March 22, 2016

Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families

         Please keep kindergarten teacher Mary Kay Ryan and her family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of her mother, Mrs. Joan Seher, who passed away last  week. Also keep in your prayers the great grandmother of Blair Murray. She also passed away this week. Also librarian and teacher, Jill D'Agostino who lost her grandmother, Marian Quartararo , only weeks after the passing of her father-in -law.

         The 2nd trimester report cards should be in your hands by today at the latest. Please review your child's report card with them and sign the envelope.  Please have your child return it to school by Friday, April 8 at the latest. This last trimester takes effort from everyone but especially from  your child.  Spring Fever turning to Summer Vacation Fever is never a good excuse for not doing our best. Teachers and parents continue to set  high expectations for students to finish the year strong with their best consistent effort.

        You couldn't make this story up: Last week, the  day after we met with the two companies that are set  install the new intercom and security systems this summer, our intercom system imploded on us. Really?!  Yep, this is no ploy to drum up more capital campaign funds any quicker then they are already coming in. The CPU unit is fried and to replace it will cost at least a few thousand. For now we are going with Plan B. We have a system in place both communication /emergency wise if needed.  It's a bit loud (ok it's really loud),  but for now it will suffice until we get the new system in. Oh,  and Anne C. will be getting more steps on her fit-bit as well running messages up and down.

        I want to update you  regarding the state book situation. Let me give you what I believe is some good news.  While  I can't predict what will happen next September going forward with the state budget, I would like to think that Governor Wolf and legislature will not go through this travesty again.  But then again, it is politics. However, there is good news We did finally get all our state funds this year and a significant amount more than the expected allotment. We have until April 30th to spend it it all, and we will. After April 30th ,we do not recoup a nickel of this amount . The money we get for books can only be used only for books and other educational resources. The funds  are not cumulative.  You either spend it or lose it for that year. We can use this money for books needed going forward into next year. Again this summer we should get our funds for next year (providing the budget is passed.)  So the teachers are in the process of using all this extra money we have to order books going forward for both this year and into next year. With this happening we should be in decent shape for next year. I hope this communicates to you  clearly where we are.

      In the pictures below are several from our project with the the Uncommon Individual Foundation.  For another look at what UIF and our students did see the video:                                                                                                               "https://www.youtube.com/embed/jKJI_m4mz0s"

     Our 8th grade did a wonderful job of presenting a reverent depiction of the Passion last Friday evening.  There are some pictures below from that night.  I am appreciative of theirs efforts. They were led by teachers Bill Di Clemente, David Heacock , Jackie Sevag, Ross Fry. Mike McConomy and parishioner , Laura Kerr. The Resurrection is a story of courage and selfless sacrifice. It is a story of God's love for all mankind.  Encourage your families to make Holy Week just that: Holy.  Blessings on your families for a  joyous Easter .


Take care,

  

Bud    

                                                                               

  Yesterday was World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.  Principal Michael Schuller was checking his schedule (above) in his office and making sure the school was in good order.  He and few classmates (top photo) performed a skit on the parable of the Good Samaritan which was well received by both lunches.

Blair Murray shows off her "leprechaun trap" to catch those little guys. As good as the traps were , the little rascals got away,  but not before leaving a note and a trail behind. Maybe next year!  

Sophia Twohig poses with SKS Alumnus,Bridget Maguire, (Villa Maria) as they practice for rehearsal  for the All Catholic Band performance at the Kimmel Center tonight. 

Peter Vitanzo and Kayleigh Doyle (with Mr. Mike McConomy) were DAR award winners for their writing in the annual contest. They were honored two weeks ago at a breakfast by the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

Nine years from when it first started, our 8th graders from our SKS  Irish Dance team performed at the annual St. Patrick's Day parade downtown. Pictured are Samantha Dole, Katherine McCormick, Grace Manion and Kayleigh Doyle.  

Our Irish Dancers made some seniors at Daylesford Abbey smile by visiting, performing, and spending some time with them. Caroline Krisko and Kathleen Sisian are here with some friends. There nothing nicer then making someone else's day.  

We have had  a few Dress Down Days to help SKS Alumni for their service trips. Pictured above, Meghan Jones, Class of 2012 , and a senior at St. Joseph's University went on a service trip on spring break called  APEX (Appalachian Experience) to  the Wilkesboro, North Carolina to build houses. We are very proud of our SKS Alumni. 

Uncommon Individual Foundation /SKS Cross Project

 

Each homeroom in the 6th, 7th, & 8th  grade formed design teams to create a special SKS Cross. Pictured above are some of the design team winners.  Like editing a research paper, the design teams learned they had submit and redo over and over to get to a final product. Directly above are four of the winning six "SKS Crosses" that were chosen.  The design teams did a tremendous job and the final products constructed with the 3-D printers produced a quality piece.  We are very proud of the end results which will be hung in the media center.   After Easter, we will be meeting with UIF to see how we can further partner our school with their mentors. 

The SKS Fashion Show was a huge hit at the Lisiter Barn thanks to chairs: Kristen Donahue, Nicole Bugge, and Moira Hobson.

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Enjoying a night out at the SKS Fashion Show are:Mary Ann Garzio, Tara Clark, Suzanne O'Connor, Alicia Rhodes.

Living Stations by 8th Grade 

Mr. Bill Di Clemente, with help from other teachers, lead the 8th grade in the performance of the Living Stations. Tim Brogan played the role of Jesus.

Sixth Grade Living Stations 

Mrs. Orsatti's and Ms. DeFino's 6th graders performed the Living Stations in the classroom this week as well.