Owensboro Catholic Middle School Newsletter
April/May 2009
Dear OCMS Families:
Confirmed in the Spirit
The majority of our eighth graders by their graduation date will have achieved this goal as the title of their Confirmation Religion text states. What better way can we prepare our children, soon to be adults, for the trials and temptations that the world will throw at them? “Pope Paul VI, in the Apostolic Constitution on the Sacrament of Confirmation, sees this sacrament as endowing the recipi-ents “with special strength“ and obliging them “to spread and defend the Faith both by word and by deed as true wit-nesses of Christ.” (Rev. Peter M.J. Stra-vinskas, Ph.D., S.T.L., Editor (1991). Our Sunday Visitor’s Catholic Encyclo-pedia. Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division)
We, at OCMS, have begun to witness the grace that this sacrament provides to our children so very close to stepping into adulthood. We have seen in deed and heard in word behaviors that indi-cate that our students are beginning to shoulder the responsibilities of being a Catholic Christian. Most importantly, the respect the eighth graders have dis-played towards one another, faculty, staff, and themselves in the past few months has been impressive. I have seen the kindness of our students in welcoming our new students this past semester. Watching our students pa-tiently waiting for another student on crutches or in a wheelchair in the hall, helping to carry books, taking a lunch tray to clean after lunch or sharing their food out of empathy are all beautiful displays of patience, kindness, gentle-ness, generosity and goodness.
Many of our students have shared their time by serving at Mass in their par-ishes. I was very impressed to see two of our students serving at the Easter Vigil in my parish and one of those two, an eighth grader served Holy Thursday Mass and Good Friday services as well. That is a huge sacrifice of time for an eighth grader and a witness to faithful-ness at the most holy time in our liturgi-cal year. We’ve observed self-control and reverence displayed by our stu-dents time and again at our weekly Masses. This was especially apparent when our students were asked to leave in silence during the Lenten season.
We’ve learned to be community rejoic-ing in one another’s achievements. It is an absolute joy to hear classes cheering one another from down the hall just af-ter a win or some other individual or group accomplishment has been an-nounced over the PA. Our students have shown love for one another in the service projects they have completed each month throughout the year (and each week throughout Lent). They have also shown their love by looking out for and being patient with the ‘least of these’ in our community.
Using these gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit has helped to create a peaceful community here at OCMS. Are we perfect? No way. Do we fall? Yes, we do. But our students have forgiven and been forgiven and have helped one an-other along the way. They have gra-ciously extended these gifts to faculty and staff as well. They have been pa-tient with me as I learn the ropes, make changes and mistakes. And that hasn’t been easy.
Our students have used the gifts of wis-dom, understanding and knowledge to just about knock the top off of our ACRE (Assessment of Catholic Religious Edu-cation) test taken in February of this year far surpassing the national aver-ages. They have exceeded state and national averages on the EXPLORE test taken in the fall.
Our eighth grade students have witnessed their fledgling faith lives this year. They have stayed open to what has been taught. They have courageously tried to do the right thing despite the impulsivity that comes with this developmental stage. It has been amazing to watch the struggle and see the growth in such a short period of time. This eighth grade class is gifted in a myriad number of ways. Knowing that they have been Confirmed and will ex-perience God’s grace as a result gives me hope for each of them, our community and our Catholic Church. The class of 2013 will forever hold a special place in my heart as they are my first OCMS graduating class. My prayer is that God blesses each one as they continue their faith and educational journey.
Blessings to all of you,
Ann Flaherty, Principal
ACADEMIC DEAN’S CORNER
By: Janice Clark, Academic Dean
DUKE TIP HONORS OWENSBORO CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL SEVENTH GRADERS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
The Duke University Talent Identifica-tion Program’s (Duke TIP) 7th Grade Talent Search identifies students who have scored in the 95th percentile on a grade-level achievement test. As part of the program, these academically tal-ented students take above-level college- entrance exams (SAT or ACT ) to learn more about their abilities.
