Everyday, we are bombarded with television images, video games, music, and magazine articles/newspapers that give importance to conflict and war. Violence has become commonplace and accepted as part of our society and, for some, it is a way of life. It is our hope that through the Pinwheels for Peace project, we can make a public visual statement about our feelings about war/ peace/ tolerance/ cooperation/ harmony/ unity and, in some way, maybe, awaken the public and let them know what we are thinking. This is not political. Peace doesn’t necessarily have to be associated with the conflict of war; it can be related to violence/intolerance in our daily lives, to peace of mind. To each of us, peace can take on a different meaning, but, in the end, it all comes down to a simple definition: a state of calm and serenity, with no anxiety, the absence of violence, freedom from conflict or disagreement among people or groups of people.
A pinwheel is a childhood symbol – it reminds us of a time when things were simple, joyful, peaceful. We will assemble these pinwheels and on International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, 2009, "plant" the pinwheels outside the school as a public statement and art exhibit/installation. The spinning of the pinwheels in the wind will spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the country, the world! St. John’s pinwheels were made in art class and will be displayed by the Rotunda and north side of the Church on Monday, the 21.
Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two Art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, who teach at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Florida, as a way for their students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. The project was quickly embraced by their students and the entire school community and by millions of art teachers, teachers, parents, children and adults who desire peace in our world.
The first Pinwheels for Peace were installed on Sept. 21, 2005. Since then, we have grown from 500,000 pinwheels planted the first year, to 2 million pinwheels in 2008!
Thank you, Cheryl Brown Art Teacher
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
College - never too early to think about
College - never too early to think about
https://cof.college-assist.org/COFApp/COFApp/Default.aspx
http://www.collegeinvest.org/default.aspx?Pageid=5
The College Opportunity Trust Fund (COF), created by the Colorado Legislature, provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students. The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a Colorado public institution or a participating private institution.
Eligible undergraduate students must apply, be admitted and enroll at a participating institution. Both new and continuing students are eligible for the stipend.
Qualifying students may use the stipend for eligible undergraduate classes. The stipend is paid on a per credit hour basis to the institution at which the student is enrolled. The credit-hour amount will be set annually by the General Assembly.
https://cof.college-assist.org/COFApp/COFApp/Default.aspx
http://www.collegeinvest.org/default.aspx?Pageid=5
The College Opportunity Trust Fund (COF), created by the Colorado Legislature, provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students. The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a Colorado public institution or a participating private institution.
Eligible undergraduate students must apply, be admitted and enroll at a participating institution. Both new and continuing students are eligible for the stipend.
Qualifying students may use the stipend for eligible undergraduate classes. The stipend is paid on a per credit hour basis to the institution at which the student is enrolled. The credit-hour amount will be set annually by the General Assembly.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
School Year End
Dear St. John’s School Community,
The warm weather is upon us – and everyone in the school is picking up on the Spring fever! It is hard to believe that we only have a couple more weeks of school left this year. It has certainly been a busy one for the school – but at the same time, one filled with much grace.
As we draw near to the end of the year, I’d like to take the opportunity to reflect upon what we have done this year and set the stage for things to come next year.
First of all, what we have done this year:
* This year brought some new facilities changes to the school. We have our beautiful new Eagle’s Nest with our shiny new cafeteria. We are so blessed to have this new space in our school.
* Each of our classes have participated in a service project that either gives back to the Northern Colorado community or to the Parish community. In addition, each of our classes have gone on or will go on in the next couple of weeks two field trips to help expand students' learning and help them become better citizens in our community.
* The Principal's Coffee, the Brown Bag Lunches, and the Coffee-Lemonade Socials have provided opportunities for parents to become connected to the school community. The school community also found much fun in coming together at he Halloween Carnival, the Dinner Dance Auction, and the Walk-a-Thon...we truly are an active community!
* One of my goals as a principal this year was to increase students' participation in the daily life of the school. This was achieved through increased student participation in the morning and afternoon prayer, encouraging the Student Council to take on more leadership roles (e.g. The Parents' Night Out Movie Night was lead completely by them!), forming a Safety Patrol, and honoring student groups through recognition at the morning prayer and through our Fall Pinning Ceremony, etc.. When students feel involved in the school, they feel a sense of connection and security - and are happier kids!
* I am constantly amazed at how active our school is and how many activities we offer our students: Sports, clubs, art shows, musicals, concerts, Science Expos, and much, much more...It is truly a blessing to have such a wide array of activities available to our children. The teachers at the school have been instrumental in helping to provide these activities - and they give so freely of their time. They cannot be thanked enough for the continual sacrifice they give of their time and talent to the school beyond the classroom! And a special thanks to the parent volunteers who give of their time to help in leading these activities for our children - we couldn't do it without you!
