Friday Thoughts May 18 2018
Posted on May 18, 2018
Dear Falcon Families,
GREAT NEWS!! We won the Quinn Landscaping Contest!!! I am so grateful to our faculty organizers, our students who EACH submitted an essay and created the most beautiful flowers for the video and Rick and Karen Harris who filmed our submission. The judges’ committee applauded the “originality, student participation and execution”, and “ingenuity..and were touched by the sincerity and intent to put their school community in the best light.” WOW!
We have just finished our faculty planning day and I am so excited about some great new initiatives we will be starting next year. Although I will not be here for the first day of school in August, I hope we will maintain a long tradition that we have used each “first day” for many years. The faculty reflects on the idea that we are a good school, grateful for strong enrollment, strong parent support, a crew of dedicated teachers, and a Catholic/Christian identity that is the foundation of all that we do. Aware of that, we continue to ask, what can we do this year to make the school even stronger? Based on some of the ideas shared today and plans already in progress, look for great things ahead.
The countdown is on. I hesitate to ask any of the students “how many days until summer vacation” because the answer comes all too quickly. There is much to accomplish and celebrate before that bell rings on June 7.
Next week is Spirit Week. There are also several field trips, the eighth grade ribbon mass, and the Connor Lowry Scholarship Award ceremony.
The theme for Spirit Week is “Falcon Radio”
Monday: We celebrate jazz and blues… wear your favorite blue falcon attire Tuesday: HOWDY! Cowboy hats and boots or other “country gear” is the outfit of the day. We will be having some exciting relay games during the day.
Wednesday: Celebrate the 80’s (Ancient history for some, I know!)
Thursday: It’s Beach Vibes Day… Look like you are headed for a luau with a Hawaiian shirt or other summer outfit. There will be sweet treats for all.
Friday: Favorite Artist Day. Bright colors and a movie will be the feature of the day.
One of the highlights of third grade is the trip to Chicago to ride a boat around the shoreline and take a spin on the Navy Pier ferris wheel. Fashionably attired in their custom designed Chicago shirts, the third graders will be headed downtown on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the school will gather in Church to recognize the creative talents of the seventh graders who have submitted an essay or piece of art work for the Lowry Scholarship. The entries this year are amazing and reflect thoughtful consideration of why Connor is our local hero. Connor’s family who judge the entries and make the final determination will have a tough time making their choice.
On Friday, the Kindergarteners are off to the zoo, always a great day.
Thanks to all who have jumped on board for the Queen of Hearts Raffle. Although our numbers are not yet those of our neighbors to the South, a $23,000 cash prize that continues to grow seems like a good bet. Proceeds from the raffle will be directed toward major school and parish renovations including the gym and Kane Hall. Tickets are always available at Cork and Kerry and after school in our lobby. The next drawing is tonight. Good luck to all! (By the way, have you seen the queen riding through the neighborhood…. a sight to behold!)
All final tuition payments were due on May 15. It is really important that all outstanding balances be paid now. Archdiocesan policy mandates that students are not considered enrolled for the next year if there is an outstanding balance. The archdiocese also recommends that eighth graders cannot participate in graduation events until all accounts are paid in full. Thank you for your cooperation. If this is problematic, please contact me immediately.
Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Some scholars, far wiser than I, call it the “Birthday of the Church” when the loyal though fearful disciples of Jesus were commissioned to bring the message of the Gospel to the world. Each of us has our little part of the world where we are challenged to live the Gospel message of peace, respect for all, and unconditional love. My prayer this Pentecost Sunday is that the values we as parents and teachers try to share each day with our own future disciples will one day make a difference in so many areas of the world so much in need of healing and peace. Happy Pentecost… See you at Church on Sunday