December 22, 2015

Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,

             If you have not heard of The Little Blue Book  based on the writings of Bishop Ken Untener  during this past Advent season, I highly encourage you to file it away as a must for next year. Copies were made available in church.  It's five minutes of reflection that can carry you through a day,a  week, even the Advent season.  The faculty and I use them when we meet for morning prayers and I have to say it really helps us maintain our focus and mission as Catholic school teachers and as Catholics. It  helps ground you.

             Helen Keller once said,  "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." As we arrive at Christmas break this is an opportunity to thank all of you for your kindness and goodness to this school, our faculty and staff and to me personally. The support we receive continually is something I can actually "feel."  The best gifts we receive from others are often not the tangible ones.  It's our faith, our family, our friends, our health, and the chance to be together with the ones that mean the most to us.  In my Christmas blessings I will thank God for my relationships within our St. Katharine of Siena School Family: Colleagues, parents, and students. I feel privileged to serve this community.  May your coming Christmas days be merry and bright.....joyful, restful, and peaceful as well.

             With  love and gratitude,

              Bud

P.S.   Below is the latest communication from the PA Catholic Conference I received regarding the state budget. Gov. Wolf continues to be on Santa's not nice list.  

Dear Education Department Members,

I hope you are doing well.  The PCC just released the following budget impasse impact article with an action alert.  Please forward to all your education circles.  Here is the link to the website article: http://www.pacatholic.org/the-dire-consequences-of-inaction-on-education-tax-credits/ and here is the link to the action alert: https://www.votervoice.net/PACC/campaigns/43824/respond.

Sincerely,

Sean P. McAleer, MGA

Director of Education

PA Catholic Conference

PO Box 2835

Harrisburg, PA 17105

717.238.9613 Office

717.514.1882 Cell

717.238.1473 Fax

www.pacatholic.org

    Connor Kraus visits with SKS parishioner, Mrs. Margie Blake, after bringing her a Christmas wreath and  Christmas cards made from the the entire school for our parishioners who may be homebound. 

Mr. Gavin and his class brought gifts to a family at The Village. The 4th grade collected and raised funds to buy gifts for a family. 

Pictures from The Christmas Tableau 

                                                                 

     

December 15, 2015
 

 Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,
             
              The Advent Season continues and everyone is busy. I hope you and your families have found this time to be one of joy and peace. I see many parents coming in these days stressed about trying to make Christmas perfect for their families. The truth is our lives are often messy.  As parents we deal with many things: taking care of children and caring for  own parents as well, pressure at work, trying to ready the house for company, and finding the right gift for everyone. Christmas need not be perfect. Advent and Christmas should be joyful.  The meaning is in the presence, not the presents.  When you feel yourself overwhelmed with a full plate, first take a deep breath, smile, say a prayer, and remember to be be joyful and at peace knowing you are doing the best you can.

            Besides joy and peace, we need to be  merciful. Pope Francis started this Year of Mercy on December 8th. He symbolized it by opening the doors of the church in Rome. So too, we are to open our hearts to both give and receive mercy as needed. It takes humility to do this. Pope Francis serves as an excellent role model to follow. He said, "We have to put mercy before judgment, and in any event that takes place, God's judgment will always be in the light of His mercy."  We can all follow Francis' lead by being less judgmental to those around us.

           The  attendance at the KG- 4 Christmas Concert was tremendous. Thank you for coming. I think we had a record numbers of grandparents and we love seeing them there. My mom was able to attend the dress rehearsal that Wednesday afternoon. She loved seeing the children's  innocence, as our students sang like angels. What we do everyday in school is vital; however, everything we do begins and ends in church. It is who we are and what we are about. Tomorrow evening, the 5th - 8th  grade will show this spirit when they perform our annual Christmas Tableau. I have been to a few rehearsals, and as usual, see that the performance will be outstanding. The retelling of the true Christmas story will warm your hearts; all are invited.

          Last Thursday I was able to attend the talk by Jason Evert that we advertised for students and parents from 7th grade through high school on Teenage Purity.  Jason is an international speaker and last week he spoke at nearby St. Norbert's Church. Some of our parents and students were able to attend.  In a future blog, I will share  his "Top Ten Tips to Parent For  Purity." I give you  a website where you and your teenage child can download his talks. Jason has a gift to connect with  teenagers and parents alike. He left the church  last week to a standing ovation.

             I am working my way from 8th grade on down to meet with students about their first trimester report card and setting goals for the second trimester. I won't meet with every student, but I will with many who need guidance and support. Providing honest feedback to our students is the #1 way to improve student performance.  Do you know that many students do not realize that their effort can /will increase their performance in school.  We know it will, but research has shown that some students will not equate effort with performance results. Remember it is always about effort, attitude, and being respectful of people, places, and things.


