Mr. T's Blog @ SKS

January 17, 2017

"To change the world, we must be good to those who cannot repay us."
- Pope Francis

Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,

Please keep in your prayers the Brogan and Puhl Families both who lost grandparents last week. Alyssa Puhl lost her grandmother, and Claire Brogan and cousins, Bridget and Patrice Brogan lost their grandfather. Also keep in your prayers the mother of former SKS parent, Helena Quigley, who passed.

School Updates From Last Two Weeks

I wanted to assure you that we as a school had taken preventive measures during this last week as we were hit with a bad stomach bug. All week, the teachers and staff were wiping and disinfecting desks, doors, railings, etc. Thanks to those who sent in antibacterial wipes. Please keep them coming. It was a bad bug so we all need to do our part. Keeping sick students at home who have nausea and a fever is a must. The Twenty-Four Hour Fever /Nausea Free Rule prevents others from catching whatever is going around. Common sense goes a long way in helping in these situations. Also, keeping a sense of calm about our school community is important. We 've been through this before. All schools battle this. We need to do our best to be preventative.

Over the next few months the School Health Council led by nurse, Mary Skilton, will be reviewing our policy regarding Allergens Safety and health measures to get a better handle on when and what food is being brought to school for things such as parties, events, etc. during school hours. With nearly forty students (40) with severe allergy issues we need to be more proactive as a school and provide a safe environment for our students.

This past Monday, January 9th morning our school was entertained by two very talented musicians:Pianist Laura Kerr, a parishioner and excellent pianist accompanied a world class violinist, Elisabeth Derham. Our students were a wonderful audience according to Ms. Derham.

On January 11th, our entire 2nd grade went to St. Joseph University in an event sponsored by the St. Joe Hawks Women's Basketball team. Some of our students were picked to dance at halftime of the game with The Hawk's Dance Team.

Last Friday, we had our first drawing for the two Golden Tickets winners for the Positive Behavior Program. The two winners received a free yogurt at So Fine Yogurt, a Dress Down Pass, and were being treated to a Five Guys Lunch with Mr. T. at school. There was a lot of excitement as the cards were pulled at morning announcements last Friday. The next drawing will be on Friday, January 27.

Also on Friday, January 13, sixteen of our girls from the upper grades went with Mrs. Jennifer Loftus to spend the day at Villanova University attending Education Day, hosted by the women's basketball team. The students got to hear motivating speeches about leadership, education, health and wellness, and anti-bullying, given by Villanova coaches and former athletes. Then, they got to watch the women's team play Seton Hall. Two girls were chosen at random to attend from each homeroom in grades five through eight, and all had a great day.

On Saturday, January 14th, our SKS Forensics Team competed at the St. Joe's Prep 18th Invitational Tournament for Middle School Students. Rochelle Clerkin received a 3rd place trophy in Extemporaneous Speaking. This is one of the most challenging events and kudos to Rochelle for her superior efforts. Another one of our students garnered first place ratings moving on to final rounds, CJ Campbell was a winner in Improv. Unfortunately for CJ and SKS, CJ was not able to compete in the finals before the final rounds commenced. Other Forensics Team members who competed Saturday included: Ava Stone, Kelly Barausky, Kerry Anne Dillon, Annie Gleason. Sean Werner, Amy Werner, Sean Stone. Ethan Lee, Brandon Lee, Bridget Burke, Madison McCormick, Christine Sisiak, and Chloe Steinman. Many of these students were judged to be in 1st and 2nd place in some of the rounds and with more practice and effort, they will go forward to meet success in future tournaments. The next competition is February 16th and the students are excited about the next challenges! Congratulation to Coach Jeanne Turn and all the members of the team. Forensics provides a tremendous life skill experience.

