When I look at my week ahead, I am always shocked at how fast time goes. The staff school improvement committee has begun reading all 250 comments from the 80+ families that took the survey regarding Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School. As we discover themes we will move forward on what we need committees to research in particular areas. One common strength mentioned was the community.
Friday the middle schoolers were called to their “community” during the house calling ceremony. The students showed great spirit and support for their saint community by starting the year with the cheer contest. It is fun to see the 8th graders welcome in new members with high fives and encouragement how their house will win the trophy at the end of the year. What a great tradition for the students at SHOJ. Currently the six communities are in a tight race, separated by less than a few hundred points.
All classrooms are starting to get their community built through their routines and procedures. We had our first day of school Adoration on Tuesday. Lunch is going well and I think the students are enjoying having some choice in the sides that they take. We have practiced our safety drills having a fire drill and discussed that there will be times when teachers will need to keep students in the classrooms (lock and teach for when a non-threatening situation is happening, like an ambulance needs to come to school). Fr. Zarse has visited each classroom and eaten a few lunches with the students as well.
In so many ways, it feels like mid-September. As we continue to develop the routines, thank you so much for all that you do. I have heard families mention talking about the virtues and helping with school work routines. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Please make sure the following things are on your calendars as I know these are busy months.
Sept. 14 Meet and Greet with Fr. Zarse for parents, 6:30 pm in church meeting rooms
Sept. 21 Donuts with Dads before school
Sept. 28 Parent Teacher Conferences
Oct. 10 Skating Party 6-8 pm
Growing in virtue with infinite grace,
Kathy Rhodes