           The teachers and I  remain grateful to you everyday for your support of our school community.


Take care,


Bud

The First Grade performed beautifully, as did all the grades,  at the annual 
KG - 4  Christmas Concert. 

From L to R: Michael and Sophia Schuller were assisted by Rochelle Clerkin and Jocelyn Salinas earlier in December . Parents were able to drop off their kids and get some early shopping done thanks to the SKS Community Service and Respect Life Club members who watched them.

Michael Duncan is very intent as he buys a gift at the Santa Secret Workshop. Many thanks to Arlene Brogan and all her elves who helped out.

The Knights of Columbus sponsored the "Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest.            Thanks to Joe Checchia, who had all our students enter the contest . First place in the three    age groups went to: Jamie McCracken, Phoebe Chambers, and Catherine Haley .  Runners
up were: Connor Kendall, Sophie Walkenhurst, Sophia De Giovanni, Franny Gallagher, Isabel Oliver, and Angela Salinero  

      Kayleigh Doyle had an amazing cross country season for our SKS CYO team and for              the Archdiocesan CYO team that traveled  to CCCYN National Championships. The team       finished 9th out of 23 teams, and she finished 38th out of 251 individuals, with a personal best time at 4 kilometers of 15:51.  Congrats Kayleigh!

A priceless mother/daughter moment as  Jen Driscoll helps her daughter, Lochlan, make some jewelry at Donuts with Santa. Thank you to Mary Ann Garzio  and Cindy McKernan  and the many volunteers who coordinated this annual event. 

Joe Garzio can barely contain his smile posing as an angel at the caricature Nativity scene at Donuts with Santa. 

         


                           

November 24, 2015

Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,

        At today's Thanksgiving Prayer service , the students were reminded that one way we can show our gratitude is to be helpful. Service should start at home with the family. Remind your children they have an obligation as a family member to be a part of the helping out process. You can use their help and it's teaching them important life lessons. 
        Everyone loves Thanksgiving. It's a terrific respite for all. We take time to be grateful. We take time to pray for our loved ones.  We remember with love those who have gone before us.  We pray for peace in our world and in our hearts.  We help the less fortunate. We enjoy the company of family and friends.  We eat a lot of turkey and dessert! We are blessed. 
        For those traveling near and far, please be safe.  May St. Christopher be with you on your journeys. 
        On behalf of the faculty and staff , I wish our school community a blessed, restful, and happy Thanksgiving. In my many gifts,  I value and cherish the relationships within this school community as a constant blessing.  Appreciative of your support for this school I remain......

         Always grateful,

         Bud  
   

                                                              Recent Happenings at SKS

Our 8th grade class went to see classmate, Claire Ondik, perform in the Pa. Academy of  Ballet Society's performance of The Nutcracker at the Upper Darby Theater of Performing Arts.  Claire is pictured on the left. She and the entire cast were so talented.  

Eighth grader Caroline Wolfington edits the work  of sixth graders, Julia Pyfer and Bridget Burke. These grades have worked together in ELA class to improve their editing/writing skills.  

At the reception  after the annual 8th grade Thanksgiving Mass for parents and students, Kayleigh Doyle and Emma Sponholtz  are with with moms. Maribeth and Charlene. 

The Class of 2016 after the 8th grade Mass of Thanksgiving .  

Mrs. Marilou Reeder, mother of Sophia , Sasha and Annabel, is a published author. She came to read her book: The Daring Prince Dashing in the the library last week. 

The 4th grade, with Fr Michael, attended a Healing Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal.

Nic Angelichio, Grant Grube, and Gavin Maher played in the CYO  Soccer All Star game. 

The annual SKS Talent Show drew an immense crowd.  Thank you Steph Twohig and all those who helped and participated in a fun night. 

Three 7th graders won awards in the Knight of Columbus Essay contest on "How Pope Francis Visit to Philadelphia Impacted Your Life."  Pictured above with  presenter, Dr. William Lehner of the Knights of Columbus,  are: Maddie Schultz (3rd place) , Nathan Jones (2nd place) and Ava Stone (1st place.) 

The annual Kindergarten Feast was held today. The kids are adorable as Pilgrims and Indians, the old guy in the middle ...not so much.

"Pilgrim" Christopher Kraus with his mom, Steph , at the Kindergarten Feast.  

