By Kathy Ayette
I apologize if this missive is less than coherent. I have spent the last three weeks administering standardized tests. The proverbial cherry on top is that I received my second Covid vaccination this afternoon. I have had so many people tell me it’s the second one that really gets you. I am not sure whether the way I am starting to feel is due to the injection or my vivid imagination. Anyway, I beg your indulgence for any incoherent babbling I may produce.
You may be wondering why giving a standardize test would be so hard. Well have you ever walked in a seemingly endless circle for an hour or so, repeating directions so repetitive that the test manual suggests ticking off each question with a pencil check in order to keep your place? Trust me, it gets to you after a while. As a seasoned teacher I have learned not to look at my students’ answers as we test. That can really test one’s poker face. While smiling benignly at the test takers, a teacher may find herself silently screaming, “You know that answer. We just did that kind of problem yesterday!!!!!!” or “Dang! We’re going to do those kinds of problems tomorrow.” It really is better not to look. Then of course, there are the make-up sessions for the students who fall ill during the test weeks. I don’t care how healthy a group of children have been all through the winter cold and flu season, you can be sure at least three or four will get sick during the testing period. There is one good thing about administering standardized tests. It really makes you appreciate your regular teaching schedule!
You have probably noticed signs of spring, flowers blooming, birds chirping, etc. Well, here at St. Mary’s one of the surest signs of spring is the wall of bagged mulch sitting on the blacktop. The eighth grade class is selling mulch to raise funds for their class trip. This year the eighth graders plan to travel to Fort Lauderdale. The cost per bag is $3.50 and the students will deliver orders of ten bags or more within a ten mile radius. If you are interested in helping the class by purchasing some mulch you can contact the school at 937-548-2345. The students would appreciate your support.
On March 14, the eighth graders hosted their annual St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast. Chris Cakes were once again the highlight of the breakfast. It just wouldn’t be the St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast if you didn’t have to catch your breakfast. For the uninitiated, half the fun of the event, is trying to catch your pancakes as the cook flips them off the grill and into the air toward you.
March 25 was the Feast of the Annunciation which commemorates the angel Gabriel being sent to the Virgin Mary to tell her God wanted her to bear Jesus. This is also our parish feast day. Although most refer to our parish as St. Mary’s, we are actually St. Mary of the Annunciation. Because some of the Covid restrictions have been eased, the whole school was able to go to Mass together. After Mass, we continued our celebration with a donut treat.
On March 30, the student council is sponsoring a Comfy Day. Students will be allowed to dress out of dress code in comfy wear, such as sweatpants. They are asked to bring in a monetary donation for the local food bank. You can bet I’ll be wearing my comfy clothes for such a good cause.
The third quarter ends Thursday April 1. (Insert your own joke or clever quip.) It is also the last day before Easter break. Classes will resume April 6 and we will begin the fourth quarter. It is amazing, but it looks as though despite Covid, St. Mary’s will have had in person learning for the entire year. Yes, I know I’m tempting fate here. On March 16, the students had a treat of ice cream at lunch to remember the anniversary of our last day of in person classes last year before all the schools in Ohio were shuttered and to celebrate the fact that we were able to continue in person learning this year, with no interruptions.
It seems that we have finally shaken off winter. Enjoy the spring weather. Again, I tempt fate. As this column comes to its conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Blessed Holy Week and Easter.