On October 20 prior to the A-Team volleyball game vs. Trinity, each member of the A-Team honored their parents by reading a meaningful statement they each wrote, and giving them a rose. This is a tradition at Nazareth Academy, as the girls do this before the final home game of the season.

Nazareth won the game 25-5, 25-18.

Group Photo

Fall Festival a Huge Success
Posted October 28, 2008

The 2008 Nazareth Academy Fall Festival was held on Sunday October 5 at the Victoria Community Center. An estimated 3000 guests enjoyed a day of food, family, and fun.

Cub Scouts Adventure Weekend
Posted October 24, 2008

Our Cub Scouts enjoyed an adventurous weekend on October 18-19. They joined up with other Cub Scouts from around the area at Camp Mauritz in Ganado, Texas. The boys participated in Camping, Canoeing, Shooting BB Guns, Archery and many other fun and exciting activities. All of our boys had a great time.

The 3rd and 4th grade classes went to a field trip to Seguin, Texas, on Oct. 13th for an Agricultural Awareness Fair. The all-day trip taught us about raising animals, growing crops, saving water, and farm and electrical safety.

We learned about farm animals, nature, and wild animals, like coyotes, deer, birds, and hogs. When we were learning about chickens, we each got to hold a baby chick that was only a few hours old. The presenters showed us about caring for horses and raising rabbits, pigs, sheep, and goats. We also learned about the differences between dairy cattle and beef cattle.

Later, they taught us about growing cotton and showed how it is separated from the cotton seeds. One of the things that was really cool was where a woman was telling us how they sewed and made cloth in the olden days. The room had a big machine that was used for weaving.

We got to see how honey bees make honey and how the beekeepers collect it. There was a butterfly garden full of honey bees and a garden with flowers, vegetables and herbs. We also learned about saving water and the difference between ground water and run-off water.

One of the best areas was on electrical safety. A display was set up showing a miniature farm with tiny electrical wires on poles. They showed how people can be electrocuted if they are not careful. Little dolls were used with real electrical power showing sparks.

All of the kids thought the field trip was really fun.

This event was sponsored by the Victoria County Farm Bureau.

Nazareth Academy Drama Queens
Posted October 20, 2008

Nazareth Academy is proud to announce a new feature for our students, by our
students. 8th graders Sarah E, Mary G, Jodie G, Nicole S, and Blair B have formed a production and playwright group. Known as The Drama Queens, these five students will be creating positive role plays from which elementary students can learn values and good behavior. These role plays will be available as video podcasts on the iTunes store (they are free). Please go to iTunes and type "Nazareth Academy" into the search box. Then click on "The Drama Queens: Positive Role Plays" button.

Please take some time to view The Drama Queens' 1st role play creation. You may find it by opening iTunes and doing a search for Nazareth Academy, or you may use the following link:

Nazareth Academy Drama Queens

Principal For A Day
Posted October 16, 2008

On October 8 second grader Blake H. served as Principal of the Day. His grandfather won him this honor in the Fall Festival live auction. Blake performed various duties throughout the day. Blake's first decision as principal was to give all of his 2nd grade classmates a free snack during lunch. Mr. Kloesel took Blake and four friends to lunch at his place of choice (Incredible Pizza). He performed his job so well that he had many, including Mr. Kloesel, wanting him to take the position full time!

Their requirement was to create a video news report of 3 minutes or less profiling a member of the local community they feel the world should know about. They each came up with their own subjects and questions, took the school's camcorder, and organized their own filming (Marian had help from classmate Sarah E while Charlie had help from his sister), then transferred, edited, and created voiceovers for their footage on the computer.

Check out the Nazareth student entries:

8th Grader, Marian H.
8th Grader, Charlie H.

The Nazareth Academy Video Journalism class is just one part of the well-rounded education Nazareth students receive.

Food Prep Begins for the Fall Festival

Every year, parents, students, family, sisters and teachers come together a week before the festival to begin preparing the food for cooking on Sunday morning. The actual planning starts about 2 months before the festival with the food committee. As we get closer and closer to the day of the festival, the hours become longer and the work becomes harder.

This past Thursday, the real work began. With the help of many parents, students, family, sisters and teachers, the process for preparing the dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy was started. There are just a few more long days (and a really long night) ahead, but it is well worth it. We have volunteered for a good cause, our children.

Nazareth Students Gather Donations for Hurricane Victims

Nazareth Academy learned through the Victoria Advocate as well as NewCenter25  that approximately 90 individuals from Texas City had taken shelter at Hearthstone Assisted Living Center here in Victoria. Concerned with their well-being after the devastation of Hurricane Ike, Nazareth Academy students initiated a clothing drive for these individuals in need.  The response was tremendous.  Special thanks to all who participated in donating clothing.
 

Teachers Receive Special Gift
Posted October 7, 2008

This past week, Matthew & Elisa Partain from ADMARK and Steve Branch & Cherise Bludau-Branch from the Prescription Shop donated customized tote bags for all of our teachers. The bags were presented to the teachers by Dodge B, Reese B, and Sydney P.

Student of The Month
Posted October 7, 2008

Each month we recognize one of our students as the "Student of the Month". 5th Grader Emily H. is our September "Student of the Month". She will receive a a carry bag donated by Matthew & Elisa Partain of ADMARK.

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I Do Not Like Green Eggs and Ham

Kindergarten under the leadership of teachers Amy Gwosdz and Deven Grones put fun into learning! After reading the Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs & Ham, the class actually tried it! Most agreed that it was actually pretty good.

