St. Teresa Catholic School
April 24, 2024
How did THAT Happen?
Not only did St. Teresa eighth graders get first and second place in the recent Serra Club Essay Contest, but our kids also placed third, first runner up and second runner up. Out of 172 essay entries, we have the first FIVE places! Somebody said to me, "Don’t be too proud, Sister Michael.”
I said, “It’s got nothing to do with me, I inherited this great group!” As we look deeper, a few things come to light, as five places in a row with 172 entries, shatter the odds of chance. There’s more going on here.
- Our kids are writing a lot! And that is after reading a lot of good literature on which to base their writing.
- Their writing is not just in eighth grade, it starts way down low and builds up.
- IEW – Institute for Excellence in Writing – I wrote about it a couple weeks ago-it provides structure and great pedagogy for writing instruction.
- Our eighth graders had just finished a unit on the Gospel of John, which translated well into content for the paper’s Eucharistic topic. Their papers were the fruit of prayer and reflection.
Last quarter the students were working on a paper and Mrs. P had recruited several adults to help listen to the children read their papers, which helps immensely in with their editing. Later I thought, “Oh, that must be the paper that did so well!” It was not! But they learned and are transferring skills to other papers and writing. Evidence appears clear. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of our children, our teachers and the shift we are making that is resulting in such goodness: goodness in faith formation, goodness in instruction, goodness in the ability to communicate. God be praised. I am proud of my inheritance!
Sister Mary Michael, C.K.
We plan to publish one essay a week through the end of the year. Here is Maddie’s winning essay:
Upcoming Events
April 25: First Grade Class Mass; Spring Vocal Concert 7 p.m.
April 26: Student Council Fun Day; 3rd/4th grade confessions
April 29: 4th grade Class Mass
April 30: Spring Band Concert 7 p.m.
May 1: PK/K field trip; JH to Tabitha for Concert; Leadership Board Meeting 4:30 p.m.
Faith and Fun Friday
This Friday, April 26th, will be a dress day, as part of Faith and Fun Friday, an afternoon of fun activities, while also remembering and praying for the missionaries around the world. Students may wear the following shirt of color, based upon the colors of the world mission Rosary:
Pre-K/K: Green
1st/2nd Grades: Red
3rd/4th Grades: White
5th/6th Grades: Yellow
7th/8th Grades: Blue
Students may wear sweatpants or jeans (with no holes) and the shirt of the assigned color per grade level grouping above. Students may also wear socks of the assigned color. Girls may wear a hair accessory of that assigned color.
No extra accessories, leggings, shorts, or tight clothing may be worn. All clothing must be modest.
Enrollment for 24-25 School Year
Go to PowerSchool to enroll your child(ren) for the coming school year!
Nebraska Catholic Giving Day 2024
This May 1st, the 3 Catholic Dioceses of Nebraska are getting together for a Nebraska Catholic Giving Day.
St. Teresa School is fundraising toward insulation to assist with temperature regulation in our school. We are hoping to raise $10,000 for this project. See the link below for more information!
As the Day of Giving is on May 1st, please join us in prayer to St. Joseph for his powerful intercession!
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most dear and holy father, Saint Joseph, that you have been constituted dispenser of the riches of Jesus Christ, and that the goodness of your heart has never suffered you to close your ears against the humble prayers of those who supplicate your intercession. Encouraged by this assurance, we your servants, though wretched sinners, earnestly beseech you to adopt us as your children, to protect us as you did the Divine Infant Jesus, and to procure for us all the graces we require in life and death. Do not, O Guardian of the Word made Flesh, do not reject our humble petitions, but graciously hear and grant them. Amen.
Scrip for Upcoming Spring Events!
Pro Life Poster/Essay Winners
7th grade essay: 1st place--Blaise Beauclair; 3rd place--Peter Cunningham
6th grade poster: 2nd place--Stephanie Miranda-Herrera
5th grade poster: 3rd place--Elizabeth Shasserre
4th grade poster: 1st place--Asher Brox
3rd grade poster: 1st place--June Schilmoeller
2nd grade poster: 1st place--Owen Schilmoeller; 2nd place--Sylvia Cunningham; 3rd place--Edith Wondercheck
1st grade poster: 1st place--Gianna Rutledge
Congratulations!
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
All are invited to attend the retreat-like adult formation at St. Peter Parish for CGS, July 14-19, 2024. The course focuses on the most essential aspects of liturgy & scripture for young children & how adults can learn to listen to God with them. Suited for those looking to invest in personal formation & those with a heart for working with the young. If interested in more info, please contact Beth Ruhl at mruhl87@gmail.com. For any who choose to volunteer with the program at St. Teresa for the 2024-2025 school year, tuition & book fees will be reimbursed.
Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska
Our contribution portal is now LIVE!
Great news - Nebraska taxpayers can now complete a tax credit
contribution application AND make their contribution payment online!
To give, go to givehope.nebraskaopportunity.org:
Watch this how-to video below:
Seeking Entries for the Jayhawk Showcase
Service Hours due April 26
Service Hours are required for some students as part of their Theology grade and strongly encouraged for all students.
Please see HERE for specific guidelines for each class. If your student(s) needs a hard copy, they may ask for one from the front office.
CK Sisters Outdoor Spring Workday
Sat., May 4, 1:30-4:30 p.m. We will be planting our vegetable garden, cleaning up flower beds, mulching and cutting trees. Helpful items to bring include wheelbarrows, shovels, gloves, pruning/lopping shears, hoes, pickups and chainsaws. Children are also welcome! Mark your calendars now and contact Sister Mary Angela at sr.mary-angela@cdolinc.net if you would like to come and help. Please also print and complete a liability form (one per adult; children added to adult form.) Villa Regina Motherhouse, 4100 SW 56th St., about 2 miles west and south of Pioneers Park. (Walk-ins also welcome.)
Summer Music Opportunities
See the flyer below!
St. Teresa School Mission Statement
St. Teresa Catholic School, in partnership with parents, provides an education faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. We nurture students’ natural sense of wonder and guide them to know and love truth, beauty, and goodness, and to live as virtuous disciples of Jesus Christ with their hearts set on true and lasting joy.