St. Teresa Catholic School
September 16, 2026
Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
The Power of Beauty
Every now and then you stumble onto a good practice. Other times you work like a dog to find something effective to no avail. Here’s one I stumbled upon recently.
In educational circles suggestions I’ve heard…"When your lunchroom is too noisy, one solution is to add artwork.” A bit of beauty tends to calm us.
In my weekly recess and lunchroom duty, I noticed a significant change one day. Recently, we were coming in from the playground with the older students for lunch. (I’ve learned to be careful when standing between adolescents and their lunch at 12:30.) We were coming up the steps into the lunchroom entrance vestibule and there on the floor on either side of the doorway were two large yellow mums with about 1000 little flowers on each. I was going to move the one closer to the cafeteria, when I noticed the first couple boys slowing down to go around them. So I stepped back to watch. The usual hurry and occasional prodding of your neighbor with a nudge, was diminishing. The line slowed and they all went around the plant. I’m not so sure it was the beauty as much as the obstacle, but it was creating a pause and slowing of the line…civility reigned for a moment at least, with no verbal intervention on the part of an adult. Creating environments where people want to be more civil and a bit less abrasive can be a great help in the formative process. May the Lord continue to guide us all and put such opportunities in place.
In educational circles suggestions I’ve heard…"When your lunchroom is too noisy, one solution is to add artwork.” A bit of beauty tends to calm us.
In my weekly recess and lunchroom duty, I noticed a significant change one day. Recently, we were coming in from the playground with the older students for lunch. (I’ve learned to be careful when standing between adolescents and their lunch at 12:30.) We were coming up the steps into the lunchroom entrance vestibule and there on the floor on either side of the doorway were two large yellow mums with about 1000 little flowers on each. I was going to move the one closer to the cafeteria, when I noticed the first couple boys slowing down to go around them. So I stepped back to watch. The usual hurry and occasional prodding of your neighbor with a nudge, was diminishing. The line slowed and they all went around the plant. I’m not so sure it was the beauty as much as the obstacle, but it was creating a pause and slowing of the line…civility reigned for a moment at least, with no verbal intervention on the part of an adult. Creating environments where people want to be more civil and a bit less abrasive can be a great help in the formative process. May the Lord continue to guide us all and put such opportunities in place.
Sister Mary Michael, C.K.
Thank you!
Thank you to the parents and School Family Association who offered prayers and brought treats for our monthly teacher appreciation. It is a gift to work with you and be a part of your families! Be assured of our prayers for you as well.-St. Teresa Teachers and Staff
Fleece and Sweatshirt Orders
It's that time of year again! Time to place your fleece and sweatshirt orders! The store is currently open and will remain open until September 23.Orders take about two weeks to complete after the store closes!
Please check the store for size guides when ordering.
Also please consider donating your fleece or sweatshirts that no longer fit.
And remember to label your new items with your family name.
Props for Christmas Concert
Wednesday, December 16th will be our Christmas Concert, featuring Kindergarten – 4th graders AND our 4th – 8th string orchestra students. You will get to experience a Christmas Eve in late 1800s Germany, with a few surprises.I am collecting props we need for the concert, and am hoping you may be able to lend me some items you have at home. The props list is here. Simply type your name next to any items you can loan us. If you send it labeled, it will be returned to you. Props can be sent to school starting now through October 15. The sooner the better!
Secondly know that you will NOT need to provide a costume for your child. For curious minds, attire will likely be navy school pants with a solid color polo/button down top for boys; girls will also be in solid colors (skirts, dresses, top w/nice pants, etc.). Please don’t stress about this. I can help you get what you need when it gets closer.
Thank you for supporting our music program and for sending some props my way. I am grateful!
-Mrs. Terri Schilmoeller
CK Sisters Outdoor Fall Workday
Saturday, October 17, 1:30-4:30 pm
We will be planting shrubs, cleaning up our vegetable garden and cutting trees. Helpful items to bring include shovels, work gloves, wheelbarrows, pickups and chainsaws. Children are also welcome – and can use this for service hours! 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 are also welcome.
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.