Relax and Breathe. Two important words to stress this week because stress is something we want to avoid. This test does not define anyone and we want students to remember that. It's important they do their best so we can see what they really know but how well they do is not what's important for them. How well they do will help us to see who our struggling students are, who the students are that should be enriched, and how well our curriculums are working. If you are a test proctor, it is important that you are not doing anything else during testing. You should be standing, observing, occasionally walking around, posting start/stop times with time alerts throughout (half-way, 10 min. left), etc. What you should not be doing is sitting, grading papers, going on your computer, etc. Gina and I appreciate your efforts in making this a successful testing week.
As some of you may be aware, this is my second year working on the School Initiative Committee and our primary task has been to create new religion standards. Our work is complete. Right now they are being formatted and proofed and the next step will be to present to the Bishop. Once we have his approval we will be sending them out to teachers for feedback. Next year we should be piloting the standards in a few schools.
Tuesday night is our 2nd Annual Pancake Dinner. All teachers were asked to stop by and show support and my hope is that all faculty and staff will be there. If we are asking the Parish to support us, it's important that they see the event is important to us too. Pancakes will be served up from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Bring the whole family as there will be fun for everyone! Also, NO HOMEWORK AT ALL FOR ANYONE on Tuesday night. That means no tests on Wednesday or projects due on Wednesday. We want to encourage everyone to attend.
This week, religion teachers should be introducing Lent, the meaning of ashes, and the idea of a Lenten sacrifice. Help students understand that this is not about giving up candy. They should give up things that separate them from Christ and do something in its place to bring them closer to Christ. Some examples:
- Fast from anger and Feast on patience
- Fast from video games and Feast on the Word of God
- Fast from complaining and Feast on appreciation
- Fast from apathy and Feast on enthusiasm
- Fast from social media and Feast on time with family
Please be sure all grades are complete tonight. Report cards will be made available on Friday and I will be at the Pastoral Center Friday. Saturday afternoon at 12:30 pm is Confirmation. Please come celebrate with our 8th graders.
Lastly, please put the maintenance phone number on your phone in case you ever need something and I'm not available. It is 813-734-5877. Have a great week!
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