November 18, 2015


Dear St.  Katharine of Siena School Families,

            Two weeks ago I attended the annual Speak Up! for our 7th & 8th grade students and parents . I left there wondering and hoping that every attendee had the positive experience that I had. The next day, a 7th grade student came to my office unsolicited to tell me said, "It was the best night of my life. "   I stopped wondering and thought that if Speak Up! did that for just one student, the night was worth it.

            Martie Bernicker,  the executive director of Speak Up was the featured speaker before the break out sessions. In her talk, she echoed many points that Sr. Pat Mc Cormack made when she spoke here to parents and students in October. The whole model of Speak Up! is for the adolescent or parent to speak freely expressing their concerns and fears in a judge free environment.   Think Planet Fitness - a judgement free zone.  Here are a few remarks that Martie Bernicker made that are important for all of us to think about:

                It is hard most times for adolescents to be honest about their struggles. Why? Because:
                                1. They don't want to disappoint their parents.
                                2. It is perceived as a sign of weakness.
                                3. They don't know a solution, or even worse , they don't see a solution to their                                          problem.
                                4. They can feel trapped, isolated, and think they are the only one that has this                                           an "issue." They feel alone. 

                     Adolescents at this age experience a range of emotions such as " I am not this or that ...
                     For example:
                                  1. " I am not the best ______________." (fill in the blank).  Such as "I am not                                              the best student, best athlete , most popular , best looking etc.
                                  2. What they do is not ( or never) good enough for their parents/teachers.
                                  3.  They are always being compared to /or judged. They can feel invisible.
                                        "You are not as smart as your sister ...."
                                  4. All they want to do is "fit in".
                                  5. Some adolescents are great at hiding their true feelings from adults.
                               
                        What is the answer to these adolescent issues for parents and educators?  One night at Speak Up! is not the sure cure for every relationship, but it is always a good start. What I can strongly encourage you to do as parents is try your best to maintain an open dialogue with your child.  As they mature, invite more dialogue and less preaching. Remember as they say at Speak Up!, equal dialogue does not mean equal decision making. As your children get older, your Parent Alarm Clock will go continue to go off.  That "alarm clock"ringing is fear for your child's physical, mental and emotional safety. Try to replace that fear with common sense, reasonable expectations, allowing realistic opportunities for your child to fail, and reasonable boundaries in areas like technology and curfews.  Parenting is not an exact science.  The best parenting and teaching maintains a balance of all the aforementioned with a heavy dose of unconditional love. I hope this helps you navigate the ever challenging times we face as parents.

Take care,

Bud

Martie Bernicker at the SKS /SCJN Speak Up Night held two Mondays ago at St Colman -John Neumann school. Just shy of 150  students and parents attended the night.  

Avery Buckley's grandfather came to the 1st grade to talk about being a veteran and serving in the military on Veteran's Day. You can see he dressed for the occasion. 

Our SKS Band performed for the our SKS Senior Luncheon Club on Veteran's Day playing a few patriotic songs. 

The First Grade Saints Presentation in church for All Saints Day is  a time honored tradition at our school. 

Our Faculty Staff Dragon Boat Festival Team, The SKS Waverunners,  performed admirably

in the annual Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival. Yes that is chef & cheerleader, Mike Gavin  blowing the horn emphatically in the back! If you are interested in forming a St. Katharine of Siena Families DBF Team, please contact me at school. It is a wonderful experience . 

October 26, 2015


Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,
         Over 110 parents came last Tuesday to hear Sr. Pat McCormack speak. I know from feedback  that she was very well received, and parents appreciated her message and parenting tips. As parents we all struggle with decisions we make with our children, whether they are 6 months, 6 , 16, or 26 years old.  Sr. Pat and her website (ParentsTeachersSupport.org) are an excellent resource. You would do well to list it as a favorite on your device.  For those that could not attend, I hope you can see her when she returns on February 9th.
         Sr. Pat's message to our students was equally as powerful.  Ask our younger students about "Good, Better, Best ." I'll bet they can recite the poem.   For the older students, she had some poignant remarks/questions for our children. For example:
                  - What makes people truly happy? Is it good looks? Money? Fancy Cars /Clothes? Being the best student or athlete? If this is true, why have so many famous people in entertainment and sports ended up with lives of despair when they seem to have everything?

                  -   Rather then things that sch as fame and fortune to define one's self esteem, Sr Pat told our students that a  person  makes his/her own self esteem by the choices they make.

                  -   She told students to : "Define their Dash."  Perhaps you have heard of that poem. I have heard it at a few funerals.  If you have never heard of the poem entitled, "The Dash , you can find it here:www.linda-ellis.com/the-dash-the-dash-poem-by-linda-ellis-.html

                  -    She reminded students that you never really know what is going on in the lives of  friends and families. There are people smiling on the outside that truly on the inside are in a great deal of pain and anguish.. We are called to be compassionate and empathetic.