Duke University Academic Talent identification Program

Congratulations to the following 7th graders who have earned recognition from the Duke University Academic Talent Identification Program: Seth H, Rachel H, Rachel I, Kimberly P, Travis S, Matthew S, Kristin S, and Douglas W. This program is now beginning its twenty-ninth year and is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. The Talent Search identifies academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school.

Due to their achievement, these 7th graders now have the opportunity to take the college entrance SAT along with seniors in high school seeking college admission.

Group Photo
 

Dancing With the Jets is Back!

Dancing with the Jets is back! Mr. George Blaha of Blaha's Dance Studio once again has agreed to give the Nazareth Academy 6th, 7th, and 8th graders Ballroom Dancing lessons as part of Physical Education class. The ten days of lessons include the Waltz, Fox Trot, Swing, Merengue, and Two-step.

Ballroom Dancing is a great form of exercise. It not only serves as a different and creative part of the Nazareth Academy P.E. class, but it also helps develop the students' social skills. Whether it is Spanish at all levels, a student-produced television series, or Ballroom Dancing in P.E., Nazareth Academy strives to provide the best well- rounded education in Victoria.

1st and 2nd Grade Visit The Zoo
Story by 2nd Grader Brodie B. (With help from dad.)

First we saw the White-Nosed Badger, I think. Oh, maybe it was a White-Nosed Coat. They are very good climbers. Then we saw the Bobcats. Bobcats are excellent hunters. We then went to the Grey Foxes. During the day, I had 2 buddies (1st Graders) but one of them, the girl, went with her momma. The North American Otter is an excellent swimmer. He swims back and forth in his house. The porcupine was next. He is pokey and hurtful. Now we saw the badger. He has big claws to dig and scratch people. We then saw a bunch of other animals and then went inside for a show.

During the show, one of the birds got loose and landed on my friend's head. It was very funny, but he was kinda scared too. My friend and the bird.

Today we also saw the stinky Tapir, a Green Iguana, who eats bugs, a Jaguar and a Tiger. Whenever I visit the zoo with my family, my dad always picks on the tiger and then the tiger jumps up a growls and scares my dad.

I like going to the zoo with friends and had a good time.
 

8th Graders Participate in Operation Worship
Story by 8th Graders Ashley K.

The eighth graders at Nazareth Academy are starting off an extraordinary year by participating in "Operation Worship." In Operation Worship, each eighth grader was given a bible in which they wrote a personal message to a soldier fighting in the war. Hannah G., an eighth grader, says "I think Operation Worship is a good idea because it helps the troops keep God in their lives and lets them know that people are out there to support them and are praying for them."

Our service men and women make many sacrifices for us, and this is a small way the eighth grade could repay them. We would also like to thank Mrs. Mary Louise Allen for graciously getting the bibles for us from the Bible Bookstore.

This is just another way that Nazareth Academy shows that we are "Jets for Jesus."

For more information visit www.operationworship.com.
 

8th Grade Retreat
Story by 8th Grader Nachieli S.

As most of you probably know the 8th graders recently went on our 8th grade retreat! At the retreat we gained more trust in each other, better friendships, and learned other's strengths and weaknesses. We also had a girls session and a boys session. Speaking from the girls side I can honestly say that we gained a great friendship between us all. We also learned that it is ok to open up and share some deep stories of ours without worrying what others say or think. Once the session was over we left united. As for the guys, well I guess that you will just have to ask them.

Later on we all decided on Operation Worship which is something that we all agreed on to support our troops! With the help of Sr. Mary Jean and Mrs. Allen we were able to receive 43 bibles donated from the Bible Book Store. What you do with these bibles is you go buy as many as you need or want, then you go home, write a message in it for our soldiers and then take it back to the store and they will send them to our troops in Iraq.

We also made food packages to serve 300 families through Christ's Kitchen. We got together and each of us made a bag with rice, one with black beans, and one with seasonings. Then we put them into a brown bag to be taken to Christ's Kitchen where they will give them out.

The last day we of course had mass! We also had the privilege of Bishop Fellhauer celebrating mass! But what is a retreat without fun and games right? During the retreat we had water games like a water ballon toss, a race with squishy balls, and of course a pool which everyone was jumping into! And I can't forget the food! It was all so delicious! It is truly amazing what a two day retreat can do!

Cub Scouts Meet During Summer Vacation

During the Summer vacation from school, several Nazareth Academy boys have been participating in fun and educational activities as part of Pack 108, the Cub Scouts. The Cub Scouts portion of Pack108 was resurrected this summer and have been meeting semi-weekly over the last few months. The boys have participated in a variety of activities at the school including running relay races in the playroom and shooting vinegar/baking soda pop corks on the playground. This past week, the boys also learned about the proper care of the US flag and ended the meeting by creating a geyser with Mentos and Diet Coke. It is something that has to be seen to be appreciated.

Over all, the boy shave had a great summer vacation with their friends and look forward to meetings that will be held throughout the school year.

If you are interested in becoming a Cub Scout, talk with one of the current Cub Scout parents and they can point you in the right direction.
 

Readin', Ritin' and Reelin' Fishing Tournament
Story by 8th Grader Madalynn K.

1st Day of School 2008

August 18, 2008 kicked off another great year for Nazareth Academy. Summer is over and it is tine to get back to the business of teaching, building, and serving in the spirit of Christ. Take a look at some of the fun activities and demonstrations of school spirit that took place on the 1st Day of School!

Alicardi Field Clean-Up A Huge Success

A huge Nazareth Academy thank you to everyone who came out to Alicardi Field Saturday morning, August 16th. The number of helpers participating was phenomenal. I’ve never seen so many weed eaters! Due to your efforts it only took a very short time for the field to be readied, and it looks terrific. Thank you again. You have made a difference for Nazareth Academy.