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 .