       Mike McNamara (parent of Paddy and Finn)  came Friday to present the Travis Manion Character Assembly for grades 6, 7, & 8.  It was time well spent as he carried the message of Travis' Legacy: "If not me , then who" ?  Perhaps you have seen the bracelet your child received.  The four pillars of character: Courage, Integrity, Leadership, and Service. were taught and examples of each were given.
      While what we teach our students academically is very important, lessons learned in assemblies like Sr. Pat and Travis Manion are forever more important.  I was very proud of how our students received both our guests as they listened and showed great respect.

                                                                       Other  Items

      This Tuesday, October 27, is the due date for the SKS Raffle Tickets. We need the tickets and the $250 turned in by then. We need our families to help us realize our fundraising goal. Thank you for helping keep our parish/school strong financially.

      REMINDER: The last day for Parent/Teacher/Student Conference sign up on the SIGN UP GENIUS website is Friday 10/30 by 12 noon. The link was sent to you by Anne last Tuesday, 10/20,  in an email.   

     Any accessorizing for the Halloween-a-thon (make-up, face painting, etc.) needs to be done before the children come to school. Please refrain form using any glitter as it creates a huge clean up problem in the gym and school. Thanks for understanding.

   The Respect Life Team's Baby Bottle collection raised over  $1300 for Mother's Home in Darby. Last year, they bought car seats for them.  Pope Francis would be proud of our families who are helping those less fortunate. Thank you.

   Sunday, November 1st, the online REGISTRATION for the 2016-17 school year opens for current students and any incoming new siblings. (No, I am not kidding!).  We do this earlier than most schools for budgeting /planning purposes.  November 3rd is for any new families. We need all families to re-register if you plan to return so we can count heads to plan. Those that register are guaranteed a spot for next year.

   Our school is successful because we work with you daily as co-educators to teach and develop the whole child. Know the teachers/staff and I are grateful for your steady support.

Take care,

Bud


                                                                           

Sr. Pat presents to the KG Class about Good, Better, Best!

                                                                                       

Lots of smiles with Sr. Pat after she talked to the 3rd and 4th grade.

The church chapel was the perfect setting for her presentation to grades 5th & 6th,
 and then the 7th and 8th grades.

Mr. Mike McNamara with some of our students after the Travis Manion Character Assembly.

Some 6th grade students help stuff care packages for 9/11 Heroes run
 in honor of the Travis  Manion Foundation.  

Catherine Haley and Grace Manion performed their own written closing of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" before an audience of teachers and students in Mr McConomy's 8th grade ELA class.

Sophia Reeder's portrait of her younger sister, Annabel,  was just one of many outstanding portraits . Each student picked someone they admired, and listed reasons why they chose to draw the person in Mr. Checchia's art class. 

The 4th Grade Flag Football team had fun and displayed great sportsmanship during their season. 

October 19, 2015


Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,

               It has felt like autumn (maybe winter)  the last few days and I welcome the change of seasons,  The changing of the leaves brings spectacular colors and God's canvas is everywhere isn't it?  I was so happy at  the JDRF walk last Friday when three separate parents  said to me: "You know Bud/Mr. T. ,  I always read your blog." When parents are informed  and aware, our jobs are easier around here.

                                                                 Keys to Success

             What makes a successful student? How does a student become successful in school? How do I get my child to be successful ?  These are questions that parents often ask themselves and educators. Last week, I subbed in a 4th grade class and offered the students this equation for success.  I think it is a good equation to share with you and your child.



            CONSISTENT WORK ETHIC
            MOTIVATION COMES FROM WITHIN
            SHOWS GRIT/RESILIENCE
            HAS ORGANIZATIONAL  SKILLS                        
            USES STRATEGIES THAT WORK FOR THEM
            ADVOCATES FOR ONESELF
         + ASKS FOR HELP  WHEN NEEDED
            SUCCESSFUL STUDENT

             When a student applies these concepts on a regular basis, their success is right around the corner.  And it is not always measured in grades.  It's about them working with their best effort. Good grades are usually the end result of all this.  If they tried their best and came up short, I am absolutely okay with that, and so should you be.  Ask them about this. Are they consistent?  Are they self motivated?  When they face adversity and challenges, are they willing to fight through it, even possibly fail, and be willing to try again ? Do they show organizational skills?   Do they know what works for them when they study....and what doesn't ? Are they willing to advocate for themselves and really take ownership of their education?  Can they recognize that if and when they need help, they need to ask for it ? It's a good ten minute exercise to do with them; and it gets them to think about what it takes to be successful.

