Classroom notes: Student of the Month

JOLIET -- Joliet Catholic Academy's October Rotary Student of the Month is Kelsey DiPietro .

With a GPA of 4.85, DiPietro's favorite subjects include math and science, especially algebra-based mathematics and chemistry-based sciences.

DiPietro has received medals for academic excellence in jewelry/weaving II, computer applications, music appreciation, algebra II/trigonometry and certificates in English I, Latin I, Latin II, Latin III, and physical education.

She is a member of the Latin Club, National Latin Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Varsity Club and math team.

DiPietro is a member of the varsity cross country and softball teams. She currently serves as vice president of the National Latin Honor Society and is the 2008 Cross Country Sportsmanship Award recipient.

DiPietro shines both in and out of the classroom as a Meal on Wheels volunteer, Chicago Marathon volunteer and swim instructor for the Bolingbrook Park District.

Her favorite activity to do to relax is bake. She enjoys trying new recipes and baking all types of treats for others.

DiPietro is the daughter of Robert and Teresa DiPietro of Bolingbrook and a member of St. Dominic Parish. She has a large family and is the middle of five children.

DiPietro enjoys listening to music and one day hopes to travel or even study abroad in Europe, in particular Italy.

After high school, she plans on continuing her academic career, with top colleges choices such as Marquette University, University of Pittsburgh, St. Louis University or Purdue University. DiPietro plans on pursuing a career as a pediatric physician's assistant or nurse.

JOLIET -- St. Mary Nativity students were recognized for their art in Joliet's annual Fire Safety Poster Contest.

Winners of the Fire Chief's Award were: first- grader Kelly Fitzgerald ; second-grader Mykala Wendland ; third-grader Nathan Nemanich ; fourth-grader Megan Giaudrone ; fifth-grader Kate Mihelich .

In the second-place division was fifth-grader Nick Nemanich . In the third-place division were third- grader Sebastian Panatoja ; and fifth-grader Paul Buldak .

JOLIET -- St. Mary Nativity fifth-graders are working cooperatively in small groups to read classroom novels.

They work together to learn unfamiliar words, read together, summarize, create questions, and illustrate their favorite scenes.

This activity encourages the students to work independently and cooperatively to experience and complete various tasks.

JOLIET -- During October, the St. Mary Nativity Student Council members are coordinating a Celebrating Life project of "Birthday in a Bag" with students in grades first through eighth.

The gift bags containing items for a birthday celebration will be given to the Daybreak Shelter in Joliet