May, 2010 Newsletter
Dear Families,
Today's beautiful weather, the return of baseball practice to Beverly Park, the appearance of uniform shorts, a lovely celebration of First Communion on Saturday, the busiest calendar of the year, Friday's May Crowning...Spring has Sprung at SJF!
Thanks for you prayers and encouraging words during last week's State evaluation. As I mentioned in my Friday email, the BEST commendation we received was from Mr. Patrick Lee, representing the State of Illinois who when he left said, "I expect high standards at the Catholic Schools that I visit because of the standards and policies of the Archdiocese. But today I had a 'blessed day' because I think all of you really live what you believe." I am so proud of the efforts of each of our students, faculty and staff. Although you know I believe we have a strong school, it is always nice to know that others who are just here for a quick snapshot visit, sense that we are trying to help each of our students (and ourselves) become OUR BEST SELVES in all areas. The visit was a strong affirmation of those efforts.
Thanks also for your strong support of Swing into Spring, our latest fundraiser. The evening received rave reviews from all who came. Alan's music was great, the food was fabulous and the auction and raffle prizes were terrific. Both the tuition assistance program and the new playground fund will get a good boost because of the success of the party.
First Communion was, as always, a wonderful celebration of family and faith. Visits to the second grade classrooms the day before hinted that the day would be very special not only for the second graders but also for extended families who came from as far as Poland and Ireland. It is truly a memory-making day.
The eighth graders are counting the days until they become official alums. We are blessed by the talents, enthusiasm and general kindness of the class of 2010. I think they will make a strong mark not only in the local high schools which are fortunate to be receiving them, but in the world as well. Look for them to make a difference!
As you can see from the May calendar, just about every day holds a new event. Highlights include multiple field trips now that the weather is nice. Many are going to the zoo, the third graders complete their study of Chicago with a trip downtown and a sail down the river, the fifth graders are off to Springfield, and the Junior High kids who have been altar servers, patrol persons, or regular market day workers will go to Great America at the end of the month. A new trip this year will be for everyone in grades 4-8 to attend a Thunderbolts baseball game together. Each of these trips is a good learning experience and spirit builder for out students.
On Friday, all are welcome for the May Crowning at 11:00 a.m. Our eighth grade class will lead the school in prayer. Please remember that all will be dismissed at 11:45 on Friday.
On Saturday, the parking lot will be converted to a large rummage sale. Be sure to stop in to find a bargain. Special thanks to Katie Conway and others from the FSA who have worked so hard on this project. I am sure it will be great fun!
On Thursday, May 13, all are welcome to the parking lot at 3:30 for the annual bike blessing. (Bikes, scooters, skate boards or any kid-friendly wheels are welcome.)
We are changing the format for Fisher Feet Feat this year. The culminating event for Spirit Week will be "Falcon Idol" instead of the traditional walk-a-thon. Truthfully, you have been so inundated with requests for money and we have so much to cram into a busy calendar, we thought a year off might be a good idea. Replacing the walk will be a non-mandatory, (but we hope everyone will help) grand raffle featuring a "Techie Prize Basket" with an ipad and several gift certificates. The second prize will be a Fee Free Book Day for one student. (Book fee, lunchroom fee, tech fee, Archdiocesan fee will be included.) Tickets will be $10.00 each or 3 for $25.00. All are eligible and, if you have friends or relatives who might want to participate, know we welcome their support. Look for details in the days ahead.
Most do not need a reminder, but remember that from May 1 until the end of the year, students may wear walking shorts (khaki or navy blue) and clean white gym shoes replacing the school uniform.
Moms, we hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day. What follows is a Mother's Day article I found years ago but still is very true.
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in
their arms saying, "It's alright honey, Mommy's here."
(mothers who) sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who
can't be comforted. . . For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and
sew Halloween costumes and those who don't.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes. And for the
mothers who lost their baby in that precious nine months that they will never
get to watch grow on earth but one day will be reunited with in Heaven.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on
their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at
football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their
cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could
say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store
and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice
cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but
realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained
all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to,
but just couldn't find the words.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year.
And then read it again. "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their
shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for
Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their
daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little
voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring
are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the
words to reach them.
This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or
children, and gave their time, attention, and love... sometimes totally
unappreciated!
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the
mothers of those who did the shooting.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and
now pray they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all
at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you
watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school
alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to
dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a
sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you
just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in
your home? Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child
when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young
mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...And
mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all.
For all of us.
Hang in there.
In the end we can only do the best we can.
Tell them every day that we love them.
And pray.
"Home is what catches you when you fall - and we all fall."