St. Teresa Catholic School
December 10, 2025
Our Lady of Loreto
I've Been Ruined
The point of no return has been reached. I can’t go back. The Lord and His work in our school has formed me. Our kids are doing well generally. I see them loving the arts, like today’s Celtic Christmas. They are talking to one another, mostly about good things. They are engaging with adults appropriately. I see them growing in wisdom, age, and grace. Our school has converted me fully to the shift we are undertaking.
Nine out of ten educational articles on technology report negative results. The latest one that made me realize I am ruined for returning to regular (high tech) education is from Free Press authored by Jared Horvath. The title: We Gave Students Laptops and Took Away Their Brains. I’ll leave the news in that article to your own perusal if you wish to see it.
In contrast our curriculum shift toward the restoration of Catholic Education engages us more deeply in the arts and backs us off technology. Our emphasis on history and integrating language arts grounds us in our place in the world and in time. The focus on beauty, wonder and the blessing of God’s creation moves and engages our hearts and minds.
At a recent meeting on standardized testing, another administrator noted that children do better on math tests when they use paper and pencil, rather than technology. Children tend to guess more when online, and not actually do calculations. Picking up the pencil proves to be one more small step that takes effort. I’m across the room thinking, “Oh am I glad to hear that. Maybe some others will join us in the paper and pencil world. There is no way we here at St. Teresa should use devices for testing with third graders who use them for almost nothing else. Standardized testing would NOT be a good introduction to technology at school!” (Our kids will eventually use technology, I’m not promoting a life-long hands off, but for now, refraining is good.)
So I am ruined; blessed and ruined. Those two don’t usually go together, being blessed and ruined. In our school they mesh well. We are blessed as a school that is unique, and I love what the Good Lord has going here. May we be ruined to the ways of the world that do not take us toward Him. May we fully embrace all that takes us toward Him.
Sister Mary Michael, C.K.
Upcoming Events
- TONIGHT: Vocal Music Concert, 7 p.m. in the gym (5th-8th grade)
- Thursday, December 11: Adult Enrichment 7 p.m. (Topic: Church Architecture, featuring Kevin Clark)
- Friday, December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass in Spanish at 8:15 a.m.; 7th/8th grade confessions; faculty/staff Christmas dinner
- Monday, December 15: 3rd/4th grade confessions; 4th grade recorder concert 2:30 p.m.; Home basketball games at 6 and 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 16: Chess Club Christmas Dinner
- Wednesday, December 17: Orchestra Concert 7 p.m.
Dismissal Pick-up Guidelines
Please note the procedure for picking up your children at dismissal time:
·One continuous line of cars heading north only.
·Pull forward as far as you can.
·Children load into cars that are parked in the north bound loading zone only.
·Students are to exit or enter the car on the ‘school side’ of the vehicle.
·No stopping: If your children are not ready to be picked up, drive around the block and come back.
·Students may be picked up in the Church parking lot at dismissal time. If you are planning to get out of your vehicle for any reason, please park your car in the church parking lot.
·Students crossing the street must use marked crosswalks. There are crossing guards to help the students cross the streets.
·Do not block the crosswalk with your car.
·Use your blinkers when pulling in or out of the areas in front of school.
·Do not U-turn at 36th Street and East end of Laura Avenue.
·Do not double-park. The children may not see the other cars moving.
·Please be courteous to the staff and other drivers as we help to keep traffic moving and help to keep your children safe.
Student of the Month
We are pleased to present Natalie Chairez Miranda as our 8th grade Student of the Month for December! Natalie demonstrates responsibility in her balance of school and extra-curricular activities.
Throughout her time in Junior High, Natalie has been involved in many activities, including reading at daily Mass, participating in Junior High Choir, playing instruments in the strings program and band, and competing as a member of the St. Teresa’s basketball team.
Natalie shows true dedication to her work, always striving to do her very best. She has created strong friendships here at school and is a great example for her friends and peers. Teachers can count on Natalie to listen intently and follow directions.
