April 14, 2016
Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,
In the past you have heard me speak or write about the importance of our educating the "whole" child: Spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Good overall health is about mind, body, and spirit.
One of the neglected areas of education years ago, but taking on increasing awareness, is the physical aspect. Thanks to caring parents and educators from our SKS SHC (School Health Club) led by school nurse, Mary Skilton, we try to focus on the importance of children being responsible for themselves for their own health with support from parents/teachers. At our School Health Fair in early February, all students participated in stations covering areas such as food nutrition, heart health, and even a full yoga session. Last Friday, we had a nurse /nutritionist, Anne Marie De Lucca, speak to our younger grades about good food choices and reading labels to create an awareness for students. At the beginning of the assembly I told the students that it wasn't until I was a young adult or beyond that I ever gave thought about what I would decide to put in my mouth.
After the Friday morning assembly each grade from school got the chance to visit the Green Partners Farm Explorer truck parked on our school premises. The mission of Farm Explorer is to inspire people people to eat healthy and provide tools for healthy living. The truck travels from schoolyards to senior centers bringing a fun hands on curriculum about eating fresh foods, staying away from processed foods, and preparing simple healthy recipes. Christine Sisian, an SKS mom/ nurse and member of the SKS SHC, was responsible for getting Farm Explorers here. Ask your child about last Friday. There a few pictures below from last Friday.
This past Monday, the 6th,7th, &8th graders at an assembly in the parish center listened to Michael Touey who told the students his story about alcohol and drug addiction. as a young adult, Michael's story was compelling. Our students listened intently and asked many questions which he answered openly and honestly. Assemblies like this come from a direct result of our Family Life /Education Advancement Teams. On that team are 7th & 8th grade students, parents, and teachers that discuss on going issues of importance that students/families need to be educated about such as drugs & alcohol awareness. Next fall we will ask Michael Touey to come back at our first Home & School Meeting and speak to our parents about his story.
This Friday night is Spring Cultural Arts Night (SCAN). Come and see the performances of our talented groups of performers in the gym and the artistic talents of our artists on display in the parish center. This coming Monday we have performers at Archbishop Carroll for Archdiocesan Showcase of Excellence & Festival of Arts. All are invited from 3:30 -7:30 to celebrate the talents of our teachers and students of archdiocesan schools.
Next Thursday, the 6th ,7th, and 8th grade students will have a retreat day with a focus on their faith. The theme is called A Reality Check. The retreat will be given by Net Team Ministries. Net Team is an international youth ministry of young adults that challenges young Catholics to lov Christ and embrace their faith. They conduct a 1000 retreats across the country each year.
In my role as a basketball coach and a fan, I watched intently on Coach Jay Wright's approach to the Final Four this year as opposed to how their approach was back in 2009. This year was about about "being focused" , "being dialed in" , and "lazor sharp" as opposed to 2009 when they were "just happy to be there." It is by no accident an NCAA Championship was won by their attitude, approach, teamwork, and preparation. Lessons learned: I have told students since Easter break that we are at the beginning of the end of school. These weeks have a tendency to fly by. It is important for students to maintain their academic focus, being dialed in and razor sharp. They need to continue to make school a priority. The easy thing to do during springtime is for a student to begin summer vacation too early. The harder and right thing is to keep up on their studies and finish this third trimester with a full effort and focus. Remember this is not preaching to children about getting good grades. Our expectations are about their postive attitude, effort, and respectful behavior as we go through this home stretch. Good grades are simply a by product of these efforts. Encourage your child with the mantra to "finish strong."
Take care,
Bud
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| Michael Touey talked openly and honestly to our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders about drug and alcohol addiction. |
Every Go Run session starts with a guest speaker with a focus on health. Above, Jessica Pellicotti speaks to our students at Go Run about a balanced diet.
Ann Marie De Lucca visited our KG -4 grades to talk about healthy choices in food and drink.
The Vegetable Cylinder was a huge hit with the students as Ann Marie explained how it works.
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Mr. Gavin and his 4th grade scientists performed some experiments for the SKS Seniors at last Tuesday's Senior luncheon.
