26-27 Lower School News - Week 7

There is something special about having families and teachers together around the same table, focused on one shared purpose: helping each child thrive. Our teachers know your children in the classroom, and you know them in a way no one else can. When we bring those perspectives together, we are better able to support each child academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our hope is that you left your conference feeling connected, informed, and confident that your child is known, valued, and cared for at St. Luke’s. We are so thankful for the trust you place in us each day and for the partnership that makes our Lower School community so strong.

Thank you for walking alongside us and for sharing your wonderful Tigers with us each day!

This week was filled with so much growth and learning! Our second graders have begun their study of fairy tales as they prepare for their upcoming Declamations in November. Their Declamations journey is about so much more than memorizing and reciting. It is about taking what they are learning and using that knowledge to create an experience for others through expression, interpretation, creativity, and confident communication. We love watching our Tigers grow not only as learners, but also as storytellers and performers.

Our third graders have also begun their first novel study with Third Grade Detectives: The Puzzle of the Pretty Pink Handkerchief. This shorter novel gives students the opportunity to learn and practice the process of a novel study without feeling overwhelmed by the length of the book. As they read, they are working on answering questions completely by restating the question and supporting their thinking with evidence from the text.

The goal is to help students build confidence and develop a strong understanding of the process so that, as they move on to longer novels, they feel increasingly prepared and independent as readers and thinkers.

And perhaps best of all, they are completely invested in solving the mystery! Be sure to ask your third grader about the case—they will likely have plenty of theories to share.

Our Tiny Tigers have been busy learning through play! In Early Childhood, play is an important part of how children make sense of the world around them. Through building, pretending, creating, exploring, and working alongside friends, our youngest learners are developing language, problem-solving skills, independence, creativity, and confidence.

What may look like simple play is often filled with meaningful learning. A block tower becomes an opportunity to practice planning and perseverance. Dramatic play builds communication and cooperation. Art and sensory experiences encourage curiosity and self-expression.

We love watching our Tiny Tigers learn by doing, discovering, and imagining. These joyful experiences are helping build the strong foundation they will carry with them as they continue to grow.

Join us for Dads Basketball Night every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the McNab Gymnasium, beginning September 30.

Come play a few games, enjoy some friendly competition, and spend time together on the court. All skill levels are welcome!

A few details:

• Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

• McNab Gymnasium

• Participants will sign a waiver upon arrival.

• Scott Allen, parent of Harris, will serve as the group point person and can help with any questions.

Bring your basketball shoes and your St. Luke’s spirit!

Check this section each week to easily access your child’s classroom newsletters—found at the end of every newsletter.

Don’t forget to check Seesaw each day! Our teachers regularly share snapshots of classroom learning, special moments, and student accomplishments. It’s a wonderful way to get a peek into your child’s day, stay connected to what they are learning, and celebrate both the small joys and big wins together.

If you need help accessing your Seesaw account, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Drawing upside down encourages PK4 children to slow down, look closely, and strengthen their observation, spatial awareness, and fine-motor skills as they draw what they see rather than what they think they see. We can confirm: it is more fun with a friend!

Girls lacrosse is a fast-paced, non-contact sport that builds confidence, coordination, agility, and camaraderie. And with many players in San Antonio learning the game together, no previous lacrosse experience is necessary!

The girls lacrosse season runs in the Spring, and we’ll be sharing more information at a later date. In the meantime, if your child is interested in playing, please fill out the interest form below!

This year will serve as a pilot season for girls lacrosse at St. Luke’s. We’re excited to see our students embrace the sport, build a team, and grow together. If the program is a successful fit for our community, we look forward to continuing to build and offer lacrosse at St. Luke’s in the years ahead.

Practices and games will not conflict with other St. Luke’s sports. Games will be held on weekends, allowing our Tigers to participate in multiple sports throughout the year.

On Wednesdays and other special occasions, our students elevate their everyday uniform by wearing what we call Dress Uniform. These days are an opportunity to teach students that how we present ourselves can reflect respect—for our school, our traditions, our community, and the occasion. Wearing Dress Uniform also helps students practice responsibility, attention to detail, and pride in representing St. Luke’s.

Please review the images below (or the guide above) to ensure all Dress Uniform guidelines are followed.