Yesterday, January 16th, about 175 students , alumni, teachers, parents, and senior citizens teamed up to put together packages for the homeless teen shelter in the city. Service in action by our school community. I was very proud to see such a great turnout. We listened to a Radnor Policeman, SKS Alumnus,Jack Mc Clatchy, and Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Kay Lafferty. Jack presented a slideshow of his service trip to Peru which we helped fund last year. Kay Lafferty spoke about Mercy Hospice, which she and Jerry have run since 1983! This was a wonderful morning honoring Dr. King and his message of serving and caring for others.

Coming Attractions to SKS

- On Tuesday morning, January 24th, while all math teachers will be having a two hour in-service, the students will be visited by Ben Franklin. Mr Rob Devitis portrays Ben and will present to our students in two separate assemblies:one for KG - 4 and then for 5 - 8. You can visit his website at:
www.jrwfranklin.com. He looks like the real Ben!

- Friday, January 27th some 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students will travel to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life to stand up for the rights for those who cannot speak for themselves. That day we will have Adoration in church for those to make a visit and pray for the sanctity of of all life from womb to tomb. Feel welcome to come that day anytime from 8:30 to 4.

- The opening of Catholics Schools Week starts with an opening mass on Sunday, January 29th, at the 9:30 am mass. The whole week has a flurry of activities as we continue to celebrate our 100th year as a school. Thursday afternoon at 1 pm we will be in the gym with the annual faculty vs student basketball game, along with special appearances by the Archbishop Carroll Band and Cheerleading Squad. There is also a rumor that the principal has volunteered to do something crazy if the school reaches its quota for the annual Souper Bowl Collection. It's probably just a rumor. The week ends with a 9 am closing Mass that Friday, February 3rd. Please join us if you can. There is a noon dismissal that day.

- On February 7th at 9 am in the gym, grades KG -4 will be entertained by The Walnut Street Theater Ensemble who will perform The Boy Who Cried Bully.

- Friday, February 10th is a Dress Down day for the 100th day of school in our 100th year! The money collected will be for the teenage homeless shelter that we provided a few weeks back. There is a KG-4 Party that night in the cafeteria.

- Saturday February 11th is a celebration /fundraiser for our school. It is Logan Schweiter 's 18th b-day. Many of you know Logan and the Schweiter Family, but many do not . Logan was a student here (as was older sister, Bailey, and brother, Parke). Logan was critically injured several years ago in an accident. The Schweiters want to celebrate Logan's birthday and thank our school community which has been a steady support to Logan and the family. With any money raised that evening a scholarship fund will be started for worthy SKS student(s) who emulate Logan's spirit and personality. The night will start with the 5pm mass here in church followed by a party in the cafeteria for all of Logan's friends and then an adult party in the gym featuring food drink and live music. All are welcome to attend. For ticket information and event go to:

- On Wednesday morning, February 15th in the cafeteria, The Radnor Police will be here to present to our students. There will be two assemblies again: The KG-4 focus will be in internet safety. The 2nd assembly for grades 5-8 will focus on internet safety, social media, cyberbullying, and possible legal consequences for teens when they use their devices inappropriately. The Family Life/Education comprised of parents, teachers and students from the 7th & 8th grade have asked for this assembly. Our upper grades students have asked for an assembly of this nature. The follow up for parents will be at the February 28th Home & School Meeting where Psychologist /Counselor, Michael Blanche will present to parents. I heard Mike speak earlier this year and he is excellent.

- Looking a bit ahead ahead, but really not that far away, please reserve the night of Saturday, March 25th for the night of our Centennial Celebration. Chairpersons Anne Condello and David Heacock are putting together a fun night for all members of our school community past and present to enjoy and celebrate our school's 100th Birthday. It's going to be a special night in the parish center/gym, so please mark that date down. Invitations will be sent this week through an evite email.

Finally, here are five traits that teachers and parents should be instilling in the children on a daily basis. Helping instill these traits is part of educating the "whole child."

Empathy: learning to see the world through others' perspectives.
Self-control: cultivating the abilities to focus and delay self-gratification.
Integrity: recognizing right from wrong and practicing ethical behavior.
Embracing diversity: recognizing and appreciating human differences.
Grit: persevering in the face of challenge.