When Natalie is not busy with school or her extra-curricular activities, she enjoys baking, creating craft projects, and drawing or painting. She is consistently a great help at home, offering to babysit for her little siblings and cousins.
Natalie is a kind, well-rounded student, who always puts others first. She is a true Jayhawk and deserves this Student of the Month recognition!
Adult Enrichment
The next session of Adult Enrichment will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00. We will meet in the school. The particular space we use will depend on our numbers. Please let me know if you hope to join us. (Respond to jean-timmerman@cdolinc.net.)
The topic: Kevin Clark will use Church documents to instruct on the Church's directions concerning church architecture.
For more information: jean-timmerman@cdolinc.net
Come One, Come All to the 2026 Safe Environment Recertification!
Dear Clergy, Religious, Employees and Volunteers of Ministries in the Diocese of Lincoln,
It is that time of the year again that we need to mark our calendars for the annual safe environment recertification training through the CMG Connect platform. It is important to stay diligent in our training renewal to ensure safe environments for everyone. The safe environment training recertification must be completed in January 2026, with a deadline of January 31, 2026.
Per the safe environment policies of the Diocese of Lincoln, the following individuals must complete: (1) the annual safe environment training on CMG Connect; and (2) a background check every five (5) years: Clergy, Religious, Lay Employees and Volunteers whose duties include contact with minors. If you no longer fall within one of the above four categories please contact jill-zimmer@cdolinc.net to have your CMG Connect profile archived.
To complete the training beginning January 1, 2026, go to CMGconnect.org and log into your account to complete the 2026 renewal module.
Thank you for your efforts in providing safe environments for all people within the Diocese of Lincoln.
Winter Wonderland
Dear St. Teresa's families,
Winter Wonderland 2.0 is 9 days away! We can't wait to bring joy and excitement to students once again!
- On Dec. 19th Students will play games and have hot chocolate with their buddies in the morning. At 11:15, all families are invited to join us for the school sing-a-long. It is a delightful time that is guaranteed to be a good time!
- ***NEW*** Last year was such a success, that we want to spread the joy to others! Student Council would like to invite families/younger siblings after the sing-a-long from 12:00-12:30 to experience the fun! Bring the whole family to explore the wonderfully decorated wonderland and play games for all ages! (Please note- A parent must be present to attend. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 from their teacher as normal and then come back in as a family, if desired.)
- We need your help to make this a success. Please consider helping out- was a great time last year! Please sign up below for help decorating the day before, serving hot chocolate and tear down. Thank you so very much in advance.
- Students can wear jeans, red or green shirt and festive Christmas gear to school.
Can't wait to see you and your families at this festive celebration!🎄
Pius X Open House for Future Students
Parents of students in 8th Grade … Pius X Catholic High School is hosting its open house for prospective students at 7 pm on Monday, Jan. 12. Students and parents will hear a short presentation about Pius X, then have an opportunity to walk the hallways to learn about the many opportunities in academics, athletics, activities and clubs. Teachers, coaches, counselors, and administrators will be available to answer questions. Learn more at https://PiusX.net/openhouse.
Gerbil for the Weekend
Would you like to have a pet gerbil for a weekend? Sign up below to volunteer to care for Linus! Easy care, and I will send a few short instructions when you sign up. God bless!
Contact Sr. Mary Agnes at sr.mary-agnes@cdolinc.net with questions.
St. Teresa School Book Fair
Although our in-person Ignatius Bookfair is not until February, you can support the school library and get some early Christmas shopping done by creating an account with Ignatius and shopping their online catalog.
The online bookfair supports the school all year!
Follow this link for access to our school bookfair page.
You can browse the Ignatius Bookfair Advent and Christmas catalog here.
Make an account here.
Boys Basketball Home Game Help
Sign up to help run the clock/scoreboard, help with concessions, or do admissions! Thank you for your help!
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.