Week in Review:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Firstly, I want to apologize for the lateness of this blog post. I can honestly say that this has been one of those weeks in my life that I will remember forever. For all of us, there have been events in our lives that have been burned into our memories forever. Some have been sad and some incredibly joyful. This week, the word Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been indelibly etched into my mind. Although it has brought with it anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and stress, it has also brought with it feelings of pride, gratitude, joy, and happiness. I am proud to be a part of such an amazing school community. I have heard stories about families making the most out of their time away from school by spending it with their families. I am proud to work with such an amazing and dedicated group of educators who are working their tails off and stretching themselves more than they thought they would have this year. I am proud of our students and our parents for working so hard to make this past week productive and engaging. I am grateful for your words of encouragement and thanks in this crazy time. I am grateful for our school staff who fought through a wave of emotion this week to get their students set up for a new kind of learning. I am grateful for my wife who worked so hard with our two children this week on a variety of learning activities to keep them engaged and learning while away from school. I am grateful for being part of a community that is loving, understanding and, such hard workers. I am joyful for the opportunity to be able to go out hiking on such beautiful days when many in our country are stuck in their homes. I am filled with joy when I see people at our grocery stores and Costco being kind and nice to each other. I am joyful to be able to spend more time with my family. All of these things have filled my heart with happiness even though there are so many reasons to be anxious, fearful, uncertain, and stressed. I know this is a very difficult time for all of us, but I am also sure that if you look, you will be able to find the silver lining like I have.
I want to say thank you for sharing pictures this week as well as your funny stories. Keep them coming! I included two funny stories at the bottom, so be sure to read until the end. In this week ahead, I hope and pray that all of you are able to find some peace, rest, and some quality time to family.
On a different note, I will be sending you a variety of emails next week to provide you a lot of information in the event we are out of school for more time. I will be sharing a variety of resources, information, and instructions to best access the St. Mary’s Distance Learning platform. You will be seeing those emails starting early next week.
As we are taking time away, please remember to take time for prayer for our school, our country, and our world. Even though I may be only one person, the power of prayer should never be underestimated. Jesus taught us that if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Don’t you think now would be a good time to start developing or strengthening that faith? In this coming week, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to the day that we can all be together at St. Mary’s.
Continue to stay plugged in by looking at the weekly slideshow. You can’t help being amazed and energized by our students’ smiles and engagement in their work. Click HERE to see the photos.
Need to Know:
- A new addition to the St. Mary’s Family:
This past Tuesday the Creegan family welcomed a baby girl, Bee Snow, into the world. Her mom, dad, and brother Ollie are so excited to have a beautiful new addition to their family. - Happy Birthday Olivia:
This past Tuesday, Olivia Dotson (PreK) celebrated her birthday with her family and a new swing set. I hope you had a great day! - The 2020 Club:
Ella Goodwin joined the elite 2020 club by selling 2020 boxes of Girl Scout cookies! You read correctly, 2020 boxes. There is a slight chance that my addiction to Samosas could push her sales over 3000!
Nice to Know:
- Buy your St. Mary’s Car Magnet (When we see you again):
buy one or six. We are having an amazing deal on the: 1 for $7 or 2 for $14! Buy a magnet and show your St. Mary’s Pride!
Important Dates (Right around the Corner):
- March 21-29 Spring Break
The complete School Calendar can be found on the Home Page or on the Parents Quick Links Page. To have an event added to our School Calendar, email us at calendar@stmarys-boise.org.
Important Dates (On the Horizon):
- March 21-29 Spring Break
The complete School Calendar can be found on the Home Page or on the Parents Quick Links Page. To have an event added to our School Calendar, email us at calendar@stmarys-boise.org.
Strategic Plan Updates
Click here to see the most recent updates on the Strategic Plan Projects, including the West Side Grounds Project, The Interior Project, and the Community Directory Project. We are currently looking for volunteers for on these and other key initiatives. Whether you’re interested in helping lead a small project, or just have a few hours to help, please complete this quick form and we’ll contact you shortly about whatever you’re most interested in.
Wisdom from Our Young Scholars:
- From a parent this week: “I decided that my child that they were going to still have to practice easy fractions even before the teachers laid out the work for the week. We tried it for 10 minutes on Monday and my child was in tears and refusing to do work. I asked Ms. Oden if this was the typical reaction to fractions and wondered if she had any tips. She said to ask my child if they would like her to come for a home visit and see if that shaped things up a a bit.” (The parent said that Mrs. Oden’s sense of humor made things much more manageable!)
- A parent recounting their interaction with their two children at home this week: MOM: “Guys, please don’t waste toilet paper.” CHILDREN: “So, mommy, this is the plan. We have a plan. First, we are going to put stuff it (Corona virus) doesn’t need. Then it will die. Then we scoop it up and put it on the road and it will get smushed by cars. Some big kids don’t use training wheels and they won’t see it and smush it. Then all the country gates and state gates will be open. Then China can make toilet paper again.” (That was the funnies thing i have red in a LONG Time!)
