| ihs |
| Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14 |
Dear Parents of Seventh Grade Students:
I pray you and your families had a blessed and relaxing celebration of Christmas and
the New Year.
As we start the Spring semester, and I begin my time with the seventh grade, I wanted
to send a summary letter explaining the protocol of the classroom and the goals of the
lessons this coming season.
For the coming semester, the school curriculum calls for a review of the catechism and
basic Catholic teachings. This summary of the catechism will be given within an overall
presentation on Christian discipleship: What it means to know, love and serve God in our
lives, and in the lives of those around us. The stress will be to guide the seventh grade
students in establishing a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus and his Church. The
overall Christian worldview will be taught and the students will be shown how the
various beliefs and teachings of the Lord Jesus “fit together,” and how they can be
applied in their own lives. Through this guidance, the students will be led to recognize
their own personal journey of faith with the Lord Jesus, who loved us and gave himself
for us (cf Galatians 2:20).
The students have been asked to bring and use a “Composition Book” for the course.
This will be their “Disciple’s Guidebook” and will contain the prayers, bullet points, and
thoughts from the class. The guidebook will also become a journal for reflections and a
logbook for group activities. This will serve as the students’ textbook. In order to assist
you in discussions with your young person, the guidebook contents will be posted at
www.jeffrey-kirby.com, under “St. Mary’s School,” “Disciple’s Guidebook.” I would
like to ask you to periodically look over the course contents in the electronic guidebook
and initiate conversations with your young person on the course’s contents.
In addition to their guidebook, each student will be given “The Catholic Youth Prayer
Book,” and we will be using this prayer book daily in class. The students will be
encouraged to pray at home, and to invite their families to pray together.
Memorization and the ability to answer question-and-answer type inquiries will be an
important part of the class. Homework assignments may, at times, be the learning or
memorizing of a prayer or catechism summary.
Holy cards, medals, and other sacramentals will be periodically given to the students as
encouragements to learn their prayers and catechism.
Grades will be determined by the following chart:
30% Tests
20% Guidebook Checks
20% Quizzes (Announced and “Pop”)
20% Homework
10% Class Participation
Students will be asked to follow the disciplines and courtesies outlined in the “Student
Handbook” of St. Mary Help of Christians School. Following the handbook, the demerit
system will be used for inappropriate behavior in the classroom.
Also following the handbook, at the discretion of the teacher, the demerit system may
be suspended and lesser offences can be disciplined by an extra writing or other
assignment. If exercised, parents will be notified of such a disciplinary assignment.
I see the parish and family as a natural alliance that seeks to promote the holiness and
goodness of the young people of our community. I look very forward to working with
you this semester as we seek to pass on the precious gift of our Faith.
Please know of my availability to discuss any questions or receive any comments. I can
be reached through the parish office at 649-4777, or through e-mail at:
bazooka97@hotmail.com.
An electronic version of this letter is available at: www.jeffrey-kirby.com, “St. Mary’s
School,” “Seventh Grade Apostolate.”
Be assured of prayers for you and your family. May God bless you throughout this 2008.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Jeffrey Kirby
________________________________________________________________________
Cut Here
I received and read the class letter for the seventh grade religion class. I understand its
contents and have no questions at this time.
| Curriculum and Important Things: |
| Grades and Charts: |
| Classroom Management and Housekeeping: |
| In Conclusion: |
| PARENT’S LETTER |
| ____________________________ Parent or Legal Guardian _____________________________ Student _____________________________ Date |
| January 16, 2008 |
