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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
October 8, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
Saint Lucy School Second Grade Engineers Prepare for a Quake
On any given day, you are likely to
find Saint Lucy School students collabo-
rating in small groups on experiments
and investigations in the Science Lab.
Students jump right into the subject
matter as our specially trained science
teaching staff guides them through
the interactive Stemscopes science cur-
riculum.
Recently, Second graders studying
physical science and how land can
change very quickly, worked in groups
of four to engineer and build a structure
that could withstand the effects of a
simulated earthquake for at least 10 sec-
onds! The structure had to be between
40 and 50 centimeters tall, using only
three sheets of cardstock, 25 wooden
craft sticks and tape.
The earthquake was simulated by a
battery-operated shake table. Students
were not allowed to touch or steady the
structure during the simulation. Our
engineers were thrilled that their work
withstood the shaking.
Science teacher Bobette Lane adds,
“I am proud that our second graders
worked together and persevered to
solve a real world problem. Whenever
students become active participants in
a discovery process, not only do they
have fun, but they also retain content
on a far deeper level.”
All students in grades K-8 benefit
from the fully stocked science lab, al-
lowing our young scientists more
opportunity to experience science
and engineering in a hands-on and
collaborative environment with teach-
ers specializing in Science. Each week
brings a whole new set of projects and
experiments to explore.
In addition to daily class time in the
science lab, Junior High students may
also choose to participate in the science
elective class called “Myth Busters.”
Class discussions include the scientific
method, hypotheses and good experi-
mental design. Students then test urban
myths that they would like “Busted.”
Lancers of All Ages Return for Grand Reunion
The kick-off of the school year
ushers in many autumnal traditions
at Saint Francis High School, includ-
ing the Grand Reunion. Alumni from
Saint Francis and Holy Cross High
School, which was an all-girls school
before it merged with Saint Francis,
returned to campus in September,
and judging by the hugs and excited
conversations, the event was a great
success in rekindling friendships.
The classes of ‘09, ‘99, ‘89, ‘79, ‘69 and
‘59 – the very first Saint Francis gradu-
ating class – reconvened to reminisce
with old friends and former coaches
and teachers. The event included an
opening Mass, campus tours, music
and dinner with individual classes.
Alumni dug into their personal col-
lections to bring back memorabilia to
spark memories. There were yearbooks,
graduation portraits, and from the class
of 1959, and a copy of the school news-
paper from the early days of the school.
“Whether this was their first time
back in decades or if they visit regu-
larly, we’re so thankful our alumni
returned because they are a valuable
part of our community,” said alumni
director Greg Calcagno ‘83.
Members of the Holy Cross High School class
of 1969 reconnect at the Grand Reunion.
Open House
Shine Bright
St. Martin of Tours School
@
St. Lucy School
Offering a Transitional Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Education
OPEN HOUSE - January 9, 2020
8:30am-11:00am
please join us for
OPEN HOUSE
Kinder
Tuesday, 1/22
9:00 - 10:30am
Pre-K
Thursday 1/24
9:00 - 10:30am
Pre-K - 8th Grade
Sunday, 1/27
10:30am- 12:00pm
learn more about us
TAKE A TOUR
Now Scheduling Pre-K - 8th Grade
Private Tours!
1st-8th Application Deadline: 1/18
Pre-K & Kinder Application Deadline: 2/1
300 O’Connor Drive
San Jose, 95128
408-287-3630
www.stmartinsj.org
Follow us
Saint Martin of Tours School
Save the Date
Applications Due
January 17
@saintmartinoftours
www.stlucyschool.org | Pre-K through 8th Grade
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