This program is the largest of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. The goal is to assist young people with excellent mathematical or verbal apti-tude. Students are encouraged to take part for several reasons:
• to pursue above-level testing ex-perience, which can help plan effectively for the coming high school years
• to learn more about their aca-demic abilities and compare the results with other youth
• to learn about educational oppor-tunities for the future
• to receive recognition of their outstanding achievements
Depending on performance, students may be honored for State Recognition ( those who have scored equal to or bet-ter than half the college-bound seniors who took the same tests) and/or Grand Recognition ( those who have scored equal to or better than 90% of college-bound students who took the same tests ).This year, OCMS had 29 students who tested. From these, the following students are being honored:
State Recognition:
Liza Brown
Samuel Johnson
Elizabeth Cason
Justin Krampe
Kelsey Conkright
Peter Mattingly
Marty Crowe
Eric McBride
Nicholas Gray
Jared Tucker
"The best possible way to prepare for tomorrow is by doing your best today."
H. Jackson Brown, Jr. -- Author of
Life’s Little Instruction Book
FROM THE COUNSELOR
I hope our 8th grade parents had a chance to go over the high school/career folders with their sons/daughters; students learned a lot about careers. High school diploma and KEES money information should have also been in the folder. During the month of May, I will be visiting 7th grade classes and teaching a career unit. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and restful summer and may God bless our 8th graders moving on to high school.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
OCMS CONGRATULATES our Febru-ary Students of the Month:
7th Grade: Reid Wassmer and Olivia Foster
8th Grade: Mason Richardson and Sarah Beth Caudill
CONGRATULATIONS to our March Students of the Month:
7th Grade: Sam Hall and Alyssa Ralph
8th Grade: Chelsea Hagan and Jacob Cecil
RELIGION DEPARTMENT
Julie Renshaw
Religion Chair
March seemed to fly by as the religion department was involved in many activi-ties. Most of these projects concerned the Lenten good works we participated in for the sake of our Owensboro com-munity.
Week One of Lent was spent cleaning up the cemetery on the corner of Griffith Avenue and Lewis Lane. David Ralph and Mark Woodward spearheaded the effort with the help of our FCA students and a few parents who volunteered to help with their chain saws! Because of damage from the recent ice storm, de-bris and limbs needed to be removed. Drive by and see the improvement!
Week Two found all of the OCS system participating in the 15th Annual Food and Personal Care drive sponsored by the OCHS National Honor Society. Pro-ceeds went to the St. Joseph and Paul Food Pantry. All homerooms were gen-erous with their donations, but Mrs. Brit-tany Payne’s homeroom collected the most supplies of paper products, clean-ing supplies, and personal hygiene items. They were rewarded with a no homework pass!
The Beta Club of OCMS sponsored a recycling project for Week Three of Lent. Old cell phones, ink jet cartridges, digital cameras, laser jet cartridges, and Ipod mp3 players were donated. Stu-dents in the Beta Club under the direc-tion of Ms. Mary Cheshire, boxed up the items to be recycled as a “Green” pro-ject. The 8th grade brought in the most items and will be given a jean day on Friday, April 17.
Bucks for Boulware were the focus of the 4th week of Lent. Students were al-lowed a non-uniform day in exchange for a dollar donation. $225.00 was col-lected and presented to the Boulware Mission – a home for the homeless!
Spring break fell during week 5 of Lent, but the OCMS community sprang back into action in week 6 – Holy Week – with a collection called Cereal for St. Jo-seph’s Peace Mission. Boxes of cereal, pop tarts, and sugar were donated for this worthwhile endeavor.
Thanks to our entire faculty and stu-dents for taking part in our Lenten ser-vice projects! We will continue to do good works and be stewards of God’s planet.
We are looking forward to 2 big events in April: 8th grade retreat at Gasper River near BowlingGreen on Friday, April 24th, and the Rainbow Mass which will be celebrated on Friday, April 30th at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
May God bless you abundantly!
FAMILY LIFE
We will be beginning the Family Life component of our religion curriculum during the last 6 weeks of the 4th aca-demic quarter. The curriculum for Family Life, published by Benzinger, is a continuation of the Family Life units that your child has experienced in grades 1-6 in all Owensboro Catholic elementary schools. We consider this to be such a very important element of our school program and is especially important during these early teen years.
