Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,

Happy New Year to our SKS Community and many blessings to you and your families in 2018.

Congratulations to all of us! We have actually had two full days of school with the likelihood of more to come.  Don’t you just love hearing my voice at 5:30 am?

In the “good news” department I am pleased to share with you:

  • In December, we were asked to turn in our Mid-Term Report for our Middle States Accreditation in 2014. It is the half way point in our accreditation.

Below is part of the letter we received from the Middle States Association:

 “Good morning, Bud, Happy New Year! 

        Attached is the formal response to your Mid-Term report.  Thank you for the detailed report.  It was great to read about the advancements you are making at the school.  

This is to confirm that the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools has received, reviewed and accepted the Mid-Term Report completed for Saint Katharine of Siena School. The report was found to be complete, and shows evidence of faithful implementation of the strategic plan for growth and improvement. Congratulations on the many improvements to the facilities, the continued attention to the climate of the school, and the success of the Media/Library Center.  Good luck as you continue to complete your goals for vocabulary, non-fiction reading, and problem-solving. ……..”

Sincerely,

Dr. Angela Rufo

Accreditation Officer for Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

  • As the Eighth Grade Class of 2018 prepares for their future destinations in high school, I am pleased to report that our students continue to be accepted in the schools of their choice. Some students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement and have been offered academic scholarships to a number of area schools. A complete list of these academic award scholarships will be posted in a future communication.
  • Eighth Grader, Elissa Lowry, received a First Place with her entry into the DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) Writing Contest. She will be recognized at an awards brunch in early February. The topic of the paper was: “World War I: Remembering the War to End All Wars.”
  • The other day I reminded grades 5 to 8 that if they are going to bed at night with their cell phones and using them at night and denying themselves a good night’s sleep, they are doing themselves a grave disservice. Our teachers discuss regularly their concerns about the adolescent and teenage addiction to cell phones, computer games and social media. I urge you once again to collect your child’s phone at night before they go to bed. It should be a nightly routine, just as saying your prayers and brushing your teeth.

Here is an article that that every parent should read about this topic.

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-riley-digital-device-diet-20170102-story.html

  • This Monday, Martin Luther King Day, there is no school, but there will be a morning of service for any students and families who wish to participate. It will be from 10 am to 12 pm in the cafeteria.  Each grade was asked to bring in small items to donate for our care  packages that we will assemble on Monday for our homeless neighbors. The list was given to students and was sent out by Mrs. Sevag via email to parents on Tuesday. Our school mission statement says in part “integrating Catholic values of service and respect for all God’s people.” I reminded the students at lunch the other day, we are called to serve, not to be served. Monday is a good day to “walk the talk.”

The new year is a good time for me to thank you for the continued kindness and support you show to the teachers, staff, and me on a daily basis.

Take care,

Bud