Now, looking forward to next year:
* In order to be better stewards of our budget, it has been decided - in collaboration with the Parish Finance Council and Fr. Joe - that our music and PE positions at the school will go to part-time. Mrs. Kula will continue on as our music teacher in this part-time role, but will also assume the role of aide for the other portion of her time. Unfortunately, Mr. Reese is requiring a full-time position, so he is unable to assume our part-time position for PE. We are currently considering candidates for this position.
* We will have two new Kindergarten teachers for next year as Mrs. Mertens will be moving up to 1st Grade and Mrs. Erker will be starting up our brand-new Junior Kindergarten Program in the Preschool. Our new teachers will be Mrs. Amy Wood and Ms. Rachel Campbell-Maher. Both bring amazing primary grades experiences to the Kindergarten, and I look forward to the creative ideas they will bring to the Kinder-Center.
* We will also have a new 5th grade teacher: Mr. Steven Sgourdos. Mr. Sgourdos received his Masters from the Colorado School of Mines and has volunteered extensively at Holy Family Catholic High School in their drama department. He also coaches baseball, basketball, and football. Mr. Sgourdos decided that his heart truly was in teaching (for which we are grateful) and he looks forward to his contributions to our St. John's Community. Next year, the 5th grade will be moved to the Middle School building - but will not have lockers and will not change classes as much as the other middle school students. One of the challenges we have noted in the Middle School is that of the huge transition students make between 5th and 6th grades. We are hoping to ease that transition by making this change to our classroom configuration and by implementing a "hybrid" Elementary-Middle School schedule for the 5th grade.
As things wind down here this school year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of your for your support, your wisdom, your suggestions, and most of all your commitment to Catholic education. I am truly, truly blessed to be a part of this school community and to be in the presence of your children who are living testaments of God's love for us. I look forward to next year with you all - and all of the fun and faith-filled times it will bring.
To all mothers, I wish you a very Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your day!
Blessings,
Dr. Sara Amodio
The warm weather is upon us – and everyone in the school is picking up on the Spring fever! It is hard to believe that we only have a couple more weeks of school left this year. It has certainly been a busy one for the school – but at the same time, one filled with much grace.
As we draw near to the end of the year, I’d like to take the opportunity to reflect upon what we have done this year and set the stage for things to come next year.
First of all, what we have done this year:
* This year brought some new facilities changes to the school. We have our beautiful new Eagle’s Nest with our shiny new cafeteria. We are so blessed to have this new space in our school.
* Each of our classes have participated in a service project that either gives back to the Northern Colorado community or to the Parish community. In addition, each of our classes have gone on or will go on in the next couple of weeks two field trips to help expand students' learning and help them become better citizens in our community.
* The Principal's Coffee, the Brown Bag Lunches, and the Coffee-Lemonade Socials have provided opportunities for parents to become connected to the school community. The school community also found much fun in coming together at he Halloween Carnival, the Dinner Dance Auction, and the Walk-a-Thon...we truly are an active community!
* One of my goals as a principal this year was to increase students' participation in the daily life of the school. This was achieved through increased student participation in the morning and afternoon prayer, encouraging the Student Council to take on more leadership roles (e.g. The Parents' Night Out Movie Night was lead completely by them!), forming a Safety Patrol, and honoring student groups through recognition at the morning prayer and through our Fall Pinning Ceremony, etc.. When students feel involved in the school, they feel a sense of connection and security - and are happier kids!
* I am constantly amazed at how active our school is and how many activities we offer our students: Sports, clubs, art shows, musicals, concerts, Science Expos, and much, much more...It is truly a blessing to have such a wide array of activities available to our children. The teachers at the school have been instrumental in helping to provide these activities - and they give so freely of their time. They cannot be thanked enough for the continual sacrifice they give of their time and talent to the school beyond the classroom! And a special thanks to the parent volunteers who give of their time to help in leading these activities for our children - we couldn't do it without you!
Now, looking forward to next year:
* In order to be better stewards of our budget, it has been decided - in collaboration with the Parish Finance Council and Fr. Joe - that our music and PE positions at the school will go to part-time. Mrs. Kula will continue on as our music teacher in this part-time role, but will also assume the role of aide for the other portion of her time. Unfortunately, Mr. Reese is requiring a full-time position, so he is unable to assume our part-time position for PE. We are currently considering candidates for this position.
* We will have two new Kindergarten teachers for next year as Mrs. Mertens will be moving up to 1st Grade and Mrs. Erker will be starting up our brand-new Junior Kindergarten Program in the Preschool. Our new teachers will be Mrs. Amy Wood and Ms. Rachel Campbell-Maher. Both bring amazing primary grades experiences to the Kindergarten, and I look forward to the creative ideas they will bring to the Kinder-Center.
