcoming year and elect town officials. Remember, this was a small town of about 4,000, so this was a BIG event.

We are not 4,000 strong, but our Town Hall meeting is going to be very similar to what I experienced as a kid. You will have a chance to hear about the state of the school, our budget for the year will be presented, and you will hear about future plans for continued exceptional Christian education at San Jose Christian School. No elections this time, but stay tuned for the Spring meeting in May.

Please plan to attend my first Town Hall meeting as we continue to grow together as a strong community in Christ. Extended Care - Big NewsPlease see page 4 of the Tiger Tracks for the Extended Care schedule of activities for this week. There is no charge for EC on Thursday from 11:45am - 3pm. You will be charged the hourly rate beginning at 3pm.

Also, watch your email for reminders about Extended Care contracts and emergency forms. ALL students must have their forms completed by this Thursday, end of Quarter 1, to continue using the extended care program.

Parking Lot Etiquette, a Quick Reminder

1. Please enter slowly and drive like your kids live here. THEY DO!

2. Right turn only at the entrance means that, even if you want a parking spot that is just to the left of the sign, drive all the way around the circle and it will still be waiting for you. No cutting the corner.

3. The First Time Visitor spot is for first tie visitors only. We have visitors coming on campus throughout the day, and we want to welcome them warmly by saving a parking space for them.

Calendar of Events|updatesBe sure to visit the SJCS Upcoming Events page for additional school wide events that are added to the calendar. We have added the Preschool Christmas performance!

Sports News!Be sure to read the Sports This Week section in the Tiger Tracks. We have front page news this week. Basketball starts Monday, October 26th! There will be a information meetings for all interested students on the following dates:Girls Basketball: Tuesday @ 11:45 in room 16Boys Basketball: Wednesday @ 11:45 in room 16

Calendar ReminderA quick reminder that this Friday 10/23 the teachers have an in-service and there will be no classes for grades Butterflies through 8th grade. Extended Care is available for grades Jr. K through 8th.

Tiger TracksThis Week at SJCS

Mon 10/19 Fall Sports Practice | 3:15pm - 4:45pm

Mad Science | 3:15pm Rm 7

Tues 10/20 Fire Saftey Assembly for 3rd & 4th grades | 10:00am

Chess Wizards | 3:15pm Rm 20

Flag Football | 3:30pm vs. BCS @ SJCS

Softball | 3:30 @ BCS

Cross Country Practice 3:15

Wed 10/21 Flag Football | 3:30pm @ LGCS

Softball | 3:30 vs. LGCS @ SJCS

Cross Country Practice 3:15

Thurs 10/22 Mom’s In Prayer | 8:30 Rm 16

Minimum Day | Early Dismissal 11:45am

Fri 10/23 Butterflies-8 No Classes | Teacher InService

Infant Care Available

Advanced Dates

10/26 Fall Town Hall 11/6 SJCS Film Fest 11/19 Parent Ed Night

Attendance Line (408) 371-4815

Tiger Tracks

Sportsweekthis

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Softball

Practice3:15pm - 4:45pm

Game Day vs. BCS3:30pm @ BCS

Game Day vs LGCS3:30pm @ SJCS

No Practice

Flag Football

Practice3:15pm - 4:45pm

Game Day vs. BCS 3:30pm @ SJCS

Game Day vs. LGCS4:00pm @ LGCS

Team Outing - depart SJCS @ 12:15pm

Cross Country

Practice 3:15pm - 4:45pm

Practice 3:15pm - 4:45pm

Practice 3:15pm - 4:45pm

No Practice

League Finals - November 6

SoftballOur girls recorded a win against Acheiver Christian last week. The defense was explosive - grabbing balls out the the air and stopping the Hawks from scoring after the second inning. Plan to attend the last league home game on Wednesday against the Los Gatos Christian Lions. Lions and Tigers oh my!

Flag FootballThe boys played well in both games last week, picking up a win against Campbell Christian and losing a close game to Achiever Christian. The boys will look to finish the season strong as they take on Baymonte Christian and Los Gatos Christian this week.

October Box TopsWe recently learned that everyone is not familiar with the BoxTops for education program. As a community we can earn money when we clip and save BoxTops. When you find a box top (see picture) you clip it from the product packaging and then bring them into the school office. We have a volunteer to tracks each class and how many Box Tops are brought in. At the end of the semester the winning class gets a “goodie party” hosted by the office staff and the entire school benefits from the dollars earned. When you bring in your Box Tops be sure to have them labeled with your child’s class. Remember to get your family and neighbors involved. Box Tops are found on thousands of products from paper to food items. Funds raised through Box Tops for Education are typically used for campus beautification. Learn more at www.boxtops4education.com

Tiger TracksTeacher Tales

Check this section each week for exciting stories about teachers doing great things in the classrooms of San Jose Christian School.

