St. Marys School, September, 2013

It is hard to believe that we are already in our third week of school, especially with the weather. It definitely feels more like July. In fact I got an early start on this column. We had an early dismissal on Wednesday due to the extreme heat. I knew we were going to pay for those lovely mild days in July! (Along with teaching, I occasionally foretell the future.)

This year we welcome four new staff members to our St. Mary’s School family, Mrs. Monica Masso-Rivetti, junior high religion and math, Mrs. Amy Hadden, preschool, Mr. Luke Rosengarten, Phys. Ed. and Mr. Chad Curtis, intervention specialist. We are very happy to have them on staff and hope that they enjoy teaching at St. Mary’s as much as the rest of us do.

We began the school year with an open house the day before classes began. Students and their families came to school to find out answers to very important questions, such as “How close am I sitting to my friends?” and “Did I get one of the good lockers?” All joking aside, we have found that having an open house the day before school greatly reduces students’ anxiety, especially the younger children. Believe it or not, some little ones really worry about being able to find their seats or lockers. School began the following day on August 27 and as first days go, went very well. Unexpectedly we had a calamity day the first week of school due to fog. I think all the teachers had mixed emotions. On one hand who doesn’t like to turn off the alarm and go back to bed? However, we had gotten off to such a good start; we feared we’d lose our momentum

This year I have twenty students. We are a little lopsided. Fourteen of the twenty are first graders, so we have a 14 to 6 ratio of first graders to second. Having a combined class, I rely on my “upper classmen” to help with the first graders. The second graders have their hands full helping all the first graders adjust to the new schedules and routines. Luckily the first grade is a sharp bunch. I think we are going to have a great year.

September already has had its share of special days with even more to come. On Monday, September 9, school pictures were taken. All the students looked quite nice. On Wednesday, September 11, Patriots’ Day, the students and staff assembled around the flag pole for a prayer service commemorating those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks, the brave fire fighters and police officers who rushed to save others with no regard for their personal safety, and for all the families who lost loved ones that day. The service was led by the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and one of their teachers, Mrs. Foster. On Friday, September 13, Dr. Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati stopped by for a visit. Not fearing any bad luck associated with Friday the Thirteenth, the eighth graders traveled to Camp Campbell Guard for the Ropes Course. This program uses physical challenges to foster self confidence and teamwork. They were accompanied by Ms. Sylvia Kelly-Pressnall, who retired last year. One thing I’ve noticed is that our retired teachers seem loathe to leave St. Mary’s School entirely, and often give of their time as volunteers. One of our librarians is Mrs. Mary Wetzel who “retired” several years ago. Between her librarian hours and substitute teaching, she is present at school almost as much as when she was a full time staff member. We are very grateful that she gives so much of herself to the children at St. Mary’s. Our school would be a much poorer place without her and all of our volunteers.

I teach second grade religion class and the major events of second grade are receiving two special sacraments, Reconciliation and the Eucharist for the first time. The parent meeting for First Reconciliation is September 25. The children will begin formal preparation around the end of October and will receive their First Reconciliation on December 4. It will be here before we know it.

Interim report goes home September 27. I know that seems a little early, or at least to me it seems early, but by that time, we will have been in session five weeks, which is midway through the quarter. I guess as they say, time flies when you’re having fun—and I have to admit I do have a lot of fun teaching.

I hope that by time you are reading this letter, the weather is much nicer and you are enjoying some lovely fall weather.