Owensboro Catholic Middle School Newsletter
December 2008
Dear OCMS Families:
On the day before the Feast of St Nicholas in the early part of our Advent season w hen most of us have turned our attention towards Christmas parties, presents and decorations, I was moved to tears and experienced a great swell of love and pride several times over in the course of that Friday’s school day. It was at the end of the craziest week yet of my new job and and it was on this day that God gave me His Christmas gift.
The eighth graders were taking a long awaited trip to Owensboro Catholic High School and the seventh graders were to experience their very first OCMS retreat day. All of the preparations and myriad numbers of details had been taken care of in planning these two big events. Excitement was palpable in the air among faculty and students alike. Eighth graders had been prepped about ‘guest behavior’ and how important first impressions are. As we loaded the big green OCHS busses, the bus in which I traveled broke out into spontaneous Christmas carols sung at the top of our students’ lungs by one and all. We were on our way to the BIG day!
Going ‘home’ for me already had me filled with joy and seeing the excitement of our students amplified the happiness I felt. It was when about two dozen of the OCHS upper class men and women, leaders in the school community, began to speak in Soenneker Hall to our OCMS students that I was finally able to relax and begin to focus on the gift that was about to be unwrapped.
Each of the OCHS students shared why Catholic education at OCHS in the areas of spirituality, academics, extra-curriculars, and athletics was so important to each of them. They shared their experiences of the strong feeling of family among students and faculty, the safety and belonging that has come as a result of involvement in OCHS groups and teams, the importance of faith to each of them and how that has grown and been practiced as a result of their Catholic education. It was during this time that I experienced love for and pride in what each of these students had become. They were sharing their very selves and the choices they had made for the benefit of the younger students in their community hoping to show them the ‘way’ to achieve what they had. I was humbled at what they had realized and accomplished at so young an age.
The eighth graders enjoyed the rest of their day touring OCHS in small groups, meeting faculty and students in their classrooms, attending a prayer service led by Mrs. Orth, Religion Department chair and some of her senior students and finishing the day with a pizza party in the large gym.
Upon our return to OCMS and after the eighth graders were safely back in their classrooms with their teachers, I joined the seventh grade retreat in session. I came in during the activity break that followed their lunch. Observing the class split into relay teams and competing in the gym trying to be the first to roll a ball to mid-court and back with a student’s head while on hands and knees was hilarious. This was serious business and the students not competing were cheering teams and individuals on to victory. After the winning team had a few minutes to enjoy their success we moved back into Immaculate’s parish hall to listen to two senior OCHS students who had come to share their faith via a talk that revolved around the retreat theme of ‘Taking Off Our Masks.’
It was during their talks that I was moved to tears and realized the great gift that God had given me. Experiencing the depth of the faith of these students , hearing how well they communicated their faith to twelve year olds through comparisons to scripture stories and basketball analogies, brought home to me the impact that twelve years of Catholic education and the support of their families and parishes had had on each of these students. The beauty of their spirits, of who they were and what they stood for shone forth that afternoon in the middle of Immaculate’s hall for all of us to see. To have been a tee-tiny part of their development brought me deep pride but also the realization that this was God’s gift to me, to all of us, to experience His love as it blossoms in each of His children, to help guide and teach and protect His precious gifts of life so that each child can step into the world prepared for life’s struggle not just to survive but to attain His eternal life. It was then that I thanked God for my vocation and for the great gift of Catholic education.
At the end of these talks, the seventh graders moved to Immaculate’s church to close the day with the holy sacrifice of the Mass, a time to praise and thank God for all of His gifts. Fr. Mike Clark took time from his day off to say the Mass and had prepared a beautiful homily that involved several students and masks from all over the world. His patience and gentleness with our students and the obvious huge amount of time it must have taken to prepare such a detailed and well thought out homily that matched the retreat theme were beautiful gifts to us as well.
And so, I want to thank each of you for sending your children to us. I want to reassure you in these difficult economic times that the resources you invest in your child’s Catholic education are paying off. As a parent of three Catholic school graduates and a Catholic school educator, God gave me His Christmas gift this year by allowing me to experience a day in the life of our students, your children sharing their faith with one another. I came away from the day with a renewed sense of hope, peace, love and joy. I wish the same for each of you and your families during this blessed season of Jesus’ birth.
Ann Flaherty, Principal
ACADEMIC DEAN’S CORNER
By: Janice Clark, Academic Dean
Setting goals is a learned skill that should be practiced and applied for success in school. A goal is something you want to achieve. A short-term goal is something you want to achieve soon. Examples of these are finishing your homework or doing well on a test. A long-term goal is something you want to achieve over a period of time. Examples of these are writing a paper, completing a project, or passing a class.
To set appropriate goals, you must know what is important for you to accomplish. Then, you must set specific and clear goals. If you do not have clear goals, your effort will lack direction and focus. Write your goals in your agenda.
The Three W’s:
Each goal you set should state WHAT you will do and WHEN you will accomplish it. Implied in each goal you set is your WILL (determination) to do it. For example, a goal for a research paper might be stated as follows: I WILL (your determination) finish gathering information for my research paper (WHAT you will do) by November 30 (WHEN you will accomplish it).
Characteristics of Realistic Goals:
1. Within your skills and abilities- knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you set realistic goals that you can accomplish.
2. Flexible- sometimes things will not go the way you anticipate and you may need to change your goal- stay flexible and change when necessary.
3. Measurable- it is important to be able to measure your progress toward a goal so that your time and effort are not misdirected or wasted.
4. Within your control- accomplishment of your goal should not depend on other students-you can control what you do, but have little control over what others do or do not do.