            Remember TOMORROW night , Tuesday, October 20th is our Home and School Meeting . Sr. Patricia McCormack will be presenting. She is the only person on our agenda and is a dynamic speaker. Sr. Pat has presented internationally and recently was asked to present at the World Meeting of Families.  It is my hope that we will pack the place.  I have also asked Sr. Mary Elizabeth to invite parents from our PREP program as well. Please consider coming out to hear her message: "Parenting for Life Success". I believe you will be encouraged and inspired by her faith -filled message.  The following day, Sr. Pat  will meet with our students. For more info on Sr. Pat please go to www.ParentTeacherSupport.org.

              October though Thanksgiving will be a busy and exciting time around here. Our classrooms are active places places of learning; and I see it here on a daily basis.  Outside the classroom we have students in all kinds of activities. In a given week, I have visited the Lego, Art , Craft, and Science Clubs - all terrific after school activities. We are fortunate to have a pastor that welcomes our faculty to create clubs and provide niches for students.  Forensics is starting up and is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders.  What a great life learning skill that is. CYO sports is in full swing with various sports such as soccer, football, flag football,volleyball and field hockey finishing up their seasons.

               Other Stuff  

• Tomorrow starts the sign up for Parent /Teacher /Student Conferences.  You will receive an email with the links to sign up. It is a first come, first served basis for times. You will have this week and next week to sign up for the conferences scheduled on the evening of November 5th (5 to 8 pm) and the during the day of November 6th (9am to 3pm).  The site will close down on Friday, October 30. No sign ups will be allowed after that date.  Students are not mandated to attend but we encourage them to attend, especially in the upper grades. Remember we are advocates for them, but it is their education.  

•  Today is the rehearsal for The Talent Show starting at 3:15 in the Parish Center. Steph Twohig has sent the info regarding your rehearsal time.  Steph can use some help with crowd control in the Parish Center as there will be many acts for the show.  We need parents with clearances.  The students need to be under control over there while the other acts are performing. 

•  10/22 is  Dress Down Day for the Ronald Mc Donald House. It is also Progress /Deficiency Notices  given out by any teacher to for any student who is struggling academically in their subject.   

•  On this Friday, 10/23 , grades 6 to 8 will have a Character Education assembly from the Travis Manion Foundation  presented by Mr. Michael McNamara (father of Paddy and Finn and SKS Alums graduates Rosie and Michael).   Some of you may be familiar with the foundation and the book: Brothers Forever. If you are familiar with the book and foundation, you know our students will hear a positive message about character formation from Mr. McNamara 's presentation.  See www.travismanion.org 

• 10/27 - WE NEED YOUR SKS RAFFLES TICKETS and $250.00. Please remember this is our main fundraiser for monies to raise $75,000 for the school's operating budget.

• 10/30 is a day of days here at SKS. You can be here literally morning, noon, and night.      

                         - 9 am in church-The First Grade Saints Presentation

                         -  1:15 in the Gym - The Annual Halloween-a-thon 

                         -  6 to 8:30 pm  in the cafeteria: Mr. Mike Gavin and faculty friends host his 
                            Batty Bash for grades KG-5. For more info see the school website and the flyer.
                             It's going to be a fun night for our kids.

Clearance Update: We have received a positive response from so many parents . THANK YOU SO MUCH. Over 100 parents attended the Safe Environment seminar here a few weeks ago. Many parents have either gotten or applied for the three Mandated State Clearances . I remain appreciative for all those who are, or are in the process of, being cleared. For those who  wish to volunteer for field trips, and other volunteer opportunities, I ask you once again to go through the process of getting your  clearances.  I really don't want to be in a position to tell you that you cannot volunteer.

I don't know who is more excited at Science Club: Mr. Gavin or the the young scientists. Professor Gavin seems very  excited as he creates a "tornado " inside the bottle.

We had a beautiful morning last Friday celebrating our 10th year for the annual walk 
for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. 

Guest Speaker, Dan Lennon from JDRF,  educated the students about diabetes and answered  many questions from our students. 

Our Faculty /Staff  Dragon Boat Team, The SKS Wave runners,  is still practicing for the rescheduled event on November  7th . We are grateful to the H&S and the individual families who contributed to our our gofund me page to support our friend, Amy Barnes, in her fight against breast cancer.  

Last Friday, the 7th and 8th graders heard from two St. Charles Seminarians, Micheal Bollinger and Dan Amadeo. Above Michael and Dan pose with our Student Council.   

Michael Bollinger shares his vocational story with our 7th and 8th grade .