Happy Catholic Schools Week!

As I sat down to write my blog this week, I wasn't sure where to begin.  There are so many things happening this week.  Then a word came to mind....  flexibility.  I found two definitions for the word: willingness to change or compromise (and there is a great deal of change in schedules this week which require we compromise some of our academic time) and the quality of bending easily without breaking.  I actually like the second one and I hope we don't break you when we ask you to bend to our requests.  This year is no different than other years and yet it seems that more and more we are asked to give up instructional time for other events.  I'm in the process of creating next year's calendar and I'm looking at how we can find more balance between academics and non-academic events.  I do not pretend to be an expert at this and I would like to put together a committee to work with me on this.  If you feel inspired to work on the calendar, please let me know.  It will need to be a few sessions after school when everyone is available.  If I have many volunteers, I will choose people so that there is representation at different grade levels and positions.  Send me an email by Wednesday to volunteer.  

I'd like to give a Hats Off to Julianne for creating the very cool video that was played at Mass this weekend.  Also, Hats Off to Gina for making my words in this week's bulletin article sound awesome.  

Remember to give a last push for the Walkathon on Friday so that we can meet our goal of $15,000.  And also remember to be flexible and enjoy all the events of CSW!  Have a great week!

Do What is Right

Many of us know the quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  One I read today was meaningful to me.  Dr. King said, "The time is always right to do what is right."  There are many times when I make decisions that I believe are right but others don't always agree.  We can't always cave to others' desires, sometimes we have to do what we know in our hearts is right.  Does that mean I'm always right?  No, but it means I can live with my choices because they were made with the best intentions.   

Hats off to all our Teachers.  I know there are so many things you are asked to do and today when I looked at the Family Portal, I was so appreciative of how much information is there for parents to see.  The more information we can provide, the fewer questions our parents will have.

Please remember that all Tidbits submissions must be sent to Karen by Wednesday morning.  Anything sent later than that will be put in the following week.  

There is a General PTCO Meeting Tuesday night at 6:30 in the FLC.  You are welcome, but not required to attend.  

Our STREAM Fair students will be heading to St. Pete on Thursday and we wish them the best of luck.  

Gina is out Tuesday and Wednesday.  No one is allowed to be sick and if anyone feels inspired to help me at 7:25 with carline, that would be nice if you're not busy and like the cold weather :)  If you are sick, remember to call Karen Biase. 

I will be at Tampa Catholic on Friday.  Friday is also Marvelous Mustang and the Middle School Social.  

Have a Marvelous Week!

Peace as a Journey of Hope

The following is from Catholic Online https://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=83969   This new year, this new decade, begins much like the past year, the past decade: wars between countries, wars within countries, nations around the globe preparing for future wars and astronomical military budgets cemented in place to ensure all this unholy madness continues.  In his Jan. 1, 2020 World Day of Peace message "Peace as a Journey of Hope: Dialogue, Reconciliation and Ecological Conversion," the Holy Father writes "Hope is thus the virtue that inspires us and keeps us moving forward, even when obstacles seem insurmountable."  Francis says, "The world does not need empty words but convinced witnesses, peacemakers who are open to a dialogue that rejects exclusion or manipulation. In fact, we cannot truly achieve peace without a convinced dialogue between men and women who seek the truth beyond ideologies and differing opinions."

Where does St. Stephen fit in with this message?  Upcoming events show that we are living Pope Francis' words.  We have professional development at the end of the month on Sustainability and how we can do our part to protect our planet.  In less than a month we will hold Interfaith Day which is an opportunity for 8th graders of different faiths to come together and see how much alike they are.  Finally, living our faith is a testament of hope and without hope there is despair.  If you walk through our halls and see the smiling faces of the children, you know that we are all filled with joy and hope.  On Community Day we will open our doors so that others may witness the great joy and hope we have.

Teachers, please be sure to attend the Faculty Meeting on Monday as there a number of important items we will be talking about including the events for Catholic Schools Week.  Other things happening this week:

• School Board meeting Tuesday night
• Principal's Coffee Wednesday morning
• Bible Study with Youth Minister at lunch Grades 6-8
• Gina, Linda, Jill, and Gina A will be at the Pastoral Center on Thursday
• Re-enrollment begins on Thursday
• Final round of the Geography Bee is Friday last period for grades 4-8 in the FLC
• Gina will be at an Assistant Principal's meeting on Friday
• And it all ends with a 3-day weekend!

Please keep in mind that we are half-way through Trimester 2.  Teachers should be talking with parents of any student who has grades below a C for this trimester.  It can be as simple as a phone call or email, but you must make contact.  

On a personal note, thank you all for the thoughts and prayers for my sister.  Knowing there is an army of prayer warriors supporting you makes every burden lighter.  Have a wonderful week.