principal's desk

Our Lady of the Rosary-Pray for us and bring peace to our world...

My Dear Esteemed Parents,

Mother Teresa of Calcutta said "Keep the joy of loving God in your heart and share this joy with all you meet, especially your family."  As conscientious parents, you are serious about your child growing strong in the Catholic faith.  While we are still in the beginning of a new learning year, I am privileged to support you in sharing the love of God with your child.  You are, as the bishops of the United States say, your child's primary educators in the faith.  What we do in the classroom is in support of what you do every day at home.

Our academy will soon be offering a safety program entitled, VIRTUS, which parents are encouraged to attend if you spend a considerable amount of time in our school working with children.  I will let you know as soon as we are able to set a date for this important program in our school.

Have you ever given thought to this question: Is my child a "hurried" child?  Do I allow my child the gift of time and freedom to actually "be a child"?  Think back to your own childhood and the sense of wonder you felt at the sight of a bright star in the sky, your fascination with a furry caterpillar, or your view from the highest branch of a tree in your backyard.  Simple pleasures and opportunities to "just be" are among the greatest joys of childhood.  Now ask yourself: Do I allow my child these same opportunities?

Internationally recognized author David Elkind, in The Hurried Child, eloquently calls our attention to the dangers of exposing our children to overwhelming pressures.  He demonstrates that in expecting or imposing "too much-too soon," we force our children to grow up too fast.  Over-scheduling, over-organizing, and over-exposing our children to media have all had unintended negative effects on children.

How can parents help ensure that their children do not become "hurried children"?  Here are three simple tips:

1. OBSERVE your child's behavior.  Is your child cranky, or does he or she appear overwhelmed?  Is your child's school work slipping?
2. LISTEN to your child.  What does your child have to say about the "extra" activities he or she is engaged in?  This does not mean that children should only do the things they want to do.  As a parent, you want to listen for signs of satisfaction and joy or, conversely, frustration from your child.
3. Take a CRITICAL LOOK at your child's schedule and simplify if necessary.  Maybe your child could choose just one extra activity instead of several.

We all want what is best for our children.  Give your child the gift of "being a child."

Blessings,

Deacon John Gregory, Principal

Master of Education/Licensed in Elem. Administration

Ordained Deacon

Master Catechist

October: Respect for Human Life Month

O God, our heavenly Father, Creator of all human life, we adore You and worship You.  You create all people in Your image and likeness.  May we, Your people, dedicate ourselves to defending the terminally ill and the disabled.  We pray you hear us and have mercy.

Heavenly Father, author of all life, help us to always respect all human life from the beginning of life till death.  Let your Most Holy Spirit enlighten the minds and open the hearts of those who do not fully respect all human life according to Your will.

We pray for those who are despondent because of age or illness; for all who are alone and afraid: for those who sit on death row.  Hear us and graciously have mercy.

THE FUTURE STARTS HERE  9/5/08

My Dear Parents,

It is not easy to raise responsible Christian adults in our culture.  May I thank you for desiring to provide a Christian-values education for your child.  Our pastor and faculty truly appreciate the financial sacrifices you have made in choosing to send your child to our academy.  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to teach your child in a faith centered atmosphere.  The mission of the Academy of St. Adalbert of Berea is committed to the message of Jesus by nurturing Christian values, principles and the Catholic faith in our daily lives.  Our students will grow in mind, body and spirit to become independent thinkers, motivated learners, and responsible citizens prepared to continue the ministry of Jesus.

I believe our church and academy are a beautiful monument to God.  We are an oasis for children and parents to quench their thirst for an outward expression of the inward reality of God's presence among us.  It is our job, as Archbishop Oscar Romero once stated; "In Catholic Schools: we plant the seeds that one day will Grow.  We water seeds already planted, knowing they hold future promise..."  We are happy to have your family as a part of our school community, and we urge you to continue your active involvement in every facet of your children's lives.

All parents and friends of the Academy of St. Adalbert are invited and welcome to our curriculum, technology, and informal open house on the evening of Friday, September 12th from 7:00 until 8:30 PM.  Please go directly to your child's classroom and greet their new teacher; as well as, visit all their special teachers and former instructors.  We will not meet in the Keller Center first-this will allow for more visiting time.  Please stop by and visit the office staff and principal during your visitation.  Refreshments will be served in the Keller Center during the entire open house.  Please save this date on your calendar.

As teachers and parents, we know that our words, our actions, and our attitudes are constantly on display.  If we want children to care about kindness, compassion, and justice, we demonstrate those qualities.  If we want them to appreciate beauty in art and nature, we show that we do also.  Being our children's role models is both a great responsibility and an a momentous challenge.  As we begin another academic year, we have the opportunity by working together to realize the goals you envisioned when you chose a Catholic education for your child.

Yours in Christ,

Deacon John Gregory, Principal