If you have questions about this or any ele-ment of the OCMS curriculum, please feel free to call or come by the school. If you would care to see the texts, they are available in the principal’s office
OCMS students are in the final stretch with AR reading. Thank you to the PTO for the money designated for AR treats. We will have our AR field day on Friday afternoon May 29, 2009. Rachel Hamilton, Allison Schepers, Alyssa Ralph, and Jared Tucker are still in the running to take a friend “off campus” for lunch. To earn this privilege they have to be one of the top five readers for all four quarters. Good luck!
The following students were the top 8th grade readers for 3rd quarter: Cody Payne, Rachel Hamilton, Allison Schepers, Will Johnson, and Kevin Thompson. The top 7th grade readers were: Alyssa Ralph, Seth Tignor, Jared Tucker, Elizabeth Cason, and Caroline Augenstein.
ACADEMIC TEAM
CONGRATULATIONS to the awesome Aces academic team! Out of 16 schools they placed 3rd in regional Governor’s Cup Competition. The competition was held in Ohio County on Febru-ary 19 and 21, 2009.
In the double-elimination competition the quick recall team placed 2nd and won the right to compete at the state level in Louisville, Ken-tucky on March 15 and 16, 2009. Members of the team are: Kyle Alvey, Chase Carrico, Marty Crowe, Brian Gross, Martha Hughes, Patrick Lasley, Justin Magnuson, and Kevin Thompson. The team proudly represented OCMS.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following stu-dents who also advanced to state competition by placing in the top five in written assessment:
Kevin Thompson – 5th place Social Studies, tied 5th place Language Arts
Sarah Beth Caudill – 3rd place Composition
Chase Carrico - tied 3rd place Language Arts
Justin Magnuson - 4th place Math
The Future Problem Solving team did a great job and earned 3rd place at regionals. FPS members are Kyle Alvey, Kelsey Conkright, Marty Crowe, Martha Hughes, and Andrew Riccio.
Thanks to all students who studied all year and practiced countless hours for this competition. Thanks also to Mr. Rhodes for moderating all the way to state. We appreciate Mrs. Walter and Mrs. Clark for reading and scoring composi-tions. Mrs. Ebelhar, Mrs. Renshaw, and Mrs. Riccio coached the team and are looking for-ward to next year! WAY TO GO, ACES!
COLOR GUARD AUDITIONS
Auditions for the 2009 Owensboro Catholic Color Guard will be held on May 5, 7, and 8 from 3:30-5:00 in the OCHS Small Gym. Color guard is open to any boy or girl in the OCS system grades 7-12. Students do not have to be a current member of the band to audition. Please contact Mr. Hauser at 685-0566 if you have any questions.
BAND CONCERT
The 7th and 8th grade bands will be having a Spring Concert on Monday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Immaculate Parish Family Center. Everyone is invited to attend.
BAND SPAGHETTI SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION
OCHS Band Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auc-tion Date: April 18, 2009 Location: Owensboro Catholic High School Cafeteria; Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Cost: All-you-can-eat Spa-ghetti for $5.00 per person. Tickets for the event can be purchased from an OCHS band member or purchased at the door. A Silent Auction of themed baskets will coincide with the event. Proceeds go to the Owensboro Catholic Band. Contact: Ed Hauser: 685-0566.
OCMS VOLUNTEERS
The faculty, staff, and students at OCMS wish to extend a special thanks to those individuals who have assisted the school in some capacity during the current school year. Volunteers performed such tasks as monitoring students in the cafeteria, helping in the library and the school office, chaper-oning parties, counting school fund¬raiser money, planning PTO functions and many other tasks. Our volunteers will be recog-nized during the school liturgy on Thurs-day, May 21. A reception will follow in the library. We would love for all of our volun-teers to attend this special event!
YEARBOOK NEWS
The yearbook is finished and off to the publisher. Students may still purchase the yearbook for $25.00. To be guaranteed a copy, they need to order early. HURRY AND GET YOUR ORDER IN TODAY!