“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The vivid colors of early fall have given way to colder weather, bare branches, and the anticipation of some meaningful, family-centered holidays. It’s the time of year when we get cozy – warm sweaters, crackling fires, and feelings of gratitude for all of God’s blessings.
This holds true at school as well. We have completed quarter one, had parent-teacher conferences, and I have had the opportunity to observe several classroom lessons, all of which inspire in me a thankfulness for the work we do here and the people who do it.
One might think that meeting with parents in an all-day session would seem daunting, however it always turns out just the opposite. I come away tired, sure, but in so many ways uplifted and joyful. It is a day we celebrate our students with the people who love them most – their parents. It is also a time to share concerns about students who might need some extra support or motivation with the people who are most influential and important to them. I truly hope it is a time where parents can come to understand how much we value our partnership with them and how dedicated we are to the education and formation of their children.
I have said it before in this space, but it bears repeating. Our faculty is stellar and a source of inspiration and gratitude for me. As Academic Dean, I am fully aware of the elements of our curriculum. Watching each of our teachers bring it to life in their own unique way, with their own unique flair is inspiring. Even better is experiencing how the students respond. I have heard with my own ears a student learning long division exclaim, “It’s like Christmas!”
Recently, I witnessed the pre-kindergarten class engaged in a number sense building activity called “subitizing”. Subitizing is the ability to quickly recognize how many objects are in a small set without counting them. It’s a crucial skill to build a strong math thinker. I watched the teachers follow the students’ lead and begin teaching “counting on” in response to a student’s question. When one teacher knew her students were losing focus, she began taking their shoes off their feet to use as counters! They enthusiastically refocused. They were learning, sure, but they were also having fun!
I was amazed as second grade students began to divide numbers without even realizing that’s what they were doing. They were creating equal groups with counters and advancing their own lesson by their astute and probing questions. Their teacher, equally enthusiastic, asked questions that ignited their critical thinking skills.
I’ve viewed an engaging science lesson where the teacher masterfully maintained order, kindled curiosity in the students, reviewed prior knowledge, imparted new concepts, and responded individually to each student’s particular needs. It was impressive!
Similarly, a history lesson was carefully crafted with each student’s learning profile in mind. Students of all learning levels were able to access the information and inventive methods were implemented to aid in retention.
I come away from these observations with a deep sense of gratitude as I witnessed teachers who really know and care about their students, who customize their lessons for them, and who deliver their curriculum with passion and delight.
I also see the fruits of these labors: high school students volunteering as “peer tutors” for their younger counterparts, students going over and above the parameters of an assignment, advocating for themselves and seeking out extra help when they need it, providing aid to a friend in need, or praying in defense of life.
For our students, their families, our faculty and staff, I find many reasons to be grateful in this season of Thanksgiving.
Above all, I am thankful to Our Lord for his guiding hand, his presence among us, and his boundless mercy. - Mrs. Lisa Sweet, Academic Dean
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name” – Psalm 100:4