Student Mentorshipby Rachel Diephouse

This semester the seventh graders have been studying the elements of story and the oral tradition. They've been working hard to understand how plot, character, conflict, theme, and setting work together to create good stories. Last week they were able to share their expertise with t h e fifth graders by helping the fifth graders brainstorm the plots for the stories they'll write for Student Treasure books this fall. The classroom buzzed with excitement as the fifth and seventh graders shared ideas and watched plot maps take shape. 

Students needed to first think through what   conflict   they wanted to have in their stories. Although we're often encouraged to not have conflict, we recognized that conflict is inevitably part of our lives. However, that conflict led us to the climax--when the main character makes a decision or realization about that conflict. Although conflict is a part of our life, we have the opportunity to do something about it. This climax leads to the   resolution, when the problem is ultimately solved. By thinking through the conflict, climax, and resolution, a student begins thinking about his or her story's   theme--the main message or lesson that the story teaches. As a Christian author, this is a particularly important part.

The seventh graders had a great time serving the fifth graders by brainstorming the plot structures. They can't wait to read the finished products!

Special Section of the Tiger Tracks for our Preschool “Tiger Cubs”The Importance of Teaching Children How to Pray

Prayer is simply being with God and having a conversation. Children need to know early in their lives that they can talk to God just like they talk to Mom, Dad, or a best friend. They need to understand that God is there and attentive to what they have to say. God is always willing to listen - whether they are on the playground, at a friend's house, in the car, or at church.

Here are some simple ways to help teach your child to pray:

Modeling: How to Learn PrayerOne of the first ways children learn the importance of prayer is hearing their moms and dads pray. Pray before bedtime, at a meal or even add a short nightly reading from a children’s Bible.As you try different ways of connecting with God, children will learn that prayer is one of the greatest adventures in life - to call on the God of the universe and then to hear from Him. As Jeremiah 33:3 says: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Tips for Praying With Children

• Heart to Heart:  Share with your child a time that you prayed and received the answer in a surprising or dramatic way.

• Pray on the Spot: The next time your child comes to you with a problem or worry, instead of saying, "I will pray for you," do it right then. Even if it is a short prayer, you will be demonstrating the important principle that God wants us to cast the care of all our concerns on Him and pray about everything. (See 1 Peter 5:7 and Philippians 4:6-7.)

ThanksgivingAn essential part of prayer is simply saying, "Thank You, God.”

Blessing Basket:  Fill a small basket with little slips of paper. Encourage family members to write or draw pictures of things for which they are thankful.

Best Part of the Day: Ask each child to say a sentence prayer, thanking God for the best part of her day.

Family Journal:  Keep a notebook full of things for which the family is thankful.

Thursday, October 22, 2015Minimum DayStudent Dismissal at 11:45am

11:45am – 12:15pm Lunch

12:15pm – 1:00pm Playground, Outdoor Games

1:00pm – 2:00pm Crafts/Games

2:00pm – 2:45pm Food Project (Queso w/ Chips)

2:45pm – 3:30pm Indoor Game (Gaga Ball)

3:30pm – 4:00pmPlayground/Outdoor Games

4:00pm – 4:45pm Auditorium Game (Balloon Volleyball, SPUD)

4:45pm – 6:00pm Games/Crafts

Tiger TracksExtended Care

Friday, October 23, 2015JK - 8 - No ClassesExtended Care Available| JK - 8

7:00am – 9:15amFree Time/Sign In

9:15am – 10:00amSnack, Playground, Outdoor Games

10:00am – 10:45amScience Project (Penny Boat Float Challenge)

10:45am – 11:30am Indoor Game (Gaga Ball)

11:30am – 12:15pm Lunch

12:15pm – 1:00pmPlayground, Outdoor Games

1:00pm – 2:00pm Crafts/Games

2:00pm – 2:45pmFood Project (Pancakes w/ Berries)

2:45pm – 3:00pmIndoor Game (Musical Pictures)

3:00pm – 3:45pm Playground, Outdoor Games

3:45pm – 4:00pm Snack

4:00pm – 4:45pm Auditorium Game (Kings & Queens/Sharks & Minnows)

4:45p – 6:00p Games/Crafts