October 1, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

            Building a world of peace, as we are called to do this year, has presented us with some wonderful opportunities to grow.  During the course of each school day, we have many chances to teach and preach and learn this message. Sometimes the lesson has been through a song (like I heard in the third grade class as they practiced for a recent prayer  service), sometimes it has been through actions (like I witnessed on the playground yesterday before school as children of all ages played beachball volleyball) or sometimes it has been through class discussions/projects (as I observed in sixth grade during a study of citizenship). I think the following quote, found on a collage done by a group of 6th graders, says it all for me…”Peace…cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests.  It requires us to work and live together.”  Oscar Arias Sanchez

            And now, for the FUN of this month!  I cannot tell you how much I look forward to our school’s Halloween Carnival each year!  I remember when I first came, I simply could not figure out what all the excitement was about. I kept hearing about the decorated booths (how great could crepe paper be?), the crowds, and the fun. Well, I learned quickly that our school’s playground is literally transformed into a delightful place for fun, for food and for folks to gather together. And, what about the decorations?  Each year I think that they are absolutely the best I have ever seen!  Please consider being involved in this event…planning for your class booth, helping to create the decorations, assisting with set up, decorating on Saturday morning, working the booth, and/or helping with take down. The weekend is really a fun, magical time! The satisfaction of working together, creating a fun event and earning some money for our school far outweighs the aching muscles, sore feet and tired bodies that some of us may experience!

            Our first formal parent-teacher conferences will be held the week after our Halloween Carnival. Each of you will have an assigned time to meet with the teacher and to discuss your child’s progress. The first report card will be given to you during the conference. We look forward to having this opportunity to meet with you.

            Many of the procedures that we follow at school are to ensure the safety of each child and adult in the school.  If you need to take care of business before school, please park near the front of the school building, on the soccer field, or along the fence line north of the school. Please do not park along the fence line that is just opposite the office. This is our fire and emergency lane. If your child is arriving after 8:00 a.m., please park your car and walk your child into the building. Parking behind the school is limited and so we reserve those spaces for teachers, staff members or parents who are volunteering for the entire morning. Finally, please drive slowly whenever you are on school grounds.

            I would like to remind you that although we welcome you to visit us at school, we do have some safety procedures that we expect to be followed.  All visitors should use the door nearest the office.  All visitors must come to the office and sign in and receive a visitor’s pass if they are going to any area of the school past the office.  Parents/family members should not go to classrooms to deliver forgotten items.  Parents/family members should not go to the classroom during the school day unless the teacher is expecting you. This may seem as if you are “not welcome.”  Truly, this is far from true. We welcome you, but we need to be mindful of  the safety of each person in our building during our school day.  If you would ever like to help in your child’s classroom or meet with the teacher, simply write a note and the teacher will get back with you regarding an appropriate date and time.

            As our weather cools down, I know that more and more children will be bringing sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets to school. According to our dress code, either plain white or navy or white or navy school logo clothing may be worn in the classroom. Of course, jackets etc. of any color may be worn outside. Because many children wear the same sort of sweatshirt, jacket or sweater, our lost and found basket really “grows” during this time of the year. Please try to put either your child’s initials or name on the tag of the clothing. Finally, if your child is in need of long pants for the cooler months, don’t forget that we might have just the items that you need here at school. Feel free to stop by any time and look through the clothing that other students have outgrown.

            During this month of October, we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. As a Franciscan Sister, the prayer of St. Francis is one that I have prayed often.  The words never grow old. The words, “Make me an instrument of your peace” continue to challenge me to be in partnership with God in making this world a better place. May this be our work this month…to make our world a better place. May God bless you and your family with what you most need.

PS. A little personal note….Being a lifelong Viking fan (I am a native of Minnesota.), I am thrilled that the team is receiving so much coverage now in south Mississippi!

/s Sister Mary Jo