* We will also have a new 5th grade teacher: Mr. Steven Sgourdos. Mr. Sgourdos received his Masters from the Colorado School of Mines and has volunteered extensively at Holy Family Catholic High School in their drama department. He also coaches baseball, basketball, and football. Mr. Sgourdos decided that his heart truly was in teaching (for which we are grateful) and he looks forward to his contributions to our St. John's Community. Next year, the 5th grade will be moved to the Middle School building - but will not have lockers and will not change classes as much as the other middle school students. One of the challenges we have noted in the Middle School is that of the huge transition students make between 5th and 6th grades. We are hoping to ease that transition by making this change to our classroom configuration and by implementing a "hybrid" Elementary-Middle School schedule for the 5th grade.
As things wind down here this school year, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of your for your support, your wisdom, your suggestions, and most of all your commitment to Catholic education. I am truly, truly blessed to be a part of this school community and to be in the presence of your children who are living testaments of God's love for us. I look forward to next year with you all - and all of the fun and faith-filled times it will bring.
To all mothers, I wish you a very Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your day!
Blessings,
Dr. Sara Amodio
Friday, April 24, 2009
$1 Jean Day for Respect Life
Sponsored by
The National Elementary Honor Society
Wear a Respect Life wristband and Jeans with your uniform top on
April 29th, Wednesday
Buy your wrist band from Mrs. Martinek, NEHS students or parents
in the lunchroom, before and after school on April 27th, 28th and 29th
RESPECT LIFE ROSARY 2:20pm April 30th
Also join us on April 30th for a live Rosary for Respect Life intentions.
2:20pm on the South side parking lot of the Eagles Nest.
The National Elementary Honor Society
Wear a Respect Life wristband and Jeans with your uniform top on
April 29th, Wednesday
Buy your wrist band from Mrs. Martinek, NEHS students or parents
in the lunchroom, before and after school on April 27th, 28th and 29th
RESPECT LIFE ROSARY 2:20pm April 30th
Also join us on April 30th for a live Rosary for Respect Life intentions.
2:20pm on the South side parking lot of the Eagles Nest.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Columbine Reflections
Dear Parents-
As you know, this week was the 10th Anniversary of the tragedy at Columbine. Following this horrific event, many schools throughout the nation were forced to actively re-evaluate their safety protocols and policies. St. John’s was among them. A comprehensive plan was put into place detailing what steps needed to be taken to further ensure the safety of our children. This year saw the final steps put into place – again, to ensure our children’s safety in light of the new reality facing our schools.
I would like to thank all of you for all of your support and understanding as we have had to make these changes to our school community. Change is always difficult, but sometimes, as in the case of school safety, desperately needed. I have heard from many parents and received feedback – some positive and some negative - regarding the changes to the school safety plan. For those who had concerns, I do hope that throughout the year we have worked to address them: The Parent Lemonade/Coffee during Loop, the Parent Brown Bag Lunches, the increased communication through the website, etc. I know we have some work to do still, and rest assured that I am actively working on addressing those concerns in the months to come.
The anniversary of this tragedy in a Colorado school forces us reflect – reflect upon how important our children’s safety is, reflect upon our need to make St. John’s a safe environment, and reflect upon the need to come together as a community to make this a new reality for our school.
May the light and promise of Easter continue to shine in your hearts!
Blessings,
Dr. Sara Amodio
Principal - St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
1730 W. 12th Street
Loveland, Colorado 80537
Ora et Labora
As you know, this week was the 10th Anniversary of the tragedy at Columbine. Following this horrific event, many schools throughout the nation were forced to actively re-evaluate their safety protocols and policies. St. John’s was among them. A comprehensive plan was put into place detailing what steps needed to be taken to further ensure the safety of our children. This year saw the final steps put into place – again, to ensure our children’s safety in light of the new reality facing our schools.
I would like to thank all of you for all of your support and understanding as we have had to make these changes to our school community. Change is always difficult, but sometimes, as in the case of school safety, desperately needed. I have heard from many parents and received feedback – some positive and some negative - regarding the changes to the school safety plan. For those who had concerns, I do hope that throughout the year we have worked to address them: The Parent Lemonade/Coffee during Loop, the Parent Brown Bag Lunches, the increased communication through the website, etc. I know we have some work to do still, and rest assured that I am actively working on addressing those concerns in the months to come.
The anniversary of this tragedy in a Colorado school forces us reflect – reflect upon how important our children’s safety is, reflect upon our need to make St. John’s a safe environment, and reflect upon the need to come together as a community to make this a new reality for our school.
May the light and promise of Easter continue to shine in your hearts!
Blessings,
Dr. Sara Amodio
Principal - St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
1730 W. 12th Street
Loveland, Colorado 80537
Ora et Labora
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