Nevermore?

Halloween fun often centers around the youngest students, who love to dress up as princesses and superheroes.  A spirit of playfulness need not end in middle school, however, as our 8th grade can attest.  Late in the day last Friday, the middle schoolers trooped off to a secluded, shady spot in the Herring Run woods.  Creaking branches and a light wind set a spooky mood as 8th grade performers recited passages from Edgar Allen Poe's famous poem "The Raven."  Staged on a large stone that jutted out of the hillside, the drama was a one-of-a-kind treat that these students will remember for years.  Many thanks to teacher Andy Bopp for making possible this imaginative Halloween drama.

SSR

A  hush settles on the second grade classroom during Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) time each day after lunch.  Today I joined the class and read my own book alongside the children who were reading their book choices.  It is a wonderful, peaceful thing to do on a rainy day.  "What we teach children to love and desire will always outweigh what we make them learn," according to author Jim Trelease.  The enjoyment and calm focus made it clear that so many of these young readers continue to love and desire to spend time immersed in stories.  In second grade, the range of choices is wide, from picture books to easy readers to more complex chapter books.  Best of all, the teacher models SSR herself.

Alphabetacaterpillars

There is so much learning that can extend out of our Monarch Garden studies.  I was impressed yesterday by this kindergarten project, which involved writing the letters of the alphabet, placing them in order, and gluing them together to fashion a "caterpillar."  The sequencing and fine motor (handwork) skills involved in writing the letters and pasting the links are perfect for kindergarteners to practice.  Especially delightful (though not shown in this picture) was one example where the student had decided to depict her caterpillar in a j-shape, which it assumes before it builds its chrysalis.  Stop by the first floor hallway to see more when you have a moment.

Honoring Our Patron Saint

"The heavens are telling the glory of God, and all creation is shouting for joy."  What a magnificent weekend we had at SFA, celebrating our patron saint with soccer in the sunshine, music and dance at church, and wonderful fellowship, including 26 alumni who returned for the annual soccer reunion game.  My favorite moment this weekend happened at the Pet Blessing in Herring Run Park.  With over 100 people (and nearly as many pets) gathered boisterously for the ceremony, Fr. Burke began by mentioning that Franco, the 13-year-old parish dog, had declined to attend this year -- and just at that moment, Franco came bounding down the hill on the end of his leash, having been persuaded by some of our young graduates to come out after all.  It's kind of hard to tell whether a dog is smiling, but I suspect that Franco had some sort of a joyous grin on his face at that moment.  Thank you to all who were able to join us this weekend!