September 3, 2010

Dear Families:

Welcome to new families who have joined our school community. With time and patience your child will acclimate himself to the school setting and flourish. For the veteran families, realize that each new year is an adjustment to a different teacher, roles, and expectations. For all, this is a new school when you consider the improvements for the 2010-11 academic year.

Experiencing arrival and dismissal procedures certainly highlights the presence of the Franciscan Center (modular) so named to celebrate the dedication of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia to ICS for the past 80 years. Our children are blessed by the ministry of both Sister Dorita, as our campus minister, and Sister Grace Andrew as the Director of Religious Education for the parish. Sister Dolores, who had retired from our school several years ago remains here in-residence and volunteers for the Outreach Program. The Sisters serve as a constant reminder of the "strong Franciscan tradition of faith and service" shared in our mission statement. When you enter the school, the Prayer of St. Francis adorns the wall, recalling the mandate to reach out to one another, offering peace and consolation, not as the world gives, but as Jesus gives. Details will follow, but we will celebrate Transitus and the dedication of the Center on Sunday, October 3 at 4 p.m., followed by Open House at the Center.

The Franciscan Center houses both Kindergarten and First Grade, so Mrs. Broomall and Mrs. Kumpel anticipate many collaborative activities in a setting that lends itself to innovative learning.

With proceeds from the First Annual Race for Education Mrs. Gill purchased 5 Smart boards for grades 4-8 and several mimeos; she provided cable and installation of new televisions, PA systems, Internet, and telephones in the Franciscan Center. Plans for science classroom upgrades will be reviewed but needed microscopes are ordered.

The former first grade classroom will serve as a small group room, conference area for parents and teachers, and space for the Cecil County speech therapist who will now service students on site, a huge blessing for our students and families. Thank you, CCPS! In the near future, plans will be made for the space vis-à-vis preschool needs and the possibility of a science lab available for all grades. These are decisions that we love to have to make!!!

The preschool offers 5 full days but accommodations can be made for part time attendance. Proudly we announce that seventeen 4 -year olds are enrolled with a maximum of twenty students. We offer a comprehensive developmentally appropriate program for the children and feel confident that the program will grow as families observe measurable changes in their children as the year unfolds. How exciting to be part of this momentous growth at ICS!

Since I introduced new faculty members in a summer letter, Ms. Susan Kadel resigned her position as Middle School science teacher. The Spirit provided Ms. Kathleen Roecker, an experienced educator who was relocating to our area, just in the nick of time. It could be called a coincidence, but we believe it was the Hand of the Lord, taking care of us once again. Truly, He never closes a door without opening a window, and when the window opens within 3 days it is a beautiful thing.

 Tuesday…oors open at 7:25 a.m.

Aftercare begins from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Orientation for grades 6-7-8 at 7 p.m. in the gym

 Wednesday…pening Mass at 10:00 a.m. in celebration of the feast of the Nativity of Mary, our patroness…lease assist at Mass with your children as we pray for blessings on the school year

Orientation for grades 1-2 at 7:00 p.m. in classrooms

 Thursday…pecial Persons’ Lunch for guests of grade 8 (last one, Class of 2011) at 11:00 a.m. in the cafeteria.

Band Demonstration for grades 4-8 students (Parents’ meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13)

Orientation for grades 3-4-5 at 7:00 p.m. in classrooms

 Friday…he end of week #2!

 Sister Dorita reviewed and introduced for new students our S.T.A.M.P. OUT BULLYING program, intended to raise awareness of techniques to deal with bullying situations. Parents, you may remember the presentation last September. We have stressed the necessity of immediately telling a person in charge of the problem and actions taken. While students are encouraged to share school situations with parents, they have been reminded that immediate response results in immediate solutions. Nothing can be resolved when we do not know the facts. In every school setting there is an adult presence, be it classroom teacher, assistant, aftercare director, or principal. With so many adults who care about the children there is no reason to ignore a difficult situation. Please reinforce this concept at home.

 All students enjoyed popsicles on Friday afternoon… reward for doing their best in spite of warm weather.

 Preschoolers enjoy all the activity stations but have a special fondness for the sand table. We intend to expand that for them. It is a special joy to see the little ones every day. Their joy of living and pleasure in the simplest activities puts life in perspective. We should never lose sight of life’s beauty, in spite of the daily busy-ness that preoccupies us when we are no longer 4 or 5 years old!

 In the bullying session with second grade, I asked what Jesus said about bullying. I tried to extract His command to love one another but one of the students shared that He said, "Do not bully’. Maybe He did!!!!

 Kindergarten toured the school with Mrs. Broomall and Mrs. Vulcan. It appeared they were getting the lay of the land but they really were looking for the Gingerbread Man! As far as we know, he is still on the loose.

 All students followed a revised recess plan that has proved to be successful, at least after one week. Grades Pre-K through 2 play on the playground and yard, although they may not use footballs, soccer balls, etc. Grades 3-8 now use the baseball field across the street where they may use balls they have brought from home, as long as they play responsibly and safely. We anticipate that injuries will diminish and we can save wear and tear on windows and screens. Aftercare will no longer play ball in the yard as well.

 I had a conversation with eighth grade concerning skorts they have outgrown. If skorts are short/tight now, we can be sure that they will be out of the question in April. I checked with Mrs. Rush at Rush Uniform and skorts are available, fortunately. On Tuesday I will send home notes if the skorts are unacceptable. Students may choose blue uniform slacks, uniform walking shorts or the winter plaid skirt with the yellow shirt. Pride in how our students look is a major consideration at ICS.

 Special thanks to Father Joe and Mr. Cole for safety patrol help on Monday and Tuesday…ould not have done it without you.

Our seminarian Joey McQuaide has transformed into Deacon Joey McQuaide, on the final lap of his journey to the priesthood. He will study in Rome to prepare for his ordination in June. Like last year we will recognize his birthday with a monetary gift from the children and a meaningful card. We will establish a dress down day soon for that purpose.

In his first homily last Sunday Joey spoke of the virtue of humility, a necessary ingredient on our way to heaven. He defined it not as a propensity to being disregarded by others, but rather as the ability to know yourself and your relationship to our heavenly Father. It is perhaps using our gifts to the best of our ability in humble thanksgiving to Him who blessed our lives. He expects us to recognize our dependence on Him but to realize, at the same time, that with Him, all things are possible. It is in getting to know Him that we honestly understand ourselves.

As we continue to introduce the children to Mary, Mother of God, the Immaculate Conception and our patroness, we have adopted as our theme the words of a beautiful hymn: Gentle Woman, Precious Dove, Teach us Wisdom, Teach us Love. Isn’t it amazing how everything relates when Jesus is at the center??

God bless you…

Mrs. Kirkwood