Many times your parents or teachers will set goals for you. Be accepting for these people know what is important and can help you learn the skill of setting and accomplishing your own goals. Setting goals in school will provide you with direction and help lead you to success.
(Adapted from Mangrum-Strichart study skills @ How-to-study.com)
“Begin with the end in mind.” Stephen Covey
FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
By: Maire McCormick, Guidance Counselor
SOCIAL ISSUES
Mrs. McCormick visited 7th grade classes in November to talk about bullying behavior and other social issues. Mrs. McCormick will conduct this class for the 8th graders after Christmas break. They will review some of the material learned last year and deal with some new material. It is a good time to remind students how we should treat one another. Advent is the perfect season to focus on our concern for other people, especially in our own school.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
OCMS CONGRATULATES our students for the month of November: 7th Grade: Kyle Alvey and Caroline Augenstein
8th Grade: Daniel Castlen and Martha Sharp Hughes
RELIGION DEPARTMENT
Julie Renshaw,
Religion Department Chair
November brought the cold and also lots of food for our annual Thanksgiving food drive! A competition was held among the homeroom classes to see who could donate the most items. Congratulations to Mrs. Renshaw’s homeroom, who averaged more than 15 items per student for the cause. Thanks to the BETA club for organizing this fundraiser and delivering the goodies!
OCMS continues our mission of service. On Tuesday, Nov. 25, our students changed out the music issues and missals for Immaculate parish. In December, all students will take part in the Giving Tree. This annual collection will benefit St. Joseph’s Peace Mission and Birthright. Wrapped presents are to be brought back on Dec. 9 – 10. Thanks for considering the needs of our community while preparing your hearts for the coming of the baby Jesus at Christmas!
The Grandparents’ Mass and reception was held Thursday, Dec. 4. We loved having our special grandparents to celebrate the Eucharist with us and to enjoy a snack in the parish hall.
The 7th grade Retreat (day of prayer) was held Friday, Dec. 5, again, in the parish hall. Our theme was “Beneath Our Masks.” The religion teachers prepared activities and skits centered on the theme. We ended our day with mass celebrated by Fr. Mike Clark.
All the faculty and students of OCMS will enjoy a special treat on Dec. 9 as we take an Advent Journey to Lewis Lane Baptist church. Our journey will take us back to the town of Bethlehem where we will personally meet with the prophet Isaiah, Gabriel, Mary, and Elizabeth. Thanks to the folks at Lewis Lane for this free field trip!
We continue to enjoy visits to our religion classes by Fr. Tony Jones, and we look forward to Mr. Steve Hohman’s visit on Dec. 16.
Our last liturgy of the semester will be Thursday, Dec. 18. We will be celebrating the Advent season and preparing for Christmas. May the love of Jesus be in your hearts now and all through the year! Merry Christmas!
LIBRARY NEWS
Have you noticed your child reading? Circulation in our library is sky high due to our school-wide Accelerated Reader program. The OCMS “AR List” is available at the Public Library and on the OCMS website.
The last day to take AR tests for 2nd quarter is Thursday, December 18th. Students are encouraged to read during the Christmas Holidays. Books make great Christmas gifts.
ACADEMIC TEAM
The Academic Aces participated in the Fall 2008 Knowledge Master Open on December 3rd. This is an international competition using specially programmed software. OCMS placed 5th in the state and beat the local competition. Congratulations to the following team members: Kyle Alvey, Chase Carrico, Kelsey Conkright, Marty Crowe, Brian Gross, Rebecca Gross, Martha Hughes, Patrick Lasley, Justin Magnuson, Eric McBride, Andrew Riccio, and team captain Kevin Thompson.
GIVING TREE PROJECT
A huge thank you to all our students and their families for the outpouring of gifts for the annual Giving Tree project. The eighth grade student council reps assisted Mrs. Clark and Mrs. McCormick in delivering the gifts to the Birthright office and St. Joseph’s Peace Mission. We wish all the students were able to see the gifts overflowing around the Christmas tree in each agency and see the expressions on the faces of the recipients. It is truly what the Christmas spirit is all about. It could not be accomplished without the generosity of our middle school community. This is what happens when people unite to help those in need. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to give!
DRAMA CLUB
The Drama Club will be presenting “The Christmas Story” on December 15th in the Immaculate Parish Hall. The first performance for students will be at 10:15 a.m. and the second performance for family and friends will be at 7:00 pm.
Flu vs. Cold: Symptoms
It’s that time of year again…time for coughs, colds, sore throats, and fevers. How do you know if these symptoms are just a cold, or something more severe, like the flu? Typically, the flu (also known as influenza) has symptoms that may make your child feel worse than symptoms associated with a common cold. It is not always easy to tell the difference between the two. Below is a guide to help you to figure out the difference.
Don’t be too quick to brush off your child’s symptoms as “just another cold.” Flu symptoms can vary from one person to another, & they can change as the illness progresses. Other bacterial infections, such as strep throat or pneumonia, can also look like the flu or a cold.
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if your child seems to be getting worse, is having trouble breathing, has a high fever, has a bad headache, has a sore throat, or seems confused. While even healthy kids can have complications of these common illnesses, kids with certain medical conditions are at more of a risk. To help determine what illness your child has, & if your child will need medication to overcome the illness, contact your child’s health care provider.
Remember…frequent hand-washing with warm soap & water or use of an alcohol based hand sanitizing gel, is the #1 way to prevent the spread of germs & disease!
Have a happy, healthy holiday season!
Sherry Krampe, BSN, RN
OCS School Nurse/School Health Coordinator
YEARBOOK NEWS
The yearbook staff is working on the 2008-2009 school yearbook. Students may begin purchasing the yearbook for $25.00. Orders can be sent to the OCMS office.